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Oxford
Okay . . guess who hasn’t been doing this? Surprise, surprise.
I must must must tell about my trip to Oxford! My program organized a trip there and I was lucky enough to get a spot! We got a guided tour and then time for exploring, which was spent in Christchurch College’s great hall . . pretending to dine at Hogwarts, of course!
where people were burned at the stake!
the “camera”
lewis carroll’s inspiration for alice in wonderland was very apparent
just chillin before charms . .
we were the first ones in!
Such a great trip and a beautiful town. Proper english rain was drizzling, but it totally set the mood.
More later!
XOXO, Karen -
Q: Hey! I'm looking in to studying abroad in England. I'm from Australia and I have always LOVED London! Do you recommend it? How did it all come about for you? I don't know where to look for information or what I'm even meant to be looking for! What are you studying there? Is it expensive to rent or do you have a part time job too? Sorry for all of the questions, I'm just so interested in it!!!! haha I hope you're having an absolutely amazing time! I'm so jealous of you!
A:
hi!! sorry for the late response! i’m not very good at keeping up a blog . . anyway, i would COMPLETELY recommend london. you never run out of things to do and every second is awesome. i got into it through my university at home as it’s essentially required to study abroad. they have tons of programs for lots of different countries. i would definitely go through a program instead of trying to organize housing/schooling/etc. yourself, too stressful! my major at home is accounting but here i ended up taking mostly sociology courses. the way school works is WAY different from the states, and that’s probably the only downside of my time here. i don’t have a job (because i’m on a certain visa) and rent is covered by program i’m going through…i just pay all of my fees to them.
Hope this helps!!
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Finally, an update (just for Adriana!)
Where have I been for the past two weeks? Between class, going out, and generally just exploring, I couldn’t really tell you. I have what might be the worst memory, and one would think I would try to counter that fault by keeping a consistent diary or blog, right? Wrong! I am just so lazy and forgetful. Luckily, I have been taking pictures! Much easier way to remember life, and literally look back on it. Here’s some so I can show you what I’ve been up to!
(stolen from Shanel Shack)Afternoon (or really, early evening) Tea at Richoux! I had Fruit of the Forest flavor, and I’ve decided I totally dig fruity teas. They also served us this massive platter of scones and clotted cream (sounds really healthy, right?). So delicious and such a perfect way to start the night.
Notting Hill! Although I have yet to see the movie, you can tell by its charm that it is the perfect place for a romantic movie. Toward the north end was Portobello Market which was filled with vintage stuff. Scored a pair of Chanel earrings (99% sure they’re fake . . oh well!) and drooled over the furs and dresses.
I honestly don’t think I have ever seen so much ancient beauty before. Not only was the architecture itself a trip, but every object had such wow factor. I really enjoyed this museum (and it’s free!) and say it is definitely a MUST for anyone that comes to London. Room after room filled with sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and other forms of art was such a treat. Many more pictures on facebook if you care to see :]
First time celebrating Chinese New Year! Soho was packed with people desperate to see dragons and fireworks. Caught a glimpse of both, and got some tasty all-you-can-eat Chinese food as well! Definitely not as Americanized as it is in the states (obviously). But I wonder if Chinese food is Britishitized (definitely not a word . . )? At any rate, it was delish and I can’t complain. So much fun to look at all of the lanterns and balloons, but not so much fun to try to squeeze between the massive crowds!
So get this: I’m taking a class dedicated to performing arts in London. Jealous? It is such a perfect class too, not only because it’s a subject I actually enjoy but it’s after a long day in sociology classes - the perfect de-stresser! Most recently we went to the Globe Theatre (or the replica). It was a bit chilly; I can’t imagine how people sit there for an hour or two watching a play in the winter. Some people even stand! The stage is gorgeous, though. The designers did an amazing job making it look magical and Elizabethan.
Millenium Bridge! Before walking around the Tate Modern, we had to marvel at the fantastic view and design.
If you know me very well, you know that my parents went to art school and dragged me (although I was always willing) to every art exhibit they could find - especially at the very modern Milwaukee Art Museum. So being at the Tate Modern felt very comfortable and familiar. Got to see the likes of Picasso, Bonnard, Lichtenstein, Ernst, and more. Majority of it was free, but I might go back to see the Yayoi Kusama or upcoming Damien Hirst exhibits. Definite must for art people.
That’s about as much as I can catch you up on in pictures. I was introduced to Primark by my friend Sharon and I can tell you it is a very dangerous place for fashionistas on a budget. Actually, going back tomorrow morning to pick up some super cheap accessories. Also went to the divine Harrod’s for a second time and after strolling around every floor (except for the puppy shop, apparently?!?!?) I treated myself to an apple turnover from the food hall. Delicious!
I can’t make any promises, but I’ll try not to make such massive posts in the future. I just had to catch you all up, of course! I also apologize if the dimensions are crazy awkward, I don’t think my layout suits what I want to post. If you want to see better (although still quite downsized) versions, check my facebook!
XOXO, Karen
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okay, can’t sleep . .
This week has been an overload! Between getting courses approved from Chapman AND Arcadia (the program I’m with) AND City Uni, I kind of just want to curl up with my doggies and call it quits. A big thanks to Chapman for not allowing students to choose pass/no pass as an option. And, all of the econ classes I meant to take are all at the same time on Friday mornings. So I’m taking sociology classes (hopefully that will end up counting for some GE’s, but if not, I don’t really care anymore) which I’m really awful at. I mean, I haven’t written a research paper since Junior year of High School, or, let alone an actual paper, since first semester Freshman year of College. Okay, rant’s over. Poor me.
Haven’t been doing too many exciting things this week as I’ve been trying to not fall over and start crying. Today, after a massive dose of espresso, I wandered around Oxford Circus. Selfridges is quite possibly the best department store in the world (except for Marshall Field’s, RIP . . ). Also exciting was House of Fraser, where I got a pair of blue velvet heels for TWELVE POUNDS. Pics will come soon!
Tomorrow I’m hoping to go to the British Museum with some friends as I keep hearing great things. No pictures this time (sorry!), I’m too protective of my camera to take it out in the rain. Tomorrow I’ll upload some for sure though as I absolutely want to take pics at the museum.
Sorry for the boring post, I just can’t sleep! :/
XOXO Karen
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What I’ve been doing for the past week:
THURSDAY
You can assume from my last post that I made it in smoothly. After arriving at the hotel, I, along with a group of other girls that arrived early in the day, went off in search of food and walked around the Angel area. SO many places to eat and tons of people walking around. City Uni could not be in a more perfect location! The rest of the day consisted of some program orientation, buying a few necessities and getting to bed early.
FRIDAY
More program orientation after an early breakfast, but then we broke off into groups to do a scavenger hunt! First stop: St. Paul’s Cathedral!
Our group!
The architecture was perfection. I wish I knew more of the history, but just looking at pretty things does enough for me!
Next stop on the hunt was Covent Garden. Much to our surprise, we couldn’t find an actual garden. Oops. However, there was a LOT of shopping and street performers. We stopped in at an Indian restaurant and I had my first curry! Didn’t manage a picture of the food, but the decor was awesome nonetheless.
After searching for the gardens, it was starting to get dark so we called it quits (only made it to #2 of 10 on our hunt . .) and headed into our first official pub of London! Forgot pictures (sorry!), but I love the idea of “public houses” where everyone gets together and has a good time. Not so much of the sketchy, gross men that hang out in most bars in the US.
SATURDAY
Convinced the group that Camden Market is the place to see, so we braved the bus and somehow managed to get there. Bought a few killer items (Camden never fails to produce some awesome accessories and outfits).
Also had my first fish and chips there! Not bad at all. I don’t remember much of the rest of the day, but our evening began in Picadilly Circus (kind of similar to Times Square with the super bright billboards) and we wandered around parts of Carnaby Street and ate at this sexy little pub called Adam and Eve. Got an insight into british, twenty-something girls that go out clubbing in the loo there. Lots of bronzer and fake eyelashes for sure! Afterwards we did some more wandering (the general theme of the night) and ended up in Soho which, for those of you who are unfamiliar with the area and may be prone to rookie mistakes, is the equivalent to Chicago’s Boystown. We had a great time dropping into free clubs and taking it in, and never once did we feel unsafe. It was definitely a good mistake to have made.
A busride on the way back to Angel gave us the impromptu meeting of Jessie and Louise from Essex who invited us to come with them to O2 Academy’s Club du Fromage. All I have to say about it is I am so glad there’s a place to go dancing within walking distance ;) And who knew british boys actually like dancing? No standing around like idiots waiting for a girl to rub up against them, like in the US. I’m starting to believe the grass really is greener on the other side.
SUNDAY
Headed over to Oxford Circus tube stop and made our way west stopping in at stores like Forever21 (just to see if it’s different from the US), River Island, and, of course, Selfridges! Bought the Paul’s Boutique bag I have been eyeing for a few months:
Perfect for toting around notebooks between classes! Need to get something from Ted Baker next . .
Next stop was Marble Arch and Speaker’s Corner. The speakers weren’t as outrageous as I remember, mostly just venting about religious things.
After a walk along Hyde Park (not nearly as sketchy as Chicago’s!) we took the tube over to Westminster. I was completely in awe when we got out from underground and saw Big Ben, the London Eye and Parliament . . all right there!
A relaxing bus ride home took us back to Islington and we decided to spend the evening exploring Shoreditch. There seemed to be many of interesting places to hang out, but most places were closed! I guess we were just spoiled after having most everything be open to us!
That’s about all I can manage in one post. The rest of my week so far has been filled with trying to get situated and attending uni orientations. Boring stuff, for sure. Hopefully this weekend will be filled will exploring and adventures as next week is officially the start of classes! Totally forgot that I had to actually do something educationally productive while I’m here . . awkward. Tomorrow is registration so wish me luck and hopefully I won’t be crying and tearing my hair out!
XOXO, Karen
(Please note that some of these pics are distorted because of my layout . . see better versions on my facebook!)
