Van Gogh-Gogh-Goghing

Definitely fell in love with Van Gogh all over again today. I forget how much I love his stuff until I see it again – and seeing it in person was beyond wonderful. Current favorite? Almond Blossoms. 

If I could have that painted on a wall in my bedroom, I would. Even flattened copies are wonderful.

But don’t get me wrong, you can’t beat the original. 

Before and after the Van Gogh Museum involved a lot of wandering. We wandered through the flower markets just around the corner from our hotel after lecture this morning, enjoying the intense amounts of flowers. It was kind of sad to learn that a lot of the nicely bloomed flowers towards the back of the displays were actually fake. But they were still pretty and I love them because they are flowers. I couldn’t resist buying a wooden tulip to bring back with me. Keeping it in one piece will be an experiment – cross your fingers! I will be doing my best though because the buying process was  quite extensive – involving multiple visits to many stalls, in search of the prettiest colors and / or ones to make my room. Of course. Don’t worry, the one chosen in the end (just one, because I could not complete a bouquet of my room colors), is pretty and will match. I know, you’re just as pumped as I am. 

After the flower market we finally tried the pancakes. And they were worth the repeated attempts to have them. A delicious chocolate pancake for lunch? Don’t mind if I do. After pancakes was when we visited the Van Gogh Museum, which happened to be right near the I Am sterdam sign. Don’t worry, pictures were taken.

So much wandering left us tired, so we made the trek back to our hotel. We’re just relaxing now before dinner and drinks with Steve, our professor. I should probably shower because the walking and the heat has left me quite smelly, and I need to look my best for Steve.

Get excited for tomorrow – our eight hour bus ride! We do make a stop for a few hours around lunch time in Bruges, where I’ve been told I have to have waffles. And then from Bruges, we’re off to Paris.

Such a rough life!

Lucy :)

PS I just uploaded 526 pictures from London and Amsterdam. Get excited!

I Minded the Gap

Hi all!

I, once again, have lost track of where I left off – but I am no longer in London! I didn’t end my stay quite with the bang I had hoped for due to a miniature cold, but I did enjoy myself. On my last day in London, I met up with my Aunt and we took a trip up the Thames River to see the O2. The O2 is like a giant concert arena, surrounded by lots of places to eat, a movie theater, and a few other exhibits. There was loads of Gleeks everywhere because there was a Glee show that night. No, I didn’t meet any of the cast. But it was still a cool coincidence. 

The boat trip up and back on the river was nice though – very relaxing and a chance to see more of London I hadn’t seen before. There’s some sweet architecture that has been and is being developed along there.

After getting back to central London, we had intended to wander around, maybe stop and relax somewhere and get a drink – but the onset of my baby cold saw this not happening. Thankfully, I was put back on a train with some cold medicine and a new pack of tissues and well wishes. I made it home in one piece (though this was the one and only occasion where I manage to get on the wrong train in the wrong direction), and after a nap, started to feel better. 

It was really great to see family in London – something I’ve always missed out on. It was one of the few times I’ve felt bonded to some Aunts, felt like I know cousins, and I got to enjoy the brag-about-your-baby-second-cousins moment :)

But, even though the family time and stay in London was short lived, some friends and I successfully ended our time in England the right way – at a pub with fish and chips and a drink. And then I headed to bed afterwards so that I didn’t have my cold worse when I woke up at 5 AM the next morning.

Waking up at 5 AM was quite delightful, as I’m sure you can all imagine. After a mildly sketchy breakfast, packaged in a box complete with long lasting milk (don’t think about it, you’ll shiver less), we were loaded on a bus to our ferry. Most of the crew enjoyed a two hour nap, and woke up at the dock. To those of you who warned me of sea sickness and the unfortunate ferry I’d be taking… I think the ferry has changed. I’m pretty sure I was on a miniature cruise ship. I slept for a solid five hours in comfort whilst aboard and it was glorious. Though, don’t worry, the food aboard was still ridiculously overpriced.

After the ferry, and a rough hour or so bus ride, we finally arrived in Amsterdam. It was almost ten o’clock so we made a very quick walk around our hotel to find dinner. I was quite happy to go to bed afterwards – and I’m glad I did because today was exhausting!

We started with breakfast, then a lecture, and then a few hours of free time. We wandered up the street, window shopping in a few shops, until we found a local museum we looked through. Afterwards we found some frozen yogurt. I was asked if it tastes better in Europe. We decided most things are better in Europe – even Katy Perry music. If only the difference wasn’t reflected in the price.

After lunch (which came after the frozen yogurt – dessert first, of course), we met up with our group to go to the Rijksmuseum. Another delightful place. Lots of Vermeer and Rembrant, which I enjoyed. All these paintings we see in passing – so much better in real life. I’m so excited for the Van Gogh museum tomorrow! That will be phenomenal, I’m sure.

What was also amazing was visiting the Anne Frank House. I don’t even have many words to describe it – it’s definitely something that needs to be experienced individually. I definitely suggest it if any of you ever make it to Amsterdam!

By that time in the afternoon/evening we were pretty beat so we grabbed some dinner before plopping down in the lobby to use the free wifi and simply sit after a day of walking.  Plus we couldn’t use all our energy if we’re renting bikes tomorrow! I’m pumped for that. Except nervous too because my track record as a driver and a pedestrian are bad. I feel like my success as a biker will probably be doubleplusungood. Cross your fingers for me, though!

Lucy

Learning in London

Not quite sure where I left off - I did enjoy the National Gallery! It was phenomenal and I spent plenty of time there, as well as talking to my professor. Steve is great, and I enjoy learning what he does know. And what he doesn't know is just as interesting because trading ideas is definitely rewarding.

Yesterday morning we went to St. Paul's Cathedral! It was delightful - though yet another place we could not take pictures. The architecture was phenomenal though. Its visits like this that have me befriending my hand sanitizer because I walk around looking up, touching all the walls, which can't leave my hands very clean. I think the most surprising thing about the Cathedral was learning how part of it is dedicated to America. Yup. Apparently, after the second world war, they redid the front (the section considered to resemble the head of Christ on a Latin Cross layout) because it was hit by a bomb. In the stained glass there is a symbol for each of the states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). There is a book on display with the names of all known 1200 or so dead who lost their lives in the war. There is even a space ship in one of the floral wood carvings to represent the USA. Cool, right?

Also sweet, which made me think of Dan Brown, was how the architect (who wasn't really an architect) was a Free Mason, so inside the Cathedral, one of the ceiling designs is the symbol of the Free Masons and he is buried in the crypt directly below this symbol. Sweet.

After St. Paul's we had some time to walk around with our tour guide, learning about the architecture of the city. Yet another thing that I took a million pictures of. I've had my camera in action 4 days and already taken over 400 pictures. Course I take every picture at least three times, so some editing will be done, but don't worry, I have plenty to share! I learned a lot there too, but I won't bore you with the details.

Afterwards we had an afternoon lecture, followed by some relaxing. We attempting to do some assignments.. but hanging out is way more fun! And then we ended up on a boat, so homework was out of the question. The boat was a lot of fun - yes, I made my typical musical requests and spent most of the time on the dance floor. So yes, I had a good time! And seeing the London sunset and the night lights was great. I loved it!

Today we took two tours - the Tate Modern, which was phenomenal, especially with my low expectations, and the Victoria and Albert - again phenomenal. I could have easily stayed at either for the whole day. Yes, this is a great program for me and I'm having a blast!

I finished the evening with seeing some family for a nice dinner which was really great too! There are pictures then, too! Those will be shared when I figure out my memory card, I promise.

Tomorrow I get a free day and more time to see family!
Afterwards, we travel to Amsterdam. We do not have a campus there, so no promises on updates. Wifi may possibly be a lot harder to come by so don't worry, I'll update when I can, but it probably won't be as regular! We also get a lot busier after London because our stays are shorter, so I'll be absorbing as much as possible. I'll check in when I can though.
Love you all!
Lucy

A Few Pictures

Didn't actually get to take my camera inside the National Gallery today - but I did take plenty of pictures outside. Unfortunately, when I tried to upload pictures earlier, my computer wanted to reformat my memory card. Which would erase all my pictures. SO. That is being saved for a later date, probably a safer one. Which will most likely be after the trip is over.

I'm sorry you won't get to see the sights til later, but here are a few from the Kensington Gardens I took on my phone.

We weren't the only ones enjoying the weather!

Hey, let's go see that sweet statue!

A close-up of Albert

Relaxing Next to the Lake

This was the day I didn't have my camera, so the pictures are few and far between and not that great - sorry! Wish I could show some better ones sooner! Don't worry, I did climb on a lion statue at Trafalgar Square. It was a little dangerous, but totally worth it. And the National Gallery was super legit. We spent easily three hours, walking around, discussing some of the pieces and just enjoying the art. So many nice pieces - I'm even more excited for the Van Gogh Museum now!

And after a chill afternoon, we went to a pub for dinner. By popular demand I had fish and chips for dinner with shandy. Good suggestions all around!

Off to St. Paul's Cathedral tomorrow and to explore London some more - possibly a trip to Harrod's in the afternoon! And a boat party is planned for the evening - ohh the possibilities!
Update again soon,
Lucy

Tours Galore!

Hi all!

Still in London, and I’ve seen all sorts of weather and things. We had our official orientation yesterday morning, everyone was [somewhat] introduced, and we had our first tour! It was a simple bus tour around a few parts of London – with quite a rambling guide who enjoyed pointing out all the dogs we drove past as much as the buildings. I did learn a lot and see a lot, though. We made a stop at Westminster Abbey – so beautiful. I was itching to pull out my camera the whole time we were inside, and I wish I had been allowed to! I took plenty of shots of the outside, though, and soaked up as much of the inside as I could while I was there. Oh, and don’t worry, a few of us did wander through the photo gallery of the Royal Wedding. Almost as phenomenal as the church in which it was held. Don’t worry, I’ll probably get married there, too, you’re all invited. 

After the tour ended, early afternoon, a few of us decided to take an adventure on the tube back to the places we drove past. We saw a lot on the bus, but there is a huge difference between driving slowly past and standing there in front of something, gazing up in awe. Oh, and taking the typical pictures in front of everything. Among the sights discovered were Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the London Bridge. We were so lucky to have some gorgeous weather as we wandered around, so the pictures should come out quite nicely! You can take a look and see what you think for yourself. I’m lucky enough to be friends with someone who owns a Cannon Rebel – and though it is a little different from my Nikon, it’s still really easy to swap cameras and take photos for each other which is great. It’s way easier than having to explain how to zoom and look through a view finder every time I want my picture taken. She feels the same, too. 

After seeing some sights and wandering around (and maybe climbing on top of things to have pictures with statues), we tried to head home on the tube. I say tried because as soon as we were about to exit our station, we ran into a group of our friends heading out for the night. We turned around and headed out to explore the Picadilly Circus night life – definitely an adventure! Though I, sadly, did not get a chance to venture into M&M World. I’m sure I’ll make it back there, though. 

We had our first lecture this morning – mainly an introduction to European Art and Architecture, something the peak our interest and comfort those who have never seen or talking about art or architecture before. The more in depth things will happen during our visit to the National Gallery this afternoon. I haven’t been told if we’re allowed cameras or not inside, but I’ll be taking mine either way!

Also, just as a sidenote, I love you all, and really appreciate your comments, emails, facebooks, etc. But, with so much opportunity to do and see, I’m not spending infinite amounts of time in the computer lab – which is on campus, which is not as near our hotel as I’m sure you all imagine. And the wifi on campus isn’t particularly top notch – so please don’t think I don’t love you if I don’t send lengthy responses or if I fail to like your comments or whatever. Facebook particularly is slow to navigate, so I’m using it as minimally as possible. Reach me here or at my email address (if you don’t have it, let me know and I’ll message it to you!) if you need anything and I’ll do my best to respond when I find access! 

 Lucy

The London Game: Real Life Edition

I have to say. The London Game did not prepare me for London in real life. I probably would still be lost on the streets, or run over by cars, bikes and strollers, if it wasn't for new friends. Thank goodness for those! 

Needless to say, I have arrived safely in London. The flight and travel was a little rough (what traveling isn't a little rough?), so I've been more than a little short on sleep, but I've already found some friends and we spent the day exploring around our area. We did lots of walking around, and found more than a few benches to sit and just enjoy the weather on. Thankfully there has been no rain and we even saw some sunshine this afternoon! The Kensington gardens were beautiful, and more than a few pictures were taken. We even found the Princess Diana Fountain Memorial where we took off our shoes and splashed around. The water was a bit chillier than I'm used to, but it did help keep me awake. I'm also pretty sure I saw Uncle Vernon waiting in a taxi outside the gardens, which I enjoyed greatly.

If it weren't for all the walking, I probably would have spent the day in bed. But I have made it past that so far - and our whole group is planning a trip out tonight to a pub so that we can mingle, have dinner and kick back a little. I probably won't make it much past dinner time, having been up so long, but I'll be ready to start all the tours tomorrow!

I'd post some pictures from today, but I don't have my cable to upload them. Those will come in time!

As for now, I'm going to find something for my stomach. I think I've had more caffeine than food these past twoish days. The fun truly begins tomorrow when we start orientation and our bus tour of London. Though who knows, maybe some fun will happen tonight.
I'll keep you updated.
Lucy

Packing

So as everyone knows, I am an expert packer. I definitely do not usually start around midnight the night before I leave - if not the morning of.
So naturally, it's not out of character for me to be packing multiple days before departure.
But, I am thinking more ahead!

The weather report for my stays:
London Highs in the mid-sixties, lows in the mid-fifties with clouds and occasional shower.
Amsterdam Highs around seventy, lows in the low-fifties
Paris Highs around seventy, lows in the mid-fifties (though this is where weather forecasts are a bit far reaching)
Lucerne Hard to say, but the averages are highs around eighty, and lows anywhere from fourty to fifty (shoot!)
Venice Highs around eighty, lows around the low-sixties
Florence Highs in the high eighties, lows in the low-sixties
Rome Highs in the high eighties, lows around sixty.

Definitely glad I'll be away from this record number of days over 100 in Texas! So I will definitely be experiencing all kinds of weather.. and hopefully make use of my new rain jacket!
Well, the packing must finish soon.
Two days til departure!

Your Pre-departure Packet

There's a lot of information in the pre-departure packet for my study abroad trip. But what they don't tell you is that the first thing you really should do is create a study abroad blog. For various reasons, such as keeping a record of your travels, sharing pictures and stories, and mainly just giving all your friends and family a link to follow so that they can confirm you are indeed alive and kicking - just having entirely too much fun to keep track of your cell phone.

Create blog: Check.

I haven't packed yet, or really done much of anything worthy of sharing, but I am counting down and leave a week today. Just to give you a glimpse of where I'm headed...

On Sunday, June 19th I fly out of Houston headed for London. It's an overnight flight, so I will arrive early Monday morning. Then I'll spend the week in London, seeing sights, learning lots and hopefully running into some family.

Sunday, June 26th I leave for Amsterdam in the morning. I'll spend a few days in Amsterdam, before leaving for Paris on Wednesday, June 29th.

I'm in Paris until my birthday - when I travel to Switzerland to spend a two days in Lucerne.Yes, I'm traveling on my birthday. But spending it in two different countries sounds pretty not bad to me :)

We leave Lucerne on Wednesday, July 6th to head to Venice where we stay until Saturday, July 9th - which is when we travel to Florence.

From Florence, we head to our final city - Rome. I am in Rome from Wednesday July, 13th til Sunday July 17th - the day I fly home to the states!

Yes, I will be very busy - and probably have to go see Harry Potter with Italian subtitles, BUT it is going to be a most excellent trip. I already know I'll be taking my camera, and probably overloading my memory cards so feel free to live vicariously through me :)

I'll keep you updated - wish me luck packing!
Lucy