Entry 3: July 19, 2010
 
Here is just a little excerpt from my travel journal that I wrote this weekend…

“Right now I’m on the train heading from Oxford to Heckington, a small English village where Alyson’s cousin resides with his wife and two dogs. Yesterday was probably one of my favorite days being in the UK. After class yesterday morning Jordan, Alyson, and I packed up our bags and rushed to the train station. It would not have been such a rush except that my laundry got stuck and restarted in the washing machine and was soaking wet about the time when we were supposed to be leaving. Alyson and I frantically hung up the majority of my clothing in her room to dry while we were away and stuffed some small items into my luggage bag, praying that they would still be able to air out through the small space left open by the zipper. Since we were running so far behind, we took a taxicab to Paddington where, luckily, we boarded our train on time. After about an hour-long train ride we reached Oxford. A little sleepy-eyed, we trudged our way towards the hostel. Oh, the hostel – brightly colored, funny smelling, and boasting of its acclaimed title of a “funky hostel.” Honestly, I thought we were a part of some movie, either a comedy or a horror film, I could not yet tell which. Nevertheless, we tried to stay optimistic and headed out onto the windy streets of Oxford.

Our first destination was Oxford Castle, although upon seeing the price and itinerary of the tour, we opted not to journey inside. Instead, we each paid a pound and climbed up “the mound” which overlooked much of Oxford, including the Radcliffe Camera and the University Church of Saint Mary the Virgin. It was so nice to be outside and on the hill just relaxing, laughing, and taking many pictures. The experience was quite refreshing. After a while, some tourists joined us on the hill and so we decided to leave – the carefree atmosphere just was not the same with the added company. As we walked aimlessly down the street, we shopped and bought some rather cute clothing. After the stores began closing – they close rather early here in England – we set out to find a pub called The Eagle and the Child that we had read about in Jordan’s Oxford guidebook. The guidebook mentioned that in the pub J.R.R. Tolkien and CS Lewis had both drank and read their works The Hobbit and The Chronicles of Narnia aloud. We were lucky enough to get seats in the very same room that the two writers once sat. It really was my favorite night so far – we had a wonderful dinner, delightful drinks (if you ever visit, you must try the Pimms), and great conversation amongst great friends! We also became pretty close to the owner of the bar who came and talked with us nearly all night; he recommended some of his favorite Oxford sights, and even let me order a warm, fresh brownie after the kitchen had closed. He was so nice and very funny! While at the pub we also struck up conversation with the people at the table next to us, who happened to all be from Chapel Hill. It was just a wonderful, relaxing night in a classic English pub – quite a fantastic cultural experience!”

Before boarding the train to leave for Heckington, we visited Christ Church – the Oxford school where much of Harry Potter was filmed. It was so neat walking along the very same halls and gardens that the cast of the movie walked, and it was positively gorgeous. The rest of the weekend turned out to be even better than all my experiences in London and Oxford, but I will have to tell you more about that later!

Entry 2: 10 July 2010

It is our first free travel weekend and I have decided to stay in London. The weather is wonderful - warm and sunny with a slight, cool breeze. As such, today is the perfect day to relax and stroll along the streets of London. After wandering down High Street, I stopped at Kensington Gardens. I did not realize how close this park was and I am looking forward to going on a run through the area; however, today is not a day for running. Instead, I found a nice spot in the grass and just lay there. After writing a little in my journal I closed my eyes and rested, taking in the sunshine and all of the memories I have made on this trip so far. London is quite the city! I still absolutely love being here. I love the people – so interesting and diverse, the culture – slightly formal yet relaxed, the buildings – each meticulously crafted, the fashion – on the whole, very much reflective of my own taste and style with muted tones, lots of lace, and unique designs. I love the romance – there are an abundance of couples shamelessly kissing and showing affection wherever you go, the parks – providing tranquil refuge from the city life, the artistic talent – from street painters to stage actors. I love the shows – so many wonderful yet inexpensive shows and musicals playing everywhere, the male population – sorry, but it’s true…the men here, on the whole, are much more good-looking and have irresistible accents to match, as well as the history – so rich and expansive in comparison to American history. Before the trip, I had always seen myself as a country girl, but London is a city that I could live in. I am worried that I will be quite saddened when I re-enter my life in the States, leaving this wonderful place and lifestyle behind. I suppose I will just do my best not to think about that and just enjoy every single moment while I can.

After my nap in the field, I picked up my belongings and walked back down High Street, towards Heythrop College. On the way there I saw this little smoothie place called Crussh and just had to stop by. I was very pleased with my blended fruity drink of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, banana, and apple juice, and I would greatly suggest the place to anyone in London looking for something refreshing. However, the importance of this purchase was not the drink itself, but rather the experience of going out on my own, relaxing while self-reflecting, and discovering something delightful and new. I have never felt so strong, independent, peaceful, and secure than I feel here in London. I adore this place, this lifestyle, and being so far away from all the painful memories and past regrets. Although I miss my family tremendously, I love it here and I do not want this to end.

Entry 1: July 1, 2010

Wonderful news: I have fallen in deep, passionate love - a love that extends beyond mere lust and infatuation. I am indeed wholeheartedly in love with the city of London. I must admit, it was not love at first sight. The very first time I laid eyes upon this city, I only missed my own. Full of many crowded streets, restaurants, and shops, London first seemed just like a much older version of New York City. When I visited New York I was greatly intrigued by the culture, architecture, and artistic expression; however, my interest in New York quickly faded by the end of the week as I grew tired of the cold, fast-paced lifestyle.

With that in mind, you can only imagine the apprehension with which I began regarding the city. Not to mention that I, being new to traveling abroad, had to carry the full hundred pounds of over-packed luggage in the unusually harsh heat through the airport, on and between two tubes, and down the street to the college at which I am currently residing. Although the flight was absolutely spectacular, I was unable to get any sleep on the plane, and thus I was severely jet lagged. To my dismay, I reached my room only to find a bed that felt like a bed of rock along with two pancake pillows. Additionally, the sink in my room, as well as the bathroom, included a caution sign warning not to drink the water and the shower did not seem too promising. Feeling over tired and sick to the stomach I immediately Skyped my mom, desperate for words of encouragement and/or a plane ticket back home.

However, just few hours later everything changed. The group rallied together, hopped on the tube, and sought out a double-decker bus to ride for a tour of London. We were lucky enough to get a discount rate on tickets with a company called “Big Bus Tours” and away we went. The tour guide was quite a character – very lively and full of funny, intriguing commentary. As we drove around and explored the city, London surpassed my initial expectations. I was thrilled to see and capture on film the picturesque views of Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, and other distinct British buildings and monuments. During the past few days, I have visited various parks, museums, and landmarks, have made wonderful new friends, and have grown ever so fond of London. More details to come!