I am so sad to have seen this last week rush by. Unfortunately, this means that my time left in London is now down to about three days. However, I do think I efficiently used my time this week to complete nearly everything I had set out to do in the one month I was here. On Monday, I was still somewhat groggy from my weekend in Paris. After class that morning, I went to the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. I thoroughly enjoyed both of those free museums. After that, I ventured onto the MNM store in Leicester Square.  
               Tuesday I went to monument just off London Bridge, and climbed all three hundred and eleven steps to the top. Monument commemorates the Great London Fire of 1666. Once at the top of the structure, I enjoyed a panoramic view of the city and River Thames. Tuesday night Janaye and I went to the Lyceum Theatre to see the Lion King, and it was spectacular. The costumes, choreography, and overall theatrics were wonderful, and I am so glad I got to see a show while I was here!

Wednesday for class we worked out, and I began to feel sick that morning. Wednesday night I tried to recuperate, but failed. Thursday morning I woke up feeling about as bad as Wednesday, and headed to the Victoria and Albert Museum for a class field trip! It was so neat to look at costumes worn by Mick Jagger and Sir Elton John! After the museum, Terrence and I had lunch at Piccadilly Circus and then ventured over to the O2 arena. Thursday night a large group from CCSA went to the Walkabout Australian Bar for karaoke night. Dr. Lewis showed us how to cut a rug!! She can move! Overall it was a really fun night.

My plans for Friday include taking my final exam for this class in the morning, running over to the free “dirt” exhibition, and then going to a toga party at Barambah tomorrow night. Saturday I am planning on touring Buckingham Palace and possibly looking into finding last minute tickets to see “Mouse Trap” that afternoon. Sunday I plan on relaxing and making sure all of my belongings are as they should be and where they should be, and might try to make service at Westminster Abbey that morning. Sunday evening I believe a small group of us are going to have a sleepover together for our last night in London! I am so sad to see this trip end, but am also so blessed to have been handed this opportunity. I will never forget the friends I have made while studying abroad, and will always cherish this experience! Thank you all for everything!! 

I believe it was sometime around Monday this week that my nonstop attitude towards London has caught up with me. Yes, I feel that in my valiant efforts to own London, London began to fight back and I am feeling EXHAUSTED. With all that aside, this week entailed excellent classes and pretty good use of my free time.

On Monday in class, we learned about the importance of balance and control within your life. Meditating for the first time was an interesting experience. I went from thinking about a rock to thinking about Katy Perry, to thinking about Sweet Potatoes. After about five minutes of letting my mind wander, I realized I had absolutely no control and honed in on my rock, again! Definitely a work in progress. It was also nice to discuss as a class the importance of Park areas within a metropolitan area, like London. Nature and the beauty of nature is undoubtedly a significant outlet for individuals living in London to use and blow off some unwanted stress. After class time, I walked through the different levels of the British Museum. I probably spent nearly two hours in the Museum and still felt rushed. It was awesome to look at the Rosetta stone, as well as the Egyptian, Roman, and Greek displays. Afterward, I roamed through Oxford market and made a few purchases at Primark (including a SWEET pair of shades).

Tuesday our class went to the Arsenal for a tour of their facilities. It was so neat to see the stadium and appreciate its size. After that, we drifted over to Hyde Park where Chelsea, Rose, Janaye, and I paid money for a boat in the Serpentine for thirty minutes. We had a blast singing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” as well as crashing into not one, but two other boats.

Wednesday in class we watched a jazz dance video, and talked briefly about nutrition. I really enjoyed the video, and cannot even fathom how much work goes into executing those dances. Prior to taking this class when I heard the term “athlete” I immediately thought of football, basketball, and baseball players. Of course, I would have deemed dancers as extremely athletic, but did not truly realize the extent to which this is true. I have not been exposed too much to the dance world, but from what little I have encountered from this class dancers have no other choice but to be extremely agile and strong in order to pull off the extraordinary things they practice regularly. This class has definitely changed the way I think about athleticism. Wednesday night I stayed in for the first time since I have been here, and tried to get as much work done as I could.

Thursday was my “Museum Marathon” day. While I had every intention of trying to make it to five museums throughout London, I only really made it to two. I saw the Imperial War Museum, as well as the Science Museum. I went to where the Titanic exhibition was, but decided to not pay an outrageous cost for that. The only three I have left on my list are the National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery, and the Tate Museum. I also went to the Borough Market, where I made a few purchases for people back home. That market was really neat. Thursday night I packed for Paris, and got plenty of rest for the weekend festivities.

My weekend in Paris was unforgettable. It was so surreal standing in front of actual Monet’s, Van Gogh’s, and Degas pieces. Not only that, but standing in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral and climbing the Eiffel tower (yes, that’s right- CLIMBED as far as they would let us, and took the elevator the rest of the way) were definitely highlights of this study abroad experience. I will fondly remember my first time in Paris, and hope to go back someday. 
 I can’t believe we only have one week left in London. I am wondering where all of the time has gone. This week is my last effort to finish up what I have not been able to do or see yet. Hope you all are having a great experience as well!

This week in London has been just as eventful as the first. Monday our class visited the Museum of Childhood. We were able to listen to a thirty minute lecture which proved to be very historical and culturally enlightening. My favorite part of learning from this lecture was the board game viewing American history from the British perspective.  After class was dismissed, Terrence and I went to Camden Market. I had not been to the market there yet, and was pleasantly surprised once we walked through the entire place. Tuesday was spent in the Natural History Museum. It was amazing to witness the remains of dinosaurs, plants, human biology, a giant sequoia, and much more. I think I spent close to four hours walking around that museum, and I honestly feel like I could have spent four more hours and been perfectly fine. It was huge, and incredible to witness preserved giraffes, lions, zebras, penguins, cheetahs, and different whale species. Wednesday our class got a great lesson in dance. My favorite was learning the Virginia Reel.  It was fun to learn together as a class and be actively doing things- I learn much better in that kinetic learning style kind of way. After class, a few friends and I went to the Lion bar and the Walkabout (an Australian bar).  Thursday was my favorite day this week- our class toured Wimbledon. We had an awesome tour guide, and I have not learned that much in a single tour that I can remember. The museum at the end of touring the club was also outstanding. I am so thankful for that opportunity. Afterwards we walked through Regent Park and photographed the lovely scenery. It is so neat how much pride the British take in the aesthetics of nature within parks. Friday a small group of us went back to Camden market to make a few purchases on “sales.” Friday night we attended the Zoo Late where we walked around the Zoo and looked at all of the animals. It was a blast. There was also a silent disco that I believe myself and Janaye (as well as a few other girls) stayed and danced at for a solid hour and a half. Today a group of us got dressed up and went to a polo match- it was so neat, and completely different than any sport I’ve watched in America. The fact that the game is played as the players are riding a horse made me very distracted. It was a good time, and nice to “play the part” and assume the role of a fellow Londoner with a fancy polo hat. Terrence had a good time having four girls on his arm, too! Tomorrow I plan on doing some serious laundry, and touring the Spencer House (where Princess Diana grew up). I am having a blast here during my study abroad time, and am so happy I chose to take this class as it has already proven to be very educational and fun at the same time.

 This first week in London has been so incredibly busy. Last Sunday I went to St. Paul’s Cathedral for service in the morning, wandered through the city of Westminster by foot, and finally made my way to Westminster Abbey. I then proceeded to get lost for about three hours. By far, last Sunday was the most I have walked in one day since I have been here. Monday was the first day of class, where we were able to meet our classmates and professor, while also getting the opportunity to watch ballet film and learn how intricate and athletic ballet dancing really is. Tuesday our class toured the Royal Opera House- which was fantastic! It was so intriguing to learn the history behind the building that stands there today (especially since it has burned down three times before). Following our tour, we went on a Harry Potter walk where we were forced to work together as a team and find highlighted spots relating to the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.  My favorite part of the walk was getting to platform nine and three quarters. That same night, a group of us went to The Globe bar and were able to catch a glimpse of what night life in London looks like. Wednesday was our fitness day for class. We completed various fitness tasks in Heath Park, and learned about the differences between anaerobic and aerobic activity.
                Thursday marked the first “free day” I had during the school week. I used my first BritRail pass and went to Bath. It was by far my favorite day I have spent here yet. Three of us paid around twenty American dollars to tour a Roman bath built when the Romans invaded Britain. It was such a cool history lesson, and that city is absolutely gorgeous. It was perfect. Friday I went on the Stonehenge optional trip. My group (bus two) went to avebury, Stonehenge, and the Salisbury Cathedral. Our guide was very informative, and the weather was fantastic. My favorite part of the trip was seeing Stonehenge, as it is one of the seven world wonders of the medieval mind.  Friday night a group of us went down to Camden Market to find some cheap places to go out. We went to a three story bar and met people from all over the world. It was a fun night out. Once again, on Saturday I used my BritRail pass to travel to Liverpool to go on the Magical Mystery Tour. I loved everything about going, but the weather was rainy and cold. The tour itself was excellent- we visited each of the “Fab Four’s” childhood homes, as well as Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields.  Today I am going to evensong at Westminster Abbey at 2 P.M., and going to the Freud Museum after that. Overall, this week has gone by so fast and I have had an excellent time traveling throughout the United Kingdom and navigating through London. I am eager to see what this week has in store!

This is my first blog- I promise I am not technology illiterate, but when I pulled up the email it said that I had used up my invitation and that I had blogged nothing on June 28th, so here is my actual blog about preparation for London study abroad!
I have been physically and mentally preparing for this trip for the last couple of days! I am all packed and ready to go! I think my least favorite part of getting ready was the fact that I went to walmart and all of the five to six dollar pedometers were completely sold out, and I had to purchase the $17.88 pedometer for this class! The good news is, this pedometer claims to be able to do everything under the sun!
I am very excited to be meeting all of you soon and taking this class! I can't believe I am getting college credit to tour London and see everything it has to offer! I wish you all safe travels, and look forward to seeing each of you soon!


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