J'adore Paris

It's the eve of my arrival to France and I'm overwhelmed with excitement, anticipation, and a little financial despair, (let's face it.. my bank account will be viciously maimed after this weekend).

We've planned to visit all the famous sites, museums, and that wonderful little tower they have pictured in every postcard made in France. I want to take a river cruise and see it all. Most of all, I want to SHOP. As my aunt says, "What girl doesn't love to shop?"

Although shopping in the streets of Paris will be wonderful, this journey means much more than that to me. It's evidence of my travels around Europe... finally. I've wanted to travel around Europe since I was a kid, receiving offers to visit foreign countries as a student embassador. So here I am, and now I go...

[x] Barcelona
[x] London
[_] Paris
[_] Scotland
[_] Ireland

Where to next? I'm hoping Italy, but France will be just fine for now :)

Journalism

http://www.politics.co.uk/news/environment-and-rural-affairs/-95k-damages-for-illegal-dumping-victim-$1354637.htm

I've written my first story at politics.co.uk, published at midnight 21st January 2010 (London time). My internship is nothing like I imagined it would be, but much more than I hoped it would be. The amount of opportunity here overwhelms and excites me at the same time.

"I want to be forever young ...forever young."

Week 1

Orientation week is over. Highlights? Walking across Abbey Road (like the Beatles), meeting a Lord, and visiting the British Museum & finding a page from the actual "Book of the Dead." Low points? Having an old drunk man verbally assault me & my roommates for being American.. UGH. and then, finally, getting sick today. However, I've decided this is only going to motivate me to rest and to focus on school all day today.

There's always tomorrow.

The Program

The program I'm on has taken us on three tours so far: a bus tour of all of London, a tour of Parliament, and a tour of the Parliament archives. I've learned A LOT already. I understand the unique British Consitution and I've accepted the fact that it's not one physical concrete document. I know the history behind the Palace of Westminster and I know the tradition and ceremony that takes place there when the Queen comes there. True story: when she visits Parliament, she must be crowned & robed upon arrival and only she can crown herself. Yup. I want a crown :) haha. The worst part of my trip so far was climbing the staircase in Victoria Tower. It's this winding staircase that's part of the original architecture of the tower built almost 150 years ago and I'm walking on it feeling like I'm going to fall & die. NEVER again. UGH. Word of advice: just because it looks cool, doesn't mean you should do it. Take the lift (elevator).

Other than tourist attractions, we've also just started assimilating into school. We're taking classes at the London School of Economics (LSE). We only have classes on Mondays and then our internships Tuesday to Thursday. This week is orientation so it's a bit different, but still amazing. Best part about orientation? Bonding with the other scholars. Almost every single person I've met is incredibly fun, awesome, chill people, especially my roomates. I LOVE my flat (apartment). It's beautiful & we have maids that come once a week to clean for us :) Well it's off to class again! Cheers!

The First 24 Hours

LONDON, a cross between NYC and Boston for sure.

The city itself is split based on power; the economic power lies in the east and the political in the west. We began our city tour in the middle, where I live with my 4 American roommates. We visited Buckingham palace, the Tower of London, the Eye of London, Westminster, the West End, & pretty much everything that's worth visiting a second time. My roommates and I have planned to definitely revist the Eye & also see a play in the West End.

Tomorrow begins day 1 of classes... still nervous but enjoying everything :)