6/14 Brussels & Travel London (26th day)
Woke up around 7:30 had breakfast, went to EU commission broke for lunch, ate at a great little restaurant, probably the best meal I have had so far (besides Hard rock Cafe) and it was only 8.20 including drink. After that we had the EU parliament visit and came back after and had to get ready for the taxi (picks me up at 6:45pm). I took a shower and packed, then hung out a little with the group and said my goodbyes, everyone was really nice and I got lots of hugs. I really feel fortunate to have met some of these people. The taxi was really convenient. The flight to London was short only like 1 hour and that is with a slight delay in landing, I am now in Heathrow waiting for my flight, I am at Starbucks typing my journals up it is about 1am and I cant check in for my flight until 5:00am so I have a few hour to kill…I hope the time goes fast.
6/15 London to Rockford, IL – Back Home!!
I am very excited to be home! I had an amazing trip but Dorothy had it right when she said “There is No place like home!”
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Probably my fav night of whole trip!
6/13 Brussels (25th day)
Up around 7:30 am to get breakfast, After question and answer session we went back to hostel, I was very scared because know one told about 11-3 lock out, my laptop was left out in my room so I was afraid it would be stolen, lied to get into room, McDonalds for lunch and dinner, I freaked out about the ketchup. I asked for a ketchup packet for my fries and they said they didn’t have any. I was like “How can you not have ketchup?” And the dude said (no joke) “It’s Tuesday…we are always out by Tuesday.” I was like, “Well that is some pan planning then!” I am a business major for a reason. Oh but get this then he said “We will have some tomorrow.” I was like OMG WTF??? I mean what am I suppose to come back tomorrow for it? So I asked for a squirt of the ketchup they put on the burgers. They said no. Ahhhhh! I eventually got my ketchup but oh my god they probably did not like this American AT ALL! FYI: they also charge 40p for a packet.
I decided to go salsa dancing with Mike, Mike, Matt, Lauren, Amy, and Katie. There were free lessons in the Latin district but the Brazil football game was on so the Latin district was crazy. I had a few Strongbows and a pint of Stella…I introduced everyone to drunk Anne (literally), I realized me and Lauren click really well (on the last day…it figures), I told Matt that he was my favorite guy on the trip, maybe one of the nicest and coolest guys I have ever met, we had a ton of fun there were drums and lots of people, on the way home we stopped into a deserted bar to use the bathrooms and I used the men’s bathroom because there was only one stall in the girls and Lauren and Amy were in there. I went in with Mike Edwards he was at the urinal and I went into the stall, when I came out Mike told me to hurry and wash my hands (no soap or towels of coarse) I guess Lauren had ripped the stall door off the wall because she couldn’t figure out how to get out, she totally busted it! Mike called her a Rhino…lol He told us girls not to speak to anyone and walk out…I walked out w/him because I was too drunk and my feet were killing me, when we got back everyone was at the bar and patio at the hostel I walked up to the group and said “Who missed Anne?” Everyone raised their hands it was really funny, I got to use Jenny J phone so that I could call Zak. I told him I wanted a hug Gorilla style (Allison and Jenny got a kick out of that). Everyone told Lauren she was the Hulk and asked if she was hulkified or angry after the bathroom story. I was locked out of the room so I was going to sleep with Amelia and that room but I was able to wake Teresa bell up so I could get the key. This was one of the best nights of the trip (and my last with the group)…sad I passed out around 2am.
Up around 7:30 am to get breakfast, After question and answer session we went back to hostel, I was very scared because know one told about 11-3 lock out, my laptop was left out in my room so I was afraid it would be stolen, lied to get into room, McDonalds for lunch and dinner, I freaked out about the ketchup. I asked for a ketchup packet for my fries and they said they didn’t have any. I was like “How can you not have ketchup?” And the dude said (no joke) “It’s Tuesday…we are always out by Tuesday.” I was like, “Well that is some pan planning then!” I am a business major for a reason. Oh but get this then he said “We will have some tomorrow.” I was like OMG WTF??? I mean what am I suppose to come back tomorrow for it? So I asked for a squirt of the ketchup they put on the burgers. They said no. Ahhhhh! I eventually got my ketchup but oh my god they probably did not like this American AT ALL! FYI: they also charge 40p for a packet.
I decided to go salsa dancing with Mike, Mike, Matt, Lauren, Amy, and Katie. There were free lessons in the Latin district but the Brazil football game was on so the Latin district was crazy. I had a few Strongbows and a pint of Stella…I introduced everyone to drunk Anne (literally), I realized me and Lauren click really well (on the last day…it figures), I told Matt that he was my favorite guy on the trip, maybe one of the nicest and coolest guys I have ever met, we had a ton of fun there were drums and lots of people, on the way home we stopped into a deserted bar to use the bathrooms and I used the men’s bathroom because there was only one stall in the girls and Lauren and Amy were in there. I went in with Mike Edwards he was at the urinal and I went into the stall, when I came out Mike told me to hurry and wash my hands (no soap or towels of coarse) I guess Lauren had ripped the stall door off the wall because she couldn’t figure out how to get out, she totally busted it! Mike called her a Rhino…lol He told us girls not to speak to anyone and walk out…I walked out w/him because I was too drunk and my feet were killing me, when we got back everyone was at the bar and patio at the hostel I walked up to the group and said “Who missed Anne?” Everyone raised their hands it was really funny, I got to use Jenny J phone so that I could call Zak. I told him I wanted a hug Gorilla style (Allison and Jenny got a kick out of that). Everyone told Lauren she was the Hulk and asked if she was hulkified or angry after the bathroom story. I was locked out of the room so I was going to sleep with Amelia and that room but I was able to wake Teresa bell up so I could get the key. This was one of the best nights of the trip (and my last with the group)…sad I passed out around 2am.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Bruges and Brussels
6/11 Bruges (23rd day)
After breakfast we headed into Bruges for the boat tour. We walked around Bruges and then decided to climb the bell tower stairs (366 steps…ouch). Matt, Mike, Mike, Lauren, Kim, Amy, and I rented bikes for 1 hour. It turned out to be the most fun we had all day. Matt and Mike V. rented the two seater…which was really funny to watch. Went to the bar for an hour or so, beer tour, back to same bar, back to hostel at 8pm w/o dinner, chilled, some played poker, shower, bed.
6/12 Brussels (24th day)
Breakfast, beach, everyone burned, beach was beautiful, lots of tiny spiders, lunch at the beach, wish there was a designated swimming area, back on bus by 2 (got to the beach around 11:30), two hours to Brussels, bus driver cant find hostel, hostel sucks compared to Bruges (we all miss Bruges), I took shower…which sucks before we walked around, dinner at Brussels grill, a little pricy but good, back to hostel to chill, went to sleep after watching half of Fun with Dick and Jane with Jenny Jones and Alison.
P.S. Can you tell I am getting sick of blogging every day? I want to remember all of this but it can be really tedious.
After breakfast we headed into Bruges for the boat tour. We walked around Bruges and then decided to climb the bell tower stairs (366 steps…ouch). Matt, Mike, Mike, Lauren, Kim, Amy, and I rented bikes for 1 hour. It turned out to be the most fun we had all day. Matt and Mike V. rented the two seater…which was really funny to watch. Went to the bar for an hour or so, beer tour, back to same bar, back to hostel at 8pm w/o dinner, chilled, some played poker, shower, bed.
6/12 Brussels (24th day)
Breakfast, beach, everyone burned, beach was beautiful, lots of tiny spiders, lunch at the beach, wish there was a designated swimming area, back on bus by 2 (got to the beach around 11:30), two hours to Brussels, bus driver cant find hostel, hostel sucks compared to Bruges (we all miss Bruges), I took shower…which sucks before we walked around, dinner at Brussels grill, a little pricy but good, back to hostel to chill, went to sleep after watching half of Fun with Dick and Jane with Jenny Jones and Alison.
P.S. Can you tell I am getting sick of blogging every day? I want to remember all of this but it can be really tedious.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Welcome to Belgium
I woke up at 5:30 so as you can probably tell from the end of last nights entry that I am very tired. I had my final morning of corn flakes and a bagel (this is what we had EVERY single morning at the host family as well as in London). It was a little weird to say goodbye to Daphne and Robert. They have both been so great to us girls and it is a little sad to leave. When you think about it there is a very big chance that I will never see them again. My bag is so heavy; Robert had to carry it downstairs. I am going to have to do something about that or it will cost me a fortune to get my stuff back to the states.
I scored a great seat on bus. I ended up in the very last row (which stretched across the whole width of the bus) and shared it with Ashley. I was able to sleep almost the whole time. I just spread out. Ashley even followed Bernie and Luke’s suite and lay in the aisle to try to sleep so then I had 5 seats instead of 2 ½ to myself. We stopped after about two hours at a rest stop. They gave us 20 minutes (too long) so everyone had to stand outside of the bus for what seemed like forever. Everyone was tired and cranky (myself included).
It was kind of cool to ride the Chunnel to France (we had to pass through on the way to Belgium). We were able to get off the coach while in the Chunnel so like 8 of us played UNO in the open area in our train car. They told us we would be stopping in France for lunch but we didn’t. We ate lunch in Belgium. The rest of the bus ride to the hostel in Bruges was ok. After we got there and settled in, we (Ashley and I) decided to walk around so that I could find another bag to buy (for my luggage situation). I was able to find one at this little store called Tara Inc. It only cost me €12.5 and it is exactly what I need. Ashley decided to grab dinner before we headed back and Pizza Hut seemed like a safe bet. I wasn’t able to finish my personal pan for some reason so when Amber and Caitlin came in I handed it off it them. Amber seemed very grateful...lol.
When we got back there was a bunch of people hanging in our room so we ended up playing UNO again. Most of the other people were drinking and hanging out downstairs. I can’t imagine drinking every night like some of these people do. Not only could I not handle that much alcohol but the expense I am sure is outrageous. The teacher yelled at them around 11:30 for being load (which they were being but…well no comment). I finished up the day with a warm shower and I was in bed by 1:00am.
I scored a great seat on bus. I ended up in the very last row (which stretched across the whole width of the bus) and shared it with Ashley. I was able to sleep almost the whole time. I just spread out. Ashley even followed Bernie and Luke’s suite and lay in the aisle to try to sleep so then I had 5 seats instead of 2 ½ to myself. We stopped after about two hours at a rest stop. They gave us 20 minutes (too long) so everyone had to stand outside of the bus for what seemed like forever. Everyone was tired and cranky (myself included).
It was kind of cool to ride the Chunnel to France (we had to pass through on the way to Belgium). We were able to get off the coach while in the Chunnel so like 8 of us played UNO in the open area in our train car. They told us we would be stopping in France for lunch but we didn’t. We ate lunch in Belgium. The rest of the bus ride to the hostel in Bruges was ok. After we got there and settled in, we (Ashley and I) decided to walk around so that I could find another bag to buy (for my luggage situation). I was able to find one at this little store called Tara Inc. It only cost me €12.5 and it is exactly what I need. Ashley decided to grab dinner before we headed back and Pizza Hut seemed like a safe bet. I wasn’t able to finish my personal pan for some reason so when Amber and Caitlin came in I handed it off it them. Amber seemed very grateful...lol.
When we got back there was a bunch of people hanging in our room so we ended up playing UNO again. Most of the other people were drinking and hanging out downstairs. I can’t imagine drinking every night like some of these people do. Not only could I not handle that much alcohol but the expense I am sure is outrageous. The teacher yelled at them around 11:30 for being load (which they were being but…well no comment). I finished up the day with a warm shower and I was in bed by 1:00am.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Wales and goodbyes
I woke up today and Amy was still asleep I think that is a first for the trip since she is always the one to wake me up. I had breakfast and got cleaned up to go to Cardiff with Teresa Bell. A lot of people are hanging around Bristol today but I feel like making the most of this last day. I met Teresa at 9:00am on the corner of Redland and Cranbrook. We took the bus to the train station. The train to Wales was only £8.10 for a roundtrip ticket (pretty good deal).
When we got to Cardiff we decided to do the castle first. We took the tour of the main house which was really cool. The house was built around 1880 by a wealthy family and I have never seen such extravagance. This family had every detail covered in this house. Their dinner table had a small hole in the center so that a grape vine gould be put up through it and they could pick fresh grapes to have with their wine. It is take kind of thing that makes you go WOW. We also walked up the castle itself and took some pictures; there is still a working mote around it.
After the castle we went to the Hard Rock for lunch. I ended up buying another shot class so now I have two from Hard Rock (one from London and one from Cardiff). By now it was about 1:30pm so we decided to just walk around a little before we headed back to Bristol. The train was back by 3:45 and I was at my host house by 4pm. I still have half the day left. It is the last night with the host family so we all stayed in and had dinner. We took pictures and said our goodbyes. Amy and I met up with Teresa to walk to the smile (convenient store) to get stuff for Bus tomorrow. I was on the computer until 2:00am typing journals and playing on the internet. I really need to pack now…asleep at 3:00am.
When we got to Cardiff we decided to do the castle first. We took the tour of the main house which was really cool. The house was built around 1880 by a wealthy family and I have never seen such extravagance. This family had every detail covered in this house. Their dinner table had a small hole in the center so that a grape vine gould be put up through it and they could pick fresh grapes to have with their wine. It is take kind of thing that makes you go WOW. We also walked up the castle itself and took some pictures; there is still a working mote around it.
After the castle we went to the Hard Rock for lunch. I ended up buying another shot class so now I have two from Hard Rock (one from London and one from Cardiff). By now it was about 1:30pm so we decided to just walk around a little before we headed back to Bristol. The train was back by 3:45 and I was at my host house by 4pm. I still have half the day left. It is the last night with the host family so we all stayed in and had dinner. We took pictures and said our goodbyes. Amy and I met up with Teresa to walk to the smile (convenient store) to get stuff for Bus tomorrow. I was on the computer until 2:00am typing journals and playing on the internet. I really need to pack now…asleep at 3:00am.
Friday, June 9, 2006
Last day of class in Bristol
Today was our last day of class. I am going to miss the school and seeing everyone in class everyday. Time has really one by fast. I have had a really good time though. The presentations went well. Bob flubbed up a little but recovered at the end. We did not win the Champaign. I really don’t like it so I was ok with that. After class Matt came over to upload his pictures and stayed to chat. He is a really nice guy. Another life lesson I have learned on this trip is that the people who appear nice can be assholes and the people who originally seem stuck up or bitchy will surprise you. It really is true though. When I met GIRL (names have been changed to protect the annoying) in the airport I had a really good feeling about her and now I can’t stand her and Matt I thought was a stereotypical frat boy and he is probably the nicest guy on this trip.
After Matt left we got ready to head out and headed down for dinner. We ended up at Lloyds again and I didn’t stay long because I planed on getting up early and heading for Cardiff. I need my energy for the travel. I will also spend most of the day packing and spending time with the host family. Well I better go to bed it is already 1:30am.
After Matt left we got ready to head out and headed down for dinner. We ended up at Lloyds again and I didn’t stay long because I planed on getting up early and heading for Cardiff. I need my energy for the travel. I will also spend most of the day packing and spending time with the host family. Well I better go to bed it is already 1:30am.
Thursday, June 8, 2006
Concord, Blue Glass, and Karaoke
6/6 Bristol (18th day)
Class was ok today although I was really tired. After lunch I woke up more and then we headed for the Concord. It used to cost $11,000 round trip from London to New York but the trip only took 3 ½ hour instead of 8. I really enjoyed the tour. Sitting in the front seats was kind of cool. Prince Charles used to sit in the seat that I sat in. I really didn’t do much the rest of the day. I typed up some more journals and went to bed around midnight.
6/7 Bristol (19th day)
Today was the second to last day of class and we went to the Bristol Blue glass place. I spent way too much money. I did get this really cool figure thingy…I know nice explanation…but I can’t think of a better one. It cost me £30. It was really interesting to see them make the glass into different items. We discussed some business issues such as shipments of packaging equipment but mostly we shopped. After we got back to UWE we all spent at least 2 hours in our groups preparing for the presentations.
I decided not to go out for the night so when I got home I just relaxed but then Ashley and Amy talked me into going to the Yates bar to Karaoke. It was so much fun…one of the best nights I have had here in Bristol. I sang Spice Girls Wannabe with Amy, Kim, Jenny Jones, and Lauren. I took video. It is so funny. Matt S and Mike V sang Build me up Buttercup. Matt sounded just like him when he screamed “WHY don’t you build me up?” and all Mike did was dance. It was such a good time and I am so glad I decided to go out.
Class was ok today although I was really tired. After lunch I woke up more and then we headed for the Concord. It used to cost $11,000 round trip from London to New York but the trip only took 3 ½ hour instead of 8. I really enjoyed the tour. Sitting in the front seats was kind of cool. Prince Charles used to sit in the seat that I sat in. I really didn’t do much the rest of the day. I typed up some more journals and went to bed around midnight.
6/7 Bristol (19th day)
Today was the second to last day of class and we went to the Bristol Blue glass place. I spent way too much money. I did get this really cool figure thingy…I know nice explanation…but I can’t think of a better one. It cost me £30. It was really interesting to see them make the glass into different items. We discussed some business issues such as shipments of packaging equipment but mostly we shopped. After we got back to UWE we all spent at least 2 hours in our groups preparing for the presentations.
I decided not to go out for the night so when I got home I just relaxed but then Ashley and Amy talked me into going to the Yates bar to Karaoke. It was so much fun…one of the best nights I have had here in Bristol. I sang Spice Girls Wannabe with Amy, Kim, Jenny Jones, and Lauren. I took video. It is so funny. Matt S and Mike V sang Build me up Buttercup. Matt sounded just like him when he screamed “WHY don’t you build me up?” and all Mike did was dance. It was such a good time and I am so glad I decided to go out.
Monday, June 5, 2006
Rome...I just cant believe I'm here!
After breakfast at the Bistro we went to the Pantheon and did some shopping. We really wanted to see the Sistine Chapel but the line was about 4-5 hours long (no joke). The biggest event of the day was the Coliseum. It was so overwhelmingly amazing inside. We had a tour so we were told all kinds of neat stories about how things were back then it always makes me wonder if they really know all the little details really happen or if they are embellishing to make the tour better??? Oh well it was fun just the same.
We checked out of the hostel about 2 and headed for the Metro and then for the bus to take us to the airport. Our flight was actually on time so I got home around 7:30 or so. It was nice to get away from Teresa because she was driving me CRAZY. Not in an I hate you way just in a being confined with you for 3 full days kind of way. I am used to being with Amy since we already room together so she did not bother me. It was also nice to see Ashley. She went to Dublin so Amy and I were able to chat with her for a while about what we all did over the weekend. It was fun.
We checked out of the hostel about 2 and headed for the Metro and then for the bus to take us to the airport. Our flight was actually on time so I got home around 7:30 or so. It was nice to get away from Teresa because she was driving me CRAZY. Not in an I hate you way just in a being confined with you for 3 full days kind of way. I am used to being with Amy since we already room together so she did not bother me. It was also nice to see Ashley. She went to Dublin so Amy and I were able to chat with her for a while about what we all did over the weekend. It was fun.
Sunday, June 4, 2006
A Birthday in Italy
We had breakfast at the house and than called a taxi to take us to the Leaning Tower. It was so cool. Probably the coolest thing I have seen so far. You know that whole WOW factor that you get….I got it when I walked up to this thing. I have been seeing that thing in textbooks and in the media since I was a kid and now to be standing in front of it!?! Crazy! After taking the tour we did a little shopping. Then we took the bus to the train station and headed to Rome.
It was kind of funny but I actually kind of forgot it was my birthday. I was just sitting on the bench next to Amy and Teresa and I was like, “What day is it?” Amy was like, “I think it’s the 4th.” SO I laughed and said, “Well then it’s my birthday.” We all thought that was pretty funny. I mean who forgets their birthday but I guess being in Italy kind of overshadows it. Did I mention that I LOVE this country?
When we got to Rome (3 hour train ride) we decided to check into out hotel 1st. Then we took the Metro to Vatican City. This was really cool. I am not catholic but I found this very interesting. There is so much history. We also walked up to these famous steps…I forget what they are called but there was an engagement commercial filmed on them in which a man has his wife’s parents there for his proposal (2nd wedding). I thought it was cool. After that we got some dinner and headed back to the hotel to go to bed because Monday was going to be our BIG day. We need to fit in as much as we can before we have to set off to the airport.
It was kind of funny but I actually kind of forgot it was my birthday. I was just sitting on the bench next to Amy and Teresa and I was like, “What day is it?” Amy was like, “I think it’s the 4th.” SO I laughed and said, “Well then it’s my birthday.” We all thought that was pretty funny. I mean who forgets their birthday but I guess being in Italy kind of overshadows it. Did I mention that I LOVE this country?
When we got to Rome (3 hour train ride) we decided to check into out hotel 1st. Then we took the Metro to Vatican City. This was really cool. I am not catholic but I found this very interesting. There is so much history. We also walked up to these famous steps…I forget what they are called but there was an engagement commercial filmed on them in which a man has his wife’s parents there for his proposal (2nd wedding). I thought it was cool. After that we got some dinner and headed back to the hotel to go to bed because Monday was going to be our BIG day. We need to fit in as much as we can before we have to set off to the airport.
Saturday, June 3, 2006
Italy is my one true love!
I woke up this morning with a big grin because I am in ITALY!!! Amy, Teresa, and I have been here since last night and I am very excited to see Venice. We left the hotel around 8am and headed for the bus stop to take us into Venice (downtown). I totally wiped out on the way to the stop and scraped my knee up pretty bad. I was bleeding and everything. I felt like a dork. Look at the bright side I am leaving a piece of me here! I know I know….that just gross. Lol When we got to the bus stop but we were not sure when the next one came and than we watched as it passed us by. I really don’t understand why it didn’t stop but another one came around and stopped about 20 minutes later.
When we got to the city we walked around for a while. It really does feel like you are walking around on a floating city because there are no roads and there is water everywhere. Teresa wanted to just walk around and shop but Amy and I told her that we did not fly to Italy just to shop. So we went to the Basilica and the Heart. The pigeons were out of control. Amy and I fed them. They will jump up on your arms and eat right out of your hand if you get down on your knees. We fed them corn that we bought for €1. After the Basilica we went to lunch at a little pizza café. I had a two pizza slice meal which came with a coke and an ice cream. It was no ordinary ice cream though, it was gelato. It was AMAZING!! After lunch we did a little shopping and found the Rialto Bridge. It is a bridge with shops on it and to be honest it was a little overrated…but still cool to say we went to.
We decided to head to Pisa which meant a train ride to Florence and then a train to Pisa. The trains took a total of 4 hours and when we got there we had no idea of where we were going. So we took the bus and ended up walking in a complete circle before we found the bed and breakfast we were staying in. The language barrier is crazy in Pisa, it really wasn’t a factor in Venice. We had dinner at a little restaurant and I want to order a coke. But the menu was in Italian (of course) so I just looked up the workd for soda and pointed to the Coca-Cola logo. The waiter looked at me like I was crazy and even repeated it to me. After he brought me my drink I understood why. I ordered a liter of Coke. To make it extra classy I drank it out of a wine glass (because it was the only glass provided and I was not about to chug the liter bottle). The restaurant was playing American music but no one spoke English….I don’t get it. Anyways we called it an early night and headed back to the B&B for bed.
When we got to the city we walked around for a while. It really does feel like you are walking around on a floating city because there are no roads and there is water everywhere. Teresa wanted to just walk around and shop but Amy and I told her that we did not fly to Italy just to shop. So we went to the Basilica and the Heart. The pigeons were out of control. Amy and I fed them. They will jump up on your arms and eat right out of your hand if you get down on your knees. We fed them corn that we bought for €1. After the Basilica we went to lunch at a little pizza café. I had a two pizza slice meal which came with a coke and an ice cream. It was no ordinary ice cream though, it was gelato. It was AMAZING!! After lunch we did a little shopping and found the Rialto Bridge. It is a bridge with shops on it and to be honest it was a little overrated…but still cool to say we went to.
We decided to head to Pisa which meant a train ride to Florence and then a train to Pisa. The trains took a total of 4 hours and when we got there we had no idea of where we were going. So we took the bus and ended up walking in a complete circle before we found the bed and breakfast we were staying in. The language barrier is crazy in Pisa, it really wasn’t a factor in Venice. We had dinner at a little restaurant and I want to order a coke. But the menu was in Italian (of course) so I just looked up the workd for soda and pointed to the Coca-Cola logo. The waiter looked at me like I was crazy and even repeated it to me. After he brought me my drink I understood why. I ordered a liter of Coke. To make it extra classy I drank it out of a wine glass (because it was the only glass provided and I was not about to chug the liter bottle). The restaurant was playing American music but no one spoke English….I don’t get it. Anyways we called it an early night and headed back to the B&B for bed.
Friday, June 2, 2006
Scary flight but amazing Italy
I woke up at 8am this morning so I only got 4hrs of sleep last night. Too much partying for me. I am really tired. I still have not packed for Italy (as of 10am). The bus leaves to take us to the airport at 2:30pm. The lecture is not to interesting to me today and the 4hrs of sleep is not helping matters. After class there was a barbeque in the octagon on campus so we all decided to take advantage of the free lunch. It wasn’t like our American BBQ but hey what do you expect? After that we went home so that I could pack and we could leave for the bus to the airport.
Check in at Bristol was smooth sailing. We ran into some of our group at the airport. The people going to Scotland had a flight about an hour before ours. It felt like forever when we were waiting in the airport for our flight to Italy. The flight has been delayed for almost 2 hours. We have been here since 3pm and it is now 6.30pm. So our plane left finally at 7:15pm (it was supposed to leave at 5:10). I also forgot my Xanax at the house and I really hate to fly so it was not good. There was some rally bad turbulence which freaked me out even more. Overall…a very bad flight to Italy. I mean the whole experience should have been filmed. The turbulence started and I started gripping the seat and praying (no joke it was that bad) and then the seatbelt sign came on and the flight attendant stood at the front of the plan and said “The captain has illuminated the seatbelt sign because we are experiencing a little bit of Tuuuuuuurbulance.” That is when the whole plane dropped (I literally flew up in my seat) and the flight attendant fell into the lap of the people in the first row. I almost cried I was so scared. This is why I take Xananx. God I hate flying!!! Once we got to Venice Italy we took a cab to the Titan Inn and it was amazing! This hotel might as well have been an apartment. We had two rooms with a balcony and I little kitchen. I freaking love this place!
Check in at Bristol was smooth sailing. We ran into some of our group at the airport. The people going to Scotland had a flight about an hour before ours. It felt like forever when we were waiting in the airport for our flight to Italy. The flight has been delayed for almost 2 hours. We have been here since 3pm and it is now 6.30pm. So our plane left finally at 7:15pm (it was supposed to leave at 5:10). I also forgot my Xanax at the house and I really hate to fly so it was not good. There was some rally bad turbulence which freaked me out even more. Overall…a very bad flight to Italy. I mean the whole experience should have been filmed. The turbulence started and I started gripping the seat and praying (no joke it was that bad) and then the seatbelt sign came on and the flight attendant stood at the front of the plan and said “The captain has illuminated the seatbelt sign because we are experiencing a little bit of Tuuuuuuurbulance.” That is when the whole plane dropped (I literally flew up in my seat) and the flight attendant fell into the lap of the people in the first row. I almost cried I was so scared. This is why I take Xananx. God I hate flying!!! Once we got to Venice Italy we took a cab to the Titan Inn and it was amazing! This hotel might as well have been an apartment. We had two rooms with a balcony and I little kitchen. I freaking love this place!
World Trading and the Club
Same old same old as far as class and lunch go. The second half of the day we played the World Trading Game. Our group thought that we were doing well, until the other groups started announcing their money totals. We came in 4th place out of 6. We tried sabotaging other groups. The funny thing is that the only teams that we beat were the ones that we sabotaged. So we just needed to focus on the other groups as well…lol. My team consisted of Amy, Ashley, Bob, and Caitlyn. We had to make shapes and sell them to the bank but we could only use what was given to us unless we traded or bought from other groups.
After class I went shopping with some of the girls and then Amy and I came home. We all went out tonight and had a few too many…but it was really fun. The place was really busy but it was nice to get to kick back with the group.I think the club we went to was called Oceana or something.
After class I went shopping with some of the girls and then Amy and I came home. We all went out tonight and had a few too many…but it was really fun. The place was really busy but it was nice to get to kick back with the group.I think the club we went to was called Oceana or something.
Thursday, June 1, 2006
Do you need a Bath?
I woke up this morning with a strange red patch on both of my ankles and my legs were a little swollen. My socks were tight and left a ring because of this. Daphne seems to think that bugs in the grass at Berkley got me and I was just having a reaction. I am a little freaked out but I will try to just wait it out. I hope it goes away soon. After class today we went to Bath. This is where all the old Roman Baths are (hence the name). It reminded me a lot of Greece. I will see much more in Italy but this was still impressive and cool. After the tour of the baths we walked around Bath for about an hour. We had some really good ice cream at this little side street place. The bus ride to and from Bath sucked because we were turning and stopping a lot (it upset my stomach). Amy, Ashley, and I were home by 7pm. We met up with a bunch of the group at hobgoblin and I was home and in bed by around 1:00am.
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