The Queen is Home

Is it cheating if I blog about Europe, while sitting in the drab of America?

Oh well. I'm making the rules anyway:)

I never really explained why I had a change of heart about England.

Windsor Castle did it for me. The flag was flown high. The Queen was home! The history, magnificence, and presence that exists in that castle is incredible. Knight's armor decorated halls, a room dedicated solely to dollhouses, elaborate decor, interior design, and splendor that I personally think surpassed Versailles. It possessed a presence and quality that can only come from being inhabited. While a beauty itself, Versailles remains a figment of history. Unlike Versailles, Windsor is currently one residence of Queen Elizabeth.

I'd give up a pair of un-purchased Louboutins or even better, a Patek-Philippe watch to spend a day in such grandeur.

I've been a bad....Blogger

I can't believe its been 4 days since I've returned to America. I have yet to blog about my last moments in Europe.

I'm killing the joy of the stories by summing it up, but basically:

I gave England a second chance, and formed a sweet sort of puppy love crush with it. BUT and I repeat BUT my true affection and heart remains in Geneva. I miss that place. Paris comes in 2nd place in this twisted love affair.

Best Moment: Guilty Confession: my best moment had to be the day I explored the world of _______. (I'll leave you to guess)

Worst Moment: Some of my not so fun times were spent in England.

Bracknell is a trip's way from civilization. It took us a 45 min. walk, 16£ roundtrip to London, and a miles worth of walking, not to include the further expenses of Underground transportation and shopping of course.

Paris mon amour is just what I expected. Beauty, Love, Inspiration.

Geneva was an even greater treat. Bel Air opened my eyes. The tram took me places I'd never been. I loved it.

Like Dominoes

We hopped on the bus from Newbold College to Bracknell, and then ran to the train from Bracknell to London. We made it just in time for the 6:32 PM train to Waterloo.

So how were there 5 extra people with me trying to make it to Scotland?

I told someone who told someone else, and like dominoes piled on the floor, each person convinced the other to go. So with 6 additions to the already confirmed group of 12 we pressed forward with only hope to get us on that bus to Glasgow.

I mean how many people really are trying to get to Glasgow, Scotland on a random Monday night anyway.

So we walked, I even ran a little and just about 3 hours later we were there. At the bus station that is.

"6 tickets to Glasgow please"

"FULL"

The lady wasn't helpful or sympathetic, she just showed us her screen stating that the last bus to Glasgow was full.

So we remained calm on the surface and gradually panicked within.

After little thinking and some pacing, I went back to a different counter. The guy seemed more friendly.

"Do you have anything out of London, we're kinda stuck here"

"Well where do you want to go?"

"I don't really know any cities but, anywhere close"

He pulled up Amsterdam on his screen. 13 hours and more pounds that I had to spare.
Next. Brussels. The bus had left 12 minutes before. Next. Edingburgh, the bus was full.

So we were stuck.

With spontaneity in our heart we made the impulsive decision to just book a hotel. We would be in London for the night.

Hi, I'm Spontaneous. Nice to meet you.

About a month ago, I made a very spontaneous decision to come to Europe. I'd always wanted to study abroad in South America but I also wanted to graduate on time. So the trip to Europe kinda shot up out of the blue. There was already a trip going to Brasil and Chile with the Spanish studies tour, but at the time there were also earthquakes tormenting the Earth so I figured it was in my best interest to stay away from South America.

My roomie told me one random afternoon that she saw a poster advertising a Europe trip and there was one spot left! So I ran to the Business department and signed up with less than a month to go.

Now after 21 days traveling Europe, its down to our last 3 days, and I'm-----going to Scotland!

Made the final decision this afternoon, and I'll see where it gets me!

A Message

In the midst of the tensions surfacing in my life, I've found a message of hope from the Apostle Paul himself.

"Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody"

Romans 12:14-21

Be Blessed.

England=Quaint Buildings, Homely Structures. I Miss Paris!

I feel guilty that I haven't fallen head over heels for the quaint buildings and homely structures surrounding England. I miss the fast-paced, glamour, and pizzazz of mon chéri Paris. England, my quiet friend is a different world. Cars drive on the left, pubs dominate the country, and the people are rather unique. Sadly, the manors, and plethora of sheep on the countryside haven't much warmed my heart. I'm still trying to discover the English patriotism and identity amongst a region so scattered with such diversity and internationals. Even here at Newbold College, there are only 3 British students enrolled. The rest of school is comprised of specks from the many countries of the world.

For now, I'm not convinced. But for the remainder of this journey, England I'll keep an open mind and give you a second try.

Bring da Beat Back

I'm sitting here in International Business, looking at the Powerpoint presentation pretending to be busily taking notes. The class is interesting but I've also diagnosed myself with a mild condition of ADHD. SO, I can't pay attention for prolonged periods of time. Its been almost two hours sitting in class, so yea. My Attention Span is Gone.

So far, we've travelled to Collonges-sous-Salève France, hopped across the border to Geneva, Switzerland, took a train to London, UK, rode the EuroRail to Paris, France and finally piled on a bus to Bracknell, UK. Talk about road trip.

So now we are still located in Bracknell, the country town. Not much to see or do except walk up the road and grab some fish and chips which L and I did yesterday. We also took a 8£ trip to Reading. Not Reading, PA but Reading, UK. It was a nice trip. I didn't shop. I like to browse, bargain, then purchase. So I'll keep looking around for better prices.

Today, we're going to Windsor Castle. Hopefully the lovely Queen is home and will grace us with her presence. :yea right: Chances of us ever seeing the Queen are zero to none. The crowd will also probably be unbearable, considering the hordes of people standing outside of Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.

In honor of a good day, I'm wearing a busy polka dot ridden button up, and complimentary polka dot tights with navy shorts. Sounds crazy, I think its cool.

Ciao!

Oh yes, and plans are in the making for a day trip to Scotland!!! Bring out the kilts and keg--I mean bagpipes ;)

Photo from: http://images.buycostumes.com/mgen/merchandiser/27243.jpg

No Me's, No I's

For this entry, its not about the girl writing this blog. It's about everyone else. The 25 people that make up everyone else. College undergrads, some graduated, some just beginning their adventures, business students, and others from mixed fields, a business secretary, and a business professor. And let's not forget the unannounced arrival of the secretary's husband who will go unnamed. Briefly put, a character in himself.

The Group: Some came as a group, already formed possessing their own history, dynamics, and sort of clique. Others came in two's and three's, somewhat familiar with each other but no defined boundaries of friendships had been in place. Others came with no strings attached; an acquaintance here, a companion there, perhaps a familiar face somewhere but no cliques, and no bff's along for the ride.

Lovely.

Describes the outcome. Although some bonds have been harder to meld and integrate, and others slower to form, as a group the dynamics have been lovely. Not entirely, but definitely good for a group with so many different backgrounds, cultures, and distinctions. While the group hasn't completely molded into one diverse family, the option remains open to any who dare attempt to bridge the various gaps.

Versailles

It's been almost a week since my feet landed on the exuberant palace of Versailles.

It's magnificence can be summed up in 3 words: extravagant, big, memorable. Not the best three words I could think of without killing my brain @ 9:23 AM in Business class, but it pretty much nails the essence of Versailles.

Each room large and elaborately decorated, painted ceilings, marble walls, and one room dedicated to mirrors. Beautiful.

Paris

Its ironic how my blog initially began as a way to track the events of my European excursion. As I read back, I notice I have very few details on my day to day experiences with the differences in culture and overall the trip to Europe!

So, for a few moments, allow me to take you to Paris.

Bienvenue à Paris. For a moment I thought I got dropped off in Greenwich village or some artsy strip in the heart of Manhattan. Beautiful, but everything is in French. I was fooled, because Paris outshines Manhattan. Don't get me wrong. I love my little island in NY, but the city of Paris captures an art and beauty unknown to the Big Apple.

Elaborate architecture, memorable monuments...for days, chic, trés Jolie people everywhere. If I wasn't observing the intricate detail of the Notre-Dame or beholding Le Sainte-Chapelle of Paris, my eyes were busily scanning the crowd of tailored suits, leather jackets, and beautiful faces.

There are always two sides to an equation, of course.

Aside from the constant outpouring of European beauty, I was faced with a not so glorious side in the subways. They stink. Coming from a New Yorker fluent in subway stench, that means they had to be bad. While not riding the subways, (which became a daily adventure) I was walking, and walking, and walking. However strenuous, it wasn't too horrible because of the many sites to see.

Overall, my stay in Paris was well spent, full of life, little sleep, and constant enjoyment. C'est la Vie!

Be Positive

Last night in the midst of a self-esteem drop, I came across a Facebook page called the Be Positive Campaign. I was reminded of the power of the mind over circumstance and was reminded essentially to "Love yourself, accept the flaws, be yourself, and nothing more".

Wow, easier said than done right? Don't worry, it is reachable. The thoughts we have today determine our actions for tomorrow. Promote positive thinking today and reap the rewards tomorrow.

We all come into this world unsure, naked, and naive. We don't know what it means to be liked or loved or to give love until that love has been shown to us. Even in our infancy we mess up--we fall, we cry, we stumble. We crawl until we learn to walk. We walk until we build the strength to run. But in each process we stumble.


Have you ever watched a baby crawl as they learn to walk? They wobble and wobble and fall but each time with drive in their eyes, they get back up. No wonder Jesus calls us to become like children. In order to walk, we have to persist. We have to hunger for success, possess drive, and desire to progress.

So, when negativity rings in your ear like that annoying buzzing fly, swat it, move away, get it out of your ear!

No matter the circumstance, Be Positive! And along the journey, love yourself so that you can in return love God and others :)

Naked

I've never been one to wear my emotions on my sleeves, bare all, or entirely unmask my feelings.

"Keep your guard up" has somewhat been my motto throughout the years. Gradually this intricately built, clever wall has s l o w l y began to crumble.

Throughout the years, even past couple of days, I have changed. We all change. Change is inevitable. Progress is not.

I strive to advance, and progress. And in this pursuit, I think being metaphorically naked, in thoughts and expression is valuable.

Being naked leads to the risk of vulnerability. For now, I am willing to take that risk and see where it leads me :)

A good friend is hard to find

"a good friend is a connection to life- a tie to the past,a road to the future,the key to sanity in a totally insane world"

One of my good friends left the quote above on my Facebook wall.

Maybe because of my lack of sleep and mild cold, it took me a while and a couple times reading over to fully grasp it. A good friend is:

A connection to life. A good friend is someone that inhabits your present life.
A tie to the past. Someone who you share memories with.
A road to the future. Someone included in your journey of life, who helps bring you to a promising future
The key to sanity- Simply said. Someone to keep you sane in the roller coaster of emotions and events in everyday living.

By becoming good friends, we too can attract good friends.

Live, love, and learn

Side note: The picture is completely random, because I AM random! :)

J'aime Paris

The city of love, lights, fine French men, beautiful women, crêpes, boulangeries, Le Tour Eiffel, quiche, fromage, croix monsieur, vin in every shop or restaurant you enter. I love Paris.
First impression, Not so much. What’s the hype about, I thought to myself. I'm basically in Manhattan but everything is in French. Wrong. Later that night of our arrival into the beautiful city, we decided to explore and fully engage in acts of tourism. With a map in hand, we went upon the city via le Metro and got a taste of Au Printemps, Place du Nord, Arche de Triomphe, and plus more!
My conclusion, Paris is not a replica of N.Y. In Paris lies beauties and intricacies only natural to a European culture. Demi-sec and Parfait.

J'aime Paris.

Un Petit Café Chaud

After a certain time, lunch and dinner is not served.
So, eat now or forever tenir votre faim.


Unlike Americans, Europeans eat in moderation. You won't find the 24-hour Diner or the Wendy's that closes at 2 AM. Here in Geneva and Collonges, food is a necessity, not an accessory. On many occasions, we've gone to restaurants and boulangeries to failed attempts and signs stating CLOSED.

I went to a Café yesterday and ordered un petit café chaud. I was given exactly that. A tiny cup of coffee, not even half the size of a Tall at Starbucks.

Delightfully, it was just the amount I needed.

A girl should be two things...

Thanks to my wonderful friend L, I've landed my hands on the book "Classy" by Derek Blasberg. It centers around the theme that "a girl should be two things: classy and fabulous" (Coco Chanel). While I'm no fashionista or even nearly versed in the jargon of the fashion culture, I do get perks from reading an occasional Vogue or Elle magazine.

In his book, Blasberg comically distinguishes between a classy lady and the classic tramp. He notes that, elegance and class live within a lady and are inevitably expressed without. Along with the distinguishing features, he gives cues on how to behave in different social settings, environments, and how to ultimately conquer each situation as a lady.

On this diverse experience of life, whether man or woman, in Switzerland or America, let's raise our standards to a life of Classy!

When in Rome...

Its 3:01 AM in Geneva. My roommate is sleeping. I should be too. I have class at 9 and breakfast at 7. So looks like tomorrow will be a long day.

This is just un petit blog.

We all know the saying, "When in Rome do as the Romans do"

Well what about when you're in the heart of Geneva?
Same rules apply.

DO as the Swiss do.

Simply said.

I tried new things.

Had fun along the way.

And now I move eclectically.

In light of experiences in each new day.

C'est la vie <&hearts>

L'amour Et Moi

Love is truly a wonderful thing. It changes the light in which we see the world. It removes rage, hate, and the darkness of low self-esteem. On this journey in none other than Switzerland and France, I am taking baby steps to fully love myself. They say “you are your worst critic”. I think I’ve let this statement live true for too long in my life. It’s time for a fresh start with tweaked beginnings, and new endings. Let the love begin.

Live, Love, and mostly Learn along the way.

Je ne comprend pas

We left the group.

Bonjour!

I smile and reply with the sweetest accent I can muster, "Bonjour". In my head I'm hoping she doesn't pick up even the slightest foreign accent. Clad in a Ben Sherman leather jacket and ripped jeans I make my way into Longchamps. Expensive bags decorate the metal racks, as the Swiss people bustle about the busy store. I make eye contact but speak little. I don't want to stand out. They probably can tell I am American anyway from the fur covered Nike dunks on my feet.

Everyone around me is suited in the latest European fashion. Only a taste of what the New Yorkers stomping down Manhattan streets can hope to imitate.

Five Americans, loudly touring the streets of Geneva looking for the bus back to Collonges. "Uhh how to le uhh ou est la.." sounds my weak attempts to parle français. Only to the familiar response of "Je ne comprend pas". Blah blah blah, I get it, you don't understand us. So just a bit unsure, we cross the street tracks, dodging motorcycles and make our way to the pay station to purchase a tram ticket.

"Go ahead", I tell the two guys with me. They quickly push the button 'Geneve' and slip in 3 swiss francs. A thin, white slip spits out of the machine. The tram is approaching almost too fast now. I push my coins in only to have them fall straight to the slot and return to me.

"Alana, hurry!" I turn my head just in time to see my two friends mounting the tram. Ah! No time for me to buy a ticket, so I run straight into the crowded bus and squeeze my way through crowds of people.

I run on the tram without buying a ticket. Aha! c'est la vie?

I think so. Fortunately, it was rush hour and no one was checking to make sure tickets were purchased.

Advice: When visiting a foreign country, the best experience is that in taking risks.

Of course, be smart and cautious along the journey ;)