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