Feb 7: Arrivederci!

Florence!

 I'm going to Italy!!! (Vado a Firenze e Venezia!)

Finalmente! Tomorrow morning at 8:20am London time, I will get on a plane to Italy for an 8 day trip to Italy, particularly Florence and Venice. My itinerary is the following:


Feb 8 - Feb 12: Arrive and stay in Florence. During this time, I hope to see my close friends Chris DiNardo, Brendan Riley, and my cousin Jess Jahnle. Katie and I haven't decided exactly what we will see or do first, but I know that it will involve molti gelati!

Venice!

Feb 12- Feb 16: Arrive and stay in Venice. We don't have an exact outline for Venice yet either, but I'm sure it will involve gondola rides and dinner by a canal. Not a bad place to spend Valentine's Day!

While I'm gone, I will not have my computer, so I won't be updating my blog until next Saturday. I will have my phone (which has internet capabilities) so feel free to email or facebook message me if you want to get in touch. I will be sure to take lots of pictures for everyone to enjoy when I get back!

Til then - ARRIVEDERCI!

Feb 6: Preparation Wednesday

Stir-fry is the best...mmmm.

Today a preparation day for me - I prepared for a project tomorrow, as well as my trip to Italy with Katie on Friday. I even prepared some delicious sweet chilli chicken stir-fry with Katie.

I didn't have class today, so I woke up a little later and got all of my laundry done while working on an International Capital Markets presentation for tomorrow (jealous, aren't you?). It was a pretty productive day. Italy is starting to feel a little more real now that I've packed a (very) few clothes into my bag and began to check off the list on travel size toiletries. I can't believe this will be my third time going to Florence and Venice in 5 years. I don't want to humblebrag here either - I'm truly greatful, blessed, and lucky to have experiences like these (and studying abroad in general). Thanks Mom and Dad! You guys are the best!

I also want to note that while I have literally been blogging since I've gotten here, I will not be bringing my computer to Italy (or probably any other multi-day trips - too bulky, too risky), so anticipate a break from Friday til next Saturday, followed by a longer picture/caption walkthrough of my journey. It'll be worth the wait, don't worry.

I will spend the rest of the night going over my presentation and preparing for my onslaught of classes tomorrow (now with meeting with my partner to prep for our presentation, it will be a full day, 9am-5pm). Wish me luck!

Til then - Cheers.

Feb 5: EastEnd-ing

Today was quite an interesting day. Class was OK, but more importantly, I finished printing out my boarding passes for my flight to Italy on Friday (can't wait!). I also signed up to see Monty Python's "Spamalot" in mid-March with other Boston College students. I love Monty Python and the Holy Grail, so naturally I'm quite excited for that.

However, the highlight of today was the walking tour of the East End I went on this evening with Katie and more Boston College friends. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it mainly became a street art tour, which was quite fascinating. Here are a few pictures and captions to give you a mini-tour of what I saw:

We met at this Goat Statue, a little past Liverpool Street Station. Not really sure what the significance of it is, but it is a good point of reference.

This is one of the markers for the City of London. To the west lies the City, to the east, the East End.

Look familiar? It's Diagon Alley (from Harry Potter).

This historic pub, The Ten Bells, is where Jack the Ripper picked up a few of his unfortunately victims.

Intro to Street Art begins: There is a sculpture on top of this street sign, an example of the many hidden works of art in London.

This is by an artist who is aptly named "Stick". Cool stuff.

The work on the right is by an Australian street artist (didn't catch the name). I'm not sure who did the one on the left either, but it was made with tiny explosives. Apparently, the next "picture" underneath is already rigged with explosives to take this ones place. Interesting.

A nice piece of Gandhi, coincidentally in the East End which is known for its Indian food.

This work was done by our tour guide! Suicide is the number one killer of males under 35 in London, and this is an artistic attempt to capture that inner anguish/outer seemingly-OK front that occurs for people who find themselves in an unfortunately dark place. It was intentionally placed in a busy area in order to encourage a more public dialogue about dealing with often-stigmatized mental illnesses. This suicide helpline website sponsored its creation.

This was done by some French guys with spray paint. Spray paint!!

This big bird on the building was completed in roughly 30 minutes. Not bad, huh?

We ended our tour with dinner at this Indian restaurant, Sheraz. Lots of curry to choose from, I didn't know what to get, but I ended up picking Chicken Rodon. It was pretty good.

 

The tour was definitely a fascinating adventure and despite the weather being pretty wet and cold, I had a great time. I will definitely be on the lookout for more street art while I am here in London, because apparently it can be found almost everywhere. The rest of the night and tomorrow I will be preparing for a presentation I have to give Thursday as well as Friday - when I set course to Florence. 3 Days - can't wait!

Til then- Cheers!

Feb 4: Beginning the Preparation for Italy

Today was a slow day. For one, I woke up late due to being out into the wee hours of the morning last night to watch the Super Bowl (I didn't back until 4am here). I slept until 12pm, waking up and getting ready to be in class by 1pm.

Class went well, but I have my sights on more important things this week: This Friday (Feb. 8), Katie and I leave for Italy together! (Florence and Venice) Because I don't have a printer, I had to painstakingly print out the necessary documents today (and a few tomorrow) to make our trip run smoothly with travel and accommodations.

Katie was also nice enough to make chicken tenders for us to eat this evening. I can't wait for this week to end, with Italy waiting at the end of it. Hopefully it goes by quickly and I will be all set to depart early Friday morning.

Tomorrow I have one class in the afternoon, but also will have a walking tour of the East End of London and a dinner with BC friends. I'm definitely excited for that - hopefully it helps this week move a little faster!

Til then - Cheers!

Feb 3: Super Bowl Sunday

 I'll keep this post short because I'm exhausted. Today was the Super Bowl..and by today, I mean all day and night here in London. Let me explain:

We (Katie, Dave, Allegra, and myself) had no idea for when to arrive at the Carlsberg Sports Bar, so we got there as early as possible, which was around 2:00pm London time (for a 11:30 kickoff, remember). It wasn't busy so we grabbed some McDonald's across the street for cheap...I mean, after seeing yet another one yesterday, how could I resist?

Since we were there mega-early, we watched a Rugy match, a Soccer (or as they say here, football) Match, and a lot of Super Bowl Pregame, eating wings and such throughout the day. On the screen in the picture is Manchester City vs. :Liverpool, which ended in a tie....but was pretty exciting given the atmosphere of English "football" fans who got crazy after each goal scored.

Katie and I right before game-time. At this point, we are both pretty tired from camping out great seats all day and definitely ready for the game to start!

I picked the 49ers to win, but I was wrong. The Ravens won 34-31. Oh well, great game both ways right? I know I was entertained!

Joe Flacco won MVP. It doesn't make sense when you say it out loud (he never really struck me as a good QB), but it happened. Here's hoping the Eagles get there in 2013-2014!

Now I'm going to pass out because it's almost 5am here. Luckily I don't have class until 1pm tomorrow so I can sleep in a little.

Til then - Cheers!

Feb 2: Windsor Castle

Today Katie and I went to Windsor Castle. I have been there once before in my lifetime, when I was 9 and my family came to London. I thought it was cool then. I REALLY enjoyed it today. We got up early (left our residences by 8am), got on a train and headed out to Windsor Castle. Here it is in pictures and captions:

We arrived around 10am in the morning, taking a 9am train to Windsor. On the way up the hill to the castle, I saw a McDonald's which I am certain I ate in when I was 9. I haven't been to one during my stay here so far, but I'm bound to break soon. McDonald's tastes like home. If you don't like Mickey D's, you're a hater. (Or maybe making healthy choices about what you eat...just let me have this one).

Windsor Castle from the outside. I was half expecting a greeting like this one...

If you squint to blur your vision, the tree behind me looks like a green afro. Anyways, this is me in front of the castle, very excited to go in with my green lanyard and free audio tour (which was incredibly well done by the way, down to British polite phrases like "have a look around while I tell you more about [Sight X]".

The entrance to Windsor Castle. Again, I was bracing myself.

One side of Engine Court. Katie and I had a tour of the Royal Kitchen (unfortunately, no food samples) in the base of this building. Unfortunately, like everything indoors at Windsor, I was prohibited from taking pictures. Here is a video of some decent shots of it, if you're interested.

The path into Windsor, after entering the gates. There were arrow slits lining the outer walls, so stuff like this could happen.

The signature Round Tower of Windsor Castle. Pretty cool, huh?

St. George's Chapel. No photography inside here, either, but check some of these out.

Where are the rest of the guards?

OH THEY ARE ABOUT TO CHANGE? YES, I WILL WATCH THAT, THANK YOU. Here is a video I took of the changing process today, which is kind of like a goofy parade (skip around...it's long). Additionally,  since you've been good at reading my blog today, here is another video I took today in which the Royal Guard covers British artist Adele. No, seriously.

Hanging at Engine court, waiting for the tour. The wind was rough today. If you watched the videos above, just know that my hands nearly fell off for that mediocre film production. I hope you're happy.

A few of the town below, from Windsor Castle. It pays to have the high ground.

Had enough of me yet? If you can't tell, I really enjoy Windsor Castle (or my face froze like that because of the wind...your call).

I'll take this space to note the last, and most important area that I unfortunately couldn't take pictures of and haven't shared yet: The State Apartments (which is basically the incredible inside of the castle). This was an incredible tour, especially paired with the audio-guide. Sounds boring, I know, but this stuff is really cool (at least to me).

Decided to pass on McDonald's and instead enjoy at late lunch at the The Three Tuns pub. I'm pretty sure recipe for Pub names is put "The" in front of anything vaguely royal or story-like. And a body part is always a plus.  "The Kings Arms". "The Hare's Foot". "The Queen's Head". "The Fox and Thicket". "The Prince's Shrubbery". I made up 3 of those.

An incredible day deserves a gift...from me to me. I got this cool guy glass at the Windsor shop.

 Windsor Castle was an incredible trip, probably my favorite so far (I say that I lot, I know). I might even go back - if you get someone who works there to stamp your ticket, it automatically turns into a year-long pass. Yea, I didn't believe it either, but I'm not joking. Thanks Royal Family!
 Tomorrow is the Super Bowl. I will hopefully be spending my day/night hanging out/camping out/watching it at Carlsberg Sports Bar. My prediction: 49ers win, 27-20. Kaepernick MVP. Akers doesn't miss a field goal. Randy Moss has a significant role in the game. You heard it here first.


Til then- Cheers!

Feb. 1: Greenwich

Today Katie and I went to Greenwich, home of the Old Royal Naval College, the National Maritime Museum and, the Prime Meridian (Longitude 0). I didn't expect a lot going into it, but it ended up being one of my favorite days so far. Here it is in pictures and captions:

Riding on the top of a double-decker bus (the front is where the bar is).

Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. Chapel on my left, Painted Hall on my right.

The Painted Hall is a big dining room. Looks like Hogwarts to me.

A little much, don't you think? It's just dinner...

I can't remember exactly who is in this, but its a mish-mash of religious/historical/mythological figures. So I guess everyone is happy.

Pretty cool ceiling. Also a jumble of religious/historical/mythological figures. Hopefully they can get along.

Hey King, should we go with the gold? - "Yea just put it up high so nobody can steal it"

Donations welcome, but don't donate your phone.

A very nice chapel.

Why do so many churches put there organs right above the door? Seems dangerous, doesn't it?

Old Royal Naval College, in case you can't read.

Painted Hall from the outside.

Chapel from the outside

Dockin' Out.

Show-boating.

Down by the river.

O2 Millenium Complex. London holds some sporting events and I believe some Olympic events here.

The Cutty Sark. (It's a ship)

National Maritime Museum

A picture from the slavery section of the National Maritime Museum. On the right, you can see some British commodores just hanging out while all the people they are about to enslave are partying with them. Yea, OK England..... I'm sure that's how that all went down.

Boat Engine

I needed some new East India company threads, but unfortunately, these weren't for sale.

The Cutty Sark up close, in case you thought I was lying.

Old Royal Naval College. I guess that Henry VIII was born on that square right there, at least that's how I interpreted it. Given the history, it wouldn't suprise me.

The National Maritime Museum - it was a really great place!

Seems like a waste. I can't use my bottle OR my ship now.

Just to remind you that the British like to be creepy and strange, here are some mast heads.

Fire in the hole!

Can I interest you in this East India Company telescope and compass?

Busy, isn't it?

The Royal Conservatory/PRIME MERIDIAN/YES LONGITUDE 0!

The Royal Observatory. Here they, you know, observe things.

Drink it in - LONGITUDE 0!

From this spot, I am in the western and eastern hemisphere AT THE SAME TIME!

The view from the Royal Observatory. Looking good, Greenwich (and London in the background)!

Observatory

Greenwich Market. Not quite like the Camden Markets, but still good times.

Katie and I ate dinner at The Old Brewery. Their brand of beer, Meantime, was quite interesting. We were able to have small samples of a few of them for a decent rate, which was nice. And I got some ribs, so I would say it was a pretty good evening.

The Old Brewery from the outside.

So to recap, my day went something like this: Woke up, met Katie, took bus down to Greenwich, explored the Old Royal Naval College, the Painted Hall, the Chapel, The National Maritime Museum, The Royal Observatory, LONGITUDE 0!!!, Greenwich itself, Greenwich Market, and the Old Brewery. It was a great day!

Tomorrow, Katie and I have tickets to Windsor Castle, where we will be getting a tour of the castle and royal kitchen. I vaguely remember Windsor from when I was 9, and I thought it was cool then. I can't wait to go back tomorrow!

Til then - Cheers!