CZECH ME OUT!

Hi Everyone!

Well I'm finally back in LA. And it is SO good to be home!!

Before I flew back I was in Prague for a couple of days. I am so glad that I pushed my flight back a couple of days so that I could go there. It was amazing.

I kind of expected it to be freezing in Prague and see the city covered in snow. But, it didn't even snow once! I was kind of disappointed about because I really wanted to see the city covered in white. But it was probably better that there was no snow considering all the walking we did. There isn't that much to do in Prague. I was there for three days and that was definately enough. But, I never go tired of just walking around because everything is so beautiful. And it was nice to have a leisurely trip after all the jam packed weekends I've had.

I arrived in Prague Sunday with my friend Claire, who also goes to BC. While we were waiting for our other friend Erin to arrive we walked down through the Old Town Square. The Old Town Square is probably one of my favorite places I have ever been to. Since it is december there was a giant Christmas markets set up in the middle of the square. Everything was decorated with lights and trees and there was choirs and music and amazing food and crafts for sale. We went back here everyday multiple times a day because we loved it so much.

Once Erin arrived we took her back to the Old Town Square and then met up with some of her friends for dinner. For desert we went back to the square and I got stareceske, which is basically just a czech version of a churro. On Monday, we went back to the square for breakfast and got Starbucks. haha. We just couldn't resist. Then we headed up to the castle. Prague is a very walkable city. They do have public transportation but the city is just so beautiful that we chose to walk everywhere. The castle is located on top of a hill and has some of the most amazing views I have ever seen. I still can't beleive how beautiful it was. We walked around the castle for awhile, saw the church there, the dungeons, and then we walked back down.

Prague is a river city, like London. And there is a famous bridge over the river that is absolutely gorgeous. Its called the Charles Bridge. It also offered really beautiful views of the city along the river. We headed back to the Old Town Sqaure (can you tell we were obsessed with that place haha) for lunch and had some kabobs. They were delicious. And then we headed back to the hostel for a nap. For dinner, ERin, Claire, and I headed back to the square and ate dinner outside next to a heat lamp of course and got to take in the sights of the square all lit up at night. We probably spent three or four hours there that night just talking about our lives and such. It was such good company and amazing conversation.

On Tuesday we started off the day with Starbucks again. haha. And then we walked over to the Jewish Quarter. There are only 1600 Jews left in Prague. First we visted the Old New Synagogue and then we headed over to the Jerasulem Synagogue. The Jerusalem Synagoge is done in the Spanish Moor style of architecture and is amazing. Unfortunately, it is closed during the winter because they can not afford to heat the inside so we could not go inside. Then we had sausage for lunch at the old town square and then we just walked around the New Town and the Old Town for the rest of the afternoon. At night we went back to the Charles Bridge to see the views of the city at night and then we had another nice meal together outside.

I truly saw some of the most beautiful things in Prague. And I hope to go back to Prague and other countries in Central and Eastern Europe. I can't believe my trip is over. These past three months flew by so fast! I couldn't even imagine having that much fun and making the friends that I did. I am so grateful for this experience and now that I am finally home I can't wait to tell you all about it in person!!!!! See you soon.

Here are some pictures from Prague.

the Old Town Square at night. The red tents are the christmas market venders. You can see the Christmas Tree and the Church in the background. Definately, one of my favorite places!

Claire, Erin, and I in front of the Christmas Tree at the Old Town Sqaure

Just a normal street in Prague. BEAUTIFUL!

the view from the castle. one of the most beautiful things i have ever seen. anothe view from the castle



Jerusalem Synagogue.

The Charles Bridge and the castle in the background

Prague looks good in black and white

just experiments with some color settings on my camera.

goodbye royal holloway

Last night was my last night at Royal Holloway. It was an incredible night but was also so sad. Its become so natural to see these people every day. I feel like I've been friends with them for years, not months. And now I have to leave them and I wont be able to see them whenever I want. Thank god for skype. I know there are a few people here that I will keep in contact with.

The Students Union had a huge "blow out" for the last day of the term. So we went there. They had a live band that played both christmas songs and popular music. When they played Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas" everyone went wild. It was so funny. SUCH A GOOD SONG. haha. It was a great way to end the semester. Now I have to say the real goodbyes tonight. I don't know if I can handle it. But we have all made plans to visit each other when we graduate and have enough money to fly across the world. I think my first stop will be New Zealand and Australia to visit Ryan, Holly, and Jess. They are some of my favorite people I have ever met. Im going to be a reck tonight, AHHH

Tomorrow I'm off to Prague and then I fly back to LA december 18. See you then.

The Fourth Floor Crew. Plus Ryan, who basically lives on the fourth floor anyways


Me with the aspiring models Ryan and Anna

With my best friend Ryan. We always have the most fun together.

Another good best friend picture.

ugh. my poor eagles.

Okay it is so frustrating how for second year in a row we lost to Virginia Tech ( i hate them more than any other team) in the ACC championship and how we were actually suppose to win this time but we didn't and how our first string quarter back broke his collar bone so we had to use our backup quarter back and how we haven't been to a major bowl game in over fifty years. ugh! I had a very depressing night last night. But the company was good. I was surprised how many BC alums are in London. There were a good amount of superfans watching the game last night. So that was good. I just wish there could have been a different outcome. I won't talk about it anymore because I might cry.

go eagles!

this must have been before we realized it was over.
there were no smiles after that point.

one of the only moments of celebration all night

Coming to an end

I had to say my first goodbye today. Lisanne went back home to Amsterdam. It was so hard for me. I don't know how to handle saying goobye to people I may never see again. And I am really not looking forward to having to say goodbye to everyone else--one person was bad enough.

On a happier note, the ACC championship is tomorrow. BC vs. V-tech. And all the BC kids from all over london are getting together to watch the game. Apparently, BC alumni in London get together a lot to watch the games so they told us about a great sports bar that will show the game. I am so excited!!! It has been so long since I have seen a game. I can't wait to have some football excitement pumping through my veins again. We are all going to wear our superfan shirts and probably dominate the bar. haha.

Here is what I have been watching to get pumped up for tomorrow.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=gMtmQMnjSDM&eurl=http://atleagle.blogspot.com/&feature=player_embedded

Thursday night me and my friends went into london to Trafalgar Square to see the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Every year Nowary gives a gaint tree to London for the ceremony. They have been doing it since 1947 to show their solidarity from WWII. And now it is considered a frienship ceremony. It was a very cute ceremony. The Norwegian ambassador was there and his speech was quite cute. And I had my first experience with Boris Johnson who is the mayor of London. HE IS HILARIOUS. I had heard some stories about him. The typical response to him from londoners is "oh Boris" as they smile. He is such a character.

Well I got a ton of essay to write. AH! See you all in 13 days!!!

Steph, Lisanne, and me in front of the Norwegian christmas tree

Trafalgar Square with the tree

Me and Ryan passing the London Eye at night on our way to Trafalgar Square

21!!

This weekend I finally had my 21st birthday party! I had a joint party with one of my best friends here Ryan (see picture to the left) who was also turning 21. It was one of the best nights. We invited all of our friends here to come out with. So there was a huge group, probably like 25 people. We first went to the pub right across from campus called Monkey's Forehead and then we headed over to the club/pub on campus called Medicine. Usually we just go out with a couple of people and alternate groups of friends ever so often. This was the first time the whole group of us went out. We dominated every place we went. haha.

And while I was out I had my BC friends update me with the scores of the BC football game. It was a very important game. If we won we would go to the ACC Championship. AND OF COURSE WE WON!!! So we are going to the ACC championship to play Virginia Tech again. Just like last year. Except I won't be able to fly down to florida this year and watch them! But, hopefully we will show them the rightful acc champs and win. Im definaly going to find a way to watch that game here on saturday.

My group of friends here surprise me with some birthday gifts. It was sooooo nice. Totally unexpected. My australian friends gave me a really sweet ring with a pearl on it. And my big groups of friends got me a GUCCI bracelet from Harrods. Its silver with a little heart on it. HOW NICE IS THAT? I couldn't believe it. And Ryan got an ipod!!! It was a fabulous birthday. And I will always remember it. And whenever I wear my bracelet I'll think about how much I love these people and these past three months.

I can't believe its already december. I only have two weeks left here. Its so sad. I'm really going to miss everyone here. I don't know how I lived 21 years without them in my life. But I'm so happy that I me them.

Here are some pictures from my party.

Me, Ryan, and Katie (both also go to BC) celebrating after we learn that BC WON!!

Stephanie, Ryan, and Me all dressed up for the party

My friends from New Zealand, Australia, and Canada

EVERYONE at Monkeys Forehead. Gosh I love them!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Hi everyone! and Happy Thanksgiving! This was my first Thanksgiving without my family. So I was a little sad but I'm glad that if I couldn't be with my family I was with my BC family. BC paid for a little dinner for us last night. It wasn't really what I expected. It was mostly just appetizers and finger foods. I literally had vegetables and nachos for thanksgiving dinner! So wrong! But I still had fun. A couple of my roommates from last year were visiting london this week so I spent a lot of time this week. And it was so much fun.

Tuesday night I came into London. We wanted to see a show. Orginally we were going to see Phantom of the Opera which I was so excited about but it was sold out so we saw Dirty Dancing instead. It was actually so much fun. It had really fun dancing, obviously. But the rest of it was so cheesy and hilarious and just fun. We had a great time. And after the show we had a girls night out at Ministry of Sound, a famous club here. And that was just amazing. I reall missed all of my friends so it was good to go with them again.

Wednesday we took the shopping on oxford st. I have been there so many times but it never gets old. And now that it is christmas season oxford st and all the shops had lights and tree and ribbon everywhere. It was gorgeous. During the christmas season at BC me and my friends always have a tradition of watching Love Actually the movie because it is about christmas and love. So we ordered pizza and watched that together. And then we went iceskating at Somerset House, which was beuatiful.

Here are some pictures. I love london during christmas!!!

Oxford Street with Xmas lights

A shop on Oxford St. SO PRETTY

Somerset House Ice Skating Rink

In front of the giant tree at Somerset House

Girls Night Out

One of my favorite pictures from my london experience.

I missed them so much!

4 of 8 girls from our suite last year.

Bruges and Amsterdam

This weekend I was in Bruges and Amsterdam. I only had a little bit of time in each place but I wish I had more. I pretty much go to do all the major tourist things but I just loved walking around Amsterdam and I didn't get to that enough.

To get to Belgium we drove a bus on a train in the chunnel. It was really strange to think i was inside a bus inside a train inside a tunnel. haha. It was quite a long journey. We stopped in Bruges just for a couple of hours. We kind of just walked around the center of town and then had some belgium waffles and belgium hot chocolate for lunch. Bruges is famous for chocolate and lace so there were chocolate and lace shops everywhere but we didnt really have enough time to go look through all of them.

We arrived in Amsterdam around 8. We quickly stopped at the hotel and then we into town. I ate the best falafel of my life. I dont know if it was really that good or if I was just starving. We had the weirdest weather there. It would just start hailing out of nowhere. and I mean really HAILING. it was painful at times. I was kind of curious to see the Red Light District. I mean I didn't really want to spend a great deal of time there but I just kind of wanted to see it. But we couldn't find it on the map and it was so freezing that we didnt really want to wonder around the whole night. So we settled for some pubs.

Amsterdam has this scandolous reputation but the city is actually one of the cutest European cities I've seen. There are canals all throughout the city with boats everywhere and beautiful brick builings alongside the water.

Saturday morning I spent in two little towns outside Amsterdam--Edam and Voldondam. We walked around the dutch countryside, saw sheep, windmills, and CLOGS. Then in the afternoon I went to the Van Gogh Museum, which was really cool, and through the flea market. Sunday morning before I left I saw Anne Franks House. That was really interesting. It was almost exactly how I pictured it from the book. And of course all the clips of film they showed and the quotes from her diary were very moving.

Belgium chocolate house--my dream house!! haha

so good!

in edam

sheep!

amsterdam is so pretty!

pictures from barcelona!!!!!

My laptop is finally back from the dead!!
Here are some of my favorite pictures from Barcelona. I loved that city. I want to go back!!

Fountain show. Great way to end my trip to Barcelona

On top of La Pedrera. Gaudi is crazy.

Some tile for my parents to see. This was at Gaudi's park.

at the beach

a view of La Sagrada Familia at sunset from La Pedrera

sunset on top of La Pedrera

one of the crazy chimneys at la Pedrera

Gaudi's Parque de Guell. You can see the city and the ocean

Im obsessed with the tiled bench.

More of the park

more cool tile to show my parents. from the park as well.

La Sagrada Familia. Still under construction after all these years.



Inside la sagrada famila.

inside la sagrada familia. looks like a forest of daisies.

I LOVE GAUDI.

one of gaudi's other apartment buildings.

the roof is suppose to look like a dragon.