Thursday, April 22, 2010

Volcanoes, Sunshine, and Going Home

I am in the last few days of my stay in London. I cannot believe it is almost over. The time went so fast. This weekend I was walking in Kensington Gardens the sun was out and people were everywhere. It seems like not too long ago I was walking around there with snow on the ground!

I am sure you have heard about the Iceland volcano which erupted, causing the closure of European airspace. I began to wonder how long I would be stuck here and whether I would need to find a boat home. Thankfully the airspace has opened and Heathrow is returning to normal service. Which means I should be home this Sunday!

I have finished up all of my classes. Will be strange next fall to be back at SNC. Now I have two days left at my internship.

This past week has had wonderful weather. Bright blue sunshine skies and warm temps. I have enjoyed walking around soaking up the sun in Hyde Park.

Off to my last few days here and See you soon!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Easter in Edinburgh

Hello!

I have returned from my Easter weekend in Edinburgh, it was a fantastic weekend.

The city is beautiful and I was treated with great weather, a bit windy but a bit of sun each day.

I did see some snow however. Thankfully it was off in the nearby mountains! I enjoyed sightseeing around the city via a bus tour.

Main sights of the city included the Royal Yacht Britannica and the Queen's Official residence in Scotland, Hollyrood Palace.

My hotel was right off the Royal Mile, a road which connects Hollyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle. It is of course about a mile long and is a very busy place with many shops and tourists.

The architecture of the city is magnificent! The buildings reflect many time periods with amazing decoration and detail.

I toured around Edinburgh Castle taking in the Medieval Castle and views of the city. The castle is situated on top of a tall hill and looks very much like a fortress. In side the castle there are many exhibitions, including the Scottish Royal Jewels and Scottish Military History.

Just walking down the street in Edinburgh is an experience, there are bagpipers everywhere so your journey has a very Scottish soundtrack!

On Easter Sunday I decided to do some thing active and climb to the top of Aurthur's Seat. It is the stump of an ancient volcano in the middle of the city. I saw it on my first day and it looked very majestic. There was a path leading up to the top so no heavy duty rock climbing for me! The views at the top were breathtaking. I could see the whole city, the sea, the mountains, and the far off countryside. I could also see an approaching rain storm.

As I began my way down the clouds opened up. With rain and wind the path became very slippery. Not wanting to fall off the side I took my time one rock step at a time!

Overall it was a great trip! Pictures to come soon!!!


Thursday, April 1, 2010

Springtime?!?!



Well I had some great weather here! Sunny warm days that really felt like spring. However it would appear that the joke is on me as Wisconsin is enjoying 70s this week and I am stuck with rainy and cold!

And naturally I have chosen to go north for my Easter break to Scotland where there is the promise of snow!!!

I though I left behind this temperamental weather at home!

To antidote the cold I am posting some pictures I took this weekend when it was beautiful spring weather. They are all in the Notting Hill area, I think as I got quite lost while taking them!









Monday, March 29, 2010

Pictures!


London Eye

View of Parliament From the London Eye
Hampton Court
It is Spring time!!!!

In the maze at Hampton Court


Internship

Hello Again!

I started my internship a few weeks ago and it has been crazy!

I am working at Wealth Briefing a news service for wealth managers. It is a great place to work. I am writing articles which is really great! While I don't know much about the industry I am learning a lot!

It is definitely different working in a British office. My office is very relaxed. At the end of the day we sometimes go across the street to the pub. It is a great way to get to know my co workers better!

Otherwise I still have a few classes going on, British Life and Cultures, Creative Writing, Internship Seminar. A bit of work but will keep me in practice for next semester back in De Pere.

Yesterday I went to Hampton court. Most famously one of the palaces of Henry the VIII. Very interesting to see the castle and the history behind it! The gardens were beautiful as the flowers are blooming!

Coming up for Easter weekend I will be traveling to Edinburgh Scotland. It will be fun to see a new part of the UK!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Parents and Paris

Ok catching up with my blog!

Guards at Tower of London



Over my spring break my parents came to London to visit me. It was great to see them again and to show them my new home away from home! We enjoyed taking in the sights and seeing a couple shows. We even stumbled upon the world premiere of Alice in Wonderland. I am convinced that we were there as Johnny Depp was walking the red carpet due to the loud cheers!
Notre Dame

We also took the chunnel to Paris. I was excited to go back to France and see the sights I saw my first time there. Our hotel was right across from the Louvre. My favorite spots of the city reminded the same; Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Versailles. We had a mix of weather but overall it was good enough to enjoy our time in the city!




It was great to have my parents in town, a little taste of home!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

End of classes

This week has been busy! It is the last week of classes before spring break and the start of my internship!. Last week I had my interview. I am very excited to start. I will be interning at Wealth Briefing, an online magazine that writes articles for wealth managers. I will actually get the chance to write for the website. I am looking forward to finishing my papers and exams so I can enjoy for break! My parents are coming in tomorrow and I will show them London before we head to Paris!. I especially cannot wait to get back to Paris see if I can find the spots I was at the last time! Otherwise I am enjoying my time in England making new friends and exploring the city.