In Europe!

Today is our 8th day of the trip! I am currently typing on a French keyboard, which is quite a challenge. We landed in Manchester on December 22nd. Jeremy and I stayed in Horwich to spend Christmas with my dad;s (I cannot find the apostrophe keyboard so semicolons will have to do) side of the family, while my mom and John ventured to Liverpool to stalk the Beatles. Christmas with the family was lovely as we both felt very included and welcome. I had been feeling anxious since I had not seen any of the English family in over seven years. That all melted right away.
On December 26th we headed to London for two nights. In two jam packed days we took a flight on the London Eye and visited Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guards. Then we taxied over to St. Paul;s Cathedral where Jeremy and I climbed to the very top of the dome. The next day Jeremy got really sick and was unable to rally until about 1pm in the afternoon, so all we conquered that day was the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The Crown Jewels were a definate highlight for me. We wrapped up the day with a late dinner at a Greek restaurant near our hotel at Hyde Park. Since childhood I have heard the English have terrible food, but all of my meals have been wonderful!
Today we were up with the sun to catch our train under the English Channel to Paris. Max (my roommate from last year who we are staying with) met us at the station to escort us to his apartment. It is a beautiful apartment right in the middle of Paris. From where I am sitting at the dining room table I can see the Effiel Tower literally sparkling one mile away. Every hour on the hour from 6pm to 2am the Effiel Tower lights up for a few minutes with flashing sparkles. It is fantastic to look at. Tomorrow Jeremy and I have our hearts set on Notre Dame and the Latin Quarter. There is less of a rush for Paris since we have four nights here. I am very excited to spend my New Year;s Eve under the Effiel Tower!

Less than a month away!

I am getting closer to departure with it being less than a month away. At this point, almost everything is in order. I will be taking three English classes at the University of Westminster to fulfill my Seattle U English minor elective requirements. I am also doing an internship at a London PR firm called New Century Media for academic credit. I am really excited about that!

I have begun reading European travel books from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet. My mom, John and Jeremy are coming with me for Christmas and New Year. It is the first time off of North America for all of them. We are flying into Manchester, England, spending a few days in London and then Paris for celebrating the New Year.

This trip is slowly becoming a dream come true. My excitement is almost enough to quell my nerves!

10.03.2010 Good News

As the first posting, I will say I am early in beginning this blog since my departure flight is not until December 21. I do come with good news that I have been conditionally accepted into the CIEE study abroad program at the University of Westminster in London. This means that I have been accepted by CIEE, now I am waiting on approval from the University of Westminster. I should be receiving my official acceptances within these first few weeks of October.

In the meantime, become one of my blog followers if you would like to stay updated on my adventures abroad!