23 November 2008

Winter weather, and how do you say it, ED-IN-BUR-OH (Edinburgh)?

It's about that time here in London when you're lucky if the weather is in the upper forties. Or when you walk outside around 4 PM and swear its at least 8 because it's so dark. Is this how it is in this northern part of the world? Rain has come to be a customary norm... And as much as I loved it before, I have truly learned to appreciate the San Diego sun. Nonetheless, it really feels like Fall/Winter. I absolutely love the chilling air as I walk down the Christmas lit alleys of Oxford St. after work. With a good coat, boots, and scarf - it's manageable. One thing however, that I have grown to not have so much patience for is the constant crowd that never seems to fade - no matter what time. London is full of people. And maybe now, that I'm not so much of a tourist here... I notice, and care. OPEN SPACE people, please! It's a little weird, to be so Christmas festive this early in November. I used to Thanksgiving... And then AFTER that having all the Christmas stuff come out. But then again, who cares. I love this time of year... I just wished that with all the festive things coming out, that it FELT more like it. It's weird to be so far away this time of year. Thanksgiving is this week and it's my first one in 20 years away from family. It's a little odd... But as I get older, it was bound to happen at least one year right? Being away, while the entirty of my large family gets together... Hmm... I'm not going to lie, I love it here in London. But in 3 weeks time, when I have to leave, it will definitely be due season. I'll be ready. 6 months is a LONG time. It's been absolutely fantastic! But as the holiday season sneaks up to take me by surprise... As I become more and more eager to see my family and friends... I will be ready to go home on that December morning.

Aside from that, I want to add that I've been plugging into one Hillsong's young adults connect groups. It has been such a blessing, and without a doubt, much needed!

Okay, so Edinburgh. And seriously, even if I did spend a weekend there, I still have issues saying it. I have also come to the conclusion that British accents are overrated, and I absolutely LOVE the way Scottish people talk. Their accent has such a musical ring to it! This trip has been by far my favorite! I liked the city so much more than the others I've been to. There's just something about the feel to it. We were in weather that was in the low 30's... windchills and everything! But even with the fact that we were undoubtedly FREEZING- it was such a great time! We explored Edinburgh Castle for the first part of the morning and then roamed around the streets on the Royal Mile and Princess Street. Had some coffee, of course, and walked through the shops full of plaid scarves, kilts, and an assortment of different souvies. I treated myself to some Scottish cashemere, which is absolutely amazing! Although we did see a little bit of the stereotypical Scottishmen in kilts with bagpipes, I was disappointed that we didn't see more. I guess it goes to show how modernization of a city can cause it to lose it essence. That, or make one completely mre appreicative of its growing absence. But maybe you get more of the traditional when you step outside of the big city. All in all, Scotland, in all of its cold and chill, was a great trip and my favorite by far!

With love from London,
Carla

17 November 2008

Updates!

So there is definitely a lot to update on. I will first preface by saying that I am currently organizing my Photobucket account. So, I have set up different albums and have added a few more pictures. I am working on getting the albums up for Budapest, Dublin, and Barcelona within this week. All of these albums will be a sub album of the one called "Fall Semester in London 2008"

Barcelona - November 8-9, 2008
My weekend in Barcelona was definitely much needed. There has been a lot that has changed in me in my five months abroad, and some of these changes are a bit less "uptight". In California, and it may actually be a result of the lack of rainfall, I absolutely despised being in heat. I loved the rain, and anytime this weather of preference made an appearance, I would be ecstatic. Not to be mistaken, I still love this weather... But living in one of the most "sunghine-less" regions in this world has made me appreciate California sunshine all the more. I miss the sun, even if it is just a little bit. I miss the ocean, and the beach. The Thames River is nice - but it's no Pacific Ocean, cold or warm. So anticipating Barcelona riled me with excitement. Excitement for some sunlight and for ocean. Our first day there started early. We left The Crofton at 3 AM and caught a cab to Victoria. A 30 minute train ride to Gatwick Airport and then another 2 hours on easyJet to SPAIN! I was absolutely tired by the time we landed - all because of my lack of sleep the night before. Our first day was chilly, and the sun came out here and there. Nonetheless, it didn't stop us from soaking in the culture. We did a lot of walking that day - exploring the harbor, and the majority of the city. Some of the more major sites were: Paulo Nacional, Portal de l'Angel, Arc de Triomf, Torre Agbar, the slight equivalent to the British Guirken, La Rambla, Port Vell... The only sad part was that the Magic Fountain was not working. The next day proved to be more promising as the sun was actually out radiating its heat. This day we saw the Sagrada Familia, which is by far one of my favorite sites in Barcelona. This Church is stunning! I have never seen architecture quite like it... It looks like a mud building, to be honest. But the way things seems to be etched into it, the sculpting and art - it's a remarkable sight. We also saw the Casa Mila and Casa Batllo. Spainsh food is great! I had my share of Paella, Tapas, and yeah, Sangria. Overall, the weekend in Barcelona was great!

One month left...
It's crazy how fast time flies. Part of me is ready to be home, but the other part doesn't want to leave London. I love this city and all of its different facets. I have definitely grown a lot in my time here, but we can save that for another blog. Working at the Travel Channel has also been quite the interesting experience. I have been exposed to so many apects of TV and have learned a lot about it. I've opportunity after opportunity to do some really amazing things such as working with an editor in an editing suite to put together VT's for a big Travel Market. I have written and turned in 4 supporting articles for the December website. I got to film on set at the World Travel Market with a film crew and all that jazz. I've researched more than enough about Mauritius and the Nile region in Egypt... And not to mention, praying for my intense figure of a supervisor is actually working and God is good! London is becoming more and more holiday festive, and COLD. I love it. Minus the cold on some days, but walking around Oxford Street and seeing it decked out in lights is the best feeling!

I apologize for this being so rushed, but it is nonetheless an update. Be sure to check on the pictures here. All of my albums are on the left hand tab.

Upcoming Trips to: Edinborough, Scotland this weekend & Geneva, Switzerland next weekend.

With love from London,
Carla