Where to begin. This journey really began over a year ago when I suddenly became determined to go to Grad School. At the advice of a Professor at Chapman, I chose to explore the possibilities of International Studies. And now, a mere 12 months later I find myself embarking on this journey. So here it is, a travel blog, for those I love and miss at home, and eventually for myself for memories long forgotten.
I think it best to start this blog at my official OC going away party. My best friend (Therese) threw me an amazing party that I will never forget. The night was magical (at least for me) to be surrounded by my chosen family and to share laughter, tears, stories, food, and OC adventures. Following the party I had but a few days to pack up my life and get myself on a plane with all the earthly possessions I simply could not live without.
The following days are somewhat of a blur to me. I must acknowledge my amazing sister, who spent those days folding and packing up everything I placed in "must go", "eh", "hell no", and various give away piles. Without her, I never would have fit everything into 3 suit cases. Yes, 3, don't judge me. Do you know how much space Uggs take up?? Well, let me tell you, its no easy task getting those jammed into a small space.
My last day in the States quickly approached. And my bff being the amazing person that she is, agreed to get up at 5am to attend one final yoga class with me. (I know, who goes to yoga @ 6am?? Nutzo.) But we did it :) and we got SO SICK in the process. In the past, we would normally attend the night classes, allotting for a fully day of eating, digesting, and water consumption. Now for those of you who are familiar with Bikram Yoga, you know just how important the above activities are. That was the first class where I saw T take breaks during postures, and seriously thought I wasn't going to make it to the end of class. Now, you may think I regret getting my ass up at the crack of dawn to torture myself. Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but I would have done it again in a heartbeat. I miss yoga, and that was my last chance to practice at a Studio I know and respect.
What's the logical lunch following a hellish Yoga session?? In N Out of course. (duh!) My last meal at home simply HAD to be Animal Style Fries :) T came with my family and I as we classed it up at the old In N Out. And then we were off. Off to LAX where I was sure to be felt up by some airport attendee who had determined in their head that I embodied the image of trouble.
Fast Forward through 10 hours of movies, too much wine, cramped spaces, and awkward sleeping; landing safely at London Heathrow International Airport. After making it safely through customs, where the female officer interrogating me nearly made me crap my pants (where are the "opps I crapped my pants" when you need them?? SNL reference, anyone? anyone?) Sarah and I managed to make it out to the Taxi landing where we hopped in a cab that would be the single most expensive cab ride I am sure I will ever pay for. 60 pounds later (or nearly $120 USD) we safely arrived at my flat. As I check into my building, got my keys and the low down on the works, I begin to realize that "this is it" this is what I had been planning for the last 12 months...truly an odd feeling.
So up we go, up to room 3.01 , or "home for now" rather, and begin the process of moving in. Now, for those of you who know me, you know that there are few things in life I hate more than unpacking. If Sarah wasn't here with me for the first few days, I would still be living out of those 3 suit cases with contents such as; 35 pairs of underwear (ya, I know, I rarely wear them, but it didn't feel right to simply not pack them...weird, I know) somewhere in the realm of 40 tank tops, 3 bikini's, oh and 1 coat. I am SO prepared. I know EXACTLY what I am getting myself into. (sarcasm intended)
So, thanks to Sarah, all the clothes made it out of my suitcases and got placed somewhere in my flat. The adventure really began when I started hunting for items I was sure I brought. Like toothpaste...ya, finding that was fun. And wifebeaters, I mean, how they ended up where they did is news to me, but at least I don't have to sleep in my birthday suit pressed against a floor to ceiling window that overlooks neighbors and the communal courtyard anymore. (yay for making new friends??)
Following our initial arrival, Sarah and I went on an excursion in search of essentials. We were directed to a store called Sainsbury's as a one stop shop, where we could get bath towels, food, ect. Well, "bath towels" was a bit of a stretch. We ended up coming back with hand towels that we had to use for showering. (Camping much) Sainsbury's is definitely no Target, but it for sure helped me get a solid start.
Thankfully I could get a fair amount of the missing"essentials" directly from my building. This came in handy immediately when I needed bedding, pillows, and dishes. I simply called down and had them delivered to my room! (Much appreciated.) Since we arrived in the afternoon, we didn't have enough time to make it out to purchase an air mattress before the stores closed, so as you can imagine, our first night in the flat sharing a twin sized bed was COZY to say the least.
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