"bathing" beauty: Bath, England

     Today was the day I had been looking forward to all week!  Bath had been on my list of "places to visit" since visiting England on my first go-around.  Unfortunately though, I was unable to work the journey into my schedule during my second trip across the pond, but as they say: "third time's a charm"... or in my case, third trip's a charm!  I woke up early, boarded a train from Paddington Station and was on my way!  And may I just say, I was not to be disappointed!

 Overlooking the "Great Bath" inside the Roman Baths (with Bath Abbey in the background)

Bath water... literally. :)

 Stopped in for a visit to the Jane Austen Center (Centre)

Picturesque Avon in Bath.

     The history and beauty of Bath is beyond comprehension, and I'm so happy I made it a priority to visit on this adventure abroad.  To my beautiful friend Sarah (a.k.a. "the biggest Jane Austen fan I know"), the only thing that could've made my visit more enjoyable would have been to have you there experiencing it with me! 
     Tomorrow... fabulous food and fashion while out-and-about in London.   
XOXO ~Cheers!

Wizards, Monsters and Writers, too!

     Just a few of my recent in-London adventures include:  a day trip out to Oxford to see the first-ever "Quidditch" World Cup (for die-hard "HP" fans) with teams from the U.K., U.S., Austrailia, France, and Canada;  a visit to "The Eagle and Child" pub where legendary literary greats, J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis (a little group known as the "Inklings") once met to discuss their latest writings; and a phenomenal concert by the group, "Of Monsters and Men" at London's Scala music and arts venue (one of the best live shows I've ever been to).  And I'm just getting started........

Rachael and I taking the field, broomsticks in hand!

Lunch at The Eagle and Child; feeling very scholarly.

Allison and I, front and center, at Scala, ready to hear "Of Monsters and Men"!

FYI:  they sounded as great live (even better if possible), as they do recorded!

More to come soon... XOXO...

~Love from London.

LONDON calling!

     Let me begin by sending a big "HELLO" from across the pond!  I arrived in London two weeks ago, and the rush of Britain has swept over me like a surfer riding an A-frame wave on the North Shore.  Fish and chips, scones and tea, Dr. Martin's, and those friendly "mind the gap" reminders: each bringing realization to my senses that I am actually back in one of my favorite places in the world!  If you can't tell by now, I am hopelessly in love with London, England.
    

     When I got the news that I was selected to serve as a student mentor (or "RA") for the same study abroad program I went on as a student back in college, I was beyond excited!  Not because it's "THE" city to be in this summer (what with this little thing known as the "Olympics" going on), and not because I was looking for a vacation.  I wanted to go back because, well, I love it here (...I am truly British at heart), but even more so, I wanted the chance to encourage other students to grab every opportunity this amazing city has to offer!  The 5 weeks back in 2009, that I lived in London for the summer, was the greatest experience of my college career.  I not only learned a great deal from the lessons ("the Appeal of Harry Potter" was my course-- :) SO awesome!), but I grew as a person, becoming stronger, less fearful, and more independent.
     Since arriving here two weeks ago, it didn't take me long to get settled back into the "London lifestyle".  I welcomed the cool weather, and even the everyday rain showers couldn't put a damper on my being back!  And just this past weekend, I was blessed with the opportunity to journey back out to Paris, which also turned out to be the weekend of the French day of independence: Bastille Day!
     On the night of Bastille Day, all of Paris turned out, spilling into the streets and grounds under the Eiffel Tower to see the phenomenal fireworks show (seriously, the best I've ever witnessed).  To have the chance to experience this amazing sight was one dream that I never imagined, but am so thankful to have had.

 

      I'm now back in London and having a wonderful time with the students.  On Thursday, I have the day off, so I'm thinking of finally making my way out to Bath to see the Roman Baths and visit the Jane Austen Center. (Sarah- I really wish you were here!)  But for now... it's time for bed.  I may have quickly adapted to being back in London, but as for the 6 hour time difference from home... that's another story.

~XOXO... and of course, CHEERS!  :)