When in Europe the UK and Beyond: Buckingham Palace, Traflgar Square and Harrods

1/10/2016

Today we took a double decker tour of London. We saw everything from Buckingham Palace to Harrods. Overall it was a very informational day and I learned quite a lot about the city of London.

First stop was Trafalgar Square. It was massive in size. In the entrance of the square there is a large monument that stood erect. On the top of the monument there was a golden angel. Surrounding the base of the monument there were several different figures that were made of marble. Protecting the monument were bronze lions.

We grabbed a bite to eat and then made our way to Buckingham Palace. There was someone leaving the palace as we were getting closer. A police officer with an M16, told everyone to clear the way as he opened up the gate. When we got to palace I was surprised by how far away a person was from the palace. There were armed guards everywhere. It was definitely a very secure area that is for sure.

Finally we made our way through the Retail Mega Store Harrods. This place was a mansion with six floors and everything you ever wanted you could get. Everything was overly priced. While at Harrods: "Hey Matt lets go and check to see how much the towels are..." my Mom said.” Mom they will be really expensive..." I said. "Let us go and see... 115 pounds???!" she exclaimed. We then had dinner at an Italian Restaurant and then made our way back to the hotel.

Tomorrow I move into Richmond! I cannot wait to be there and start orientation!!

When in Europe the UK and Beyond: First Impressions

1/9/16   

The morning started by a quick meal at McDonalds with my mother. After we finished breakfast we walked around Kensington for a bit. I set up a phone for the UK.  Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel to join my Dad as we ventured into Central London.

We started the day off by touring the Tower of London. My first impression as we walked in was that it was a musty and old castle, but as I got deeper into the castle, I became more interested in the history that took place. It was particularly interesting looking at the Kings Royal Armor. I was amazed that the armor has been able to be preserved for so long. We eventually made our way to the Crown Jewels. There were several crowns from different kings and queens in protective glass casing. I wish that you were able to take pictures of the crowns but it was forbidden. Each crown was special in its own design. Every crown had its own large diamonds lining the top of the crown. Some of the crowns had different types of stones, such as rubies, sapphires and emeralds. My favorite crown had a purple lining as the exterior of crown. In the center of the crown there was a ruby.  Medium sized diamonds lined the sides of the crown in a cross like formation. Sitting atop the crown was a larger diamond that topped the whole crown off.

After we finished at the Tower of London, we walked across the Tower Bridge. We then made our way down the River Thames. Eventually we made it to the Shakespearean Globe, although we did not tour we poked our head in to check it out. Next we had lunch at a small pizzeria along the Thames. Following lunch we continued our walk along the river till we reached Westminster Abby, sadly though it had closed at 1 and we were too late. We then hopped back onto the tube and made our way back to the hotel. We hung out for a half hour or so then, my Mom and I went to the store to get towels.

When we got back we headed out to a pub called the Prince of Wales. With my chicken which tasted excellent I had some kind of German beer. It wasn’t the most horrible tasting beer, but wasn’t good either. My mother parted ways from my Dad and I as we went in search of another pub to drink at.

It took us several minutes to locate a pub as it seemed that there were none around, as ironic as that was. My father ordered a Pale Ale and I got a local favorite called “London Glory”, it was far better than the German beer which I had earlier. We then went back to hotel were we spent the rest of the night.

As for the day itself, it was misting off and on. I have been told that this is typical for England this time of the year. However, on the flipside it was warm! It was in the 50’s! (I never thought I’d hear myself say that, but after leaving 30 degree weather, I am very happy to settle with the 50’s.) It was quite funny really you could tell the tourist from the local just by what they were wearing. The locals were all bundled up in winter coats, while I along with the other tourist happily strode around in light spring coats.

My initial impressions of London thus far are as follows:

The drivers are aggressive. This is not a joke, if you do not use the cross walk you very well might be ran over or injured.

It is a very quiet city. Compared to other cites I’ve been to it is far more quiet in London. One could best describe it as people using their inside voices. The subway systems are far much quieter than the MBTA and it is actually quiet enjoyable.

Mind the Gap. This is a local saying that I’ve taken great humor in. On the tube, most of the station platforms have a gap between the train and the platforms.

Look left. Look right. In the more touristy areas written on the cross walks before your cross these phrases are written.

London is a runner’s city. No matter where you seem to go runners are everywhere. This is something I plan to take advantage of.

London’s bars are a social experience. Everyone at the bar is having lively conversations, and no one seems to be in any hurry to get out of the pub or bar. One enjoys the ambiance as well as the social aspect.

The red double decker buses are everywhere. They get in the way of the pictures you are trying to take.

The pigeons are vicious and they will come from any direction.

As for tomorrow’s plans, we are more than likely going to go on a double decker tour of London. We are going to check out Buckingham Palace and see if we can get into Westminster Abby.

When in Europe the U.K and Beyond: Arrival

The morning started around 4:30 am as we made our way to the airport. Once we got there we checked our bags and got through security in about 15 minutes or so. Our flight wasn't boarding until 7:20 so we had a solid two hours to kill. It seemed like eternity till we finally got to board the plane. Once we did to my pleasant surprise there was a wide array of activities to do on the plane. One could choose to play video games, watch movies, watch TV or even follow the flight path of the plane. I found following the flight path of the plane particularly entertaining. We were served an English Breakfast and by far it was one of the most tasty foods that I have ever had! There was a wide variety of movies to choose from, I watched the movies "Bridge of Spies" and "Ted 2". We were also served a vegetable sandwich with provolone cheese, it was delicious. Overall I'd say that the flight exceeded my expectations.



When we got to London, it took awhile to get to the hotel. Once we got to the High Street Kensington stop, we had to go and locate our hotel. After some directions from some locals we made it to the hotel. We were exhausted and tired from the days travels.



After we checked into the hotel we went out for a late dinner at a small pub called "Bill's". I ordered an Estrella Barcelona, it tasted good and so far my favorite beer I’ve had. After we finished eating at “Bill’s” we headed back to the hotel. My father and I went to the bar within the hotel and got two “Tigers”. We struck up a conversation with the Bartender, he was originally from India but he moved here six months ago. He was a very nice individual and he was able to give us some tips on where to go and what to see. Tomorrow we explore the city, I can’t wait to see it!

Predepature to England

On Friday I embark on a journey of a lifetime, a journey that will change me as a person.
I will be in an unfamiliar territory as I venture around England and beyond.
I have never been the best at navigation to be honest, but this soon will change.
I am excited as I am nervous.
I am eager to go yet, I am uncertain of what adventures lie ahead of me or what I will get out of them.
The most important thing for me to get out this experience is to have a more global mindset.
I feel so isolated by the American culture and by the ways that we do things, that I am blindsided to see anything else.
By going abroad I will gain valuable knowledge about different cultures and religions, which in the long run is going to be crucial as we have evolved into an ever globalized economy.
The adventure is just beginning, so stay tuned and follow me as a take a journey across England and beyond!

5 year Anniversary

On December 22, 2010 I created my blog. Today marks the 5 year anniversary of my blogs creation. When I first started out my blog, I had little to no idea with what I was going to do with it. I thought that it was just going to be a creative outlet in which I could freely express my ideas. I never thought that it was going to garner so much attention over the years. It was not until my sophomore year of college that I realized that my blog could be something more.  I realized that my words could become something more. I could use my words to inspire and motivate others into thinking differently.  Thus I found the meaning of my blog and today I continue upon this path. I would like to thank all of my blog readers and those who have supported me over the years. If it weren't for you, my blog might not have been successful as it has been.

My blog is going to take a slight shift for the next few months, as I will be living in London, England. I am therefore going to be focusing on travel writing. I will be writing an extensive series entitled "When in Europe the UK and Beyond" which I will detail my adventures and experiences.

Here's to another 5 years and may I continue to inspire and motivate others for years to come!

Happiest Moment

This moment is so simple, yet it is filled with brilliance.
It feels so short, yet in comparison time never seems to pass it by.
I want this moment to last forever.
I don't want to let it go.
The day seems so perfect.
I wouldn't ever want to change a thing.
Yet this life of mine seems far too short to absorb this moment.
However, in the time that I do have I can't help but smile....
Because in this moment I am at my happiest.
I smile at the small things in life.
I smile at the person walking across the street.
I smile at the leaf that is resting upon the ground.
This life of mine there is so much do, yet I can't do it all.
But in this moment, everything is perfect.
I wouldn't want to change a thing.
I don't want to let it go.

College Survial Guide: Making it Through Finals in One Piece

Anxiety, stress, lack of sleep is the best ways to describe how most college students are feeling about their upcoming finals.
There is so much work to do, from last minute papers, to going all out to trying to secure that final grade we've been working for all semester.
A bit of advice I have come to realize is that you are going to need to take breaks between studying for your finals.
It is the best way to dim the stress between studying.
During these breaks I suggest that you do something that you are passionate about.
It hobby or it could be something as simple as watching a movie that you love.
Now I know what you are probably thinking.... that finals are more important and that the more time you spend studying the better off you will do.
While it is true that the more you prepare for them the better grade you will receive, by studying you are causing mental wear and tear on your body.
As a result this can cause stress, anxiety and for some people a lack of sleep.
By taking a simple hour out of your day to do something that makes you happy, will not only give your mind some much needed rest, but it'll also allow you to decompress, even if it is only for a brief period of time.