What do you know - I AM learning here!

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

I'll be honest - I was a little worried about going to London because I felt as though I wouldn't learn as much in class as I did in the states. I almost expected it to be like a four-month vacation. While the workload is certainly less than it was in the states, I find myself learning so much more than I had anticipated.

The first couple of weeks were pretty difficult for me. I was homesick. I like to pretend I'm strong and yadda yadda. Whatever. But the truth is, I missed my mommy and daddy too! I missed my family, friends, professors, special friends ( :) ), everything. I missed JIF peanut butter. I missed Wegmans. It was hard, but I got over that barrier, and was able to allow myself to enjoy London in my own way. I began to do things that appealed to me, and I began to get closer to my friends. I don't know what I would do without the friends I have made in college. Some of them were feeling homesick too, and some of them were having the time of their lives right from the beginning. No matter what their situation was, they were there for me and lifted me out of the rut I was in. When you are in such close quarters, as we are in this program, you become much more aware of your relationships with people. I have become so much more aware of the kind of person I want to be, and the kind of people I want to surround myself with. Life is far too short to spend time being upset, or around people that bring you down. Relationships we form - whether friendships or romantic - should enrich our lives. They should not be exhausting, or a burden to us. This is not to say that they don't take effort - they most certainly do. They are two-way streets, though. They require compassion, effort, and respect. I have never been so grateful in my life for the the relationships (of all types) I have formed in college. I have learned so much about myself and the kind of person I aspire to be. I have found that I've been so much happier since I've been thinking this way. Life lessons being learned in London! My dad would be proud. Now, time for pictures of some of my favorite people :) I hope everyone is able to find people like this in their lives.

xo Jamie

The streets of Dublin...

I'm back from another weekend trip! This time the motley crew went to Ireland. I feel so refreshed. There is something so magical about Ireland. If you're thinking about going...GO!

We flew into Dublin and spent the first day exploring. Does anyone remember Westlife? They're a European boyband who had a hit in the USA in 2000. We saw them in the window of a department store raising money for the situation in Haiti. We went out at night, and let me tell you, Dublin knows how to party. People are so incredibly friendly, charming, welcoming and want to have fun. Saturday, we went out to the countryside - more importantly, Dun Laoghaire and Bray. I will put pictures up once I swipe them from my friends, bahaha. The water reminded me so much of my home in Olympia. The smell of the water, the atmosphere. I've been feeling a little anxious and stressed, so the daytrip was exaaaactly what I needed. In Bray, I met up with a good friend of mine from high school who is studying abroad in Vienna, but was visiting Dublin. She, her Irish boyfriend, Hallie and I then went to her boyfriend's gig about 45 minutes outside of Dublin. On our way to the gig, he stopped at Killiney. We saw Bono's house, Enya's house, and Van Morrison's house - WHO KNEW?! The pub the gig was at was WONDERFUL. We were the only Americans in there - no tourists. It was a REAL Irish pub with incredible Irish music playing. Look up the band - Ladd Lane. They are absolutely fabulous and mesmerizing. I drank Guinness (I was in Ireland, come on) and the magic of Ireland made it taste like candy.

Most of the class in Dun Laoghire.

Dancing with Jessica to the music of an Irish accordion player.

View from Killiney (outside Enya's house - HELLO).

I'm back in London now, rejuvenated and beyond happy that I experienced the magic of Ireland. The accent alone is worth the trip. My birthday is in 2 weeks and GREECE in less than that! HOLLABACK.

xo Jamie

Amsterdam, Amsterdam...

I've survived my weekend in Amsterdam!

I will be the first to tell you, that you can enjoy Amsterdam even if you don't particularly enjoy cannabis. The city itself is incredibly quaint and charming. Everyone there seemed to be at least a foot taller than me, and they all rode bikes. I almost got run over a zillion times, but it was fun.

The Anne Frank museum was incredibly moving. It was a lot to take, especially on the first day there, but it was beautiful. I am so glad I went! I also got to go to the Vincent Van Gogh museum which I was soooo happy I went to. 14 euros well spent. The man was, simply put, a genius. I loved learning about his life, and where he pulled inspiration from. The Red Light District was a real eye-opener. It was amazing to me that a place like that EXISTS. I loved it and I didn't even buy a prostitute!

But perhaps the most monumental moment of my trip to Amsterdam, was the fact that I ENJOYED A BREAKFAST FOOD ITEM THERE. For those of you who know me, I'm not a big breakfast eater - waffles, pancakes, most eggs, French toast, ew ew ew. I hate it. But there was a glorious little restaurant called The Pancake Bakery that won me over. I ordered a banana pancake. Out came a thin slice of Heaven, almost like a crepe, sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Oh my GAAAWWWWDDDD. I ate that shit up and I'm proud of it.

Here are some random pictures (not minessss, my camera's not here yet - stolen from Tim!)

Canal in Amsterdam.

Church.

My plate perfectly outlined in powdered sugar.

I get to see Ian McKellan in Waiting for Godot tomorrow, which is booomb. Also, if you have the chance to read/see the play The Whisky Taster ever in your life, SEE THAT SHIT. Just do it.

Off to Dublin this weekend! Ta.

xo Jamie

Ramblin' rose...

I have nothing particularly exciting to talk about today...just a warning.

I just got back from seeing Richard III in Hammersmith - the actor playing Richard was unbelievable. It was definitely difficult for the rest of the cast to measure up to him, but overall it was interesting and strong production. I had prepared myself for disappointment, but it was grool (Mean Girls reference).

Something else I'd like to talk about is the fact that I think I'm growing up. I am growing out of my cynical, angsty teenage phase (I probably should have been out of that for a couple of years now) and into womanhood. No, it's not the London air that is doing this to me, but my own self (proud of it). I don't know when/why/how I thought of that, but it came to me today, and I wanted to remember it.

The next thing I'd like to talk about is how much I love seeing people in love. Every day, without fail, there is at least one couple on the tube so madly in love, I can't help but smile. I catch myself staring at couples whispering sweet nothings in each other's ears, canoodling, Eskimo-kissing...sigh. I am surprised by how I'm not sickened by it, but really, it brightens up each day immensely.

That's all :) I am a ramblin' rose.

RIP Canon PowerShot SD750...

I am an idiot and dropped my camera last night after Amber's surprise birthday party. I found a place in London that repairs cameras and contacted them - the estimate they gave me was about 80 pounds to repair it. Since that's cheaper than buying a new camera, that's what the plan is.

Here are some pictures from last night! It was a great time.

Me and the birthday girl!

Tanner clearly having a good time.

My new annoying altar ego.

Greg came to join us.

I spent today doing laundry, random work, went for a run in Hyde Park, and calculating more - now that I've spent a little more than I bargained for on Amber's festivities and now, my camera repair. I've decided all of those trips mentioned in the last post is a wee bit ambitious, so I have decided to cut out Prague and Switzerland. I will find a way to make it to the Alps (most likely when I visit France), but I think it's more realistic. Including the remaining school trips, I will only spend three weekends in London.

Off to Amsterdam this weekend! Too bad my camera won't be repaired in time. Au revoir!

xo Jamie

What a trip.

One of the main reasons I wanted to come to London is the incredible opportunity to travel. So many amazing places are accessible to me because I'm in London. I spent all day researching the places I'd like to go this semester. Here's where Jamie's gon' go, for all of you interested:

1. Prague

The architecture in Prague is what really interests me - so much baroque, neo-classical, gothic, and modern architecture. Not to mention, the Barbie and toy museum is in Prague. 'Nuff said.

2. Germany

My aunt lives near Frankfurt, and I found a flight to and from Frankfurt for 10 pounds both ways. Why not? I can't wait.

3. The Swiss Alps

I have always wanted to see the Alps. I think they are absolutely stunning. I'd be happy seeing ANY Alps, but I am drawn to Switzerland. So let's go.

4. Cinque Terre, Italy

I am going here, no matter what. A hike through five beautiful Italian villages hidden within the rocks. This is a definite Spring Break possibility - fly to Pisa, go to Cinque Terre and explore. Sounds good to me.

5. Greece

If you know me, you know I have an unusual affinity for Greece. I have been looking forward to studying abroad, as it gives me an opportunity to visit the place I've been dreaming about since elementary school. I love mythology, history, art, philosophy, EVERYTHING from Greece. I WILL ride a donkey in Greece and eat endless amounts of feta cheese and black olives.

6. Paris

Easy to get to and from. Lots of gorgeous art, shopping, food, and beautiful people. I wish I could do a handstand so I could do one in front of the Eiffel Tower.

xo Jamie

Today I learned...

Today I learned that "Pocahontas" means "little whore". Thanks, Timmy the Kidd!

xo Jamie

The interweb, at last!

Hello, devout followers. I finally have internet in my flat, so this sucker can get updated more often.

It is hard to believe I've been in London for three weeks now! Time is flying by already. I've done and seen so much in three little weeks. So here's a recap:

1. Found and moved into our flat. Our landlord is batshit crazy.
2. Met all my teachers and am mildly obsessed with all of them.
3. Saw Buckingham Palace (my girl, Queen Liz).
4. Went to a crazy club and drank a little too much.

5. Went to Westminster Abbey - beautiful and eerie.

6. Saw The Caretaker, which was mind-blowing.

7. Went to Bath and saw...the Roman baths. Tasted the water, too - liquid copper. Delish!

8. Drank a little too much in Bath. No, those weren't all for me.

9. Saw Stonehenge (didn't pee on it as I had planned - instant fame).

10. Saw The Habit of Art starring Uncle Vernon.
11. Planned trips to Amsterdam and Dublin. More to come!
12. Eaten/discovered so many sweets, it's sickening (but also the best everrrr).

That is what has happened so far in a nutshell. I can't believe it's already February! I'll be back in the states before I know it, so I want to see as much as I possibly can while I'm here. I miss everyone back home terribly! I think of you all frequently, don't fret. Until next time!

xo Jamie