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

Packing is wack.

First of all, welcome to my blizzity-blog. If you're reading this, you probably know me and know that I am rather candid. This is the way I write and I hope you can get used to it. I decided to start this blizzog for all of my adoring fans and friends (aka my mother and father), so they can keep up with my life as I spend this semester across the pond in London. It's also for me. I want to remember this semester (except for when I'm totally wasted and fucked up COLLEGE RULEZZZ...kidding) and everything I learn, and while I have a special Moleskine to draw and write in, this allows me to document my semester with pictures and all that fancy shit. I'm already struggling to keep one of my New Year's resolutions, which was to swear less. Woopsies.

Second of all, packing blows. Like, seriously sucks. I have made (and revised...over and over) a list of all the clothing I want to bring. Four months is a weird amount of time to be gone. I wanted to make sure to have all the bases covered as far as clothes/shoes. I'm obsessed with street style in London - I'm going to have a ball people-watching. I started really packing today, and I've already cheated on my list several times. Oops. We're going to couple's therapy soon.

This is what my room looks like at the moment.

I am excited and nervous for this upcoming semester. I've never been to Europe before, just listened to the band. I'm a nerd when it comes to art and history so I'm definitely looking forward to traveling. I'm lucky to be traveling with some of my best friends, and can't wait to experience Europe with them. Don't worry, there will be lots of pictures. I am going to miss my family, and some amazing people at school, which is the shitty part. But 4 months will fly, so I'm going to make the most of it.

Well, thanks for reading (mom and dad). Next time I write will most likely be from the UK! Crazy.

xo Jamie