Canterbury, Leeds Castle and USA Soccer

Yesterday the School of Journalism took us on a great excursion to Leeds Castle and Canterbury!

Leeds Castle was one of the most beautiful places I have been during this trip. The gardens surrounding the castle were stunning. Also, the last owner of the castle had a love of birds so there were swans and peacocks roaming the grounds as well as a aviary. The aviary was one of my favorite sites on the property.

After the visit to the castle we journeyed on to Canterbury where we ate lunch (or in my case dessert) at a delicious pub and then browsed the shops that lined the ancient streets of the city.

We arrived home just in time to tune into the USA v. England game. Never in my life have I been so patriotic and excited to watch a soccer game (yes I believe i watched soccer, NOT football). I even ate a hot dog while the game was on. After changing my shirt to wear more patriotic colors, USA scored their goal — tying the game. Essentially a tie was a win for the US and a lose for England! USA USA USA!

Recap

In the past weeks I've been working hard at my internship creating our monthly restaurant email newsletters, while also researching media coverage of the Gulf Coast oil spill for my international media class.

Even though work and class has taken up the bulk of my time, I've had the opportunity to explore some really neat things in London. Here's a quick rundown of what I've been up to...

• Go to the British Museum and see the Rosetta Stone, Cleopatra's Mummy and acient ruins from Egypt
• Visit Weber Shandwick — the largest global communications agency — and speak to public relations professionals
• See Enron — an award-winning play about the buildup and fall of the Enron corporation during the 1990s
• Watch the opening night of the world cup at my favorite British pub, Sir John Oldcastle!

I Love Portobello... Not the Mushrooms

Today was the first dreary, rainy day I have had in London. But the rain was overlooked by the fabulous amount of shopping and hunting that I experienced at Portobello Market in Notting Hill.

For me, shopping is my favorite sport. It requires time, effort and excellent judgement in order to strategically choose which items are worth the money you are investing in them. I find it oddly satisfying to spend hours and hours shopping just to find one or two pieces that are the "best deal ever."

As someone who basks in the sport of shopping, nothing can compare to Portobello Market in the Notting Hill district of London. Stall after stall of antiques, clothes, jewelry, pastries and fresh fruit line both sides of more than two miles of Portobello Street.

After three hours in the market I walked away with a bag full of clothes and accessories, a happy tummy, and a wallet only £15 lighter.

Shopping in Portobello Market = SUCCESS

Henges & Baths!

On Saturday, the School of Journalism took my class on a trip to Stonehenge and Bath. With the warmest weather so far this year, it was a great day to see the sights and explore.

We started off on a very quiet two-hour ride to Stonehenge — the majority of the bus was asleep. As we neared closer to Stonehenge, one-by-one heads would wake up and gaze around to take in the farm scenery. Somewhat reminiscent of our corn and soybean farms in southern Indiana, Stonehenge is located in the middle of the English countryside in a hilly landscape featuring a bright yellow flowery crop.

When we first arrived at Stonehenge I believe most in my group were a little disappointed to see that it was literally a road stop in the middle of nowhere. But once we each received our audio tour-guide we began to understand the mystery and appeal of the structure.

In addition to the the history of Stonehenge we saw a real, live sheep farm. That's right... we were just as interested in the massive farm of sheep just next to the monument (If you don't believe that the sheep were really cute just click on the link to my album below this post).

Next it was on to Bath, a town just a few miles outside of Bristol. Bath was established by the Romans as a spa resort thousands of years ago, in dedication to the goddess Minerva. As with any historical British city, the scenery and landscape were breathtaking. We spent a few hours taking in the sights. I, of course, found some time to explore their one-of-a-kind boutique shops as well.

We then went on a tour of Bath Abbey itself. We learned about the history of the Bath while wandering in and out of the various rooms and baths in the complex.

Click here to view my photos!

Week 1: Work, Worship & Play

My first week in London was fabulous. I could not be more blessed to be where I am, experiencing the things that I am.

After the first two days packed with tours, orientations, plays and dinners I was relieved to fall into a weekly routine of work and class. I am convinced that I am employed by the best store ever! Not only do I get to write web copy and press releases for fabulous events and food and wine products, but I can sample products and attend some of the best events in London!

Sunday I had to seek out a new church to attend while I'm here. I'm already missing my home church (♥ SOCC) but the folks at St. James Clerkenwell were very welcoming and friendly. I sung my first hymn in years but the service had a great mix of traditional and contemporary elements. This week we started a special series on the "other" prodigal son. After church the Vicar and his wife invited me to a welcome lunch for new members at their parsonage. It was a great way to meet a few people from the church and experience a true British house and meal.

The Vicar's house had five floors and a rooftop with only two to three rooms on each floor. This skinny house was straight out of Harry Potter!

Saturday we explored the amazing artwork at the Tate Modern. Monday was a great day of shopping on Oxford Street and going to see Oliver at the theatre with my classmates! Tuesday evening I worked my first press event at Harvey Nichols for the launch of our new Tanqueray No. TEN Martini Terrace. It was a wonderful event where I gained some great experience working with media.

Stay tuned... this weekend I am visiting Stonehinge and Bath with my class!

View my photo album!

Jitters, Jitters, Jitters

In 24 hours I will be on a plane flying over the Atlantic!

I'm very sad to be leaving Kyle at home (why can't he fit in my carryon?) but extremely excited to get this adventure going to see what London has in store for me.

Crossing my fingers that my suitcase miraculously comes in under 50 lbs. and that my carry-on bag does explode from all of the coats and jeans I've crammed in it. Have I mentioned I am a very strategic and smart packer?! The whole airport process always makes me extremely anxious that I have messed up somewhere along the way — bag too heavy, too many liquids or sharp things in my carryon, etc.

Now I must go attempt to finish stuffing just a small fraction of my wardrobe into my gigantic suitcase and pray that it won't be overweight!

JITTERS, JITTERS, JITTERS — Let's get this show on the road!

Is it time?

I can't believe it. For the last two years of my life I have been excited, worried, sad, nervous and happy to think about this time in my life. I have been waiting to travel with my favorite journalism classmates to London. We'll spend eight weeks living together, going to class, working in our ideal media internships and experiencing British culture.

Well, the time is almost here. Exactly one week from now I will be in a plane flying over the Atlantic Ocean embarking on an adventure of a lifetime. Yet I still can't help to be all of those emotions plus more; excited for new experiences, worried about getting around the city alone, sad to leave my amazing boyfriend for eight weeks, nervous that my writing won't fit in with British style and happy that I have been given the opportunity to do this with so many close friends.

I'm continually reviewing "my plan" in my head to hush any worries I have. So let me lay out my plan for you....

1. Spend the next eight weeks dedicated to my employer (Harvey Nichols) and devote myself to helping out the press and marketing department

2. Get connected at Holy Trinity Brompton Church and find a way to continue to experience and live out God's plan for me — even if I am far away from my home church

3. Explore the fashion culture of London and take advantage of all the opportunities that lie in such a great city

4. Take every opportunity I'm given to meet and learn from professionals in the public relations and marketing industry

5. Lastly... Get a skypephone and call my boyfriend daily to remind him how much I love him!

LONDON — Here I come!