The time is now.

I don't mean to keep everyone waiting!

I have arrived in London on Saturday January 8th... just a few days ago. I am studying abroad at the University of Westminster for those who did not know with 11 other students from LIM. All I can really say is I cannot believe I am actually here. All my life I have dreamed of traveling and studying abroad... and I am doing it. No if's, and's or but's, I was going to study/travel abroad. An amazing thing happened the day I left though. It started when the night before, it was the night of my sister's 25th birthday dinner. It was wild. I think that's the best way to describe it. I got to spend my last night with the people i love and have fun-- stress free (minus the nauseating car ride). But after a little too much fun, it was the next morning and I still needed to finish packing. After quite the morning of being hungover and still packing for five months, it was finally done, and it was finally 2pm. Time to leave for the airport. I could not think about the fact that I had to say goodbye. Saying goodbye to my sister was real hard, that I tried to pretend like it was another weekend where I may see her the next one or two after. Quick and easy... or even worse, saying goodbye at security... now that was by far the hardest part. Saying goodbye to the two people who I love (whether I show it or not) who brought me to America almost 21 years ago for my sister and I to have a good life in the U.S., my parents. Not only that, I was also saying goodbye to friends, childhood, normalcy... my life. So, on the six hour airplane ride to the UK, I decided that this trip was going to be all about me. I have been through a lot of personal things that involved relationships and perhaps the wrong people. My twenty years I have had people come and go, acquaintances to people I would die for no matter what, and this was the time where I could take everything that each person has taught me or shown me and grow up-- be mature, and just live life freely. All drama, nonsense, grudges that I had, everything was thrown out the window. Unfortunately I can only speak for myself (thats all that matters now). Overall, I am just so proud of myself for this next step. I have so far checked off so much on my "bucket-list," "Goals/Dreams" list, this another learning experience, one of the greatest ones.  

London, United Kingdom... 2011

I love this city. I'm studying in one of the most amazing places with a good handful of some of my greatest friends and new ones to come.  As easy as it has been, adjusting to the culture shock and being alone and in a foreign country, I know sometime down the road, perhaps the middle of my term here, I am going to get homesick. But until then, I've been fine. More excited, anxious, and curious. The first day was rough. We were all tired, cranky and just trying to avoid jet lag. So far, it hasn't really worked, still so tired! We spent most of the day shopping for our new five month homes purchasing sheets, comforters and groceries. We also figured out the Tube system and visited Oxford Circus.  Which by the way is AMAZING. Shop-a-holic's heaven (or hell). Day two was about the same. We all slept in, grabbed a quick snack, went back to Oxford Circus and bought some more necessities and did touristy things. We had dinner at Hog in the Pound, had our first drinks, and met our friends friend... Eros. He was our bartender and server who ended his shift early and had a cider (cider beer) with us as he told us the Do's and Don'ts'. He also gave us great advice and of course talked about himself. That night we were delighted with two other friends that had just arrived from NY. They actually live across the hall from me which is nice. They're great and super down to earth. Today, day three, (Monday January 10th) We met up with everyone from LIM and headed to our friend day of Westminster of Orientation. Nick and I made friends with some pretty cool people. Cynthia is from Caribbean and spoke french. Olga is from Russia and wants to speak French and English fluently. Lastly, we met Raneshma she is from he Netherlands. We met them through an orientation Ice-Breaker. I learned a few new things and words in French! Afterwards, we spent the rest of the day shopping and browsing back in Oxford Circus for the last time this week. Chrissy and I had wine and a cheeseboard to end off at Selfridges (which is amazing however way out of my budget).

Now we are back and resting up. We all have been having a hard time sleeping and getting up. Tomorrow is our Induction and then we plan on doing some more sight-seeing. Super excited. Well I am off. I will post photos soon! xo