Boat Party and Brighton Video and Pictures

On the Fourth of July, the University of Westminster held a celebratory boat party at the end of the first three-week term. We had the chance to get together as a group and say goodbye to those that would be leaving us. It was a blast! We had a wonderful night dancing for one last time with some really great friends.

Although it was hard for me to say goodbye to each and every one of my first-term-only friends, I literally cried when saying goodbye to Bekah and Jon. The three of us had photography together four days a week and ended up spending time together everyday for three weeks. By the end of our time together, I no longer felt like a third wheel in their relationship and started to feel like their third... person(?) I enjoyed every moment I had with them and am deeply saddened by their absence. Below are pictures of us at the boat party doing our thaang.

The boat party was the icing on the cake that was the first term here at the University of Westminster. My heart is warmed by the wonderful relationships that I have built here.

The next day, we took to Brighton. Milla, Kyla, Angelica, Alyssa, and I left bright and early to spend a day in the coastal city. Brighton is beautiful. The highlight is the pavilion. It is an old palace that is more beautiful in person than words can describe. We spent time sunbathing on the lawn and resting out aching feet. 

For the rest of the day, we wandered around the Lanes and the pier. I spent all my money on food and it was money well spent. 

I was ecstatic when I saw a Helter Skelter ride in person and immediately had a photoshoot in front of it for my boys from the Beatles. 

Brighton is a must-see for a day trip in the UK.

Video Update

SORRY THAT I'VE BEEN A TERRIBLE BLOGGER!! It has been super busy here in London. If you have a few minutes, below is a video update of the days that I have missed with information about what we did, where we went, where to go if you go to London, etc. Further below are some pictures of the events I talk about. Thank you for checking in! I will get back into the swing of daily blogging ASAP.

June 29th: A fabulous night out with Mila

June 30th: View walking back from London Pride picnic

July 1st: Mimicking Big Ben after going to the arcade

Stonehenge/Bath

Day 14 in Pictures

This weekend we missed out on going to Dublin due to reservation difficulties. Luckily, there was a trip planned for Stonehenge and Bath on Saturday. We wanted to make the most of Friday to make up for Dublin and this is what we did:

First we went to the Tate Modern in the South Bank of London. 

We saw the works of many artists and notably Picasso and Monet. I was unfamiliar with most of their work but was thrilled when I came across Water Lilies by Monet. It was just as beautiful as I had imagined. 

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Then we went to Borough Market. GO THERE. It is amazing. Free samples left and right. We bought some delicious preserves to bring home as souvenirs, but there is a 98% chance that I will eat them and have to go back to buy more.

We ended the day at Buckingham Palace. I had never seen pictures of it before and - to be honest - it was a bit anticlimactic. Still, it is a must-see when you're checking off places you've been in the UK. 

P.S.  Any movie that tells you that you can go up to the guards and mess with them is lying. I'm starting an angry letter writing campaign regarding this travesty. 

Camden Photos (Day 13)

Today we returned to Camden. Here are a few pictures that illustrate how wonderful this place really is.

Later we went to a few bars and kicked back after a (hardly) exhausting week of classes. (Pictures to come)

I'm having a blast. Thank you to everyone for all of your support and the positive feedback about the blog. It means so much to me to know that people are keeping up. Miss you, USA.

Doing NHM Alone

When my photography class let out after a lesson at London's Natural History Museum, I was frustrated that none of my classmates wanted to stick around. All I knew was that there were several full dinosaur skeletons in the halls of the museum and I was going to see them. I decided to stay at the museum by myself thinking that although it may not be as fun, at least I will get to cross it off my list.

I was pleasantly surprised when it hit me that museum-going is made 13 times better when it is done alone. I went at my own pace. I didn't have to entertain any bored/unintelligent museum attendees. I didn't have apologize for wanted to stay for an extended time at one exhibit or take a brake. Holy muffin! It is more fun alone.

I spent two hours seeing every exhibit I could get into and only left because I feared I would lose the ability to walk in a matter of minutes. Here are some of my favorite images and memories from my day at NHM alone.

Giant Sloth

This guy

Pyrite: a mineral that naturally crystalizes into nearly perfect cubes... woah.

"Table-top of Ancient Roman Marbles"

Dippy's Rear

Dippy's Tail

Dippy's Aerial

Entrance and Dippy

I like this because gorillas are awesome and the reflection is interesting.

Architecture

Mammals

(see Blue Whale in center)

Mirrors in Biology Exhibit

This nugget

When you go to a museum by yourself and need to document it, be prepared to take some shameless selfies.

Day 11 Summary

After class got out early, I decided to make my way to Camden Town for the first time. It was a beautiful day today so the girls and I took advantage of this rare occurrence.

Camden is indescribable. There is so much to look at and smell. I swear, I could go a thousand times and still miss half of it. I had a fried chocolate bar. Obviously this place is heaven on Earth. After exercising some pretty serious self-control on the shopping front and eating a delicious samosa, we made our way back to the dorm.

Our group got dressed up and headed to see Billy Elliot. It was good. Not my favorite, but certainly entertaining. And how often do you get to dress up for the theatre?

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