Around England We Go

After having the week off, it was somewhat of a struggle getting back into the groove of school and schedule.  The routine was welcomed, but the homework was not.  The week of February 24th was like any other.  Class, eat, read, sleep, some nights out here and there.  

Saturday, March 1st, Athena and I hopped on a 7 AM train to York for the day.  It was a trip planned by our provider program, Arcadia.  We got a historical walking tour around the city, had some free time, went to a Viking exhibit, walked around more, and headed back to King's Cross that night.  The walking tour was very informative, and it was a beautiful day out so it was really nice to be out in the sun.  We saw ancient Roman ruins and Medieval buildings.  The Yorkminster was beautiful from the outside, but we decided not to go inside of it.  My favorite part of the day was walking down The Shambles.  It is a very narrow street where all the butcher shops used to be many, many years ago.  The whole street would reek of meat, the ground would be a mess, and flies everywhere.  A really pretty image, I know.  So, people began using the word "shamble" as a synonym to messy.  I found this particularly interesting since my friends and I always use the word "shambles" or "shambly" to describe messy or disheveled things or even events not ever knowing the true meaning.  Now, The Shambles has cute shops, cafes, stores, and pubs.  Athena and I spent some time in one cafe and got coffee and nachos which really hit the spot.  The Viking Exhibit was interesting, but not the most intriguing place I have been to.  It mostly consisted of this sort of ride that you would sit and then be brought to different mechanical people while a woman narrated what was happening in the scene.  Let me tell ya, Vikings were not as blood thirsty as they are led on to be.  After a long day of walking, we were exhausted and headed straight to bed once returning back to London. 

Yorkminster Cathedral

River Ouse

This past week consisted of more reading and class.  I am starting to get more anxious about finals here and really have to be getting my act together because before I know it, it will be finals.  I only have three more weeks of class left (WHAT?!), then four week break, then finals.  I have some really exciting trips planned for the month of April, and hoping to travel more in May if my finals schedule (which I won't get for another week or so) allows me to.  Last Thursday, March 6th, Athena's friend Megan came to visit for the weekend.  We had a great time showing her around and being tourists.  And the weather was to die for.  Sunny and high 50s and 60s.  It was finally spring!  
On Friday, it was University of Illinois' Unofficial St. Patrick's Day celebration.  A tradition at U of I, Rachel and I decided we had to celebrate even though we were across the pond.  So with the sun shining above, we got some snacks and beer, plopped a blanket down, and enjoyed the day in Hyde Park.  It was fantastic.  I could not have pictured a more perfect day with one of my best friends!  That night, we met up with the group and headed to University of London Union, a Friday night favorite for us. 

Shameless Selfies :)

The most beautiful day!!

Early morning on Saturday the 8th, we took a bus to Stratford-upon-Avon to visit good ol' William Shakespeare's hometown.  It was another beautiful day as we strolled around the now very touristy, but adorable town.  We saw his birthplace, house, Anne Hathaway's cottage, and William and Anne's graves.  Everything is in bloom here, and it was great to see more of the English countryside.  After ice cream next to the river, we headed back home, again, exhausted and ready for sleep.  

Shakespeare's Birthplace

Ice Cream Boat! 

Sunday, my plan was to go for a run and do work all day.  But, that was physically impossible with the kind of day it was.  I did go for a run through Regent's Park, along with practically everyone else in London, but after a shower and lunch, there is no way I could've stayed inside with my laptop and textbook.  My friend Haley and I met up with Athena and Megan in SOHO and walked all around the area in our sunglasses and short sleeves.  The temperature got up to 68!  It really feels like spring here now.  I apologize to everyone who still has parkas and snow boots on...  After window shopping, gelato, and the sun going down, we had dinner at our usual Sunday night spot, a pub down the street from my dorm, The Court.  

Me, Megan, Haley, and Athena enjoying gelato in the sun

This week, I will actually be cracking down on school work in anticipation of another essay due next week and tons of studying to do.  No plans for this weekend besides a possibly more official St. Patrick's Day celebration.  But next week will be an extremely exciting week :)