Arsenal Footy

Yesterday I went to my first proper football match at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal, a professional premier team based in North London is not only the closest to where I live, but the "gooners" are a very loyal fan base. The actual match was perfect for a first time fan like myself. I took the underground to the Arsenal station which drops you off on a road a couple mins from the stadium. Outside the stadium, much like college football, there are vendors selling souvenirs and of course greasy match day food. Once inside the stadium you can drink a pint or cider but aren't allowed to bring alcohol to your actual seat. This was interesting because you didn't have a lot of really obnoxious drunk people like American football. The fans which do cheers and chants most of the match are really quite civilized and very knowledgeable about the sport. A little boy I sat next too was yelling about bad shots, and even knew every player on the pitch.

Arsenal went on to win 3-0 and I also got to see Van Persie's 100th goal for the club. Overall it was a great match and a fun day. English football moves very quick and it was actually nice not having commercial breaks. It may be a different atmosphere compared to American football but all in all I felt at home wearing my Arsenal jersey. Go Gunners!

A Clip From Arsenal v Bolton

Stonehenge and Bath

Hello again from London! Yesterday I took a day trip out to Stonehenge and Bath and it was amazing! The weather was perfect and I was happy to get out of the city for the day to breathe some fresh air. Stonehenge wasn’t particularly what I pictured but none the less it was astonishing. I walked around some fields in the area but left when I got yelled at for “chasing the sheep”.  After Stonehenge and a little drive I arrived in Bath. I toured the famous Roman Baths and picked up lunch at a local pub. The city was gorgeous! The architecture alone is breathtaking. You see pictures of these great historic sites all of the time, but when you finally do get to experience them in person it is certainly a special feeling.

Other than that I have been exploring the city and of course doing school work. I picked up lunch today at Borough Market, a famous food market in the city. Last week I went to the Maritime Museum, Kenwood Estate, and British Museum. Next week I have a ticket to the Arsenal game at Emirates Stadium. I can’t wait! I also will be playing indoor slow pitch softball starting October 8th. Really looking forward to seeing how that goes as well. Anyway, that’s about it for now. Happy Friday! Cheers!

Stonehenge

British Museum

Borough Market

Kenwood

"Don't chase the sheep!"

Bath

Roman Baths

A Short Update

Hello to all! I just wanted to post a quick update. Classes have started and I am actually pretty busy with school work. Last week the weather was gorgeous so I got the chance to go out to a few parks. Other than that I have just been wandering around the city and getting to know my way around. I have actually been asked directions twice now out on the streets.

I am starting to miss my friends and family just a bit. I have been going to a gym three blocks from the house which has helped a lot. I was a bit lost when I realized the weights were all measured different. The gym includes group classes, weights, and also two pools. I am hoping I will meet some locals there who share the same interests with me.

Anyway, Bob's your uncle! (That's it)

Welcome to London!

I am finally all moved in and living in London. It wasn't too bad of a trip over. I met a nice British boy, who looked like Ron from Harry Potter on the plane over. We talked a lot about Americans and major differences between cultures. I even did my best British accent to see if I could pass for a real Londoner. Not so much. After arriving at the airport I decided to save a little money and take the underground. At first it wasn't too bad, until we got in closer to the city. Locals started packing on and I was crammed with all of my luggage. Londoners are serious about moving quickly. I got a few mean faces and annoyed looks, but I finally made it.

After moving into my room I went out and explored a bit. I love all of the cars and the mix between modern and old buildings. That night we all went out to dinner near SoHo. The waiters here don't bother you much like America. You pretty much have to ask for anything if you want it.

Today I went out twice. In the morning I walked down Oxford street past all of the shops. There were a lot of people out shopping because of the Bank Holiday. I of course found the Nike store, called Nike Town. It was huge! After walk number one Rosie, Hannah and I took a double decker bus to the Notting Hill Carnival. The carnival is every year on the last day of the summer. It was super crowded, ethnic, and hilarious. The costumes were very bright and bold, and lets just say we were very under dressed. After watching the parade for a bit I went to Boots, the local drugstore and picked  up a few things. Tonight we are having a BBQ in the garden and classes start tomorrow!

View from my room

Dinner at the Giraffe

Nike Town London 

T-Minus One Week!

      Wow! I cannot believe how fast this summer has gone by. Between working and vacations my study abroad trip to London is finally here...well almost. My flight leaves Saturday the 27th and I will arrive in London the next morning. Although I am super excited, I'm starting to realize how much I'm going to miss my friends and family. It's safe to say I will also miss Eckerd, Gator Football, Florida, and everyone I have met this summer at Just Fitness.

     The total study abroad trip is about four months. I will be living with 18 other Eckerd students and also a professor in the heart of London. While overseas I will be taking four classes; Theatre in London, Anglo-American Perspectives, Green Initiatives, and British Seminar. For more information please visit, http://www.eckerd.edu/internationaled/programs/index.php

Well that's about it for now. Adios!

P.S. I will no longer have a cell in London. You can reach me via email, justfitks@gmail.com

Got Lobster?

Just returned from summer trip number two in the Florida Keys! We spent a week in Big Pine for the opening of lobster season. For those who are unfamiliar with lobstering, the season opens every year on August 6th. This was my second season and I had an absolutely amazing time!

Some of my favortie parts of the trip:

-Pole spearing my first Hogfish and Mangrove Snapper

-Dad's Henna tatto in Key West

-Snorkeling at Looe Key

-Trying the hookah system for the first time

(a hose and regulator system allowing you to breate underwater)

-Spearfishing and shooting a grouper

-Catching 55 lobster the last day!