London Wildlife

As some of you may know there is a little joke in my family about my wonderful wildlife photography. I really pride myself on being one with nature and taking amazing action shots. I know what you're thinking... it doesn't take much to get a good action picture of a squirell. Ha, well you're probably right, but here are a few of my best animal pictures from London thus far anyway...

"Crouching Squirell"

Becoming one with wildlife

"Majestic Pond Fish"

"Pirate Pigeon"

Obviously I'm a natural...

"Flying Squirell"

False alarm, just a dog...

Luck of the Irish

Hello all! Sorry I haven't posted in a few weeks. Midterms just passed and I've been hard at work finishing papers, journals, and projects. The weather has changed quite a bit and it's actually what everyone warns you about going to London... cold, wet, and dark. Overall though its not too bad, still some sunny days that pop up every now and then.

As many of you know I took a trip to Ireland at the beginning of October. The point of the trip was actually academic in which we were to study an aspect of British and Irish culture. Of course I picked to study sports, and it was great fun listening to the locals speak about all kinds of sports related aspects. I was even lucky enough to meet a camera man on the plane from Sky Sports (the UK's version of ESPN) who was going to Dublin to film a tournament. He was very interesting to talk to and provided me with terrific information for my project.

In Ireland I stayed one night in Dublin and then took a bus to Sligo, located on the west coast. I had the amazing opportunity to stay with a family friend at her Bed and Breakfast in the small village of Strandhill. I had an absolutely awesome time! Strandhill, known as a surfing mecca, was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I did a lot of walking and barely saw anyone which was a nice change from crowded London. I also spent a couple of nights out at the few bars in town. The locals were great fun, and they even let me behind the bar to take pictures.

If you have never been to Ireland I highly recommend it. I met some of the most interesting and genuine people I have ever known. It is a place where you can walk for hours and just explore the magic of the country side. Plus if you're a fan of beer you can gulp down the perfect pint of Guinness. It was great craic! (good fun/ great company)

Dublin

Finally a big bed! :) Lorraine's B&B in Strandhill. Great View!

New friends at the Strand Bar

Sunshine in London

Well it seems that I may have brought the Florida sunshine all the way over to London. The past few days have not only been sunny, but the temperature has reached 80 degrees or higher. It honestly feels like a Florida day. The people are happy, the sun is shining, and everyone is BBQing for the weekend. Here are a few snaps from the beautiful weather...

Bike Ride

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