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)