Life After London..

To be honest, I was expecting a bit of a mental shift when I moved back from England. I probably should not be too surprised to find out that I was, in fact, correct. I do not have the means of travelling in the same respect. I cannot just get up and go somewhere. With no vehicle and no seriously promising public transportation near by, I am biding my time around the house by doing an assortment of the following:

• Job hunting
• Cleaning my room
• Job hunting
• Unpacking from London
• Job hunting
• Unpacking from last spring at school
• Job hunting
• Meeting up with friends to catch up
• Job hunting
• Doing chores
• Job hunting
• Car searching
• Job hunting

"Job Chart Pad Job 30/pk 8-1/2 X 11" (Google Affiliate Ad)

Did I mention job hunting? It's true. I have been applying for jobs since December. I have received a number of emails telling me I do not fulfill the qualifications or requirements, which I typically knew ahead of time, I just thought maybe someone would take a chance on me!! Since being in London, I have put out about 15 resumes and/or applications to organizations and companies from Hong Kong to London-- and everywhere in between! I am looking for somewhere new to kick off my next big adventure!! 

Cross your fingers! Something should happen soon! It's only a matter of time before I will start this new chapter in life. 

Sarah Marsh

East Coast Adventures

Of course. I land in the States, stay at home less than 24 hours and promptly leave for yet another trip! This time.. New York and Washington, D.C. I took a flight out of Milwaukee and headed to the NY La Guardia air port. I had my first solo taxi ride experience and was freaking out the whole way..

New York Gold Designs 14K Gold Wheat Diamond-Cut Hoop Earrings (Google Affiliate Ad)
When I arrived at my friend's apartment, I was quickly offered the American amenities: beer, cheese, olives and pesto. Okay, so not quite American amenities- but a food offering to say the least! Jessica and I were up until close to 3am catching up and telling stories of New York and London (Jessica's two favorite cities).

First thing the next morning, Jessica took me to her favorite bagel place and we people watched for a while. The bagel was delicious and the fresh fruit was amazing. Then she took me to see Time Square. And man. There is nothing like it in the world. Nothing. I kind of stood there and gawked for a while, took a few pictures and tried my best to take it in. Since it had started to rain and Jessica needed a different shirt for our opening night-after party later that night, we headed to the Forever 21 on the Square. Naturally we HAD to stop next door and visit the Disney Store. We each wanted to buy everything in sight. I walked around holding Buzz and Woody for a while.. unfortunately I didn't buy either one of them. There will be a time and place for the stuffed toys to come into my possession!!

Since it was getting close to lunch time and we had plans with my cousin, Lia, we started headed through the subway (I keep wanting to call it the tube) to our destination: El Museo de Barrio. Lia treated Jessica and me to the best burritos I've ever eaten and took us for a brief walk through of the north east end of Central Park. It was a great time eating lunch and catching up with my cousin, especially considering we couldn't exactly pinpoint the last time we had seen each other.. 7 or more years ago. Tooooo long.

After lunch, Jessica and I had plans for Serendipity (known from an array of movies including One Fine Day and Serendipity). We went and reserved a table for 45 minutes later and then headed to Dylan's Candy Bar. Dylan is the daughter of Ralph Lauren, and opened this glorious candy shop. If you can imagine it, it is there. If you miss tremendously wonderful candies from your childhood, they are there. When our table became available at Serendipity, we headed over and then had a heck of a time trying to figure out what to order. Once we settled on it, we took in the scene and anxiously waited for the glorious desserts to arrive. The desserts were almost too painful to finish. I couldn't fit in another bite; it was so rich and so delicious. The desserts ended up being our dinner too!

Jessica is working with a theatre group in New York. The show they've been working on all summer had it's opening night on Tuesday and at the very last minute she was able to locate a ticket for me! I attended Harrison, TX; there were three short acts and it was funny, sad and inspiring. After the show finished, we headed to another venue for the opening night after party!! What a blast! We were able to mingle with a number of the show's directors, producers and actors! Jessica was used to it, since these were her work people, but I thought it was a great time!

After the party ended, we headed to Time Square. Jessica insisted that I needed to see it when it was all lit up! We picked up some late night food and headed back to the Disney Store to hang out on the second floor-- we had completely missed it before!!

The next day we slept in and picked up an early lunch at the Amsterdam Ale House-- super good. I had my first burger since being back in the states. Tasty! After lunch we headed to Whole Foods to pick up a couple things for our friend I'd be seeing in Washington, D.C. later! Some snacks included vegan cookies, gelato and organic licorice sticks! I enjoyed the gelato well into my train ride to DC! :) I took the train from Penn Station and stopped in Philadelphia, PA; Trenton, NJ; Newark, DE; and finally in Washington!

When I arrived at my friend Tori's house, dinner was underway! Pancakes for dinner! She also had a few friends from high school over to hang out and catch up. It was such a great time getting to know them over the next few days!

Tori and I started off with a lazy day on Thursday. When her sister came back from working on her horse at the barn, we had an afternoon of nails while watching Marley and Me. Talk about a relaxing
lazy day!! After dinner, Tori and her sister, Emily, and I  headed down to Old Town Alexandria for some ice cream and Pops and a friends hang out by the pier!!

On Friday, we slept in again and spent more time being lazy around the house. In the afternoon, I headed to the Holocaust Museum while Tori took a bus to Philadelphia. After I finished with the museum, I walked through the Washington Monument, World War II monument and stopped at a couple other small monuments on my way to the Lincoln Memorial.

When I finished with memorials and monuments, I took the metro to meet Tori's parents for dinner back in Old Town Alexandria. Thai food!! YUMMMMMMY! I ate way too much and was stuffed for the remainder of the night. They persuaded me into some Ben and Jerry's, but that was absolutely enough!! I was done for the night. Ofta. When we headed back to their house, I called it an early night and headed to bed.





On Saturday, Tori's parents took me to the airport for my flight home. I had a bit of a struggle getting through security, but by the time I made a rest stop before arriving at my gate, my gate was boarding and I was one of the last people to get on the plane! I hadn't looked at the time, but I was within 20 minutes of our flight time!! Yikes! Unfortunately, I was in the last row, in the 'window' seat. Which actually means "I hope you're not claustrophobic because you have no window". Boooooo.

Once I made it into Milwaukee, I headed home with my mom. And in typical me fashion.. I changed and headed out to dinner with some of my girl friends for an evening of debauchery and mischievousness. Also known as what we do best. <3

More to come!
Sarah Marsh

Travelling ... Travelling

Train, Plane, Bus, Tube, Taxi. You name it, I've done it!

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games - Wii - Wii Games (Google Affiliate Ad)

For part of my final in our English British and Culture course this summer included reflecting on our expectations of American Cultural practices and whether we are looking forward to returning to these, will we find them a struggle or will find readapting to them a challenge, etc. etc. etc. I responded that I think I will find it challenging. Case of example? If there is one thing I’m not looking forward to when I come back it is all the complaining and moaning that Americans do. (I do recognise that I'm moaning and complaining about this.. hypocrite? I think not.) While traveling today, I have heard the same story from the same two families of how they ended up sitting here all day because they made one bad example or choice or whatever that got them off of their plane and waitlisted/standby onto ours to Chicago. They tell anyone who will listen for sympathy but do not accurately step forward and do anything to make a difference for themselves. 

I do feel that I will have a challenging time readapting to some things, such as the public transportation I have available to me here. I am used to getting news from the daily (free) Evening Standard rather than the telly. And I just seem to not have patience for ignorance or tolerance for stupidity. Maybe you can call it hardening up, maybe you can call it growing up, but either way, as much as I want to come home and see everyone again, I do not want to leave this lovely place called England. 

Getting onto the plane to begin with was a challenge. We were informed that the plane was too hot for us to board, causing us to wait a little longer to get on. When finally they allowed us to board from one end of our gate, at the other end you could turn in your carry on luggage to be taken into the cargo area because we didn't have a lot of space on board. While I and about ten or so others went to turn our carry on luggage to the change, they began boarding with no problems. By the time they were calling my zone, I headed down and waited through the line to get on. Just as I handed the attendant my boarding pass, we were asked to hold it for a moment because the plane was still a bit steamy for the captain's taste. After a few minutes of waiting, we were told to go have a seat- with the guarantee that we would still be put on the flight but only after it cooled down considerably more. Within twenty minutes, they pulled everyone from on the plane because in some places it was 103 degrees Fahrenheit and someone had passed out, needed a medic.

We sat for about three hours, waiting for the plane to cool and a part to be changed to help with the air conditioning. In the meantime, I sat with a gentleman from England and another from Northern Canada. It was a good group to be sitting with in for the three hour wait! Once we were able to board and get everything together, I was asleep on the plane with in minutes. I don't even remember the take off! I wasn't out for long, because I did see the beginning of the movie and dinner! After dinner, I decided to be a bit more sociable to the guy sitting next to me. When I came in, I noticed he had some Team USA gear with him (bag, shoes, and sweatshirt) and I had in fact taken a bit of notice to him in the gate before we left. When I could tell he was awake and moving around, I offered to move if he needed to get out and he said that would be great. Upon his return, I asked him a (really dumb) question to see if I would get the answer I assumed... I asked if he was a volunteer for the Olympics or if he was just a really big fan of Team USA? He smiled and laughed a little before informing me that he was on the USA Olympic team. AWESOME. Trevor Barron. #26 of 62 at the 20k. Beat that, all of you! He is a truly humble person and great conversationalist. He is attending school at Denver University and is starting his sophomore year soon-- crazy. When did all the great athletes in the world become younger than me. Oops.

I did the math.. I left Brussels at 12:50am CST (Wisconsin time). I will arrive at home-- if all goes well at 9:00pm CST. Talk about a long freaking day! This morning, my cousin drove me from their house to the Brussels train station. Then I took the train from Brussels to London (happened to have Team Belgium on the train, too!). I then took a tube to get to my friend's room and pick up my luggage (one last picture of my door and street-- so sad!). I took two tubes to get to the airport. I took the plane to Chicago, and my parents picked me up to drive home. The next day, my mom drove me to Milwaukee to catch a plane to New York, I then took a taxi to my friend Jessica's. On Wednesday, I took the Amtrak train to Washington, DC and stayed there until Saturday when I flew back to Milwaukee. Now, I am home. *Next post? You'll hear about NYC and DC! 

Belgium!

I spent the week in Brussels with my cousin, Scott, his (pregnant) wife, Ana, and a friend of theirs from Romania, Ana. Yes this can be confusing. 

TWO SAINTS CATHEDRAL

GRAND PALACE

I took an afternoon and wandered central Brussels by myself and I didn’t want to look too much like a tourist, so I walked until I recognised something from the guide book I had. Then I pulled out the map to see where I ended up. I got through a few different well-known locations before I crossed a street and turned a corner and found I did not want to be where I was! Oops.. I pulled out the map and started heading back to the direction I wanted to begin with: Belgium’s Musical Instrument Museum. I have heard a lot about the MIM in Phoenix (and have even applied for a thing or two out there), and thought maybe it would be helpful to share an international experience by touring it in Belgium. Unfortunately, as I was forewarned by Scott and Ana most places close early, if not by 6pm. This was a case of a 4:30pm closing time, and it was 4:35 when I walked in. Another day perhaps. Instead I continued to meander through the gardens and take pictures of various locations.  

THE SQUARE

MANNEKEN PIS

SCOTT, ANA & I

Scott was able to take two days off from work and we spent one day going to Ghent. The other day we spent at the Atomium. Ghent was the rainiest day I had experienced since London! I also had an unfortunate happenstance; my shoes literally fell apart as I was walking. Something I’ll take back and get some money back on or new ones from, that would be nice. Otherwise, Ghent was splendid. The architecture was amazing and the shopping, it was alright too! ;)

SCOTT & ANA

SCOTT & I

Dopp Veneto Soft-Sided Multi-Zip Leather Travel Kit (Google Affiliate Ad)

On Saturday, we drove up to Holland and back. We were able to enter and exit with no problems. Especially considering we entered a military base first, before going to Amsterdam. In Amsterdam, we headed straight for Anne Frank’s house, but the queue was much to long and we were way to hungry. At the suggestion and strong interest of Ana (and come on, who says no to an eight-month-pregnant woman?), I had to go back on my word and eat at an American fast food restaurant- it’s my first one all summer: Subway. They were out of ranch, which when they substituted it with garlic, it certainly made my chicken, bacon & ranch sandwich odd.. After lunch we headed across some of the canals and looked at getting a tour, too much for how late it was in the day and so instead we took loads of photos and wandered for a while. 

LOVE THE CANALS

Before heading back to the car, we stopped one more time at Anne Frank’s, and the queue was significantly more tolerable. We waited it out and took the tour. I was under the impression that we would see her documents and writings, drawings and parts of the building they hid in. I did not expect to actually go INTO the annex, her room, the kitchen, the other bedrooms, up the stairs etc. It was a moving experience. I recommend it to anyone and everyone. Go. Please. Give yourself the opportunity to participate in the darkness and difficulties that Anne Frank and her family went through. The entire experience was truly, amazing. 

QUOTE ON THE COVERED
WINDOW IN ANNE'S
BEDROOM.

ANNE FRANK'S
ROOM, WITH ORIGINAL
PICTURES/POSTCARDS
ON DISPLAY.

With the rest of my time in Belgium, I was able to experience learning a little Romanian- don’t ask me for any words. I recognise what I know by others saying it. :) And AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS Romanian home-cooked foods. Ana says she can't cook well, and her 'well' would be my proficient, if I could make anything from a box that didn't go wrong!! I spent loads of time relaxing, this made it easy to finish my final reflection paper, apply for a couple jobs and catch up on much needed sleep. If you're looking for more photographs from my week in Belgium, head to Facebook for the complete album! 

Cheers!
Sarah Marsh

Wales!!

I spent an entire week in Wales. Every minute was a learning experience. I took the train into Bangor, Wales on Monday evening, after my morning to early afternoon in Cambridge. I went to Wales for the sole purpose of acting as intern and whatever-needed-to-be-done person. I came in just after they finished with the last evening concert, was shown to my room to drop off my belongings, and headed out to socialise at the after party with the participants of the CoMA/Ellso Summer School. 

Canon T3i 18.0MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm IS Lens - Digital (Google Affiliate Ad)

The intention of CoMA was to have me attend courses and act as a participant. However due to some unfortunate events, I ended up working more administratively in the office for the summer school. I was able to attend one course throughout the week, the large group ensemble (consisting of all instrumentalist and choir members at the school) to rehearse the Welsh premiere of Steven Montague’s “Dark Sun”. The piece was written to reflect the horrific events of Hiroshima. By Friday’s performance, it was absolutely phenomenal- not to mention loads of fun! 

IT'S HARD TO TELL, BUT THERE ARE MOUNTAINS!

We had a number of long days but it was very refreshing to be out of London and in a more secluded area. I felt fantastic to be so completely submerged in British culture. I learned a number of differences between American things and British/English/Welsh things. I thought I was enjoying this trip before, my happiness literally just skyrocketed. 

Between the course and the administrative work, I had the opportunity to get to know a multitude of amazing people. From getting to know the others on the administrative team better, to the numerous tutors who are each fantastic musicians and the participants themselves.. I have emails and some phone numbers, and a load of new Facebook friends that I am sure I will keep in contact long after this summer ends. I had such a wonderful time. There are not nearly enough words to tell you about every portion and aspect of my experience this week in Wales, but maybe this will be just enough to share some insight. 

Here are some pictures to attempt showing you the magical location that is Bangor, Wales. The performance hall we used throughout the week looked more like my imagination of Hogwart's Great Hall. To the right is the Menai Straight, that separates the mainland Wales from the Isle of Anglesey. 

THIS IS THE BACK OF BANGOR UNIVERSITY. 

Reflection and insight

As I was writing my final paper, a reflection on my internship work, I began reflecting on the entire experience. Quickly realising I have more experiences and expectations that were both met, exceeded, not met, and all benefit my future in various ways-- more than just through this internship experience. I am currently viewing this as writing two papers at once because as things come to mind, they are not all relative to my internship; as I have encountered a number of wonderful people who have had such large impacts on my life I cannot accurately thank for helping make this experience the greatest I could have ever asked for. 

There are tidbits of knowledge and insight I picked up from people who I consider now to be great friends. Each of them, whether they know it or not, helped me through various points in my summer- both high and low. I had a number of frustrations in the first few weeks as you can imagine anyone being in our conditions: 1. foreign country. 2. thrown into a new place with 18 strangers who are the only ones you know. 3. suddenly you have three flatmates. 4. you go to work. There is no time alone, no time to debrief your mind. I want to include various lines from people who have given me some of the greatest impact: 

“Why are you Americans so keen to get out of your parents house and rebel? Why don’t you enjoy the homemade food and carefree atmosphere for a few months before going somewhere alone. Gosh, what a waste of your time to move some where and be alone.” This was a conversation regarding my interest to move out when I come home and find life and experiences in other places. Don’t think I got off that easy though.. I’m still considering it! 

“You are a wonderful person, you deserve to have the best person next to you, supporting and trusting you. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. What kind of a relationship is that?” Enough said. Bravo. This deserves a standing ovation. Seriously. I’m going to keep this statement in my back pocket for a while.. 

“You have free time. Do something with it.” If I had only listened to this piece of advice.. there are a few too many days where I know I should have gotten out of bed sooner, or ready for the day earlier and did not go and chase down what I wanted to do for the day. Hence the reason why I’m already making a list of what to do the next time I’m in London. (Which, cross your fingers, I want to happen as quickly as possible!)

All in all, I have thoroughly enjoyed every bit of being in London and traveling across Europe. I think it's going to take a couple more blog posts to get out experiences from last week in Wales. Not to mention the week I'm currently spending in Belgium. I could not be more pleased with all the opportunities I have been able to have, the people I have met, and the places I have gone. Ultimately, this summer has been the greatest of all time. I have learned numerous things and I cannot wait to come back for more. 

I know I’ve received loads more of advice and I have more reflections, but right now, I’m looking to get out of town with my cousins and head from Brussels to Ghent and Bruges! I promise there are pictures to come!! *As of this morning, I turned in the ending assignments to my advisor in Stevens Point... making me graduated and officially finished with my undergraduate degree!! What's next? Only time will tell. First? Ghent and Bruges, Amsterdam next, either Copenhagen or Berlin to follow and then back to London to return to Chicago.. only to get to Wisconsin and turn around for New York City and Washington, DC. My oh my. I have so much to tell you!! 

Cheers!

Sarah Marsh

My dear Cambridge!

Considering I purchased my tickets last minute and on a whim, I must say I am quite pleased with the price of traveling to Cambridge (approximately £30). While accessing information from the Day Trips from London book I received from my Aunt and Uncle, I decided I only have most of this day left for London and my professor already told me not to come to class to be better prepared for going to Wales. I was free all day. What else was I supposed to do? I booked it. 

Between the suggested locations to visit and see from the book and the verbal suggestions and advice from my friend, Heidi, punting as the only item on my To-Do-In-Cambridge list. I arrived shortly after 10am on the train and walked into town (about a 25 minute walk). I spent majority of my time going in and out of shops, and walking leisurely through the market square. When I looked at my watch and realized it was 11:30am and I wanted to get to the river and go punting!  

I managed to get to the river quickly and take the suggested punting guided tour from, Scuddamores the book my family gave me. And I was almost too late! The tour I was put with left at 11:40, and was a forty-five minute tour. Do the math.. That puts me to 12:25pm. My train leaves at 1:04pm, and it is a twenty-five minute walk back to the station. YIKES! As it turned out I spent a little too long at the market and just made it with enough time to get back to the train station. With all this worrying about time and being so enthralled with Cambridge and the universities surrounding the river- I literally forgot to eat! It wasn’t until I jumped onto the bus as the doors were closing to leave that I realized I had not eaten anything since the fruit I had on the way to the train station to leave London! 

Cambridge Sports Long Sleeve T-Shirt
The punting was everything I needed: relaxing, informative, interesting, and all done with an attractive young bloke as our chauffeur, Stephen. He shared loads of information about each of the universities we were passing and it made me miss being a tour guide for University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point! It has also made me consider a bit more seriously, masters programs. So many of these universities cater to various programs and it would be a rather interesting time heading back to England for more schooling. Let's get through summer travels and job applications though! First things first!!

For such an eventful day, I made sure to pick up food on my way from the train station in London to our flat. I had already packed everything for Wales, and folded everything left in my closet to prepare for the combination of Belgium, moving out, and moving back to the states. Most of this afternoon I spent packing my luggage, and gong through everything to see what I would need, what I could get rid of, what I could donate, and what I could pack in appropriately to my luggage. As it stands now, my areas of the room are bare: my mostly-packed luggage is sitting on my bed, the clothes I will exchange to take to Belgium for dirty things from Wales, and what I plan on wearing between trips and for the flight back to the states. It is quite nifty. I did not think I could be so efficient in packing a week- and two weeks ahead!  

As for a beer list update, not much has changed since the last time I included it. I stopped being entirely adventurous. Once I found a couple sweet ciders, I stuck to them! Besides, it has kind of turned into an assorted alcoholic drink list, instead of just a beer list. 

Beers in London: 

• Peroni (Marlborough Arms)
• DoomBar (Golden Lion)
• Aspall Cider (Pizza Express)
• Erdinger (ISH)
• Strongbow (ISH)
• Queen's Jubilee (The Albany)
• Tuborg (ISH)
• Kronenbourg (ISH)
• Carlsberg (ISH)
• Banana beer (Salsa Club/Dalston)
• Beck (Jager)
• John Smith's (Walkabout)
• Grolsh (ISH)
• Bombardier (The Globe) 
• Caledonia (The Church, Dublin)
• Jameson and Ginger Ale (Jameson Distillery, Dublin) 
• Hoegaarden (The Living Room, Dublin)
• Bulmers (The Living Room, Dublin) 
• Guinness (The Guinness Factory, Dublin) 
• Leffe (Paris, France)
• Cider (Paris, France)
• Kopparburg (ISH)
• PIMS (ISH, The Globe)
• Bragdy Mws piws - Purple Moos Brewery (Bell Vue, Bangor)
• Magners (Bell Vue, Bangor)

Cheers! Next you will hear more from Bangor! 

Sarah Marsh

More Traveling?

You might be thinking, “you must be crazy.” Nope, I just received a bite from the travel bug. Sorry about it (not sorry)! Time to fill you in on my upcoming travels!! The next few weeks will prove to be fun filled, exhausting, and NON STOP! I hope not to make you dizzy or confused as I go on with dates and locations, but I will try to be as simple as possible. Here we go:

Monday, 30 July: Day trip to Cambridge, England

     This day trip was a highly suggested trip from my good friend, Heidi. Heidi participated in this summer London internship program last summer. While I was preparing to come abroad, I  drilled her with questions of what to do, what to bring, what do I do when.., etc., etc., etc. Her biggest push of something to do was to GO TO CAMBRIDGE- and go punting. I was also given a book from my Aunt Sally and Uncle John of wonderful day trips you could take to suggested locations with information on how to book whichever form of transport you choose, tours or self-catered, and great advice on what else to do in those locations. I was able to utilize this book in my planning, and it came complete with a map! More on this next blog! 

Monday, 30 July: Evening train to Bangor, Wales

     This week long trip is coming as part of the Contemporary Music for All (CoMA) Summer School and Festival. CoMA is where I have been interning since July. I am able to attend the summer school to take part in any work the organisation needs, AND our founder, Chris, found me a trombone to play! I will also be able to participate in two performing ensembles playing during the week. I am quite excited!! The anticipation is killing me... (I am on my way there now by train. Only a couple more hours!)

Saturday, 4 August: Afternoon train to London, England

     This concludes the CoMA Summer School and Festival. I will head back to London to do a number of things: celebrate with a massive going away party because 16 or our 19 participants will be leaving Europe for America on Sunday, I will be unpacking from Wales into my luggage for America, packing what is left into a bag for Belgium, checking out of the International Student House and taking a train to Belgium! 

Sunday, 5 August: Evening train to Brussels, Belgium 

     Taking a train to Brussels to see my cousin and his wife. They were married last summer in Romania, and moved this summer to Belgium- not to mention they are expecting at the end of summer! During my week in Belgium, I am thinking a day trip back to Paris to do all the things my brother reamed me out for not doing (and because I want to do them anyway), and my cousin suggested taking a drive to Amsterdam. This week in Belgium might add a couple more countries to those I have already visited! What fun! 

Sunday, 12 August: Morning train to London, England

      Bright and early from Belgium to London.. then I will pick up my luggage and head to Heathrow. I expect to hear voiceovers from the wonderful and talented Hugh Grant as I have seen and heard in Love Actually. But I will not get my hopes up.. this is my direct flight back to the United States. This is such a bittersweet moment.. I love every little thing about living and working in London, and to go home after it all, I am not sure how to feel about it. Please try to understand me when I say this: I do not want to leave London-- I cannot wait to be home. Do you understand it? I am still trying to figure out what it means precisely... if you were able to translate it, please let me know!! 

Sunday, 12 August: Afternoon flight to Chicago, IL, USA

     I fly out of London at 3something in the afternoon, I land in Chicago at 6something. I wish it was a three hour flight. Concorde? Yes please. 

Sunday, 12 August: Evening drive to Fond du Lac, WI, USA

     Going home with mom and dad for the night, a long drive but I am sure I will just talk their ears off. Perhaps dinner at the Margarella’s? Or the Silo? <3 

Monday, 13 August: Late afternoon drive to Milwaukee, WI, USA 

     Have to get up and go sometime! Why not the very next day!! Nothing like readjusting to the time difference by going backwards six (for twelve hours) and ahead one more (for a a few days)? When the time is now.. you do it! 

Monday, 13 August: Evening flight to New York City, NY, USA 

     Initially this trip began as a joke about lobster. Seriously. Sitting in our flat in London about a month ago, two of my flatmates, Mona and Tori, were talking about what they were going to eat when they return to the states (Boston and DC, respectively). I said something about wanting lobster and crab (YUM). And Tori says something like, “Sarah, why don’t you come out and visit us before we leave for school again! Fly into DC and work your way up through Philadelphia, New York City and then end in Boston! It’ll be great!” And we all agreed it would be fun.. la, la, la. Until the next day, Tori reiterates the offer with, “Sarah, you know I was serious about what I said last night. You are more than welcome.” I told her I would think about it. And look where we are now. Turns out, with me staying an extra week in London, I will miss Mona in Boston, and Philly would be fun, but my main interest became NYC and DC. A friend of mine (originally a resident, now a great friend), is working a summer internship at Primary Stages. I will be staying with her for two nights, seeing her show on opening night, seeing a cousin and a few other friends! 

Wednesday, 15 August: Afternoon train to Washington D.C., USA 

     I will take the train to DC (perfect timing to compare European transport with American, eh?). While in DC, I will stay with Tori’s family and catch up being an American tourist! YAY! I would like to see the News Museum, Holocaust Museum, Smithsonian and Katie & Jimmy Melson (we hope)!!

Saturday, 18 August: Afternoon flight to Milwaukee, WI, USA 

     I was trying to get my dad to fly out and meet me to take the train back, but unfortunately that won’t be able to happen-- next time! But that’s alright. I enjoy flying or training! 

Saturday, 18 August: Late afternoon drive to Fond du Lac, WI, USA

     Driving home for the remainder of the weekend where I will probably be confined to my parents house, if not by choice, by force through straightjacket and padded room (for excessive traveling) by my mother. (I’m kidding).. But seriously. Her birthday is coming up the next week and there is this Jimmy Johns box of souvenirs I sent home last week with explicit instructions not to open until I am home-home, and it will probably be killing both my parents, and if not them? My cat. 

Was that easy to understand? Crazy, I know. And to think I was going to try and do more during the week I will be in Belgium, and the week between New York and DC. At least I had some sense kicked into me! 

Cheers!
Sarah Marsh