Richmond University

Today we did a ton of walking because we decided to go to Richmond which is where the main campus of my school is.  I have not been this excited to start classes in a while.  The city is beautiful. You can walk down by the river (which is where we were in this picture) and next to it is a  lot of green parks with benches and coffee shops.





 

<-- Me in front of the main entrance of the school.

A sign of the--> library just for mom!!

It's funny that the first moment I get there it seems as if I am running off the grass trying not to get in trouble.However this is not the case... I just felt like running? 

Windsor Castle

These two were at the shops which were outside of the castle.
(Mason bought an umbrella and I thought he needed to know that I could beat him with mine.)

Of course we thought it was a great idea to take a picture with the guards.  When standing next to the guy with the large gun I asked "can I hold your gun to?" He replied with "Are you kidding! " I took that as a kind way for him to say NO!

This church was right outside the castle.  The door to it was absolutely gorgeous with how old and detailed it was. 

There is a single road that goes for miles and miles outside of the front of the castle and driving into Windsor we passed it but I did not realize how far the road went because I was more looking just at the castle. Once we got to it and really looked down it was amazing how long and gorgeous it really was.  It was very cool to down and then when you turned around and looked the other way...

This was the front of the castle.  Everything about this castle was very incredible to look at.  I think it would be really neat to take a tour of the inside sometime because I can only imagine how neat it would be after seeing the outside.  After all the exploring we ate at a Thai restaurant which was surprisingly really good!

One Eventful Night

So the other night all of us went out to dinner but Mason had homework and decided to that it would be smart to stay home.  Tim decided to give him some money to get some food for dinner.  Mason has been craving Chinese food ever since I have been here so he walked down to the restaurant that was near us to get it to go.  The woman told him how much it would be and then he took out his money to pay.  The woman then informed him that she could not accept this money.  He sat there kind of confused and kept asking why not!? The lady then informed him that it was Chinese money and they couldn't take that money even though they were a Chinese restaurant!! Mason apologized  and left the restaurant and immediately called us to inform us that Tim had given him Chinese money instead of pounds.  Needless to say Mason was very nervous when he went back and paying with the correct money because he was sure they may have spit in his food .

We were all laughing about this on our way to a pub that we were going to for dinner.  Let me just say, this is not just any ordinary pub.  But rather the pub that my very first friend works.  At dinner we had a young girl help us out all night along with our server.  She was so sweet and nice so we were talking to her about how we are moving to the area and don't know a whole lot of people but are excited to be here.  A little bit later she came up to me and said "I know I am just throwing myself out there but me and some of my friends are going out in Ascot if you would like to join."  We kinda all sat there looking at each other thinking that could be fun.  Is it scary going with this girl that I do not know at all? She seemed nice so we exchanged numbers. (More on my night out later)

After this we came back to the house picked up Mason and went to The Crown which is down the street.  We all ordered beers.  Mason and I were standing next to each other and the guy looks at me and says "Can I see some I.D."  Then looks to Mason and says "I don't need to see yours".  ARE YOU KIDDING!! You can drink when you are 18 here.  I get it I look young but really! I am 5 years older than 18 that means the guy literally thought that I was not even 18 oh man.  Well I guess getting through three days without being carded had me believing I looked older here.  Well that streak ended quickly.  I guess it kinda made me feel even more at home here :)

Yes this was one very eventful night.  Get back to you soon with stories from my night out with Amy

(For those of you who may not know who some of these people are... I am staying with Tim and Tracy and Mason is there son) 

Lost Luggage

Yes it happened... One of my bags was left in the states. I still do not have it here which is not to terrible except for the fact that I don't really have any jeans. I was smart in the way I packed because I thought to put all of the pants that I was bringing in one suitcase and yes that was the bag that I lost. Bummer huh? Well I guess if that is the most of my worries than I am doing okay. Other than that everything has been amazing!! We have been exploring the town that we live in. I love walking everywhere even though at times it feels like I may die crossing the street.

Now the two things I heard before I left is the beer is warm and the people are not the nicest. I have learned however that neither of these two things are true. The beer that I have enjoyed so far has been very cold and the people are very helpful and nice. I got a phone so no worries in an emergency I have a mobile!

I believe we are going to go try and see my school tomorrow! Hopefully I will be able to get pictures up here soon. Miss everyone tons!!!

30 Hours and Counting

I cannot believe that I am actually leaving tomorrow night! Even though I am pretty much packed and I just have last minute things to get done within the next 30 hours I do not feel like I am leaving.  I sit here and look at the two suitcases across the room and I am amazed that those two bags along with a backpack are the only things I am taking.  I can't even fathom how different my life is going to be for the next four months.  I can't imagine the people I am going to meet or the experiences I am going to have.  This is going to be a trip that I never forget.  I am going to miss home.  I am going to miss my family and friends! But there is no doubt in my mind that this is going to be an adventure of a lifetime.  Europe watch out... 30 hours and I will be well on my way!!!