Author Archives: tbv5008

5 days so far in London

‘Ello from London!

Yes, I am now in London and have been here for 5 days! It’s still hard to believe that I will be staying here until mid-April for school. But, it’s been wonderful so far.

I got in around 10:30 am in London, but it was only 5:30 am back in the States. And I do not sleep on planes so I had been up for a long time. Once checked into the hotel room, I started feeling very overwhelmed. The hotel room was small. Not like the average American hotel room at all! A small motel room was probably bigger than this room and it held 3 people! I’ve been insisted that it’s not that everything is small here, everything is big in America. It’s probably true, but wow- it was shocking for me.

Another thing I noticed is there are not a lot of “overweight” people here like back at home. Why, I’m not sure. Because I would originally assume it’s because the food here is bland and everyone walks around a lot, but honestly, after eating here, I wouldn’t say the food is bland. Maybe but I haven’t noticed it. I actually have enjoyed my meals here- I’ve had a mix of Indian, Portuguese, Italian, British, and American and enjoyed them all.

The tourist attractions of course were wonderful. The London Eye gave spectacular views of London. I really enjoyed walking through Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum (the original one) and Hyde Park. Hyde Park actually has a Winter Wonderland filled with little shops and carnival rides during Christmastime that I went to. And of course, the shopping is spectacular (although expensive). I thought Harrod’s was exquisite- especially the Egytian escalator. And the people here are very helpful. My father and I were obviously two American tourists more confused than ever and they all helped us get our way around.

I’m understanding the Tube and bus routes better now after 5 days as well. Sometimes the transportation can be a hassle, but it’s the fastest way to get around. And I’m also starting to get the hang of pounds. The currency rate between U.S. Dollars and UK Pounds is not very good, but I’m starting to understand that 48 pounds does not equal $50 USD, no, it’s about $75 USD. The only thing I’m still struggling with is Celsius. I had to download the app so I could differentiate between the two.

Now, after 5 days I’ve moved into the Residence Hall. A lot of students here are from Penn State, which is wonderful. There are a lot of students too from just about everywhere and anywhere in the USA. Everyone is very friendly since we’re all in the same boat. Tomorrow we have a lot to do so we can all get started with school on Monday. And so it begins…

 

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Location: Chelsea, London, UK

Wait, I still have to pack? Oh no…

I love to travel.

I used to go on vacations all the time with my family and I would be the first one packed and ready to go. Sometimes I would pack a month or so in advance because I was so excited. What ever did happen to that girl? Because nowadays, I hate packing more than anything.

I think I can attribute it to my senior year of high school. I lost my house in a fire right at the end of my junior year so I was moving around a lot before finally moving back home. But six months later it was time to move to college. So that’s mainly the reason I don’t like packing. It is just strenous. I have to make lists, figure out what clothes I want to bring, the toiletries I need just for now, all the paperwork; just way too stressful.

And, I am leaving in 3 days for London. With this snowstorm here, who knows what could happen? I know I need to buck down and get into London mode, but I just don’t like the stress that comes with packing. Plus, my family is on me to get going. I’m doing necessary laundry right now so I make sure I take the clothes I want and need. And I’m constantly checking the weather in London so I know I’m ready.

I am excited, but nervous too. This is definitely a brand new experience for me. I’ve never lived in a city. I’ve been a suburban girl my entire life! My brother is already telling me how to get from the residence hall to my classes and I’m getting so confused. It will definitely be an adjustment in the beginning, especially with the time difference. My dad and I are scoping out places to watch the Outback Bowl because we cannot miss a Penn State football game! So much to do and so much to look forward to in so little time. I better get going before I miss my flight in three days!


Location: Bethlehem, PA

The Introduction to my Amazing Journey!

Hey everyone! My name is Tabitha Venkersammy and I’m a junior majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Political Science. I will be studying abroad in London, England through the IES: London Spring 2011 program and could not be more jubilated about it!

I think London was always the place I would wind up in when it came to studying abroad. My father was born in a British colony in South America and therefore had a very English upbringing. And, when it came to finding a place to get married, my parents chose London. I always loved looking at the photos from my parents’ vacation to London and wished I could be there too. But it doesn’t end there.

My high school marching band was modeled after Her Majesty’s Coldstream Guards in England, so our band always played songs like “Rule Brittania” to any event and our uniforms even had the “Grenadier” feel. Our band is the only high school band ever to play for the Queen, but unfortunately, I was a year too late to be a part of that and never got to travel to London. I think that all roads always led to London for me. And now, I finally get my chance to not only go there, but live and study there too!

Some things you can look forward to when reading my blog is how I react to my experiences. I really want to get a feel for the culture in London. I especially am interested in what the English think of Americans and especially American politics. And I’m excited about seeing the entertainment industry in London. I love films and music so I want to see the London aspect of it. And of course, sports! I’ll be watching the Outback Bowl and the Super Bowl from London and I think that shall be quite interesting.

My roommate lived in London for seven years and she’s already telling me everything I need to do while I’m there. There’s so much to do in four months, and maybe even sneaking a wedding invitation to the “wedding of the century” between Prince William and Kate Middleton!

I will be leaving on December 30th and cannot wait! Only 19 more days!


Location: University Park, PA