Internet down at school and class is cancelled...

Today I got up. The weather was nice. Too bad the internet was down. I head to the lab and the first thing that I hear is that class is cancelled. I could not be happier. I decide to head to town. I head to Waitrose to see what they have in my search for mints. They actually have it, but it is in a small package. How sad. I am sure they come in larger amounts. I am just going to have to search for it now at Sainsbury. Therefore, I head off to Somerfield and buy some goodies. It is bad. Chocolate and apple pie. I need to stop. Getting to the point where I want to lose weight, but it is just hard. Motivation is not there since my bum is hurting. I walk around town and head into some of the shops that the girls go. I am an individual and do not join the crowd in what is hip and happening. I found some of those pound shops. I find jigsaw puzzles and deicide if I want to buy one and then bring it back to the states to have something to do. Where could you find jigsaws for a pound and have it as a source of entertainment. There were some books stores with word searches too. I remember when I was in middle school and used to buy them and just find then as fast as I could. That is the child within me. I needed to ask June where I could buy toys, but I forgot. I will try again tomorrow.

A hour lost, which means I need to work harder...

Today I got up and dreaded it. It was not because it was sunny, but because I know that I have lost an hour of sleep. It was different having spaghetti for brunch. I never really had food like that, but there is a first for everything. Then I noticed that after eating that that I am one of those that eat when there is nothing else to do. On the other hand, I need to be entertained or something. That is something I have noticed since I have watched the show "Diet Trials".

Called me mum and she said that going to Hong Kong is off. SARS or whatever it is is not good. It is not contained and it is airborne. It is something out of one of those movies about a virus or something or that sort. Nice just talking for an hour or so. I made myself dinner. It was interesting. Never had casserole, so did not know what to expect. The news said that the weather would not be nice later on this week. I hope that they are wrong. I have to go to town on Wednesday to get some lunch. If I do not then I will have to get up early or really early on Thursday to make lunch.

A little cleaning instead of studying...

Do not know what I am going to do today. I hope to study. Maybe go online to chat for a while. Therefore, I got up so early. I think it was because of the neighbors. I do not know. They used the water in their kitchen and I heard it. I do not know if I am doing it on purpose or that I got enough sleep while in Spain. I am lazy. I keep playing Spider. I am so bad. At least I did do something nice. I cleaned all the spoons that are used for stirring tea. They were just stained. At least they are clean now. Yay me! I would hoover, but I am unsure how to. I have found the Hoover.

It was not a nice day. I decided to stay in. As much as I wanted to go and check my e-mail, I just wait until Monday to do it. I have to read, but it is hard. There are not that many distractions except Spider. The news just said that you have to spring ahead one hour. Better, do that or are messed up.

A fire in the house...

Today my back felt better. I also stayed in bed as long as I could. It was hard because my room was bright. Plus the neighbors were in their garden talking and laughing which really made it hard for me to sleep later. I ended up having what I usually do for breakfast and that was fine for lunch. The English call "lunch" dinner. That is just too much. Pretty much just watched TV and then tried to do some work. All I ended up doing was playing Spider until my host dad came home.

Dinner or "tea" as they called it became flames. Making it in the oven, it turned funny. I had mushy peas. It is different. Not too bad actually. It saves you the time of mashing them yourself. The smoke detectors went off twice. I joked about the house being burnt down. It is ok since June would have found out anyway. She went to visit her daughter who just had a baby girl. At least I was right about it being a girl. Her little grandson wanted a little brother. I watched the news and it said that you have to change the clocks fast an hour this Sunday. I find that odd since I am guessing that everyone would do it the same time.

Last day in Spain...

I got up early this morning. I went for a walk on the beach. It was raining. It started last night when we were coming back from the club. At least we left when the weather was turning bad. Walking on the beach while it was raining was nice. It was not as if I was expecting something different than if it was a nice day. I never did get the nice picture of the Mediterranean Sea that looks like Lake Tahoe on a nice day.

After walking on the beach, I went to go looking for souvenirs. I ended up getting some post cards of where I have been. I got a can of Coke that’s different. I will let mom decide if it is special or not once, I bring it back home. I came back with a hurt back after I had eaten a nice Dove triple chocolate ice cream bar for €1,45. I do not know why. Very strange. I ended packing up once I got back and eating what food, I had left. Once packed up went on downstairs. I thought that the coach came and went. The three guys that went on the same trip as us to Gibraltar filmed us getting on the coach heading to the airport. It was cheesy, but it made me feel special in a way I suppose. We were at Gatwick waiting for the coach I was surprised when Stacey offered me some cookies. That was a first and I bet a last from her. I nearly dropped dead.

We ended up on coaches all day pretty much. From the one taking, us to the airport to the ones that would take us back home. It was nice how we got there early to the airport to look about because we knew we would end up the rest of the time on our rear ends. We landed early at Gatwick. That was nice since Stacey’s luggage took ages to come out. Everyone else’s was out already. We did not have much time to wait for the coach to take us to Heathrow. Once we were at Heathrow, there was time for us to just get some food. The driver that drove us back was a maniac. He got there early to the bus station in Bath, but also it was scary because he had this sudden stop. It nearly made everyone hit their head. Maybe we should have had on our seat belts. Well once we were back, we did not have to wait long for the bus to take us home. I was the last one to be dropped off.

Gibralter and monkeys...

Gibraltar was something. The driver was silly for saying it would be hard for us to call him Enrique. He does not know that those of us from the states know how to say most Spanish names. I nearly missed the bus that morning. I knew when to get up, which I found a bit odd. I had a nice pasta breakfast since I had made extra the night before. The last of my food was finally gone. Therefore, once we headed off the coach we were on a mini bus that took us to the rock. We first had the nice entertainment from the three blokes (guys) from Manchester. They took control of the radio then of the microphone. They thought that they were being cute, but it was more funny than cute. First stop was the Pillars of Hercules. Then I think it was off to Saint Michael’s cave.

After that, it was to see the monkeys. On the way, the driver had his window open. One monkey came in and then another. It was hilarious. Then once we stopped for the monkeys, it was just interesting. I fed monkeys! That was the highlight for me. The driver did say that the monkeys would grab anything. I saw this one bloke have a monkey grab out of his pockets the Maltesers he had. The other guy brought all of his bags with him and one was plastic and the monkey tried to grab it from him and he ended up kicking the one that did. I suppose he did not listen to the driver.

That night we ended up going to the Arena. It was different because there was no one there. I had a margarita. It was not what I expected. Ko-Yac the sugar drink I have been hearing about tastes like Hawaiian punch. At least now, I know a drink that is good. The club was pretty much empty and I danced like a nut. It is fine with me since there is hardly anyone there. I had fun. We called it an early night.

Ordering in Spanish at Mc Donald's...

We headed on the bus and I decided to sleep. I was tired. Lack of sleep will do that to you. And because it is just what the culture seems to do a lot. The tour guide ended up talking about a Roman bridge and how the Romans were here. I told Jessica that we would always learn something and trying to escape the English history would be impossible. We were also told about gypsies.

We headed to Granada. We met a couple that told us where we should go. The only problem was that it would be too late. They said that we should head Malaga. There is this nice view. There would not have been any way possible to see it on the day that we were leaving. Seeing the church that Queen Isabella and Philip the Handsome were buried was interesting. The walking tour was not bad. It was just really slow. After we finished that, we headed back on the bus to head to the Alhambra.

It was a palace. It was not that impressive. The reason why was because we had been put with a tour guide that did double duty. He was doing two tours at once and it was hard to understand him. On the other hand, while there I was checking out guys. Of course, they were from Germany. We saw a group of people that were on a tour and they were from France. The French are everywhere! First in Dublin and of course in Paris, but in Spain as well? It looked the same after a while. The palace was not that great. The rooms just started to look a like. The gardens were more impressive. The view you could see while in the garden was fantastic. That was the only highlight.

After we finished we headed back to town where we could have lunch and do some shopping. Kristi and I found a McDonald’s. It was funny ordering in Spanish. At least they understood. Ordering in Spanish would be easier than in French I would assume. We know numbers at least. The menu more or less was in English. There were these two guys that spoke English I think, but I was not sure. Kristi saw them and was going to talk to them, but she said she was not that forward. The timing was all wrong for shopping. All the shops were closed. I knew that would happen. The only place that was open was this department store. We ended up running into the guys that we saw at McDonald’s. They are actually basketball players. It was nice just to run into someone who was from the states and spoke English.

Mijas...

Today I got up and I am ready to go. Therefore, we thought we missed the bus but we had not. We tried to say that we had a space for us, but then the woman told us it was full and that we should just go to the beach and get some sun. I have never been so insulted. Therefore, we decided to head off to Mijas. Victor the guest services person was some help, but not really.

I finished the box of cereal. Tonya did not think that I could do it, but I did. I mean it is not that hard since it is a type of food that is ready to eat. I am sure that I will be living off that stuff once I live alone. I will have all types of cereal. I will have some for breakfast and dinner. Lunch I can always find some fast food or something healthy.

Sleep and eat...somethings never change...

Sleeping and eating. That is not what we did. We tried to book a trip to places. We had some luck. We also tried to go on the blanket trip. The only reason why I would go is to taste chocolate. I am hoping that it is dark chocolate. After booking trips, we just headed back to our rooms. I ended up eating cereal. I think I nearly finished the whole box. I do not know if it was today or not, but I saw a cockroach. It was yucky! At least I had enough nerve to capture it and then flush it down the toilet. It made me think twice about countries that are hot. I never thought I would see one, but eww!

A walk and a break from sleeping...

We wanted to book a trip to Morocco, but it was cancelled because of the war. It started the same day we headed off to Spain. All we ended up doing was sleeping and eating. That is pretty much how it was. Seems like we have sleep more than anything else does on this holiday.

Tonya and I decided to go for a walk. We ended up walking to the last part of the stores. Tonya ended up eating Chinese food. The people who owned the restaurant are from China. I am not sure what part, but I am sure from China. I think I spoke Mandarin ok, but it was obvious they knew I was not one of them. I could tell my Mandarin was bad. After eating Chinese food, we headed over to the supermarket. Tonya said, “Hasta mañana� to the cashier and she said no because they are not open on Sundays.

That night we headed to the 24-hour club area. The guys in the first club were yucky. I mean this one guy grabbed my wrist and wanted me to dance with him. Eww. He grossed me out. However, since Maria was not feeling well we left. Just as we, left I saw this cute person. Too bad, I could not dance with him. He was not too tall, but whatever.

Then we just decided to head back to some clubs that were closer. At least once, inside it was hot. I got to dance with some guy named Marco. I do not know why him and this other guy were dressed in the same shirt, but who am I to ask questions. At this club, you could see whom you were dancing with, I mean their faces.

Sangria isn't that great at 11 a.m.

I woke up early to head to orientation. I had Sangria. I thought it would be much fruitier, but there was only a slice of lemon so I do not think it would be nice at all. We planned on going to some places, but did not book it that morning. So then later on, we decided where we wanted to go. Sarah, our representative said she would be back at 5 p.m. and we were going to book it then. We just ended up heading off back up to sleep some more. We were also told where the supermarket was.

I was pretty good at shopping. I spent only about €9,00. All of that and I am not sure if I would eat it all. I treated myself to two liters of fruit juice. I have not had any in a while and thought why not. I got pasta and a box of corn flakes. I also bought yogurt. The water prices were crazy. Only €,49 for 5 liters of water, which is insane. I have never seen water so cheap!

We headed to the supermarket and stayed until it closed for siesta time. It would reopen at 5 p.m. We bought food to make dinner. I think we all did cook. I made pasta. I am never sick of it since I have not had it very often. That is what I made to eat most of the time anyway while living with nuts. No problem.

Spain and spring break...

Today is the day! After lack of sleep from a nice and odd wake up from some guys from China it was time to head on over to check in. All night long I could hear music and was not sure where it was coming from, but then when I checked it was from the coffee place that was downstairs. I also heard the theme music from The Simpsons from a gambling game.

The flight over, I just slept after I ate. The woman could not believe I was still sleeping. I think I was sitting in the isle and she was just shocked. I bet she did not know that I had a wake up at about 2 a.m. That was not the nicest thing in the world, made it impossible for me to get back to sleep. I was wondering when Tonya would be seen. I had almost suggested that we go and look for her. When it was almost our turn to check in, she was in sight! So much has happened since she had last gone. Most of it was Stacey though.

We arrived in Malaga to find the weather somewhat decent. They said that it was raining the week before and weather now is nicer than it has been. It was warmer than in England so I did not care. We arrived and our rooms were not ready so we decided to go and take a walk on the boardwalk. It was windy, but not cold wind. It seemed like it because we were just coming from cold weather. We walked for a while and then headed back to the hotel for our rooms. We decided to go and get some food since we had not had any. Once we had food, we went back to the hotel and just slept. It was as if we lived there and was going with the culture. The plan was to head to the super market to buy some food, but since we were just so tired from lack of sleep, we got up too late to go.

Later that night, we ended up at this Italian restaurant. I had a pizza and I was surprised that I ate up the whole thing. Once we had finished our food the waiter said he had a friend that worked at a club that he could get us into. So I we said ok. We went back and changed, and when it was time only Maria, Tonya, and I went. It was ok. It was early and we were just going to stay a little while, but then the bouncer would not let us leave saying it was early still. So he ended up giving us one more complimentary drink card. I was in hell at that point. I wanted to be rested to go to the orientation the next day. Then when we left the club, we finally experienced something of another culture. We wanted to leave, but we were refused. We read the same thing in class.

Off to Spain...

Today I went to school. The weather was nice. The sun was out. I finished my paper at school. I just could not work on it at home. It was not an easy paper. I also needed help on it since I did not really remember the paper. I fell asleep in class. Or sort of did and for that Hans ended class early. He even treated everyone to a round. I passed on it since I had to go home and pack. I was fully packed by the time my host dad came home to drop me off at the station.

I had no idea that it was Shannon Hammond’s birthday. I saw her before I went off for a long coach ride to Gatwick. I went to Iceland to get the raspberry jam tarts that were yummy. I also got a roll of digestive cookies. I do not call them biscuits because it is from habit. I was going to buy some chocolate, but I figured that I could do without it. I headed on to the bus at about the right time. They were not sure if the bus was right, but it did not matter because I knew. They should have known from time they went to Heathrow from going to London and to Paris. I guess they must have forgotten. Once on the bus I could not believe that the driver showed a movie. It was "The Tuxedo". I had not seen it, but at least I saw all of it. Interesting and seeing Jackie Chan made me feel more at home.

So we arrived at Gatwick and I finally went to sleep at a reasonable time. I think it was about one something if not earlier. At about 1.45 a.m. I got a wake up from some guy. I thought that he would leave me alone. Instead, he brought back a friend. They spoke mandarin. They really tested me. I have not spoken it since I was back at home. They thought that I was from China and then became a citizen or that I was not saying that I was Chinese at all. That was just odd. Today was the first day of the war on Iraq.

Looking into another trip to Paris...

Today there was class. I looked into how much it would cost me to head back to Paris. It would be cheaper to head back at the end of April and if it was on a weekday. A weekend is too much. Today was not nearly as nice as yesterday. It was a bit cold in the morning. Something looked like fog across the mountain area. The sun did come out eventually, but it took a while. I think I am getting lack of sleep. Every time I head off to class, all I want to do it just sleep. That is never nice. Maybe I will catch up with sleep sometime soon. I believe it is all the trips or mini holidays I am taking.

Paris again...

Bob was out sick. He was not feeling too well yesterday. So his classes were cancelled. I wonder if it will be tomorrow. I finally talked to Adam today. That was nice. Too bad I have to head to Paris myself next month or later this month…I mean next week. Checked out prices and it seems April might be the best time. I hope that I sort it all out before I leave. It was such a nice day. The sun was out before I was out of bed.

Aur revior Paris...

Today we just took it easy. Getting up late and then packing up to check out. We left our stuff at the hotel. We decided to get some pictures of Notre Dame and then walk to Luxemburg Park. We ended up walking through the old parts of Paris and then having some food at the park with pigeons. So then, we headed back to Notre Dame to buy the pictures and then back to the hotel to get our stuff. We ended up walking what seems like forever to the guys’ hotel. My five and a half pound backpack was starting to feel like a ton. Then we had to figure out what trains to take back. Once at the airport we looked like the family in "Home Alone" running through the airport. However, we made it.

Getting back was not all that fun at all. We arrived at Heathrow and had to find the coach. It brought back memories of our first day in London, England. Someone said that he looked like the one that picked us up from the airport that day, but he was not. Then someone said he looked like the guy that took us to Stonehenge. I am not sure who is right, but all I know is they all look alike. Bob said that he could drop us off at anywhere we wanted, but he could not. He just let us off at the bus station.

Barfest in Paris 2003...

The next day we see Jessica and everything is fine. We met up at Notre dame again and headed off to Versailles. Ryan was late and we waited. It took 15 minutes from when the others left for him to get there. It was ok. Therefore, we head off to Versailles by train. We only walked around the garden area. Bare since it is winter. We did not pay the €14,50 to go look at the rooms since that would have taken all day. Once we finished looking we head on back. They made a special stop at the Eiffel Tower just for me. I just looked and nothing else. After we head towards the Champs-Elysées. That was interesting since the arch looks like the once that I saw in Dublin, the one on friends, and the one at Marble Arch. Then we headed back to our hotel to drop stuff off and then to the other hotel.

We finally end up eating dinner at La Fabricque. It was expensive, took a long time for the food to come, and was not filling. We were somewhat late in meeting with the others and we did not know what to do. No plan. Some said they wanted to head to Notre Dame since they had not seen it at night. Stacey wanted to come but we just did not want her company. We said we were just going to walk all over and I really wanted to see the Eiffel Tower at night, but we had too much fun at Notre Dame.

What happen was someone said, "let’s go to the liquor store and get some wine". Therefore, Ryan, Maria, Kristi, and Michael get wine. I am not much of a drinker so pass and just let them be. The storeowner opened the bottles for them. So they drink some before we start walking. I am the leader since I know how to get there. We end up stopping a few times and take some pictures. They’re not very drunk yet, just buzzed from the wine they had at dinner. We take pictures at the bridge and of the water when we stopped. We then head on over to Notre Dame. We took pictures of it. As we finished the lights turned off.

Here is where it gets interesting. They all are drunk at this point. We meet some guys that are also drinking in front of Notre Dame. Kristi pours wine and says it is for someone (names or just random things.) Michael talks to the other guys just like Ryan and Maria as well. All I can do at this point is just stand and watch everyone. Someone had to be sane I mean sober. Everyone’s talking to someone and I am just standing there getting cold. I do not know how but Kristi finished her wine and so did Michael. Ryan finishes his beer. Maria drops her bottle of wine and complains about it. So the guys that we meet end up inviting us to dance, but others had beer for Maria. They got drunk fast. Ryan is not drunk but buzzed. Therefore, Kristi had to go to the bathroom and they were closed so she ends up going in the garage. Ryan helped her, but I am not sure on the details. I take Maria who’s drunk at this point over to get out of the cold. I call Michael, he goes down first and takes a leak, and Maria swears she did not see anything. I am speechless at this point.

Then Maria wanted to head down there and talk to Kristi, but she ends up sick. Kristi threw up in the garage and I think Maria might have as well. Then Michael goes and wonders what’s happening and I check. Maria wanted to finish the beer, but Ryan stops her. Some how I end up getting Michael upstairs and Ryan gets Maria up and then Kristi. From then on, it became puke fest 2003. Maria started then Kristi and then Michael. Michael makes the most noise and makes the others want to throw up as well. We wait until everyone is ok and then start to look for a taxi. We end up on the corner and then they all go at it some more. That was the corner where the police station was. Ironic isn’t it? Then we tried forever to get a taxi and ended up having to walk back. Then at one point, they start again. There was this little house or something they started up at. The funny part was Ryan tried to flag down a taxi and when Michael and Kristi threw up a taxi did stop but this girl got out throwing up. I could only laugh and shrug at Ryan. If I were drunk as well, it would have been hell for him. Four people drunk and just one person to take care of everyone.

We end up walking the rest of the way. More irony is when we were just 100 feet or so from my hotel there are empty taxis. I rang the bell and the stupid guy would not open the door and took forever to, then asked me how many people were in each room and did not even want to give me the keys. Ryan helps Kristi to her room and I think Michael got Maria to her room and then Maria passes out. Michael is outside sitting on the stairs about to barf and I see it just in time to get him something to barf in and then made him go in the bathroom in my room. After got him to Kristi’s room with Ryan who took him back to his hotel.

A long day in Paris...

The next day we head to Notre Dame again. I was the one that was leading. I had the map and made sure we were headed the right way. I took charge and made it my mission not to mess up going. It was easier going there in the day than in the night because at least you could see the street signs. First, we looked about Notre Dame. The inside you could see how high the ceilings were. It is also quite a long church as well. After seeing all of that we met and all headed over to the Lourve. It is huge! I mean my feet were tired after walking around. If I had sat down, I knew I would not get back up. At least I saw a few Monet’s. They were what I wanted to see. One painting he did was breath taking. I do not know what word to use, but up close it did not look like much. However once you stepped back and looked at it, it could pass as a photograph. That was impressive. Pointilism was what it was. We left the Louvre and headed towards a park. Once out there was a cart that sold crepes. They were yummy! Not filling, but something to eat at least. The rest of the group went to Eiffel Tower to check it out. I was going to be on my way to pick up the wallet.

Once we got off at the correct stop, we had to figure out which street it was we had to head to. We got there 10 minutes before it closed. We tried to explain to them that I was the daughter, but they said that I needed a letter from my mom saying I would be the one to pick it up. It was a waste. Afterwards we headed back towards Luxemburg Park to meet up with the others. We were in the park just sitting there and enjoying the scenery. It was beautiful. It was sunny, but not warm since the sun was setting, but still nice. The best part of the park I would say is the fountain. It gave the illusion that it was long, but it was not. The walls on the sides gave that effect. It was nice. I did not know that that park had a mini statue of liberty. I saw flowers dried with this unique technique of using oils. They look beautiful. So life like as if the life was still going. I saw the Sorbonne, which is a large university. I saw the Latin quarter where students hang out.

For dinner, it was Vietnamese. It was nice to have rice. After dinner, we walked around some more and saw a cathedral that had some of the paint that most cathedrals have removed. It is hard to imagine it with all of its paint still on. Everything looks clean and beautiful with it off, but on, with the proper lights I am sure it would look every bit as beautiful. I got to walk around the old parts of Paris. It was nice. I saw where Shakespeare, Dickens, and others hung out. Then it was off to my hotel.

Once back at the hotel I watched TV to find millionaire was on. I suppose it is a lot harder to try to guess the answer if you do not know French. So I relaxed a bit and then found Tonya and Maria coming back to tell me Jessica was missing. We tried to ask for directions to the police station. We finally headed off somewhere and ran into some Americans. One of them was studying in Paris and knew French. That helped a lot once we finally found a police station. However, once there we were told that if the person was lost in that part you have to report it to the police there. So were we just baffled at that. At least we found that out, but it did not do us any good at all.

Off to Paris...

The history class was interesting since Hanns kept interrupting Martin the new professor about where the names or words originated. That was probably the highlight of the class. After class, I headed over to the computer lab. We left as a group and headed to the bus station. I knew that I had to change money and when I did, I am glad I did not get the same woman as I did yesterday. Afterwards I headed towards Iceland to buy some tarts or mini pies. They were sold out! How unlucky for me. I headed over to the bus station. I did not see anyone. At that point, I was panicking. Then I saw Aaron and I was relieved. I was the last one on the bus but I made it. I could not decide what to do on the bus, but I was tired so I tried to sleep. I did not know what was to happen in Paris, but I hope it will a trip I never forget.

We land in Paris and we have to catch the train to the hotels. We buy our tickets and we end up walking up and downstairs. The plan was once we were settled in our hotels to meet at Notre Dame at 10.45 p.m. That did not happen. I went with Maria there while Kristi and Tonya stayed in. I wish I had too once we found out way there. It was beautiful. We found the back first and took some pictures of it. Then we found the front. It was something that you just open your mouth and say, “Wow.� It got cold. Then on the way, back we got lost and I only had Maria to thank for that. We asked people, but they never pointed us to the right direction. We did not get back to the hotel until at least 2 a.m. I was tired at that point and was glad to call it a night.

Procrastination...

School, sun was out. I went to school. I walked. I do not know how long it took me but it was quite a while. I do not like quizzes. That I found out today. Well that and the fact I finished reading the stuff this morning. I was reading it last night but I was so tired I just decided to call it an early night. I am glad I did because I got a wake up call from my mum. That woke up the whole house. I am supposed to be working on my paper that is due next week, but I have started on it, but mostly I played Spider for a whole hour. Hey I have not played in a couple of days I think an hour is not too bad. Well I spent more than an hour at it. Glad I have an e-mail from Allan. Miss talking to him. His crazy sense of humor. Tomorrow I am off to Paris. How exciting is that? First London or to see more of it, then Dublin now Paris. Next, I am heading to Spain. Will it end? Yes it will since I am not about to go alone to other countries, but who knows, maybe I will find others that are heading off to a place that I want to head to.

Forgot my bus pass...

Just headed to school. After school I decided to head to town, well that and to talk to Michael. I forgot my bus pass and ended up walking home from town. That just made my day. The sun might have been out. Tired from Ireland. I felt it at night. I started to read for my communication class and then my eyes went blurry. That means naptime or I am going to sleep with the lights on while reading. I decided to take a nap. I ended two hours later after an hour nap back to back to just call it a night. I am glad I did. I needed the sleep. I am not a morning person and I miss going to sleep a lot and not getting up until the afternoon. Maybe the walk from town made me tired.

Being a little daring...

Made it to class. I forgot that the class ahead of me was cancelled. I thought I was getting forgetful. Book my ticket for the bus to Spain. It did not seem as if the week has just started again. This week I am headed towards France. If I could meet a nice French guy then I will be happy. Who knows if I will or not. I tried to in Ireland, but that did not go over too well. At least I am daring to try to ask a guy to dance.

Sleeping in the airport...

It was not nice sleeping at the airport. It was odd to be more exact. We slept in the arrivals area. It was pretty much deserted. It did not help that there was a TV on the other side with the formula one racing going on. As I was trying to sleep and woke up a few times I finally went to sleep I think. Ryan wakes me up and I do not even comprehend what is going on. I was first in line to check in, but I was not ready. I am not a morning person after a couple of hours of sleep.

Headed back home and all I did was take a shower and had some food and then it was off to bed to get a couple more hours of sleep. I wanted to be somewhat awake otherwise, I would have problems sleeping that night. I do not know what time I went to bed but I think it was midnight.

Homeless and sleeping in an airport...

It is time to check out of the hotel and be homeless. The worse part is that the TV and the radio said that it was Friday. That confused us. We had nothing to drink but got a decent night’s sleep. Packed everything up and headed to the lobby to go to the City Center. We are going to meet up with the others at 5 p.m. in front of this giant spike. It hurts your neck just looking up at it. Stacey remembers nothing about last night. Something that I will never forget.

We find out that Ireland beat France in the rugby game. We headed towards Temple Bar and got pictures of Temple Bar. The only thing that we have to do at this point is to kill time. We head off to find a pub that we can just relax and wait until we can head off to the hotel to pick up our stuff and then head off to the airport. The French that were there were picked on by Irish. While walking down the street at night it was as if we were in Paris. There was people speaking French left and right you could really be in Paris had the signs not been in English I would have thought I was in Paris. We finally leave town at about two or so. We head back to the hotel and then we get out stuff and we could not even relax for a little while and the manager wanted us out of the lobby. That was just wrong.

Tourist in Dublin...

We looked for a tour to join in Dublin. We headed to City Center and we were too late to join the tour we wanted. All we did was just look about and do the tourist thing. Ryan held the map and looked like the typical tourist. Therefore, we headed to Trinity College, which is the oldest school in Dublin, possibly all of Ireland. It was built or founded in 1592 or something like that. Not too sure. Then we headed off to Dublin Castle. That was just odd. Part of it seemed new and the other half seems old. What I did see of the inside of the castle was nice. That staircase that leads up looked as if it was from the movie Titanic. We headed to Guinness factory. I opted not to go on the tour because for one thing, I cannot drink a whole lot and a pint is way too much.

We headed to Saint Patrick Cathedral and I do not know why only that Stacey wanted to go. Did not know what the big deal was. We then headed to the park that had something that was an arch and could be in Friends or London’s Marble Arch. We then went back to the hotel, finished the rest of the alcohol, and then went out to party.

Tonight was scary. Stacey was drunk bad. She was so out of it. Everyone else was sober by the time we had to take her back to the hotel. She really does need help. Her self-esteem is so low…it is lower than mine. She just needs to be praised about how she looks. That is just sad.

Off to Ireland...

I head off to Dublin. I hope it is not as cold as people say it is. So the plan was to find a place to buy some alcohol. As if, we would do anything else. So we headed to Swords and bought food for dinner and what not. That is all we did. In addition, time seems to go by so slow. When it was 11 p.m., it seemed as if it was much later since we were just drinking in the hotel. Playing a card drinking game was funny but not as funny as it was in London.

We kept on going back and forth between the two rooms. It was just odd how some of us find ourselves trying to avoid Stacey. There is just something about her asking for everyone’s opinion on how she looks and if she looks good that gets to everyone. We ended up talking about her and her faults, but I suppose that is something that happens in all groups. She put on make up to go across the hall to drink and play cards. That is just bizarre.

A lot of walking...

Today I went to school. Jurmain saw me and said that I looked better today. I was feeling better. I had a headache yesterday, but I did also take some ibuprofen for it. Michael moved again. He is a nomad. Ha ha. I joke about that but hopefully he will be ok at his new place. I walked the whole way to school. It took me a while. It takes a little while longer but it is fine with me. I talked to Jill about wanting to see a doctor and she was able to help me get an appointment for today. How ace (cool) is that?

I also have to see a doctor about being sick. It is so nice to see someone to give you something to get better. It was a fast visit as well. I got there early and got back ten minutes after my appointment was suppose to happen.

I walked up and down the same streets three times. That is a lot. The reason is the first time was to school. Then I headed home so that I could drop down my stuff. Then I went to my appointment. Then I had to fill the prescription and then I did not have money so I had to walk back up. I could have asked Kristi to loan me the money, but why be lazy. I just thought of it as exercise. I realized that when I was coming back. I am just remembering what Michael said about whatever does not hurt you will make you stronger. Because if I had not moved I would not be happy and I would be miserable until the time I left. I head for Dublin tomorrow. It is going to be cold and wet.

Finally wanted and a little lost...

She made me lunch. Isn’t that the sweetest thing? In addition, she made or had my stuff ready for breakfast as well. I feel as if I am spoiled, but mostly that I have gone to heaven. This is my reward for being so nice. It is totally the whole karma thing.

Went on some wild bus rides. I ended up at Bath University and not Bath Spa University College. Then I got on the wrong bus and headed towards Bathampton and not to school. Finally, I just headed home and then got off and walked to school. I was heading home and I did not know what stop to get off at and then end up going a full circle and then got home. Quite funny. Then using the house key and did not need to. That was funnier.

It was just so nice being able to relax and not having the pressure of having to go out. No one asking me if I was going out. I found that I could now just be me. Sitting and watching television is my idea of having a good time even though it is boring.

Finally I fit in...

So I got up and did not even know what to do. It was nearing the time that I had to be at my new house. I did not dare ask Mandy for a ride. Therefore, I found out from her that I would have to get there myself. I asked her if she knew of any taxi numbers and I was surprised she gave me one. I knew she wanted me out. I did not even dare try to make myself some breakfast.

I called a taxi to my new house and when the driver came, her excuse was that she had a bad back. Well that is just nice. Then the driver drove me over and left me at the bottom of the stairs. That was not nice of him to do that to me. I am such a tiny thing and I had to bring both of the suitcases up to the house. By the time we brought both suitcases up, with the help of my new host mom we were both huffing and puffing.

I had to move out. I unpacked and Mandy must have taken the See’s candy. Bitch. She gave me a pair of pants that are not even mine. Dumb ass on her part. I could not believe that she would take the candy like that. It was not even for her. I do not know if she did that out of spite or because she thought that I would really give it to her. She is just so wrong.

June, my new mom is just so nice. She was telling everyone about me and how my old family had treated me. I told June about what she had done, and she said that not all British people are like that. I am glad. She made me feel so welcome here. She knows I have gone through a lot and that what I need is just some understanding. I went on and on about my old family or the mum rather. I reckon that I will fit right in. Tony, my new host dad is nice and he said that they were boring. I am fine with that since I am about the same. All I do is watch TV anyway. I do not go out much because that is just not me.

It's London, baby! (quoting Joey from Friends)

Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Eye, Saint James’s Park, Trafalgar Square, and Saint Paul’s Cathedral. I saw those places last in London. At Buckingham Palace, I saw the marching of the guards going into the palace. Westminster Abbey was not what I thought it would be. Big Ben was big and huge. It looked beautiful. The London Eye was big. I did not think it would be that big. Saint James’s Park was somewhat big but it was hard to see most of it. Trafalgar Square is where Hanson was for when they film the video “Where’s The Love?� and I remembered. The museum that we went to was huge. I did not even know they have the painting of the one that I have of Monet. If I had known, I would have gone to fine it and see it in it is true colors. The last place was Saint Paul’s Cathedral that was in “Mary Poppins.�

Came home and found my stuff packed with a note explaining what happened. I cannot believe that she would pack up my stuff. I was shocked. Everything was packed up. I could not even check to see what was missing if there was something missing. She just wanted me out. I could not believe that she made me some sandwich dinner. At least it was better than nothing was. I saw the letter telling me where my new house was. I had to be out first thing in the morning.