Borough's Market, Travel Plans, and the beach of the UK

Hello,

Sorry for the delay in posts. I guess this must say that London is keeping me pretty busy exploring the world outside my flat. Let me fill you in with my recent adventures. School has officially started, which surprisingly isn't too bad. I have a full load of classes, 4 upper division courses, so I guess my extended vaca will have to be somewhat serious. I think that's going to be tough when I'm planning all of these trips! Luckily, I only have class Tuesday-Thursday which means 4 day weekends :) My professors so far have been really good, except one of my classes was already cancelled since my professor was sick, which we all totally didn't mind. 

Since class finished last Thursday my weekend started with a trip to Borough's Market, which is London's oldest food market since the Roman's came and built the London Bridge. It's also the BEST farmer's market I have been too. I think my family would love the endless delicious samples, definitely beats Costco (haha). From entering, you are embraced with all the rich smells of pastries, cheese, curry, breads, spreads and of course the array of fresh veggies and fruits- all which can be sampled. Between the old buildings lies a wonderful array of sweet treats. I came out with a delicious muffin and a mix of chocolate and yogurt covered nuts and dried fruit. I think I'll be at the market a bit often, since it's every Friday-Sunday mornings/afternoons.

Well between the classes and market, Sara and I have become world travel agents [good thing I  had some experience before with this ;) ]. In the past week, we have booked 3 trips. 5 day trip to Italy, weekend trip to Prague, and Dublin, Ireland. It's been crazy trying to find the cheapest trips, while also keeping in mind times, transportation, hostels, and all of our other friends who want to join. I think we have spent the last week about 2 hours daily researching and booking trips! It's so tedious but I know it's sooo worth it! My last 2 places I want to go to, Spain and Greece :) As of now, I will be in Paris the first week of October, Dublin the second weekend of October, Prague the first weekend of November, Italy the third weekend of November, and (in the works) Spain the last weekend of November. I will make Greece fit in; has been on the top of my list forever and I can't miss seeing the white and blue little houses and buildings along the hills of the Aegean Sea. So, I'm thrilled to start all of this! It excites me that I have so much of the world left to see.

Included in the world is a small beach called Brighton. Brighton is probably the UK's most famous beach. I would compare it to our Santa Monica, but I would also say that it was nothing compared to SoCal beaches. It was definitely cute but super cold! Shops and cafes are hidden in all the side streets of the town; people are riding their bikes down the boardwalk;families are enjoying a good fish and chips in their "take away" bags (aka to-go cone shaped bags);  and some people are brave to take a dip in the ocean. The ocean is a light greenish color and wasn't too cold; however it was freezing outside, well for us it was. We're from California; I don't think we expect highs of 68 degrees as "summer" weather. The beach does not consist of sand but of large stones that hurt your feet really bad. There aren't many waves but there is big and very fun pier, much like Santa Monica's. Sara and I gambled with our 2-pence pieces in the casino. I think I won a whopping total of 10 pence! We walked throughout and saw all the rides, got a drink at a bar, had  dinner, saw some pretty cool fish at the aquarium, and  took in all the culture of the street shops. Overall, it was fun and definitely a cool, eclectic part of England.

I still have so much to see, but I'm excited for the adventures. I've now been here for over 1 week and already I can feel myself adjusting. I love the friendships I'm starting to build and the places I get to experience. Each day is new, exciting, and different. But with each day, I feel growth. Beyond everyone's life there is so much to see and learn. I encourage everyone to step out of your box, your comfort zone, and explore the outside, even if it's down the street to an area you've never been to. Europe has opened my eyes to a life I have been missing. A life filled with excitement and unexpected turns. For once, I have time to do whatever I want. I've never had the opportunity to do something like this! So far, I'm doing okay dealing without my busy schedule, extra long lists and my life planner. No planner here! (well except for my calendar; got to keep track of all my trips and due dates for school assignments). Each day plans itself and I'm following the path of my adventures and wherever it takes me.

Catch up with you soon!
xoxo

Jenna in London