Barajas, Spain

So here I am in Spain during my 21 hour layover on my way back to the US from Ireland. I had every intent of going into the city of Madrid to do some sightseeing, but I was way too exhausted and just decided to stay in a hotel near the airport in Barajas (suburb of Madrid). Just thought I would check in and let you know I'm alive. I'm going to try to just get some sleep before I head back to the airport in the morning to fly into Chicago. Can't believe my whirlwind of a California-Eurotrip is coming to an end. It's been an AMAZING two weeks. Time for me to go to sleep. Love you, Mommy! Talk to you soon!

Dublin, Ireland

Hello from Ireland, Mama! Boy, is it cold here! I found my way to Dublin after a rather large mishap at the Birmingham airport involving me having to purchase a new ticket at the last minute, but I'm just rolling with the punches, and I made it! The first thing I did upon arriving into Dublin was order some fish and chips! Tasty, tasty! The hostel I'm staying in is very nice, very clean, and very modern. I really lucked out with this one.

I decided to go wandering around the city today with no real agenda just seeing what I manage to happen upon. This was a great idea until I realized how freezing it was. My next idea was that the first museum I came across I would go inside. While I initially thought this was a fool-proof plan, I found myself inside of an interactive viking museum. Oh, Alissa. It was...an interesting experience. I learned how to write my name in viking script. I learned a bit about viking history in Ireland and Europe, but I'm not sure I would have spent my money willingly on an interactive viking museum.

I continued wandering around the city and made my way to the Temple Bar area (the main pub district) and stopped for a Guinness at a real Irish pub. While I was still in the US I asked for suggestions as to what I should do in Dublin and 90% of the responses were about drinking Guinness. I managed to find myself inside the pub during an important football (soccer) match, and I was surrounded by hundreds of drunk Irish football fans. So intimidating!

I went back to my hostel with the intent of getting a good night's sleep, but a large group of Spanish girls who were staying in the same room as me showed up with bottles upon bottles of alcohol, and needless to say I did NOT get a good night's sleep.

This morning I headed to Trinity College to see The Book of Kells. Unfortunately, it was closed for maintenance. I still got to see the rest of the museum, but not the book itself. The Trinity College campus was pretty incredible.

Most of my day was just spent walking around the city. I didn't really have any plans other than going to see Trinity College. I enjoyed myself despite the cold air and bitter wind. Once again, I just barely dipped my toes into the city, but it was a good start for whenever I make my way back here next.

Sorry this update is kind of blah and content-less. I miss you, Mommy. So, so much. It was the Irish Mother's Day while I was here. I hope you enjoyed your day. I love you with all my heart.

Sheffield, England

Hola, Mama! Tonight is my last night in England before heading off to Ireland in the morning! I've certainly had an incredible time in this country. I've spent the day exploring a bit of Sheffield while Melissa was in class. I went to a museum in the city that Melissa suggested I see, which was rather nice, and when she got out of class she met me at this indoor greenery room attached to the museum. She showed me around the city, making sure to take pictures with the classic English mailboxes ("postboxes").

Later on, Melissa took me to grab dinner at one of her favorite local places, Bloo 88, where we enjoyed some pizza (that had a fried egg on top!) and lychee martinis (amazing). The rest of the evening we spent at her house, which was some much  needed downtime. I really like her three housemates. I got along really well with them and I could tell that if I lived here we would make good friends.

My time in England has come and gone. I don't think I could have asked for a better week. I finally lived my childhood dream of visiting this country (London in particular), I saw a West End musical, did some shopping, saw my favorite band perform (twice!) from only a matter of feet away, and got to spend time with one of my best friends. It has truly been an incredible and perfect week. I am off to the train station once more in the morning to catch a train to Birmingham where I will be flying off to Dublin, Ireland for the weekend on my way home. I'm excited to see what adventures await me there!

Night night, Mama! Love you lots!

Girls Aloud Concert: Manchester, England

MOM!!! You will not believe what an amazing two nights I have had! Melissa and I ventured up to Manchester on the train, which was a laugh in and of itself as we decided to sit in between the cars for some reason.

Clearly, Melissa was enjoying herself. We made it to the Travelodge we were staying in with just enough time to freshen up and head to the arena! We planned this thoroughly and booked a hotel within walking distance to where the concert was being held. We wanted to get there early as we had standing tickets instead of seated tickets, so we wanted to ensure that we would get good spots close to the stage. We waited outside of the MEN (Manchester Evening News) Arena for a while before finally the doors were opened. Once we got inside we were placed in a line ("queue," as they call it here) and given wrist bands to denote that we were standing. Eventually the second set of doors was opened and we were allowed to go down to the floor where we would be standing. All of the ushers were screaming, "No running! No running!" as they wanted to prevent a stampede, but we were fortunate enough to power walk quick enough to secure spots right by the stage. Their set had a catwalk that extended right off of the front of the stage into the middle of the floor. We were able to get close enough that we were stood right at the end of the cat walk with only one row of people standing in front of us. This meant that when Girls Aloud would walk down the cat walk we would literally be a matter of feet away from them. So cool, right?

Amelia Lily was the opening act, which was a nice surprise because I really enjoy her music as well. She was a lot better than I expected her to be. Really strong live vocals. I was impressed. Finally, after an elaborate countdown, Girls Aloud made their grand entrance, being lowered from the ceiling on a large platform that said, "GIRLS ALOUD," in bright shiny lights. The whole concert was a blast, and I could not get over how close we were to them! They sang all of their greatest hits almost entirely in chronological order from 2002-2012 (the tour itself was celebrating their ten years together). Everything was perfect--the costuming, stage design, lighting, pyrotechnics, everything. At one point they performed a song wearing the angel wings and other costuming straight from the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. So cool, right? Halfway through the show they rode through the air on their Girls Aloud platform directly over our heads to a smaller stage in the middle of the arena, which was really cool as well. The encore of the show was really special. They rose up from the floor of the stage and behind them was a video montage of clips and pictures from the last ten years. It was a really nice touch. They shot feathers out of cannons as part of the grand finale, and one floated right into my hand! I kept it as a nice souvenir. Speaking of souvenirs...I went a little overboard and got myself a t-shirt, a poster, a program, and a bracelet. I know I'm a huge dork, but they're my favorite band, so it's ok. I seriously had such an amazing night, Mom. I couldn't believe that I actually saw them live and from so close. They were real people standing in front of me--not just figures from magazines and television. I'm so glad that Melissa was able to come with me as well. I know she had fun too (maybe not as much fun as me, but she certainly did have fun).

 

 

Melissa and I walked around downtown Manchester until we found ourselves at the Hardrock Cafe, where we ate dinner. I had some rather tasty pasta and we had a celebratory cocktail to top off a perfect evening. Manchester was really pretty by night, and I wish I would have been able to see more of it.

 

We returned to our hotel and crashed for the night. Melissa had to leave early the this morning to return to Sheffield for class. I stayed because once again I am a huge dork and I went to see the concert for a second time. No shame. This time I had a seated ticket, so it was a different experience. I ended up sitting next to a group of ladies in their 40s or 50s out for a girls night. They were so cute, and I hope me and my friends do cute things like that when I'm older. The concert was just as amazing the second time around, even though I was by myself and not as close. I'm currently laying in bed in the hotel still riding my high from the excitement of the past two nights. I think I will be floating pretty high for a while. This will certainly be hard to top. Time for me to go to sleep before I head back to Sheffield in the morning. Love you lots, Mama!

London, England: Day 2

Good morning, Mommy! I had every intent to wake up early this morning to go watch the crossing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, but my body had a different plan. I was knocked out and didn't wake up in time. I'm a little bummed, but it just means I'll have to come back to England, right? I know I'll be back.

I started my day and made my way to Buckingham Palace. I told the Queen you say hello. She sends her regards. She certainly has a nice house. I think Dad and I should look into moving into a similar property. I think it would suit Bella cat. She is a princess after all. In all seriousness though, the palace was really spectacular. The guards were in their places not moving a muscle, some were on horseback, and others marched back and forth.

(Terrible picture, but somehow I walked away without any good pictures of the palace. What was I thinking?)

After leaving the palace, I was walking back to the Underground station when I noticed a storefront with a giant Filipino flag on the front! I had to stop and go inside. I enjoyed some pancit for lunch and talked with the owners about my time in the Philippines and how much I love their country and culture. It was nice to have some Philippines in England.

I made my way down to the waterfront, enjoying a seemingly rare sunny day along the River Thames, and decided to take a ride on the London Eye (the giant ferris wheel). It was pretty cool--you could see miles and miles of London from up at the top. There were computer screens in side each of the pods where it would tell you what each of the landmarks were that you could see.

My London Eye ticket came as a packaged deal discount rate with a ticket to Madamme Toussad's wax museum. I had never been to one before and Melissa suggested it, so I figured why not? It was enjoyable. I saw the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Obama, the Royal Family, Madonna, David and Victoria Beckham, Cheryl Cole, and many others. I'm not sure I'd pay to go again, but it was a fun thing to do once. Here I am with Audrey. Remember when I dressed up as her for Halloween in 8th grade? You even took me to the hair salon to get my hair done like hers.

I found my way to Trafalgar Square, which in line with everything else in London, was also impressive. The National Gallery was right there, and that was nice to have the opportunity to see some art for free. It was especially nice for my wallet, as doing anything in London is pricy.

Last, but not least, no trip to London would be complete without some shopping! Everyone in London is so fashionable and I had some catching up to do. I found a couple really cute items at H&M that I really liked. I thought they were very London-style and not something I'd immediately find in the US. While we do have H&M at home, the clothes are different. I was happy with my finds (especially because they didn't blow the bank!). I made my way around the corner to the famous high-end department store Harrods. I was told I was not allowed to go to London without going to Harrods, and it did not disappoint. Floors upon floors of ridiculously expensive designer items. It was like a maze--I never knew where I was, which I think was the point because then people end up buying things when they can't find their way out. I bought a teddy bear as the Harrods teddy bear is an icon. There was an entire room dedicated to the bears, and I chose a tan furry one wearing a Union Jack shirt. I thought about getting the ballerina bear, but I figured the Union Jack one was more fitting for my trip.

By the time I made it outside it was dark and time for me to head to King's Cross Station to catch my train back to Sheffield. It was a fabulous two days in London--really, a dream come true. I know I merely dipped my toes in the city, but I will most definitely be back.

Oh, and how could I forget:

 

Of course I saw the quintessential red telephone box. Remember when you bought me a London telephone box charm for my charm bracelet when I was younger? You knew how badly I wanted to visit London.

I am back in Sheffield now at Melissa's house. I am exhausted, but fortunately I get to sleep in in the morning while Melissa has class. Tomorrow afternoon we are heading to Manchester for the Girls Aloud concert!! I am so excited, Mom. I can barely contain my excitement! But for now, it is time for this girl to crash, night night, Mama!

London, England: Day 1

London, Mom!!! I'm really here! I know you're just as excited as I am!

The journey from San Francisco to England was a long one, but I survived. I flew SFO to Chicago to Copenhagen to Manchester. I make sacrifices to travel cheap. Melissa picked me up at the Manchester airport and I was so happy to see her beautiful, smiling face. We grabbed some dinner at the airport as we had time to kill before our train. The two of us opted for a "jacket potato" (their term for a baked potato) dinner and we caught up over our food. After an hour or so we caught the train to Sheffield (where she lives for school), which took us about an hour.

I met all three of her housemates, Amy, Clare, and Jess, and they were all extremely nice. Immediately upon setting my bags down I was offered a "cuppa" (tea), and I delightedly obliged. It isn't just a stereotype! They really do drink tea all the time! The proper British way--with milk and sugar. That's the way I like my tea as well. It must stem from Papa's Welsh influence.

Due to poor planning, bright an early the next morning I headed down to London. If I would have known at the time this was how the itinerary would have played out I would have flown into London instead of Manchester, but I don't mind. Gotta go with the flow when traveling. Melissa was unable to join me as she had exams to study for, so I ventured off on my own.The train pulled into King's Cross Station in London...you know, the one from Harry Potter! I debated trying to enter Platform 9 3/4, but I figured I'd spare myself the concussion.

I purchased a "tube" (another time for the London Underground) ticket and found my way to my hostel. Ironically, my hostel was just off of the Paddington station. I saw this as a little sign from you, as dad always called you Paddington bear. The bear was named Paddington because in the story he was found sitting at that exact Underground station.

My hostel was called the "Dolphin Inn," which I found to be hilarious, but the amenities were decent and it was cheap by London standards. Everything in London is ridiculously expensive. Fortunately, the exchange rate between the US Dollar and the British Pound has decreased in the past week, so it's not as bad as it could have been.

I set out for my day of sightseeing and the first place I went was Westminster Abbey! Oh my gosh, Mom, it was incredible! I had no idea how enormous it was! So many important British individuals are buried inside, including members of the royal family, scientists, musicians, poets, artists, etc. Absolutely incredible and so ornate. I spent a good hour just wandering around the inside.

 

Inside the Abbey I stopped at the cafe afterward and enjoyed myself a nice cuppa. I've really taken to enjoying tea since I've been here. Never realized before how much I liked it. I will definitely have to start drinking it back at home.

Next, I wandered around the Parliament buildings (all very impressive), and finally I made my way to Big Ben, the famous clock tower, and although I didn't go inside (in fact, I don't even know if you're allowed inside) it was really cool. Big Ben is so iconic, and I always love getting to see such important things live in person.

I hopped back on the tube with the intention of going to Baker Street to see 221 B. Baker Street (Sherlock Holmes' house) because I knew Dad would love that, but I didn't quite make it there. I did make it to Baker Street, but not to 221 B. I found myself at a ticket broker for the West End shows. The West End is London's equivalent of Broadway, and it is probably the most prestigious theatre district outside of Broadway as well. I figured I would see what shows were playing as it had been far too long since I'd seen a show. I miss my days of ushering at the Aronoff and getting to see all of the musicals for free. Upon learning what was currently running, there was no doubt it my mind as to what I had to see--"Viva Forever!", the Spice Girls musical! Remember when Dad got me tickets to the Spice Girls reunion tour back in high school? That was such a fun trip, and I knew I had to go see the musical. Regardless of the quality of the content of the show, I knew it would be a ton of fun. Instead of going to find Sherlock, I bought my ticket and headed straight back to Paddington station to get changed and head out for the show! I will note, however, that the Baker Street station was covered in tiles with Sherlock's profile in silhouette. Pretty neat.

Viva Forever! was playing at the Picadilly Theatre in the Picadilly Circus area. I wish I would have gotten to explore Picadilly Circus some more as it seemed like a really buzzing area, but I only managed to pass through for the show. The outside of the theatre had Viva Forever! projected onto the front with a Union Jack logo behind it. I was excited before I even set foot inside.

The musical itself was a blast. I found it to be hilariously entertaining the whole way though, not to mention that I already knew all of the songs in the show (obviously, as they were all Spice Girls songs). The storyline was goofy and I don't see it winning any Tony's anytime soon, but I had a blast.

I am back at my hostel and about to pass out. It's been an amazing, amazing day, Mom. London's been a dream of mine forever, and it has finally come true. I'm floating on cloud nine. Goodnight, Sweet Mama.

Staci and Deb's Wedding

What a beautiful day, Mama! I don’t think Staci and Deb’s wedding could have been more perfect if they tried. Really, really lovely.

They held their ceremony outdoors at sunset on top of a cliff on a golf course. It was stunning. The lighting could not have been more perfect.

Isn't it stunning? Deb and Staci entered from opposite sides, neither having seen the others dress ahead of time. They both looked like absolute princesses and the look on their faces when they saw one another could just melt your heart. The ceremony itself was short but sweet and full of love. When they processed out, officially married, all of the guests were given sparklers to light and wave to congratulate them. I thought it was such a neat touch.

The reception was held inside the banquet hall just next to where the ceremony was held. They served a heavy tapas for dinner, and I found it all to be quite tasty. Their wedding cake was the biggest surprise of all! In fact, there was no wedding cake! Instead, they had a cupcake van! Think ice cream truck, but instead full of gourmet cupcakes! It was so cute, so clever, and so Californian. I loved it. Sometimes it's fun to break away from the norm, right?

One thing I thought was so kind and so special was how they really incorporated Deb's mom and Staci's uncles who had passed away. They made sure to have them be included in their special day even though they couldn't be there physically. I definitely want to do something similar for you when I eventually get married. I know you'd like that.

Another highlight of the night was getting to reunite with some others from Semester at Sea, including Drew (my "boss" from my work study position). It was nice to see him and catch up. Overall, Ligaya and I enjoyed ourselves, getting our groove on on the dance floor. The whole event was full of love and laughter. I was so happy to have been a part of their special night. I cannot think of two more deserving individuals to have had such a beautiful gathering to celebrate their love and life together. Congratulations, Staci and Deb. I can't wait to celebrate your many milestones of anniversaries to come.

Time to get myself to bed now, I'm heading to England in the morning, Mama! It's been my dream since I was 12 and now it's finally coming true!!! Next time I write to you I will be in Europe!