Finale.

Well kids, here it is.
We all know I suck at goodbyes (hence this post coming 28 days after I've returned home). I normally avoid those goodbye parties, thinking up some lame excuse like "Oh, is that tonight? I have to work", then I meet up with you at the last possible minute to give you a massive bear hug and tell you how much I'll miss you. I'm that one-on-one type of goodbye person. This is no exception.

Swansea goodbye, I've been avoiding you.

Here it goes.

Dear all Welsh, British, Austrian, German, and Americans that I met whilst abroad:

We loved, we laughed, we cried (mostly in our last week together), and we became family. Four months ago, on September 7th, I stepped off the plane in Cardiff, and knew nobody. Just having met Sandy and Alex, I was thinking-"Nick. You know nobody on this island. You are crazy". Cut to December 21- I was avoiding stepping back on the plane to fly home. Because, in my mind, Swansea was home. You were my Swansea family, and I'll forever love you.
From Allison's salmon dinners to the "dramatic, less ghetto" dance off's in flat 97 to the endless supply of Bailey's and hot chocolate in our flat (and those wonderful 1am talks with Kate)- Swansea, you were real.

So, here it is. My last study abroad blog post.

It's been amazing.

Xx Nick

And the end is near..

Sadface.
So yes, I am writing this on my last night in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Prof. Meercat, I remembered the whole thing, be proud). And it seems surreal. The past three weeks, and four months really, have been an amazing adventure. A whirlwind of emotions. A joyride. Something everyone should experience.
A brief rundown on the last weeks in Britain.
After we returned from Paris, the fact that we were all leaving began to set in. It got scary- realizing how little time we really had left all together, but exciting- Christmas and the idea of home was approaching.
December 6th- a Santa and elf party! We were all dressed up in our Christmas garb, and got our groove on at Oceana and the Disco (hence the use of the word groove).
On December 7th, Allison, Bianca, Chris and I went to Celtic Manor resort and had a delightful day of mini golf and afternoon tea. I love afternoon tea, and plan on continuing it back across the pond. On December 10th, we went to St. Paul's church for the Swansea Choral Christmas Concert (Mr. Dobbs was singing), and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We also got all dressed up, and being the classy folk we are, ate pizza and chatted.
December 11th. 2pm. We said goodbye to the darling Courtney Campbell (via a dance off to the most ghetto tunes you can think of) and the lovable Yushi Redhead (love that British Asian kid, and his Zara coat).
There was a SNOWBALL on December 12th, and let it be known, that Kate and I looked amazing. I was wearing my tux, and Kate in a stunning  dark blue velvet strapless dress, and bright red lips. We looked the epitome of glam. (not to sound vain or anything :) )
Then the inevitable happened. I said goodbye to my loves,Bianca,  Allison, Cristen, Freddie, Chris, Kate, and every other amazing person I have met since September 7th. December 13th will always be  a sad day. I left bright and early the next day for 5 days in Scotland- which is where I currently am.

I'll add another post about Scotland!!! and a reflection once I'm stateside again, but the hotel hot tub is calling; and the realization that in 8 hours I will embark on a 13 hour journey home is sinking in. So. After this brief bit,more will come.

This semester was a gem, and I don't regret any part of it. We loved, we laughed, we drank, and we cried (mostly in the past week), and we became a family. The Swansea family. A mixture of Americans, Austrians, Brits and Welshmen. (with a few Germans and Dutch thrown in for spice).

Much Love. X

The Last Time I Saw Paris

Bonjour!

Boatloads of apologies for going 3 weeks without a post. I was busy travelling, writing essays, and having many goodbye dinners. So, to make up for it, expect a few blogs posted today.

Je dédie cet article à mon voyage à Paris. Et tous ceux qui étaient là ..

From December 1-4, I was in Paris. Yes. THE Paris. And it was amazing. From the top!

We left Fulton house at 19:45, and by 20:00, we were on our way to France..the land of berets and baguettes, cafe au lait et chocolat chaud, and la Tour Eiffel. After a 10 hour bus ride (with a very rude/annoying bus driver), we arrived in Paris. It was love a first sight. Our hotel- Hotel Montmartrois- was on rue du Chevalier de la Barre. I'm sure this means nothing to you. But, to put things in perspective, we were withing a 2 minute walk of the Sacre Coeur- that famous church with soaring white stone domes, bell towers and impressive and majestic wooden doors.

When you think of Paris, or at least when I think of Paris, we think of sidewalk cafes, cobblestone streets, etc..and that's a pretty legit picture of what Paris looks like. But let's get to talking about what all we did in France.

For starters, the group on this trip consisted of myself, Allison, Cristen, Courtney, Yushi, Caleb and Melissa. On Friday, we explored a lot of the city, starting at the Sacre Coeur. After there, we made our way to this ideal French cafe and had crepes. But let's be real here- the real reason we picked the cafe was because there were drawings of cats on the windows, and Yushi couldn't resist (Asians and their cats, #teamyushi). Afterwards, we went on a day trip planned by the delightful Cristen. Lil Dipper planned our trip to the t- giving locations, brief descriptions of each, which metro to use, and where it was located on the map. She is a gift from God, obviously. We went to the Louvre next- and spent about an hour there. We saw the Mona Lisa, and it really is that small! Compared to the paintings, statues, frescoes, etc, she is about the size of an 8x10. Maybe a little be larger. We then walked along the Place de la Concorde, through the Christmas market, and to the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower!! It was MAGNIFICENT. So beautiful, so French. Many many MANY photoshoots happened here. After a nice Italian dinner, it was nightfall and we returned to the Eiffel Tower to see it light up. Breathtaking. Another photoshoot happened. The night ended with a stroll past the Notre Dame cathedral, and we were off to bed. We were at this point on the brink of exhaustion, from the long bus ride and not wanting to miss a second a Paris.

Saturday, the group was downsized to Allison, Caleb, myself and this adorable Italian girl Martina. She also goes to Swansea, and we met on the bus. We like her. Cristen, Courtney, Melissa and Yushi went to Paris Disneyland today, and we went on further explorations. First off, my favorite, Versailles. The home to Marie Antoinette...and every bit as beautiful as the movies and photos depict. The whole place was dripping in gold and silver, crystal and marble. I LOVED IT. The Hall of Mirrors and the Queen's Bedchambers were my favorite rooms, but every room was a gift. I really wanted to tour the famous gardens, but the weather was less than desirable, and we were lacking the adequate amount of time. After Versailles, we returned to the Notre Dame, and this is where Caleb had is moment, during which Allison, Martina and I had chocolat chaud at a beautiful Art Deco cafe. Love. The Notre Dame was gorgeous inside, and we spent quite a bit of time there. We ended the night shopping at the Galleries Layfette and other French stores. A real treat.

Sunday, we departed our latest weekender, Paris, and headed home. Paris is probably my top 3 trips, following Bath and London. I suggest everyone go. If not for you, go for me. X

Oh, the wifi at the hotel is jank. Paris pictures later!

"I got this Christmas Market thing down, I'm Austrian"

Well hello again.
First, let's discuss Thanksgiving, then the name of this blog. Fab.
Well Thursday was Thanksgiving, and since it was just a normal day here in Wales, we had to make it as special and American as possible. We had a feast (much prepared by the lovely Cristen and Melissa) in flat 97, and well, it was delightful. I cooked sweet potatoes, and scalloped corn, and we feasted on turkey, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, salads, and 7-up salad. For dessert, we had apple pie, scotcharoos, and the much loved and traditional pumpkin pie. It was delicious. Gathered round the table was myself, Cristen, Melissa, Kate, Allison, Bianca, Caleb, Chris, and Yushi. We all sat around, ate too much, and went around the table all saying what we were thankful for. Basically, we were all thankful for having the chance to study abroad, come to Wales, and for meeting each other. I would be lying if I said I didn't have the urge to shed some tears. It was so wonderful, just being together. We all missed our families, but really, we were with family. The Swansea family. I couldn't have asked for a better Thanksgiving, this one goes in the record book for being one of the best. It was truly divine, and now that we need to face the obvious- going home in less than a month- being around eachother is the best thing anyone could ask for. Not to sound too mushy, but I'm going to miss these guys. Love them all dearly, each one is different, each is special. I may enter a mini depression once I get home and cannot see these guys daily. That's what I'm really thankful for- not coming to Wales, but meeting this amazing group of people.

Kate, myslef, Allison, Melissa, Caleb, Cristen

Ok, kleenex aside, on to the next topic of discussion! THE BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET. This is where the title comes into play. Bianca, dear sweet Bianca (whom I adore) and I went to Bath on Saturday (November 26th) and it was amazing, of course. I love Bath. This is nothing new. I plan on living there, and working in the American museum. Not gonna lie, I've been researching schools in Bath for grad school. Have I got the point across how obsessed and in love I am with Bath? First thing we did once we got to Bath was go have a pot of tea at Sally Lunn's- the best tea shop in the world. I had the Queen Victoria Tea and bun with lemon marmalade. Delish. Then, we went wandering around the town. After getting a tad bit lost in the Queen's Circus (its a circle, who wouldn't get confused?!), we made it to the Assembly Rooms. We then decided, that we would get married here. (Don't worry Dad, I'm not getting married to someone I've only known 3 months, and sorry Mom. No grandkids for you yet). Honestly, we just want to have a party in this place. Check out the pics. It is beautiful, and it's hard not to imagine the balls that went on in this place. Watch "The Duchess", and see for yourself. Or, the ball in "Sense and Sensibility", you'll understand what I mean. This brings us to the JANE AUSTEN MUSEUM. I almost had a moment. I love Jane. We toured the museum, and drank mulled wine and ate plum pudding. Delightful. Apparently, Jane lived at number 25 Gay Street, Bath. Well, last time I was in Bath, I took a picture in front of a sign that said this address, not knowing the legend that lived here. Just a sign that I was meant to live here.
Now we get to the main reason for coming to Bath- the Christmas Market. It's basically hundreds of little booths selling Christmas goodies. Mulled wine, cider, roasted and candied almonds, ornaments, shoes, you name it- they've got it. It was so busy, and spread amongst the town, that I would have gotten lost (well, not really. But I would have gave up and went back to Sally Lunn's and watched from the window, while eating my weight in teacakes and marmalade). Bianca of course knew what to do, so she lead us around--leading to the name of the blog title.
We made it home at 9pm, and I went over to Cristen's for some coco and Baileys, and the movie Elf. Sunday was a lazy day, only going to the Swansea Christmas Market with Caleb and Cristen. It wasn't as large as Bath's, but we did have some amazing Crepes.

What a great weekend. X

Queen Victoria's Tea and Lemon Marmalade buns

Assembly Rooms- Ballroom

Letter from Emma Thompson, one of my idols- Jane Austen Musuem

Swansea, Castle Square

CREPE NUTELLA, with Cristen Joy.

Croatian Cokolada

Did I mention that after spending the day in London, I embarked on a 5 day tour of Croatia? Oh. I did.

We left London Gatwick at 8 am Thursday morning and arrived in the cloudy and snowy lands of Croatia at 10am. My one bone to pick with Croatia: When the forecast says "sunny, highs in the 50s (15C), you naturally assume that that is what it will be. Well, it was a high of 27 (-3C) and overcast..which hindered fabulous views of the city and the want to spend the day walking. But in any case, we make for the best, and had a great time. After we landed in Zagreb, we had a light lunch at the Tip Top cafe, and it was good (please note that soup in Croatia is really just broth and noodles). We then checked into our hostel, The Hobo Bear, and name aside, it was the best hostel we have been to so far. The lounge was cozy, the beds inviting, the kitchen modern, and Ivana, the host was the nicest person on earth. She was like our mother hen...making us tea, calling taxis, arranging trips, letting us know when Sex And The City was on so we could watch it together..simply a doll. Had it not been stalkerish, I would have asked for her Facebook. She was just amazing. We then ate dinner at this bar, Little Bear, and I had some honey brandy. Friday we went all around town and explored the market and bought food to make our own dinner. Pam and I made it our mission to buy fur hats, but we tragically found none to our liking..sadface. We also ate at this restaurant, VIP,and it was delightful. For dinner, we made a green pasta and had dessert from some place that escapes my mind.Saturday, we spent the day at the magical Plitvicka Jezera Nacionalni Park--the Plitsvice National Park. It was a little piece of heaven...the enchanting ponds...winding streams...bear caves..magnificant waterfalls...ducks that ate from your hand..just a wonderful day, and probably the best day of the Croatian Caravan. After we returned to Zagreb, we dinner at Nokturno Restaurant and had dessert in the Vincek pasrty shop. Again, I was stupid and ordered soup knowing I wouldn't like it, but oh well. Sunday, we awoke and got in a few last hours of Zagreb before the flight home to London. We went to the gorgeous Opera House, and Hamlet was playing! Pam, Alex and I decided to buy tickets..but they were sold out. Or so we were told. I think, that its because we were underdressed. At 11 in the afternoon, everyone was wearing gowns, fur coats, and suits..then there were three Ameicans in jeans and jackets. Do the math. So after taking pictures and lusting, we went to a museum about Croatian schools, and it was lame. So we then went to the mega posh Hemingway Lounge and had coffee and hot chocolate (Cokolada)..very posh indeed. After, we collected our bags, bid ciao to Ivana, and went to the airport..due to fog and snow, we were delayed over an hour! Oh well. What can you do? The trip to Croatia ended around 3am Monday morning. In all, it was a great time, and I could love to explore later parts of Croatia (in the summer of course!)

London calling to the faraway towns.

I suggest reading this blog with a cup of English Breakfast, some scones and marmalade, and some Lily Allen or The Clash. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lotkzHsIuoA

Well, I've finally made it to London. LDN. It's been a childhood dream of mine to go to London, and I was finally able to get there. And it wasn't a let down. Its safe to say that as I was packing, I had the song London Calling by The Clash on repeat (link above. go. ) Not really sure why, it might be because all I could think about was that clip in What A Girl Wants where Daphne rides the double decker and the song is playing, or because it legit came onto my ipod. But at any rate, lets get to the good stuff.

After class ended at 10, Bianca, Chris, Jamie, Alex and I went to Swansea Train station and 3 hours later we arrived at London Paddington (no signs of Paddington Bear to be found, sadly) and set off on our day adventure. We saw Buckingham Palace, better known as my future residence, and took many pictures. A highlight was when we found a couple from North Carolina, the same place that Alex is from! We then walked to Hyde Park and St. James Park, where we fell in love with the wildlife. I instantly bonded with a goose, who, yes was only using me for food, but still. It was an instant friendship. Bianca met a squirrel who seriously jumped up on her lap. Precious. After a brief and enjoyable lunch, we went to Harrods. My dream come true. I have been in love with Harrods since I found out about Princess Diana and her love for Harrods (the store and the owner's son), so basically since I was 5. I spent 2 hours in there, and could easily have spent a whole day. It was pure magic. Naturally, I forgot all about my budget and bought things that I could not live without. (One was a present, so that doesn't count.) Words cannot describe Harrods, so check the pictures to come. Next up was walking to the Globe Theater, taking pictures, and eating at this fantastic Turkish restaurant Tas Pide. It probably is in my top 10 best restaurants list. The night ended with a stride across the Millenium Bridge and dealing with the underground to get from Victoria to Gatwick. Be proud. I get lost in my hometown (often) but have to yet get lost in the UK. Just another sign I need to move here.

Since I was sadly unable to tour Buckingham and the Tower, Allison and I are coming back to London. I'm sure we can talk Cristen into coming just by saying that she could see in person designer gowns. Or show pictures of the chocolate room. London was a fantastic trip, and I can't wait to go back again. London=Love.