"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.