London. A love story

Remember when people told you that high school were the best years of your life? Or even college maybe? Bullshit. Total rubbish. I'm 23, I don't have to answer to anyone and I can do whatever the hell I want. This past weekend I took a coach to London to drink and dance the weekend away & I must say, London is quite possibly the best place on earth.

If you've traveled with me you know that I hate doing touristy things, Id much rather spend my time living as if I was a local. I tend to think that that is the whole point of traveling, seeing how people live and doing as they do. That said, I HAD to see buckingham palace. I've always had a strange obsession with the royal family, I've probably read about a thousand books on Anne Bolin, king Henry, queen Mary, etc. so seeing where many of these historical figures lived for a time was at the top of my to do list. It was snowing golf balls but it was literally so breathtaking its indescribable. I was a bit disappointed that the royal guards now stand behind ropes or gates so you can't really get near them. I see the reason for this, but none the less I really wanted a photo messing with them (I wonder if these men go home to their family and tell their wife about their day and how annoying tourists are).

Throughout the time I was there I ate the most delicious breakfast ever (the British really have breakfast down- fried eggs, beans, grilled mushrooms, and hash browns. Yes please. Hold the salad cream.), shopped in camden town, explored chelsea, fell in love with primark (£3 beanies??? ill take 20.), navigated the tubes, went to incredible clubs and pubs and met amazing people. Friday night we stayed in literally the TINIEST room I've ever seen. I think my closet is larger, with community bathrooms and no hot water. So for Saturday we opted to stay in a youth hostel (best decision ever made in the history of decision making.) we met our roomies Osama from Egypt and Josh who was from London (love you boys!!). I made them be my friends lol-- Osama actually asked me what I'd do if someone didn't like me and I told him "I would kidnap them and force them to be my friends" hahaha. Who wouldn't love a loud mouthed american girl who forces you to have a dance party at 3 am whole the french men next door bang on the wall telling you to quiet down? Ha #notrubbish

Along the way I made friends with Jonathan who will most likely be my new favorite traveling buddy, saw my old friend Teagan who has grown into such a mature, worldly, first class young woman I couldn't even believe my ears when I spoke with her, and realized that Europeans really just get it. They get me. They understand the need to see the world, read everything you can get your hands on, and enjoy life!

Well now I'm rambling, but if you've never been to London. Get here. You'll love it.

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Chasing the dream

This saying is used so often when referring to chasing after what we think we want- money, fame, that perfect job, the perfect dress, but are any of us actually going after what we REALLY want? I think to answer that question we have to ask ourselves what it is exactly we truly want out of life. I can't answer for you, but I would like to be happy. And not just content with the way life is going, I mean completely and totally over-the-moon ecstatic about my life. And if I were to be totally honest, I wasn't.

In my quest towards this goal I've up and moved to England, if you're reading this, you probably already know that. How exactly is this going to make me happy? Truthfully, I'm not sure. I guess I expect that traveling to Europe alone completely reliant on my own instincts, thoughts, and wishes will make me a more independent individual which will then lead me to be more honest with myself.

That said, it's only been a week and it's already been quite a journey. Moving to another country (even one where you speak the language) is overwhelming. My electrical belongings DO NOT work here- I knew the outlets would be different- what I didn't know is that even with an adapter they still barely function. I'm lucky to work for a woman who doesn't mind sharing her hair straightener and phone charger. And don't even get me started on DRIViNG-- really Brits??? Parking on main roads taking up the whole lane is LEGAL? Curbs and street lights are non-existent? You have to cross oncoming traffic to turn RIGHT?? And dont even think about making a u-turn. Seriously. What the fuck are you people thinking?? Driving in a city youve never been to is hard enough, but when the roads make zero sense its total Insanity. Bloody rubbish.

Along with outlets and roads- the food is super random (baked beans mixed with mashed potatoes?? Wtf), military time is commonly used and confuses the crap out of me, you pay gas AFTER youve put it in your car (trusting eh?), and there is a strange saying for everything- can someone please explain to me how a phone is a "dog and bones"?

But even with all these changes, I love it here. So far everyone I've met has been helpful and welcoming- even if they've probably had a good laugh at my expense. The family I work for is generous and lovely and I can already feel a real sense of independence.

As I am writing this I am on a train into London to do some due diligence in what are said to be some of the best nightclubs in the world and I feel an overwhelming joy!! I feel excited and new and happier than I've been in a very long time.

Cheers! Xx

Tumbling down the rabbit hole

Many of you; friends and family alike, have been messaging or emailing me asking for updates on my travels or just asking for clarity on why I left the states in the first place. Therefore I've decided to start this blog to keep you up to date on my life and if nothing else serve as an online journal of what I hope to be the best 6 months of my life this far.

So ill start by answering some of the questions I've been getting by explaining why I'm here.
* WHY?: i decided to leave America because while I love my friends my life was becoming a vicious circle of monotony. Every day I'd wake up and text the same people, go to the same coffee shop, go to work, & go out to the same old bars where nothing ever changes. While it's nice to know the best places in town and have friends to rely on it doesn't leave much room for personal growth.

* WHERE?: I am living in Bournemouth a lovely city on the southwest coast of the UK. Imagine San Diego with red brick buildings and Victorian houses. My kind of place. So far the shopping is great but the food in restaurants overall sucks... The coffee, crumpets, and scones however are superb.

*WHAT?: I am au pairing during the week for 2 girls who are in their own words "boisterous" so far they have warmed my heart and tested my patience all at the same time. I am also continuing my art education by taking a design course at the art university of Bournemouth which starts mid April! Along with that I have a meeting set up with Base models & talent to try to stay involved in the acting and film business while abroad! I will keep everyone updated as these things progress.

WHEN?: I am done au pairing mid July and plan to come home at the beginning of August. However, I do not have a return flight and while I know some of you seem to be questioning this whole thing-- I don't want to plan it out. It's my life and I will go wherever the wind decides to take me. As of now the plan is to move to Los Angeles in August and pursue acting and design (event or fashion.. Or both)

So here goes! My adventure is just beginning and I will do my best to keep this up to date & share my stories! Cheer! Xx