Mind the Gap

I apologize for taking so long on this London post...but better late than never right?? So March 4th-7th all of the University of Illinois exchange students in the UK met up for an organized weekend in London. Our program directors took us to the Tower of London (below), an amazing Mediterranean restaurant called Sofra, a Cuban dance performance at the Peacock theater, a bus tour, and a pub quiz at the Old Cock Tavern! After the organized trips, a few of us headed out for an afternoon at Camden Market....

It was a great trip, but I definitely need another day or two in London. There is SO much to do that I didn't get to do, and am looking to go again in May! I should have plenty of time, since I have an entire month to chill while everyone else takes exams!

Easter break started last week, and so far I've spent the time in the Village trying to get some essays done and watching a lot of TV online :/ But, Tuesday I head to Doug's house in Bromsgrove, England and from there we are visiting Hanover, Berlin and Dublin. I am also spending the last few days of break in Geneva, Switzerland with Staci! I'm sure I'll have a giant post when all that is done...so be on the lookout!

Love, Lauren

the football, my birthday, and phi mu's reunite!

The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind in Wales!! I went to my first football match, celebrated my 21st, and had a visit from Staci Lampros (sorority sister!).

The football game was a National game, Wales v. Sweden. I really had a lot of fun, even though the game wasn't too competitive. I have a new found appreciation for football...although it's still no match for Illini (american) football! My next goal is to go to an Aston Villa match...but we'll see if that happens....

My 21st birthday was also this past week!! That's not as big of a deal here, but my friends were amazing and really made it special...first they threw me a surprise laser-tag birthday part with about 10 of my American and British friends! They remembered that I had never done it before and I was SO amazed they would do that for me :)

I spent my actual 21st in London with all of the University of Illinois kids studying in the UK...a post on that whole adventure later......

I also threw a little gathering at my house one night and taught everyone beer pong! (they actually DONT play here) Thanks to Elizabeth and Ann for the red solo cup and ping pong packages :) I also got some lovely Wales memorabilia gifts from friends and best of all a VILLA JERSEY WITH MY NAME ON IT from a very special guy :) So, in conclusion...I couldn't have asked for a better birthday and am excited to buy my first drink in the states when I return!!

I capped the week off with a visit from THE Staci Lampros! It was great to see a familiar face from home and we had so much fun! Bon fire on the beach, a trip to Mumbles and some light hiking at the Gower!