Landing...

I landed at London Heathrow airport around noon on Friday. Unfortunately (and as usual), my luggage was over-sized. I didn't get charged extra at the airport, but I paid for it physically. In addition to my carry on luggage, I carried a 53lb bag from the airport, to the Tube in central London, to the train, to the hotel, and then to the dorm. My body was definitely tired and sore from all the weight.

Upon arriving at my hotel, the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, I was excited to see that my room overlooked the cathedral! It was a small room, but just the perfect size for one! I immediately took a nice, hot shower and relaxed a bit before heading out to walk around town.

The town of Canterbury has a medieval charm to it, which almost transports you in time. There are cobblestone streets, old slightly crooked houses, and small canals that run through the city. Old churches and cemeteries are scattered about. The cathedral is the focal point of the city and is a sight to behold. The Gothic and Romanesque style architecture gives you a glimpse into the various centuries in which the cathedral has been rebuilt and expanded.

After exploring the city a bit, I found a small park area near my hotel room and decided to sit and read. The cool autumn breeze peacefully brushed against my cheek as I read my book, and the cathedral stood tall in the background. A beautiful first evening in Canterbury...

Bonne Chance Fellow Travelers

Lindsay

So Long, Farewell, Aufedersein, Goodbye...

Here I am. Sitting in the airport. Early for my flight. I usually arrive for my flights rather early, but this time I was through check in and security with 3 hours to spare. Luckily, I brought my laptop and a book to occupy my time. It's actually quite relaxing to arrive this early. It is still hard for me to believe that the time has come and I'm actually leaving for my adventure abroad. Since I'm returning to California in 3 weeks for my best friend's wedding, it doesn't feel like I'm really going to be gone for 3 months.

I'm really looking forward to my time in England and the memories I will make. I know that this program was the best decision for me regarding my life's path. This change is a challenge for me because I already have such a great life in California! I have a wonderful family, boyfriend, and friends that I am leaving behind. I live in a beautiful home with gorgeous wilderness nearby. I worked at a great restaurant with all my friends and made good money. So why change things? Why shake things up?

I believe that change is good. Life is ever-changing, just as a body of water. It's not through calm waters that one learns to best navigate the rough seas, but through actually experiencing the storm and weathering through it. Sometimes one has to put themselves right into the eye of the storm.

I don't necessarily compare going to school in England directly to a storm. It's actually going to be more of a change in weather than a storm, perhaps a tropical shower. But I predict there will be times when I feel lonely and will wonder why I left the safety of my familiarity. I'll wonder why I left the beaming California sunshine, the smell of the Pacific ocean, and the sand between my toes in exchange for dark gray skies and rain. This is part of my path.


  
You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself.     -Alan Alda

Here I come!

Let's do this!!!

 Knowledge is my reason. Growth is my logic. And discovery awaits...


 Bonne Chance Fellow Travelers

Lindsay

Let the packing commence...

In an effort to avoid a last minute "cram everything from my wardrobe in my suitcase" moment, I decided to pack my suitcases a couple days early. This scenario has been unheard of in my traveling history until now and I must say, it went rather well. Other than my toiletries, I have successfully packed everything I need in two suitcases. Unfortunately, the shoe department is where I packed most lightly. I’m sure going to miss all my fun high heels but we’ll reunite in December. 

 

Chaos

More chaos

Ahh... that's better

 

 

 

Bonne Chance Fellows Travelers,

Lindsay

Party at the Park

Yesterday was full of love and laughter with my family and friends! We celebrated my Masters graduation from UCI at the Irvine Regional Park. It was so nice to visit with everyone before I leave for England on Thursday. I hold my family and friends very dear and was thrilled to spend such a wonderful day with my loved ones. Thank you everyone for coming out to visit me! I will miss you!!!

Bonne Chance Fellow Travelers,

Lindsay

Potentially the End of an Era...

Yesterday was my last shift working at Quinns Old Town Grill. Yes, there's always the chance that I will come back to Quinns and work during the holidays or perhaps when I return from my adventures abroad. But there's also a chance that other routes will arise for me to take and I will not return to Quinns. Only time will tell. This restaurant has been my second home for the last 6 years! I have grown up so much throughout the course of my employment there and have so many wonderful memories associated with Quinns. The friendships I have made are ones I will cherish and hopefully maintain throughout my life's travels. I worked with incredible people and served wonderful customers/ friends for all these years and for this I am grateful.

Thank you Quinns Old Town Grill for 6 fabulous years of employment and fun!  Many people come home from work in a bad mood. If I left my house for work in a bad mood, it was always brightened within an hour at Quinns! Not many people can say that they enjoy going to work everyday. And for 6 years, I really did!!!

Opened in 2006

Early photo in Quinns history (I was 21 here!!!)

John and I (circa 2006)

Bonne Chance Fellow Travelers

Lindsay

Huntington Library & Gardens

In an effort to get in as much family time as possible before I leave in less than 2 weeks, my family and I visited the Huntington Library and Gardens in Pasadena, California yesterday. It was such a lovely day!

The property was expansive, beautiful, and calm. Upon entering the grounds, I felt transported to Europe. Had it not been for the heat of the California sunshine, I would have forgot I was in California completely! The structures were beautiful and the flowers and lawns were carefully manicured. The art collections featured inside were incredible and majestic. When I visit art galleries I love to read the stories behind the faces featured in the art. The Huntington galleries told these stories wonderfully.

Lunch at the Garden Cafe was delicious

Japanese Garden

Beautiful Stained Glass

I'm so thankful to have spent a relaxing, whimsical day with my beautiful family. I love them very much and am going to miss them terribly while I'm abroad.

Bonne Chance Fellow Travelers,

Lindsay

Rockin’ Out with Crimson Crowbar

        Yesterday I was invited to sing with some very talented musicians! Johnny Avila from Oingo Boingo, Dave Shelton, and Steve Distanislaos from Crosby, Stills, and Nash had me sing Fever as an intro to Dead Man’s Party! It was completely impromptu and I only knew the chorus to Fever, so I had to bring my iPhone with me to look at the lyrics for the second verse! I had such a fun time and am elated to have had the opportunity to sing with these guys! This experience is one I will remember for a lifetime. 

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_JIXuBTISo&feature=youtu.be       

  

Bonne Chance Fellow Travelers!

Lindsay