Experiential Education Essay

Life in London

I took my time deciding if now was a good time in my life to spend a few months in Europe, and as a result of that I ended up being waitlisted right up until the last minute. When I was told that I was actually going to get the chance to go this semester I was overwhelmed. I began preparing myself for this trip, but then things took a turn for the worst. Two weeks before I departed for London, I started to feel very ill and went to see several doctors. That’s when I was diagnosed with acute Mononucleosis, a disease where the intense flu like symptoms and fatigue could last for months. I was bedridden for over a week and just barely had the strength to make the flight to London.

The first week in London, I was so excited to be here. It felt like a short vacation and the reality of how long I was really going to be he here had not quite set in yet. The Monmouth crew really got a change to bond as we took a double decker bus tour and our first trip to Wegamama’s for dinner. We all attended a walking tour and our first club night with the school that weekend as well. The following week was my 20^th birthday and we all celebrated by going to TGI Fridays, which is where I work back home. We had a great time and things were looking great, but I was finding myself very exhausted, quite often.

We started to travel almost immediately. Our first two destinations were Prague, and Amsterdam. I had not planned on going to either places, but I figured it was probably a once in a lifetime chance to see something like this. I am glad I went because I learned so much. The history of both cities was so intriguing. It was my first taste of culture shock because no one really spoke English in either country, and the people there were not very welcoming. Figuring out the money conversions between pounds, euros, crowns and dollars became a challenge too!

The following week a bunch of us started to sightsee in London on our own. We ventured to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery on day, and the next we went to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards. We strolled through Harrods and did some shopping at the Camden Markets. I would usually get tired early and said goodnight when everyone went out clubbing. I did get a chance to see a popular British artist, Mika, perform in a music store, and also got tickets to see a Brand New concert, who has a song titled “Just law and a Semester Abroad” about his girlfriend studying in England.

The classes I have been taking are an experience all in themselves as well. For my theatre class I had the privilege of seeing several musicals in the West end including: Guys and Dolls, Porgy and Bess, Avenue Q, Mary Poppins, and my favorite, Billy Elliot. For my Arts in the Press we took field trips to various museums and saw the theatrical productions of Man of Mode, and Jump. The Media Ethics class has been controversial due to the diversity of the class and the fact that every student has been brought up with different laws, and morals in respect to their homeland. The Film class I have been taking has opened my eyes up to different type of cinematography all over the world, and my Shakespeare class was a timeless classic that was a real gem to be involved in.

Things began to get a little rough as some of the Monmouth students began to get more comfortable going out and drinking regularly harassing me when they got back at the late hours of the night. At first it was in jest, but things began to get out of hand to the point where it was not acceptable. Some came and apologized for their behavior, but a few were just too immature to realize how ridiculous their behavior was. I tried to cope and packed for Spring Break.

For a week and a half, a few of us traveled from Milan, to Venice, to Rome, and finally to Athens. I seemed to be the butt of every joke and was not included with the girls I was traveling with so I stayed as invisible as possible and just enjoy the trip as if I was on my own. All of Italy was amazing, and in Rome we were lucky enough to have my roommate’s extended family take us in and show us around the city. They owned a restaurant and fed us until we could not eat another bite. Dinner was very interesting because I know some Italian, my roommate speaks Arabic, her family spoke both, and the other girls spoke English. There were three languages going at once around the dinner table, and no one ever knew everything that was going on at any point in the conversation. The food was insane too. I had always eaten simple and safe so when they put several types of seafood on my plate that was staring up at me I was a little intimidated. The term “When in Rome…” really did apply here and I just went for it. Luckily the food was delicious and I had never had anything so good in my entire life.

When we got to Greece, the girls were used to being spoiled in Rome and seemed to have lost their sense of adventure. They seemed even more annoyed with the fact that I was excited to be there instead of lingering of the fact that we were not living like royalty anymore. The rest of the trip was spectacular but at the same time it was miserable being around such bullies. They would not let me hang out with them in the hostel room one night, so after sulking for a while I went and met many other people studying abroad or traveling around all over Europe as well. We exchanged stories and shared opinions and ended up having one of the most interesting nights yet. Eventually we left for London and if things had not been tough enough, the airline lost my luggage.

I roughed it for a few days with very few possessions until my luggage was returned to me. My situation with the girls only grew worse and started to feel threatened to the point where I had to report my circumstance to my advisor. She was very concerned and helped me switch to a rooms where I would be left alone. Thing here were almost instantly better, but my self esteem had suffered and I started to become more homesick then ever. I started to realize how distant my boyfriend and other friends back home had become. They had all moved on and developed lives without me since I’d been gone for months. I started to talk to the school therapist who helped me sort out the issues that I had developed from my experience here.

My attitude started to change when Dana and I took off for Spain for Easter Break. We spent three days in Barcelona and three in Mallorca. We saw all of the sights in Barcelona and had a taste of the local food. In Mallorca, it rained most of the time, but we still got the chance to meet people from all over Europe, especially the United Kingdom. We discussed language and cultural differences as we talked the night away.

I had originally planned a trip to Paris for me a few Monmouth girls, but somehow they decided that I was not welcome, even though I was the one that set everything up. I figured it was best if I did not let them ruin Paris for me anyway, and shelled out the extra money to go with the school. It was a good choice and I had a fantastic time. Paris is more beautiful then I could have ever imagined. We has our first real problem with guy as they would follow us everywhere and we even got circled and chased into our hotel one night. While quietly waiting for the train a French boy cursed us and then spit on us. It was the first time we were belittled simply for speaking English. We were offended, but thought it best to ignore the situation and not cause a scene. We were fortunate enough to have gorgeous weather while we were there and really had some grand memories to take back to London.

When we got home later that day, Katie and I attended a service at Westminster Abby where we learned that it was the eve of St. George’s Day! We took a walk down the Thames and marveled at what we would be leaving soon. The next day I went on a very long walk by myself around London. I saw as much as I could in four hours and even saw the St. George Celebration in Trafalgar Square. Caitlyn and I went for a run through Regent’s Park and took in all of our surroundings. Later that week, a few Regents’ students ventured to the Tower of London to learn more about the town’s history and see the Crowned Jewels. Today I spent my last Saturday getting lost among the crazy shopping scene on Oxford Street. It is the most bittersweet feeling knowing that I am finally going home in a few days, but ironically I have just learned my place here in London and starting to feel like I belong.

It is funny that the future of my study abroad experience was unknown up until a few weeks before it was time to leave. If I had to do it differently, I do not think I would. If it was not for the ups and downs, the obstacles and the celebrations, then I would not have experienced all that I did. There was suffering and hardships but the rewards and achievements out weigh them by far. I have grown in many ways and will always look back on this journey as an enchanting time in my life. The place I have gone and the things I have seen will stay with me forever. The thing I have learned and the people I have met have helped mold the person I have become. My life has become a never ending adventure, and I have this experience to thank for opening up my eyes to the world and all that exists in it.

Last Days in London

Hey guys,

Well the school has turned into a full out war. It seems that the bullies are on thin ice and pretty much everyone is looking for revenge. They've had one too many drunken mishaps and now they are on Regent's Wanted list. What goes around comes around I guess. There is a group of us who have seemed to have risen above the drama. Can you believe that? me .. above the drama?

After writing SEVEN papers this weekend, I got the chance to see a little more of London. Sunday I went to Hyde Park to see Speakers Corner. There are little soap boxes scattered around and people protest or publicize their cause. People flock and listen and even retaliate. There are only three
rules: no speaker can threaten anyone personally, no speaker can say something to cause a riot or immediate panic (like fire!), and they cannot say anything against the Queen. The speakers were all pretty crazy, but the people that went for a rebuttal were ever crazier. It was a really cool atmosphere, but after a while, I was like if I wanted to just hear people yell irrationally... I can go home to
Daddy. Well then I headed for the Camden Markets, which has pretty much become my homeland. I love it there. I wondered through and then headed home to study for finals.

Today, Katie and I went to the British Library which has a really cool museum. I saw original manuscripts from Shakespeare and Jane Austin, original sheet music from Beethoven and Mozart, The original Aesop's fables, and Alice in Wonderland, the only remaining medieval Beowulf, Leonardo di Vinci's original sketches, letters from Sir Issac Newton and Charles Darwin, The Beatles very first records and hand written lyric books, and Two out of four of the only reaming parts of the Magna Carta. It was pretty freaking nuts let me tell you. After our Shakespeare final we headed back out and went to the British Library, but it was closed do to all the strikes going on, so we went to the
Tate Britain. That was mostly closed as well for the same reason, but there were two parts of the Gallery open. The main on was a recreation of the protest that is currently going on in front of Parliament. So, being the ridiculous people that we are, we walked there and saw the ACTUAL protest
(and striking) going on against GB and America's war on Iraq.

Tomorrow is my last day here, and the cream of the crop has planned a wonderful day and evening out to celebrate with me. I can't wait.

Oh yea, the Prime Minister announced his resignation... and it wasn't my fault I swear.

ENGLAND IS FALLING APART!!!!

Love, Jenna

One Week Reminder

In case you forgot, I'll be landing in NJ at 6pm in exactly ONE WEEK!!!!!!!!!

That doesn't mean things have been slowing down over here though. Two final papers down... FIVE to go?!?!? Then exams next week.

Yesterday, I had class, then a field trip to this contemporary art museum (aka really creepy stuff). Then we finally made it to the Tower of London. I got to learn all about Guy Fawkes's attempt to blow up Parliament (Remember Remember the 5th of November... or if the movie V for Vendetta helps) and I got to see the Crowned Jewels!!! Man, I need to get myself a crown like that.. just kidding. The newspapers have been pretty nuts here. British Celebs have pretty much lost their mind. Prince Harry is going to war. A kid died after a water shortage at the London Marathon this week. I also learned that the average person in the UK will drink over 74,000 cups of tea in their lifetime. Pretty crazy huh? Well the day ended with a night at the theatre with the production Billy Elliot. I had a feeling it would be my favorite. It was absolutely amazing what this little kid could do.

Tonight is the "party before finals" and in London its always got to be at some crazy club, but this time we rented out the Hard Rock Cafe. I am SO there.

Hope everyone's doing well.

See you soon.

Love, Jenna

The Jenna Walking Tour

SO ... I have six papers due, but I just couldn't sit down and do them. Mid class my Professor said he was ill and needed to go home and cancelled his classes for the day. I had a 3 hour class with him later
in the day, so I suddenly had some extra time. I decided since class was cancelled I should be productive. Still not ready to do my papers, I decided to go for a walk and when I was tired, I'd be ready to do my paper. Well four hours later.... here I am about to start my paper.

I took the tube to Piccadilly Circus and walked up to Leister Square where there was a GIANT screen of Spiderman 3 stuff in the middle of the square and tones of people. I didn't really know what was going on so I made a quick turn and walked down China Town and then up to Soho. I made a loop and walked all the way to Trafalgar Square where there was another GIANT screen, and even better an GINORMOUS balloon of a FOOT!!! They were celebrating St. George's day (which I only knew about because it was the theme of the minister's sermon last night at Westminster Abby) They were doing events all day, and at 7pm the cast of Monty Python's Spamalot! is going to lead the city in trying to break the world record for the largest coconut band ever. Crazy stuff here in London. What a holiday! Yesterday, we took the bus home from here, so I tried to walk the path of the bus, but then I saw a sign for St. James Park and decided I'd rather walk through another park then start schoolwork. So I wondered through the gates and around the park, which brought me to Buckingham Palace. I wondered around the other side of the park and ended up at St. Jame's Palace. I was kinnda unsure of where I was so I walked back toward Piccadilly and found a sign for Regent's Street. When I got to Regent's Street I spotted Hanley's, the biggest, coolest Toy store EVER!!!! They had EVERYTHING in there. So of course I was in there for a while playing with all the toy. Everyone that worked there were on rolly shoes too. I wanted to be them so bad! I dragged myself away after a while and finally foundOxford street (which is where I usually walk to for a nice stroll) so I was getting closer. I stumbled upon Self Ridges which is like another Harrod's (a giant, incredible department stores that are just straightnuts). After I admired the London fashion, I went down a couple different side streets and found Baker street (which is the street I live off of) and THIS was the only time I had to pull out the map because I had made so many turns that I wasn't sure which way the school was. But I made it ! All by myself ! It was crazy... and it was raining, but that's okay.

Wed, Adina and I are trying to find the Tower of London again to see the Crowned Jewels, and then Dana and I are going to see BILLY ELLIOT the musical. Thursday my class is going to the Contemporary Art Museum and then Courtney and I are going to the theatre to wait on standby for Wicked Tickets (I'm currently reading the book). Friday, I am going to try and take the train to Oxford University. Saturday, We are all going on the London Eye and walking along the Thames. Sunday, I am going to Speakers Corner and then walked through Hyde Park to see the the V and A museum, Tate Britain, British Museum,Science museum, and the National History museum. Monday I all my exams and papers are due. Tuesday I'm going to the Camden markets. Wed. I pack, and Thursday...
ILL BE HOME!!!!!!!

So I'm not quite done yet.

Love you,

Jenna

I see London, I see France!

Hey Everyone,

I had the craziest day/weekend! You would not believe what I did these past couple of days. I'm surprised we made it back alive... well let me tell you what happened....

I woke up really early and met about 40 of my classmates in the lobby. Our moron of an activities chair (shes 22 years old and an airhead) was already in Paris? so we had to get there ourselves. We all walked to the tube and took that to the train station. It was a three hour ride, but it wasn't bad at all.

We met the activities chair at the Metro station where we bought tickets to get to our hotel. She gave us the worst directions ever ("just go left/right at the church, and then um... a right or a left at the next street over"). Needless to say, it took us a while to get there, and of course it was in a really bad area of town. Me, Katie (who I met my freshman year) and this girl Shannon were crammed in a double on the SIXTH floor! We didn't care it was cozy. It was just funny that everyone else was on
the first or second floor.

From there a bunch of us took the metro to Hotel De Ville and then walked to Notre Dame Cathedral. It was really stunning. In the courtyard there we a bunch of Parisians walking around giving "Free Hugs". We took it as they were just trying to mug us so we clung to our bags as they tried to hug us one after the next. After that we walked over the bridge to the Louve. I've waited my whole life to go there, ever since that Alvin and the Chipmunks movie where they race the Chippettes around the world and Alvin says "I wanna go to the Louve in Rome!" and then Simon corrects him. The entire school happened to be in Paris this weekend so we all met in the courtyard and ventured inward. The sun was shining as the temperatures neared 80 degrees! There was a perfect breeze, and we were all still in a little bit of shock that we were actually in Paris!

We went into the giant glass pyramid and down the spiral staircase into the greatest museum in the world. Katie and I headed right for the Mona Lisa. We made our way through the crowd and right up to the front. She was in this giant glass case on her own wall that shoots into the ground if the place gets attacked. It was funny when I waslooking at her eye to eye. I swear, with that half smile of hers, she was saying "I'm glad you finally made it."

We moved on to Venus (that statue of the naked lady with no arms) and then on to the wing of Napoleon's Apartments. It was all these red velvet rooms with HUGE Chandeliers and chairs and oh jeez, it was beautiful. We stopped to have a baguette and then made our way into the gardens.

The sun was setting so we headed tower the Eiffel Tower in the distance. It looked a lot close then it was, and as we got closer, we kept losing sight of it because the other building were so big! When we finally got there we couldn't believe how amazing it was. There were tons of people just laying in the grass in front of the national building, and a line wrapping around all side of the tower.

We got chocolate banana crepes (Mmmm, my favorite) ... and like the climax of a breathtaking movie, I went to take me first bite and then the most spectacular thing I've ever seen happened as the tower started to sparkle and flash brighter than the stars in the sky. Of course, this distraction caused me to get chocolate all over me, but it was totally worth it. After a few minutes it stopped and we started our long trek home.

At night, all the creepers come out trying to sell cheap trinkets just like other cities, but in this one there was a creeper every three steps and they kept trying to grab me?!?! I was less then thrilled at getting molested the whole way home, and was happy to get near our hotel. We walked down the street and there was this gang of rowdy guys. I was praying they didn't see us, but they did. At first they just were like Ohhh La La ( EVERY french guy) but then they started to follow us and yell obscene things. Then some guys on motorbikes circled us, and the rest started running after us. We took off running, and they followed us into the hotel (there was no security)and we booked it up SIX FLIGHTS of stairs and locked the door. I could still hear them yelling in the streets when I fell asleep. At four in the morning I was woken up by what sounded like five gun shots, then lots of yelling, then police sirens, then quiet. I was panicked , but talked myself into trying to just sleep. Then I heard fire sirens and loud banging and the room started to get smoky. I looked out the open window and across the very small street were three parked cars completely up in flames, torching the building next to it. They fire men took care of it after a few hours, but I had trouble sleeping to say the least.

The next morning, we went back to Notre Dame and went inside. I didn't see any hunchbacks, but I bet he was in there somewhere. We made our way up to the Pantheon and got the best Ice Cream from the nicest French girls ever! We made our way down the street to the Luxenberg Palace and Gardens. It was amazing. We just sat there for a while with all the French people just relaxing.

We walked back to the Louve and then started toward the Arc de Trimumphe, which we could see in the distance at the end of the tuileries. It looked so close, but it took us an HOUR to speed walk there. We climbed 287 spiral steps to the top where we could see the entire city. Absolutely stunning! When we finally came back down, there was some kind of memorial ceremony in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. CNN was nearby so it had to be pretty big.

I must look very European because every country I go to people come up to me and try to talk to me like a local... several times. Its so weird. I may look like a local, but I definitely don't know my way
around like one because after we left the Arc we guessed the general direction of the Eiffel Tower. I was going the right way...but I made a wrong turn and kept going, so we got lost for about an hour.

When we got to the Eiffel Tower we saw some friends from Regent's and indulged in another crepe (I shouldn't' have but it was calling my name) We laid down on the giant lawn and waited for the Tower to go crazy glitzy again. Everyone cheered when it did and it was truly a sight that will stay with me forever.

We walked home and decided to try take a different street to get to our hotel, but there was no one around and there were a few French guys that had been following us for a few blocks. We turned down a street and there were more guys that spotted us and started toward us. We just walked back to the maid road and had a cab take us two blocks just to ensure we made it back alive.

It was hard to leave the next day. It was absolutely gorgeous and everything was in full bloom. The city is just more beautiful then you could ever imagine. We took he train home and slept the entire way. When we got back I went to the gym and then got ready for CHURCH!! That's right! Me and
Kaite went to Westminster Abby for the Evening service. It was absolutely breathtaking!! I couldn't' believe the inside. The minister was the typical British old man, but he spoke so intelligently and was
very interesting (quite the change from what I'm used to).The Hymns were a little tough seeing how I didn't know them, but it was okay. We walked past Big Ben and Parliament and down to the Thames River. We walked back up the street to Trafalgar Square and took the bus home. We were so wrapped up in the two most adorable little blonde British boys that we actually missed our stop, and their mother was helpful in telling us how to get back!

We walked through Regent's Park as the sunset and back into the school building which has ivy and flowers blooming on the sides of the building walls. Its then that we realized, we've really grown up here. We're finally used to being here, but yet we're very ready to go home.

11 days and the adventure is over.

Jimminy crickets!

Love You All,

JJJJJJJJenna (that's how the French say it)

Escapades in Spain

Hey Everyone!

Things have been pretty crazy here. I've switched my room and for some reason it seems like I've gotten my old life and my old self back just like that! I haven't seen any troublemakers and everyone else here can't seem to get enough of me. I ran through the park with this girl Cait yesterday. She in a little better shape then me, but we did three miles. Then I went and lifted with some of the guys. Today some of the girls and I are going to have a picnic in the park.

About a week ago, Dana and I started our trip for Spain. We caught a bus to the airport, but it got lost and we almost missed it! When we finally got to the airport we were pretty lost. We sharing puzzled thoughts with a few other Regent's girls when a Spanish girl (she sounded American) who had been studying in London and her mother offered to point us in the right direction. She told us what bus to take and offered to take our friends to their hotel because it was on their way!

Our bus dropped us off right in the middle of Barcelona. Our hostel was off the famous street, La Rambles. We were walking down La Rambles for about fifteen minutes when two girls said " Hey American Chica's !!! Where are you trying to go?" We told them where our hostel was and they pointed straight and said "diretto diretto diretto.. until you see Colom!" So we kept going until we hit a huge monument of a guy pointing out to the water and that's when we realized it was COLUMBUS and he was pointing HOME. It was really the most comforting thing I've seen in a long time.

Our hostel was scary. We slept in a 14 person room about the size of my dorm room. Dana and I didn't even sleep in the same room on the last night. Most of the other girls did not speak English. There were Japanese, French, Spanish, and German girls all staying with us. One time Dana sat up and yelled "JENNA!" but I wasn't in the room so all the other girls didn't understand. From then on out every time she said "Jenna" they all jumped as if it meant something bad. sigh. We did have a professional soccer player that worked the night shift there because he had all his stuff stolen and needed a place to stay. He definitely helped us get around.

I thought Spanish would be close to Italian, but its not. On top of that... They don't speak Spanish in Barcelona and Mallorca... They speak Catalan. Whatever that means. Dana tried to tell me how to ask for stuff... but it never came out right. She told me how to ask for two waters, but when I got to the counter I said "dos ables" which means "two speak"...so yea...

Every morning we woke up at 7 AM to shower and switch rooms (we're not sure why, but it was the cheapest way) and then we were off by 9. We paid for a two day double decker bus tour and used that as our transportation (when walking wouldn't cut it). We took it all the way up to Park Guell. It was a park designed by the famous artist Gaudi. It was AMAZING. His idea was to blend architecture with nature and boy did he get it right. Everyone was unbelievable. None of the columns or arches were the same because he said nature varies as should architecture. We spent most of the day there and then went to the National Building in Placa D'Espanya where there was a fountain light show (see Hola Coca cola? for the full photo shoot to feel liek you werethere!) It was really really beautiful, and so amusing to hear the people go, "Ooooooo. Ahhhhhh, Whoooooaaa." They are all very appreciative of everything here. Its great.

We made it back to La Rambles where we ate outside in the center of the street. We had Paella which was so yummy I can still taste it. We had a glass of Sparkling Citrus Sangria with dinner and that was like desert filled with oranges. The only downfall is I drank most of it on an empty stomach and took me a bit by surprise. There was a Good Friday parade going on, but it was dark and couldn't really tell what was going on. Of course I turned to Dana and was said OMG... who do you think died... they looked important...of course shes responded with.... um I believe that would be Jesus... I just said well its a good thing he comes back to life on Sunday. They waiter couldn't stop laughing. After wards we hung out in the square where we met some boys from New York. They were 28, 29 and 31! I wouldn't have thought they were that old, but they didn't believe that we were 20 and 21 either. We went to a club for a little while but the night life there doesn't usually start til 3 AM and we wanted to be in bed by 1 am so we called it a night early.

The next day we walked to the Gaudi area of town and saw Casa Batillo and Casa Mila. It just re-enforced how stunning Gaudi really is. Casa Batllo was a house inspired by water, waves, and bubbles. There were no straight lines and everything was curvy or twisty. We went to the roof and even there had some pretty crazy architecture. Casa Mila was really cool too. Inside were models and descriptions of many of Gaudi's works and how they came about. When we were done we got to go to the roof of that building too. The view was awesome. We could even see Sagrada Familia in the horizon. That's when we knew where our next stop would be.

We hopped on our tour bus and took it to Sagrada Familia. Explaining the detail is impossible.You'd really have to see it to believe how much work Gaudi put into this structure. It really was something else. There were three different buses included in the bus tour (it was a big city). So we took the red line all the way around the top of the city, switched to the blue to see Spanish Town and then finally to the Green line to see the coast. I loved this Lobster outside outside our hostel on the boardwalk. I mean who wouldn't want to wake up to giant happy lobster every morning. We laid out on the boardwalk for a while and then went back to get ready for dinner. We had chicken, rice, salad and croquettes for dinner. The waiter gave us our "digestion shot", but neither of us wanted it so we just dumped it in our big glass. When he saw we had "finished" it so quickly he brought the bottle over and said "here you like? have more!" hahaha we gave it to the table next to us and went home to crash early.

We woke up at 7 and asked our soccer star how to get to the train. We found it with no problem, but we got off at the wrong stop! Then we had to wait twenty minutes for the next one. We got to the airport and made our flight just fine. We couldn't find the right bus when we got there though. Every time we said "Do you speak English" The locals would respond with "Not really, Do you Speak German?" Apparently its a hot spot for German Vacationing, so we were out of luck. We found it eventually, but we got off at the wrong stop again. (The directions and signs were awful). We found a tourist office and they directed us. We had to walk for about half an hour (with our ridiculously heavy luggage) to the right stop. From there another bus driver told us that we had to take that bus AN HOUR away to the OTHER SIDE of the Island to get to our hostel!!!! We rested while we waited for other passengers to load the bus. Nothing was open and we hadn't eaten for several hours. There wasn't anyone around. No one got on our bus. Dana looked equally as confused, and then it clicked... "Happy Easter Jenna" Dana managed to get out. I hugged her and I was like Happy Easter Dana!!! We found an open shop and bought a box of Chips Ahoy to celebrate.

When the bus finally went from Palma to Pollenca we were in the most beautiful little town, but had no idea which way to go. It was just a bunch of roundabouts with now signs. After a while Dana started to cry and I honestly had no idea what to do . No one was around, and the few people we did run into had no idea where our hostel was... or even the street! We found it eventually. But it was real dark and no one was there ! Finally, out of the darkness an old man said "Jenna?" and I'm like That's ME!!! He said he'd been expecting us hours ago and explained that everything was closed for Easter. We told him we knew! When we got to our room there was no hot water, no heat (and it was really cold) no blankets or towels, and the sockets were blown. Eventually we got him to fix most of it, but it was definitely interesting.

We had dinner on the boardwalk that night, and then went back to relax for a little. That man busted into our room and then when he realized we were there he left. We decide to lock up our luggage after that. We went for an evening walk and ended up at the only thing open, the only pub in town. There we met the entire UK!! The British, Scottish, and Irish. Later on the started a fight with some Germans, and they all went skinny dipping! They are CRAZY. Dana and I, more tainted then ever, went home and had trouble sleeping after that.

We woke up to gray skies and lots of rain. We went out and walked around anyway. We stopped for some Italian food which as actually really good. We asked some people where the closest movie theatre was, but they didn't; have one in this town!! AH ITS MY WORST NIGHTMARE!! What town doesn't have a Cinema?!?!?! We went back to the hotel cafe where a bunch of older people were hanging out. There they told us that "We make our OWN fun in Mallorca!" and they invited us to watch some cricket (the sport... I thought they meant the bug). We politely declined and went to find an Internet Cafe. We ate at and American Restaurant that night and ran into some more British boys (younger ones) in the square.They all pointed an were like "Look that's the American Girls!", Because we were probably the only Americans there. They told us to meet them at the pub later, and by default, we ran into them and the Scottish and Irish people we'd met the other night. Dana wanted to hang out with the older ones, but the younger British boys just kept yelling "Jeressyyyyy, come talk to us!!!" so I went over there and found out they'd been to Jersey several times, and probably knew more about it then me. They taught me all about their language and stuff. Like "Safe!" means "Hello Pal!" I told them what "mate" meant in American and they all got very upset. They also made fun of the fact that we call "trainers" sneakers and that we eat bagels and coffee instead of tea and crumpets. JEEZ! They were very nice and we still keep in touch. We walked along the beach where there were some pretty crazy sand castles and all sorts of games being played. They boys walked us halfway to our hostel, but once they left we were followed by some even younger Spanish boys who kept trying to grab us. It was very uneasy, but we made it back alright.

The next morning it was pouring so we decided to eat breakfast and catch the bus back to Palma. We walked around and saw the sights for a while, but our luggage was killing us, so we made our way to the airport early and had our own adventure there. Unfortunately, Dana was pickpocekted and her camera (and her pictures) and her phone which shes going to have to pay 400 dollars for is gone. We took the train and then a cab home to my own room. =)


Spain was defiantly one of my favorites. I should have traveled with Dana more. We made a pretty good travel team and saw more then anyone else did. This weekend I think the other girls and I are going to the Tower of London (where the crowned jewels are) and some museums.

Sunday I think I'm going to hang out at speakers corner and go to the markets again.

Next week Dana and I are going back to Wegamamas and the toy store where PING PONG was created. AND we are going to see Mary Poppins!!!!

Then Paris next weekend <3

I'll see you all in 20 days. Thank Goodness.

Love, "The Jersey Girl"

April First

We all went for a walk today in Regent's Park because it was such a beautiful day. The most beautiful part was the Queen's Royal Rose Garden. There was this huge fountain right in the middle where everyone was hanging out. There was a little girl that ran up and handed me a flower. While I was distracted one of the girls thought it would be funny to whack me into the fountain. I was furious as I"m soaking wet in this gross fountain water and to make manners worse, it was really really slippery and the walls of it were rounded and hard to get a steady footing. The next thing I know the park police come over in their funny uniforms and I'm thinking "wow that's a lot of police somebody must have done something really wrong." Apparently it is very illegal to swim in the fountain in the royal park, because they were not happy. I tried to explain what happened, but the girls were gone and they just weren't buying it. It didn't get better either because once they realized I was holing a flower I was in bigger trouble. Its also an offense to pick any flowers in the Queen's Royal garden. They just kept asking me if I was trying to disrespect the Queen (which is the worst thing you could do here) and all I'm thinking is "I've never even met the woman?" They took me down the street to the Police station for question to make sure I wasn't an anarchist trying to bring down England's government. After explaining that I wasn't even sure what a monarchy was, and ensuring them that I fully supported the Royal family, they let me go with a warning. I avoided the park on the way home and grew more and more angry as I could still feel my socks squish when I walked. I came across the Speaker's corner where people were preaching all their beliefs. I ran into some kids from Regent's there. One of the boys was explaining that there are only three rules at speakers corner... you can't say anything to cause riots, you can't say anything false that will cause panic (like Fire!) and lastly, you cannot say anything against the Queen. So i started to tell him what happened and how I was almost an enemy of England because I'm apparently against the Queen. Sure enough, there was a tap on my shoulder and an angry looking man who just asked "What did you just say?" and I said, happy April Fool's day.
I really did go for a walk in the park and it was really quite the adventure, but I went by myself and I'll tell you all about it later when I'm in a more truthful mood. =) Love, Jenna the jokester <3