What Do You Do When You Go To London?

I think the post entry says it all. I'm leaving the States today to study in London for the semester, and I've decided to record my trip with a blog. It's fitting in a way. I have just completed a chapter of my college career, and am now one step closer to becoming a "real person". Never again will I have a have a room on campus, a meal plan, and a Starbucks 100 yards away from my bed. And it's a good thing I am accustomed to hardship, because starting tomorrow, all of that will change. I'll be on my own in a new city with new routines and customs and an entirely different lifestyle. Well, not on my own. In an apartment with eight other girls. Yep. Eight.


I have a few goals for this semester. My first and probably my most lofty, is to do something everyday that I can only do in London (or whatever city I'm in that day). This seems daunting, but it can be anything from seeing an exhibit at the Tate Modern to having a beer at a pub I haven't been to to going for a run along the Thames. Any and all suggestions are welcome.

Speaking of running, the next goal is to train for another half marathon OR run a twenty mile road race in Wales on March 20, my last day of being twenty. It sounds a little corny, but I've become somewhat of a runner ever since I ran my first half marathon last spring, and I've been itching to run another distance race. My parents have also expressed interest in running a 10 mile race when the fam comes out to visit over Easter, and what better way to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus than with a long run? And then Mass of course...

My other goal is not fun or interesting, but must be done. And that is budgeting my funds (yeah, Dad. That's right). I have a little saved up from my seasonal position at J.Crew and other fine corporations, but I also get a stipend for "living expenses" - food, transportation, etc. My goal is to "live" on my stipend, and then do my best to travel *safely* (Mom) with my own money. This goal is partially inspiration for the name of this here blog, given that there might be more than one time that the beer fund is more important than a third meal, but I'm all about sacrifices. I'll have to figure out what category beer falls into. I guess we'll see how generous random British guys are.

So that's it. A few goals, a few bucks, and one great city. I think the adventure song is in order...