Dean's California--wild, sweaty, important, the land of lonely andexiled and eccentric lovers come to forgather like birds, and the landwhere everybody somehow looked like broken-down, handsome, decadentmovie actors - Jack Kerouac

Monday 12th May 2014 - Thursday 22nd May 2014 - California Girls, we're unforgettable.

Monday (12th) - The journey to Orange County was horrific. Arrived at Baton Rouge airport to find out my flight had been delayed an hour. Wouldn't have been a problem if my connection hadn't had been only 36 minutes after landing in Houston. Automatically missed that flight. Put on standby for the next flight at 9pm. I was given a seat, an upgrade at that; I had so much leg room I didn't know what to DO with myself! 9pm passed. So did 10, and 11, and 12am. The weather was awful. By 12.30am, it was announced our flight was ready to leave but was being redirected to LAX. Arrived at 2:45am California time, 4:45am Louisiana time. Hour bus. Half an hour taxi. Got to hotel room at 5am California time, 7am Louisiana time after paying $50 for the privilege.

Stranded at Houston selfie!

Tuesday (13th) - I may have been running on complete lack of sleep but nothing would stop my enjoyment of Disney! On this day a month ago, I was in Florida; this is impressive not obsessive!! I had heard the park wasn't very big but I was still surprised at how small it was. Did not mean it was any less enjoyable; there were some different rides here (but It's a Small World was closed much to our disappointment!) The weather was nice too - hot without the Louisiana humidity; a perfect day to be at the original Disney park!

Beautiful day, beautiful view. The castle was a lot smaller than I thought!

Pre Splash Mountain photograph. Tip; if you want to go on a water ride but don't fancy getting wet, just go on with me. I seem to attract the water. I was SOAKED.

I met the God of Thunder, the mighty Thor. He was adorable with his English/American/Australian hybrid accent!!

Wednesday (14th) - Yesterday was Magic Kingdom & today was Disney's California Adventure. The weather was even hotter than yesterday so walking was a struggle! There didn't appear to be as many rides in this park; as a result the queues were longer!!

Waiting for the World of Color!

I have been wanting to see World of Color for years. In fact, it is the only reason I wished to visit Disneyland here. It was everything I could have dreamed of and more; I got goosebumps & was tearful!! 

In line for the Cars rollercoaster - was my favourite ride in the park!

Thursday (15th) - Early start to get the train to LA! The weather just seems to get hotter every day; we didn't let that stop us! We had a sneaky peak of the Hollywood sign, walked along the Walk of Fame (practically the entire thing) and saw the Chinese Theatre.

Hmmm...this sign looks familiar...

Took us ages to find the Laurence Olivier star.

Friday (16th) - Spent the morning in Melrose Place. Like much of LA so far, it was disappointing. I was expecting it to look a lot nicer than a did. Nothing a cupcake couldn't fix however! 

A bit heavy on the icing but overall it got my seal of approval!

Spent the afternoon with LSU buddies who happen to be here as well - can't even spend a few days away from them without getting withdrawal symptoms!

Saturday (17th) - I feel like my time in LA so far has been disappointing. The image you get projected in the media is nothing like the real thing but today I really enjoyed!

Casually standing with a certain sign.

We went to the Griffith Observatory today - lovely views of LA. Met up with Nikki (Sussex Nikki) while there. Afterwards we went to In-N-Out Burger because that is something one should do on the West Coast. It was worth it; it was a great burger! In the afternoon, we went along Sunset Boulevard to the Sunset Strip & along Rodeo Drive. Never have I felt more out of place!! I would happily spend an afternoon there people watching - such characters!!

Not even sure what we were laughing at, but I liked the picture!

Sunday (18th) - We spent today relaxing at Santa Monica beach before walking down to Venice. I enjoyed Santa Monica beach. Yes, I may have got a little sunburnt even though I was wearing factor 50 but the place was pretty. 

My face whenever I'm made to go to a sandy beach.

Venice was another story. It just creeped me out. Story of my time here in LA!!

Monday (19th) - One flight to San Fran later & we had arrived! Because we arrived later in the day, all we had time for was to explore the Japanese Tea Gardens. They were absolutely beautiful. I felt my inner Thoreau appear!

Not that I consider myself a photographer in the slightest...

Must...reach...the....top!

Success!

The holiday of the selfie!

Tuesday (20th)- One cannot go to San Francisco without going to see the Golden Gate Bridge...

So we did.

Then Abi made us walk roughly 4 miles to Ghirardelli Square which smelt rather nicely of chocolate. Afterwards (and almost one heart attack later after those hills), we went to Lombard Street. It is supposedly famous & according to Abi I was supposed to recognise it but I didn't.

I've posted the picture for you, the unfortunate reader to see if I'm just being ignorant here!

Finally, we explored China Town and had dinner on Fisherman's Wharf. Oh! We visited City Lights Bookstore as well today; famous for publishing Allen Ginsberg's Howl *groaning noise*. It was a very kooky bookstore with so much of the Hernandez Brothers' work - it's a shame I couldn't buy anything there as I couldn't get it home. That will teach me for overpacking my carry on suitcase!

Wednesday (21st) - Today has to have been my favourite day in both LA & San Fran. First, we went to Alcatraz. It was so interesting (following along via audio tour) but the sound effects made things even creepier.

View from the boat.

Cheeky post Alcatraz selfie

Afterwards, we walked around Pier 39 to find the sea lions.

I couldn't quite believe how many there were. They were loud and they were smelly but watching them fight and push one another off was rather funny. And of course, they were adorable.

Finally, we went to the Walt Disney Family Museum. I LOVED this place! It was so well done - starting with baby Walt and ending with the impact of his death (I had to test my 'don't cry in public' face!) I really liked the part exploring Disneyland - you walked into the room and there was a model of what Walt Disney imagined the place to look like.

Thursday (22nd) - This brings to a close my adventures in California. Although I enjoyed myself, I haven't a desire to return to LA although I would pay another visit to San Francisco. Onwards now to Portland!

Promise me you'll never forget me because if I thought you would, I'd never leave – A. A. Milne

12th May 2014 - The End?

I looked back at my post on Sussex to see what I wrote. I mentioned I was sad about leaving but I wasn't too distraught probably because I knew I will be going back. I can't say that for LSU. Of course I want to come back but realistically I'm not sure when that will be.

I often say I thank Sussex for giving me a new perspective on life - I wasn't happy when I left sixth form and I credit my time at Sussex for making me a happier person. Happier, not completely happy. I still heavily doubted myself and my abilities. The point is, I'm surprised I didn't write anything more sentimental about it.

The best room mate I could have possibly asked for!

My journey brought me here - to LSU - and I have never been happier. I should credit the place; a beautiful campus with such glorious sunshine. It is true; everyone is happier when the sun is shining. I've loved my classes, the professors have been amazing & the food has been yummy(although that diner....) 

The Three Musketeers

Most importantly, I would like to thank the people. Strangers are really friendly and helpful here so going back to London shall be interesting!! But it is the friends I have made - this small but special group of people have made me feel very comfortable and loved and whether American or English, you are truly truly wonderful, spectacular people and I wish you all the best in life.

Greek Theatre a.k.a. that part where they party on Pitch Perfect.

We bonded over a Disney Princess notebook in an English class. Jono; I wish you and Celina all the happiness for the future!!

I have changed from when I first arrived in August and it was a much needed & good change. So thanks LSU - thank you for the best year of my life!! Geaux Tigers! #lplg

Emotions over; I went to a crawfish boil! It was really weird at first, to be greeted with a plate full of unpeeled shellfish but if I wanted to try, I had to gather up some courage!

The portion sizes were stereotypically Southern! I couldn't even eat half!

You had to pull the heads off and break into the tails. The whole thing was messy and took about 5 minutes just to eat one!

But they were so adorable! 

And so, my last Louisiana blog post comes to an end. Not that I am biased, but this is the best state in the country ;) West Coast here I come!!

End of year update: I made 4 more As this term as well. Going home with a 4.0 GPA; yes please!! 

I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse - Walt Disney

12th April - 19th April 2014 - And so ends the best week of my life: Spring Break 2014

It took a 12 hour car journey; we drove through Alabama and Mississippi to reach Florida, but get to Orlando we did. Day #1 - Magic Kingdom. The morning was dedicated to rides; Space Mountain, Splash Mountain (which broke while we were on it; just before the huge drop!), Thunder Mountain - there is a theme here... - all enjoyable and a great way to start the day. Gets the adrenaline pumping after a 6:15am start!

Ah the face characters, such perfect people! Gaston has to be one of my favourites - he had the voice, sexist arrogance but the guy who played him was so so handsome (we all fell in love even if he was a bit creepy...I suppose that's the point of his character) Met plenty of other characters today as well; Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, Mary Poppins complete with dodgy English accent...

Group shot with Cinderella because she was adorable. I love the new Princess costumes!

The new Fantasy parade was fantastic - here is Anna & Elsa on the Frozen float. Other characters including Cinderella, Ariel, Rapunzel & Flynn Rider, Peter Pan & Wendy...poor Snow White was demoted to a walking role; no float for her!

Just about to meet Cinderella & Aurora! There is always time for a quick selfie!

Day #2 - Epcot here we come. Oh hello there Tink! There weren't many rides at Epcot; we went on a ride called Soarin' which was SO COOL and you ride over California and this TERRIFYING water ride in Norway which was a Viking ride. I just do not like water rides and this had a random explosion half way through in which I screamed. I jumped off that ride so fast and the operator laughed at me. Getting laughed at by handsome men - story of my life.

Kisses for Mickey! We also met Minnie Mouse & Goofy (who was very tall!)

So this has to be one of the highlights of the trip; these two are my favourites and while I have met a Jasmine face character in Paris, I have never met Aladdin. So I told them they were my favourites and Aladdin said I had made his day so that's all I ask for really!

I also spent two hours and 20 minutes in a queue to meet Anna & Elsa. Yes, I am insane but their costumes were just so wonderful and I got a hug from them both!

Day #3 - Hollywood Studios! I chickened out of the Tower of Terror (I don't like normal lifts, I have no desire to go on a ride!) We also met more face characters - Woody & Buzz and a very scary looking Mike & Sulley!

It rained in the afternoon when we got back to Magic Kingdom. We escaped the storm by going onto the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. When the rain still hadn't stopped, we queued up to meet Rapunzel and Snow White!

Meeting my new bestie Merida. She poked her tongue out at me in the queue, we mocked the normal Princess poses and she asked me for a hug! She also called me her curly haired friend. Perfect face character was perfect!

No Princess smiling for us! (Goal reached - meet every single Disney Princess!)

Day #4 - Final day and we started in Animal Kingdom. Went on a safari, went on a rollercoaster called Everest WHICH WAS THE BEST RIDE EVER, met Pocahontas where we were told we were going to be in a Disney parade.

Now, I may be 21 years old but it is a life long dream of mine to be in a Disney parade. Being chosen was the best feeling in the world - I cried. Not ashamed. I felt so lucky to be there; waving and smiling is tiring after an hour but I wouldn't change the experience for the world.

That evening I went to the Be Our Guest restaurant with Natalie. It was so beautifully decorated inside, just like the film. The food was so good - I tried the grey stuff, it was delicious! You even get to meet the Beast after dinner!

Day #5 - No longer at Disney but we went to Universal Studios & Harry Potter world! Everyone ended up taking a picture of me at this moment and the guyasked me if I am famous. Yes...yes I am.

The ride inside the castle is TERRIFYING. I had my eyes closed for most of it - Spiders in the Forbidden Forest, dementors coming after you, a dragon breathing fire at you...erm, no thanks! Hogsmeade was well decorated - it was smaller than I imagined but if you enjoy the Harry Potter movies, it's a great place to see!

I was not brave enough to go on The Hulk ride so I met Captain America. He asked so politely for our photo; 'do you mind if I protect you ma'am?' TELL ME HOW I COULD SAY NO TO SUCH A LOVELY MAN?

Also joined the X-Men; here I am using my mutant powers for good with Cyclops.

I did prefer Disney from Universal; Universal is very ride heavy and although I am a fan of rollercoasters, extreme speed & height do not appeal to me and most of the rides there tick those two boxes. Went on two water rides even though the weather wasn't good - Jurassic Park & Popeye - I GOT SOAKED. It's always my luck to get soaked on water rides; it happened on the rapids in Animal Kingdom too!

This blog post only has a selection of photos - I took over 500 and choosing my favourites has been hard but I will always always remember this experience and I want to go back to Disney as soon as possible! It's such a happy place - everyone is always smiling and asking you how you are etc. Hate the fact that Spring Break is over, went so quickly. Just like this year abroad...only three weeks left including essays and finals. I don't want this to end!!

Of all the hardships a person had to face, none was more punishing than the simple act of waiting - Khaled Hosseini

Saturday 5th April 2014 -So begins the longest week of my life... 

One week; a Sunday and five days of classes stands between me and a ten hour drive to Orlando, Florida for Spring Break to begin. 21 years and I will finally have stepped foot in Walt Disney World.

What have I been doing since the month I last blogged? (I can't believe it's been a month - how time flies!!) Well, work mostly. I've had reading, essays, midterms and presentations. However, I have had the ocassional chance to have fun....

It was a friend's birthday & it also happened to be the night a frat threw a neon light inspired event at the same bar; hence the ears!

That isn't alcohol in my hand, it's....erm...orange juice!

Nikki 'wing woman/spirit animal' Grant and I!

What can I say? I have definitely become a more confident person on this year abroad and just happier with myself. Or perhaps that is just the effects of discovering alcohol!!

Today (Saturday) was our last time in Tiger Stadium for the spring game. My time in there has to be one of the best moments here at LSU and I'm really going to miss the atmosphere of the place.

Before we were distracted by the team walking into the stadium in front of us!!

Finally. course choices have gone up for next year. Am I surprised about the lack of choice? No. They've taken the Herman Melville course away from me which devastates me but they've replaced that course with one on Edgar Allan Poe. All lecturers are a surprise as is how the courses are assessed- let's see how final year goes!!! 

But during all these years I had a vague but persistent desire to return to New Orleans. I never forgot New Orleans - Anne Rice

Saturday 1st March - Tuesday 4th March 2014 - Laissez les bons temps rouler!

It's a thing to tick off your bucket list isn't it? Spend Mardi Gras in New Orleans! So many pictures were taken and because I couldn't choose which ones I liked the best, this blog will be told through the medium of pictures!

3am start to catch the 5am bus. Only we didn't manage to get a seat until 7am because the buses that turned up were all full. One of the guys who worked at the station realised we were British and the questions we were asked made my jaw drop...my personal favourite - 'is there 7 days a week in Britain?'

When we had arrived and dropped off our stuff, it was time for the parade watching to start!! The weather was beautiful, beads were flying from all directions (watch your head) and the parades were really great to look at!

Post parade - in case you are wondering why I don't appear to have many beads, I only wore the special ones because I felt too claustrophobic with them all around my neck! I caught many!

Nikki and I waiting for Endymion to start. We waited HOURS to catch a glimpse of Ian Somerhalder (and catch a cup for Nikki - SHE WAS SUCCESSFUL!) Practising my pulling face in the mean time.

Parade in process, time for a cheeky snap. Jodie showing off every single one of her beads whereas I'm keeping it simple.

Sunday and we went on a tourist mission. The French Quarter was really pretty & we explored the market. I also bought myself a Mardi Gras t-shirt.

Time for the Bacchus Parade on Sunday evening - not only was Hugh Laurie throwing beads, but Quentin Tarantino was in the balcony behind him!

Afterwards, we went for food. The gumbo was good and I tried some of Nikki's fried alligator (so chewy!) We had cocktails (mine was a Cran-Apple Martini) and we all decided the waiter was adorable! It had gone midnight by the time we left - and it was time for us to hit BOURBON STREET. It was mental. I met my first ever Canadian however - he lived up to the whole friendly stereotype they've got going on as well as saying 'about' in the GREATEST way.

No pictures were taken Monday during the day but we watched a parade in the evening (the temperature had dropped back down to 3 degrees so I had no desire to stay out for too long).  I have finally gone to IHOP as well - so many chocolate pancakes...so good. Here is us pre-drinking, and I am modelling Nat's bra. It's Mardi Gras; why not?

Tuesday morning was even colder than yesterday, plus we had the added bonus of rain! We went to Zulu and I caught a crown. I apologise for my appearance in this photo - the rain doesn't treat anyone kindly! After we checked out, Megan's dad kindly drove us home so thankfully we didn't have to get the bus!

I plan to go back to New Orleans before the year is out when it is less busy because it is a lovely city; with a great history behind it, I plan to explore more!

To finish, here is a picture of me with Mike. He came up to the window while having a swim and stayed there for a bit - such an adorable mascot! 

Music expresses that which cannot be said - Victor Hugo

19th February - 20th February 2014 - We'll be burning up like Neon Lights

After having booked tickets to see Demi Lovato in November of last year, this Wednesday the day I had been waiting for had FINALLY arrived!! The only thing standing in the way of the concert was a four hour drive across a state line. We were coming Texas.

How many people can you fit into the state of Texas?

That lone star is taken very seriously!

We arrived eventually, and the concert was amazing. I have been wanting to see her live for years and this is another amazing thing that this year abroad has allowed me to do. My favourite song - Skyscraper - was played which, I will admit, made me very emotional! 

Skyscraper moment.

We (which I should specify included Nikki & Megan) stayed in Texas overnight, at Megan's aunt's house which should only be described as mansion as house doesn't do it justice. I slept in my own room (oh privacy, how I have missed thee) in a bed so comfy that I forgot where I was when I woke up! I fully expected to go straight home the next morning but we spent the day in Texas. We were taken to a British food market in which Megan's aunt treated us to goodies - I have more squash AND more chocolate! We went for pedicures and for authentic Mexican food, again we were so kindly treated by Megan's aunt!

Here at LSU, Baseball season has started. Nikki and I took a very warm Sunday afternoon away from our desks to visit Alex Box Stadium and watch a game against Grambling. LSU won - but the highlight of the game has to be the group of guys sitting in front of us. Their commentary was hilarious and the grief that they were giving the player standing closest to the student area (who I assume they knew because it was friendly [I hate this next word] banter) was very funny!

Thumbs up if you enjoy Baseball!

It is for this reason that most of us would rather love than be loved - Carson McCullers

12th February 2014 - Tale as Old as Time, Song as Old as Rhyme

I do apologise for my lack of posts of late. Alas, the workload has resumed which leaves little time for pleasure. We've had no more "snow" days which means full weeks of work (I know, it's a very hard life!!) I'm enjoying my classes which is a good thing but ask me again when the essays start! In a shock twist of fate, I've also started going to the gym.

I decided to blog because this evening I saw the Beauty & the Beast musical. It is a touring production and they stopped by at the Union theatre. I really enjoyed it!! Okay, the Beast had a bit too much of the 'comic relief' role, far from his 'tortured soul' role in the film, but the costumes, dancing and singing were all so great. I loved the guy who played Lumière - but I love his character in the film too. I am now even more excited for Walt Disney World; 2 months today.

Nikki may be pulling an...interesting face, and this may be a snapchat picture, but here we are waiting for the show to start. We were on the second row which was fantastic! 

In other news, it is Valentine's Day in 2 days. I'm breaking my life rule of 'not acknowledging that day exists' for the time being to explain how big a thing it is here. Everything is either pink or red in the supermarkets, themed food suddenly starts appearing and my RA has a little gift planned for all who live down my hall. I will further break my rule by posting a picture my friend Carrie put on my Facebook wall.

ONLY VALENTINE'S DAY CARD I COULD EVER WANT IN LIFE!!

May all your days, not just Friday, be filled with some sort of love but for all the women who wish to follow my path into spinsterhood, you're welcome [I suggest you click it ;)] Until next time.