The Inbetweeners Movie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3HzTKbsqsY

Bacon sandwiches and The Inbetweeners.

Today was a full day. I had to go to the store because I needed to get a few items I decided to leave out of my suitcases. (Hey, it was either shampoo or shoes..what would any girl have chosen?) Harvey and I decided to go to ASDA, which is almost like a Walmart and is in Totton so it is about a 15 minute walk from his sister's house where I am staying. This was obviously before breakfast, which consisted of a bacon sandwich and a cup of tea (below). I would just like to say that American bacon is not at all like British Bacon....not at all. It is too hard to explain the difference in taste, but English bacon is really delicious, especially on toast.

Once we got to Totton, I changed some currency. 718 dollars to 382 pounds to be exact. We were finally on our way to ASDA with my wallet a bit lighter and the sky getting a bit cloudier. After shopping I headed home, took a shower, and Harvey and I were off to Southampton for the afternoon. The train station is another 15-20 minute walk and the ride to Southampton is about 10 minutes. I am sure I will have more to say when I have to take the train by myself...so I will let those stories come later. :) Harvey and I got to Southampton and ate at a place called Prezzos because he had a coupon that was buy one entree and get a second for one pound. Prezzo's is a pizza and pasta restaurant. Even though it was raining, we sat outside under a canopy. The pizza was amazingly delicious. (below)

After lunch we headed to the movies. I couldn't wait to see The Inbetweeners movie and it wasn't showing in America. I will post a clip of the trailer. It was a famous British tv show that was made into a movie and is one of Harvey's favorites.

The only way to England is an unbearable 8 hour flight.

It is my second day in Totton, the small suburb of Southampton in which Harvey's sister lives. The experience of flying to England for the second time was less overwhelming..but about 10 times more uncomfortable. I flew on American Airlines. I was squashed in the middle seat of 5 people with no leg room, not a choice of movies, and (worst) three screaming children 2 rows above me. After a long wait at border patrol and baggage claim, I made my way through the greeting gate meeting Harvey. It had been 4 and 1/2 months since I had seen him. I had daydreamed many times about how perfect the moment would be and the first thing that came out of my mouth was  "I need to go to the bathroom and throw up." Nooott exactly the perfect greeting, but I reassured him that I would be fine as soon as I got out of the airport and got some fresh air.

Yesterday, I took it very easy. The first time I flew to England (last November), Harvey and I had the bright idea to go out on the town the night I arrived. England is 7 hours ahead of my hometown, and I hadn't slept since before my flight. Lets just say I was a bit smarter this time. I did not stay awake 18 hours, drink, and spend the next day throwing up all morning and not being able to move all day. Instead, I spent time with Harvey's sister Grace and her husband and we all went on a walk with their dog, Kernow. It was wonderful.

The biggest difference between this time and visiting last time is knowing that I don't have to go home. You have no idea how much a relief it is for me. I don't need to be doing something 100% of the time. I don't need to worry I will miss out. I have a whole 9 months. It definitely has not hit me yet...but I feel that when it does, I will be ready.

The goodbye process.

I have only 2 days until I take the long awaited flight to England. I have had a wonderful sending off from my family complete with presents, hugs, and well wishes. Now, I have 2 days to pack, repack, pack, and repack. (Seriously, I have done it 5 times)  I leave on Wednesday, August 24th at 10:55am from Sioux Falls airport. I arrive around 12:30 in Chicago with an eight hour layover until my flight for London. 8 HOURS. Thankfully, I am a champion napper and I also bought two books for the journey. I will arrive in London at 11:00am London time. I will be greeted by my boyfriend Harvey and his sister, and since it has been 4 months and a few weeks since I have seen him, it really is a LONG awaited arrival.

I have decided to pay for an extra bag in order to bring everything I want with me. On an international flight, your first check-in bag is free as long as it is not over 50 pounds...which I might be a bit worried about considering I have a MILION clothes I want to bring along. It costs around 60 dollars to check a second bag, which will also be packed to the fullest. How do you pack 9 months of clothes into 2 bags?? If I figure it out, I will let you know. :)

Southampton

As I am counting down the days until I leave for England (16!!) I thought I would give a little more of a background on the city I will be living in, Southampton.
Southampton is a is the largest city in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England, and is situated 75 miles south-west of London and 19 miles north-west of Portsmouth. Southampton is a major port and the closest city to the New Forest. (It was also the port that the Titanic sailed from).

I visited Southampton last November and even though it was a whirlwind week trip, I remember it being super beautiful. I am very excited to head back and be able to experience it for much longer than one week!

Blogging?

Forgive me for this is my first blog and I am not quite sure the rules. Shout out to Jamie for giving me the idea or allowing me to copy hers. I will attempt to make my normally very boring life more interesting for the sake of everyone reading (Being in England will help). Enjoy and comment please!