7 Days

     Well here we are; one week out. I'm not sure I'm looking forward to the countless hours on the plane but I can't wait to see the English countryside from a sea of clouds. I fear I don't sound as enthusiastic as I should but it's only because it seems so absolutely unreal. It really seems like a fanciful dream, the idea of me frolicking across England and Europe to experience hours of some of the finest theatre this world can offer. Living in a flat that overlooks Hyde Park, travelling to the home of Shakespeare... it seems like a wild fantasy. I'm sure the countless hours on the plane will wake me up to reality.
     All this being said I've done a bit of preparation that has gotten me excited for the trip. A few weeks ago I received my international student I.D. Ooh-la-la! (I can't figure out how to turn it, forgive me)

     On my arrival home I discovered the nugget of joy below. For anyone who doesn't know (and that would surprise me) I am one of the biggest fans of the BBC Sherlock television show you will ever meet. And my dearest Doonie found this on Amazon and snagged it for me. My inner geek is screaming with glee!!! ( Do you like how I ALREADY found an excuse for a Benedict Cumberbatch picture?)

The other little pink lady in the bottom of the picture is a lovely pair of tweezers from my thoughtful mother who picked it up for me at Dollar Blingz; the most fantastic ghetto jewelry shop you could ever find. 

   I've also been searching online for the must-see places in London, Paris, Florence and Rome. Oh surprise! A slight change of plans in my travel week led me to end up in a great group of girls traveling to France and Italy. And just when I thought this whole trip was too good to be true - now we're on the verge of pure perfection! But below are some books and maps I've found thanks to Carla's Christmas gifts and direction at Barnes and Noble. Each book is designed specifically for each city; London, Paris, and Rome. I do love a good old fashioned moleskin. And I have three maps (the English one not pictured) for the same cities that have delightful little pictures of locations and are all waterproof. 

     I plan to continue planning and making provisions for the impending trip of a lifetime throughout the week; tomorrow my Mother and I will be going around St. Louis fixing up loose ends before I go. I hope to write at least one more update but this is all for now. It still seems completely unreal. 

What a lovely dream I'm living.