Semester in London

I love the TGI Fridays at Piccadilly Circus, sure it's an American chain, but the one at Piccadilly is better than any of the one's I've been to state-side. The service was friendly everytime I went there and it was a great bit of home while in another country for 3 months. The only downside is that the prices are twice as expensive as in the US because of the exchange rate.

As a girl who had a more than mild obsession with Ancient Egypt finally getting to see the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities outside Egypt as everything I hoped it would be. I was truly glad to be there during the off-season though. Even being there at the end of November the museum was rather crowded, I'd hate to be there during peak tourist season. Still, it was worth wading through all the school children. My advice, take your time, you might even give the museum a couple of days so you can leisurely stroll though the exhibits, and the queue in front of the Rosetta Stone won't be quite as stressful. The British Museum is a must see, and you can't beat free entertainment, especially in a city as expensive as London.

The hussle-bussle and stress of trying to get everything you need to survive for 3 whole months into 2 suitcases and 1 carry-on. Here are 5 reflections from my preparations thus far: 1)No shampoo in carry-ons now, grr, added hassle. 2) Can I say enough time how much I love space saver bags? 3) Do you really need 2 towels and a bathrobe? 4) I wish my school offered a meal plan, I could save a lot of space if I didn't have to bring along kitchen utensils. 5) So glad I do not have to get a visa prior to departure. Thank you England for being such good friends with the US.