I'm looking at my "pantry" and I realize that I'm starving. My pantry consists of the top of a mini-fridge and a large Primark bag (a store that's a cross between Macy's and Target, but without the awesomeness of Target). This is certainly a lot different than going to Mabee dining hall for all of my meals- I have to cook every day. This should be excellent preparation for living off campus (as I like to hope), but I'm going to admit it- it's really hard. I try to limit myself to eating a pasta dish only once a day. It's really easy to make, but not very good for you. My friend and I went shopping one day, and we both spent exactly 25 pounds on food. Mine was entirely fresh (meat, veggies, breads) and his all frozen. I guess it goes to show you what your money can get you. He claims he was being smarter, but he's already given up ever eating frozen things again, because he can literally feel the effect all that sodium and fat has had on his body. Not good. (Now I'm munching on UK equivalent of a Special K bar, much healthier than the Nutella and peanut butter sandwich I almost made). I never thought I'd say this, but I miss Mabee- the chicken line, the mexican line, the SALAD BAR (salads here are....different). I also miss my nice Prassel dorm room (Trinity has the best dorms in the States), my big bathroom and the laundry room. College laundry takes on a whole new meaning when you are shoving 20 pence coins into a machine only to get 18 minutes of drying. What?? Crazy.

This past Saturday I went on a day-trip to Warwick Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon. As a big literary and history nerd, this was sort of amazing. The castle was so beautiful. I just loved climbing up and down the towers and turrets and wandering throughout the re-modeled parts that a duke and duchess lived in during the 19th century. Stratford was very cute. I saw Shakespeare's birthplace, and his grave in the church in which he is buried. The town was a really charming place, but only good for a day trip. Any longer and we would have went searching for the pub.

This weekend my program is sponsoring a trip to Scotland, so I am getting to fulfill a lifelong dream of visiting Nessie in Loch Ness! It is supposed to be below freezing and snow, so this should be an adventure for a Texas girl. The weekend after that, my friends and I have planned a 5 day excursion to Barcelona, where I will finally get to test out my mad Spanish skills. I'm totally thrilled.

Everyone thank the wonderful Madi for helping me out with my photos!

Here is my tiny little bedroom (oh Trinity, I miss thee)

This is the most mythical view of Warwick Castle I could possibly imagine. All that is missing is some mist, knights on horses, and me as the princess in one of those turrets!

A view from inside the castle, on top of the Mound, built in 1068.

The house Shakespeare was born in! (it cost 8 pounds to get in...)

Standing on the south bank of the Thames, next to the London Eye, with Parliament, Westminster and Big Ben behind me!