Adventures of a RedHead

Photos: My solo adventure (1)

kate_holla86 — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:55:00 GMT

Backpacking through England

Day 7- Statford-upon-Avon

kate_holla86 — Sun, 12 May 2013 02:40:00 GMT

OH MY GOD!!! okay, I'm better now. After arriving at Stratford, I began to walk to my destination, YHA hostel, Youth Hostel Association. It was, of course, raining and surprise! surprise! It was extremely windy! Now supplied with two jackets, I wore the one without the hood AND wasn't waterproof before I got off the train, my bag was about 10lbs heavier and now feeling like a constant reminder that I can't run, only slightly walk faster, and therefore forced to walk in the hurricane. While walking I heard "BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP!!" screaming up behind me! I jumped back into the fence only to watch a 6 year old boy ride by on his bike. I wanted to rip him off his bike and put my pack on his back while I rode down the side walk (yes, I could have fit on his tricycle). Instead of being charged with child abuse, I just laughed it off and told him "Holy Buckets!! You scared the potatoes out of me!!" Well, he just thought that was the funniest thing he had ever heard in his short little life! I began to walk past him, his mother yelled at him to wait, and started back on my trail. "BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!!!" screamed the little boy as he barreled past me. This time I didn't jump so high but, I did let out a funny little squeal as I moved out of his path. We played this "fun" little game, can you sense my sarcasm, for about another 5 minutes until we parted ways.

While waiting to cross the street to enter the actual town-like setting of Stratford, I saw three teens waiting on the other block. They were staring at me like I had a giant sign saying "I HATE THE DIRTY DIRTY FRICKIN BRITS!!" As I walked past, choosing to play frogger instead of waiting another 5 minutes, I saw that they were mentally handicapped and they all gave me high-fives and thumbs-ups (they reminded me of friends back home, just kidding!)!

The town was this quaint little cobble-stoned city with festive tents lined up on the sidewalks, a fair of some sort. I wanted to stop and enjoy the city but, I wanted this pack off me and decided to find my hostel first then to come back out and explore until everything closed down for the night. This is where I encountered what the locals called a "round-a-bout" or what flat landers in Jersey call it "Jug handles." Thankfully, there are signs with maps of the city on them all around the cities. However, they only help if you know how to navigate yourself around "round-a-bouts" and understand what the road signs mean. In my case, I had no freakin' idea what the map was telling me...apparently because I got pretty lost. I made a left and started walking, aren't you proud of me pop?! As I walked down what I thought was the correct road, I saw a big beautiful stone wall to the left of me. It looked like it was once meant to protect a courtyard located around a castle. As I kept walking, I noticed what this gorgeous piece of history was now protecting... the hospital parking lot. Well, THANK GOD!! The damn mini cars were safe from cannons and the viking enemies that threatened to storm the lot, stealing hub caps and air freshners!!! I walked another 4 blocks and saw what looked like a development to the right of me. I looked over to see the types of cottages that were built in this city and instead I saw a castle! It was still a castle and not a Starbucks or McDonald's! YAY! I was so excited, I started walking towards the gigantic structure to get a closer look. I decided "Okay, I need to find this hostel and then figure out how to get inside this place!" So, I stopped for directions. I asked this elderly couple if I was on a certain street, obviously, and their response was funny, now but at the time so disheartening. "Oh Bloody Hell No, Child!!! You are way off your course!! What map are you looking at? Where are you from?!?" So, I responded with the appropriate answers to which they said "Oh, well that it explains EVERYTHING, ya dear girl. Here, this is what you need to do..." and gave me directions to get back to the main road.

It turns out, the left I made (DAD!?!?!) was wrong. I was suppose to walk AROUND the "round-a-bout" to make the appropriate "left." Okay, I am not an idiot! I know that going straight is not making a left but, WHATEVER!?!

I continue walking. Now, some may be thinking "Okay Kate, this is dragging on. Just cut to the good stuff." Well, to those of you thinking that I say "SHUTTY!! IT's not YOUR blog!" Just kidding. I am talking about my ridiculous journey to my hostel because it's the most excitement I had there.

I continue:

Did you know that Stratford-upon-Avon has an Iron "Person" race? Well, they do! They run, do something else (I don't know because I didn't see), and bike. I know this because apparently, I walked right in the middle of the race!!! YEAH! I was in the Iron "Person" race!! Backpack and all! I didn't win though...some guy with no pack and on a really nice bike won. ONWARD!

2 hours later and 2 towns later...

I finally arrive at my YHA hostel. Now if you have been following my blogs, you would know that I hate the YHA for this very reason: It is away from EVERYTHING! In this case, it was 2 towns away!!! I don't recall seeing that on their website. Not even when I had them mapquest directions for me. I walked about 8 miles from train station to bunkbed. The place was beautiful! It had it's own bar and restaurant (it had to... there was NOTHING else around. I mean buses didn't even go that far!) After settling in and laying down to rest after my 4 year trek! I found some motivation to walk BACK to Stratford to see where Shakespear was born and raised as well as the other attractions that were constructed in his honor. As I was walking back, an idea popped into my head "I should get some pounds because I know the City Sightseeing Tour do not take cards." So, I stopped at a quickshop on Tiddington (a 4 house town). While standing at the cash machine, it started to mist. It felt like being at the Jersey shore on a cloudy and breezy day. I almost I forgot where I was until I was bitch slapped back into reality when the machine ATE MY CARD! I know I put in the right pin.... I know I talked to my bank before I left (Gretchen is the coolest), so why the HELL did this "Cash Machine" just eat my debit card?? I went inside to ask the cashier if they could either give me back my card or call the company for me. Thankfully, a woman named Susan pulled me aside when she noticed that my eyes were welling up with tears. After I told her my story, she said I could use their store phone. I called the company and talked to some guy, I don't remember his name... it was probably something like "Joe Britian," anyway, who cares?! He's a poop face! After retelling the story AGAIN, he told me to call my back because under NO circumstance could he get my card back for me. I started to cry on the phone as I said "This is my only card, my only means of money! What am I suppose to do? Please?! I'm by myself and have no money with me!" Well, Sir Poopface of Tiddington told me "I don't know, call your bank." Well, that is a splendid idea except for the fact that I was in the United Kingdom, they are in the United States, I have no more minutes left on my U.K. sim card, England is 5hrs ahead of Pennsylvania, and oh yeah! It was SUNDAY! I started to Panic!

Susan took the phone from me, hung up on the guy and called someone else. She put me back on the phone and told me to tell them what my bank was called. So, I talked to a woman named Christine, yeah I remember their names because they worked so diligently to get my card back. Christine called ESSA and Wells Fargo for me but, no luck.

I walked back to YHA crying, telling myself everything would be okay, and chain smoking english cigarettes. Soaking wet, distraught, red face, puffy eyes, breathing heavy from panic attack, shaking and head down like Charley Brown when he gets upset, I walked through the foyer of my hostel to the stairs that led up to my floor. Steve, the hostel manager, stopped me with a hello and "I can book that hostel for you to Cardiff, Wales if you like." To which I turned, picked up my head, wiped my face with my navy blue rain coat (from walmart, best coat EVER) and said "No go, Steve." and started to cry.

Steve then decided to he would be a friend and asked me what was wrong. So for the 5th time in about 2 hours, I repeated my story not missing a single detail. Then, he became my hero (Sorry, dad). He let me use the phone to call the U.S. I called my dad's cell phone. Nothing. I called my mom's cell phone. Nothing. Then, her work phone. Nothing. The house. Nope. OH MY GOD!!! Why do you have cell phone's if you aren't going to ANSWER them! Don't they know I am 4,000 miles away!!!???! I tried calling George (darling). Noper... Hostel phone for some reason won't let me call EITHER of his cell phones.

SLAM! "What in the hell am I suppose to do? I can't email my sister or brother because the hostel charges 50 pence for 10 minutes and I need to keep all the money I have for transportation and food!" Then, a light bulb went off above my head. No not an actual light bulb, maintanence was not involved. It was like a Bugs Bunny cartoon where Daffy Duck gets the brilliant idea of changing the sign to "Rabbit Season." MOMOM!! "I'll call my momom! She should be home unless she went to church. Oh God! Please don't let her be at YOUR place of Worship! Let her be home to answer the phone." I dialed carefully knowing it was probably going to be my last phone call from the hostel phone.

As I held my breath listening to the rings, I heard the sweetest sound that calmed my heart, "Hello?" SHE'S HOME!!! OH MOMOM!!! I started crying immediately, wishing I was home hugging her. I calmed down enough to tell her what happened and asked her to keep calling mom and dad. To call Megan, my sister, or Eamon (my brother[in-law]). "Call Johnny if you have to!" Then, I gave her the 11+ numbers for the phone number including the Country code (44). It took us 10 MINUTES to say the same numbers! It's ok though. My momom came to the rescue. We hung up.

Now what? KHALA! When I was still in London, Megan and Eamon were emailing me and told me that Khala (meaning Aunt in Bengali) and Khalu (uncle) lived in London and to make sure I call them because they want me to visit and possibly dinner. "I wonder if they wouldn't mind me staying at their house for the last 3 days of my trip..."

I made ONE LAST CALL. Khala was so excited to hear from me she was talking so loud that even Steve looked up and started to smile. "Khala? Can I stay with you until I get some source of finances?" Khala responded "Where am I sending the money to? How much do you need? When can you get here? Here are numbers for Shah (Her 27yr son) and Khalu. You come stay with us until you leave!"

OH THANK YOU! I was finally able to relax! I had a plan... now I just had to get my dad on the phone to buy my ticket.

Every hour I went to the front desk and asked if there were any messages. Nope. I went back to the quickstop that stole my money and had 2.37 pounds to spend on dinner. I bought a yogurt (their dairy is AMAZING) and some raw rice. 2 pence is all I had left.

When I got back to the hostel, I went to the community kitchen to make my...oh so delicious dinner. Well, the rice did NOT cook correctly and I followed the directions. So, I stood in the kitchen sopping wet eating my yogurt and staring at someone's unfinished pizza on the stove. "It's been like 10hrs since I ate last... relax! You will eat tomorrow. You are NOT in Eithiopia... there is food in Stratford and in London. You WILL eat again," I thought to myself.

"What should I do with this? Do you guys want it or should I just throw it out," a college girl from Ohio said.

"Please don't throw that out," I muttered. She heard me. "Do you want the rest of our pizza? We aren't going to eat it. You can have it!" The girl answered back. To not sound like a crazy mooching stranger ready to eat someone's garbage, I told the 3 girls my story of losing all access to my doe. They felt bad for me. So yes, that night I had yogurt, over cooked rice, pizza, and mac 'n' cheese.

The rest of the day was pretty uneventful after that. I cleaned up, went back to my room, read my kindle, and fell asleep. Tommorow, I was going back to London.

Day 6- Off to Oxford

kate_holla86 — Sat, 11 May 2013 21:40:00 GMT

This trip, as much as it sounds like a cliche, has truly been an eye-opening experience. I was afraid that I wouldn't fully appreciate the sights for what they really were. Instead, I've taken a deep breath and gazed in wonderment with tears in my eyes but, not on my face. Things are happening or not happening on this trip that makes me really wonder "why?" I prayed to God for strength to get out of that bed and do this with a strong heart and strong mind. I've never felt stronger, more liberated, content, smart, artistic, empowered, independent, and free in my entire life. I feel responsible yet care free. I have literally no anxiety about the past, present, or what the future may hold. The "unknowing" part is what is making me feel so comfortable because I can handle it. I can't use my card as a debit card but, who cares?? Not me. I just hope I can keep this feeling when I'm back in the states. I want to LIVE like this! You don't avoid problems, you just trust in yourself that you will be able to find a solution and handle it.

The fact that a monk gave me a book called "Chant and be Happy" right when I was leaving the Roman Baths pretty much says it all. Everyone searched for happiness somewhere or in something/someone. I have found mine within my self, the choices I make, and the people who are around me.

ON TO OXFORD!

Each city is like a different state/country. They all have different styles for food and different languages/slang. For example, instead of ketchup with the burger and fries(chips), they give you salsa as in what Americans use with chips(crisps) or tacos. It was freakin' delicious!

Also, I thought I was curteous in the states but, I'm a lot more polite in England. I think it's because everyone is genuinely nice and accomodating over here.

Oxford is hard to explain so you're just going to have to wait for the pictures because that's how glorious it was (thanks Johnny).

PS. Money spent so far $819.00. Not bad! That includes my hostels, train tickets, tours, and food. I am pretty damn good at this!!! Mom and dad aren't going to like my plan when I get back!!! hehehe I'm thinking of "pulling a Johnny" and just traveling for a year or more (with Georgie porgie pumpkin pie, poke him in the freakin' eye!!)

Tomorrow is Stratford-upon-Avon where Shakespear resided. I am so excited for this one!!! And now I am all caught up on my blogs! I hope you are enjoying them my loved ones!

Day 5- Full day in Bath (awake)

kate_holla86 — Fri, 10 May 2013 21:06:00 GMT

I felt "star struck" walking through the city of Bath. It was full of culture and history, more than that tiny city could hold. If this was a cartoon, you'd see the city swell up and ready to explode!

I decided that a filtered coffee and a chocolate crossiant would be an excellent way to start my day of exploring...Bath disagreed with me. Nowhere in the city do they take credit cards and I mean NOWHERE!! So, I went to the "cash machine" to get some pounds (not dubs, dad-b). Another issue occured. My PIN number for my debit card doesn't work. It doesn't make much sense but, my theory is that my bank is so small and only in two areas of PA that maybe it doesn't have the quick strong connection needed to draw money out but, since it is also a Mastercard maybe that's why it still works as a creditcard (Thank God!!). So, I ran back to my hostel to get the "emergency" cash my brother suggested I bring just in case my card doesn't work and I need to get a room for the night while I have someone wire me money (HEY! Chocolate is just as important as a hotel room, Johnny!!). Then, ran to the "Money Shop" to exchange USD for BP. Well, Slap my knee and call me henry! The exchange rate in Bath is worse than London OR it just went up that much more since I left London. The rate was $1.68 to £1, that's almost 2 DAMN DOLLARS!!! AAAGGHHHH! Well, I was pissed! I thought "ya no what?? If Bath is guna steal my money???!! I'm guna eat ALL their food!!!" So instead of the Chocolate deliciousness, I went next store to Cafe Retro and sat down to begin my revenge! I had scrambled eggs topped with smoked salmon all on brown toast with so much butter, the toast was floppy! MMMMMMM.... floppy!

After breakfast, I walked to a "bus station," really it's just a lamp post with a sign on it, and bought a ticket for the CityTours SightSeeing bus ride on a traditional red double decker bus. The tour took us all over the city! I saw the Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths, Sally Lunn's (still not sure what that is), Guildhall Market, Parade Gardens, Pulteney Bridge, City of Bath College, Botanical Gardens, and so much more (don't worry!! Pictures are coming I promise!). The most interesting thing I learned that although Bath considers Jane Austin their "daughter," she actually HATED the place!!! She wrote to her sister saying "this place is shallow, pretentious, and boring. All we do is walk up and down the streets." That sounds like something I would write to my Maggles (my sister).

Next, I walked through the Abbey. It took me 10 mins. It is very beautiful and majestic but, it wasn't that big. I was able to see everything, read up on the history and take pictures for my mom. To be honest, the Roman Baths were right next door and I REALLY wanted to see them. (See mom? I went to church for you!) After I exited the abbey, I went next door to the Roman Baths. Once again, I picked up an audio device so I could learn as much history about the temple as my brain would allow. The Baths were only discovered 150 years ago. No one knew they were there until three archeologists started "poking around" Bath and found it. The baths are naturally heated by an underground geiser. The romans believed the baths had healing powers, so everyone from young children with physical handicaps to wounded soliders to the elderly would bath in these waters believing that their illnesses would be cured (I wanted to jump right in but, the tour guide from the bus told us that there was so much bacteria in there that it wouldn't be a good idea. However, I did see one old lady stick her fingers in there and I almost threw up on her!!!). I spent at least 2 hours inside the temple learning about the roman and the goddess of wisdom (Katie Hola...oh I mean) Sulis Minerva. When I left, I was feeling inspired and "high" on pleasure and experience of the baths. No sooner did I step onto the cobble stones was I approached by a monk. We started a discussion on God and religion (I won! lol just kidding). Then, of course he asked if I could spare any change for the "feed the hungry" program the monks were holding for the children of Africa. I gave him £1 (all I had at that point) and he gave me a book. He said "you look like you would appreciate this." The book is called "Chant and be Happy."

There have been several instances where things like the monk and the book have happened to me. My backpacking trip is starting to feel like a pilgrimage.

Day 4- Bath

kate_holla86 — Thu, 9 May 2013 23:13:00 GMT

There is so much to say about Bath that I don't think I can write it all down without developing carpal tunnel syndrome (sp?). I arrived in Bath at 9pm and everything... EVERYTHING was closed up!! I found my hostel (the front office was scary but, the room was nice) and changed out of my soaking wet clothes and climbed under the covers to warm up before finding a place to eat. I woke up the next morning.

Day 4-Stonehenge & Bath

kate_holla86 — Thu, 9 May 2013 18:20:00 GMT

I'm a little sad that I had to part with my new friends but, I'm so excited to continue exploring England. I've been on and off trains all day just to see one site... the Stonehenge! I've read the lonely planet book on England from cover to cover about 150 times but, never saw that one should book 2 MONTHS in ADVANCED to have a tour... SERIOUSLY!?! They are giant rocks!! UGH! 4 damn hours on English trains and I may not even see the monument without a fence between!?! Screw that! England doesn't know who they are messin' with!

^^ That was my journal entry after I read in my book that damaging little sentences of advanced booking. Well, apparently the Lonely Planet people are a bit behind because as soon as I got off the train, I was greated by a double decker yellow bus that read "Stonehenge Tours." As I was walking towards the bus, a strong gust of wind blew me into the building! Man, that hurt but, I was glad no one was around to see the tiny American with the big backpack blown into the station building. I've already made an impression on the people of Canterbury and now this? I was definately batting 1000.

When I got to the door of the bus, I saw two men inside giggling like 12 year old school girls. The drive opened the door and said "Well, you got blown the hell in! I think you left a dent in the building! That will cost ya!" Yeah, thanks MARTIN (his name)... didn't help me or anything and they say Americans are rude! I'm a TINY LITTLE WOMAN!

So, needless to say the Holahan mouth started to work before the brain and I gave Martin and his mate a strong talking to and advised them to wear cups when I am around because I am a "ball buster" (sorry mom). They both laughed so hard the one gent fell over and the driver banged his head against the window by accident (who's the klutz now?!)

I had the bus driver drop me off at Sarum Castle, well, at the trail to Sarum Castle. As I was walking through the trail, I saw brown cows to the left of me and sheep to the right. The scenery was a bit surreal. I felt like I was in a movie and none of this was possible, I was going to wake up and be heart broken because of some dirrty (naughty) British man who I pine for but, because of our separate lives in countries that are 3,400 miles apart we could never have a romantic life after this random meet cute on a house switching holiday (okay, that was a ton of romantic comedy movies rolled into one sentence but, HEY! Thats me). I knew it was real when the wind, once again, blew me and my bag into a patch of bushes! The branches informed me that this event is infact, very real... informed me in the face!

I hiked about 2 miles before I saw any "castle." On my hike, I saw farm land that spread out as far as the eye could see. The grass was being blown in the wind making it look like waves in an ocean. I stopped walking and just stood there for a moment, soaking in the beautiful almost artistic scenery. "Mom would love this, I really wish she could see this. Although, I don't think she would want to hike on such a windy day. Dad would love this hike!! OH! And Johnny!! I bet he did this! I bet he was here!!" Tears filled my eyes at the magnificent sight of rolling mountains, insanely almost fake green grass, and the gloriously huge ancient houses on the farms. I continued on.

After about 30 mins, I saw the first sign of life on the trail other than myself. 2 irish sheep dogs (black and white) trotting towards me. "God? Is this really happening? People never get to experience such beauty unless its on t.v." Finally, after fighting the wind for the next 20 mins, I stopped to make a video for my family. I wanted to show the strength of the wind on the trail. I was almost blown off the cliff but, was weighted down by my backpack (thank God). Then, there it was... a clearing and then reminance of a castle. I ran up the side of the hill like Julie Andrews in "The Sound of Music" but, didn't start singing because let's face it... I may be cute like her but I definately do NOT sound like her (then again, who does?)

I have had requests for details of what I've seen but, the truth is... there are not enough words to describe the perfectly preserved area. Although the castle was no longer standing, the courtyard looks like it was untouched. I took pictures and will load them to the stories later.

So here is what I learned: The base of Sarum Castle is 2 miles around... get that? 2 miles around! That's right!! I walked the base of the castle before I found the actual trail to the bridge to the courtyard. So, what should have taken me about 30 mins to walk, took me about an hour which didn't leave me much time before catching the last bus towards stonehenge.

It started to rain at the bus stop. I was told to be there at promptly 4:10pm... the damn bus didn't show up until almost 15mins to 5! I could have kicked that guy's old wrinkled tush from here to new-glocken-shpeal!!! Then, he was driving so damn fast, that all of my pictures were blurry and basically a waste of memory on my phone but, I kept them anyway for the purpose of this story.

When we arrived at Stonehenge, he told us that the bus would be back to pick us up at 6pm. It was pouring outside and the wind was clocked at 40mph on the level ground (55mph on Sarum Castle). Anyway, I picked up my audio device and started my trek towards the glorious stonehenge. As soon as it was in my sight, I stopped dead in my tracks. I couldn't believe it. There it was, Stonehenge. I've been dreaming about what it would look like since I saw it online and in my book while planning this trip. I even wondered if I'd really appreciate the sight or if I would see it and think "they are rocks... so what? I traveled all this way for this?? What a load!" Instead, a smile formed on my face and once again tears filled my eyes (apparently I'm a cry baby in England). The audio was useless because of the amount of wind continuously blowing and the rain seemed to be bigger, colder, and more abundant. People were running everywhere to get out of the rain, trying to save their umbrellas and cameras and there I was... standing in the eye of the storm gazing at Stonehenge. I thought "I didn't travel 3,400 miles to run inside! I'm guna stand here gosh darnit! I'd set up camp if they let me." When I couldn't feel my hands, toes, or face I thought that was sufficient enough for me to go take cover in the shop or at least get a hot tea. Dad would have been disappointed in me if I left any sooner than that because he taught me better than that!

It felt like I was standing there for hours! When I finally checked the time, 10 mins had passed from the time the bus left. I had to endure this weather for another HOUR before the stupid bus came back for us. Personally, I think the bus driver took his sweet time because of the asian family that was riding on the tour. Only one person out of 10 spoke English and they all seemed very nervous about their car and the bus not coming back at all (I really didn't blame them for the anxiety, I wanted to ask them for a ride back but, I don't speak Chinese).

While waiting, I decided to go talk to 2 of the guys that were on my bus trip from Sarum to Stonehenge. Both were in their 20's and grew up in Spain. They moved to Southampton about 3 month prior in search for jobs. They told me (in half English and half Spanish) that the job market and economy is just as bad as the U.S. They both have their Master's in Psychology (WOOT WOOT) but, were dishwashers here because of lack of experience. I never caught their names but, I will definately remember them because they ASKED ME what to see in England!!!! They lived here for 3 months and haven't seen ANYTHING!!! I just couldn't believe it! What the heck were you two doing here????

We parted ways at the train station. I continued my route to Bath.

Day 3-Canterbury

kate_holla86 — Wed, 8 May 2013 20:03:00 GMT

Before leaving for Canterbury, I wanted to take full advantaged of the free breakfast provided by the hostel. Well, not to my surprise... the breakfast consisted of toast with jam, 3 types of cereal, and coffee, tea, or water.... what should I really expect from a bar... I guess a fourth kind of cereal or maybe some orange juice!! Once again, I was sitting at a table by myself looking pathetic when Chloe, the Aussie, sat next to me and greeted me with a "hello, anti-social American!" Oh Chloe! If only you knew me better!! Instantly, I made 3 new friends and they all asked me to stay in London at least one more night so I could hang out with them but, I declined. I had an adventure that I planned with my brother the night before my flight and gosh darnit!! I was going to do it!! So, I said good bye to Janelle the Brazilian and her friend, Mike another austrailian, Chloe, and the other random people at the hostel and set off for my 4 hour train ride to Canterbury.

The trip to Canterbury was absolutely beautiful but, as my mom and dad know, if I am in a car, bus, or train long enough I will fall asleep.

I asked the ticket attendant for directions once I got off the train. He drew the WORST map for me to follow to get to the street my YHA hostel was on. I literally, walked through the entire town of Canterbury. Although it was long, I past by musicians, all tours, and came upon a market. I was starving by the time I hit the fruit stand that I was ready to by ANYTHING to subdue the hunger pains. A sign read "£1 for a bowl." Well, what the hell does that mean?? I thought. It meant that I picked a bowl with 5 apples in it and only had to pay £1 for them!!!! It was GREAT!

The hostel was gorgeous!! It was, by far, the best hostel that most of the travelers have ever stayed in. I met 2 fellow travelers while I waited the 2 hours to check in. There was Luca, 25, from Pearmont, England. He was an artist walking.. yes I said WALKING.. to Italy. He said "It's a challenge and that's what I am looking for. Plus, my dad lives there and I always joked when I was younger that I would walk to my dad. Now, I finally am." Then, there was Geoff, 32, born in Hawaii and raised in England and now lives in Seattle. He broke his foot a few months before and now walked with a very noticeable limp. I called it his "gangsta walk." The three of us got along so well that we decided to go out for dinner and drinks. Well, by the first round of pints... I was buzzed. By the second round, I was very drunk and demanded chips! By the third round, I told Geoff and Luca that someone either needs to carry me, get me a taxi, or buy me roller skates because I am NOT WALKING BACK! They didn't do any of the options but, they did threaten to leave me there in the street yelling because they were embarassed.

The next day we all exchanged emails, facebooks, and funny pictures of each other doing stupid things (mostly me). Luca took a picture of me punching a picture of a blonde woman punching outwards. Apparently, I yelled "YEAH?! YA WANA FIGHT! You think you're better than me??! Well, let's throw down!!"

Then, we hugged good bye and split up to travel alone once again.

Funny joke by Geoff "English doesn't just borrow from other languages, it follows them down dark alleys, mugs them and goes threw their pockets for loose grammer.

Day 2- Get out of Bed and explore

kate_holla86 — Tue, 7 May 2013 18:42:00 GMT

My first full day in London, I decided to go outside and find a bus tour (suggestion by my mother and it was a great one!!) On this tour, I saw the Marble Arch, Hyde Park, Tower of London, the royal garden, Buckinegham palace, London Eye, London tower, London Bridge, Westminster Abby, Parliment, Shakespears Globe, The city of Westminster (where my hostel was), Londonium city, London City, Grovesnor buildings and streets along with every other major landmark in London. The tour ended on the other side of London. I was so overwhelmed by everything I had just explored that tears began to run down my face. These tears were different from the day before. These were tears of pure happiness. To try and soak in as much as the culture as I could, I had fish and chips next to the tower of London. While eating, I thought "God! I wish my family was here with me. My mom would be saying 'this is just perfect! This is all I wanted the whole trip.' and my dad would probably be saying 'Jesus H Frog! Look at all these damn people! Well, I'm not going in there until it dies the hell down!"

When I finished eating my Lupper (lunch + Supper), I proceeded to the second part of the tour, a short 14 minute cruise. I'm not sure one can even really call it a cruise... it wasn't long enough but, the bathroom was broken so I guess it had some similarities to a recent cruise. I saw many of the same monuments but, it was nice to hear different commentary. Luckily, it started to rain so that made the boat tour more exciting! I've never seen so many people move so quickly to get out of the rain.... PEOPLE!!!??? We are floating on water! What's the difference!!!!

Back to the hostel for a rest and a shower.

I definately had more confidence after that tour and decided to go get dinner and try a different part of the city. Well, I found the "middle eastern" section of town. It kind of reminded me of a ghetto in New York so of course I stopped to eat there! Indian food is amazing, let me just say. This was the real deal. I hadn't eaten food this good since my sister's mendi party!! Also, quick side note: Indian men LOVE Red headed american women. Many offered to be my personal tour guide through the underground city (non tourist parts). I politely declined and then RAN back to my hostel to research the next day's adventure and how the HECK I was going to get there.

By the way, while I was researching, I over heard two Austrailians talking about their travels. Chloe, 23, has been traveling for 18 months and has no desire to go home yet (She got a liberty tshirt, pop). Kyle, 24, has been traveling for 5 weeks. I felt a little ashamed that I was so upset the night before and that morning.

Day 1- Landing in the UK

kate_holla86 — Mon, 6 May 2013 22:11:00 GMT

Terrifying, anxiety, depression, panic, tears, anger, loniless... yes, I felt all of that as soon as I stepped to the customs agent after I landed in Heathrow Airport located just on the brink of London. The gentleman asked me a million questions and it felt like I was standing there for hours. This was no ordinary "question and answer" process. I've been through plenty of those. This one felt like I was some sort of threat to the queen. He wouldn't allow me to pass until after 30 mins of "what do you do? why are you here? who are you meeting? what do you mean you are by yourself? Where are you staying? how much money do you have in the bank? checking or savings? Are your parents alive? are they still togther? Would they be willing to send you money if you needed it? are you going to live here? Do you you have a boyfriend? what do your parents do for a living? what does your boyfriend do for a living? Stand on your head and count to thirty in japenese backwards. What's the queen's blood type? What hand do I (the customs agent) write with?"

okay okay maybe the last 3 questions are an exaggeration but, he may as well have asked me those along with the others. Finally at the end, he asked me "do you know why I asked you all those questions?" to which I responded "to scary the living bajeezus out of me?!" Then walked away. I won't bore you with the rest of the details of the airport experience. I'll just sum it up... lost, run ovr by a little old british lady and her cart, lost again, asked directions (apparntly the giant backpack didn't tip them off), lost again, stared at, and finally, cried when I got to the train station I was looking for for 30mins. The attendant there was very supportive there and ended our conversation with "you'll be fine, you can do this...miss? please stop crying and laughing at the same time.... just go to the lifts and wait at platform 2.

My main goal was to first find my hostel and then to email my parents that I arrived safely. While I was waiting for the paddington connect, there was a twianese man standing next to me looking just as nervous and scared as I probably did. When the London express arrived, he looked at me as if I knew where he was going. He to asked me for directions to his hotel.

His name was Ney-yo and he was in England for 2 weeks by himself. We ended up chatting while on the train to paddington. I felt relieved to meet a fellow traveler in the first hour of my trip. For some reason I thought he would be on my train the entire way to the hostel. I was wrong. We spilt up at an even bigger station and scrambled for the next platform... mine was in hungaria(not really).

It took me 2 hours on 2 different trains until I got to my hostel. It was almost 930 at night and I had no idea where to go next. So, I just started walking aimlessly around the street until I saw someone. It was the manager of my hostel! I was so ecstatic that I almost hugged him! The hostel was called "FRESH" and it is located above a bar named "The green Man" (and no mom, I wasn't talking to a green man.. that's just what it was called).

I checked in, found my room (7) and my bed (18). After dropping my back down in the dark because some Aussie was grumpy and watching a movie on his computer at 930pm... um YOU'RE 24! Go to the BAR! I went back downstairs to grab a pint and something to eat. Lonely, exhausted, and somewhat pathetic looking I sat at a table by myself and watched a "football" game. While sitting at the table waiting for my pizza (yeah I know ! First night in the UK and I get an american dish!!! I didn't have a choice. It was either pizza or wings [that made me miss my dad]), I started feeling this sense of accomplishment. I'm from a small(ish) town in PA and never had to use public transportation before and here, I navigated my way from the airport to my hostel all by myself (with the exception of the attendant). I also noticed that many of the people in the bar were from the hostel upstairs. They seemed like they have been here long enough to make friends and "cliques" which didn't help my feelings of being a hermit. Yeah, I know I will make friends but, right then, right there, on that chair, sitting at that table, after traveling for almost 20hours.... I felt more alone than any human should ever have to experience.

Starting the Adventure from PA

kate_holla86 — Fri, 3 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Hey everyone!!

I want to say Welcome to my journal of travels! I have had many people ask me to blog about my experience in England and to upload photos as well. I will do my best to write in it everyday but, I am traveling to 9 cities around England and may not have internet access in some areas. I know that you all are basically living vicariously through this adventure so I will be as detailed and humorous as possible.

I really wish I could have all of you come with me but, I know that commitments are hard to put on hold... that's why I just run away from them!! Just kidding!

So here is the basic itinerary:

Sunday May 5th I will be heading to NY with my brother. I have a flight at 7am at the JFK airport and plan to arrive at Heathrow Airport in London, England 7pm their time. England is about 5 hours ahead from Pennsylvania so I promise not to tell you what happens the next day!!

I plan to spend my first day in London. There are so many splendid places to visit but, I cannot see them all if I want to travel to the other 8 cities. From London I will travel to Stonehedge, Bath, Oxford, Liverpool, and a few others. I can't tell you all the places yet, where would the anticipation and excitement be if I were to spoil the surprise??!

Please save this link if you want to follow my story of "A crazy Red Head terrorizes the Brits!" "RUN KATE!! RUN!!"