Required Text

Well, I found and ordered both required texts on-line and received them with no problems whatsoever. I was so proud of the deal I received on Roy Porter's London: A Social History. I got it on eBay for $3.99! Before it arrived, I did not think that much about it when our instructor advised that we would be reading the history book and that we would be tested periodically over the text. That is - until the book arrived! It is 400+ pages!!!! It is going to be very tough on me with all of my other class readings and assignments and responsibilities as president of Alpha Chi, a collegiate national honor society, not to mention responsibilities to my home and employer.

Realizing the importance of knowing and understanding London's history and opportunity for adventure, I will do my best with reading these two books. I know that doing this will only prepare me as a better London tourist.

I have been enjoying Rick Steve's London 2009. It has been very informative and enjoyable thus far.

1st Official Meeting

Today, our class met and discussed details of Seminar: London. We will meet for one hour on a weekly basis during the spring semester. During this class session, we will examine the history, political and criminal justice systems of England which will prepare us more on what to expect when we arrive in London.

To me, it's both exciting and nail-biting to think about. I know this will be an experience I'll never forget and I'm so looking forward to making the trip. The things that scare me the most are hearing about the unanticipated $1,500 telephone bills, passports being stolen, etc. Being the detailed-oriented and cautious person I am, I should do okay but it still makes me uneasy thinking about it all!

A few things I need to remember to take care of:

• Call the cellular office about International Roaming (Make sure it gets turned back off)
• Check into an international calling card
• Call bank & credit card company to let them know I'll be traveling out of country
• Pick up a voltage converter
• Obtain a passport

I've got all the passport application completed. Now I just need to get my birth certificate with it and run by Walgreens to get my passport photo made. After that, I'll be ready to apply in person for my passport.

The subject of how much spending money to take came up. This will depend on what we plan to do and how extravagant of meals we plan to eat. Some think $50 per day is plenty but since I would love to go to France I plan to budget for more than that.

Great News!

I found out yesterday morning that I am going to London with a group from the University of Arkansas at Monticello!! Yipee! Good news is I'll earn 4 credit hours while taking the trip. I will be taking a 1-hour class in the spring semester which will prepare me for the trip and then will receive 3 credit hours for making the trip. This is awesome in that I just happen to need four elective hours to graduate in December of 2009.

This is my first blog experience and will be my first time to travel out of country (with the exception of going to Canada for the day). I hear that one of the class requirements is keeping a journal so I thought I'd start a blog and kill two birds with one stone. Maybe I'll be an experienced blogger by the time I leave for London in May. :)