NEW ADDRESS =)

Hello!!  First off, I would like to give everyone my NEW ADDRESS... yes... the address of the house I am living in.  If you care to send me anything really nice and pretty (jk).. it is... 

Monica Funigiello

15 Melrose Gardens

London W6 7RN

United Kingdom

 I am so very happy at the moment!  My job is great.  The kids are really fun.  I spend most of my time with Willow who is 20 months.  Charley, who is 7 weeks, hangs out with the mom.  In the UK, women get 12 months maternity leave.  Crazy huh?  Birth doesn't cost anything either because of public health care.  So Willow and I enjoy going to the Library, the park, and the grocery (my favorite hehe).  I took some really cute pictures of her I will upload soon.  The family I am with is so sweet too.  Heidi (the mom) and I talk about EVERYTHING.. she is from Australia and is super awesome.  The house I am living in is really cool too.  It reminds me from the outside of the 'Full House' house.  It is 4 stories high (and I am on the 4th which gives me a REALLY good workout) and has a wine cellar in the basement.  I will take pics and put them up with the others.  I am 10 minutes walk from two different tube stations which is nice.  AND one of the best parts which I discovered today was the HUGE mall across the street from me.  It is one of the biggest malls in Europe.  It has over 265 stores and has a section of just the REAL nice ones like the ones at the Waterside shops.  It was like an overload today going there... I didn't know which ones to walk into.  Everything is so trendy here!  I hate trying on clothes when I have 10 layers on so I just looked around in the windows.  

I have the sniffles right now which really sucks.  I am feeling crappy, hence why my blog tonight is kind of blah.  My nose is raw from wiping it.  BUT.. I did buy High School Musical 3 tissues today so sitting right next to my bed is Zac Efron.  I think I am going to go to the British Museum if I feel up to it tomorrow, and I shall write more then.  Sorry for being so short, but I am off to bed!!  (It's 8:12 pm hehe).  Miss and love everyone!

Love,

Monica 

PS.. I get the Gator Game here on SATURDAY!  It doesn't start until 9:30 but I will be up watching it!  GO GATORS!  ;) 

Happy Thanksgiving from Newcastle, England!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!! 

As you all know, I am in Newcastle.  Newcastle is about 6 hours north of London.  I actually have friends here!  To make a long story short, Ben use to have this guy, Matt, living with him in the States for 3 years.  He use to play professional soccer and got injured so he got his international coaching license and went to coach in the US.  I had never met him because he was back in the UK when Ben and I started dating, but I had talked to him before.  Him and I continued to e-mail for a while and he invited me up for Thanksgiving.  OBVIOUSLY they don't have thanksgiving anywhere other than the good ol' US of A, but he had spend 3 thanksgivings in the states.  So today, his fiancee Leann (who is awesome), Geordie (that is what we call Matt) and I are going to go grocery shopping and make us a Thanksgiving feast.  I am so excited to share such a cool tradition with them.  Needless to say, I am VERY thankful for having such great friends here (and home too).  So enough about this AWESOME day hehe, now time for what I have been up to.

So last I wrote, I had just gotten here.  Geordie lives about 25 minutes outside of Newcastle in a town called Darlington.  It is nice, small but nice.  So on Tuesday, we decided to go to Durham.  The Durham Cathedral was built in 1093.  It was AMAZING.  I have pictures and am going to try and make a photobucket account.  Not sure how to get them up here... wait I think I see... let me try...  yep.. that is just a LITTLE piece of the Cathedral up there.  There was also an old castle there.  What was really neat about the castle was that it is now a university and part of the castle is student living.  How sweet would it be to live in a castle???  I thought so too.

Then we went to the City of Newcastle and saw the soccer stadium.  That is where Geordie use to play.  I got myself a Newcastle jersey and put my last name and 3 on it.  It looks authentic. 

ok I will write more soon, time to go Turkey shopping.  Love and miss you all and have a GREAT THANKSGIVING!! 

Love,

Monica 

Good Day Sunshine!!!

***I would just like to note that this is the 3rd time I am attempting this blog... the other two times I completed it and went to submit it and did not have internet.  It won't be as detailed because I am sick of writing it!  hehe... I havn't been ignoring you all!!***

I am sure all of you know that Beatles song, Good Day Sunshine... they use to play it on our morning announcements in middle school.  Since it is by the Beatles, I deemed it appropriate for today.  ACTUALLY it is extremely cold out.. but things have been turning around for me.  Exciting, I know!!  

On Friday, I did your typical tourist things.  I went to Westminister and saw some really cool things.  Right when I got out of the tube (subway) station, I was standing right under Big Ben!  As I looked around, I saw the London Eye, Parliament, Westminister Abby, and of course, Big Ben (can't seem to escape that name here ugh).  Parliament was MUCH bigger than I thought.  It was so empowering... makes it hard to give a description that would do it justice.  I didn't actually walk inside of Westminister Abby (it was getting dark... 3:30pm.. and it was 12 pounds.  I wanted more time to spend in it) but I plan to eventually.  The best part of this whole stop was a small church located next to Westminister Abby.  The name is the church was St. Margaret's.  It was very moving.  I went in and said some prayers and I know Grammy was listening (I was in her church of course).  The church had been used for service for 900 years but was now just for viewing.  There is so much history here it is unreal.

When I got back to my room I began to look on a website for jobs.  The website reminded me of Craig's list and the classifieds combined.  I swore I would not work with kids and would get my big girl job, but some of there nanny/au pair jobs offered it all.  The hostel I am staying at is 99 pounds a week... making it about $600 a month.  And that is only a hostel!!  You can imagine how expensive rent is here.  So I began looking for live in au pair jobs.  All of the live in hotel jobs were out of the city in rural areas and I wanted to stay in central London.  

I applied for about 10 or so positions on a whim.  It made me feel somewhat accomplished =).  It had not been an hour before I heard back from one of them!  Needless to say, I was very excited.   I had my first interview!  Woohoo!!!  So the next night, I went to the house at about 5pm.  The houses here are really neat (actually I have only been in one, but it was cool!).  They are very tall with many levels.  So I walked in, got the tour, and sat down with the family.  They have a 20 month old named Willow and a one month old named Charles (very English I know).  The mom, Heidi, is from Australia and the father, Ben (I told you I can't get away from it), it from England.  They were SO nice!!  They were very warm and welcoming.  The interview went great!  The only thing that worried me was they were interviewing more people and I would only be temporary.  Heidi said she would text me the next day (EVERYONE here texts).  And.... drum roll please.. she text me that night saying I would be a lovely addition to their family!!!! I was SOOO excited!  So what does this job entail... I was describe and you will agree with me that it is almost too good to be true.  First off, I have my own room with a TV and wireless internet.  Not only so I have my own room, there is a guest room next to mine that is rarely used with a couch and fireplace!  Next, I get free rent and free food!  All paid for.  It keeps going.  I also get 100 pounds ($150) a week for spending!  My services include Mon-Fri 8am-11am and 4pm-7pm.  WEEKENDS OFF!  How great.. I KNOW!!  My favorite part is that I will have plenty of time to travel.  My family is leaving for the month of April and I will still be able to stay at the house, I just won't be working.  This is when I will be able to travel!  A whole month with a place to stay and no work!  So I start Thurs!  

OK I have much more to say but I need to go!  I am in Newcastle with Geordie!!  Toodles!  Miss you and love you all!!  

Love,

Monica    

Day 2

I cannot even begin to explain how hard it was to wake up this morning.  I set my alarm for 8:30AM here.. which makes it 3:30AM home.  I had to wake up because my orientation started at 10:30 and I had about a 30 minute walk.  I went to bed last night with wet hair, so I decided I would run my straightener through it this morning.  I got out my watt converter and adapter and plugged my straightener into it.  It was taking a while to heat up, but I didn't think anything of it.  I started to use it and it was not as hot as it should be... yet again I didn't think anything of it.  As I am straightening my hair, I realize that A. my hair is not even warm, and B. there is a very funny smell to my room.  I looked down at my adapter and it was smoking!! I just kind of chuckled and said, go figure.  I did not want to set the fire alarm off so I opened my window and put it out there.  Lucky for me, someone had not only left a UK blow dryer in the room, but a plug adapter as well.  I plugged my straightener into it and to my surprise, it worked fine.  I got dressed and was finally on my way.

I made it to orientation without getting lost.  Surprise, I know.  I wanted to use the GPS on my iPhone, but I was too worried about the data roaming charges.  I was the epitome of a tourist, walking the streets with my bright pink FGCU sweater, a paper map, and my Starbucks.  Yes, I did find one to get coffee at that was on my way.  I met a really nice American girl from Neb. in my orientation, although she had been there for 2 months doing an internship.  She left early and gave me her contact information.  I think I might give her a call in the next few days.  When I left orientation, I went and got a cell phone.  My number is 07532388158.  I don't know the country code or how to call it, but that is it :).  I got a good deal on a pay as you go phone.  The phone was ten pounds and I got a card where it only costs me 6p (cents) a minute.  All incoming calls are also free in the UK.  They laughed at me when I asked how much it was for incoming calls.  A foreign concept I presume.  I also have an address.  It is the address of the BUNAC office.  If I move, they will forward my mail to a permanent address.  My address is...

Ms. Monica Funigiello

c/o BUNAC Incoming Programme 

16 Bowling Green Lane

London, EC1R 0QH

United Kingdom

If anyone decides to send me anything, DO NOT send Fed Ex.  I guess they usually try and make the office pay something, so they do not accept Fed Ex.  I also opened a bank account.  I decided to explore a bit and actually made it back to my hostel without having to ask for directions.  I had my first cup of British Tea, and it was very good!  I still think I like coffee better.  The British Museum is maybe 100 hards from my hostel and is free.  I wanted to go today, but by the time I got there it was almost closed.  I was also looking forward to coming back to my room.  I walked for probably 3 hours today.  I think I am more tired from walking than I would be is I had jogged 3 hours.  I decided to put my things in my room and go for another walk because it was too early for bed.  It was PITCH black at 4:30 and I so badly wanted to go to sleep, but that is not going to help me get on a regulated sleep schedule.  I walked down Oxford Street and it was REALLY cool.  I got Joe's Christmas present... wish I could tell you but he will probably read this!   By the time I got back to my room, it was 7:30 and I took a shower.  I used my free blow dryer and that brings me to 8:32 pm and IN BED!  I am trying to stay awake until my dad gets home from work so I can skype with him.  I miss everyone a lot.  I havn't made any friends yet so when I am not walking around, I am in my room alone.  I can't wait to get a job and make some friends.  I would love to go to a pub somewhere and just meet people or watch the futbol (soccer) match that started an hour ago, but I don't know anywhere or anyone to go with.  Oh well.  I am going to start job hunting tomorrow. Hopefully I will have better luck than everyone I have met so far in the program.  I miss you all so much!!  

Love, 

Monica  

Finally here! Day 1

I have finally arrived!  Sounds very exciting, although I am not off to the best start.

I arrived yesterday around noon here (7am there).  I had a vacant seat next to me on the plain so that was nice... I slept most of the way.  They gave us food which surprised me.  I can't remember the last time I had food on a plane!  It wasn't half bad believe it or not.  I had no trouble at all in customs or finding my luggage or the tube.  And from here... it all goes downhill.

What they don't tell you is that tube stations do not have elevators to get you up to the ground.  Maybe some stations do, but not mine.  Needless to say I had to drag 90lbs of luggage up 2 flight of stairs.  Not only did I have to lug it up there, the handle on my big bag ripped.  I had to pull out the plastic handle that rolls the bag to get it up.  I thought I was in good shape and strong, but that took it out of me. This isn't the worst part.  As I go to get on the next train (I had to make one switch), the plastic handle rips off and my luggage goes flying off the train.  I go to get it and lift it on and the doors are closing.  Luckily for me, a nice gentleman got off and helped me throw my stuff on.  I was SO embarrassed... talk about screaming tourist!  When I got off of that train, I wanted to cry.  I had to walk up more stairs with this luggage.  Thank HEAVENS there was an elevator at this station and I only had to walk up a few.  I leave the station and the street it packed.  People were staring at me with all of this luggage and it being broken and trying to walk with it.  Imagine getting out of the subway in NYC with 90lbs of broken luggage, a backpack, and a pillow.  Ugh it wasn't good.  I tried to walk but didn't get too far. I paid 2.90 pounds to take me 100 yards.  At this point I am at my hostel.

When I got to the hostel, I rang the bell.  Of course, no one answered.  I waited for about 5 minutes and finally a fellow American opened the door for me.  He was staying there.  And I am sure you can guess what was next... more stairs!  I only had to climb about a flight and a half and then put my stuff in the lounge.  I tried to knock on Bill's door.  Bill is in charge of the hostel.  He said he was very busy and my room wasn't ready but it would be in a few hours.  Lucky me.  I went in the lounge and crashed.  I was so tired.  There were about 4 other American's in there but they weren't very friendly.  I think I slept for about 3 hours.  When I woke up it was dark.  I remember my mom telling me DO NOT go anywhere at night.. but that is extremely hard when it gets dark here at 4:30. I was so hungry so I decided to go walk and get food.  When I got back my room was ready.  I had to share it with a guy from Ohio.  He was only there for one more night and I don't think he slept here last night.  When I fell asleep I was the only one in here, and when I woke up it was just me.  I have my own room now with a sink and a dresser and window.  The room isn't too bad.  My bed is fairly comfy.  I am not sure if I am just so exhausted or it really is a nice mattress.  I went to bed praying that I would have a better day today.  I slept like a baby!     

Getting Ready to GO!

I thought this would be a good idea for everyone to keep in touch and stay updated on my life and travels in the UK!  I leave in 6 days and am starting to get nervous.  London, here I come!!!