I don't really know where the word holiday came from, but on this day, Yom Kippur, it is the holy day holiday.
A quick blurb about this day to those of you who may not know: Yom Kippur is the day of atonement for Jewish people. As a lot of Christians go to confession, we save our sins to be shared with God on this day. We ask for forgiveness and to be written in the Book of Life for the following year. And on this day we fast.
In the past, as a kid, I wouldn't do too well with the fast. First off, you're not supposed to even have water. So you (according to strict rules) can't brush your teeth or use water fountains. They were shut off on this day at my Temple. Second, I'm a hungry hungry hippo. Another thing I now realize is that most of my friends and I don't even know the true meaning of the fast. I want to say that it has to do with suffering and showing God that we will suffer for our sins. But truly, I think God doesn't want us to suffer.
I'm a firm believer in karma. It is always present. Like if I don't go to class (not that I have missed this year). Of course the professor told us something that day that is on the exam, and I'm screwed. Karma for not going and sleeping in- most probable reason I skipped. So maybe this one day a year thing doesn't mean I need to fast. I suffer (in my own way) all of the time for the "sins" I commit because karma comes for me. I know karma is a Hindu belief. I still think it's structured by God to teach all of us lessons.
So here we have it: following the tradition today is absolutely what everyone thinks you should do, but this year I don't think so.
I'm not perfect in any way, hence why I find myself crying over dumb things and losing every sport and occasionally tripping up the stairs. I think, though, that today I did a great thing for myself. I let my opinion be the one that guided me. And I think that God is proud of that. I give all of my heart to everything I do and to everyone I love. So, through the transitive property, God has lots of love coming his way from Amez.
I sat in my bed this morning with a gurgling tummy and finally dipped a chip into my salsa. Still in bed, yes. This year I have countless times prayed and atoned. I don't believe one day should be enough. Like I said in previous posts, I'm not very religious. But I do believe that if you don't ask for forgiveness you dwell. So I find myself asking God to help me get better when I do something wrong, to help me see my mistakes, and to help me help the world. This fasting thing is sort of weird. I don't think God needs us to not eat the food he has graciously provided us to then just feast at sunset with our families.
I'm proud of all my friends that can successfully do the fast. I really am. I think when people make it a competition or complain all day about it it means less, though. We aren't all supposed to suffer together for our sins. We should suffer alone because this holiday is about atonement for Amy's sins. Not Amy's and Amy's friends. I've been somewhat alone all day just going over things I wish I didn't do this year. Asking God to forgive me and to help me grow from these memories. I think for me that's been valuable.
Maybe next year I'll think different and ask God for forgiveness about not fasting this year. But for now I'm content. I say sorry when I'm wrong; I follow the Ten Commandments; and I literally can't go a day without thinking about my religion. In college it is hard to attend services with the busy schedule of class and sorority stuff and clubs. It is easy to lose sight of my faith. But I haven't. It's right where it always was. In my heart and in my mind.
Just like God.
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
P.S. I know religion is a topic that I don't discuss often, and it might have gotten way too personal, but now you all know why I didn't fast today. And why people shouldn't make others feel bad because they didn't. Judaism has been the best religion because it allows me to make these decisions. A lot of thought went into it. And I hope that this is "food" for thought for others.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Oh my blog.
What could this be? Amyjoy didn't fall off the face of the planet?!
Everyone calm yourselves (that means you mom and dad and Tamra).
So sorry for my hiatus, fans, friends, foes. Whatever you are. I am back.
Here's the thing, I went from Europe and experiencing things like every single second, to home life in bumblefuck Illinois. There's a lot less to experience here besides the lovely hospitality my parents provide and the yapping of my damn dog. Who I love.
I could write probably ten posts about the happenings since I left good old home and came back to Beantown. But I'll just make a list; I like lists.
1. I actually went into the city, Chicago, twice when I was home. Once I went with my childhood friend who moved to Wisconsin when we were in elementary school. We did the architecture boat tour with a really sassy tour guide, and we also did a segway tour. Not as hard as it looks actually. Second time was my last week at home with a few of my close friends from Boston! They were there visiting a few friends from Northeastern that just graduated and have jobs here. That's right, they have jobs right after graduation. Go Northeastern!
The infamous bean is what we are standing in front of. Which is ironic because the bean is in Chicago but Boston is Beantown.
2. When I got back to Boston I stayed with Hannah (pictured in the bean pic) and Annabelle. Two of my best friends at school! I only really became close with them this past summer, but I know we'll be forever friends. Anywho... we went to a Red Sox vs. Yankees game the first day I was back with about 9 other friends. So much fun besides the fact that baseball is too long of a sport. Cute guys though. Both on the field and off.
3. MOVE-IN. I still don't want to talk about it. Sensitive topic, but I'm finally unpacked and all my walls are decorated weirdly- to signify it is indeed my room. Like seriously who has a picture of fruits, veggies, and herbs in their bedroom?
4. Study abroad reunion at the head of the chemistry department's house. Wowza. He has a pool, pool house, zipline, soccer field, and he wants to make tennis courts. Even his dog swam; it was a great great day.
5. Hawaiian social. This was our first sorority/fraternity social this year. We had to dress up in theme. I had a great time because my best friend Matt and his little hung out with me and my little Tamra. Not a lot of people showed up, but we still managed to dance and rock out to the live band. Fun fact: Matt and his little grew up in the same town as the lead singer of the band. Who was also (another fun fact) not wearing a shirt. I really don't understand why he wasn't but the two boys kept fangirling, and it annoyed the singer.
6. My 21st birthday. I feel like I'm going to write about this later. Needs its own post. Too.Much.To.Say.
Wow. I like didn't breathe the whole time I wrote all that. Just too excited to be back to my blaaawggg. Hope you keep up because there's definitely more coming your way. Less about my life per se, more about my thoughts and opinions. Ok wait that's dumb. It's about my life.
peace.love all of you. meep
-amyjoy
Everyone calm yourselves (that means you mom and dad and Tamra).
So sorry for my hiatus, fans, friends, foes. Whatever you are. I am back.
Here's the thing, I went from Europe and experiencing things like every single second, to home life in bumblefuck Illinois. There's a lot less to experience here besides the lovely hospitality my parents provide and the yapping of my damn dog. Who I love.
1. I actually went into the city, Chicago, twice when I was home. Once I went with my childhood friend who moved to Wisconsin when we were in elementary school. We did the architecture boat tour with a really sassy tour guide, and we also did a segway tour. Not as hard as it looks actually. Second time was my last week at home with a few of my close friends from Boston! They were there visiting a few friends from Northeastern that just graduated and have jobs here. That's right, they have jobs right after graduation. Go Northeastern!
My Boston friends and I went on the Navy Pier ferris wheel *vom.com because I'm afraid of heights*. Then we just hung out and went sight-seeing. 'Twas amazing to see them and catch up, even just 3 days before our big reunion in Beantown.
The infamous bean is what we are standing in front of. Which is ironic because the bean is in Chicago but Boston is Beantown.
2. When I got back to Boston I stayed with Hannah (pictured in the bean pic) and Annabelle. Two of my best friends at school! I only really became close with them this past summer, but I know we'll be forever friends. Anywho... we went to a Red Sox vs. Yankees game the first day I was back with about 9 other friends. So much fun besides the fact that baseball is too long of a sport. Cute guys though. Both on the field and off.
3. MOVE-IN. I still don't want to talk about it. Sensitive topic, but I'm finally unpacked and all my walls are decorated weirdly- to signify it is indeed my room. Like seriously who has a picture of fruits, veggies, and herbs in their bedroom?
4. Study abroad reunion at the head of the chemistry department's house. Wowza. He has a pool, pool house, zipline, soccer field, and he wants to make tennis courts. Even his dog swam; it was a great great day.
5. Hawaiian social. This was our first sorority/fraternity social this year. We had to dress up in theme. I had a great time because my best friend Matt and his little hung out with me and my little Tamra. Not a lot of people showed up, but we still managed to dance and rock out to the live band. Fun fact: Matt and his little grew up in the same town as the lead singer of the band. Who was also (another fun fact) not wearing a shirt. I really don't understand why he wasn't but the two boys kept fangirling, and it annoyed the singer.
6. My 21st birthday. I feel like I'm going to write about this later. Needs its own post. Too.Much.To.Say.
Wow. I like didn't breathe the whole time I wrote all that. Just too excited to be back to my blaaawggg. Hope you keep up because there's definitely more coming your way. Less about my life per se, more about my thoughts and opinions. Ok wait that's dumb. It's about my life.
peace.love all of you. meep
-amyjoy
Monday, August 17, 2015
Burger Queen
Moment of silence for my favorite purse that broke the day before we came back to America. *tear* I got it in Italy when visiting my sister a few years back. She did study abroad there in Rome.
So we get to Geneva, Switzerland for our final day, and of course it's raining. It like never rains, but go figure. We took a boat cruise around Lake Geneva, which was serene. A wittle cold. Then we went back to our hostel. Guess what? Wifi was only available in the lobby, but our room was right above it. The party room was ours. People used us for our wifi. Not ashamed. Come one come all.
Then we were off the next morning to the Swiss airport, which, again is actually in France. Shhh don't tell. But my backpack was taken at security, and it made my life because as the guy was searching through it, he stumbled upon a minion from a Happy Meal. (My friend Ale gave it to me) Then he goes in the cutest French accent, "Oh, a minion." But he pronounced it min-ee-yon. I died.
OH MY GOSH. We had been playing soccer and volleyball with a little ball that had Olaf on it from Frozen. And for some reason my friend Jake wanted it to come back to America, so we could have it in the Chemistry building. So it got through security...but the flight attendant wasn't pleased.
Anyway, all I have wanted in Europe was cheez-its. But instead I adopted pringles as my staple and ate some carrot cake at the airport. It even made it through customs. HEHE. That and I got a burger king crown to wear for our waiting time in the airport. Little kids were jealous.
On the plane, the head of the chemistry department sat behind me, so I had to be on good behavior...
What's funny is that all of my friends and I played an interactive trivia game on our TV screens. You could play with whoever logged on, but of course it was only us. Then my screen kept acting up, and I couldn't even play sudoku. I cried.
At one point as we were in the line of planes waiting to depart, I saw a plane that said SAS on the tail. I need that plane for me. Sassmaster Amy.
Wait, also this guy near me had my favorite candy I got when I had visited Israel in December. It's called Marzipan and tastes like almonds. Yummo. Really stop reading this and go buy it. I wanted it.
Quick note to everyone that leans back on plane seats. NO ONE LIKES YOU. You cause discomfort and hostility. That is all.
As we descended into Boston, Home by Philip Phillips played. Very nice, itunes. At the airport this little girl thought I was her mom and handed me her gum. No little girl, I have a flight to catch. BYE.
Sitting in the airport for my 3 hour layover to Chicago (kill meh) I reminisced on the last five weeks. Then I got into thinking about how there were barely trashcans in Europe. That was an inconvenience. And don't get me started on how there was like one recycling bin in the whole continent. Hmph.
But hey, now I'm home, I weighed myself, so I could laugh. And I ended up crying because I lost ten pounds. Like what even. Thanks nonstop food and beer. I don't get it..
Not complaining!
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
So we get to Geneva, Switzerland for our final day, and of course it's raining. It like never rains, but go figure. We took a boat cruise around Lake Geneva, which was serene. A wittle cold. Then we went back to our hostel. Guess what? Wifi was only available in the lobby, but our room was right above it. The party room was ours. People used us for our wifi. Not ashamed. Come one come all.
Then we were off the next morning to the Swiss airport, which, again is actually in France. Shhh don't tell. But my backpack was taken at security, and it made my life because as the guy was searching through it, he stumbled upon a minion from a Happy Meal. (My friend Ale gave it to me) Then he goes in the cutest French accent, "Oh, a minion." But he pronounced it min-ee-yon. I died.
OH MY GOSH. We had been playing soccer and volleyball with a little ball that had Olaf on it from Frozen. And for some reason my friend Jake wanted it to come back to America, so we could have it in the Chemistry building. So it got through security...but the flight attendant wasn't pleased.
Anyway, all I have wanted in Europe was cheez-its. But instead I adopted pringles as my staple and ate some carrot cake at the airport. It even made it through customs. HEHE. That and I got a burger king crown to wear for our waiting time in the airport. Little kids were jealous.
On the plane, the head of the chemistry department sat behind me, so I had to be on good behavior...
What's funny is that all of my friends and I played an interactive trivia game on our TV screens. You could play with whoever logged on, but of course it was only us. Then my screen kept acting up, and I couldn't even play sudoku. I cried.
At one point as we were in the line of planes waiting to depart, I saw a plane that said SAS on the tail. I need that plane for me. Sassmaster Amy.
Wait, also this guy near me had my favorite candy I got when I had visited Israel in December. It's called Marzipan and tastes like almonds. Yummo. Really stop reading this and go buy it. I wanted it.
Quick note to everyone that leans back on plane seats. NO ONE LIKES YOU. You cause discomfort and hostility. That is all.
As we descended into Boston, Home by Philip Phillips played. Very nice, itunes. At the airport this little girl thought I was her mom and handed me her gum. No little girl, I have a flight to catch. BYE.
Sitting in the airport for my 3 hour layover to Chicago (kill meh) I reminisced on the last five weeks. Then I got into thinking about how there were barely trashcans in Europe. That was an inconvenience. And don't get me started on how there was like one recycling bin in the whole continent. Hmph.
But hey, now I'm home, I weighed myself, so I could laugh. And I ended up crying because I lost ten pounds. Like what even. Thanks nonstop food and beer. I don't get it..
Not complaining!
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Alp, I need somebody
"There's a fly in your turtenwurst" - quote of the century.
First of all, I just looked up turtenwurst on google and nothing pops up, so that's unsettling. But why is it unsettling you ask? That is what we thought was turkey in the dining hall, and many people used it to make sandwiches. Eep. The flies were also all over our food.
One of the interesting parts of our stay in Fiesch was the lack of wifi. There was wifi down at the reception area and where we ate, but no wifi in our rooms. Womp. We did find a bench that could pick up single, however, and we deemed it the wifi bench. So original. Many weird things happened at the wifi bench that I will never feel the need to discuss.
Anywho, I climbed an alp! Well, sort of. We took two cable cars up, and then we climbed to the peak. It was the scariest thing ever. Talk about being afraid of heights. I played some Andy Grammer while we hiked for pump up. It made me move faster! Go Andy.
My friend Scott had 3 bars on his phone when we got up there. I was shocked. Then he said not to worry, that he'd be able to tell someone if I fell. Thanks Scott. You really made me less nervous...
Then, on the way down, my friends asked me to play more music because they liked hiking to music as well. And some lady had the audacity to scream at me. She barely spoke English, but she could muster out a "shut up". Okay lady. I'll turn my music off, but you need to get your hiking stick out of your ass. Then she ran off. Bye Felicia! Best part of that was a little while later a kid passes us with a shirt that says "Let music be the answer". I wish I could show that lady.
Then we had some lunch and found out our friend Mao got lost after she had left the mountain early to go back to the resort. But no worries, she flagged a van down, and they took her back. Such a Mao move. I'm glad she was safe. Switzerland probably has less creeps than America at least.
Interesting things to note: A random church bell decided to ring at 8:48 AM for like 10 minutes. I do not understand one bit. And #yourewelcome to my friends for holding their phones in my purse while we went swimming at the resort. On the way there I got them some mad steps on their pedometers.
Once again we played soccer and volleyball at nighttime. I played soccer as my girlfriends watched from the sidelines and cheered for me. They are so good to me.
Oh and we did superlatives. I got best puns. Not upset about that :)
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
4 Trains and some Mad Chemists
This post will start angry and end happy, so bear with me.
Oh my effing lord. This was probably the most stressful travel day of my life. First, we get onto our first train leaving Basel, Switzerland. The trains here do not wait for anyone, even if you're standing out by the door. So we got onto the wrong car in order to just make the train. We were able to switch cars when inside. However, that did not happen. There were 1903094093094 rude people who would not even let us through or who stared as if we were terrible people.
I ended up standing with my luggage for the hour ride in the area by the doors. It wasn't worth it to me to take my luggage up stairs and down aisles to find my seat. We finally get off, and we hear my friends (who had tried to find their seats in the chaos) rant about how awful the ride was. They literally sat for about five minutes after struggling to get through the massive amount of stagnant passengers. This ride was both a trust exercise (because some people left their stuff with me and a few others at the door and hoped we would take it when we got off) and it was a team-building task. We all had to make sure everyone got off during the short interval where the train stops and that no bag was left behind. STRESSSSSFULLLL.
After that we got on another one hour train, which was less stressful but still bad. We arrived at a place called Visp. There we went on a tour of a company called Lonza. In the powerpoint presentation they gave, they referred to us as Boston University. From there on out no one paid attention. Plus they made us go up 70 thousand flights of stairs, and we were already so tired from the train fiascos. Ugh. And to put a cherry on top, one of the guys asks if anyone is afraid of heights, so I raised my hand. It ended up being nothing, but right before we went out on the balcony, my friend Melanie goes, "Who's got Amy?!" So loved.
After that we took yet ANOTHER train, but guess what? It was broken, so we got off and transferred to our fourth and final train of the day. I literally could not even. And on each of these we had to carry our luggage. Remember that time I didn't pack light?
Just going to take this moment to thank all the boys who helped me with my bags. You are the real MVPs.
Pictured: one of my teachers and one of my TAs carrying my Vera Bradley duffle. Looks good on them hehehe.
Between the third and fourth train we actually had time for a quick lunch. I got ice cream and others got beer at the grocery store called coop. We call it co-op because Northeastern is known for our co-op program, but it was pronounced like a chicken coop. Bawk.
On the last train Mel and I pretended we were asleep, so we could have two seats each. Not sorry about it; 'twas a long day.
Our destination was Fiesch. I liked to pronounce it fish but it was fee-sh. It sort of reminds me of my hometown Kildeer. It's in the middle of nowhere, and no one knows of it.
Our resort was like a summer camp. Legit looked like it. There were rope courses, a zip line, pools, and other sport courts. We played volleyball and soccer next to the mountain after dinner. It was so picturesque.
I think I'm falling in love with Switzerland. Don't tell the others.
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
Oh my effing lord. This was probably the most stressful travel day of my life. First, we get onto our first train leaving Basel, Switzerland. The trains here do not wait for anyone, even if you're standing out by the door. So we got onto the wrong car in order to just make the train. We were able to switch cars when inside. However, that did not happen. There were 1903094093094 rude people who would not even let us through or who stared as if we were terrible people.
I ended up standing with my luggage for the hour ride in the area by the doors. It wasn't worth it to me to take my luggage up stairs and down aisles to find my seat. We finally get off, and we hear my friends (who had tried to find their seats in the chaos) rant about how awful the ride was. They literally sat for about five minutes after struggling to get through the massive amount of stagnant passengers. This ride was both a trust exercise (because some people left their stuff with me and a few others at the door and hoped we would take it when we got off) and it was a team-building task. We all had to make sure everyone got off during the short interval where the train stops and that no bag was left behind. STRESSSSSFULLLL.
After that we got on another one hour train, which was less stressful but still bad. We arrived at a place called Visp. There we went on a tour of a company called Lonza. In the powerpoint presentation they gave, they referred to us as Boston University. From there on out no one paid attention. Plus they made us go up 70 thousand flights of stairs, and we were already so tired from the train fiascos. Ugh. And to put a cherry on top, one of the guys asks if anyone is afraid of heights, so I raised my hand. It ended up being nothing, but right before we went out on the balcony, my friend Melanie goes, "Who's got Amy?!" So loved.
After that we took yet ANOTHER train, but guess what? It was broken, so we got off and transferred to our fourth and final train of the day. I literally could not even. And on each of these we had to carry our luggage. Remember that time I didn't pack light?
Just going to take this moment to thank all the boys who helped me with my bags. You are the real MVPs.
Pictured: one of my teachers and one of my TAs carrying my Vera Bradley duffle. Looks good on them hehehe.
Between the third and fourth train we actually had time for a quick lunch. I got ice cream and others got beer at the grocery store called coop. We call it co-op because Northeastern is known for our co-op program, but it was pronounced like a chicken coop. Bawk.
On the last train Mel and I pretended we were asleep, so we could have two seats each. Not sorry about it; 'twas a long day.
Our destination was Fiesch. I liked to pronounce it fish but it was fee-sh. It sort of reminds me of my hometown Kildeer. It's in the middle of nowhere, and no one knows of it.
Our resort was like a summer camp. Legit looked like it. There were rope courses, a zip line, pools, and other sport courts. We played volleyball and soccer next to the mountain after dinner. It was so picturesque.
I think I'm falling in love with Switzerland. Don't tell the others.
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
No Place Like Lucerne
Halllllo.
Mount Pilatus (yes, we made one too many pilates jokes while there) was awesome. The views were unreal, and you could even see the Alps from across the way. Unfortunately there were bees everywhere though. I know, even at that altitude. My friend Jordan got stung, but the people inside the gift shop area had sting cream. It must be a frequent thing.
Welcome to Lucerne, Switzerland. Probably the most gorgeous place I have ever been to. No exaggeration on that one.
As we get out of the train station we boarded a ferry to take us across Lake Lucerne. All around us were mountains and gorgeous, breathtaking views. Yaaaaaaaas is all I could say. Then my friends started singing Barbie Girl. I don't know why.
Today was the day of mass transportation. We took a train, a ferry, a tram up Mount Pilatus, and a cable car down the mountain. Not to mention, we took a bus around town. Oy. It was kind of funny, though, when we went up to the mountain, my pringles can got really inflated. So much that the top ricocheted off into my backpack. No pringles lost, don't worry.
At the top we met this lovely man playing some instrument that could only be described as the Ricola Guy instrument. See picture for understanding.
He was funny and asked, "American?!" as he could probably tell from our incessant giggling and obnoxious voices.
Mount Pilatus (yes, we made one too many pilates jokes while there) was awesome. The views were unreal, and you could even see the Alps from across the way. Unfortunately there were bees everywhere though. I know, even at that altitude. My friend Jordan got stung, but the people inside the gift shop area had sting cream. It must be a frequent thing.
Of course I bought a cute Swiss winter hat at the gift shop, even though it was really hot. Then one of my chaperones who happens to be my academic advisor asked where I found it. She then proceeded to buy the same one. TWINS. I have never felt more proud of my fashion choices. Mostly because she looks like a J.Crew model every day.
So Bern is the capital of Switzerland, and I got sunbern. So I think I win. Also, in Lucerne, there was a plaza that literally had chocolate and cheese shops right across the street from each other. Tourist paradise. And I had a genius moment when I figured out that Swatch is Swiss Watch. Mind blown.
A couple things I have noticed: many foreign people do not smile in pictures. The Swiss flag is square. And I still want a Vespa even though I would be killed if I used it to get around Boston.
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
The Rad Rhine
Today we toured another Novartis pharmaceuticals campus! This one was freaking phenomenal. There were like 5 restaurants and all these cool science-y things. I think it's that hardcore because this campus is the world headquarters.
We had four different lab tours, which were interesting. I even saw some of the equipment I used during my latest internship. I got way too excited. The best part was a sample chute that took samples from a chemistry lab to an analytical lab. Thus, the scientists didn't have to walk down 4 floors to do a 5 minute test on each sample. I know of some hospitals that use a tube system to move emergency tests to a lab for quick analysis. Supposedly Novartis is the first pharm company to do this method. I love the efficiency.
It was also so freaking hot outside...like 90 degrees. We all melted. And that's when we decided to take a dip into the Rhine River. You know, the river that runs from Switzerland to France and Germany. That's what people were telling me at least. A couple of days ago we saw people floating along, so we thought we'd try it out. We rented floating device/bags from the hostel and were on our way. Basically we put all of our clothes in the bag (water resistance HELL YEAH) and used the bag as flotation. It really wasn't necessary because the river ran at a sweet, lazy river speed. I was pissed I didn't bring my phone because I would have gotten mad steps due to my phone pedometer. The river was far away from the hostel, and we walked there and back.
I'm pretty sure I got some sunburn, but it was worth it. Then for dinner we got burritos...again. Still no shame people. None at all.
Favorite quote of last night was when Melanie texted me, "I'll cook brussel sprouts for you every damn day."
She then explained that she meant to send that text to her boyfriend. I cried. True love going on over there.
AND FINALLY, I figured out what my fans should be called. Like people who fangirl over my blog (besides my parents and the occasional friend who brings it up). Call them the anDEEZ nuts. If you don't get it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHFFdy2NSdE
It has become a viral thing to say. I don't know why. Just deal with it.
Anywho,
peace.love.meep
-amyjoyandeeeeeez nuts
We had four different lab tours, which were interesting. I even saw some of the equipment I used during my latest internship. I got way too excited. The best part was a sample chute that took samples from a chemistry lab to an analytical lab. Thus, the scientists didn't have to walk down 4 floors to do a 5 minute test on each sample. I know of some hospitals that use a tube system to move emergency tests to a lab for quick analysis. Supposedly Novartis is the first pharm company to do this method. I love the efficiency.
It was also so freaking hot outside...like 90 degrees. We all melted. And that's when we decided to take a dip into the Rhine River. You know, the river that runs from Switzerland to France and Germany. That's what people were telling me at least. A couple of days ago we saw people floating along, so we thought we'd try it out. We rented floating device/bags from the hostel and were on our way. Basically we put all of our clothes in the bag (water resistance HELL YEAH) and used the bag as flotation. It really wasn't necessary because the river ran at a sweet, lazy river speed. I was pissed I didn't bring my phone because I would have gotten mad steps due to my phone pedometer. The river was far away from the hostel, and we walked there and back.
I'm pretty sure I got some sunburn, but it was worth it. Then for dinner we got burritos...again. Still no shame people. None at all.
Favorite quote of last night was when Melanie texted me, "I'll cook brussel sprouts for you every damn day."
She then explained that she meant to send that text to her boyfriend. I cried. True love going on over there.
AND FINALLY, I figured out what my fans should be called. Like people who fangirl over my blog (besides my parents and the occasional friend who brings it up). Call them the anDEEZ nuts. If you don't get it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHFFdy2NSdE
It has become a viral thing to say. I don't know why. Just deal with it.
Anywho,
peace.love.meep
-amyjoyandeeeeeez nuts
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Manchester UnUnited
I hate the damn Manchester airport. There, I said it.
I got screwed at security, twice. Maybe it was my fault, but I don't think my hand sanitizer is causing any harm to anyone ever. I think it brings people joy, to smell the lovely sweet pea or warm vanilla sugar scent. But hey, my opinion isn't always right I guess.
They also thought my cuticle clipper was a weapon. And I begged the guy to ask if I could keep it because I've been through a lot with that thing. It took a million years to find the perfect one. And I will not leave it without a fight. He let me keep it as he saw the tears forming. Yaaaaas.
When I finally huffed away from the guy who had checked my two bags (yes, my carry-on and personal item were flagged at security), I was anxious to see if they'd get through this time without a problem. He put them back on the conveyor belt. One of them was flagged again. And then, super randomly, the same guy got my bag. I saw him roll his eyes because he knew it was mine. It has flowers, and it just super noticeable. Thanks guy. I really needed your eye roll. YOU DON'T KNOW MY STORY.
Finally he let me go. I stormed away, found food, and my heart rate finally settled.
My flight to London Heathrow was fine. Then we had another to Switzerland. Supposedly the Swiss airport is in France. I don't know. Someone said that, but I think I need a fact check. The second flight was great because at first I was in a middle seat, but then there was an empty row, so I grabbed the window seat. Winning. Another girl, Emily, sat in the aisle seat. She is really sweet! When I was sleeping she made the flight attendant leave me water and the food they passed out. I wanted to hug her. But like, I was restricted with my seatbelt.
Weird thing, though. As we descended, the flight attendants announced to make sure we knew where our nearest emergency exits were. I felt a little panicked. But we landed smoothly, and we got out of the plane to the warmth of the sun. The big yellow object I haven't seen much in weeks is still living. Phew, I was worried.
As we got off into the walkway that attaches the plane to the airport, my friends and I all cheered because it was hot. I exclaimed, "This is the best day of my life!" A nearby flight attendant said, "Yes it is! Welcome." I cried.
Since I've been here, I've seen the chemistry department at the University of Basel, the tropical medicine center in Basel, and even been to an Asian restaurant called Mister Wong's. It was amazing.
At the University of Basel we had a barbeque with the students today. They had so much food. Even that is an understatement. They also provided beer, so I coined the term "beerBQ". Clever, I know.
There was also a random cat just chilling, trying to eat probably. My friend Eric got bit by it. Oops. Now he is complaining his hand feels weird and tingly. Good thing none of us can read any of the signs or even start to find a clinic for him. He'll live. Hopefully.
Aw and look at this cute house! It appears to be a minion.
Oh my gosh. Today for breakfast the hostel provided us food. They gave us 2 rolls of bread and a croissant. Oh and an apricot. I call it the bread and breakfast. LOL. Please tell me you chuckled.
And the hostel played Cheerleader, so I'm a happy camper. It's a YMCA hostel. 8 girls in my room- all from my trip though. Hopefully we make it through the heat and peak estrogen levels.
I'd like to just mention that in England they do this thing called a duvet day. It's if you want to stay home from work and just stay in bed all day. It reminds me of college, hehehe. Just kidding, I go to class mom and dad.
LASTLY,
My friend Jackson said the best quote of the day, "There's a lot of up sides to being in Switzerland. I mean, the flag is a big plus."
*ba dum tsssss*
peace(tons of that here in Switz).love.meep
-amyjoy
I got screwed at security, twice. Maybe it was my fault, but I don't think my hand sanitizer is causing any harm to anyone ever. I think it brings people joy, to smell the lovely sweet pea or warm vanilla sugar scent. But hey, my opinion isn't always right I guess.
They also thought my cuticle clipper was a weapon. And I begged the guy to ask if I could keep it because I've been through a lot with that thing. It took a million years to find the perfect one. And I will not leave it without a fight. He let me keep it as he saw the tears forming. Yaaaaas.
When I finally huffed away from the guy who had checked my two bags (yes, my carry-on and personal item were flagged at security), I was anxious to see if they'd get through this time without a problem. He put them back on the conveyor belt. One of them was flagged again. And then, super randomly, the same guy got my bag. I saw him roll his eyes because he knew it was mine. It has flowers, and it just super noticeable. Thanks guy. I really needed your eye roll. YOU DON'T KNOW MY STORY.
Finally he let me go. I stormed away, found food, and my heart rate finally settled.
My flight to London Heathrow was fine. Then we had another to Switzerland. Supposedly the Swiss airport is in France. I don't know. Someone said that, but I think I need a fact check. The second flight was great because at first I was in a middle seat, but then there was an empty row, so I grabbed the window seat. Winning. Another girl, Emily, sat in the aisle seat. She is really sweet! When I was sleeping she made the flight attendant leave me water and the food they passed out. I wanted to hug her. But like, I was restricted with my seatbelt.
Weird thing, though. As we descended, the flight attendants announced to make sure we knew where our nearest emergency exits were. I felt a little panicked. But we landed smoothly, and we got out of the plane to the warmth of the sun. The big yellow object I haven't seen much in weeks is still living. Phew, I was worried.
As we got off into the walkway that attaches the plane to the airport, my friends and I all cheered because it was hot. I exclaimed, "This is the best day of my life!" A nearby flight attendant said, "Yes it is! Welcome." I cried.
Since I've been here, I've seen the chemistry department at the University of Basel, the tropical medicine center in Basel, and even been to an Asian restaurant called Mister Wong's. It was amazing.
There was also a random cat just chilling, trying to eat probably. My friend Eric got bit by it. Oops. Now he is complaining his hand feels weird and tingly. Good thing none of us can read any of the signs or even start to find a clinic for him. He'll live. Hopefully.
Aw and look at this cute house! It appears to be a minion.
And the hostel played Cheerleader, so I'm a happy camper. It's a YMCA hostel. 8 girls in my room- all from my trip though. Hopefully we make it through the heat and peak estrogen levels.
I'd like to just mention that in England they do this thing called a duvet day. It's if you want to stay home from work and just stay in bed all day. It reminds me of college, hehehe. Just kidding, I go to class mom and dad.
LASTLY,
My friend Jackson said the best quote of the day, "There's a lot of up sides to being in Switzerland. I mean, the flag is a big plus."
*ba dum tsssss*
peace(tons of that here in Switz).love.meep
-amyjoy
Your Mom's A Pigeon
London round 2 betchessss.
This must have counted as leg day at the gym. I tell ya, I walked at least 25,000 steps. Then the next day at the airport was arms day. But I'll get there in a second. We walked to the same tourist sites as the other day because I hadn't been with all of my friends then, and they didn't get to see the London Eye or Big Ben or the Buckingham Palace. As we walked near the ferris wheel, I saw that something I had written in chalk was still there!
I don't know if you can read it, but put your spectacles on closer. It says "Lost in London". SO artsy, right?
At one point in the day we were baffled to see the roads shut down due to 25,000 bikers passing on through the city. They road 100 miles. I repeat, 100 miles. Unreal. And they stopped at the palace, which is just so cute.
And that reminds me of how much I complain when there aren't even moving walkways at an airport. If these people can bike 100 miles, I can walk 10 more feet to my gate. Enough said. I'm signing up for the Tour de France.
It was so hot in London. My friends and I weren't complaining because we've been in rainy Ireland and cold Liverpool for 4 weeks, but it did get to the point where we had to sit and rest. And then my friend Nick decided to bring up an interesting point. What would it be like to be a pigeon? Would you hang out with the ones that looked like you, or the ones that were better at getting food, or even the ones that pooped slightly less? Let's just say it was a long day.
And as if we didn't find enough landmarks on this trip, me and Melanie found the Colosseum, Arc de Triumph, and even the Great Wall of China. All in England. I sincerely apologize to my geography teacher. I got a five on AP Geography, but never understood why.
So our last day was spent in London, which was fab. But then we had to pack. I hate nothing more than packing. Nothing. Except when lactose defies my trust.
More about the fantastic experience I had at the airport in the next post. All sarcasm intended.
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
This must have counted as leg day at the gym. I tell ya, I walked at least 25,000 steps. Then the next day at the airport was arms day. But I'll get there in a second. We walked to the same tourist sites as the other day because I hadn't been with all of my friends then, and they didn't get to see the London Eye or Big Ben or the Buckingham Palace. As we walked near the ferris wheel, I saw that something I had written in chalk was still there!
At one point in the day we were baffled to see the roads shut down due to 25,000 bikers passing on through the city. They road 100 miles. I repeat, 100 miles. Unreal. And they stopped at the palace, which is just so cute.
And that reminds me of how much I complain when there aren't even moving walkways at an airport. If these people can bike 100 miles, I can walk 10 more feet to my gate. Enough said. I'm signing up for the Tour de France.
It was so hot in London. My friends and I weren't complaining because we've been in rainy Ireland and cold Liverpool for 4 weeks, but it did get to the point where we had to sit and rest. And then my friend Nick decided to bring up an interesting point. What would it be like to be a pigeon? Would you hang out with the ones that looked like you, or the ones that were better at getting food, or even the ones that pooped slightly less? Let's just say it was a long day.
And as if we didn't find enough landmarks on this trip, me and Melanie found the Colosseum, Arc de Triumph, and even the Great Wall of China. All in England. I sincerely apologize to my geography teacher. I got a five on AP Geography, but never understood why.
So our last day was spent in London, which was fab. But then we had to pack. I hate nothing more than packing. Nothing. Except when lactose defies my trust.
More about the fantastic experience I had at the airport in the next post. All sarcasm intended.
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
Until We Meet Again...
Remember that English guy I met on an Irish pub crawl week one of this trip? Yeah. We have been non-stop talking (when I have wifi, of course), and he decided to visit me in Liverpool. He drove 2.5 hours. So sweet.
The situation was funny. He bought a new car that morning and spent all day figuring out insurance and taxes and actually traveling far to pick up the car. Then he drove the opposite direction to see me! What a gem. When he got to my dorm, we had no idea about the parking situation. So I hopped in his car, and we circled the city 3 times before finally finding a legal spot. I saw my friends walking past us at one point, so I waved. They probably thought I was being kidnapped, but at least it was in a cool car... Nah, I told them he was coming, no surprises.
We talked for hours and laughed a lot. It was absolutely awesome. I'm still not over his English accent. We kept making fun of certain words or phrases the other one used. He made me say words like aluminum and garage because they say it differently there. It's weird. I feel like I've known him for a really long time. And I think he's a great guy.
I don't want to gush too much, but I made him take a chalkboard picture with me. It's tacky, and he hates taking pictures, but he did it for me. How nice :)
He definitely became that Prince Charming that Princess Amy was after. So we shall see what happens...
All I know is that I sent him home with a gift in the form of a pringles can. But, inside was a letter I wrote to him before he came, a keychain with his last name on it (that I found randomly in Ireland), the wristband I wore that I kept from the pub crawl where we met, and a special necklace I had with me. It was a Hope in a Bottle necklace.
Backstory: A couple of years ago I decided to make necklaces and keychains that had little bottles at the end with a piece of paper saying "hope!" in them. Hence the name Hope in a Bottle. They raised money for juvenile diabetes, which my dad has. Here's a pic of some keychains:
Anyway, I gave him this pringles can full of goodies because I'm a romantic person with nothing less than a huge heart. No, I'm not tooting my own horn. I just believe in love and fairytales. And there's nothing wrong with living mine the way I want to.
So people can sit and judge me for talking to this guy once I return to America, on a 5 hour time difference, through whatsapp. I might have judged me too like a month ago. But I'm just going to go with the flow and see what happens.
All I know is that my heart is happy that I met him.
peace.much love.meep
-amyjoy
P.S. If you vomited after reading this, I don't blame you. And mom and dad, don't worry, I will never get into another strangers' car in Liverpool ever again. Promise.
SUPERLAMBANANA
There is a statue situated outside the dorm where we stayed in Liverpool. It is a lamb shape shifted into a banana. A superlambanana. And we didn't even make up that name. I know, right? The whole city is full of all different ones, painted in weird ways. I bought a keychain lambana. It is super.
We went on a tour of the University of Liverpool chemistry building and had a lecture about malaria. It was highly interesting, especially because the tour guide was an Asian man with a half British, half Asian accent. It was everything.
We also decided to create the hashtag #followthelocals. We are so bad at crossing streets here. So might as well follow people who look like they know what they're doing, right? WRONG. Also, one night at 2 AM in McDonald's one of my friends gave my other friend a big Mac if he let her touch his "firm" butt. He was ravenous, and so he did it. That and he had already eaten a meal, which they only charged him 50 cents for. 50 pence and a butt touch was the theme of that night I suppose. Things got weird. I just ate my snack wrap in peace.
Another night the girls stayed in and had a Mamma Mia sing-a-long. I love my friends. They even complain as much as I do that we're on the third floor of our dorm, which is actually the fourth in England. DAMN 0th floor.
Quick word of advice for people planning to go to Liverpool: Don't try and go get food after 5 PM at pubs. Most of them just serve drinks after then. More specifically, don't get your hopes up for nachos at these places after 5 PM. I did this twice and cried twice.
Our first trip to London was really really enjoyable. We did have to wake up early, though. But at least a lady named Lesley on the train handed out free pens. Highlight of my morning for sure. Okay, but one complaint: the Buckingham Palace guards were behind the gates! I couldn't try to make them laugh or even take a picture with them. That Mary-Kate and Ashley movie "Winning London" is a bunch of bullcrap. They probably paid random people to dress as guards. But I digress.
Upon arrival, before the site-seeing, we went to a science museum. It was weird. There was an exhibit on cravings and on finding who you really are. I learned that different color spoons may affect the taste of your food. Like if it's white, it will be more smooth or something. Might be a load of horseshit, might just be science. We also heard a man talk at Imperial College. He spoke about chemistry. Shocker. Then we had free time.
So I saw Big Ben and the London Eye (a huge ferris wheel that takes a long time to go all the way around). I think you can fit 20 people in each carrying pod. Oh and I just want to give a quick shout out to the elderly people that still hold hands with each other. You melt my heart. Keep doing you.
And we were super American, taking a 5 min-wifi break wherever we could. No shame.
I also almost cried happy tears because this cute little family loved my chalkboard and wanted a picture with it. We were riding on the subway in London called "The Tube". Here's a creepy pic of them my friend Mel got:
I loved every moment of that.
Then on a different day, we went to a pharmaceutical company called Novartis. It is a huge company that creates flu vaccines and many other drugs. We were at the plant that focuses a lot on the vaccines. At one point they split us into groups to tour different parts of the facility. We had limited time, so each group only got specific tours of one part of the plant. I went to the egg incubation unit. Fun fact: a lot of vaccines are made using chicken eggs. They grow the embryo and then inject the virus into it. And somehow the vaccine comes out. I don't know, guess I should've taken notes.
What is hilarious, is that my friend Jordan is afraid of birds, and she came to this part of the plant as well. She doesn't like any stage of a bird's life, be it egg or feathery feathers. We suited up (see picture) and saw how they incubate the eggs, check for embryos, and discard the unwanted/dead eggs. There was a conveyor belt that got rid of some eggs as they passed through. As we watched, we saw the eggs crack and sometimes they had little chicky nugs in them. SO SAD. But it was like a car accident; you couldn't look away.
Okay also they used a system to heat the eggs for incubation called the chick master. Retweet if you cried. Here is all of us at Novartis!
Want to know the best part of my life? My friends keep telling me, "Write that in your blog!" if something funny happens. I love it. And they keep screaming Amy from across the room or restaurant or public area. Why, you may ask. Because they want to make a stupid joke or pretend they are walruses with straws in their mouths, and they know I will laugh. Glad I have that kind of silly reputation. Wouldn't change a thing :)
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
P.S. I am the Walrus - The Beatles.
We went on a tour of the University of Liverpool chemistry building and had a lecture about malaria. It was highly interesting, especially because the tour guide was an Asian man with a half British, half Asian accent. It was everything.
We also decided to create the hashtag #followthelocals. We are so bad at crossing streets here. So might as well follow people who look like they know what they're doing, right? WRONG. Also, one night at 2 AM in McDonald's one of my friends gave my other friend a big Mac if he let her touch his "firm" butt. He was ravenous, and so he did it. That and he had already eaten a meal, which they only charged him 50 cents for. 50 pence and a butt touch was the theme of that night I suppose. Things got weird. I just ate my snack wrap in peace.
Another night the girls stayed in and had a Mamma Mia sing-a-long. I love my friends. They even complain as much as I do that we're on the third floor of our dorm, which is actually the fourth in England. DAMN 0th floor.
Quick word of advice for people planning to go to Liverpool: Don't try and go get food after 5 PM at pubs. Most of them just serve drinks after then. More specifically, don't get your hopes up for nachos at these places after 5 PM. I did this twice and cried twice.
Our first trip to London was really really enjoyable. We did have to wake up early, though. But at least a lady named Lesley on the train handed out free pens. Highlight of my morning for sure. Okay, but one complaint: the Buckingham Palace guards were behind the gates! I couldn't try to make them laugh or even take a picture with them. That Mary-Kate and Ashley movie "Winning London" is a bunch of bullcrap. They probably paid random people to dress as guards. But I digress.
Upon arrival, before the site-seeing, we went to a science museum. It was weird. There was an exhibit on cravings and on finding who you really are. I learned that different color spoons may affect the taste of your food. Like if it's white, it will be more smooth or something. Might be a load of horseshit, might just be science. We also heard a man talk at Imperial College. He spoke about chemistry. Shocker. Then we had free time.
So I saw Big Ben and the London Eye (a huge ferris wheel that takes a long time to go all the way around). I think you can fit 20 people in each carrying pod. Oh and I just want to give a quick shout out to the elderly people that still hold hands with each other. You melt my heart. Keep doing you.
And we were super American, taking a 5 min-wifi break wherever we could. No shame.
I also almost cried happy tears because this cute little family loved my chalkboard and wanted a picture with it. We were riding on the subway in London called "The Tube". Here's a creepy pic of them my friend Mel got:
I loved every moment of that.
Then on a different day, we went to a pharmaceutical company called Novartis. It is a huge company that creates flu vaccines and many other drugs. We were at the plant that focuses a lot on the vaccines. At one point they split us into groups to tour different parts of the facility. We had limited time, so each group only got specific tours of one part of the plant. I went to the egg incubation unit. Fun fact: a lot of vaccines are made using chicken eggs. They grow the embryo and then inject the virus into it. And somehow the vaccine comes out. I don't know, guess I should've taken notes.
What is hilarious, is that my friend Jordan is afraid of birds, and she came to this part of the plant as well. She doesn't like any stage of a bird's life, be it egg or feathery feathers. We suited up (see picture) and saw how they incubate the eggs, check for embryos, and discard the unwanted/dead eggs. There was a conveyor belt that got rid of some eggs as they passed through. As we watched, we saw the eggs crack and sometimes they had little chicky nugs in them. SO SAD. But it was like a car accident; you couldn't look away.
Okay also they used a system to heat the eggs for incubation called the chick master. Retweet if you cried. Here is all of us at Novartis!
Want to know the best part of my life? My friends keep telling me, "Write that in your blog!" if something funny happens. I love it. And they keep screaming Amy from across the room or restaurant or public area. Why, you may ask. Because they want to make a stupid joke or pretend they are walruses with straws in their mouths, and they know I will laugh. Glad I have that kind of silly reputation. Wouldn't change a thing :)
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
P.S. I am the Walrus - The Beatles.
And I'm Proud to be an American
So this girl stops my friend Jordan at the bar the other night (the bar was called Brooklyn bar)...and she asks if we're all American. Why yes, yes we are Jordan says. The girl flipped out. Supposedly it's her dream to be American. She gushed about wanting to go bowling and then having sleepovers with her girlfriends and gossiping about how Becky is just the worst. I think she has quite the basic view of American girls. Quasi-accurate, though. Also, I do not know who Becky is, but this girl had something against her.
GUYS. I went to Wales and love love loved it. First stop was my castle. Lol jk, but we did stop at Conwy Castle. Unfortunately it decided to downpour on us, but the bus driver had extra umbrellas. New best friend!
Not only do I love the animal whales, now I really want to visit the country Wales (is it a country, I don't know) again. The UK is confusing.
I finally got fish and chips for real! They were delicious, but my stomach hurt from the greasy and fried goodness. Worth it. Also, I think my friends and I ate all the ketchup at that restaurant. Not sorry about it. They have lame ketchup portions in their packets here in Europe. STEP IT UP.
Shout out to my home friends because we passed a place while driving called Hong Kong, which is one of the funniest and quirkiest bars in Boston. I miss my frands.
After lunch we came back to our meeting spot in a cute little pier in the town Llandudno of Wales. There was a guy with an owl (named Angel) sitting with our group. Alright, I thought. But Jordan who is still afraid of birds *read last post to understand* could not handle it. It was strange; the owl had bright orange eyes. Never seen anything like it!
Then, a tragedy happened, I lost Mel. She went to go get donuts (these donuts were the best I've ever eaten in my whole life). I told her I'd wait, but I'm the absolute worst and followed the group as I forgot why I had been waiting. I'm a derp sometimes. Anyway, halfway up this hill we were walking I realized I had left Bae behind. Finally, after panicking, she comes up to where we were. PHEW. The head of the Chemistry department almost texted her (she can receive texts without wifi).
She looked so confused, and I asked her why it took so long to get donuts. Supposedly a little child asked her for help to find its mom. LOL. So she was a good samaritan, and she also got her donuts. Good day for Melanie.
We ended up on the top of the hill to catch a cable car to the top of a mountain. It was so cool, even though I'm afraid of heights. At the top I took this picture with Nicole, mind the wind.
It was an all-around exciting and beautiful day. And when we got down the mountain from the cable car, there was a cool hill you could toboggan down. I decided to explore the city instead. I found out when we all met up for the bus that the line for the toboggan had been too long. So my professor felt bad and bought us all alcohol for the bus ride home. I opted for sleep, but regardless, what is this life.
Quote of the day:
"I think Amy's spirit animals wouldn't be able to fit on Noah's ark"- my friend Jake.
He's right...
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
GUYS. I went to Wales and love love loved it. First stop was my castle. Lol jk, but we did stop at Conwy Castle. Unfortunately it decided to downpour on us, but the bus driver had extra umbrellas. New best friend!
Not only do I love the animal whales, now I really want to visit the country Wales (is it a country, I don't know) again. The UK is confusing.
I finally got fish and chips for real! They were delicious, but my stomach hurt from the greasy and fried goodness. Worth it. Also, I think my friends and I ate all the ketchup at that restaurant. Not sorry about it. They have lame ketchup portions in their packets here in Europe. STEP IT UP.
Shout out to my home friends because we passed a place while driving called Hong Kong, which is one of the funniest and quirkiest bars in Boston. I miss my frands.
After lunch we came back to our meeting spot in a cute little pier in the town Llandudno of Wales. There was a guy with an owl (named Angel) sitting with our group. Alright, I thought. But Jordan who is still afraid of birds *read last post to understand* could not handle it. It was strange; the owl had bright orange eyes. Never seen anything like it!
Then, a tragedy happened, I lost Mel. She went to go get donuts (these donuts were the best I've ever eaten in my whole life). I told her I'd wait, but I'm the absolute worst and followed the group as I forgot why I had been waiting. I'm a derp sometimes. Anyway, halfway up this hill we were walking I realized I had left Bae behind. Finally, after panicking, she comes up to where we were. PHEW. The head of the Chemistry department almost texted her (she can receive texts without wifi).
She looked so confused, and I asked her why it took so long to get donuts. Supposedly a little child asked her for help to find its mom. LOL. So she was a good samaritan, and she also got her donuts. Good day for Melanie.
We ended up on the top of the hill to catch a cable car to the top of a mountain. It was so cool, even though I'm afraid of heights. At the top I took this picture with Nicole, mind the wind.
It was an all-around exciting and beautiful day. And when we got down the mountain from the cable car, there was a cool hill you could toboggan down. I decided to explore the city instead. I found out when we all met up for the bus that the line for the toboggan had been too long. So my professor felt bad and bought us all alcohol for the bus ride home. I opted for sleep, but regardless, what is this life.
Quote of the day:
"I think Amy's spirit animals wouldn't be able to fit on Noah's ark"- my friend Jake.
He's right...
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Sleepless in Seattle
Greetings from the Seattle Space Needle, or whatever it's called.
Lol just kidding. But remember how Melanie and I saw the "Eiffel Tower" in Ireland? We found this beauty here in England. And we also saw a place that slightly resembled the Colosseum. So there's that.
We went to such an interesting place yesterday! It's called LSTM: the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. They gave us a talk on various tropical diseases and showed us their labs. Fun fact: they have the largest collection of venomous snakes worldwide. We couldn't get in to see them, but I'm not too upset about it. I like living.
They also gave us highlighters in the shape of injection needles (big syringe-like things). How do they expect me to focus on the lecture when I have this new toy!? I got through it, though. Hold your applause.
After that we headed to lunch at a museum. The museum was free! I love love love free. During lunch, I found my soulmate. She's been here all along. MELANIE. I was going to steal some fries (they say chips in England), and there were 3. I told her, "Don't worry, I'll only take two- I eat in even numbers." She turned her head as fast as I do when my Mom says dinner's ready. She eats in even numbers too. And she puts the TV/radio volume on an even number (just as I do). And she sets her alarm to weird times like 7:46 or 8:22. SAME. So there you have it. Wedding is being planned. Sorry to her boyfriend.
She also said a hilarious thing yesterday after we realized there was not good recycling here in Europe. She's congreenient. She goes green when it's convenient. What a lady.
Besides lunch, we actually went around the museum. It was the most random museum I have ever been to. Exhibits ranged from dinosaurs to Mayan culture to a small aquarium. Very questionable, but interesting at the same time. Later, we went shopping and saw this on the way:
I had to take a picture. Had to. But sad times when you realize that these are far in-between. This is the only one I've seen. And it smelled bad and had broken glass in it. My life is ruined to say the least.
Ahhh, and it rains here in sporadic intervals. Yesterday, I kid you not, it rained for 30 seconds. Like down pour. We all got out our umbrellas and rain jackets just to put them back away. Weird weather I tell you.
Shopping was fun though! We went to thrift shops and saw some interesting clothes that were very much vintage. There were a ton of American college shirts. We joked that it would be unreal if they had Northeastern University. Then they did...
We all cried. Like no one in America knows of our school, why would people here buy that sweatshirt? I was going to buy it because I thought it was fate, but it had a stain...so I thought, hmmm, better not.
Ended off my shopping spree with some chicken fries from Burger King. Life is good my friends.
Later we went out on the town, and we ended out at McDonald's. I seriously hate myself for all I've eaten on this trip. But then again, I'm on vacation. And I can always hit the gym when I get home. Or hit all my favorite Illinois chain restaurants. We'll see.
Anywho, one of the workers at McDonald's had a tattoo that legit said MOM. It was one of those special moments, when I saw it and then made eye contact with him. He knew I appreciated it.
Here's a funny term I heard: Sauvignon blanc out. Like black out. Lols.
I need sleep.
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
Lol just kidding. But remember how Melanie and I saw the "Eiffel Tower" in Ireland? We found this beauty here in England. And we also saw a place that slightly resembled the Colosseum. So there's that.
We went to such an interesting place yesterday! It's called LSTM: the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. They gave us a talk on various tropical diseases and showed us their labs. Fun fact: they have the largest collection of venomous snakes worldwide. We couldn't get in to see them, but I'm not too upset about it. I like living.
They also gave us highlighters in the shape of injection needles (big syringe-like things). How do they expect me to focus on the lecture when I have this new toy!? I got through it, though. Hold your applause.
After that we headed to lunch at a museum. The museum was free! I love love love free. During lunch, I found my soulmate. She's been here all along. MELANIE. I was going to steal some fries (they say chips in England), and there were 3. I told her, "Don't worry, I'll only take two- I eat in even numbers." She turned her head as fast as I do when my Mom says dinner's ready. She eats in even numbers too. And she puts the TV/radio volume on an even number (just as I do). And she sets her alarm to weird times like 7:46 or 8:22. SAME. So there you have it. Wedding is being planned. Sorry to her boyfriend.
She also said a hilarious thing yesterday after we realized there was not good recycling here in Europe. She's congreenient. She goes green when it's convenient. What a lady.
Besides lunch, we actually went around the museum. It was the most random museum I have ever been to. Exhibits ranged from dinosaurs to Mayan culture to a small aquarium. Very questionable, but interesting at the same time. Later, we went shopping and saw this on the way:
I had to take a picture. Had to. But sad times when you realize that these are far in-between. This is the only one I've seen. And it smelled bad and had broken glass in it. My life is ruined to say the least.
Ahhh, and it rains here in sporadic intervals. Yesterday, I kid you not, it rained for 30 seconds. Like down pour. We all got out our umbrellas and rain jackets just to put them back away. Weird weather I tell you.
Shopping was fun though! We went to thrift shops and saw some interesting clothes that were very much vintage. There were a ton of American college shirts. We joked that it would be unreal if they had Northeastern University. Then they did...
Ended off my shopping spree with some chicken fries from Burger King. Life is good my friends.
Later we went out on the town, and we ended out at McDonald's. I seriously hate myself for all I've eaten on this trip. But then again, I'm on vacation. And I can always hit the gym when I get home. Or hit all my favorite Illinois chain restaurants. We'll see.
Anywho, one of the workers at McDonald's had a tattoo that legit said MOM. It was one of those special moments, when I saw it and then made eye contact with him. He knew I appreciated it.
Here's a funny term I heard: Sauvignon blanc out. Like black out. Lols.
I need sleep.
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
I'm Yelling Timber
Ugh. Today we left Ireland.
While we were in line for security at the airport, which took forever, we saw a sign that said "no photos" in English and in Gaelic. The Gaelic part said "grianghrafadóireacht". I don't know why but I loved how long that word was in comparison to "no photos". I told my friend Mel I was going to take a picture of it, and she just gave me that stare. "Amy, you can't take a damn photo. Can't you read?"
Security only got better from there. My friend Jordan and I get through, and we watch as Mel gets stopped by the machine you walk through. We started laughing because she seemed so startled by the beeping sound. This security guard then turns to us and says, "We'll have to check you two as well if you are going to continue to laugh." We stopped.
Fast forward to the airplane. It happened to be a propellor plane. That's right. I might have said a little prayer before I boarded. I was all of a sudden startled to hear Melanie's voice, "Amy, your voice carries like Pocahontas in the wind." Oh. I guess it was a small plane. And I was situated next to my TA Nick and best friend Jordan. Of course it was social hour. Literally, the flight was an hour. But I actually tried to sleep. As soon as we were off the ground the captain announced we were on our initial descent. LOL. Not really, but you can imagine how fast that flight went.
My teacher was looking out the window like a little kid in a candy shop: smile on face, excited for the rockiness that the propellors were going to bring. Don't ask me why he was so happy.
After landing and being in England for an hour, I already knew I'm going to move here. Kids still wear healies. You know, the shoes from the 90s/00s that had wheels. Stellar.
Quick shout out to my friend Jackson on the trip for secretly reading and talking about my blog to other people. I find out all, and was so happy to hear this :)
Anywho, we were all starving after the flight and the one hour bus ride to the campus of the University of Liverpool, where we are staying. As a group, we went to lunch at a nice Italian place. I got lasagne for the fiftieth time this trip, no regrets.
All of a sudden this happens:
This is the head of the chemistry department at Northeastern, buying us toilet paper because the dorm didn't give us any. We all cried. He's the man.
Besides that, we just chilled and went to an Asian take out place to get food when dinner rolled around. My fried rice was dry. Guess I came to the wrong continent for Asian food. Oh well.
Gotta go to the loo now!
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy engl(andes)
While we were in line for security at the airport, which took forever, we saw a sign that said "no photos" in English and in Gaelic. The Gaelic part said "grianghrafadóireacht". I don't know why but I loved how long that word was in comparison to "no photos". I told my friend Mel I was going to take a picture of it, and she just gave me that stare. "Amy, you can't take a damn photo. Can't you read?"
Security only got better from there. My friend Jordan and I get through, and we watch as Mel gets stopped by the machine you walk through. We started laughing because she seemed so startled by the beeping sound. This security guard then turns to us and says, "We'll have to check you two as well if you are going to continue to laugh." We stopped.
Fast forward to the airplane. It happened to be a propellor plane. That's right. I might have said a little prayer before I boarded. I was all of a sudden startled to hear Melanie's voice, "Amy, your voice carries like Pocahontas in the wind." Oh. I guess it was a small plane. And I was situated next to my TA Nick and best friend Jordan. Of course it was social hour. Literally, the flight was an hour. But I actually tried to sleep. As soon as we were off the ground the captain announced we were on our initial descent. LOL. Not really, but you can imagine how fast that flight went.
My teacher was looking out the window like a little kid in a candy shop: smile on face, excited for the rockiness that the propellors were going to bring. Don't ask me why he was so happy.
After landing and being in England for an hour, I already knew I'm going to move here. Kids still wear healies. You know, the shoes from the 90s/00s that had wheels. Stellar.
Quick shout out to my friend Jackson on the trip for secretly reading and talking about my blog to other people. I find out all, and was so happy to hear this :)
Anywho, we were all starving after the flight and the one hour bus ride to the campus of the University of Liverpool, where we are staying. As a group, we went to lunch at a nice Italian place. I got lasagne for the fiftieth time this trip, no regrets.
All of a sudden this happens:
This is the head of the chemistry department at Northeastern, buying us toilet paper because the dorm didn't give us any. We all cried. He's the man.
Besides that, we just chilled and went to an Asian take out place to get food when dinner rolled around. My fried rice was dry. Guess I came to the wrong continent for Asian food. Oh well.
Gotta go to the loo now!
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy engl(andes)
Monday, July 27, 2015
Tennis Ratchet
Oops. We went on the pub crawl again. Well, we tried. You see, they let you go as many times for free, as long as you paid the first time and still have the wristband. We didn't go as early, though, so we had no clue which pub the group was at. So my friends and I went to a place called Whelan's.
Nicole and I convinced these 3 guys that our alter egos were Brandi (me) and Mandi (her). It was a riot. They bought us some drinks, and we schmoozed with them for the night. It was also national tequila day, so we celebrated. OMG and Nicole found out that her niece had been born! We were all so happy and cheers-ed to that. But then things got ratch.
We exited Whelan's and went to some bar that the guys said was fun. Little did we know we had to be at least 28 to get in. Our friends were 31. Ah. Like why are you going to clubs when you're that old? I don't know. It was weird. But they didn't want to leave us, so we went to our favorite place, Dicey's, for the third and last (thank the lord) time. Mandi decided that she wanted to make out with two of the three guys we were with. And she did. While the first one was getting a drink, the other one pounced. Interestingly enough, the other guy comes back and was hella angry. 28 years of friendship, and still fighting over a random girl you meet. Classic. Me and the 3rd guy were just very amused.
But hallelujah that all ended when we found our guy friends from the trip! They saved us from the oldies, and we danced the night away. As we were leaving to go, the sticky floor got the better of me. My shoe broke. I walked to the taxi with one bare foot. Call me Brandi with an "i". I felt ratchet as fuck.
But the next night my best friends on the trip and I all looked classy :)
That's Nicole, me, Melanie, and Jordan. The four of us have had so much fun! In the picture, we were at a going away dinner for the last night in Ireland. It was at a cute place called the Old Punch Bowl. We had a room upstairs (see picture), and we even had an open bar for an hour. It's funny, though, because you give a ton of students free booze, and they'll end up doing what we did: maxing the tab before the hour was up. Oops.
It was all water from then on.
My friends and I thought it was going to be a far walk to get to this place from our dorm, so we got an uber. It ended up being so close, and we were embarrassed for not just walking. LOL, no regrets.
My favorite part was the odd music that happened to play during dinner. I heard my old favorite song "Halo" by Beyonce (sorry mom and dad for bugging you with constantly repeating this song on long car rides). Also, some waitresses sang us a few songs that were modern and some Irish folk songs. They had amazing voices. Lastly, we all sang some karaoke. There was a range from Taylor Swift to Adele to Frozen. Amazing night.
My friend Benjy got up to sing and was moving around as he got to a rap verse. He by accident slapped a waitress, and wine glasses that she was holding shattered on the floor. I died. That was sort of the buzz kill that made us leave the restaurant. Before that, Benjy, Jordan, and I sang "All I Want For Christmas" by Mariah Carey. We're all Jewish. Great night.
Great day as well, before dinner. We walked around the city. Unfortunately it was raining, so we didn't spend as much time taking pictures or leisurely strolling as we had hoped. We did find the tart place I mentioned earlier, Queen of Tarts. It was phenomenal. I got blueberry cheesecake that was in a cute heart shape and an apple crisp. Go big or go home!
Then we walked around and got souvenirs. I bought a hat that says "Irish Drinking Team" with a bottle opener on the rim. I am winning at life. And then we were all sort of hungry again, so my stomach led me to Boojum and the rest of the gang followed. I got my last Boojum burrito. Sad times. It was amazing, though.
Ireland was beyond words. Besides the crappy weather for most of it, I had the best 3 weeks. I hope England and Switzerland rock my world too!
Be back later, gotta go exchange my euros for pounds. Womp.
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
Nicole and I convinced these 3 guys that our alter egos were Brandi (me) and Mandi (her). It was a riot. They bought us some drinks, and we schmoozed with them for the night. It was also national tequila day, so we celebrated. OMG and Nicole found out that her niece had been born! We were all so happy and cheers-ed to that. But then things got ratch.
We exited Whelan's and went to some bar that the guys said was fun. Little did we know we had to be at least 28 to get in. Our friends were 31. Ah. Like why are you going to clubs when you're that old? I don't know. It was weird. But they didn't want to leave us, so we went to our favorite place, Dicey's, for the third and last (thank the lord) time. Mandi decided that she wanted to make out with two of the three guys we were with. And she did. While the first one was getting a drink, the other one pounced. Interestingly enough, the other guy comes back and was hella angry. 28 years of friendship, and still fighting over a random girl you meet. Classic. Me and the 3rd guy were just very amused.
But hallelujah that all ended when we found our guy friends from the trip! They saved us from the oldies, and we danced the night away. As we were leaving to go, the sticky floor got the better of me. My shoe broke. I walked to the taxi with one bare foot. Call me Brandi with an "i". I felt ratchet as fuck.
But the next night my best friends on the trip and I all looked classy :)
It was all water from then on.
My favorite part was the odd music that happened to play during dinner. I heard my old favorite song "Halo" by Beyonce (sorry mom and dad for bugging you with constantly repeating this song on long car rides). Also, some waitresses sang us a few songs that were modern and some Irish folk songs. They had amazing voices. Lastly, we all sang some karaoke. There was a range from Taylor Swift to Adele to Frozen. Amazing night.
My friend Benjy got up to sing and was moving around as he got to a rap verse. He by accident slapped a waitress, and wine glasses that she was holding shattered on the floor. I died. That was sort of the buzz kill that made us leave the restaurant. Before that, Benjy, Jordan, and I sang "All I Want For Christmas" by Mariah Carey. We're all Jewish. Great night.
Great day as well, before dinner. We walked around the city. Unfortunately it was raining, so we didn't spend as much time taking pictures or leisurely strolling as we had hoped. We did find the tart place I mentioned earlier, Queen of Tarts. It was phenomenal. I got blueberry cheesecake that was in a cute heart shape and an apple crisp. Go big or go home!
Then we walked around and got souvenirs. I bought a hat that says "Irish Drinking Team" with a bottle opener on the rim. I am winning at life. And then we were all sort of hungry again, so my stomach led me to Boojum and the rest of the gang followed. I got my last Boojum burrito. Sad times. It was amazing, though.
Ireland was beyond words. Besides the crappy weather for most of it, I had the best 3 weeks. I hope England and Switzerland rock my world too!
Be back later, gotta go exchange my euros for pounds. Womp.
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
Please sir, can I have some Moher?
Weirdest thing. We had the same tour bus two days in a row, and this boy Marco found his hat on it the second day. He had thought he lost it. Yay, so happy for him.
Anywho, we took a trip to the cliffs of Moher last weekend. It was a long haul to get there, but so so worth it. I got a million great pictures, and also a ton of steps from climbing various rocks and avoiding cow poop on the paths. On the way there I peered out the window and saw so many cows. They were either mating, achieving homeostasis (peeing), or just grazing with RBF (resting bitch face). Cows are like humans.
The bus driver also gave us facts along the way, and he showed us the ancestral home of Barack Obama. It just happens to be in bumblefuck Ireland. Who would've guessed?!
Here you see Nicole and I pretending to fall from the cliffs. But don't worry folks, I still have my chalkboard. It reads "Just One Moher Picture". I'll let you in on a secret...we weren't supposed to climb this wall. But you know, gotta do it for the picture. After two hours at the cliffs, on a beautiful and actually sunny day, we headed back to the bus. On the way home, we stopped at a place called Burren- pronounced burn. I really have no clue why we went there, but it's just a ton of limestone everywhere. Fun fact: limestone absorbs heat, so it was actually warm to sit on. 'Twas pleasant. I got out my chalk, of course.
That water in the picture is the Atlantic Ocean! It was relaxing to be by the water and away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Dublin.
I decided to get creative with the chalk though, and we found the flattest and biggest rockiest rock and did this:
It says "Northeastern Chemistry 2015". Our chaperones want it to be on the school homepage- like other pictures of study abroad programs. I wouldn't mind seeing my face every time I logged on. It's funny, my face is actually up in one of the main buildings on campus. I'm making liquid nitrogen ice cream in it (for chemistry club), and it looks awesome. I always tell my friends to meet me by my face. They roll their eyes. (and do it anyway)
Back to Ireland, though, we went back on the bus and took a quick pit stop an hour later. When I went to the bathroom, I found grass in my underwear. Thank you nature.
The biggest miracle was when the air conditioning finally turned on in the back of the bus. I finally stopped sweating for a second and got some sleep. Too much info? I don't care. It was a crammed bus with a ton of crabby/hungry students. And it was a four hour bus ride. Vom.
As we pulled off the highway, I saw a guy peeing on the side of the road, on the grass. Only in Ireland?
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
Anywho, we took a trip to the cliffs of Moher last weekend. It was a long haul to get there, but so so worth it. I got a million great pictures, and also a ton of steps from climbing various rocks and avoiding cow poop on the paths. On the way there I peered out the window and saw so many cows. They were either mating, achieving homeostasis (peeing), or just grazing with RBF (resting bitch face). Cows are like humans.
The bus driver also gave us facts along the way, and he showed us the ancestral home of Barack Obama. It just happens to be in bumblefuck Ireland. Who would've guessed?!
That water in the picture is the Atlantic Ocean! It was relaxing to be by the water and away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Dublin.
I decided to get creative with the chalk though, and we found the flattest and biggest rockiest rock and did this:
Back to Ireland, though, we went back on the bus and took a quick pit stop an hour later. When I went to the bathroom, I found grass in my underwear. Thank you nature.
The biggest miracle was when the air conditioning finally turned on in the back of the bus. I finally stopped sweating for a second and got some sleep. Too much info? I don't care. It was a crammed bus with a ton of crabby/hungry students. And it was a four hour bus ride. Vom.
As we pulled off the highway, I saw a guy peeing on the side of the road, on the grass. Only in Ireland?
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
Pregnant Ant Coming Through!
On this trip we've been going through lab tours of many different companies. We went to BMS (Bristol-Myers Squibb) the other day for a session about their main pharmaceutical plant in Ireland. They make many medicines including Abilify (which is the only one I recognized from TV ads).
Our tour guide's name was Barry, and he was such a nice fella. OMG we were not even allowed to have phones. I cried because I wanted to take a picture to show all of you my get-up for the tour. We had to wear special shoes, goggles, and hard hats. It was intense. The first part of the tour was Barry telling us more about BMS (which, for the youngens out there, I couldn't stop thinking about Blue Mountain State). He kept saying the words "third party manufacturer", but pronounced third like turd. TURD PARTY. Woop woop. Wow, I'm five years old. Sorry.
Probably my favorite part of the first section of the tour was when my friend Kaila raises her hand and told Barry that there was a wing reproductive (Aka a pregnant ant) on the window. She is super into insects and actually studies in a chemistry lab that handles insects. Anyway, Barry removed the wing reproductive from the building and all was well.
The second part of the tour was just 2 men explaining processes in the plant. I felt like if I touched anything in the plant there would be an explosion. So I was a good girl and kept my hands to myself.
On the bus ride back I spotted a Montessori school. Freaking throwback. I went there for daycare, preschool, and every day after kindergarten got out. I lost my first tooth there, overslept at naptime, and oh, I one time got in trouble for telling someone I'd give them a knuckle sandwich if they cut me in line for lunch. I haven't changed.
Also this shirt is just the best. Don't mind the face. My TA Nick thought it said Le Barbara. No, just no.
People have started calling me lebarbara now though. Actually, just him...
Okay the other day my friend Nicole and I ordered falafel. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE. First off, we gave them the number of our friend who has data, so they could call. But then he ran out of data, so we asked the TAs (who have data) to call and see where our food was. It was an ordeal. Finally when we found the guy, he did not seem impressed. My friend was like, "Sorry, we're American; our phones don't work!" *face palm* Never apologize for being American. God bless.
The falafel tasted fine but...we ordered baklava as dessert. It tasted like fake grape flavoring. We both couldn't get the taste out of our mouths. Disgusting. Can't order baklava again for a while.
From now on, falafel < naptime. I could have napped instead of enduring that "falafel fiasco", if you will. Ah, you want to hear about another bad food experience? The other day I ordered lasagne at a restaurant, and they were out. The end. Game over. Amy sad. But I got nachos (I ordered them without jalapeños because both me and Melanie- who split it with me- don't like spicy things). The fricken put jalapeños on it. Cool. I wanted to casually throw them at our waitress, who didn't like us anyway.
BIG NEWS: I decided Miley Cyrus needs a new tour title. Instead of the Bangerz tour, she should tour Ireland and call it the Bangerz and Mash tour. People would be obsessed. I didn't eat bangers and mash because I don't really like sausage, but I heard good reviews.
Lastly, an umbrella is called a brolly in England. That is all.
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
Our tour guide's name was Barry, and he was such a nice fella. OMG we were not even allowed to have phones. I cried because I wanted to take a picture to show all of you my get-up for the tour. We had to wear special shoes, goggles, and hard hats. It was intense. The first part of the tour was Barry telling us more about BMS (which, for the youngens out there, I couldn't stop thinking about Blue Mountain State). He kept saying the words "third party manufacturer", but pronounced third like turd. TURD PARTY. Woop woop. Wow, I'm five years old. Sorry.
Probably my favorite part of the first section of the tour was when my friend Kaila raises her hand and told Barry that there was a wing reproductive (Aka a pregnant ant) on the window. She is super into insects and actually studies in a chemistry lab that handles insects. Anyway, Barry removed the wing reproductive from the building and all was well.
The second part of the tour was just 2 men explaining processes in the plant. I felt like if I touched anything in the plant there would be an explosion. So I was a good girl and kept my hands to myself.
On the bus ride back I spotted a Montessori school. Freaking throwback. I went there for daycare, preschool, and every day after kindergarten got out. I lost my first tooth there, overslept at naptime, and oh, I one time got in trouble for telling someone I'd give them a knuckle sandwich if they cut me in line for lunch. I haven't changed.
People have started calling me lebarbara now though. Actually, just him...
Okay the other day my friend Nicole and I ordered falafel. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE. First off, we gave them the number of our friend who has data, so they could call. But then he ran out of data, so we asked the TAs (who have data) to call and see where our food was. It was an ordeal. Finally when we found the guy, he did not seem impressed. My friend was like, "Sorry, we're American; our phones don't work!" *face palm* Never apologize for being American. God bless.
The falafel tasted fine but...we ordered baklava as dessert. It tasted like fake grape flavoring. We both couldn't get the taste out of our mouths. Disgusting. Can't order baklava again for a while.
From now on, falafel < naptime. I could have napped instead of enduring that "falafel fiasco", if you will. Ah, you want to hear about another bad food experience? The other day I ordered lasagne at a restaurant, and they were out. The end. Game over. Amy sad. But I got nachos (I ordered them without jalapeños because both me and Melanie- who split it with me- don't like spicy things). The fricken put jalapeños on it. Cool. I wanted to casually throw them at our waitress, who didn't like us anyway.
BIG NEWS: I decided Miley Cyrus needs a new tour title. Instead of the Bangerz tour, she should tour Ireland and call it the Bangerz and Mash tour. People would be obsessed. I didn't eat bangers and mash because I don't really like sausage, but I heard good reviews.
Lastly, an umbrella is called a brolly in England. That is all.
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Quota
I'd like to take a moment to appreciate some stellar quotes from the past few days here in Ireland.
"You can get a DUI from cycling"
"If you kill someone on a bike it's called manic cycling"
"Can cows gallop?"
"My spirit animal is a juice box"
"If tomato is a fruit, is ketchup a smoothie?"
And my favorite, besides the juice box one, someone also called me their spirit animal. *tears up* I'd like to thank the academy.
Okay also here's a few more English words to get you through your life:
old dot= mum
kip= nap (I am going to start using this a ton, mostly because I nap all the time)
---
I got really excited the other day because a street performer sang the song Who Knew by P!nk. Me and 2 of my best friends in high school (Kelsey and Jayne) sang that for a talent show/Showcase. Our band was called 'Til Tomorrow, and we rocked. Those harmonies were amazing. We did In My Head an Telephone other years. Love those girls. And I love being reminded of little things from high school or pre-college in general.
OMG hallelujah. Ring those bells. My organic chemistry 3 class is over. I finished my test this week (hence why I haven't really been posting- sorry to my fans). HUGE EFFING SHOUTOUT TO MY TA NICK. He answered tons of my annoying questions about syntheses and how to do science in general. Here he is getting hype about science:
Lolzzzz. What a gem. Anywho, I also treated myself afterward.
Also, upon a random brain blast, I realized that my new best friend Melanie (from the trip) and her boyfriend Fred have the same names as my aunt Melanie and Uncle Fred. Cool beans, I know. We were excited about it.
Oh. I forgot to mention, I was trying to be cool and cut to the front on my bike tour a few days ago, but the street narrowed, and I braised my leg on the curb. I was fine. A little scarred by the rickety sound my bike made. It was literally right before the end of the tour. Glad I made it through. But the really funny part is that after we dismounted our bikes, one of the tour guides that had been our caboose came up to me and asked how my leg was doing. She saw me hit the curb and thought my previous wound from falling during a run (read old post about that for further detail) was the cut I got from the curb. LOL. I had to explain to her that I ate shit during my first week here. She laughed.
I cried.
Galway, Ireland my friends. Long ass bus ride. We were supposed to go to some art and music festival, but we couldn't find it once we got off the bus. So, of course, we found our favorite burrito chain, Boojum. It opened at 12. We were there at 12. Love at first bite. Sadly that was like the highlight of my day. That and we went to a pub to sit and relax (because we were bored), and the bartender gave us free shots. They tasted like appletinis! And they had free wifi. So much win.
Lastly, I'm sure I've mentioned the running joke my friend Melanie and I have about this radio tower that we call the Eiffel Tower every time we pass it. Well, our friend told us that on Yik Yak (an app where you post random comments anonymously) someone wrote something along the lines of "these girls think the Eiffel Tower is in Dublin. Wow". THAT'S US. We are not dumb, brother. We just like to make jokes. That is that.
Also, the other day we had a tour of the UCD (our campus) labs. They were so clean and nice. And my friends and I looked like Dr. Evil from Austin Powers with our weird lab coats. See below.
For now there's less chemistry happening and more sightseeing. Happy times call for happy hours!
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
"You can get a DUI from cycling"
"If you kill someone on a bike it's called manic cycling"
"Can cows gallop?"
"My spirit animal is a juice box"
"If tomato is a fruit, is ketchup a smoothie?"
And my favorite, besides the juice box one, someone also called me their spirit animal. *tears up* I'd like to thank the academy.
Okay also here's a few more English words to get you through your life:
old dot= mum
kip= nap (I am going to start using this a ton, mostly because I nap all the time)
---
I got really excited the other day because a street performer sang the song Who Knew by P!nk. Me and 2 of my best friends in high school (Kelsey and Jayne) sang that for a talent show/Showcase. Our band was called 'Til Tomorrow, and we rocked. Those harmonies were amazing. We did In My Head an Telephone other years. Love those girls. And I love being reminded of little things from high school or pre-college in general.
OMG hallelujah. Ring those bells. My organic chemistry 3 class is over. I finished my test this week (hence why I haven't really been posting- sorry to my fans). HUGE EFFING SHOUTOUT TO MY TA NICK. He answered tons of my annoying questions about syntheses and how to do science in general. Here he is getting hype about science:
Lolzzzz. What a gem. Anywho, I also treated myself afterward.
Also, upon a random brain blast, I realized that my new best friend Melanie (from the trip) and her boyfriend Fred have the same names as my aunt Melanie and Uncle Fred. Cool beans, I know. We were excited about it.
Oh. I forgot to mention, I was trying to be cool and cut to the front on my bike tour a few days ago, but the street narrowed, and I braised my leg on the curb. I was fine. A little scarred by the rickety sound my bike made. It was literally right before the end of the tour. Glad I made it through. But the really funny part is that after we dismounted our bikes, one of the tour guides that had been our caboose came up to me and asked how my leg was doing. She saw me hit the curb and thought my previous wound from falling during a run (read old post about that for further detail) was the cut I got from the curb. LOL. I had to explain to her that I ate shit during my first week here. She laughed.
I cried.
Galway, Ireland my friends. Long ass bus ride. We were supposed to go to some art and music festival, but we couldn't find it once we got off the bus. So, of course, we found our favorite burrito chain, Boojum. It opened at 12. We were there at 12. Love at first bite. Sadly that was like the highlight of my day. That and we went to a pub to sit and relax (because we were bored), and the bartender gave us free shots. They tasted like appletinis! And they had free wifi. So much win.
Lastly, I'm sure I've mentioned the running joke my friend Melanie and I have about this radio tower that we call the Eiffel Tower every time we pass it. Well, our friend told us that on Yik Yak (an app where you post random comments anonymously) someone wrote something along the lines of "these girls think the Eiffel Tower is in Dublin. Wow". THAT'S US. We are not dumb, brother. We just like to make jokes. That is that.
Also, the other day we had a tour of the UCD (our campus) labs. They were so clean and nice. And my friends and I looked like Dr. Evil from Austin Powers with our weird lab coats. See below.
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Boojum-y in my Tummy
Hold on. *heave* Still catching my breath from the 7-mile bike tour I went on yesterday.
In actuality, it was awesome and not too strenuous. My friend Benjy is a bike tourguide in Boston, so he really worked hard to make sure we could find a bike tour in Dublin. There were nine of us that wanted to go. Other reasons for not going were most likely to sleep in, so I'm proud of myself for getting up and making the most of my trip.
I was that one girl that made everyone line up for a picture. You know what, though? I don't mind being annoying as long as I can look back and have the picture saved as a memory. It's worth being irritating to everyone for 4 seconds of their life. They'll thank me later. They always do.
So we finally begin our tour, and for some reason I could not restart pedaling for the life of me after one of the stoplights turned green. I tried so hard I made a struggling noise. An old lady on the sidewalk next to me laughed. Sorry I haven't been on a real bike (not ones at the gym) since like high school. Little did I know, however, that my bike was on the highest gear. When I figured that out and fixed it to the easiest gear, it was smooth sailing. Too bad it was after a rigorous part of our journey... FML.
I sort of fangirled over our tourguide, Brian. He not only told us to bunch up like grapes; he called my girlfriends and I beautiful grapes. Never have I been so speechless after a compliment. I hope I'm a red grape. Anywho, he also pointed out the best nachos and burritos in Dublin. He's a man after my heart I tell ya. OMG how can I forget! He also told us of a good tart place: Queen of Tarts. YUMMO. Oh and at one point he mentioned Chicago, Illinois. I almost fell off my bike. He looked at me because I was causing a commotion (too much state pride). "That's where I'm from!" I said. He didn't seem too enthused. Oh well. Still proud.
He brought us around to a ton of places my friends and I had wanted to find in Dublin such as Dublin castle. And we went through a touristy area called Temple Bar. He said it was so hipsterfied that people drink coffee out of bell peppers. I cried. Soon we passed a famous club that a drag queen owns called "Panty Bliss". Not going there, but it looked lovely.
I got some great chalkboard photos in front of famous places like St. Patrick's Cathedral. Oh and this picture is a gem:
If you can't read it, it says Amy where I'm pointing, and it also says sexy. 100% accurate. This cute wall was in an alleyway called Love Lane. So adorable.
We passed another interestingly named place, well, actually it was a building called Tube in a Cube. It really looked like a tube in a cube. See picture- featuring my friend Benjy because he wouldn't get out of the damn way.
It wouldn't be a Dublin bike tour without taking a rest stop at a pub. This is not real life. I didn't get a drink, but I schmoozed and used their wifi to look up where the burrito place was that Brian mentioned. All of my friends and I had our hearts and stomachs set on those burritos.
We finally ended our tour near the River Liffey. There is a huge bridge that looks like a harp. And guess what?! They've actually made music from it. I'm sure it sounded a bit like a whale, but regardless, it has been done. Go Dublin!
We all said farewell and thanks to Brian, my love. But, it was now burrito time. The place was a little tricky to find, but when we got there, it was as if my life would never be the same.
Boojum. No idea what the name means. But to me, it means the best burrito I have ever eaten in my entire life, at a student rate of only $5.75 (in euros). I even tried their guac. Unreal. And I don't mess with guac because I don't like the texture or taste. Boojum addict over here.
All my friends and I agreed that we won at life after a successful bike ride and obtaining boojum food babies. I napped happy yesterday.
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
In actuality, it was awesome and not too strenuous. My friend Benjy is a bike tourguide in Boston, so he really worked hard to make sure we could find a bike tour in Dublin. There were nine of us that wanted to go. Other reasons for not going were most likely to sleep in, so I'm proud of myself for getting up and making the most of my trip.
So we finally begin our tour, and for some reason I could not restart pedaling for the life of me after one of the stoplights turned green. I tried so hard I made a struggling noise. An old lady on the sidewalk next to me laughed. Sorry I haven't been on a real bike (not ones at the gym) since like high school. Little did I know, however, that my bike was on the highest gear. When I figured that out and fixed it to the easiest gear, it was smooth sailing. Too bad it was after a rigorous part of our journey... FML.
I sort of fangirled over our tourguide, Brian. He not only told us to bunch up like grapes; he called my girlfriends and I beautiful grapes. Never have I been so speechless after a compliment. I hope I'm a red grape. Anywho, he also pointed out the best nachos and burritos in Dublin. He's a man after my heart I tell ya. OMG how can I forget! He also told us of a good tart place: Queen of Tarts. YUMMO. Oh and at one point he mentioned Chicago, Illinois. I almost fell off my bike. He looked at me because I was causing a commotion (too much state pride). "That's where I'm from!" I said. He didn't seem too enthused. Oh well. Still proud.
He brought us around to a ton of places my friends and I had wanted to find in Dublin such as Dublin castle. And we went through a touristy area called Temple Bar. He said it was so hipsterfied that people drink coffee out of bell peppers. I cried. Soon we passed a famous club that a drag queen owns called "Panty Bliss". Not going there, but it looked lovely.
I got some great chalkboard photos in front of famous places like St. Patrick's Cathedral. Oh and this picture is a gem:
We passed another interestingly named place, well, actually it was a building called Tube in a Cube. It really looked like a tube in a cube. See picture- featuring my friend Benjy because he wouldn't get out of the damn way.
It wouldn't be a Dublin bike tour without taking a rest stop at a pub. This is not real life. I didn't get a drink, but I schmoozed and used their wifi to look up where the burrito place was that Brian mentioned. All of my friends and I had our hearts and stomachs set on those burritos.
We finally ended our tour near the River Liffey. There is a huge bridge that looks like a harp. And guess what?! They've actually made music from it. I'm sure it sounded a bit like a whale, but regardless, it has been done. Go Dublin!
We all said farewell and thanks to Brian, my love. But, it was now burrito time. The place was a little tricky to find, but when we got there, it was as if my life would never be the same.
Boojum. No idea what the name means. But to me, it means the best burrito I have ever eaten in my entire life, at a student rate of only $5.75 (in euros). I even tried their guac. Unreal. And I don't mess with guac because I don't like the texture or taste. Boojum addict over here.
All my friends and I agreed that we won at life after a successful bike ride and obtaining boojum food babies. I napped happy yesterday.
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
This Wifi Is A Lie-fi
Props for the clever title goes to my friend Melanie.
Woooooo, go me. I did laundry in Ireland. Wasn't as difficult as I thought. I prepared myself (my mom prepared me) with tide pods and dryer sheets galore. Only issue I had was creating the correct change for the machines. My friends were very helpful with lending 20 cents here and there. And guess what?! The machines actually dried my clothes. Unlike Northeastern's drying machines. But hey, who doesn't like laying all their damp clothes around their room to dry?
One weird thing happened, though. My friends and I pressed the same method to dry, and my machine said 45 minutes as theirs said 75 minutes. I have stopped asking questions when life throws these curveballs.
After laundry, we went to a football game! And by that I mean soccer. We went to a soccer game. It was our school (UCD) against Liverpool-where we go next week! How exciting!!!! UCD lost, but it's okay...they had cute players. My friends and I called one of them Ed Sheeran because he was the token ginger. I spent more time in line for ice cream and commentating on the players than watching the game. It's called "footie" in England. Just another fun fact handed over to me by Ricky. Oh Ricky. The common consensus from my friends is to marry him. It's not the right timing, I'm afraid, to drop everything and move to England- where he lives. Maybe in a few years...
Anywho, the girls who I've become close with on this trip decided to go to a Korean place for dinner. I was very experimental and actually tried something besides fried rice. It was called Japchae or something. Then I got my fave thing: mochi. It was raspberry flavored. I thought it would come with like four mochi balls, but it only came with one, cut in half. Sad times.
That night we had a really unique experience on the bus ride home. All of a sudden the bus turned off at a random stop. The bus driver comes upstairs (it's double decker, and we always sit on top because we think we're cool), and he looks at us and then goes to the back of the bus and yells at this guy who we hadn't noticed was there. He was sleeping. The bus driver yelled at the man to wake up and pay attention to when he was getting off. Then he asked us on the way back which one of us was that guy's girlfriend. And whoever she was better keep him in line. We died. Later on we turn around, and the man is sleeping yet again. Finally he wakes up and stumbles toward the stairs. He stops right by where we were sitting and tried to say something. He was drunk. Great. After a while he made his way downstairs and went on with life. But hey, good for him for being able to get home at 9 on a Sunday, plastered.
Then for some reason we decided to go out on a Monday (the next night), to the same club place as last week: Dicey's. It was more outrageous than on Friday. Mostly because there were discounts on food and drinks. This one girl got her ID taken away because she was 17. The legal drinking age here is 18. Like girl, you should be at home sleeping. When I was seventeen, I didn't know what alcohol was.. Woof.
When I got to one point in the line *yes there was a line on a Monday*, this bouncer asked why I was so smiley. I thought about it and literally told him I didn't know. Life is good. He rolled his eyes. Sorry dude, but I'm telling the truth. Whenever someone mentions my big smile, I think about my big Haley (from my sorority). I miss her and her huge smile so much!
Anyway, back to the scene. I met a guy who begged me to check out his mixtape. I kid you not. He wanted me to download soundcloud (similar to spotify) and check out his song "Gettin in the zone". I did the next day, and my friends and I were unimpressed. Too much autotune. Safe to say his mixtape wasn't fire.
Besides that I was really happy because they played my song Cheerleader again, and they played Red Hot Chili Peppers! Not your average club song. I ain't complaining though. Love me some RHCP.
However, I'm going to go on a tangent and complain about one thing. My salad that I keep getting for lunch at this on-campus eatery legitimately has 3 pieces of lettuce. Please sir, can I have some more? All I consume during my salad eating is the chicken, croutons, cheese, and bacon. I do not know why they put bacon on Caesar salad. Again, no questions asked when in Ireland.
Besides my lack of greens in the salad, at least Ireland is so green and gorgeous to look at. See, I'm looking at it. And I seem to be enjoying myself right?
I leave you with my favorite (most basic) quote from the past few days:
"If I went to jail, I'd ask them to put a filter on my mugshot"
Retweet if you cried.
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
Monday, July 20, 2015
Ode to Pringles
The bus did not show up at 6:30 AM. Let me just tell you, there were some VERY unhappy campers that morning. Angry Amy included.
So what do we do when the bus doesn't show up until 9 AM? We quote spongebob in a parking lot. I love my life. Another high point was when Centra (our favorite on-campus grocery store) opened up at 7. I bought pringles and water. After a long night out, no judgement was passed. I'm going to give you a little spoiler, our trip to Belfast did not even go to Belfast. We passed through. -.-
I sat on the bus mostly just listening to music and eating my pringles, pondering life. The usual. I was also trying not to vomit. I get car sick, but also I drank way too much the night before. But if we're going to be technical, it was the same morning. Ugh! Also, we discovered that 1) you can't have just a few pringles and 2) pringles make you more hungry.
We passed by a ton of wildlife, but I was mostly intrigued by the sheep. Each farm we passed had sheep with a different color painted on their back/neck area. Still got to research that one.
You can see the sheep sort of have a blue stain on them. It's so cult-y. It makes me feel like the farmers call a certain color, and no one else can use it. I'd choose periwinkle. But I only have sheila the sheep (see old post).
The day was so interesting, but a lot of time was spent napping on the bus. We went way north in Ireland. They started only accepting pounds as money. 'Twas unfortunate. None of us have exchanged our money for pounds yet because England is next week. I used my card to buy a delicious steak burger. No regrets.
We went to a rope bridge, which was interesting because I'm really afraid of heights. The driver told us about how precarious it was. This driver is a jerk. We got to the bridge (after I almost turned around from my anxiety about the heights), and it was literally the easiest thing. No danger was really present. No trolls were found.
Later in the day we went to the Giant's Causeway. It's a ton of rock formations that are hexagons. So pretty, and very mystical. I brought out my chalk and started writing on some of the rocks.
I'm not one for graffiti, but it was a necessary thing to do. I also have been taking tons of pictures with my chalkboard. It's a hassle to lug around, but definitely worth it. After I took a picture with my chalkboard, I later found out that a little girl had seen me and got really excited. My friend told me that her dad asked if she had wanted to talk to "the girl with the chalkboard". She was too shy though. I would have loved that moment like none other. If only she had come up to me, I would have had her write something and taken a non-creepy picture with her. Glad my weird chalkboard is getting noticed.
On the way home, the driver put on a video about the potato famine. I fell asleep within 20 seconds. Not sorry about it.
For dinner we got our third round of Pizza Hut (219.50 euros) compliments of the Chem department again. I devoured a good chunk of pizza. Pizza is life.
And some weird things I've noticed in Ireland:
-lots of blue cars
-people walk on the other side of the sidewalk similar to how they drive on the other side of the street (very confusing for tourists...we get a lot of frowning people staring at us)
-Dublin reminds me of the word dubloon. A currency used by neopets pirates.
That is all.
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
So what do we do when the bus doesn't show up until 9 AM? We quote spongebob in a parking lot. I love my life. Another high point was when Centra (our favorite on-campus grocery store) opened up at 7. I bought pringles and water. After a long night out, no judgement was passed. I'm going to give you a little spoiler, our trip to Belfast did not even go to Belfast. We passed through. -.-
I sat on the bus mostly just listening to music and eating my pringles, pondering life. The usual. I was also trying not to vomit. I get car sick, but also I drank way too much the night before. But if we're going to be technical, it was the same morning. Ugh! Also, we discovered that 1) you can't have just a few pringles and 2) pringles make you more hungry.
We passed by a ton of wildlife, but I was mostly intrigued by the sheep. Each farm we passed had sheep with a different color painted on their back/neck area. Still got to research that one.
The day was so interesting, but a lot of time was spent napping on the bus. We went way north in Ireland. They started only accepting pounds as money. 'Twas unfortunate. None of us have exchanged our money for pounds yet because England is next week. I used my card to buy a delicious steak burger. No regrets.
We went to a rope bridge, which was interesting because I'm really afraid of heights. The driver told us about how precarious it was. This driver is a jerk. We got to the bridge (after I almost turned around from my anxiety about the heights), and it was literally the easiest thing. No danger was really present. No trolls were found.
Later in the day we went to the Giant's Causeway. It's a ton of rock formations that are hexagons. So pretty, and very mystical. I brought out my chalk and started writing on some of the rocks.
I'm not one for graffiti, but it was a necessary thing to do. I also have been taking tons of pictures with my chalkboard. It's a hassle to lug around, but definitely worth it. After I took a picture with my chalkboard, I later found out that a little girl had seen me and got really excited. My friend told me that her dad asked if she had wanted to talk to "the girl with the chalkboard". She was too shy though. I would have loved that moment like none other. If only she had come up to me, I would have had her write something and taken a non-creepy picture with her. Glad my weird chalkboard is getting noticed.
On the way home, the driver put on a video about the potato famine. I fell asleep within 20 seconds. Not sorry about it.
For dinner we got our third round of Pizza Hut (219.50 euros) compliments of the Chem department again. I devoured a good chunk of pizza. Pizza is life.
And some weird things I've noticed in Ireland:
-lots of blue cars
-people walk on the other side of the sidewalk similar to how they drive on the other side of the street (very confusing for tourists...we get a lot of frowning people staring at us)
-Dublin reminds me of the word dubloon. A currency used by neopets pirates.
That is all.
peace.love.meep
-amyjoy
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