Shoe string Budget to flying Business Class

The song lyrics “Isn’t it ironic”  by Alanis Morissette are running through my mind as I write my last travel blog for this class and my travel adventures.   Budget – Budget – or even non existent budget was a large part of this trip.  Trying to cut ends and still have fun and “live” was the mission of not only this blog but this journey.

As I was feeling a bit sad as I continued my departing journey at Heathrow – London Airport, I stopped at Air Canada service agent to see how much it would be to upgrade to Business Class – yes, that is hilarious – being that I told myself  there was no way I was going to afford, little lone pay to upgrade my ticket.  I suppose it was a bit like going to Harrods, knowing that pretty much everything was out of my budget, but unable to avoid resisting the temptation to  “window shop” as in this case “just ask”. Quickly, my  fantasies were halted when I was informed it would be £736 ($1,332.00). I just smiled and said “No, thank you, I will pass this time”.  The agent responded, “ it is a lot of money”. I said, "it sure is”. I asked her what I needed to do to check my bag, since there were kiosks and clearly a different procedure than the domestic airports. She explained the procedure and asked if I had a reference number. I asked if I could use a flight number, she offered to provide me with a reference number, so I willingly waited. She asked for my name and was looking up my flight and said “this is odd, there is a seat change....... did you inquire about changing your ticket on line?” No. I continued to wait. I asked  is there a problem, she said no, let me just look here. I was thinking oh well, maybe my window seat is gone. Oh well, I will be at the aisle. Great, now I can get up at us the bathroom when ever I want and not disturb any  one. However, a few minutes later, her tone, and nonverbal clues were concerning me. I asked if there was a problem with my ticket, she said, (in her lovely, British accent)  "Oh, no that at all, madame you are going to be very pleased". It looks like your flight is full and your seat has been changed to business class”. I was like are you serious?  I thanked her many times, she said she had nothing to do with the change, she wish she had.  I was like wow. Is this real?  She handed me a scrap of paper with a reference number. I printed out my boarding pass and sure enough “BUSINESS CLASS” seat 5G  was right there in black near “Jill E. Baker”. 

I glided over to the area to drop off my bag and the lady smiled and tagged my bag and didn't even look at the scale. I was holding my breath, nothing like having to repack your bag right there at the counter. Then we got into a nice chat where Pret a Manger was located – my last meal from Pret!!  I had lots of time to find and switch to a different terminal to go to Pret. I was so excited I forgot I was sad for leaving some great ladies I met and a great trip.  After getting my sandwich, I counted my British money and had 5 pounds left… yes! I could get a treat after all those coffees and treats that I had been drooling over for weeks.  It was like  I was floating on Cloud nine (no pun attended.  Feeling high on the hog (as they say in Carolina).

Banana Mocha......yummy

As they called for priority Business Class passengers, I stood right up and walked to the gate. The agent informed the small group that gathered they were boarding Business class. I held my breath and was waiting for someone to pinch me and say this is a dream. She scanned my ticket smiled and said, "thank you madame, enjoy your flight".  I walked on board and felt like Jack Dawson on Titanic. I just pretended like I knew what I was doing and got my self situation and put the little black pouch that was on my seat in my bag and opened it inside the bag ( I had no idea what was in it)…. Wow – check out the fun stuff (minus the jam) that was part of a snack.

Being that I was full from lunch, and they just kept bringing me food, and more food. I ate and ate, like the hungry caterpillar. But  I did not turn into a beautiful butterfly at the end.  Kicking back and chillin’ for a international flight sure was one of those life never forget experiences.  Chillin in my flip our recline chair, watching Mary Poppin's in business class with down filled blanket and drink!

Our flight was delayed because a passenger bags were checked in but they never boarded so we had to go back to the gate and unload their luggage. Which unfortunately, caused me to miss my connecting flight.  I was offered a standby flight once I got to Toronto and was on pins and needles holding my breathe – 26 seats on the plane and at the last minute I got a seat. Praise the Lord. Otherwise the next flight was the next day, it would have been a long night.

What, I suppose it all comes down to. You never know when a surprise will be coming your way... sometimes it may be beyond your wildest imagination. 

My London photo book

Please come along with me and share my adventures as I traveled to London, Paris and a few side trips along the way.

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly photo books offer a wide range of artful designs and embellishments to choose from.

Wrapping up London

Smooshin’ it all in. The last 24 hours was a push to get in last minute “to do’s”.

• Finishing my digital photo book
• Visiting Baker Street
• Night bus adventure
• Visiting Buckingham Palace
• One last lunch with everyone
• Last minute souvenirs
• Saying goodbye to friends
• Visiting Waterstones – biggest book store in Europe
• Visiting the m&m store (warning I went crazy with pictures)
• Cleaning out our flat
• Packing – dislike 

Waiting at the night bus stop

One last lunch with the entire London Ladies

Me and  the British Red

Finding the last book bench!

Top 10 things I learned from my studying abroad adventure

Ten : Brush up on the map reading skills.

Nine: A "five minute walk" can have a much different meaning to the British vs. American

Eight: Always bring a second pair of shoes when traveling overnight with unexpected climates - hair dryers don't always dry shoes.

Seven: Food goes bad quicker in the UK due to the lack of preservatives.

Six:  Nutella is something you learn to like - not a love at first taste-  similar to Southern BBQ.

Five: It your tired of carrying the stuff in your basket at the grocery, you will be tired of carrying it walking back to your flat.

Four: Even though, I packed layers. Pack for the unexpected. You never know when you will experience above normal temperatures that haven't been seen by locals in ten years.

Three: Always carry the correct change - 30 pence in case you have to use a public toilet.

Two: Start looking for an all day bag before the next trip is planned

Here comes Number 1..............................................................

One:  I am going to miss eating at Pret a Manger!

My London photo seeking adventures

I have almost completed my bucket list for London – this time around any way. Today, I went on my own adventures in search of two photographs. One was successful the other still Missing in Action – or does it really exist?

My first tube ride by my self for this journey took me to Nottinghill. I wanted to check out Portabella Market and  see if I could seek out locations that the movie Nottinghill was fillmed in. First I had a leisurely stroll through the market visiting with vendors and debating on some really yummy treats. 

 I was so excited even with my lack of map skills, that I found the “blue door” . In fact, one of my flat mates just told me last night that she would like to video tape me trying to give directions to a tourist). 

On the way back through the market it was a crazy crowded, like as in they open the gates and where giving away free beer or something. Getting out of the market took a bit of time and patience as there were people on both sides of the sidewalks and down the center of the road. After I got through the market it was even crazier – hundreds maybe  thousands of people lined both sides of the sidewalks and were going towards the market, there was no place for me to go, except hang onto my pocketbook and weave my way through going against people traffic… The street was not an option, if you have recently been standing on the side of the road and have the experience of a bus whizzing by you know what I am talking about. Finally, I hit the main road and needed some water. I stopped at the Tesco mini mart and bought some H20. Even though, I had brought some snacks, I could not pass up that fresh, soft croissant with chocolate chips/chocolate filling. Oh so good. I made it back to the tube station. I decided that it was only 4 stops to my next destination and decided to adventure on.

You may be wondering where was I going? Was I off  to seek out the mystery photograph?

I was going to try like all get out to find the photograph of my dad setting a World Record racing his Triumph motorcycle…..as a surprise. Someone once told him they saw his photo hanging in a London Museum. I have been using various resources that I have here while studying and tracked down a possible source. “The London Motorcycle Museum”. The museum is only open on Saturday-Monday and when I left this morning they were not open. Therefore, having faith in the directions on their website and went for it. My directions said the museum was only 4 stops from where I was at Nottinghill and  near the police station, a mile from the tube stop. Heck a mile isn’t anything.  I advise to check actual directions vs reading them off  websites. Firstly, I got a wee bit twisted on the direction I was suppose to go on the train, so had to backtrack. When I got to the tube station, I asked the information booth for some help. I was a bit nervous when the lady said, “Madame, it’s a bit of a walk, you can not just pop over, and  advised that I take a bus. Found the bus. Whew yoo!  on my way. I asked a gentleman on the bus if he knew where the museum was and gave him the directions I had. Well, here I went.  I cut through the back of a grocery store parking lot. I found that you have to pay to park your vehicle to go to the grocery store. Interesting. Then I started asking people on the street, so down the hill around the this way and that a way. I finally found the museum… with fences and barbed wire… 

Oh my. But there were nice parks around and BWM’s. I walked through the open gate and two guys greeted me. Looks can be deceiving so I did not judge all the piercings and tattoos and the look they gave me  “like lady, what are you doing here at a motorcycle museum” I told them the story that I was looking for the poster/photo of my dad who set a record and we heard it was in a London Museum and the year. They asked me “we don’t mean to be rude, but was he someone famous? I said, “to me, yes, he is my dad”.  They showed me a poster and I was like nope, that’s not it. I asked if they had 1969 Triumph. Nope, I was a bit disappointed they had a whole row of bikes…. Why not?  I was really disappointed,  but before leaving, I bought him a little souvenir and asked them to take a picture of me for my dad and some directions to get myself back to  nearest bus that would get me to the tube station.  I really wanted to bring him a picture back. Dads  don’t ask for much, especially my dad. But he did ask me to find his photo for him. The crazy thing is. He called me tonight and the first thing he asked, did you go to the museum? Did you find the photo? Unfortunately, no, I did not, but I tried the best I could. 

Not the photo -- but this one at least says Detroit-

Friday night adventures Bird's Eye View , The Giraffe and Globe -

Yea, we finally made it to the Eye. As you may recall from a previous blog, visiting London's Eye was on my London Bucket list. The weather was rainy, but we manged to get a few shots before the windows were covered with rain drops.

My super awesome flat mates, this trip would not have been the same without them.

We had extra time before we had to be at the Globe for the production of Anthony and Cleopatra. Imagine my surprise when I saw there was a Giraffe Restaurant among our choices! I have been wanting to eat there. I decided tonight was the night to loosen the shoe strings and have a little fun and eat at a sit down place. Several friends in  our group decided to join us. Guess what... it was even "Bar Buddy" (1/2 off drinks) hmmmm I had been telling myself all week I was "allowed" to get a treat after my little Accident and Emergency crisis. SO- when I saw that melon margarita, I was sold!

When my drink came, it had no giraffe! I was waiting for my giraffe stirrer, I had spotted every color of stirrer sitting on the bar.... I notice these kinds of things. After, asking our server brought each of us a giraffe, Whew yoo! I had ordered loaded nachos with spicy sausage ( I can't remember the British name) it was more like bacon pieces. It was very good. As we were about to leave, an employee came up to check on us (maybe the manager). I spied a giraffe lanyard hanging out of his pocket. I asked if they were for sale, he said no, but here you go, and he took off his keys and handed it to me. Score!!! Not to mention it was a free souvenir-- but something that can not be purchased - that is what you call a super awesome souvenir, my friends!

Off to Globe Theater, I was looking forward to seeing the structure. Last time I was here they were rebuilding it.  Patrons could buy building materials to sponsor the rebuilding. I could not help wonder where my "bolt" was that I had purchased years ago. Sadly, to say I have no pictures of the Globe to share at this time. I am thankful that our seats were covered by the awning ( since the Globe theater is a open venue  and a rainy night) and that we had seats that were against the wall, I was able to lean my back against the wall. Not the best comforting way to sit for four hours, but we could of been the patrons below us with a bench to sit on!

On the way back from the Globe, we walked across the bridge over the Thames River.

I found the Mary Poppins Bench! There are 50 book benches around the city of London, we have been on a quest to find our favorite books. I

plan to dedicate a blog about them soon. 

How to fill your belly up for just £3

I have a exciting budget tip for you!  Where can you fill up your belly and get the good kind of sticker shock? A local grocery store offers meal deals. Today, I decided to check out a sandwich my friend recommended (she even made the pic background).  I picked up the lemon herb chicken salad sandwich, some salt and vinegar crisps AND a lemonade. I think the lemonade was the best part-- since I have been shoe stringin' it  - tap water has been the main beverage of choice.  

Name Art Collage

This video can also be found via YouTube Name Collage

Avoiding throwing money out the window

The UK is known for a lack of preservatives in their food .  Hence, it was recommended that we buy food every couple of days. This has been an adjustment for many of us Americans. We tend to buy extra or what we need for the week. My mama’s philosophy - the more trips to go to the grocery store to get just one or two things the more you spend and you come with a bag full. I think many of us are on the same page here—less trips to the store. Sad to say food has been thrown away this past week. Who would know that a whole loaf of bread could turn into a science project in two days? Yes, probably could of lasted a bit longer in the frig but who wants to eat a cold, hard peanut butter sandwich? Not this girl. As previously blogged, an excellent way to save money is shop with a friend. Shopping with a friend, is also an excellent way to avoid multiple baguettes cluttering up the counter and getting hard. Being grocery store savy will help prevent the feeling of standing there and  throwing pounds (British money) out the window.

Free------ I am always looking for ideas to get free deals  Recently,  some friends invited me to join them for dinner  at their flat – free meal and great company. But it does not stop there. I commented on the bag of marshmallows that was sitting on their bookcase. They told me that got them free…. FREEEEE……. I say? Apparently, if you cute and flirt with a street vendor you can get free marshmallows.   Hmmmm……...

A tip from my friend Danielle : Don’t go to the grocery store when  hungry because you are apt to buy extra STUFF! Yes, most of us know that, but felt like I needed to share this shoe string tip .

Watch out for those sly postage stamps that look innocent. Here in the UK a stamp to mail a postcard is $1.71 not to mention the price of the post card. Sadly, enough my postcard list had to be slashed drastically. I found an alternative way to let loved ones know I was thinking of them, taking pictures that remind me of them and posting on social media.

Perhaps a top way to save money while traveling – stay out of the souvenir shops. This could be tricky, so I recommend having an idea what you are looking for. When you have achieved your mission stay strong and prevail! Just say no! I learned it was perfectly alright  to wait outside of the Harry Potter gift shop. Some of you may gasp in disbelief. Hopefully, my 229 pictures will provide lasting memories.

Lastly, adhering to my shoestring budget, I bought the cheapest theater ticket to see the Crucible. Sometimes, a person has to sit back and ponder, do I want to save money and take the risk for crummy seats where you cannot see the actors on the stage? Or do I want to forgo some other expenses, save money and buy better seats. I suppose, it all comes down to priorities. 

How I ended up at Accident and Emergency while in a foreign country

Steamy temperatures near 100 degrees on Friday while enduring 23,491 steps/ 54 floors of stairs / 10.3 miles (according to my friends fit-bit) reeked havoc on my body. By the time we traveled back on Sunday evening it was clear that I needed some medical attention. Friday, my ankles slowly began to swell and a funky rash around my ankles and legs and I was beginning to waddle, as it was getting hard to walk come Sunday. Being that it was Sunday night,  and in a foreign country all the doctors offices were closed. Under the persuasion of my flat mates and Assistant Program Director, off to A&E otherwise known as the Emergency Room we went. The whole time as I rode in the taxi to the hospital, I wondered what kind of treat I would buy myself…. if I get a treat when I visit the doctor, surely a trip to A&E deserves a something yummy.

After checking into reception and consultation we waited two hours in the lobby, I silently began predicting what alignments other people had.  When,  finally my turn. an actual doctor called my name, unlike what  America. The doctor came in, looked at my feet and said “this is interesting, I have never seen this”….  The first thing that came out of my mouth, “Please don’t make me spend the night. (shear panic) ” How pitiful was that? After a five hour adventure and more than one doctors opinion my diagnoses was undetermined except the A&E did not think it was “sinister” or an infectious disease. 

Well, that was good news. Basically, I had sun poisoning, over heated, walked a great deal and along with heat rash. I was sent away with a bunch of meds and orders to come back if the rash spread higher than the green magic marker they drew all over my legs and then they would consult the infectious disease team. I must say I was relieved at the end result.  I am so thankful to report that the swelling is may down and the rash color is fading.   I wonder what the A&E bill will be? Sure glad I have international student insurance!

As we were walking out of the hospital  there were a series of signs about spreading infectious diseases... oh my, I sure hope I don't have cooties. 

Spending less than 50 euros in Paris

Let me just start out with saying that Paris is amazing! Paris on a shoestring budget? Well I imagined it was going to be a challenge. However, sometimes things and situations turn out in our favor when totally unexpected. Keep reading to see how I spent less than 50 Euros for the entire weekend in Paris.

Our Eurostar Train  fare was part of our class trip. All of our class activities were covered on Friday including a museum pass and Metro tickets through the weekend. Everyone in our group planned on staying through the weekend. We all booked rooms and paired up with one another in our group. We were treated to a lovely lunch on a river boat that cruise up and down the Siene River (the boat was air conditioned - Praise the Lord).

After the 3 course meal and wine we had a walking tour. The  guide took us to the homes of VanGough and other famous artists, as well as seeing various architecture and ladmarks around Paris. Sweltering heat and never ending stairs and hills (as it seemed) were a kicker in nearly 100 degrees temperature. We found a water fountain that we could fill up our bottles for free! 

Moulin Rouge Theater

We had just enough time to check into our hotels before heading to the Eiffel Tower. My buddy Heide invited me to stay with her at the hotel she booked; which was super awesome because she used her Mariott Points. 

After we checked into THE finest hotel I have ever been in, which had air condition and a lift (elevator) I was ready to crash. Fuzzy robes and slippers like clouds...ooohhh so divine.

                                       Selfie on the lift 



However, it was off to see the Eiffel Tower! Our group all met up and went up! It was so exciting. Many of us opted to go up to the highest point (an extra 6 Euro (approx $8) but so was worth it.

After the Eiffel Tower, we bought some overpriced, not so good food from a street vendor – but at midnight you got to partake  what you can. On the way back to our hotel fireworks were going off. It was really magnificent seeing the fireworks with the Eiffel Tower in the back ground. We decided to take  the Metro, (underground subway). which can be a bit confusing, luckily Heidi  is an excellent map navigator so we made it back to our hotel not to our destinations throughout the weekend. 

The pillows and duvet cover were so comfy.Sleeping in felt great on Saturday, and the breakfast that was part of our stay was amazing, We had a ton of choices and one of my favorite things was “traditional tomatoes and peppers” It was crushed up tomatoes, spices, onions and bell peppers; yum, so good! Did I mention that there was fresh squeezed orange juice?

We visited Notre Dame. 
 

On our way we walked across a bridge that is nicked named Love Locks Bridge. Visitors from all over the world place a lock on the bridge and their significant other throws the key into the water and they are suppose to be together forever. 

We spotted a crepe vendor along the Siene River. I had my doubts about their sanitation grading. I just handed Heide my money and kinda looked the other way. I selected a crepe with Nutella, it literally melted in my mouth, it was one of those things that if a lot of backtracking had not been  involved, I may have gone and got another. We came back to the hotel to rest a bit and were able to help our self to the coffee/tea/ and hot chocolate bar! Not to mention a huge container of gummy candies (free souvenirs for a certain gummy bear fan coming their way!). Saturday evening we decided to take it easy and find a local supermarket and just have a light dinner in our room, Selecting items was a bit tricky trying to figure out the kind of cheese or kind of sandwich as everything was written in French. We were going to chill out in our hotel slippers and watch a movie but at 16 euros ( $21) we said no way!

Throughout the weekend, Heidi's mission was to recreate photographs that her mother took while she visited Paris in 1970. It was fun to share some of the excitement with Heide as she found the landmarks.

After another stuff our belly’s full of French food for breakfast (yes, there were croissants too) on Sunday we headed to the museum must see list. We used our museum passes that where purchased for our program which allowed us to visit nearly 60 museums and enter through a special gate not requiring us to wait in the que! We checked out the Louve and Musee d’Orsay (I really enjoyed the d’Orsay as many Monet paintings were on display).

Hundreds of people swarmed around the Mona, but I saw it and was good to go!

A little souvenir shopping was done to use up our euros. I had been scouting out some of the souvenir peddlers and knew what I wanted and put the exact change in my pocket and was ready. The vendor tried three different prices and I just shook my head no and he finally gave me the price that all the other vendors were charging. I haggled the local whew yoo! -another shoestring tip.

How time flies, it was time to head to head back to London. We all met up at the train station and took the Eurostar back to London. It would be nice if I could say that we all went back to the flat and chilled out. However, that’s not what happened, I had a little visit to the ER. I will be sharing my adventures in the ER in a future blog.