After three years of hard work and fun university is finally over. My reward for all those long days spent revising during the holidays and working diligently on courseworks: a first! (YAY - 1st). I glad to say it wasn't just all work, in fact, I think I had the most fun in my 3rd year of university - going out for long lunches and dinners, movies, bowling, theme parks, random conversations on the 'red' chairs, freaky Fridays with my friends....
I had my graduation ceremony on Tuesday 18th July. It took place at the Barbican on what must have been one of the most hottest days of the year. My family took the train into central London and the heat was unbearable. Also, there was no air-con in the Barbican Centre which made lining up for photographs and tickets quite exhausting.
However, once we put on our cape and gowns, it really started to feel like we were graduating. The ceremony was quite long but it was good to hear about all the achievements of King's and to see so many of my friends and classmates graduating. When it was finally my turn I walked up onto the stage and felt a great sense of acomplishment, especially when I saw the faces of my parents and brother smiling in the audience.
I managed to take some photos during the reception with my friends and finally had a chance to chat to them and their families. We even took photos of throwing our hats in the air - US TV Stylee!
Came back yesterday afternoon from a very long holiday visiting the West coast of the US. Here is an outline of what I got up to during my 2 1/2weeks abroad:
Day 1: Arrived in San Francisco in the afternoon and was picked up by my uncle and his brothers. Went to his house in Fremont and met his family. Then was taken on a long drive around the area and saw where the Millionaires lived - basically on every street. Took a 2 mile walk around Central Park in an attempt to keep us all awake (by now it was early morning UK time). Met the rest of the family in the evening in a party organised for us though I was quite out of it for the most part - being jetlagged and very sleepy = extremely light-headed too!
Day 2: No rest for us..my uncle's bro took all of us on a trip Downtown to see the Golden Gate Bridge, and wow did the temperature drop. We had ignored his advice to bring our jackets along and boy did I regret it - there was a strong biting wind Downtown which gave me goosebumps, in contrast to the sheer heat in Fremont. The view though was breathtaking, we went higher up a mountain for an even better view and for a picnic for lunch.
Day 3: Time for a day at the beach. We drove for two hours to XXX beach (can't remeber the name). But it was very cold there and I saw a dead sea lion washed up onshore (aww so sad). Went shopping for the rest of the afternoon.
Day 4: We were finally let loose on our own and travelled on the train to Downtown to visit Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf,see the sealions, go on the cable cars and other touristy things. Had a fun time and heapings of icecream, chocolate dipped giant strawberrys and other sweet stuff. Also more shopping - Rishi wanted to buy everything in the American Eagle Outfitters store but settled on a few tees and some jeans :P.
Day 5: Took a rest in the morning and then went on a drive to see Stanford Uni - wow it was big! Had lunch in one of the best Indian Restaurants in the area.
Day 6: Last day so did more shopping and relaxed.
Day 7: Flight to Vegas. Toured some of the hotels in the evening.
Day 8-10: Touring the Hotels and Casinos. Saw a magic show (Rick Thomas?). Didn't get a chance to visit Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon though.
Day 11: Drove for 5 hours to LA. Went to visit some family in the evening.
Day 12: Disneyland all day.
Day 13: Disneyland California Adventure Park and visited some other relations.
Day 14: Were tired of themparks so went on a tour of the beaches of Orange County (the OC!). Starting at Dana Point Harbour, onto Laguna Beach (fantastic beach with great views and well manicured gardens, not to mention huge houses), Balboa Island, Newport (including Fashion Island Shopping Mall) and Huntington.
Day 15: Drove to San Diego and went to see the world famous San Diego Zoo.
Day 16: Watched the shows at Seaworld - the dolphins and sea lions were amazing. Drove back to LA.
Day 17: Took a drive around Downtown to see Hollywood Blvd, Rodeo Drive, Sunset Drive etc.
Day 18: Universal Studios and more shopping.
Day 19: Some more last minute shopping before a rush to the airport and a Long flight home.
Day 1: Arrived in San Francisco in the afternoon and was picked up by my uncle and his brothers. Went to his house in Fremont and met his family. Then was taken on a long drive around the area and saw where the Millionaires lived - basically on every street. Took a 2 mile walk around Central Park in an attempt to keep us all awake (by now it was early morning UK time). Met the rest of the family in the evening in a party organised for us though I was quite out of it for the most part - being jetlagged and very sleepy = extremely light-headed too!
Day 2: No rest for us..my uncle's bro took all of us on a trip Downtown to see the Golden Gate Bridge, and wow did the temperature drop. We had ignored his advice to bring our jackets along and boy did I regret it - there was a strong biting wind Downtown which gave me goosebumps, in contrast to the sheer heat in Fremont. The view though was breathtaking, we went higher up a mountain for an even better view and for a picnic for lunch.
Day 3: Time for a day at the beach. We drove for two hours to XXX beach (can't remeber the name). But it was very cold there and I saw a dead sea lion washed up onshore (aww so sad). Went shopping for the rest of the afternoon.
Day 4: We were finally let loose on our own and travelled on the train to Downtown to visit Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf,see the sealions, go on the cable cars and other touristy things. Had a fun time and heapings of icecream, chocolate dipped giant strawberrys and other sweet stuff. Also more shopping - Rishi wanted to buy everything in the American Eagle Outfitters store but settled on a few tees and some jeans :P.
Day 5: Took a rest in the morning and then went on a drive to see Stanford Uni - wow it was big! Had lunch in one of the best Indian Restaurants in the area.
Day 6: Last day so did more shopping and relaxed.
Day 7: Flight to Vegas. Toured some of the hotels in the evening.
Day 8-10: Touring the Hotels and Casinos. Saw a magic show (Rick Thomas?). Didn't get a chance to visit Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon though.
Day 11: Drove for 5 hours to LA. Went to visit some family in the evening.
Day 12: Disneyland all day.
Day 13: Disneyland California Adventure Park and visited some other relations.
Day 14: Were tired of themparks so went on a tour of the beaches of Orange County (the OC!). Starting at Dana Point Harbour, onto Laguna Beach (fantastic beach with great views and well manicured gardens, not to mention huge houses), Balboa Island, Newport (including Fashion Island Shopping Mall) and Huntington.
Day 15: Drove to San Diego and went to see the world famous San Diego Zoo.
Day 16: Watched the shows at Seaworld - the dolphins and sea lions were amazing. Drove back to LA.
Day 17: Took a drive around Downtown to see Hollywood Blvd, Rodeo Drive, Sunset Drive etc.
Day 18: Universal Studios and more shopping.
Day 19: Some more last minute shopping before a rush to the airport and a Long flight home.
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