Welcome to New York

After my 'Big Apple List' back in August it's so nice to look back on my trip to the city and how great it turned out in the end.

The weather was so amazing and meant that we could wander for hours on end, which is one of my favourite things to do in big cities.

After checking into our Hostel which was on the Upper West Side we ventured down to Times Square which was just as amazing as I'd remembered it from last time! Despite the jet lag we made it up to the top of the Empire State building which was the perfect way to start the trip and our time in America.

I also had a fun little surprise when I spotted Jim Chapman on the way up to the top! I'm a huge fan of his and of course Tanya Burrs' vlogs so I thought that was pretty cool.

We did all the typical tourist things whilst we were there like Central Park, Fifth Avenue and The Rockefeller Centre Plaza but by far my favourite was walking over The Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan, closely followed by a wander around Soho.

It's such a beautiful way to see Manhattan from another angle and you can take you're time while doing it. At the middle point hundreds of people signed their names and left love locks and I even left a mark of my own.

A cheeky visit to Broadway was also in order and we managed to snag tickets to 'Bullets Over Broadway' just before it closed and even got to meet Zach Braff who was in the show. He was so lovely and happy to take plenty of selfies with everyone at the stage door which was great!

Delayed Posts and a 2014 Round Up

Well Christmas and New Year have sprung up on me this year and I think a catch up is long overdue!

They do say no news is good news and that is definitely the case for me.

So much has happened in these past few months I don't know where to start so I've decided to write a series of posts about what I've been up to. I feel so lucky that I've had the chance to see some amazing things and meet some great people in the process.

With 2015 just around the corner I think it's time I got back up to date with my blog and hopefully start as I mean to go on.

So keep your eyes peeled for some new posts!

The Big Apple List

So, long time no post. I'm now officially in countdown mode, with just over two weeks before we leave for NYC and I am too excited!

 All my paperwork has been finished and I've finished my summer job, so all that's left to do is pack and plan. So over the past few nights, I've been doing some research and checking out all the things I'm desperate to do/see whilst in NYC for 4 days.

 I feel like the last and first time I went to NYC, I was so overwhelmed and happy to actually be there that I barely saw any of the city itself.

So in an attempt to try and avoid missing out this time, I've compiled a list for the perfect NYC break. Here's hoping I do at least some, if not the majority of these amazing things..

1. Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan
I feel like this is one of the top things to do when in New York and I didn't get the chance last time. The idea of heading over from DUMBO to Manhattan, on a beautiful summers day is just perfect, and another way to see the city from a new view point.

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2. Cycle round Central Park

Last time I was in NYC, we went rowing on the boating lake which was amazing! Another way I'd love to see and experience the park, is to hire some bikes and cycle round. It's such a huge space that again, I saw very little of it, in the grand scheme of things. This also ties in well with the next point on my list..

3. Picnic in the Park

Okay, maybe not a full blown glorious picnic (as much as I love this idea). Sitting on Sheep Meadow in the sunshine watching the world go by with some snacks.. Heaven. 

4.BROADWAY

Oh my, oh my. I'm a massive theatre geek so this pretty much speaks for itself. *Bursts into elaborately choreographed solo number*

5. Grand Central Station and The Public Library

Two iconic NYC settings that are a must see.

6. Take the Staten Island Ferry

I've heard this is a must and another way to view the spectacular skyline. I can't get enough of those views.

7. Shake Shack

It was inevitable. A food post. Hands down the best hot dogs, burgers, milkshakes and fantastic frozen custard. A caloric feast provided by the God's themselves... too much? #foodielove

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8. The Empire State Building

Last but not least, a classic New York must do. As you can tell from this post, I am all about soaking up the beautiful concrete jungle skyline. Last time we opted for the Top of the Rock which was stunning, but I would like to switch it up a bit this time and see it from the ultimate NYC symbol. 

There is my ultimate 'must do' list for NYC this Summer. Fingers crossed I tick them off while I'm there and if anyone has anymore suggestions or tips, I'd love to hear them!

SJ

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Intro Video | Geordie in Georgia

So here it is!

I've been thinking about starting a youtube channel to go along with this blog for quite a while now and finally I have taken the plunge!

It may not seem like a very big deal but this was nerve racking and I'm super self critical so I'm cringing at it already but hey ho.

I thought it would be a nice addition to the blog to look back on and for my family and friends to see what I'm up to while I'm away!

So enjoy!

SJ

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Good news!

Hellooo!

Since my last post things have progressed pretty quickly. For starters, my Visa has been approved!

After a 6.30am wakeup call on Tuesday morning, joining the hoard of businessmen on the tube and wondering round Grosvenor Square for 10 minutes (only to realise the US embassy is the biggest building there.. classic me!) I went through all the security checks and interviews etc and happily had my Visa approved. I even got to pick up a little brochure on visiting Georgia which only got me more excited/nervous!

I was happily shocked by how quickly and stress free the whole thing was and I was done within an hour and a half! 

I then celebrated the day with my friend Phoebe exploring sunny Camden and being introduced to the wonder that is Gluten free, Vegan friendly cookie dough milkshakes.. which were AMAZING. For something so healthy it was shockingly tasty. Two things which very rarely coexist in harmony. Usually I wouldn't be that bothered about the healthy part but seeing as I'm on my America health kick for the next month or so it definitely ticked all the boxes.

So once again I'm feeling stupidly excited and counting down the days..52 by the way incase you were wondering ;) 

Not long now!

Classes and Flights!

Well then, after hours and hours looking over class schedules for this fall at GSU, I have finally chosen what I'm going to study!

You don't know how excited I am to finally have decided what I'm doing. There are literally hundreds of choices, so much choice that I had no clue what to pick, however I've made up my mind.

I've settled on..

British Literature

American Litrature

& Introduction to Mass Communications

As well as my core class in British & American Culture.

So relieved to have finally made the choices because its been bugging me for weeks.

Another thing ticked off my list!

Also...

I have chosen a date to leave!

I'm planning to travel to New York on the 14th of August which gives me three days in the Big Apple before settling in in Atlanta.

Can't quite believe I'm going back to quite possibly one of my favourite places in the world. One more thing to look forward to!

Well this is a surprise, I've neglected my blog.. again!

I've been super busy these past couple of weeks, in between coming home and starting a new job its been a hectic period with some less than fantastic news, however onwards and upwards!

I had a lovely little promo from my fantastic now "ex flatmate" (boo-hoo) Bryony at www.belizabethselway.blogspot.co.uk which means I need to do her recommendations justice.

Since my last post I've now booked my appointment at the American Embassy and I'm that one step closer to my visa which is extremely exciting and nerve racking at the same time. You would not believe the amount of paperwork I've had to fill out this evening. Including questions asking if I'm a human trafficker or if I have employed child soldiers? Oh America.

So the next step is to travel down to London in a few weeks which I can't wait for. It's been so long since I've been and I can't wait for a lovely couple of days with my good friend Phoebe who is kindly letting me stay at hers. Hoping for some sunshine for a few days, maybe a few cheeky cocktails and a spot of shopping (shocking I know)!

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One of the things I'm really excited about being in America for is the music.

I'm a big fan of country music and contemporary country, and recently I've had Hunter Hayes on constant repeat after a recommendation from a friend.

Such a cutie!
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His songs are so catchy and have kept me sane through revision so I thought I would share my top track right now!

It's called 'Everybody's Got Somebody but Me' and it features Jason Mraz in it.

From the title you'd assume its a "cry over your Ben and Jerrys and Bridget Jones" kinda tune but its the total opposite. It sounds like what would happen if Michael Buble did country, and is an essential summer tune!

Hunter Hayes – Everybody's Got Somebody But Me - feat. Jason Mraz [Encore]

Go listen! Even if you're not a fan of country, its still a damn catchy song!

Well since I last posted there has been a bit of delay which is a minor hiccup.

After sending off all my application and numerous forms multiple times, I'm officially an enrolled student at GSU which is crazy!

However there's been a bit of a problem as the two universities agreement is up for renewal which means we won't receive any of our visa forms until that's all gone through. Slightly annoying as I really want to get my flights booked soon and have a proper date to count down to. Nothing I can do though, so I'm just sitting tight at the moment.

I've finally finished my exams though which is great! Pleased to have some freedom and hopefully I'll start posting some more stuff on here as the ball starts rolling. Slightly lacking inspiration at the moment as nothing too exciting is happening but I'll try to keep posting!

Well it's been quite a while since my last post as I've been working, revising and of course sorting all my paperwork for my J1 application which has been a bit of a nightmare so far if I'm honest. So here's the latest updates.

After sending of my initial paperwork just over three weeks ago I've had emails back and forth regarding bank letters etc that I need to apply for my Visa through GSU, but finally it's all starting to go through. So much so that I am now officially a Georgia State student! Woo go Panthers and all that school spirit hoo-ha!

I've been looking through classes online as I need to chose 3 classes to go along with my core class on 'American Culture and the southern states' (or something along those lines) and I'm hoping to choose Monday-Wednesday classes that will let me travel over a long weekend in between studying!

I recently found out that I can get a Megabus to Orlando from Atlanta for a $1!! Amazing! It does involve sitting on a bus for 10 hours but I consider that worth it if Disney World is at the end.

Speaking of bargains, I've also been flicking through this little gem that I bought for a £1 the other day at a table-top sale.

Something caught my eye about New Orleans and the LaLaurie Home which is said to be haunted by the ghosts of tortured slaves that were discovered in the attic of the building. It caught my eye as anyone who has seen the third season of 'American Horror Story' will know that there is a very similar plot line in 'Coven'. I love the fact they've taken inspiration from real events and I think this is a place that will be on my list to see if/when I go to New Orleans!

So that's the roundup of everything going on with me at the moment. I can't promise there will be many posts to follow in the next few weeks as I have my exams but I'm hoping to get posting once I've got those out the way and can concentrate on getting more buzzed about Atlanta!

One of the best moments of 'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo'. For those who don't watch it I would recommend! Absolutely hilarious viewing and they live in McIntyre GA! You'd better redneckonize! Beautimous.

 

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