BASICALLY FAMILY T0 ME! && I L0VE Y0U!

Nia, Kristen, Sarah, Jessica, La'Shana (ME), Alyse, Xann & Hannah

I've been in London for 4 weeks now and my feelings for my flatmates have been bittersweet! When I first arrived, I had an issue with living in a house with 7 other girls. But now, as time goes by, I see these girls like family! I know your probably wondering, "how so", but I can't explain. It reminds me of many times trying to explain others about the Berklee bond. We all stick together! WE ARE BASICALLY FAMILY!! I'm pretty sure if you see Berklee students at your University, you see what I mean. No need to explain.

It's been really hard trying to get myself together after my grandmother died 2months ago, but these girls have been here no matter what! I'm not saying this because they listen to me, but these last couple of weeks has been hectic for all of us. Regardless of the situation, somebody gave a shoulder to cry on. 

So today, I am dedicating this blog to my flatmates! You guys know who you are! I love you! Thank you soo much for everything!!

Week 4: Xann's Birthday!

This past weekend was Xann's Birthday so we celebrated her 21st with her!! Thursday (our friday), half of us decided to go this bar for lunch right around the corner. The club was really dull and the food was a joke! I ordered spicy chicken wings and they brought me barbecue wings with a jalapeno pepper on top! 0_o .. Can we say, "somebody make me a plate when I get back to the states"?

Like I said earlier, this week has been hectic for everyone! I think everyone found a day to get away! This week, I unfriended and blocked those who has been a burdon on me and deactivated my facebook. I needed time to myself so I spent time thinking and reading the WORD. I'm glad I did it and I thank Alyse for it! This week has been amazing!

Saturday night, I went club hopping with the girls. CRAZY EXPERIENCE!! This time, I'll just go with the, "what happens in London, stays in London". *laughs*

Sunday, we all went to Polo! After getting lost listening to ALYSE, we sat down on the grass to watch the game! Next stop, DINNER!!! Then finally wine!

If you asked me, THIS WAS ONE OF THE BEST WEEKENDS EVER! THANKS AGAIN GUYS! 

LOVE ALWAYS,

LALA <3

x

Nia, Xann, Jessica & Sarah! Goregous! <3

Kristen, Me & Alyse

Sitting on the grass!! You know my skin was messed up afterwards!! smh

Xann's Birthday Cake!! Well, one of them!! lol This is just the one I ate!!

Xann and Jessica! Only ones who wore hats at Polo

Xann performing at Open Mic

Polo!

Xann is ALWAYS sleep on the Tube

Birthday girl! Xann!!

Hannah and Alyse performing at Open Mic

ALL OF US!! BASICALLY FAMILY!! (ALYSE TOOK THE PICTURE)

"GREAT SC0TS" - WEEKEND IN SC0TLAND

Two weeks ago, after leaving the Tower of London, me and my roommate rushed home to pack for Scotland. It was the longest train 5 hour ride to Edinburgh. (Takes deep breath).  When we finally got there, we ran off the train, upset and ready to explore. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO EMBARRASSED IN MY LIFE!! To be an "AMERICAN" that is.

I've always held my head high, proud to say I'm an American until this ride. The first three hours was the most peaceful place I could ever be. For the first time, everybody smiled and actually had conversations with me regardless of where I'm from. The next couple of hours was hell. Not only because everybody started judging me because of the other "Americans" who got on board, but because all of the stereotypes that people think of us were all true.

About six drunk Caucasians walked in with Whiskey bottles and cups in their hands. I know you might think there's nothing wrong with this picture, but I did until people started treating me differently. They talked about having sex with horses, and putting its sperm in lotion bottles and giving it to friends as pranks. They talked about how they didn't like Obama because he was black (I forgot that still goes on here), as well as making fun of the British accent. They also started spelling words wrong that 5 year olds clearly knows how to spell with their eyes open.

Girl: How to you spell "berry", like strawberry?

Guy: ohhh, you mean "burry" (says in black voice).

Girl: No. "berry". Strawberry, Blueberry, etc.

Guy: B U R R Y!

At this time, I couldn't help but to laugh, because I'm the only real "Black" American on the train, and these caucasions was really acting "Black". On top of that, they played nothing but Tupac, Rick Ross, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg on their phone loud enough for everyone to hear. 

I really couldn't understand why they didn't like Obama (our President) so much because he was black, when there are sitting here acting and listening to that music. Then on top of that, HE REALLY DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO SPELL "BERRY"! At this time, everybody on the train laughed saying, "Americans are the loudest, dumbest people I've ever known". That really upset me because people really think negative things about us here, and not all of us are like that. All of the things we find "entertaining", is offensive to others.

(BACK TO THE STORY) 

Finally we got to the room with maps in our hands. The first stop, double decker tour buses. The tour lasted only 30 mins so we decided to take a ghost tour. This tour actually scared me. (We walked around dark haunted buildings listening to stories of the dead).

Sooner or later, I realized that I walked the entire city within 40 mins. This town was really small! I went to the Palace, the Castle, and much more!!

I know this might not seem exciting but right now, I'm trying to post this blog because I was suppose to a week ago!! 

Sorry for the half doing guys!! Stay tuned!! Pictures below!! PLEASE COMMENT!!!!

LOVE ALWAYS!! x

Tea & Crumps!!

Getting ready to Blow something up at the Castle!

CHEESE!!

Me && the Roomie!

Loch Ness Looking for Nessie

Nessie wasn't real! =(

Night Life!

Sooo Pretty!!

TRYING TO GET MYSELF TOGETHER

Piano at the Victoria and Albert Museum!!

First before I start, I would like to thank all of those who read my first Blog! Even though my comments were on my Facebook page *cough cough*, I am thankful for the ones that I did receive. Thanks for taking the time and reading it! I'll make sure to keep you entertained, making up for those missing episodes of Days of Our Lives (or whatever you watch).


I would also like to give a shout out to MY FIRST FOLLOWER!! PRECIOUS RIDEOUT!! Thanks for the support sis - It means a lot to me!!

Today's officially my 2nd week in London and I'm still happy that I came. As I go through all my friends and family on their Facebook pages, I realize how much I miss everyone. Everyone of you has been there for me no matter what and I makes me appreciate everything more. For many of years, most of you have supported me even if it was just words of encouragement, lending a helping hand, or just being the one who believed I could do all things I wanted. I've also realized that nothing is worth loosing a friend over. A "true friend", that is..

Yesterday, my youngest sister graduated High School! I am so proud of you her! My little sister is so amazing (when she wants to). Here's a picture of her, my mother and her father!! *all smiles*

Finally understanding my way on the Under/Overground (the Trains), I find myself leaving during my free time to explore! Like always, my room mate is the best partner to go with. Last week we ended up waking up at 8 (which is midnight in Vegas, 3am in Boston) to start the day. First Stop, Crepes. I ended up eating a Strawberries and Creme Crepe, which was awesome *fat voice*. The next stop was the Victoria & Albert Museum, which was full of art, jewerlly (how British spell it), sculptures, clothes and so much more. I can honestly say that I was bored and ready to go 20 minutes after I got there. I took pictures, walked around and convinced my room mate to go to the mall with me. 


Regent Street is suppose to be the largest mall in a European city with everything you could find here. Basically its an outside mall like the Premium Outlets (in Vegas). I ended up finding a lot interesting things. Flats, shirts, and pants that don't fit because of my "butt" was too big. For those who really know me understands why I put the quotations around my "butt". It's because that has never happened to me in life! But when I finally found some jeans that I loved, I was so upset because my "butt" was the problem!

After shopping, one of my flatmates met with us to eat Indian Food. Being the "adventurous" girl that I tell everyone that I am, I tried it for the first time! Being cautious and asking for water, I finally took a bite and realized it wasn't so bad. I can't tell you what exactly that I had, because all I can say is Lamb. But you have to understand that I could barely understand what the menu said for water. 


It's funny because since I been here, there has only been TWO restaurants that I enjoyed. The food here is HORRIBLE so I spend most of my time at the corner/grocery store finding something to cook and eat!! Keeping that in mind, you can email me anytime to send me care-baskets! I'll make sure to send you a list! (laughing).


I'm still trying to get everything together! Especially not enjoying my food as much. I bought a half of loaf of wheat bread three days ago, and when I woke up to make my lunch for my intern, my bread was MOLDED!! Does this mean I have to eat all of my bread and milk as soon as I get it? Or if you were my grandmother, she would make me make a bread pudding!! ewwwwww!!!

Guess how much money this is??? Answer will be at the bottom on the Blog!!

I could never understand why foreigners had trouble understanding our money until I was at the corner store the other day. I went to buy Ice Cream and Pizza! Then suddenly, it started raining (like always) and I couldn't find my umbrella. So I went back in the store to buy one and decided to get rid of all this change I was carrying around. So looking in my wallet, I started counting what I had available. I had over 50 coins and almost 100 pounds (about 70 US dollars). The money out here is so backwards!! A Pound (A dollar) is about the size of a nickel. It is gold and thick with the Queens face on it. Then they have Two Pounds (2 dollars), 50p (50cents), 20p (20c), 10p (10c), 2p (2c), 1p (1c), and this is just the coins. The lower dollar is 5 pounds. So I'm sitting at the counter trying to find 4 pounds and 89p (cents) and I took me forever to find it. Being that same confused foreigner asking me what a quarter was in the US.

Other than being confused all the time about British money, my mind wonders looking at every British person with bad teeth asking, "where's your tooth brush and dentist". These people teeth out here is horrible! I should of listened to you guys when you were trying to warn me because now I brush my teeth twice a day!


Hopefully I'm not boring you with my stories because I have so much to say! It's been a week and I haven't blogged and I feel like you've missed everything!


6 June 2011 was my first day of class. My teacher owns his own recording studio and is currently working with Renee Fleming. That just proves to you that "I am at the right place at the right time"! Being here was SUPPOSE to happen! We are required to write weekly e-journals about something music related, including prices and estimations. Then on top of e-journals, I have to write another bi-weekly journal for Berklee, write a Business plan, present one, and write a essay about my experience here in London. THAT IS SOOOOO MUCH FOR JUST 10 WEEKS!! Then I have to enjoy myself and travel outside London. All in 10 weeks? Impossible!! Okay, okay, I just said that I was suppose to be here and now I'm complaining right? I'm just saying.. But I do ask you to keep me in your prayers..


The next day was my first day at my intern. I work for an amazing company who puts on the main festivals here in London. Last weekend I was here for our first "Rave" but I didn't go because I decided to go out with my flatmates. That and I'm not your "rave" type of gal!

Going out with MOST of my flatmates was a shocker! This has never happened in history! We ended up going out to eat, ( I ate Lamb again ), meeting one of the boys who came with us, going to this random bar, a club called the IceBar, and this Club right around the corner from there! LONG, FUN & INTERESTING NIGHT!! I've realized that British guys have a thing for Americans. Keep in mind, I'm African American so that was a plus! The guys here are really aggressive! When you sit and they want to dance, you basically have to give them a story to why you don't want to or just walk away. Sometimes, I found myself being followed, and that  was a problem! I never had a problem going out and dancing by myself before, because they guys hated it here. I can finally check off "guys almost fighting over me[x]" from my list, because friends here apparently choose foreigners over long lasting friendship!


Going back to what I said earlier! I realized that nothing is worth loosing a friend over. And to that friend (they know who they are), I want to apologize for everything and say how much you mean to me!! I love you "Always and Forever"! We will work this out!!


Well friends, that was all and thank you for staying tuned to The Adventures of La'Shana! London edition! I hope you enjoyed once again!! PLEASE COMMENT ON HERE AND NOT ON FACEBOOK!! 


(If you look below, there are more pictures of my week!!)


LOVE YOU!!


x
(x=kiss)<--- When you text them, they leave this at the end of every message!

This is one of the things that I thought was really nice at the Victoria and Albert Museum. 

Me at St. Martin-in-the-Fields

Sorry, you can't really see me, but this was a BIG CHAIR!! If you're still looking for me, I am on the Right side!!! 

Me and my flatmates on the Embankment Bridge!

(Alyse, Xaan, Jessica, Hannah, Sarah, & Me)

Fish and Chips! (unseasoned fish and fries).. It wasn't that good!

At the IceBar! This club was really club! Surrounded by ICE!!

Me and the Lion!

Gordon Wine Bar! An underground Bar! 


FINALLY!! HOW MUCH MONEY IS THIS???

13.28 Pounds (about US $8)

S0METHING NEW .. MY NEW EXPERIENCE

For as long as I can remember, I used to think blogging was pretty lame. But somehow I was convinced that it's easier to keep everybody whose interested "up to date" with my life. This is my first blog so I apologize in advance for anything you may see. This may include my writing, spelling and my crazy stories. I am known to be the busy or late to everything person and its funny because it is always true! There is always something going on with my life, and I would love to share my experiences with you!

Right now I am currently in London for a six credit intern. This is the last thing I have to do before I am an official Berklee College of Music Alumni. I am a Music Business major focusing in the Entrepreneur Track and I play the piano. I am excited to see how my life will be from now on, but all I can do is sit back and enjoy the ride.

Being in London so far has already been an experience. I remember boarding my plane in Las Vegas. I was already amazed because my plane had two levels. Finally being in London and seeing how people dressed and acted, it automatically showed me the difference between Americans and British.

            
I’ve never had the experience having my own personal roommate who lives and sleeps in the same room as me. It’s funny because I never imagined rooming with the person I am with now. I’m just glad we are together, because we share a lot of similarities, which has already made being in London great.

            My first day in London was just the “pick your room and unpack day” for me. I finally found myself going to the grocery store with one of the other girls. At this point I felt a bit intimidated because she was younger than me and already knew what she wanted to do after graduation. Knowing this summer program is the only thing I need to graduate, my goal for the summer is to find out exactly what I want to do after I leave London. I will show all of my strengths, work really hard, and enjoy myself as well.

            I've only been in London for 5 days I have a lot of things to say. Being American, I’ve realized how much we are hated. It’s really sad because most of the stereotypes and rumors that I’ve heard about British people are so far so true (bad teeth, bad food, more informed on the world). But it makes me wonder what are the stereotypes about Americans? And are they true?

          No matter what happens, I am at the "time to experience new things" stage in my life. I want to travel, work on my music, and learn more about myself. I know my London experience will help me as well. 

 So far I have went on the Original Tour of London, where I saw the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, the National Gallery, Fleet Street, London Bridge, Tower Bridge and so much more. London is a very beautiful place!

            One thing that I do appreciate about being in London is the appreciation of Classical music. Being a classical pianist, it’s hard to find people who love classical music. Americans would rather sit down and go to a contemporary concert than a classical concert. I’ve also noticed how British people are interested in their history and support both the King and Queen. Unlike most Americans I know, if it isn’t the person they voted for in office, they have a list of negative things to say.

            

Other than that, today was my first day of class and I really enjoyed it. 

We discussed why London’s the way it is. Things such as the Major headquarters and Labels, West End (theatreland/broadway), the Queen, BBC, film music, publishing industries and so much more. I also learned that the copyright laws are so much different here than in the States. I’m excited to see and learn more things in the next 10 weeks.

Me (if you look closer to the right, is the London Bridge). It's not as big as I thought. =(

Me and my roommate in the London Eye

Everybody

Me behind the Buckingham Palace

Trooping of the Colour for the Queens Birthday. 

The Queens Birthday is in April but it is celebrated in June because the weather is better.

Me and my roomie on the Original London Tour

My room