Hello everyone. So, it's monday almost ten here, about 5 at home. So, I last left off with that I was about to spend the weekend at my friend Jon's to experience the "british family." It was a lot of fun, and I am really glad I went and time permitting am wanting to go back.

Friday I met Jon at the tube stop and we took the tube to Charing Cross, and then the overground train to Orpington where he lives. The whole journey took about 45 min. Orpington is about an hour outside of the city of London in what I would classify as the suburbs. His mom had made lasagna, so we ate that and then just sat around and talked with his mom and brother. Jon played the piano for me (very talented) and then we all just watched a movie.

Saturday we got up and Jon made me a bacon sandwich. Which, is just what you would expect it to be, bacon and ketkup on toast. I told him I surprised Americans don't eat this more often since it is so greasy and bad for you lol. Later that day his parents took us to a little village about a half hour away from his house where we ate at a local pub and later walked around and took in the scenery. The houses in the village were old looking, taking on a tudor style look, although obviously they were not that old. After walking in the village it started to rain, so we went back to Jon's house. That night we went into the city for a going away party for one of Jon's co-workers. Aside from the expensive beer, the night was really entertaining (especially when Jon's co-worker decided to attempt to break dance on the floor and ended up knocking over a table with a candle on top, pouring hot wax all over himself and not caring one bit lol). We got back to Jon's around 2am after the longest cab ride of my life and where he made me grilled ham and cheese (which made me think of my parents since they eat that all the time)

Sunday we got up early to go to Jon's brother Steve's futbol (soccer) game. He played really well and they eventually won which was exciting. When we got back to the house Jon's dad cooked us a full english breakfast (which they call a "fry up") consisting of eggs, bacon, sausage, beans and toast. I opted out of the beans lol. Me and Jon just sat on his porch for a while since it was a nice day. We were going to lay in his garden (backyard) but the ground was a little wet from raining the night before. It was really peaceful just sitting outside. I know when I sit outside in my backyard it can be relaxing, but there isn't much to look at. Most backyards in england are heavily planted with flowers, trees etc. So you can just sit outside and just admire natures beauty. I feel like in America we tend to overlook some of those things. Maybe its from living at Temple most of the year, or maybe it is because I take a closer interest in the culture here, but I feel like everything is more relaxed here.

Overall the weekend was very fun and relaxing. I'm glad I went. I found that the core values don't seem to be different. I think any culture you immerse yourself in you might find that. Yea there will be differences, but the things that really matter don't change. Which kinda makes you wonder why there are so many problems in the world? If we are all similar at the core, why do we all fight and argue? If we essentially all believe the same thing? It's slightly dissapointing when you think about it.

Ok...I'll stop being insightful. lol. My next post will be when I come back from Paris which will be in exactly a week. So look for it! Ill probably have a new album also. I'm excited. I'm staying in a hostel by myself for the first night and then in a hotel by myself for the next 3 nights. I am hoping it will be a good experience. Sometimes you need to do things on your own right?Wish me luck!

I love you all! Keep in touch with me please!

Love always,

Sarah xoxo