Can't Stop Partying

These days I don't get to see my family as much as I used to, so when I arrived at my parent's house on Saturday night, my brother, Ben, and I stayed up the whole night talking. We reminisced about our High School days for a long time, recalling both awesome and terrible memories from our youth. Then we picked up the old guitars and strummed a few tunes. All of the old songs brought back even more memories.

My brother and I used to jump in my car and drive to any random social gathering we could find, but the best part of it all was getting to spend some one on one time with him. Even though we lived together in the same house, we both had our own friends and our own extra curriculars to attend to. We didn't have a lot in common, but we both loved rock 'n roll and we both loved to party. The only time we really spent together were those car rides - singing "Can't Stop Partying" by Weezer at the top of our lungs - and confiding in the trust that we both had for each other. During those times, we told each other everything. We talked about our problems, complained about school, and shared our dreams. We swore we were going to make something out of ourselves.

My brother is graduating this spring, and next fall he'll be off to college. Although I'm moving to London for five months, I know the distance will never separate us. I can't believe how fast the time is going by. One second we're living on top of the world, and the next second reality comes crashing down on us and we start to realize that we have to grow up sometime or another. I'm just thankful that I have people to hold onto as I try to navigate this fantastic, ever-changing world. The bond that we share is truly a special thing, and I really believe that is one thing that will never change.

The Inexpensive Side of London

Being a college student, I'll be living on a strict budget during my time in London. That being said, I've researched some fun things to do in London that are also inexpensive.

1. Changing of the Guard

FREE

The Queen's Guard in London changes in the Forecourt inside the gates of Buckingham Palace at 11.30 AM every day in the summer and every other day in the winter. If you get there early enough, you can get a view of it from just outside the front gates.

2. Play in the rain or... not.

FREE

Contemporary Art Group Random International created a digital installation that gives visitors the chance to experience what it would be like if they could control the rain. In "Rain Room", the sound of water and moisture in the air gives visitors the impression of being in the middle of a lucid downpour - without getting wet.

3. Street Performers

FREE

In the West Piazza of the Covent Garden Market, street performers entertain visitors every afternoon. All of the performers are licensed, and they have to pass an audition to be able to perform there. 

4. Take the Bus

£2 (With an Oyster Card)

There is no shortage of open-topped sightseeing buses in London, but why pay over £20 for a ticket when you can see the same sights for just £2? The route starts at the bus station of Liverpool Street station in the north eastern corner of the City of London and terminates at Fulham Broadway traveling via the West End and some of London's most famous landmarks including St. Paul's Cathedral, Fleet Street, the Strand, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, King's Road, and the Houses of Parliament.

  5. Prince Charles Cinema

£6.50

A tight budget doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a night out in London's famous West End. At the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square you can see great films from just £6.50 on evenings and weekends.

6. Trafalgar Square

FREE

This iconic square has many sights to see including Nelson's Column and the National Gallery. It is both a tourist attraction and the main focus for political demonstrations. Every December, Norway donates a marvelous Christmas tree, to thank Britain for liberation from the Nazis.

7.  Live Music

FREE

If live music’s your bag and you’ve got no money in your purse, don’t despair just yet, because London’s got more free gigs than you could ever expect to attend.

8. Indulge in a "Proper" Cup of Coffee

£1.89 (This varies from shop to shop.)

Amid the West End's sea of cappuccino merchants there are some very special coffee shop gems.

9. Find a Good Read

FREE

Explore one of the many book shops in London. The London Review Bookshop, The Big Green Bookshop, P&G Wells, Much Ado Books, and The Book Hive are just a few of them.

10. Museums & Galleries

FREE

London has over 300 museums and all of their major ones are free. The following is a list of free museums, but it's not complete. There are many other free museums in London.

British Library

British Museum

National Gallery

Natural History Museum

National Portrait Gallery

Science Museum

Tate Modern

The Tate Britain

Victoria and Albert Museum