Thoughts From The Clouds - Leaving My Comfort Zone

Hello!

It's me, coming at you from the clouds. I'm on my way to New York City for my first ever solo adventure before I head back to camp for another summer at Winona, and let me tell you, I couldn't be shitting myself anymore than I am. 

I've thought about this moment for such a long time, it's got to be almost a year now since I started saving to go away and the fact that it's actually happening is the most daunting thing in the world. I guess I'm finding it so overwhelming, not just because i'm completely on my own for the first part, ( I mean that in itself has got my stomach in nots) but because I don't have any sort of plan for the future  and future travels and to me thats terrifying! I'm just jumping on a plane with no clue where I'm going to be in the next 6 months. Maybe I'll decide to come home and start a new job, or maybe I'll continue prance around the world forever and become the aunt who brings home loads of weird shit from different countries.  I mean, I don't even have a 'Pleh' to my plan (quoting Pheebs there).

Whilst working and saving money, i've made so many memories I've grown close to many people, it now feels like I've got so much more to leave behind which has made the idea of jumping into the unknown even more overwhelming. Leaving felt so far away, that I began to just accept where I was, and pushed the idea of dropping everything to the back of my head and without knowing it, I trapped myself into a comfort zone. I ignored the fact I was going to be diving straight out of it very soon, and now its hit me like a ton of bricks.

Here I am though, so far out of my comfort zone I can't even see it. 

Literally, If you were to tell me I'm going shark diving today (biggest fear since watching Open Water at like 8 years old) I'd probably just go along with it because I can't imagine anything could make me more uncomfortable than I am right now. 

But do you know what, I'm actually loving it and the sight of NYC in the distance, with the sunset behind is giving me all the feels. I've never been more confident in myself, and more confident in the feeling (still scared shitless) that I've got no idea who i'm going to meet, where I'm going to go, what career path I'll take and what's going to happen. There's something about it that's making me so incredibly happy. I'm realising that it's okay not to have a plan.

If anyone else is thinking of taking the plunge, but you're scared of being lonely, homesick or just scared something bad will happen, then look at me, i've experienced this all in the last 8 hours just getting on a plane, (literally sat crying in the airport alone lol) and I'm okay. Theres so many memories on the horizon, and nothing is ever as bad or as scary as it seems. 

This is so incredibly cringy (i'll probably cringe to much at this later and delete it all) but life's to short, book a flight to wherever you want to go and worry about everything else later. 

I'm wearing my heart on my sleeve whilst I dot about the world, come with.

Much love my friends, see you on the other side of the zone <3

Lots of love,

Kates 

x

P.s I'm currently trying to make a new blog so that I can easily keep friends and family updated on my travels, watch this space xoxox 

Exploring Paris; A Trip To The City Of Lights!

Bonjour!

Last week I finally took to Paris, the city of lights, to explore and get a feel for the Parisian culture that is so greatly acclaimed. 

I've wanted to visit to Paris since I was young, having grown up with some of my favourite films set in France, such as Monte Carlo, LOL, Moulin Rouge and Ratatouille (yeah, the one where the talking rat can cook. Does anyone else remember playing the game or was that just me?). Not to mention, it's all over social media. I don't think I've ever been on Pinterest and not come across a photo of a travel or fashion blogger having a picnic by the Eiffel Tower. They never fail to make it look so dreamy.

Whilst I was searching for an excuse to leave the country, I came across £50 return flights with EasyJet from London, Luton to Charles De Gaulle Airport, so as you can imagine, I snapped two tickets up without a second thought and took my friend along with me, to celebrate a late Galentines with a two day city break.

We set off on Tuesday Afternoon, catching the flight straight after work, and arriving in France around 9pm. CDG Airport is about an hour away from the city, so saving money we took the Metro  which is €10 per person, but you can get an Uber for a set price of €50 if you'd prefer. We'd planned to go straight to the Eiffel Tower so we could watch it Twinkle on the hour, and kick start our adventure with an incredible sight. Unfortunately though, we had a travel nightmare which involved a run in with some pick pockets, so we headed straight to our hotel for some much needed sleep.
We stayed at The Eiffel Villa Garibaldi, a lovely hotel that I'd highly recommend. It's about a fifteen minute walk from the Eiffel Tower, of which you can also see from the rooms on the top floor. They offer a continental breakfast for a very cheap price and the staff are so friendly too.

Day One 

Mid - Morning 

After re-evaluating our plans in the morning, and deciding to not let a couple of thieves ruin the magic of Paris, we headed to the Eiffel Tower in the morning and got our tickets with access to the very top (taking the lift of course, I don't think I would've been able to appreciate the stunning views whilst struggling to breathe). We ventured to the top floor first where we looked down on Paris from the clouds, and the views were absolutely incredible! If it was a little bit warmer, I definitely could've stood there all day, and stayed to watch the sunset, however, standing 980ft in minus temperatures was a challenge, so we made our way down to the first floor and stood inside to warm ourselves up.
On the first floor, there's a lovely café, seating area and gift shop, so we ate brunch whilst looking out onto the city. Not too shabby. (The café serves the best hot choc i've actually ever had, so try it if you're there!)

Looking over Paris from the clouds!

Afternoon

After coming down from the Iron Lady, we explored the surrounding streets and walked down to the river, which is a great photo op! 
Past the river bridge is the Trocadéro Gardens, a lovely view point to look back at the Tower and stunning architecture that surrounds. By the time we got to the gardens, clouds had filled the sky so our view wasn't very clear, although still beautiful. 
As well as the clouds, the temperate also dropped in the afternoon and we weren't dressed for this weather so we walked back to our hotel to wrap up with layers of tights, jumpers and hats, looking chunky. Still couldn't feel my feet after 2 pairs of tights and 2 pairs socks on top.

Evening 

We left our hotel and got an uber to the Arc De Triomphe, one of Paris' most famous monuments which stands at the end of the Champs-Élysées, the gorgeous road that leads you to the Musée du Louvre. The Arc De Triomphe sits in the centre of a busy roundabout, and is a memorial for the French Revolutionary Wars. Here also lives an eternal flame, burning for the unidentified victims of both World Wars. If you're into your history, this is definitely one for you as it's filled with historical pieces inside and decorated with historical architecture. 

The top of the Arc has gorgeous views, and much to our surprise is totally free for EU residents under  the age of 26. To get to the top, the only way up is to climb 40 stairs, and you get to see amazing views of the Eiffel Tower. We went in the evening to see it all lit up, and to watch it twinkle on the hour. It was such a magical sight, and great that it's free! I'd recommend taking advantage of this and going to the top during the daytime and to see the tower light up in the evening.

The Champs-Élysées is also home to a great shopping spot with a mix of designer heaven, and high street stores (with about 3 Zara's, woo!), as well as lots of restaurants and Cafés including Ladurée where we stopped off for desert before dinner. 
Ladurée is famous for their macarons, and you'll see many pop ups on your way around, but we opted for a pastry which we indulged in, in the tea rooms. 

After eating too much pastry, followed by too much spaghetti, we got an Uber to the Eiffel Tower so we could watch it twinkle again for the last time. We stood directly underneath the tower and waited until it hit 11pm. This has got to be up there with one of the most beautiful sights i've had the privilege of seeing. It was one of those overwhelming moments that makes you put down your phone and camera and just appreciate where you are. 

Day Two

Morning

On our second day we were lucky to have beautifully clear blue skies, (deceptively still below freezing though) whilst we toured Paris on TheBigBusTour. 
Jumping on back at the Eiffel Tower, we payed €30 each for a hop-on/hop-off ticket so we could see as much of the city as we could before catching our flight back to London. (this is also a great way to avoid the Metro where the thieves work)

Our first stop was the Louvre Museum, the biggest in the world! You could spend the entire day here and still not cover half of the treasures inside. Even better though it's
Free entry for EU residents under 26!

The Glass Pyramid outside the Louvre has become one of the most recognisable monuments of Paris,   and standing next to what used to be a royal palace, it 's an amazing mix of architecture. 
I've seen photos of it lit up in the evening that looks amazing, so if you've got the time, i'd definitely visit in the dark.
There's so many interesting pieces inside this museum, it's split into eight wings, from the Egyptians to royal paintings. Best of all,  Leonardo De Vinci's The Mona Lisa resides here. 
Crowds of people were stood around admiring the painting, taking photos and reading the history  (meanwhile we were busy trying to put snapchats filters on her, it's art).

Almost got it, but not quite.

Afternoon 

Outside the gates of the Louvre is the Pont des Arts bridge, the most romantic spot in Paris. This is what used to be the 'Lock Bridge' where thousands of friends or couples would come to place a lock on the rails, and throw the key into the river. Although the locks had to be taken down in 2015, some still remain on the posts. (I'd love to know how may keys are at the bottom of the river).

We then jumped back on our bus, and got off at the Notre Dame. 

If you're looking for places to eat, there's so many around this area. We got some lunch at a really cute bar/restaurant about 5 minutes from the Cathedral. I don't actually remember the name of it because I was way to hungry to even look, but I can tell you they serve the best veggie burgers (quite hard to find in Paris).

Entrance to the Cathedral is completely free for everyone during opening hours, and if you go when the sun is just starting to set, it shines through the stained glass windows and lights up the inside.(We didn't actually spend too long in here because churches actually creep me out a lot, although I can still appreciate the building).

Finishing our afternoon in Paris we got on our bus and sat on the top deck so we could sight see our way back to the Hotel. The Big Bus Tour is a great way to get around the city and see as much as you can if you only have the day. You also get a pair of headphones that you can plug in and listen to facts about each monument as you drive round. 

The evening was time to head home, so we picked up our luggage from the hotel and Uber'd our way to the airport. The journey takes about an hour, and me being me, I fell asleep as soon as we got into the car, and then again on our plane. 

I loved exploring Paris, and I hope to go back at some point one summer, to relive it all in the sunshine. If you haven't got round to doing it like I hadn't, then I'd say just bite the bullet and book yourselves some tickets! It really is a gorgeous city, and the Eiffel Tower is a bucket list must!


Au Revoir &

Bon Voyage!

Lots of Love,
Katie
x

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THE ÉLAN CAFE, South Kensington

Hello!

Happy January! I hope these first few weeks of twenty-eighteen are treating you well (Don't worry, this dreaded month is almost over, and pay day is just around the corner. You can make it through x)

This is the year that I'll be jet setting to the other side of the world, for the adventure of a lifetime.(literally cannot contain my excitement, June please freakin' hurry up) I've got a good few months before then though, and I don't want to waste them counting down the days, so I've been exploring new places in London that I've heard of but never made the effort to go. (I also booked a trip to Paris at the end of February because, when I feel sad I don't just buy chocolate like a normal person, I buy flights)

This week, I took to South Kensington to the Élan Café.

The prettiest cafe I've ever been to!

It's filled with flowers, blossom trees, marble and rose gold everything, I wish my house looked like this.  

It's located down Brompton Road, South Kensington, just a short walk from the V&A, it's in the perfect spot if you're shopping, or on a touristy day out in London. 

(Close to South Kensington Station - Circle/District/Piccadilly line

or

Knightsbridge Station - Piccadilly Line)

They have two cafés open in London, there's a smaller one about 10 minutes from Marble Arch Station which we thought was the main one, but the bigger, nicer one is down Brompton Road. The smaller one is still very cosy but we decided to get an uber (it was raining) to the one we've seen all over Instagram. 

I admit, I only went to this Café because it looked pretty and I wanted a picture of the amazing flower wall, but it turns out that the food was even better.

They serve different 'brunch' meals, as well as special herbal tea's, cake's, coffee and salads. 

I ordered the beetroot marinated salmon with poached egg on a flat bread, and it was actually incredible. I know it doesn't sound that special but it's deffo the best I've had. 

I did resist the cakes (one of my best achievements) but I had serious food envy for the girl next to me.

There's something for everyone here, even an acai bowl for you vegans, it's the perfect place to brunch or have afternoon tea with your friends or your mum.

If you're around the area then go and pop in for some cake, it's so beautiful!

Lots of love, 

kate

x

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Everything You Need To Know About Applying To Camp America - A Complete Guide

Hello!

During my gap year in 2016, I decided to apply to Camp America to take on a new experience and to push myself out of my comfort zone. I was hired at one of the recruitment fairs in London by Camp Winona, a Girl Scouts camp in Maryland (Washington D.C, I didn't know either....I had to google it after I signed my contract and left the building) and before I knew it, I was in the USA, meeting amazing people from all over the world and having,  hands down, the best, most rewarding summer I've EVER had!
(Is this interesting you yet?)


As i'm officially heading back to the USA for another amazing summer at Camp Winona, returning as a lifeguard (Pamela Anderson, move over) I thought i'd  tell you everything you need to know about how you can apply for Camp, and get you ready to have the best summer of your life!

So, What Is Camp America?

For those of you who don't know what Camp America is, it's a UK based organisation, established in 1969, that recruits people just like you and me, to go and work for an American summer camp for the camp season.
There are literally hundreds (possibly even thousands?) of Camps across America that use CA to recruit international staff, and you could be one of the thousands of people that get hired every year.

Theres a range of different job roles, some of which specify in teaching a sport or subject (no brainier you'll have to have experience with what you teach). Others include: support staff(kitchen, cleaner, admin etc...) lifeguards and general counsellors. All of which are amazing jobs to put on your CV and will stand out to an employer.

Camp America is there to help you to sort everything out, from your application, to getting your Visa and are even there to help while you're at camp as they have offices in the states to make sure everyone is safe, and it's all going smoothly. (If your parents are nervous that you're on your own in a new country, this should keep them quiet).

*If you want to read more about Camp America, click here to go to the website.*

What To Expect At Camp

I hate to break it to you, but not all camps are like The Parent Trap. It just so happens that my camp was quite similar. Some are more privileged and have actual dorms for everyone, (some actually have cleaners, it's like Made In Chelsea of the camp world) whereas some are a tad more rustic.
It entirely depends on which camp you're going to with pretty much everything. An average day for me, can be completely different for another camp that may specialise in a specific activity.

For the majority though, A typical day at camp might go something like this:

7:30am - Wakeup Call

For staff it's usually a little bit earlier so you can get yourself showered and ready, so that your focus is purely on the kids. 

8:30am - Flag + Breakfast

I'm not sure if flag is done at every camp or just at scouts, but every morning, before going in to have breakfast, the flag will be raised and everyone sings the National Anthem (as an international counsellor, you don't have to take part).

9.30am - First activity of the day

This depends on your camp of course! You could be kayaking, dancing, playing football, in arts and crafts... literally anything. As a general counsellor you'll be taking the campers to each activity (so you get to join in course) and giving the subject specific counsellors a help in hand.

12:00pm - Lunch

13:00pm- Rest and Relaxation time

After squeezing in your group chores (i.e washing the lunch hall, cleaning the showers, great fun with 15 little elves) the children get to chill for a little bit before heading to the pool.

14:00pm - Pool Time

After pool is when the campers take their showers. (tip for you...patience is key here)

17:00pm- Flag + Dinner

Like breakfast, you'll stand by the flag pool and take it down before heading to dinner.

18:00pm - Evening Activity

Campfires, S'mores, camp songs, night pool party's..... 

22:00pm - Lights out

At camp, although you're having the time of your life, you have to remember that you're still on the job, and you're responsible for the safety of little people. It can be challenging so it would help a thousand percent if you love being around children, and have patience.
You're a role model to all of the campers so if you're looking for a summer full of drinking, nights out with red cups and messing around the whole summer, camp's probably not the one for you.
(I mean, you can have the best of both worlds though).

How Much Does It All Cost?

I've summarised all of the payments up for you, and the good news is you don't have to do it all in one go! In the stages from you applying to actually leaving for camp, you'll be paying each of these throughout. It does seem quite a lot but at the end of camp you'll receive a pay check that (depending on your job position, age etc.) will cover all of these costs. So, really.. the entire thing is free!

How Many Dollars Should You Take?

I'd make sure you've got at least a couple hundred Dollars to take with you, just incase you go to Target on your first week and go crazy like I did, or you're going on road trips every weekend!

All in all, during camp I spent about $400 (about £300) on food, trips and clothes (even at camp where nice clothes are a myth, I still can't help myself).

Prepare to spend money on your days off at camp, it's nice to go and experience the local culture while you're there, and to get anything other than camp food!

The Application Process

First of all, you need to sign up to CampAmerica on the website, which will then take you onto 'MyCampAmerica' where you can officially start your application.
You then need to fill out all the information about yourself and fill everything out, just as you're applying for a job.
You'll fill out your skills and hobbies in this section which will help camps to see what you're like and if you qualify to be a subject specialist. (Don't go too overboard with your skills, although its good to be all rounded, don't be a dick)
You'll also need to fill out some references (I used a couple of managers from my current work place, and my old Sixthform teacher) Camps may get in touch with them so pick a goodn'!

Adding A Video
The application asks you to add a video of yourself which is optional, however, it's a great way for the camps to see your personality and a simple video could be the key to getting placed quickly!
In this you could simply talk about why it is you're applying to camp, what your hobbies are, your likes and dislikes... the more creative the better!
(I didn't upload a video, but I still got placed, so if you really don't want to, don't worry about it!)


Police Check

Just to make sure you're not a criminal, and you can actually be trusted around children
(If you have a criminal record, search on the website to see if you can qualify for camp)
This will cost you £54 which you pay online. It's very simple, and if you get stuck send CA an email to help you.


Your Interview

The interview is more of a catch up, It's extremely laid back, mine was actually in starbucks.
You'll just go over what you've written on your application, theres deffo no need to sweat about this one!
Once you've filled your application and made the £150 payment, you need to select and interviewer and a time & place.
Come with your application printed off, your passport and forms of ID.
(My passport was stolen before my interview because London is full of dickheads, so If this happens to you or you just forget it, again don't worry, you can drop it another time!)

Attending A Recruitment Fair 

Now, my experience with the recruitment fair wasn't great at all I must say, even though I was placed here, I was very very close to crying and panicking at my twentieth rejection.
There were about 100 stalls of different camps, and more than a thousand people looking for jobs. I must've gone to almost ALL of them and got turned away. (Some of the people here were Rude AF and literally made me feel like I was never going to get placed anywhere, so cheers for that camp spirit guys) In fact, I actually got turned away from my first attempt at Camp Winona by a girl from one of the partner camps but as I was about to leave with my head so low it was just about on the floor, I decided to go back to the first stall again, and finally I found friendly people! I ended up just chatting to the staff there and then got hired by the 'manager' after a little interview.


To summarise that for you, it is possible to get placed here, and so many people were hired, but, if you've got anxiety then the recruitment fairs are probably not for you. If you go to one, and end up getting rejected by every single camp, don't worry (same here guys/gals!) You will get placed, just be patient!

Getting Your J1 VISA

The U.S Embassy is near Oxford Street, for anyone who doesn't live in London, get off the tube at Bond Street Station and walk down the road opposite Selfridges (Audley Street). It will take about 10 mins.
CA have days where everyone can go on the same day to get their visa approval which is a great place to meet other people doing camp.
You'll be in long queues and will have a couple of mini interviews where they will ask you where you're staying, when you intend to fly back and check if you have and criminal background.
It's not as daunting as you think when you're there!

Selecting Your Flights!

CampAmerica will arrange your flight to the US so you don't have to do anything but pick what day you'll return. When you book this, keep in mind your after camp travel plans as more than likely some will pop up! 

The amazing thing is that you can change your flight within a certain amount of days for a small charge, or opt for a Flexi-flight which means you can change the state, time and date for your return with no extra cost!

After Camp Travel

One of the best things about doing Camp America is the exploring. If you have time off on the weekends, you could take a road trip, maybe to a different state? Or you can save all of the adventure until after camp. (with your pay check in your pocket)
The J1 Visa allows you to stay in the country for up to thirty days so America is your oyster.

I wouldn't book anything until you're at camp and keep your options open because it's more than likely you'll make friends that also want to travel, and even better you'll make some american friends that will invite you to stay with them for a while!
(for the less spontaneous.....) If you do fancy booking onto something and getting organised before you go, CA run a number of road trips that look incredible! Although quite pricey, it's a perfect way to meet people if you're travelling solo.

After Camp, I went with a group of lovely people from New York to Miami and had the most amazing time, at Niagara Falls, Miami beach, West Philadelphia (lol joke West philly was an accident and Will Smith described it perfectly. Don't go here with your camp t-shirt on looking all preppy. you'll get mugged)

Tip: Getting around can be difficult as America's definitely not built for backpackers, especially ones on a budget and can't be affording flights. Megabus is great and literally like a tenner to drive through a whole state, just get a cab to the bus stop and you're good to go!

Is Camp Worth Doing?

Camp is an experience like no other. You'll get to do things you've never even thought about and meet some of the most incredible like-minded people whilst your there. It's also such an eye opener getting to work with so many different children and adults together and gives you the confidence and skills that can help throughout life. Not to forget, it looks great on your CV when you're applying for other jobs at home, and is automatically a great conversation in any interview you'll ever have.

Camp Winona is like a home away from home to me, and it's like one big family. I've made some of my closest friends there and I'm SO excited to go back. 

So yes, camp is 100% worth doing. Go sign up!

Twenty-eighteen is fast approaching, so why don't you make this year an exciting one. Challenge yourself, go out of your comfort zone, meet incredible people and have the best summer of your life!

I promise you won't regret it!


Happy New Year everyone, I hope it's your best twelve months yet!

Lots of love

Kate
x

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