Today marks the forth day in a row we've had beautiful sunshine. What are the odds? Spoke with a Brit this morning who told me that before this week she can't remember the last time she saw the sun. I feel lucky!
Went to church this morning in Bradford, which is a town a little ways out. I met a boy in my building who goes, and knew of a free bus. Met some really cool people. Compared to America, there are very few Christians here- I was really happy to meet some. The whole God thing is pretty dead here actually. I learned this morning that because of the large Muslim base in Leeds, people are afraid to offend, so Christ isn't mentioned often. Have kinda been taking that as a personal challenge. Knowing that I could be one, the only American or two, the only Christian some people I met here ever get close with, I feel like somewhat of an ambassador :)
I walked back to Sugarwell (where I'm living) with Sam, a boy originally from Tonga, which is in the South Pacific. He has the most amazing story, as so many people here do. Honestly, over the past two weeks I have met some of the most interesting people in my life. It was great meeting him, because he's a local and gave me lots of tips for living here. Plus he cooks, and offered to show me a few things. Score. I love when someone comes into your life at just the time you need them.
Since I've been here, the Brits are always asking me if I'm alright. I didn't understand why, first of all. But honestly, after awhile I started to wonder why they were asking in the first place. Do I look sad? Sick? Anyway, Sam asked me this morning, and I was like "Yes, I'm fine- do I seem not alright?" He looked really confused. We figured it out though, and apparently "You alright?" means hello here. Like if you pass someone you'd say "You alright?" and they'd say "You alright?" back. Seems totally weird to me. I have been answering "Yes" and have been getting funny looks. I suppose if I said "Hello" to someone and they replied "Yes", I'd look at them funny too. I did not expect this much of a culture gag in the language, that's for sure :)
Ps- on our way home, some guy leaned out his window and vommited onto the street, a little on Sams coat and a little in my hair. Bleck!! Look before you ralph, dude!
Pps- went to Manchester yesterday and saw cool stuff. Check out the facebook for photos :)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
The Birthday Envelope
Before I left home, Ruby gave me a birthday present. It was a big yellow envelope, and she explained that inside were five more envelopes. They are for one homesick night each month I am here.
Well I just got back in, and had a twinge of homesickness. You see, I was sheeting my bed and all the sudden really missed my mom. When my mom sheets the beds at home, she leaves the corner down so that that night you can just hop right in. Without thinking I folded the corner back as well :)
I thought it'd be a good envelope moment. I was happy to find an index card with an inside joke written on it and five dollar bills. Guess it'll be a little while til I use that, eh?
I love Ruby.
I love Mom.
Good night, all!
Well I just got back in, and had a twinge of homesickness. You see, I was sheeting my bed and all the sudden really missed my mom. When my mom sheets the beds at home, she leaves the corner down so that that night you can just hop right in. Without thinking I folded the corner back as well :)
I thought it'd be a good envelope moment. I was happy to find an index card with an inside joke written on it and five dollar bills. Guess it'll be a little while til I use that, eh?
I love Ruby.
I love Mom.
Good night, all!
This Just In: England Rocks My Socks.
Just read over my previous blog entries. Wow has a lot changed in a week and a half. At this point, I am loving it here. I wake up in the morning, look out the window and think "My gosh, I'm in freakin Europe." If that isn't an exciting way to start each day, I don't know what is.
When I first arrived, I really questioned whether or not this whole thing was a big mistake; that maybe I was just not cut out for study abroad. Sometimes I still wonder this- in general I am not the bravest of people. Yes, I'd gladly sing infront of any kind of audience, no sweat, but this is different. If I'm unsure as to whether I'm cut out for this, I'll tell you one thing, being here is forcing me to be. A lot of this past week has been trial and error, but I'm kind of getting the hang of it. So I can't cook. Okay, I'll learn. And I can't navigate a city. Okay, I'll learn. It's almost a catch phrase here. If you can't do it, someone can, so ask for help and learn. I have found that if asked, people are willing to lend a hand :)
Yesterday was a good day. I haven't mentioned it, but mt flat is a DISASTER. When I got here, there was mold food stuck to the counter tops. Really, the place smelled like death. And the shower...don't get me started. As it turns out, I am living with 4 other people. One Chinese boy, a post grad who couldn't be more helpful, another boy from Manchester who sprays so much Axe I could suffocate :) and two female "freshers"- one called Abbi. I realize that they are 18 and this is the first time they are away from home. I also realize that at 18, I had a meal plan, someone to clean the dishes for me etc. They hold your hand a bit more in the US than they do here.
Either way, I felt a little like SnowWhite when she first sees the seven dwarfs home. Yikes.
So, I spent all of yesterday cleaning. Honestly, I enjoyed it. I felt in control of something, which was nice. I wore my rain boots and scrubbed that shower for an hour. I found a used condom on the floor that I hadn't seen up to that point because it was literally covered in grim. Ewwwwwwwwww!
After that I went to a Chaleigh, which is a Scottish dance. So fun. I ate haggus, which is big Scottish dish, and essentially the innards of a sheep. You know, it tasted like the innards of a sheep. The only way I could really describe it, is that it tasted like a farm. You know the way a farm smells? It was like that. In your mouth. The consistency wasn't all bad though.
Afterwards we all went to the Student Bar (seems like an oxi-moron or something, but it's not), got drinks and did karaoke. What a good time! My friend Brian sang Amish Paradise after sucking helium; definitely a high light :)
When I first arrived, I really questioned whether or not this whole thing was a big mistake; that maybe I was just not cut out for study abroad. Sometimes I still wonder this- in general I am not the bravest of people. Yes, I'd gladly sing infront of any kind of audience, no sweat, but this is different. If I'm unsure as to whether I'm cut out for this, I'll tell you one thing, being here is forcing me to be. A lot of this past week has been trial and error, but I'm kind of getting the hang of it. So I can't cook. Okay, I'll learn. And I can't navigate a city. Okay, I'll learn. It's almost a catch phrase here. If you can't do it, someone can, so ask for help and learn. I have found that if asked, people are willing to lend a hand :)
Yesterday was a good day. I haven't mentioned it, but mt flat is a DISASTER. When I got here, there was mold food stuck to the counter tops. Really, the place smelled like death. And the shower...don't get me started. As it turns out, I am living with 4 other people. One Chinese boy, a post grad who couldn't be more helpful, another boy from Manchester who sprays so much Axe I could suffocate :) and two female "freshers"- one called Abbi. I realize that they are 18 and this is the first time they are away from home. I also realize that at 18, I had a meal plan, someone to clean the dishes for me etc. They hold your hand a bit more in the US than they do here.
Either way, I felt a little like SnowWhite when she first sees the seven dwarfs home. Yikes.
So, I spent all of yesterday cleaning. Honestly, I enjoyed it. I felt in control of something, which was nice. I wore my rain boots and scrubbed that shower for an hour. I found a used condom on the floor that I hadn't seen up to that point because it was literally covered in grim. Ewwwwwwwwww!
After that I went to a Chaleigh, which is a Scottish dance. So fun. I ate haggus, which is big Scottish dish, and essentially the innards of a sheep. You know, it tasted like the innards of a sheep. The only way I could really describe it, is that it tasted like a farm. You know the way a farm smells? It was like that. In your mouth. The consistency wasn't all bad though.
Afterwards we all went to the Student Bar (seems like an oxi-moron or something, but it's not), got drinks and did karaoke. What a good time! My friend Brian sang Amish Paradise after sucking helium; definitely a high light :)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The English Language
My one qualm with this blog is that I can't write everything. So much goes on in a day here, it's insane. I find myself making mental lists of things to blog on and in the end it's just too long. I'll write more important stuff tomorrow, but for now I feel like telling you this:
Had a funny miscommunication with a British boy the other day. Mid conversation he asked me "if I was taking a piss." What? Well no, I'm not taking a piss. We are standing in a kitchen. I must have looked confused, because an American girl who's been here since Septemeber informed me that "Are you taking a piss" is another way of asking "Are you joking?" Once this was clarified we all had a good laugh.
British sayings I am picking up:
Keen- as in "I'd be keen for some pancakes." (I mention this because right now I am VERY keen for some pancakes. Sigh. Oy, my diet of grilled cheese and pasta...)
I couldn't be bothered- as in "Did you check the mail today?" "Eh, I couldn't be bothered."
So catchy.
American sayings I am dropping cuz no one understands them:
College. (College is High School here. Very confusing when dropped in convo)
Dude. (They know it, they just make fun of me for it)
Trash. (They'll say "well that's a fancy word for rubbish!" haha)
Randoms:
EVERYONE LOVES OBAMA.
People often ask "So are you from the US or Australia?" Huh.
Had a funny miscommunication with a British boy the other day. Mid conversation he asked me "if I was taking a piss." What? Well no, I'm not taking a piss. We are standing in a kitchen. I must have looked confused, because an American girl who's been here since Septemeber informed me that "Are you taking a piss" is another way of asking "Are you joking?" Once this was clarified we all had a good laugh.
British sayings I am picking up:
Keen- as in "I'd be keen for some pancakes." (I mention this because right now I am VERY keen for some pancakes. Sigh. Oy, my diet of grilled cheese and pasta...)
I couldn't be bothered- as in "Did you check the mail today?" "Eh, I couldn't be bothered."
So catchy.
American sayings I am dropping cuz no one understands them:
College. (College is High School here. Very confusing when dropped in convo)
Dude. (They know it, they just make fun of me for it)
Trash. (They'll say "well that's a fancy word for rubbish!" haha)
Randoms:
EVERYONE LOVES OBAMA.
People often ask "So are you from the US or Australia?" Huh.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Hondas Never Die
I drive (drove? drive? We shall see) a 94 stick shift. It's a honda, and if you don't know this, I'll tell you now- Hondas never die. My honda was passed down to me on my 18th birthday. I am it's forth owner, and a proud one at that.
My mom and dad are taking a 30 day road trip across the US starting today. They asked me over Christmas break how I felt about them taking my car, and driving it until it died. It's on it's last leg anyways (though isn't that what we said on my 18th birthday? Hmm...) and it'd be nice to save money on a rent-a-car. Plus this way we'd avoid it dying on one of Adrienne's trips to New Jersey, or my trips to... Ruby's house. Or something.
It's day one of the cross country trip, and they say my car is running okay. The radiator fell off the last week of break, and now is apparently being held together with glue, but I like to think my car will make it. Either way, I thought I'd tell you about it now, so that when we head up to mall this Summer, you'll be just as amazed that I am still driving it as I am :)
In other news, it was a good day on this side of the pond today. It was my friend Noah's 21st birthday (the first birthday he's ever spent away from his twin brother, aww), and we had cake and pasta. I eat a LOT of pasta these days.
My mom and dad are taking a 30 day road trip across the US starting today. They asked me over Christmas break how I felt about them taking my car, and driving it until it died. It's on it's last leg anyways (though isn't that what we said on my 18th birthday? Hmm...) and it'd be nice to save money on a rent-a-car. Plus this way we'd avoid it dying on one of Adrienne's trips to New Jersey, or my trips to... Ruby's house. Or something.
It's day one of the cross country trip, and they say my car is running okay. The radiator fell off the last week of break, and now is apparently being held together with glue, but I like to think my car will make it. Either way, I thought I'd tell you about it now, so that when we head up to mall this Summer, you'll be just as amazed that I am still driving it as I am :)
In other news, it was a good day on this side of the pond today. It was my friend Noah's 21st birthday (the first birthday he's ever spent away from his twin brother, aww), and we had cake and pasta. I eat a LOT of pasta these days.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
York (The Original!)
First, I'd like to say- I love this blog. It's a great place to unwind. An outlet, really. You should get one. I'll also take this moment to apologize for all spelling mistakes I have made and will make. Not my forte, spelling :/
Okay so onto the good stuff. I am proud, and slightly embarrassed to tell you (though mostly proud), that I did not cry today. Not one tear. Didn't even well up. Thank you, thank you very much. It's an epic day in my little adventure here, and I wanted to share. I think today was a turning point for me. Hoping, anyway :)
I'll tell you something else, England is beautiful. Went to York today (check out my facebook for pictures), and I'll give you the highlights:
1. I felt like Hogwarts was bound to appear just after every block. Seriously, I was just waiting to bump into Harry, Ron etc at any moment.
2. Saw a guy pee on the street today. Kinda surprised I'd never witnessed this before in NYC or Bmore, but yeah. There ya go.
3. Happened to stumble upon a chorus group in an old church rehearsing for Mozart's The Magic Flute. Beautiful stuff. Probably my favorite point in the day, actually.
4. Came out of cathedral and heard Billy Joel's Tiny Dancer coming from around the way. It was a street performer (loads of those in York) on piano. My dad tells me that's my song, and I always think of him when I hear it. I almost (almost! woo hoo, go me) teared up. Instead I just smiled and requested Piano Man next :)
I can't speak for my entire trip when I say I love being in England, but as for today- I love being in England :)
Friday, January 22, 2010
a little homesick
Pouring rain today. Good thing my umbrella is so cute.
Woke up and felt pretty homesick. Before I came, there was a meeting at Towson with some kids who'd studied abroad before. They sat us down and told us how to prepare, and what to expect from our trips abroad. They said that the first 3 weeks or so were really hard; that it'd be a bit of an emotional roller coaster. I remember thinking that that wouldn't be the case for me. Being new to a school is not a big deal. After Liberty, CSM and then Towson, I've got being the new kid down to an art. I get along with the majority of people I meet, and it takes a lot to get me down. And yeah, I knew it'd be hard to leave for so long, but I had no idea how hard it would actually be. I'm not used to being so moody- it is a bit like a roller coaster. My high's are really high, and my low's are really low.
My parents have been so supportive. I feel so lucky to have them. I called last night during family night, and hearing my siblings voices was great. I miss the noise of being home. Just little stuff like the vacuum going or Phoebe's collar clinking. I miss Towson as well! Having a cafeteria right outside my dorm is something I'd taken for granted. I miss the stuff I was involved in. I need to find somewhere to sing here ASAP. I miss swapping little anecdotes with my roommates/suitemates :)
I'm anxious to start classes; getting into a routine is key.
I've become really dependent on Christ- that's been a big positive about this whole situation. I talk to Him constantly, and I feel prayers from home. It is so comforting to know that while I'm so far away from everyone and everything I know, He's right here. There is something so incredibly comforting about knowing He's in control and has a plan for me.
Woke up and felt pretty homesick. Before I came, there was a meeting at Towson with some kids who'd studied abroad before. They sat us down and told us how to prepare, and what to expect from our trips abroad. They said that the first 3 weeks or so were really hard; that it'd be a bit of an emotional roller coaster. I remember thinking that that wouldn't be the case for me. Being new to a school is not a big deal. After Liberty, CSM and then Towson, I've got being the new kid down to an art. I get along with the majority of people I meet, and it takes a lot to get me down. And yeah, I knew it'd be hard to leave for so long, but I had no idea how hard it would actually be. I'm not used to being so moody- it is a bit like a roller coaster. My high's are really high, and my low's are really low.
My parents have been so supportive. I feel so lucky to have them. I called last night during family night, and hearing my siblings voices was great. I miss the noise of being home. Just little stuff like the vacuum going or Phoebe's collar clinking. I miss Towson as well! Having a cafeteria right outside my dorm is something I'd taken for granted. I miss the stuff I was involved in. I need to find somewhere to sing here ASAP. I miss swapping little anecdotes with my roommates/suitemates :)
I'm anxious to start classes; getting into a routine is key.
I've become really dependent on Christ- that's been a big positive about this whole situation. I talk to Him constantly, and I feel prayers from home. It is so comforting to know that while I'm so far away from everyone and everything I know, He's right here. There is something so incredibly comforting about knowing He's in control and has a plan for me.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Here Comes The Sun, do n do do...
The sun came out today! I never thought I'd be blogging about the sun, but here I am. It was so nice to see it. Kinda like a visit from an American friend or something. Even if our visit consisted of a quick hello and then good bye, I was SO happy to have a little sun on my face. 
It surprises me that I have a hard time understanding the British sometimes. Their accent, awesome as it is, is almost lazy. They don't articulate much, consonants at the ends of words are completely lost. They don't say "th" they say "f", like think vs fink. Their lingo is funny too. "Ta" means thank you, as well as "Cheers". Everyone calls you love, and they actually refer to the bathroom as the "loo". I kinda thought that was only in movies. I asked a saleswoman where rain boots were, and she didn't know what I was talking about. They call them "wellies" here. (Olen ;) It's a mobile, not a cell phone. It's a marion, not a mall. They have milk here that lasts 6 months. How is that possible? And why don't we have it in the US?
Also, the girls in Leeds are notorious for skimpy clothing. I've never seen anything like it. Yes, at Towson I'd see those girls walking around in January in a little black dress on their way to a club, but that's nothing compared to Leeds. I would say the majority of the girls here walk around in a mini skirt and tanktop. Us study abroad kids can't get over it. We just stand there, jaws dropped, shivering in our coats and hats. If it wasn't a creeper thing to do, I'd get a picture for you. What's that all about? Craziness.
Also, the girls in Leeds are notorious for skimpy clothing. I've never seen anything like it. Yes, at Towson I'd see those girls walking around in January in a little black dress on their way to a club, but that's nothing compared to Leeds. I would say the majority of the girls here walk around in a mini skirt and tanktop. Us study abroad kids can't get over it. We just stand there, jaws dropped, shivering in our coats and hats. If it wasn't a creeper thing to do, I'd get a picture for you. What's that all about? Craziness.
Anyway, I'm doing fine here. A little more homesick than I anticipated, but every day is a little easier. I am starting to get used to the city too. Living on this city campus is totally different than what I' used too at Towson. Cooking is a challenge. If you know any easy recipes, send them my way, eh?
More later! :)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
An English Birthday
I have never been so miserable and so happy all in one day.
I also don't have time to be writing now; It's 1 am here and I need sleep. I'm just pumped. And so much has happened I feel I will forget it by tomorrow :) Here it goes.
I woke up this morning, looked in the mirror and verbally informed myself that today was going to be a good day. (Don't judge) Then I looked out the window. Rainy. Then I took a shower. Cold as a mo fo. Then I plugged in my hair dryer. It BLEW UP. My fingers got this black crap all over them that took ages to get off. Good Lord, England. Why do you hate me?
Went to orientation (with cold wet hair, mind you) and met some cool kids. We got some lunch. Well, they got lunch. I have been sick to my stomach since my arrival. I had no idea how much my stomach responds to nerves. Then again, I have never been this nervous in my entire life. Ick. I called my parents who wished me a happy birthday and told me to look in a pocket of my luggage for a gift. It was my favorite pair of earrings, that happen to be my mothers. I love them. I read my facebook posts, and the comments on my blog, and missed home so much I could have died. I'd made plans with the international kids earlier to meet up for dinner, but was scared because I had to walk alone in the dark, and didn't know my way. I started inviting random people from the dorm, so I'd have someone to walk with. No one said yes.
A few minutes later I heard a knock at my door and it was this sweet Chinese dude, Tod. He told me I wasn't walking alone- that'd he take me. I wanted to give him a big hug. We met up with the others and everything turned around. It was a GREAT night. I feel so close with the study abroad kids already- they are such interesting, worth while people, not to mention a great time :D The whole time I kept thinking about how well my English friends and my American friends would get along. Seriously, you'd love them. Sara and Ruby, I can't wait for you to meet them when you come! I told them it was my 21st birthday and they bought me drinks the rest of the night. The night life here is insane. Plus, flashing my ID for a bouncer gave me the biggest thrill. I feel like I could go on and on and ON about tonight, but I won't bore you :) Over all, things are looking up. WAY up.
All is well that ends well, eh?
Cheers!!
I also don't have time to be writing now; It's 1 am here and I need sleep. I'm just pumped. And so much has happened I feel I will forget it by tomorrow :) Here it goes.
I woke up this morning, looked in the mirror and verbally informed myself that today was going to be a good day. (Don't judge) Then I looked out the window. Rainy. Then I took a shower. Cold as a mo fo. Then I plugged in my hair dryer. It BLEW UP. My fingers got this black crap all over them that took ages to get off. Good Lord, England. Why do you hate me?
Went to orientation (with cold wet hair, mind you) and met some cool kids. We got some lunch. Well, they got lunch. I have been sick to my stomach since my arrival. I had no idea how much my stomach responds to nerves. Then again, I have never been this nervous in my entire life. Ick. I called my parents who wished me a happy birthday and told me to look in a pocket of my luggage for a gift. It was my favorite pair of earrings, that happen to be my mothers. I love them. I read my facebook posts, and the comments on my blog, and missed home so much I could have died. I'd made plans with the international kids earlier to meet up for dinner, but was scared because I had to walk alone in the dark, and didn't know my way. I started inviting random people from the dorm, so I'd have someone to walk with. No one said yes.
A few minutes later I heard a knock at my door and it was this sweet Chinese dude, Tod. He told me I wasn't walking alone- that'd he take me. I wanted to give him a big hug. We met up with the others and everything turned around. It was a GREAT night. I feel so close with the study abroad kids already- they are such interesting, worth while people, not to mention a great time :D The whole time I kept thinking about how well my English friends and my American friends would get along. Seriously, you'd love them. Sara and Ruby, I can't wait for you to meet them when you come! I told them it was my 21st birthday and they bought me drinks the rest of the night. The night life here is insane. Plus, flashing my ID for a bouncer gave me the biggest thrill. I feel like I could go on and on and ON about tonight, but I won't bore you :) Over all, things are looking up. WAY up.
All is well that ends well, eh?
Cheers!!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Over the Pond...
Well, I'm here, and it's been the quite the day. I've had about 2 hours of sleep in the last 28, so after this I will be heading off to bed.
Saying good bye to my family was at the airport was hard; I did shed some tears, but I got that 10 bucks anyway :) The flight was AMAZING. I haven't flown in about 5 years or so, but wow have things improved. Last I checked, there was one movie- if you like it cool, if not, oh well- and the choices for lunch were turkey or ham. On this flight I had my own personal screen and about 20 movies to choose from. (watched The Hangover and couldn't help laughing out loud. Sorry, guy napping infront of me) Plus I had freakin salmon for lunch. Salmon! And this green stuff I didn't recognize that was delicious. If you don't recognize it, it must be fancy, yeah?
Upon arrival, I was disappointed to find that my flat mates weren't here. It's pretty lonely so far. I also hadn't been able to get a connection to anyone at home, which was hard. I was really tired, but even more hungry, so I decided to venture into town for some groceries. I met a couple on the bus who reminded me of my parents and asked them where the nearest grocery store was. Our conversation:(ps- I'd like to point out that she was gesturing at me with her closed umbrella the whole time :)
Me: Excuse me, do you know where the nearest grocery store is?
Lady: Oh my goodness, are you from America?
Me: Yeah, I'm studying here til June.
Lady: Well, you're a ballsy one! (haha.) You're here alone then?
Me: Yeah, I just arrived a few hours ago.
Lady: Oh my! Have you rung your mum yet? (I gather this lady was a "mum" herself.)
Me: *shakes head no*
Lady: Are you frightened?
Me: *shakes head yes and starts crying*
Sigh. Not my proudest moment. They went on to tell me how I brave I was (needed to hear that), and that it's okay to be scared. Then they got off and walked me all the way to the store. I like the British.
Finally got a hold of my family and Ruby this afternoon, took a short nap, and later heard some noise in an upstairs hall. I went up, introduced myself and had dinner with Vincent from France and Fatima from India. I couldn't have been happier to meet them :)
So far I've been a little out of my comfort zone, and I've been on the brink of tears for most of the day :/ But I'm staying positive. I keep telling myself to just get through the first week. I know I'll adapt soon.
Saying good bye to my family was at the airport was hard; I did shed some tears, but I got that 10 bucks anyway :) The flight was AMAZING. I haven't flown in about 5 years or so, but wow have things improved. Last I checked, there was one movie- if you like it cool, if not, oh well- and the choices for lunch were turkey or ham. On this flight I had my own personal screen and about 20 movies to choose from. (watched The Hangover and couldn't help laughing out loud. Sorry, guy napping infront of me) Plus I had freakin salmon for lunch. Salmon! And this green stuff I didn't recognize that was delicious. If you don't recognize it, it must be fancy, yeah?
Upon arrival, I was disappointed to find that my flat mates weren't here. It's pretty lonely so far. I also hadn't been able to get a connection to anyone at home, which was hard. I was really tired, but even more hungry, so I decided to venture into town for some groceries. I met a couple on the bus who reminded me of my parents and asked them where the nearest grocery store was. Our conversation:(ps- I'd like to point out that she was gesturing at me with her closed umbrella the whole time :)
Me: Excuse me, do you know where the nearest grocery store is?
Lady: Oh my goodness, are you from America?
Me: Yeah, I'm studying here til June.
Lady: Well, you're a ballsy one! (haha.) You're here alone then?
Me: Yeah, I just arrived a few hours ago.
Lady: Oh my! Have you rung your mum yet? (I gather this lady was a "mum" herself.)
Me: *shakes head no*
Lady: Are you frightened?
Me: *shakes head yes and starts crying*
Sigh. Not my proudest moment. They went on to tell me how I brave I was (needed to hear that), and that it's okay to be scared. Then they got off and walked me all the way to the store. I like the British.
Finally got a hold of my family and Ruby this afternoon, took a short nap, and later heard some noise in an upstairs hall. I went up, introduced myself and had dinner with Vincent from France and Fatima from India. I couldn't have been happier to meet them :)
So far I've been a little out of my comfort zone, and I've been on the brink of tears for most of the day :/ But I'm staying positive. I keep telling myself to just get through the first week. I know I'll adapt soon.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
England, Here I Come!
About 8 months ago, I saw a Study Abroad flyer in the Student Union at Towson. In about 8 hours, I'll board a plane to Leeds, England. Yikes. Spending a semester in another country has been on my To Do list since my cousin Nicole studied in Spain when I was 10. I remember her coming back all grown up, with lots of stories to share, and some sweet Spanish boots. I want that for myself. Even the boots.
It was pretty trippy waking up today knowing I wouldn't be waking up in America for another 5 months. Gotta say, I'm pretty pumped. I've been mad nervous all week, to the point of nausea even, but today feels good. Hoping this feeling lasts. Plus, Dad told me he'd give me 10 bucks if I didn't cry at the gate. And with this exchange rate, I could use 10 bucks ;)
It was pretty trippy waking up today knowing I wouldn't be waking up in America for another 5 months. Gotta say, I'm pretty pumped. I've been mad nervous all week, to the point of nausea even, but today feels good. Hoping this feeling lasts. Plus, Dad told me he'd give me 10 bucks if I didn't cry at the gate. And with this exchange rate, I could use 10 bucks ;)
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