The sky is officially light until around 8pm now, and I couldn't be more thrilled about it.
I always get excited when the seasons change, but never quite like I do when Winter turns to Spring. For me, the joys of Winter end abruptly on December 26th, so I'm welcoming Spring with open arms (and bare toes).
Writing those papers wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I do the same thing at the end of every term, and completely freak out for a good 3 days, before I remember that stress is just not for me. It just isn't worth it. You know, I accomplish more unwound anyways. And honestly, in the end, I'll always choose a relaxed B over a stressed out A.
One of my papers was on Bloody Sunday, which happened in Northern Ireland about 38 years ago. I am embarrassed at how little I knew about it before I came to the UK (it is amazing how much British students know about my history, and how little I know about theirs), but after this paper, I feel so connected to it. If you don't know what went down, it's worth googleing. The cool thing about it though, is that there is a inquiry going on right now involving it, and the verdict is announced on May 6th of this year. I can't wait to hear the results. It was awesome to be writitng an paper on something so current.
Speaking of writing, I do have some exciting news to share! My Fiction Writing professor from last Fall does an internship every term, and picks one student to work along side him. It's an envied position; he has tons of writing connections around Baltimore, not to mention is just brilliant to begin with. That said, I was beside myself in excitement when I got an email from him this week asking me to be his intern! I admire him so much as a writer, and can't wait to learn what he has to teach me. It's made a big impact on my future goals; I'm hoping that this interniship will open up some doors for a potential career in writing.
If nothing else, these last few months have proven to me that there may be bigger plans in store for me than the ones I'd set out for myself. Coming out of high school, I was admittedgly less than motivated about my future, Vinny can vouch for that one :) The fact that I am even here right now in Leeds still shocks me in some ways. I've got heaps to learn, in the way of writing, but mainly just in life, but I'm pumped. Lame, but remember that whole kick Oprah was on? About "being the best version of yourself," or something? Yeah. I'm just all about that these days. Thanks, Oprah.
Went down to London this weekend and had a blast. I'm pretty spoiled at this point. Coming home to so few weekend options is going to be an adjustment, that's for sure. 6 more weeks here, and counting. I'm not ready to go home. I wish I had another semester abroad. Woe is me. I only get five months in Europe. Truly, sometimes I could use a good slap across the face :) I am loving every minute here, even the ones spent hunched over a Microsoft document, and refuse to take any of it for granted.
More later!
Abby
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Volcano Eyjafjallajokull
Really. It's like they ran out of names, so someone just pounded a keyboard and called it a day.
My first week back in Leeds has been pretty good. It was great reuniting with friends here, and hearing stories of everyone's Spring Break adventures.
I certainly made it back into the UK just in time. I've heard of flights being cancelled for snow or storms, but volcanic ash? Didn't see that coming. I honeslty haven't seen the sky this empty since 9/11. I feel lucky that I'm not being directly affected; I know of a few people who are stuck in countries they were visiting over Spring Break, and are missing exams and such- what a mess. My friend Danielle is actually putting up three girls she knows from home who are stuck in Italy at the moment, but are slowly making their way back to Ireland, where they're studying. I also have a few friends in London who were meant to fly home last week, and are just chilling out til things clear up.
As far as Leeds goes, we've had mostly clear skies. The produce isle at Morrisons is a little lacking, but what can you do.
Heather and Sara are due to fly over here on May 24th. I assume planes will be flying in and out of the UK by then... :/
In other news, there is none.
I feel like I've been at my desk all week writing these papers. Finding the motivation has been super hard. Uni (college) in the England is super lax. Until this week, I'd done one group project and that's about it, which means I really can't complain now, ay? For real though, it's like my body can't remember how to do school work. Wondering if this will effect me when I return to Towson for Fall. Yikes.
Hope to have a been a few places other than my desk by my next post ;) Til then!
Abby
My first week back in Leeds has been pretty good. It was great reuniting with friends here, and hearing stories of everyone's Spring Break adventures.
I certainly made it back into the UK just in time. I've heard of flights being cancelled for snow or storms, but volcanic ash? Didn't see that coming. I honeslty haven't seen the sky this empty since 9/11. I feel lucky that I'm not being directly affected; I know of a few people who are stuck in countries they were visiting over Spring Break, and are missing exams and such- what a mess. My friend Danielle is actually putting up three girls she knows from home who are stuck in Italy at the moment, but are slowly making their way back to Ireland, where they're studying. I also have a few friends in London who were meant to fly home last week, and are just chilling out til things clear up.
As far as Leeds goes, we've had mostly clear skies. The produce isle at Morrisons is a little lacking, but what can you do.
Heather and Sara are due to fly over here on May 24th. I assume planes will be flying in and out of the UK by then... :/
In other news, there is none.
I feel like I've been at my desk all week writing these papers. Finding the motivation has been super hard. Uni (college) in the England is super lax. Until this week, I'd done one group project and that's about it, which means I really can't complain now, ay? For real though, it's like my body can't remember how to do school work. Wondering if this will effect me when I return to Towson for Fall. Yikes.
Hope to have a been a few places other than my desk by my next post ;) Til then!
Abby
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Home Sweet Home
I couldn't have been more thrilled to see the beaming faces of Mom, Dad and Allison when I got off the plane from Rome. I'd missed them! I love living in the UK. I love an adventure. But dude. There is no feeling like the one you get from returning home. I adore the Ackermanns. End of story.
That's not the end of the story though :)
I came home to find some things changed. It was sorrowing to hear the news of Mom mom's cancer spreading, but I was excited to hear that my grandparents were now living with us on Taney Court. I spent a lot of quality time with them over break, and it was just lovely. Being roomies with those two was so fun. I love them to pieces, and can't wait to see them again in Summer.
My plane landed at 2pm US time, and 9pm Rome time, so by 8, I was ready for bed. My mom, however, told me that Adrienne's bus would arrive in DC that night at 11. Not going to lie, I wasn't too keen to go and pick her up, as I was super tired, but mom pretty much insisted. So I dragged myself into the van, so tired I could hardly keep my eyes open. We pulled up to the station and saw the bus pull in. Dad asked if I was going to get out and greet her. I mumbled something about how I couldn't get up I was so tired; Adrienne would understand. That said, I was shocked when the van door opened and there stood Paul. Ha, even writing about it now brings a huge smile to my face. I couldn't get into his arms faster. That was one heck of a second wind :)
The time I spent at home was a dream. Blue skies, sandy beaches, and everyone I love. Meeting Jolie was great. What a cool kid. Leaving to come back to Leeds was good as well. It was a little sad saying goodbye to my parents, and definitely hard saying goodbye to Paul, but it's a good feeling to leave somewhere you love being, to return to somewhere else you love being. I am one lucky girl, I'll tell you that :)
The next few weeks are going to be a little tough. I've got LOADS of school work to complete, although I really can't complain. The past few weeks have been a-mazing. Easily two of the best weeks of my life :)
Love to you all!
Rome
Upon our less than ideal arrival, we hit up a near by diner for breakfast, which turned into lunch, as we stayed for a good two and a half hours. The pastries in Italy made up for the teeny tiny coffees (my one qualm with Italian culture). They are to die for. We found a nearby internet cafe, sent emails to our parents, and made our way back to the hostel for a much needed 2 hour nap. After this, Italy is all a blur to me now time wise, so I think it best that I seperate my anecdotes and memories into sights:
Castle of Saint Angelo:
Maybe because it was my first real "sight" in Rome, but the Castle of Saint Angelo will now always hold sentimental value to me. Sitting on the ledge over looking the water, bridge and castle, I spent a lot of time thinking of my Mom mom back home. Before I came to England, Mom mom told me of how she's always wanted to travel around Europe and how I shouldn't take a moment of it for granted; how I should see it for the both of us. I felt (and feel) so incredibly lucky to have the oppertunities I do here. I know I've said it a million times, but I think it's something I need to remind myself of daily. Loads of people die without ever leaving the East Coast; it's humbling even to be able to do this. Every day here has a Carpe Diem feel; I can't get enough of that.
Trevi Fountain:
We made sure to see it lit up at night, and during daylight. There are a few how-to's as far as coin throwing at the Trevi Fountain goes. From what we understood, if you throw one coin into the fountain (always with right hand over left shoulder), it's a wish for a return to Rome. So our first visit to the fountain, I threw one coin. It's also said that if you throw two coins, you're wishing for romance. So our second time, I threw two coins with a certain Australian in mind. More on that later ;)
Colosseum:
Oh, the Colosseum. You know how you'll walk around Boston, or somewhere, and be like 'Cool! That building is 200 years old.'? When you walk around Rome you're like...'Holy crap. This place has been around for AGES.' We're talking BC. If that doesn't give you goosebumps, I don't know what will. Standing in the middle of the Colosseum, where a good 1/2 million gladiators were slaughtered was a little unreal. Even just walking around on the sidewalks of Rome...every where you step there've got to be a hundred stories. We took an epic nap outside the Colosseum on the grass, and later picniced in the same place at sunset. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
Palantine Hill:
This was probaby my favorite sight in Rome. A lot of the credit goes to our amazing tour guide, a Scottish guy who I could listen to speak for forever. Again, walking around where Roman emperors once resided was so cool. The remains were few. The place is a skeleton, really; you just let your imagination add flesh. There were orange trees all over Rome- tons on Palantine Hill. For lack of a new adjective, ah!- Beautiful.
Roman Forum:
Would have been cooler if it hadn't followed the awesomeness that was Palantine Hill.
Vatican:
The vatican took all day, and what a great day it was. Everything I saw reminded me of a movie (I hope one day I'll be traveled enough that it will be the other way around). Original works by Michael Angelo himself....unreal. We were told not to take pictures inside the Sistine Chapel, but everyone was. You can bet I jumped on that band wagon. Even now, I can't believe I was there.
Saint Peter's Basilica:
Stunning. There was a 'week before Good Friday' buzz as well, which was cool. Yeah. That pope is a big deal ay.
Spanish Steps:
All I really remember of the Spanish Steps was this group of about 50 Spanish students who were dancing, clapping and singing. It was obvious that the crowds found them obnoxious. I found the whole scene endearing. Gotta love patriotism.
Pantheon:
The fact that this place looks as good as it does, this many centuries later baffles me. The grave of Rafael was cool to see. The guy died at 35 from an STD (tisk tisk), but you've got to give him credit for making those 35 years really count.
Whew. I feel like I could never have enough time to write about everything I saw and did, but that's a pretty thorough jist. My last meal in Italy was really memerable. My friends and I were sad about it being our last night together. We discussed how odd it is to share such a huge experience with people you've only really just met, and will maybe never see again. We ate at a local place that our tour guide recommended. On account of it being my last night, and the fact that the entire menu was in Italian, I told the waiter to do all my ordering for me. My only request was that it be something I wouldn't be able to eat in America. He told me had just the thing, and brought out the pizza that the place was named after. It had everything on it- mushrooms, basil, ham, tomato and tuna. Yes, tuna. Turns out it was amazing. Shocker? Not really. Then for dessert he brought me three slices of cake- each more delicious than the last. I wouldn't mind eating Italian food for the remainder of my life.
The next morning it was back to the good old US of A :)
Sigh. What a trip.
Pulling out of the train station, I didn't feel sad at all. There is no way I won't be back someday.
Castle of Saint Angelo:
Maybe because it was my first real "sight" in Rome, but the Castle of Saint Angelo will now always hold sentimental value to me. Sitting on the ledge over looking the water, bridge and castle, I spent a lot of time thinking of my Mom mom back home. Before I came to England, Mom mom told me of how she's always wanted to travel around Europe and how I shouldn't take a moment of it for granted; how I should see it for the both of us. I felt (and feel) so incredibly lucky to have the oppertunities I do here. I know I've said it a million times, but I think it's something I need to remind myself of daily. Loads of people die without ever leaving the East Coast; it's humbling even to be able to do this. Every day here has a Carpe Diem feel; I can't get enough of that.
Trevi Fountain:
We made sure to see it lit up at night, and during daylight. There are a few how-to's as far as coin throwing at the Trevi Fountain goes. From what we understood, if you throw one coin into the fountain (always with right hand over left shoulder), it's a wish for a return to Rome. So our first visit to the fountain, I threw one coin. It's also said that if you throw two coins, you're wishing for romance. So our second time, I threw two coins with a certain Australian in mind. More on that later ;)
Colosseum:
Oh, the Colosseum. You know how you'll walk around Boston, or somewhere, and be like 'Cool! That building is 200 years old.'? When you walk around Rome you're like...'Holy crap. This place has been around for AGES.' We're talking BC. If that doesn't give you goosebumps, I don't know what will. Standing in the middle of the Colosseum, where a good 1/2 million gladiators were slaughtered was a little unreal. Even just walking around on the sidewalks of Rome...every where you step there've got to be a hundred stories. We took an epic nap outside the Colosseum on the grass, and later picniced in the same place at sunset. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
Palantine Hill:
This was probaby my favorite sight in Rome. A lot of the credit goes to our amazing tour guide, a Scottish guy who I could listen to speak for forever. Again, walking around where Roman emperors once resided was so cool. The remains were few. The place is a skeleton, really; you just let your imagination add flesh. There were orange trees all over Rome- tons on Palantine Hill. For lack of a new adjective, ah!- Beautiful.
Roman Forum:
Would have been cooler if it hadn't followed the awesomeness that was Palantine Hill.
Vatican:
The vatican took all day, and what a great day it was. Everything I saw reminded me of a movie (I hope one day I'll be traveled enough that it will be the other way around). Original works by Michael Angelo himself....unreal. We were told not to take pictures inside the Sistine Chapel, but everyone was. You can bet I jumped on that band wagon. Even now, I can't believe I was there.
Saint Peter's Basilica:
Stunning. There was a 'week before Good Friday' buzz as well, which was cool. Yeah. That pope is a big deal ay.
Spanish Steps:
All I really remember of the Spanish Steps was this group of about 50 Spanish students who were dancing, clapping and singing. It was obvious that the crowds found them obnoxious. I found the whole scene endearing. Gotta love patriotism.
Pantheon:
The fact that this place looks as good as it does, this many centuries later baffles me. The grave of Rafael was cool to see. The guy died at 35 from an STD (tisk tisk), but you've got to give him credit for making those 35 years really count.
Whew. I feel like I could never have enough time to write about everything I saw and did, but that's a pretty thorough jist. My last meal in Italy was really memerable. My friends and I were sad about it being our last night together. We discussed how odd it is to share such a huge experience with people you've only really just met, and will maybe never see again. We ate at a local place that our tour guide recommended. On account of it being my last night, and the fact that the entire menu was in Italian, I told the waiter to do all my ordering for me. My only request was that it be something I wouldn't be able to eat in America. He told me had just the thing, and brought out the pizza that the place was named after. It had everything on it- mushrooms, basil, ham, tomato and tuna. Yes, tuna. Turns out it was amazing. Shocker? Not really. Then for dessert he brought me three slices of cake- each more delicious than the last. I wouldn't mind eating Italian food for the remainder of my life.
The next morning it was back to the good old US of A :)
Sigh. What a trip.
Pulling out of the train station, I didn't feel sad at all. There is no way I won't be back someday.
Venice
Do I need to mention that I didn't sleep at all on March 24th? I got into bed around 10pm. I tossed until 12am when I skyped Paul, freaking out that I'd forgotten something, and was told that it was all fine and to go back to bed. I turned until 3am when I got out of bed to cook and eat two bowls of oatmeal....don't know what that was about...and then finally 5am arrived. I looked out my window to find Leeds foggy and cold- good day to fly to Venice? I think so.
After a pricy cab ride, Noah, Jordan, Danielle and I found ourselves at Bradford airport; I don't think four people have ever been so energetic at 6:30am. We were disappointed to find that our bag was 10 kilos to heavy to carry on, and blown to find that each kilo over would cost us 10 pounds. We just weren't having that. Half an hour later our bag matched the weight limit, and we had each donned a sweatshirt or two. Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. Later in the security line, Danielle turned to us in sheer panic when she realized she'd left her Eurorail pass (which costed her about 300 US dollars, and was going to get her around for the next 17 days) back at Suagrwell. Our plane was to take off in 50 minutes. She took off for the airport exit, leaving the rest of us to wonder if she'd make it back in time to catch the flight. Missing it would cost her about as much as that Eurorail pass if she wanted to make it to Italy in time. We sat anxiously at the gate, texting Danielle and praying that she'd make it. With about 10 minutes to spare, Danielle arrived at the gate. Quick, yet emotional group hug, and we boarded the plane.
I fell for Italy the minute I stepped off that plane. We were met with a warm breeze and sunshine; our first meal was legit Italian pizza. Mmmmm. Venice is a city like I've never seen before. The entire thing is on water, so much so that very few people drive. People literally park their boats outside their homes. There is little to do in Venice, as far as touring goes, but just walking around the city was amazing. It is BEAUTIFUL. The first night we took a taxi boat around to see the city at night. Stunning. My camera didn't capture the half of it. A plate of tortellini later, and I hit the sack at our hostel, completely exhasted, content and grateful.
The next day we awoke early. Every day I spent in Italy was 8am to 12am. Sleep is something you obviously can't go without, but to spend more than 8 hours in bed in a place like Italy would be a crime. We had plans to go on a boat tour to Burano, an island off of Venice, and in line for the boat met 3 other Americans also on Spring break who have been studying abroad in Greece. We spent pretty much all day with them after that. It was fun to compare exchange stories, and to hear what life was like in Greece.
Burano was something else. My friend Lorena compared it a crayola box, and I couldn't put it better. Even on a foggy day it popped with color. I don't think I crossed a single bridge in the whole place without stopping to snap a picture. (ps- If I'd been shy about it before, in Italy I threw my pride out the window and unashamedly took touristy pictures the entire time. My camera was an extension of my arm, really.
That night we said goodbye to beautiful Venice, and made our way to the train station. Now, in planning our Italy excursions, my friends and I were all about two things- see as much as possible, and pay as little as possible. Hence our decision to book an overnight train to Rome. It would save us a- time we could be spending traipsing around Italy, and b- money that would have been spent on a hostel for that night. We realized it might be a little difficult to sleep upright on a bumpy train, but we figured we'd be exhasted from the day and what not. Noah brought sleeping pills just in case. I personally was a little concerned. I never fall asleep in cars or buses, but I figured I'd take a chance. Wooooah buddy. Was that a mistake.
I sat shoulder to shoulder with Noah and some other older man, and knee to knee with Danielle the whole night. The train stopped every 15 minutes or so, as people opened up our doors to see if there was room. Room. As if.
One man opened the door and started yelling in Italian, while I said "Non parlo Italiano" over and over. (Paul taught me some Italian before the trip- SO helpful). Needless to say, we didn't get a wink of sleep. We arrived in Rome around 7am, having been awake for 23 hours. We were not the happiest of campers. We managed to find our hostel, Italian signs and all, and I nearly cried when the concierge told us our room wouldn't be ready until noon.
We washed our faces in the lobby bathroom and decided to embrace the moment for what it was. We were in Rome, afterall.
After a pricy cab ride, Noah, Jordan, Danielle and I found ourselves at Bradford airport; I don't think four people have ever been so energetic at 6:30am. We were disappointed to find that our bag was 10 kilos to heavy to carry on, and blown to find that each kilo over would cost us 10 pounds. We just weren't having that. Half an hour later our bag matched the weight limit, and we had each donned a sweatshirt or two. Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. Later in the security line, Danielle turned to us in sheer panic when she realized she'd left her Eurorail pass (which costed her about 300 US dollars, and was going to get her around for the next 17 days) back at Suagrwell. Our plane was to take off in 50 minutes. She took off for the airport exit, leaving the rest of us to wonder if she'd make it back in time to catch the flight. Missing it would cost her about as much as that Eurorail pass if she wanted to make it to Italy in time. We sat anxiously at the gate, texting Danielle and praying that she'd make it. With about 10 minutes to spare, Danielle arrived at the gate. Quick, yet emotional group hug, and we boarded the plane.
I fell for Italy the minute I stepped off that plane. We were met with a warm breeze and sunshine; our first meal was legit Italian pizza. Mmmmm. Venice is a city like I've never seen before. The entire thing is on water, so much so that very few people drive. People literally park their boats outside their homes. There is little to do in Venice, as far as touring goes, but just walking around the city was amazing. It is BEAUTIFUL. The first night we took a taxi boat around to see the city at night. Stunning. My camera didn't capture the half of it. A plate of tortellini later, and I hit the sack at our hostel, completely exhasted, content and grateful.
The next day we awoke early. Every day I spent in Italy was 8am to 12am. Sleep is something you obviously can't go without, but to spend more than 8 hours in bed in a place like Italy would be a crime. We had plans to go on a boat tour to Burano, an island off of Venice, and in line for the boat met 3 other Americans also on Spring break who have been studying abroad in Greece. We spent pretty much all day with them after that. It was fun to compare exchange stories, and to hear what life was like in Greece.
Burano was something else. My friend Lorena compared it a crayola box, and I couldn't put it better. Even on a foggy day it popped with color. I don't think I crossed a single bridge in the whole place without stopping to snap a picture. (ps- If I'd been shy about it before, in Italy I threw my pride out the window and unashamedly took touristy pictures the entire time. My camera was an extension of my arm, really.
That night we said goodbye to beautiful Venice, and made our way to the train station. Now, in planning our Italy excursions, my friends and I were all about two things- see as much as possible, and pay as little as possible. Hence our decision to book an overnight train to Rome. It would save us a- time we could be spending traipsing around Italy, and b- money that would have been spent on a hostel for that night. We realized it might be a little difficult to sleep upright on a bumpy train, but we figured we'd be exhasted from the day and what not. Noah brought sleeping pills just in case. I personally was a little concerned. I never fall asleep in cars or buses, but I figured I'd take a chance. Wooooah buddy. Was that a mistake.
I sat shoulder to shoulder with Noah and some other older man, and knee to knee with Danielle the whole night. The train stopped every 15 minutes or so, as people opened up our doors to see if there was room. Room. As if.
One man opened the door and started yelling in Italian, while I said "Non parlo Italiano" over and over. (Paul taught me some Italian before the trip- SO helpful). Needless to say, we didn't get a wink of sleep. We arrived in Rome around 7am, having been awake for 23 hours. We were not the happiest of campers. We managed to find our hostel, Italian signs and all, and I nearly cried when the concierge told us our room wouldn't be ready until noon.
We washed our faces in the lobby bathroom and decided to embrace the moment for what it was. We were in Rome, afterall.
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