Martin Luther King Jr. once said "Faith is not seeing the whole stair case but still taking the first step." I found this quote on pinterest about half-way through my time abroad after I had already formulated a theory about stairs. Malika Joell Onstaid said over and over for the last 3 months physically and metaphorically "The scariest stairs lead to the best views."
I can easily say that my study abroad experience has ben one big scary stair case. A little over one year ago I had the faith to take the first sstep and apply for study abroad and let me tell you I had no idea it would lead me tto become the person standing at the top of this staircase. Along the way I have all of these memories of moments, milestones and ecen real staircases that were steps along the way. I'm hoping I can keep these close to in order, but I make no promises.
When I climbed the steps onto the coach that pulled away from Manchester airport driving on the LEFT side of the road I was scared out of my mind, I couldn't do this, I needed (wanted) to go home as soon as possible. The next stairs were in the Westminster hall of the Chancellor's Building to connect with Meredith, who introduced me to Sierra, who then connected up with Alyssa and Hannah which led to the next set of scary steps and (almost accidentally) the best friends I could ask for during my time abroad, I love those girls. Cardiff Castle held those scary steps and in my first attempt at them I actually chickened out but I made it up the second try with moral support of the girls. I took steps up the lecture hall of my math class and introduced myself to someone instead of hiding in the back. The stairs to the Chapel brought me all sorts of amazing things, the communities of Sacred Space, the Christian Union, Jesus Jam, and the TEN:15 service. I remember the first time I met Kat, Jo, Katie and Nellu at Ruth's house. I remember the first time I talked to Beccca at a Lunch Bar. I remember when Jemma came up to talk to me about the class we have together. I remember climbing into LeeAnn's car to go to Manley Mere, I have to say Becca talked me into that scary step but I got to know Lillian, Abi, LeeAnn, Jo Hawker, Beca and Ruth even better and I am grateful for every scary step and every time I fell (or jumped) into muddy water because it brought me closer to those girls. Dublin had more stairs but just as many gorgeous views to go with them. London found a step towards my independence when I took train there and back by myself and navigated the tube by myself. These were also great steps in the direction toward self confidence. Along the way slowly but surely (I didn't realize at the time) I was taking steps in my faith and in growing my relationship with God. Paris had the steps up Notre Dame, the steps up the Eiffel Tower and the steps through Versailles but it also gave me Bed Bugs which really caused me to step up and face a new challenge as I moved up my personal growth staircase ever so slightly further.
Beyond this I cannot put into words the amazing experience I have been on. I know that I will treasure every moment of the journey for the rest of my life. None of it would have happened without a little faith to take that first step. Some moments were really scary those first couple of weeks each day was a massive hurdle to be overcome. WIthout sounding too self-involved I am proud of myself for where I have come from where I was when I was homesick and miserable to the thriving person that was sad to leave the friends she had made.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Saying Goodbye
I hate saying goodbye. Can't stand it in fact. I'm just not good with facing the fact that I may not see these people again. It is just really hard to face. The only way I can equate it is that it feels like a loss. I don't know that is the best word but that is how it feels for me right now. I am losing this community of people that I have grown so close to. When I first arrived here I felt like every part of my comfort zone had been taken away, but slowly over the last 3 months I formed a new comfort zone without even knowing. The chapel and all of the people I have met, I have leaned on and grown close to and it breaks my heart to leave them.
The last time I was blogging in an Airport....
(This was handwritten in the Atlanta airport on December 15th)
I was in Amsterdam suffering all kinds of exhaustion from the 10 hour flight and the slap upseide the head given to me by the jet lag and time change. Although impressed by the ammenities on the flight I was more than frustrated that I was not allowed to do what I have done in every American airport I have been to plus the airport in Aruba...sit at my gate! Moving on, whats past is past, right now I am sitting in the Atlanta airport handwriting this blog and reveling in the wonder that is full use of my iPhone's capabilities for the first time in 3 months. Why, you ask, am I handwriting my blog, you ask, well a number of reasons. The internet costs money here, my cell phone is being put to other use, and the last reason, even if I typed this up I would have to post date the publishing after Christmas because my homecoming is a surprise to some family members although maybe not at this point, who knows.
So back to the events of today which will end up being 24+ waking hours before I sleep again. I woke up at 4 am for my 5 am taxi which arrived at 5:45. Once at the Manchester airport there was waiting, lines, more lines, lines that turned into to other lines and then more waiting distracted by ginger bread chai, which as Meredith would say is "Christmas in a cup" and mine had extra extra cinnamon. I actually managed to finish the book I (barely) started on the flight to Manchester during the time I waited at the airport (All American Girl by Meg Cabot, give it to the teen and tween girls in your life). I was not nearly as impressed with this flight as I was with the other so I don't feel the need to go into nearly as much detail. The good news is I slept! For two hours separated into half hour chuncks but still that sleep felt wonderful considering I tossed and turned and only slept for two hours the night before. I didn't get a choice of movie because they were shared slightly larger screens with big ones on the section dividers (think the opening scene in Charlie's Angels if you haven't been on an international flight that has them) its like a messed up disproportionate movie theater. So New Years Eve was broken, I slept through halfish of Liberal Arts (it has Ted Mosby in it) and I watched all of Safety Not Guaranteed (one bathroom break) which I found really funny. When I wasn't snoozing or watching a movie I was listening to music and re-reading Perks of Being a Wallflower (almost finished). Also there was an abundance of babies on the flight and they didn't cry but they were adorable and made me miss my buddies at Anjee's house.
The next task is to kill 3 hours in this airport and then 5 and a half more before I go running (my bags are heavy so maybe not literally) through the PortlandAirport to hug my mother and father. That will make this shattered feeling all worth it. I'm well excited.
So back to the events of today which will end up being 24+ waking hours before I sleep again. I woke up at 4 am for my 5 am taxi which arrived at 5:45. Once at the Manchester airport there was waiting, lines, more lines, lines that turned into to other lines and then more waiting distracted by ginger bread chai, which as Meredith would say is "Christmas in a cup" and mine had extra extra cinnamon. I actually managed to finish the book I (barely) started on the flight to Manchester during the time I waited at the airport (All American Girl by Meg Cabot, give it to the teen and tween girls in your life). I was not nearly as impressed with this flight as I was with the other so I don't feel the need to go into nearly as much detail. The good news is I slept! For two hours separated into half hour chuncks but still that sleep felt wonderful considering I tossed and turned and only slept for two hours the night before. I didn't get a choice of movie because they were shared slightly larger screens with big ones on the section dividers (think the opening scene in Charlie's Angels if you haven't been on an international flight that has them) its like a messed up disproportionate movie theater. So New Years Eve was broken, I slept through halfish of Liberal Arts (it has Ted Mosby in it) and I watched all of Safety Not Guaranteed (one bathroom break) which I found really funny. When I wasn't snoozing or watching a movie I was listening to music and re-reading Perks of Being a Wallflower (almost finished). Also there was an abundance of babies on the flight and they didn't cry but they were adorable and made me miss my buddies at Anjee's house.
The next task is to kill 3 hours in this airport and then 5 and a half more before I go running (my bags are heavy so maybe not literally) through the PortlandAirport to hug my mother and father. That will make this shattered feeling all worth it. I'm well excited.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Last week of regular classes
Monday I had my last literature class which covered Emily Dickinson since class was cancelled last week. Then it was off to the math building to stress about my last math homework. For the first time I was actually able to work with other people and realize that they were just as confused as I was. They actually made me feel a lot better about passing the final. Plus they seem to have had similar low scores and trouble with their homework. It was reassuring to know that barring any unforeseen troubles I should be able to pass the class which was my big stress because I need it for graduation. After that bit of stress, I took a short break before I went to the Chapel for the Scratch Choir practice, followed by the Chapel Christmas party. I loved the Christmas Party. Delicious food, fantastic company, hilarious comedy as well as some wonderful singing acts. It was a great night.
Tuesday morning I was focused on my Mass Media portfolio and getting the Christmas CD my parents mailed me to work and so I ended up choosing not to go to Mass Media because it was review for the exam and I am doing an essay instead and so the professor said I didn't need to. Finally I closed out the night with my British Culture class, this weeks theme was Media which ended up giving us some unexpected insights into what British traditions are. Plus there was pizza which is always good. After class I met up with some of my exchange friends who are leaving before Christmas for a farewell dessert party.
Wednesday was math class and then lunch with Hannah, Alyssa and Martin. Followed by some Gilmore Girls with Hannah. Then choir practice, and finally the Carol Service. I actually really enjoyed it. I think I underestimated how much fun I would have singing in a choir and performing at a Carol Service. I liked that they integrated readings into the Order of Service as well. It reminded me of lessons and carols at my home church.
Thursday was Social Movements class which complete opposite of Monday totally stressed me out for the exam for this class. I am really worried about the information that I need to retain and be able to relate authors to each other. I just don't know. I see lots and lots of flash cards in my future. More math class later in the day but the best part of the day was dinner with Becca and LeeAnn. LeeAnn was making me a proper British meal. We had Bangers and Mash with Sweet Corn and gravy and then we had triffle for dessert. After that we went to Jesus Jam for Prayer/Worship/Testimonial night. It was really great. I was honored that the Committee gave me a thank you card and gift for helping them with tech this semester.
Finally, Friday was my last day of PDEs which honestly made me really happy to be almost done with that class. Then I spent the rest of the day spending time with my American friends who are flying out Saturday morning.
Tuesday morning I was focused on my Mass Media portfolio and getting the Christmas CD my parents mailed me to work and so I ended up choosing not to go to Mass Media because it was review for the exam and I am doing an essay instead and so the professor said I didn't need to. Finally I closed out the night with my British Culture class, this weeks theme was Media which ended up giving us some unexpected insights into what British traditions are. Plus there was pizza which is always good. After class I met up with some of my exchange friends who are leaving before Christmas for a farewell dessert party.
Wednesday was math class and then lunch with Hannah, Alyssa and Martin. Followed by some Gilmore Girls with Hannah. Then choir practice, and finally the Carol Service. I actually really enjoyed it. I think I underestimated how much fun I would have singing in a choir and performing at a Carol Service. I liked that they integrated readings into the Order of Service as well. It reminded me of lessons and carols at my home church.
Thursday was Social Movements class which complete opposite of Monday totally stressed me out for the exam for this class. I am really worried about the information that I need to retain and be able to relate authors to each other. I just don't know. I see lots and lots of flash cards in my future. More math class later in the day but the best part of the day was dinner with Becca and LeeAnn. LeeAnn was making me a proper British meal. We had Bangers and Mash with Sweet Corn and gravy and then we had triffle for dessert. After that we went to Jesus Jam for Prayer/Worship/Testimonial night. It was really great. I was honored that the Committee gave me a thank you card and gift for helping them with tech this semester.
Finally, Friday was my last day of PDEs which honestly made me really happy to be almost done with that class. Then I spent the rest of the day spending time with my American friends who are flying out Saturday morning.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
The views of my run...
I cut down the pictures I took from 46 to 20 and I could have taken more if I had cleared the memory card before the run and not after. I hope this gives you an idea of how much I like looking at this stuff.
This is the front of my block, good old W block.
This is the view looking out from my block onto part of Horwood. On sunny mornings its a nice view for run preparation. I normally stop and stare out here while I get everything settled and turn on my iPod running app.
This is the observatory walk, which runs behind my dorm and besides being the way I get to and from my classes most of the time is also how I start my runs.
After I go up a gnarly hill and pass Lindsey hall, I see this farm on the left and it tells me that I am about to get away from campus for a bit. I always love seeing the sun over the farm.
Then I cross the street here.
And start up this path which takes me towards Keele Village and away from campus and this is when I really feel like my run starts because its when I start to clear my head and worry less.
Then I turn right away from Keele Village and onto this country road.
With a beautiful church and cemetery,
and very British speed signs.
I pass another farm, but this one actually has animals!
I really like the signs.
And they will help me figure out where I ran on google maps!
I love the sun over all the green, it makes me happy and reminds me of Oregon.
Then I pass a Golf Course.
This picture I have to say is about 10,000 times better in person. You see Newcastle-Upon-Lyme from up on a hill and its just so cool. I'm a little annoyed at my camera for not doing the view justice.
This is my favorite sign because to stay on the path you actually have to run under the sign and it is tall enough that I can run under the sign.
I like this sign two, the sidewalk is split between humans and bikes.
Finally this traffic circle says I am heading back into Keele campus.
This is the great brick Keele University sign, that I really wish I could sit on top of and take a picture with but that didn't happen.
This is another (a different one I promise) traffic circle heading back into campus.
I go up and back down a hill, pass one final traffic circle and then I'm back to my dorm. All in all it is 2.5 ish miles of nice things to look at and signs that make me smile.
I go up and back down a hill, pass one final traffic circle and then I'm back to my dorm. All in all it is 2.5 ish miles of nice things to look at and signs that make me smile.
My week in stress
This week I didn't really know how to cope with the fact that people around me were stressed about important assignments that they had due and I did not because my major assignments were the papers I had due in Week 7 and so I was stressed then but I did not have anything beyond normal amounts of reading/homework to stress about now so I managed to invent things I could get stressed about.
Monday my class was cancelled because the Professor was sick so I was able to stress about the fact that I didn't get to clear my final essay topic with him like I had originally planned. This cancellation also gave me ample time to stress about my math homework which was due that evening at 5 pm. I went into the professor because I was stuck on something that I should not have been stuck on and I came out of the meeting with him feeling even more incompetent than I had felt going in. So by the time I reached the chapel for some moral support, all it took was a hug from Jo and I was crying. I pulled myself together and went to the library and watched the video tutorial (which didn't help) and looked at the answers to the previous homework (which helped some) and powered through and managed to finish and turn in my homework. Then I checked my post and gave myself a little veg time to relax and pull myself together after my overly dramatic morning. Finally I went that evening to the practice for the Scratch (two practice) Choir that is performing at the Carol Service on Wednesday the 12th. I really enjoyed myself, I got to hang out with LeeAnn and laugh about the fact that I have no confidence in my singing what-so-ever but I am going to make an attempt anyway.
Tuesday morning, I got dressed for my normal run, with one addition MY CAMERA. I ended up walking most of it so that I could actually take pictures of the great views that I see on my run, which will compose the next blog (yay more pictures and less words). Then I worked on my Mass Media portfolio due next week. I still have one part of it left to do but that requires watching live local tv news in the US and so I have to do it at like 10pm at the earliest and I always forget when it gets to be that time. Then it was off to Mass Media class. I finally started my Social Movements reading which I realized was a nice way of creating stress for myself because I started it later than I usually due so I was much more stressed about finishing it on Wednesday. Finally, I went to Sacred Space which this week was a Taize Service and as wonderful as it was made me sad because it was the last Sacred Space of the Semester and my last Sacred Space ever.
Wednesday it was off to Math class. Then I did some reading and finally met up with Hannah for Lunch. After lunch with Hannah I was back into my Social Movements book but the stress of finishing had been lifted since one of my other group members hadn't even started the reading and our third group member was doing a presentation so she had other things to worry about. Wednesday night I had planned to have dinner with Becca and it just so happened that her dorm was having a Christmas party with a free buffet and so we met up with LeeAnn, Jemma and Hannah and went there for dinner, dessert and Christmas Crackers (the popper things that you pull, Meredith says they are in Harry Potter). Then we all hung out a little bit longer before it was off to the CU meeting, which was wonderful as usual, this week's talk was on your purpose and the speaker shared his testimonial and what he felt was God's purpose for him.
Thursday we actually discussed in our Social Movements class which feels like a huge deal because normally its like pulling teeth to get anyone besides Matt and me to talk in class. Then I used my two hour break to get stressed out over my last PDEs homework which is due Monday, because it is much harder than any example he has done in class and I am frustrated with it. Then I had math class which actually was good because he finished the last of his new material and so for the rest of the term we are just reviewing. After dropping my stuff off in my room I went to Hannah's to watch some Gilmore Girls (which I am so happy that she is enjoying) and then we went over to Alyssa's block to have dinner, they made Cajun Chicken Pasta, but took into account the fact that I am a wimp who can't handles spice and actually took out some chicken without spice for me. They are the best! Finally I headed off to Jesus Jam. Without going into too many details, I have to say that the discussion at Jesus Jam this week really resonated with me personally and things that have gone on in my life and it was hard for me to face that I would only have one more Jesus Jam ever.
Friday was an active day. Directly after my math class (review yay!) I hopped in a cab with Meredith, Sierra, Fizza and Matt and we headed to the mall in Stoke. We had a nice coffee date before Matt had to go to work and the girls went shopping. After a long but productive trip in Primark it was time. We went to visit Santa! It was wonderful, so much fun. I bought a key chain with our picture (the 4 girls and Santa *cough* Matt *cough*) which I know will be very special to me. After our time we Santa and some more shopping it was back to campus. I took a quick pit stop in my room to drop stuff off before heading over to Meredith and Sierra's to prepare for Winterfest. We had dinner, hung out with their hall mates, changed got ready and several hours later we were off. First up was the outside activities I managed to go on all 3 of the rides (seriously they had 3 fair rides in the parking lot it was crazy) but I did not go ice skating because the "ice" was actually plastic and the shoes I had did not include socks and all in all it was a terrible idea. So I am determined to go ice skating after I get back! Finally, we went inside to see the musical acts, it was really crowded and really loud and I was uncomfortable but determined to stick it through until this mean guy stepped on my toe and I decided I was done. Then I went to tea and toast at the chapel for like an hour which was really wonderful. I love hanging out with the Christian Union people. Finally I went to bed.
Saturday has included a lot of procrastination and no work whatsoever. I went for a run, picked up my stuff from Sierra and Merediths, showered, spent a lot of time on the computer, went back to Sierra and Merediths and now I'm here working on the blog.
Tomorrow after TEN:15 we are having minced pies and mulled wine at Ruth's house which should be really nice. It makes me think about the way time at Ruth's house divides up the semester, the first time I went there and met Nellum, Kat, Katie, and Jo at the very beginning of the semester, Guy Fawkes Day when I was feeling more settled and comfortable and I watched the fireworks, and now tomorrow, Sunday the 9th, which is the day before the last week of classes. Crazy.
Monday my class was cancelled because the Professor was sick so I was able to stress about the fact that I didn't get to clear my final essay topic with him like I had originally planned. This cancellation also gave me ample time to stress about my math homework which was due that evening at 5 pm. I went into the professor because I was stuck on something that I should not have been stuck on and I came out of the meeting with him feeling even more incompetent than I had felt going in. So by the time I reached the chapel for some moral support, all it took was a hug from Jo and I was crying. I pulled myself together and went to the library and watched the video tutorial (which didn't help) and looked at the answers to the previous homework (which helped some) and powered through and managed to finish and turn in my homework. Then I checked my post and gave myself a little veg time to relax and pull myself together after my overly dramatic morning. Finally I went that evening to the practice for the Scratch (two practice) Choir that is performing at the Carol Service on Wednesday the 12th. I really enjoyed myself, I got to hang out with LeeAnn and laugh about the fact that I have no confidence in my singing what-so-ever but I am going to make an attempt anyway.
Tuesday morning, I got dressed for my normal run, with one addition MY CAMERA. I ended up walking most of it so that I could actually take pictures of the great views that I see on my run, which will compose the next blog (yay more pictures and less words). Then I worked on my Mass Media portfolio due next week. I still have one part of it left to do but that requires watching live local tv news in the US and so I have to do it at like 10pm at the earliest and I always forget when it gets to be that time. Then it was off to Mass Media class. I finally started my Social Movements reading which I realized was a nice way of creating stress for myself because I started it later than I usually due so I was much more stressed about finishing it on Wednesday. Finally, I went to Sacred Space which this week was a Taize Service and as wonderful as it was made me sad because it was the last Sacred Space of the Semester and my last Sacred Space ever.
Wednesday it was off to Math class. Then I did some reading and finally met up with Hannah for Lunch. After lunch with Hannah I was back into my Social Movements book but the stress of finishing had been lifted since one of my other group members hadn't even started the reading and our third group member was doing a presentation so she had other things to worry about. Wednesday night I had planned to have dinner with Becca and it just so happened that her dorm was having a Christmas party with a free buffet and so we met up with LeeAnn, Jemma and Hannah and went there for dinner, dessert and Christmas Crackers (the popper things that you pull, Meredith says they are in Harry Potter). Then we all hung out a little bit longer before it was off to the CU meeting, which was wonderful as usual, this week's talk was on your purpose and the speaker shared his testimonial and what he felt was God's purpose for him.
Thursday we actually discussed in our Social Movements class which feels like a huge deal because normally its like pulling teeth to get anyone besides Matt and me to talk in class. Then I used my two hour break to get stressed out over my last PDEs homework which is due Monday, because it is much harder than any example he has done in class and I am frustrated with it. Then I had math class which actually was good because he finished the last of his new material and so for the rest of the term we are just reviewing. After dropping my stuff off in my room I went to Hannah's to watch some Gilmore Girls (which I am so happy that she is enjoying) and then we went over to Alyssa's block to have dinner, they made Cajun Chicken Pasta, but took into account the fact that I am a wimp who can't handles spice and actually took out some chicken without spice for me. They are the best! Finally I headed off to Jesus Jam. Without going into too many details, I have to say that the discussion at Jesus Jam this week really resonated with me personally and things that have gone on in my life and it was hard for me to face that I would only have one more Jesus Jam ever.
Friday was an active day. Directly after my math class (review yay!) I hopped in a cab with Meredith, Sierra, Fizza and Matt and we headed to the mall in Stoke. We had a nice coffee date before Matt had to go to work and the girls went shopping. After a long but productive trip in Primark it was time. We went to visit Santa! It was wonderful, so much fun. I bought a key chain with our picture (the 4 girls and Santa *cough* Matt *cough*) which I know will be very special to me. After our time we Santa and some more shopping it was back to campus. I took a quick pit stop in my room to drop stuff off before heading over to Meredith and Sierra's to prepare for Winterfest. We had dinner, hung out with their hall mates, changed got ready and several hours later we were off. First up was the outside activities I managed to go on all 3 of the rides (seriously they had 3 fair rides in the parking lot it was crazy) but I did not go ice skating because the "ice" was actually plastic and the shoes I had did not include socks and all in all it was a terrible idea. So I am determined to go ice skating after I get back! Finally, we went inside to see the musical acts, it was really crowded and really loud and I was uncomfortable but determined to stick it through until this mean guy stepped on my toe and I decided I was done. Then I went to tea and toast at the chapel for like an hour which was really wonderful. I love hanging out with the Christian Union people. Finally I went to bed.
Saturday has included a lot of procrastination and no work whatsoever. I went for a run, picked up my stuff from Sierra and Merediths, showered, spent a lot of time on the computer, went back to Sierra and Merediths and now I'm here working on the blog.
Tomorrow after TEN:15 we are having minced pies and mulled wine at Ruth's house which should be really nice. It makes me think about the way time at Ruth's house divides up the semester, the first time I went there and met Nellum, Kat, Katie, and Jo at the very beginning of the semester, Guy Fawkes Day when I was feeling more settled and comfortable and I watched the fireworks, and now tomorrow, Sunday the 9th, which is the day before the last week of classes. Crazy.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
The week I watched tv on tv, oh and I was sick again!
I believe when we last left me I had woken up sunday morning with a stuffed up nose and a sore throat, which I blamed on my mother for thinking I was sick before I started actually feeling sick. So that was the theme of the week but it also had other interesting tid-bits.
Monday morning was literature class and then more partying for the fact that I had already turned in on Friday. So instead I headed to the Common Room (a separate building by the laundry room (down the hill from my room) with wifi and a piano and a tv) and worked on my Social Movements reading while actually watching british tv. Okay American shows but it was on a british channel and there were british commercials. Then it was back to my room, where I actually did nothing.
I put this in because I need to edit my post from last week. I did not do nothing last Monday I went to hangout with Hannah and I watched the Princess Bride and painted my nails and the Monday before that Hannah and I watched Crazy, Stupid, Love so this Monday Hannah was in London and we couldn't hang out which reminded me that Monday is normally my Hannah day and I missed hanging out with her.
Tuesday morning as usual was my morning to get things done, so I headed out on my run, mailed some letters, and then did my laundry (which lead to more time in the common room - seeing an american commercial re-done with a British voice over was totally bizarre). Then there was a lunch and talk at the chapel which I enjoyed. Finally I had some dinner and then went off to Sacred Space which this week was prayer stations, and I am happy to report that I didn't cry at all this time. In fact I spent most of it thanking God for the blessings in my life. Tuesday night I went downstairs to Martin and Michael's kitchen for a birthday celebration for Martin but since I had no desire to drink I basically had some cake and left.
Wednesday I woke up feeling even more sick than I had the last two days. The original plan of the day was class-several hours in the library-discussion group for social movements-fireworks display outside the student union-christian union scavenger hunt.
Here is what happened instead: Class, get mail, crawl in bed, sleep, wake up, sleep, wake up, lay in bed until discussion group, discussion group, more bed, soup for dinner, skype mom, call Anjee, lose miserably at WarLight to dad while also talking to Hannah since she came over.
Basically in an attempt to take care of myself I avoided all the outdoor activities but the downside of that was ditching Hannah and not being able to tell her since she lost her cell phone and so she ended up coming over so we could chat.
Thursday I was feeling slightly better and so after my Social Movements I was able to spend two hours in the library and get frustrated because after success last week with my homework I am struggling severely with this weeks homework. Then after my second class and stopping back at my room it was off to Hannah's room. We managed to make homemade mac and cheese and chicken nuggets and I got her to watch the first episode of Gilmore Girls (She is hooked, I am so excited). Then we went to Jesus Jam which was wonderful as usual.
Friday was fulfilling my to-do list. After Math, I had lunch with Hannah, printed my train tickets, picked up my homework from the math building, checked my mail, went to the study abroad office, and then tried (not so well) to work on my math homework. Spent the rest of the night relaxing in my room. Still lacking some energy from being sick.
Saturday morning I attempted to sleep in which didn't go as well as I had hoped. Then I went for a run which was really more of a walk because my lungs hurt and I was tired and it was cold, but I still absolutely love the views on my run and I think sometime this week (or maybe next) I am going to walk it instead of running so that I can take pictures along the way. I fought with my math homework more, still not going well. Then I headed out to catch the bus to the train station. I asked the cheaper bus if he stopped at the train station, he doesn't, so after pulling some money out of the ATM and buying a Kit Kat bar so I had change (bus drivers get rather angry if you don't have the proper change) I hurried to the bus, which didn't hurry at all. In fact it stopped at the Newcastle Bus Station for 25 minutes before we were able to get on another bus and by the time that bus got to the train station I ran (literally) inside to watch my train pull away. So I had to buy a new ticket, but on the upside I was able to ride the train with the rest of the Christian Union group.
The Christmas Markets were quite an interesting site. I quickly learned that the emphasis is much more on eating than it is on walking. I waited past the frankfurters, the waffles, the pretzels and the hot chocolate (I had had some before the train with the extra time I had and the free one from my punch card) until the Garlic Bread that Jemma and I had been talking about since we got off the train. Yes it was good and yes it was worth it but for as freezing cold as I felt before the garlic bread I felt even colder after. The train back was so comfortable and warm.
Now it comes to Sunday. As I was walking to the Chapel this morning I managed to slip and fall along the ground that I didn't realize had actually iced over. Then after Chapel before the usual heading to Lindsey Bar I realized that I had lost my keys, they weren't in pocket the only place I ever store them. So then after asking two different security drop points and still no keys I had to be let in my room and I have been here ever since because I don't want to leave it open and go off somewhere. So I'm still struggling with my math homework which means Monday is going to be a big ball of stress, but its okay.
Why is it okay? Because we made it to December and I think the ridiculously homesick version of me from September had a lot of trouble believing that a version of me happy and thanking God for all of these blessings in December would actually exist. I feel like being closer to the end has made me more reflective of the different parts of the journey that I have faced.
Monday morning was literature class and then more partying for the fact that I had already turned in on Friday. So instead I headed to the Common Room (a separate building by the laundry room (down the hill from my room) with wifi and a piano and a tv) and worked on my Social Movements reading while actually watching british tv. Okay American shows but it was on a british channel and there were british commercials. Then it was back to my room, where I actually did nothing.
I put this in because I need to edit my post from last week. I did not do nothing last Monday I went to hangout with Hannah and I watched the Princess Bride and painted my nails and the Monday before that Hannah and I watched Crazy, Stupid, Love so this Monday Hannah was in London and we couldn't hang out which reminded me that Monday is normally my Hannah day and I missed hanging out with her.
Tuesday morning as usual was my morning to get things done, so I headed out on my run, mailed some letters, and then did my laundry (which lead to more time in the common room - seeing an american commercial re-done with a British voice over was totally bizarre). Then there was a lunch and talk at the chapel which I enjoyed. Finally I had some dinner and then went off to Sacred Space which this week was prayer stations, and I am happy to report that I didn't cry at all this time. In fact I spent most of it thanking God for the blessings in my life. Tuesday night I went downstairs to Martin and Michael's kitchen for a birthday celebration for Martin but since I had no desire to drink I basically had some cake and left.
Wednesday I woke up feeling even more sick than I had the last two days. The original plan of the day was class-several hours in the library-discussion group for social movements-fireworks display outside the student union-christian union scavenger hunt.
Here is what happened instead: Class, get mail, crawl in bed, sleep, wake up, sleep, wake up, lay in bed until discussion group, discussion group, more bed, soup for dinner, skype mom, call Anjee, lose miserably at WarLight to dad while also talking to Hannah since she came over.
Basically in an attempt to take care of myself I avoided all the outdoor activities but the downside of that was ditching Hannah and not being able to tell her since she lost her cell phone and so she ended up coming over so we could chat.
Thursday I was feeling slightly better and so after my Social Movements I was able to spend two hours in the library and get frustrated because after success last week with my homework I am struggling severely with this weeks homework. Then after my second class and stopping back at my room it was off to Hannah's room. We managed to make homemade mac and cheese and chicken nuggets and I got her to watch the first episode of Gilmore Girls (She is hooked, I am so excited). Then we went to Jesus Jam which was wonderful as usual.
Friday was fulfilling my to-do list. After Math, I had lunch with Hannah, printed my train tickets, picked up my homework from the math building, checked my mail, went to the study abroad office, and then tried (not so well) to work on my math homework. Spent the rest of the night relaxing in my room. Still lacking some energy from being sick.
Saturday morning I attempted to sleep in which didn't go as well as I had hoped. Then I went for a run which was really more of a walk because my lungs hurt and I was tired and it was cold, but I still absolutely love the views on my run and I think sometime this week (or maybe next) I am going to walk it instead of running so that I can take pictures along the way. I fought with my math homework more, still not going well. Then I headed out to catch the bus to the train station. I asked the cheaper bus if he stopped at the train station, he doesn't, so after pulling some money out of the ATM and buying a Kit Kat bar so I had change (bus drivers get rather angry if you don't have the proper change) I hurried to the bus, which didn't hurry at all. In fact it stopped at the Newcastle Bus Station for 25 minutes before we were able to get on another bus and by the time that bus got to the train station I ran (literally) inside to watch my train pull away. So I had to buy a new ticket, but on the upside I was able to ride the train with the rest of the Christian Union group.
The Christmas Markets were quite an interesting site. I quickly learned that the emphasis is much more on eating than it is on walking. I waited past the frankfurters, the waffles, the pretzels and the hot chocolate (I had had some before the train with the extra time I had and the free one from my punch card) until the Garlic Bread that Jemma and I had been talking about since we got off the train. Yes it was good and yes it was worth it but for as freezing cold as I felt before the garlic bread I felt even colder after. The train back was so comfortable and warm.
Now it comes to Sunday. As I was walking to the Chapel this morning I managed to slip and fall along the ground that I didn't realize had actually iced over. Then after Chapel before the usual heading to Lindsey Bar I realized that I had lost my keys, they weren't in pocket the only place I ever store them. So then after asking two different security drop points and still no keys I had to be let in my room and I have been here ever since because I don't want to leave it open and go off somewhere. So I'm still struggling with my math homework which means Monday is going to be a big ball of stress, but its okay.
Why is it okay? Because we made it to December and I think the ridiculously homesick version of me from September had a lot of trouble believing that a version of me happy and thanking God for all of these blessings in December would actually exist. I feel like being closer to the end has made me more reflective of the different parts of the journey that I have faced.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Poultry and Protein: My week in food
Although Sunday was included in the last blog, I just wanted to mention that I started my week with a Thanksgiving meal at my friends Matt and Sam's house.
Monday morning I had literature class, which was its usual entertaining self. Then I spent the afternoon finishing my math homework before it was due at 5. Then I had a pretty open evening, which is my way of saying I don't have anything written in my calendar and I can't remember what I did. So I'm going to go with I probably just worked on my reading for my Social Movements class once I finished my math homework.
Tuesday I spent my pre-class time preparing for my presentation with Matt for our Social Movements class. I have never been quite so proud of my ability to number, label and color code a 13 page reading, it came in quite handy in our preparations. After that I had my Mass Media in America class, where we discussed local tv news in America. Then I got in some quality library time before it was off to British Culture Class. This weeks theme was sports, which was actually really useful and I feel like I learned a lot when I wasn't getting 'shushed' for trying to contribute to the discussion or glared at because I was discussing what was going on in class with my friends. During the class however I realized that I was feeling dizzy and light headed, after some thought my hypothesis was that this was due to not enough protein consumption, I have been paying attention to it for most of the semester (partly because my mom was reminding about it all the time for the first month) but I started to take it for granted because I had been doing so well and apparently not paying attention meant less protein which leads to me feeling like I may pass out, no good. This feeling returned over the next couple of days but now that I'm paying more attention I seem to have squashed it. Finally, I had Sacred Space, which this week was 'Bring and Share night' where everyone brings a poem or a prayer or a thought or anything really and we pray together, which I really enjoyed.
Wednesday after math class, the Christian Union was doing Text-a-Toastie, where for 2 hours you can text your Name, Location, sandwich fillings (ham, cheese, tomato or chocolate spread) and a question about God and someone will bring you your sandwich and answer your questions. I absolutely love this idea and I hadn't heard of anything like it before but it seemed to be a great success. They said they had almost 60 people text in. Then it was off to meet with Matt and finalize the details of our presentation (which continued to be finalized over facebook up until Thursday morning) and to try and get some math homework done as well.
Thursday was a pretty big day, first we had our presentation which went relatively well with one notable exception: Matt and I were the only ones who could talk about the reading. The professor opened it up for discussion after our presentation and no one said anything, it was a little bit weird. Then I had Math class, after which I picked up my Literature paper (I got the equivalent of a B, which I am happy with) and made an attempt at a nap which didn't work and then headed down to the KPA for thanksgiving. SO MUCH FOOD. When that many people come and each person brings a dish, it was a lot of food. I was stuffed. After Thanksgiving I went to Jesus Jam which was amazing as always and I even got to run the slides during worship. Finally, I closed out the evening by skyping with my family at their thanksgiving, which honestly made me pretty homesick, I am so used to the big family tradition and celebration that seeing everyone else there but not being there myself made me feel a little lonely.
That lonely feeling carried into Friday morning because I had a dream about going home and expected to wake up in my own bed and when I woke up not in my own bed and had to figure out where I was I got real sad real fast. That was especially rough. After math class, I went to the math building (my math class in the physics building for a reason I cannot explain) and not only worked on my homework and asked the professor questions but got it turned in early (its not due until monday) I celebrated by writing 5 letters while sitting in a cafe before heading back to my room. Then I spent several hours watching big bang theory and relaxing in celebration of finishing my homework early. Essentially I had a boring Friday night in my room.
Saturday was football day. First I went to Alyssa's dorm for our version of tailgating, beer and hot dogs in her kitchen. Then after two buses with a short trip to a coffee shop in between we were at the Stadium. Britannia Stadium home of the Stoke City Potters. We were sitting in the 3rd row from the pitch which according to our expert Wesley (he plays football for Keele and actually watches football) is the closest you can get to the pitch compared to other European stadiums. The downside is we got ALL THE RAIN. It was so cold. I have never been so grateful to have a pair of gloves in my life. The rain after it dripped on my hair started to run down my face so you know that was interesting and COLD. I opted for chips (fries) and hot chocolate at the half because I needed something warm. It had to happen. STOKE CITY WON!!!! After a hot shower and the great battle to change out of my warm yoga pants and fuzzy socks (I left them on) I walked over to Alyssa's dorm where Hannah, Alyssa and I had pizza, ukulele time and a pathetic attempt at homework.
Sunday morning I woke up with a stuffed up nose which I think is a curse from my mom who said I sounded sick over skype a few days ago. I heard Bishop Geoff preach this morning and then had lunch at Lindsay bar with Jo and Nellum. Finally Jo and I went to the library and actually got work done. Okay let me rephrase, Jo got work done while I tried to read The Europeans by Henry James. I was doing that thing where my eyes would close and I would shoot awake. So I got some reading done but not enough. Then I headed back to my room for (seriously) hours and hours more. Finally finished the reading at far too late, with the help of encouragement from Suzie via video chat, Mariah via Skype, Mykel via Skype and Alyssa via facebook. Yep it did take all of that to finish the 100 plus pages I had left to read today. I did find a quote I enjoyed though:
"I came for many of those reasons that are no reasons--don't you know?-- and yet that are really the best: to come away, to change, to break with everything. When once one comes away one must arrive somewhere, and I asked myself why I shouldn't arrive here." - Eugenia from The Europeans by Henry James
She is explaining why she traveled from Germany to America and it really stuck out to me because it is a good explaination for part of why I wanted to study abroad. To get out of my comfort zone to break from everything, to try something new. The sad thing was she was the only main character who didn't end with love and happiness. We'll see how the discussion goes in class tomorrow.
Monday morning I had literature class, which was its usual entertaining self. Then I spent the afternoon finishing my math homework before it was due at 5. Then I had a pretty open evening, which is my way of saying I don't have anything written in my calendar and I can't remember what I did. So I'm going to go with I probably just worked on my reading for my Social Movements class once I finished my math homework.
Tuesday I spent my pre-class time preparing for my presentation with Matt for our Social Movements class. I have never been quite so proud of my ability to number, label and color code a 13 page reading, it came in quite handy in our preparations. After that I had my Mass Media in America class, where we discussed local tv news in America. Then I got in some quality library time before it was off to British Culture Class. This weeks theme was sports, which was actually really useful and I feel like I learned a lot when I wasn't getting 'shushed' for trying to contribute to the discussion or glared at because I was discussing what was going on in class with my friends. During the class however I realized that I was feeling dizzy and light headed, after some thought my hypothesis was that this was due to not enough protein consumption, I have been paying attention to it for most of the semester (partly because my mom was reminding about it all the time for the first month) but I started to take it for granted because I had been doing so well and apparently not paying attention meant less protein which leads to me feeling like I may pass out, no good. This feeling returned over the next couple of days but now that I'm paying more attention I seem to have squashed it. Finally, I had Sacred Space, which this week was 'Bring and Share night' where everyone brings a poem or a prayer or a thought or anything really and we pray together, which I really enjoyed.
Wednesday after math class, the Christian Union was doing Text-a-Toastie, where for 2 hours you can text your Name, Location, sandwich fillings (ham, cheese, tomato or chocolate spread) and a question about God and someone will bring you your sandwich and answer your questions. I absolutely love this idea and I hadn't heard of anything like it before but it seemed to be a great success. They said they had almost 60 people text in. Then it was off to meet with Matt and finalize the details of our presentation (which continued to be finalized over facebook up until Thursday morning) and to try and get some math homework done as well.
Thursday was a pretty big day, first we had our presentation which went relatively well with one notable exception: Matt and I were the only ones who could talk about the reading. The professor opened it up for discussion after our presentation and no one said anything, it was a little bit weird. Then I had Math class, after which I picked up my Literature paper (I got the equivalent of a B, which I am happy with) and made an attempt at a nap which didn't work and then headed down to the KPA for thanksgiving. SO MUCH FOOD. When that many people come and each person brings a dish, it was a lot of food. I was stuffed. After Thanksgiving I went to Jesus Jam which was amazing as always and I even got to run the slides during worship. Finally, I closed out the evening by skyping with my family at their thanksgiving, which honestly made me pretty homesick, I am so used to the big family tradition and celebration that seeing everyone else there but not being there myself made me feel a little lonely.
That lonely feeling carried into Friday morning because I had a dream about going home and expected to wake up in my own bed and when I woke up not in my own bed and had to figure out where I was I got real sad real fast. That was especially rough. After math class, I went to the math building (my math class in the physics building for a reason I cannot explain) and not only worked on my homework and asked the professor questions but got it turned in early (its not due until monday) I celebrated by writing 5 letters while sitting in a cafe before heading back to my room. Then I spent several hours watching big bang theory and relaxing in celebration of finishing my homework early. Essentially I had a boring Friday night in my room.
Saturday was football day. First I went to Alyssa's dorm for our version of tailgating, beer and hot dogs in her kitchen. Then after two buses with a short trip to a coffee shop in between we were at the Stadium. Britannia Stadium home of the Stoke City Potters. We were sitting in the 3rd row from the pitch which according to our expert Wesley (he plays football for Keele and actually watches football) is the closest you can get to the pitch compared to other European stadiums. The downside is we got ALL THE RAIN. It was so cold. I have never been so grateful to have a pair of gloves in my life. The rain after it dripped on my hair started to run down my face so you know that was interesting and COLD. I opted for chips (fries) and hot chocolate at the half because I needed something warm. It had to happen. STOKE CITY WON!!!! After a hot shower and the great battle to change out of my warm yoga pants and fuzzy socks (I left them on) I walked over to Alyssa's dorm where Hannah, Alyssa and I had pizza, ukulele time and a pathetic attempt at homework.
Sunday morning I woke up with a stuffed up nose which I think is a curse from my mom who said I sounded sick over skype a few days ago. I heard Bishop Geoff preach this morning and then had lunch at Lindsay bar with Jo and Nellum. Finally Jo and I went to the library and actually got work done. Okay let me rephrase, Jo got work done while I tried to read The Europeans by Henry James. I was doing that thing where my eyes would close and I would shoot awake. So I got some reading done but not enough. Then I headed back to my room for (seriously) hours and hours more. Finally finished the reading at far too late, with the help of encouragement from Suzie via video chat, Mariah via Skype, Mykel via Skype and Alyssa via facebook. Yep it did take all of that to finish the 100 plus pages I had left to read today. I did find a quote I enjoyed though:
"I came for many of those reasons that are no reasons--don't you know?-- and yet that are really the best: to come away, to change, to break with everything. When once one comes away one must arrive somewhere, and I asked myself why I shouldn't arrive here." - Eugenia from The Europeans by Henry James
She is explaining why she traveled from Germany to America and it really stuck out to me because it is a good explaination for part of why I wanted to study abroad. To get out of my comfort zone to break from everything, to try something new. The sad thing was she was the only main character who didn't end with love and happiness. We'll see how the discussion goes in class tomorrow.
Monday, November 19, 2012
The Week I dyed my towels blue
Sunday morning, in Paris, after I had dressed myself and prepared for my day, I noticed 3 small bug bites on my left hand and thought nothing of it. A few bug bites, who cares, right?
I woke up Monday morning in my bed at Keele and these 3 "bug bites" were now all over. Both arms, my right calf, my left foot, my chest and shoulder, my face and my sides. It is not an understatement to say I FREAKED OUT. I thought there is no way in the world I got that many bug bites in one night and so clearly I had caught a flesh eating disease but I went to class anyway. After some discussion with my class mates, I had slightly less insane possibilities: allergic reaction, hives, stinging nettle, etc. Needless to say I went directly to the health center after class, and got an appointment for the next morning. The rest of the day I did homework and then basically hid in my room so as to control my freak out and keep myself from other people.
Tuesday morning, I went to the health centre, with its fancy digital check in and waiting room that tells you where to go rather than having a real person come and fetch you and make polite chit chat and tell you you've lost weight (I miss my home doctor, okay?). After telling the doctor my story of overnight arrival of the anything-but-bites. Her response was "Yep, bites." and in my state of disbelief I said something like "It can't be anything else? How could I get that many in one night" She went on to explain that she had seen a girl with a case of bed bugs recently and if it were hives it would have shown up in a concentrated area rather than everywhere. She gave me an antihistamine that was/is supposed to reduce the redness and told me that I needed to go to Student Accommodation and have them take care of my room. So I headed off to receive the news that I was in the wrong place, but its okay because she called the right place and the lady who would give the approval to call Pest Control is in a meeting. So when she was out they would call pest control who should be there later in the afternoon to take care of it. I headed back to my room gathered my stuff and went anywhere but there so that I could study and try not to think about it (WHO GETS BED BUGS?? I THOUGHT THAT WAS JUST SOMETHING YOU TOLD CHILDREN) Then to my Mass Media class, where to my relief I didn't have to hear anything about politics. Upon returning to my room I could smell some sort of chemicals and assumed pest control had come. Then it was off to have crepes with my friends and then closing out the day with some Taize Prayer at Sacred Space.
Wednesday morning, the bites seemed relatively the same and still relatively creepy (Hello long sleeves) After heading to math class, I decided that I absolutely had to do laundry including my duvet cover and pillow case and towels. To try and save space (because laundry is damn expensive) I had one load of jeans, one load of everything else, and a load that was my towels and my (never before washed) navy duvet cover and pillow case are you seeing what happened? I now have pretty light blue towels. That evening I went to Matt and Sam's house for our Social Movements discussion group, made myself some dinner and then went to the Main Meeting for the Christian Union.
Thursday the bites were starting to look a little better and I was less freaked out about them and focused on more pressing matters, I needed to buy a bible before House Party this weekend. After my Social Movements class, (especially awkward this week, we had our professor back and he kept shooting down the things we had to say and so eventually everyone just stopped talking and it was a mess) and my math class, Hannah and I caught the bus to Stoke-on-Trent and headed off in search of the Methodist Bookshop with my pathetically scribbled directions. After asking the information desk at the local museum and getting a real map from them, we found it. I found a bible I really liked, which also is written in British text (we asked, it means it has the British spelling of words which will be interesting to read later and remember where I got it) Then we spent a little time at the mall, okay we got cupcakes, before we came back. I closed out my night at the Jesus Jam social having delicious food (seriously, soooooo good) and great laughs with wonderful people.
Friday found the bug bites had increased in circumference by more than double and man did that freak me out. Seriously. They were supposed to be healing, who gave them permission to be huge? Whoever it was I'd like to kick they're butt. After class and some time in the library (still there almost every day but by choice rather than by demand and for many less hours) I went back to my room to relax, pack and have a wonderful Skype date with my little Katie (I miss her like woah!) Then it was off to the Chapel for the beginning of House Party. Friday night after we arrived (our coach got a little stuck and we had to jump, the boys in the back played a game where if they say the word "mine" they have to do push ups, and I read the first book for my literature class that hasn't at least partially confused me, bus rides are always an interesting factor in any trip) there were some games, worship, and an introduction to our theme/speaker for the weekend and then some hang out time. I chose to head to bed early (ha!, midnight) because the bug freak out had left me a little exhausted from the day. I did receive reassurance from some of the girls that often this is what bug bites do if you are allergic they get bigger before they heal.
Saturday morning the bites on my face had gone down which made me happy and the ones on my arms looked slightly less like a flesh eating disease. We spent the day totally engrossed in House Party. Breakfast, worship, talk, free time, worship talk, lunch, team challenges (I ate a whole jar (not small) of baby food fed by someone else and spilled some on myself as part of a competition) free time, dinner, worship, talk, talent show, many many card games (learned some new ones and even taught Dion one of my favorites) then bed. Spotlight on the Talent Show, I got to see Exec Club 7 (a parody of S Club 7) and other hilarious acts but I also realized that no matter how okay and distracted I feel, my homesickness can still rear its depressing little head. Andy (one of the guys there) played guitar and sang a song that he wrote about going home and his parents and leaving for Uni. Now he gave the description "This song is about going home and my parents" before he started and I knew that I didn't stand a chance but I thought I'd attempt anyway. By the first chorus I was up and out of my seat and in the other room crying, I missed my parents, I didn't like saying goodbye to them, but they aren't a train ride away like the parents in the song. Helen came over and was really supportive and understanding and I was back in by the time the next act started.
Sunday morning the bites were slightly better, but I was properly shattered (british for really freakin' tired) from the lack of sleep. Sunday at House Party, was breakfast, cleaning, worship, discussion with the girls, angels and mortals reveal, pictures and heading out. Now spotlight on Angels and Mortals reveal. You stand in the middle of the circle and wait for the person who has been giving you presents to come in the circle and hug you and then they stand in the middle etc. I got to hug Helen and she was excited that it was me which made me happy and then I found out that Lillian gave me the coolest Monkey socks ever which I wore that Sunday because I was so excited about them. Those, however, were not the highlights of the reveal. The highlight (purely for hilarity factor) was when Sam was in the middle of the circle (tall bean pole of a guy) and TSK (almost as tall and sharing some bean pole characteristics) runs and jumps managing to get his arms around Sam's neck and wrapping his legs around him knocking him to the ground. IT WAS SO FUNNY. I'm really not doing it justice. The whole room was in stitches, so funny, seriously.
After being back on campus it was time to shift gears. I spent about an hour in yoga pants before starting to get ready for the "Friends"giving celebration. I put on my nice dress, tights and boots, plus makeup and everything. I was in charge of the salad (I am my mothers daughter after all, (she is in charge of the salad at our family's Thanksgiving)) and so after picking that up I caught a taxi with Meredith and Sierra over to Matt and Sam's house and had a great Thanksgiving dinner, plus fun conversation. I really enjoyed it. Although it was unlike the Thanksgiving I was used to it was a new Thanksgiving with a different family and for now that is okay too.
We'll see how not being home for actual Thanksgiving on Thursday goes, but there is a celebration at the KPA so that should be fun and interesting, plus I am going to a (proper English) Football game on Saturday, which feels like such a normal thing for Thanksgiving weekend, except its all turned on its head since I am in the UK. Until then, don't stop climbing scary stairs.
I woke up Monday morning in my bed at Keele and these 3 "bug bites" were now all over. Both arms, my right calf, my left foot, my chest and shoulder, my face and my sides. It is not an understatement to say I FREAKED OUT. I thought there is no way in the world I got that many bug bites in one night and so clearly I had caught a flesh eating disease but I went to class anyway. After some discussion with my class mates, I had slightly less insane possibilities: allergic reaction, hives, stinging nettle, etc. Needless to say I went directly to the health center after class, and got an appointment for the next morning. The rest of the day I did homework and then basically hid in my room so as to control my freak out and keep myself from other people.
Tuesday morning, I went to the health centre, with its fancy digital check in and waiting room that tells you where to go rather than having a real person come and fetch you and make polite chit chat and tell you you've lost weight (I miss my home doctor, okay?). After telling the doctor my story of overnight arrival of the anything-but-bites. Her response was "Yep, bites." and in my state of disbelief I said something like "It can't be anything else? How could I get that many in one night" She went on to explain that she had seen a girl with a case of bed bugs recently and if it were hives it would have shown up in a concentrated area rather than everywhere. She gave me an antihistamine that was/is supposed to reduce the redness and told me that I needed to go to Student Accommodation and have them take care of my room. So I headed off to receive the news that I was in the wrong place, but its okay because she called the right place and the lady who would give the approval to call Pest Control is in a meeting. So when she was out they would call pest control who should be there later in the afternoon to take care of it. I headed back to my room gathered my stuff and went anywhere but there so that I could study and try not to think about it (WHO GETS BED BUGS?? I THOUGHT THAT WAS JUST SOMETHING YOU TOLD CHILDREN) Then to my Mass Media class, where to my relief I didn't have to hear anything about politics. Upon returning to my room I could smell some sort of chemicals and assumed pest control had come. Then it was off to have crepes with my friends and then closing out the day with some Taize Prayer at Sacred Space.
Wednesday morning, the bites seemed relatively the same and still relatively creepy (Hello long sleeves) After heading to math class, I decided that I absolutely had to do laundry including my duvet cover and pillow case and towels. To try and save space (because laundry is damn expensive) I had one load of jeans, one load of everything else, and a load that was my towels and my (never before washed) navy duvet cover and pillow case are you seeing what happened? I now have pretty light blue towels. That evening I went to Matt and Sam's house for our Social Movements discussion group, made myself some dinner and then went to the Main Meeting for the Christian Union.
Thursday the bites were starting to look a little better and I was less freaked out about them and focused on more pressing matters, I needed to buy a bible before House Party this weekend. After my Social Movements class, (especially awkward this week, we had our professor back and he kept shooting down the things we had to say and so eventually everyone just stopped talking and it was a mess) and my math class, Hannah and I caught the bus to Stoke-on-Trent and headed off in search of the Methodist Bookshop with my pathetically scribbled directions. After asking the information desk at the local museum and getting a real map from them, we found it. I found a bible I really liked, which also is written in British text (we asked, it means it has the British spelling of words which will be interesting to read later and remember where I got it) Then we spent a little time at the mall, okay we got cupcakes, before we came back. I closed out my night at the Jesus Jam social having delicious food (seriously, soooooo good) and great laughs with wonderful people.
Friday found the bug bites had increased in circumference by more than double and man did that freak me out. Seriously. They were supposed to be healing, who gave them permission to be huge? Whoever it was I'd like to kick they're butt. After class and some time in the library (still there almost every day but by choice rather than by demand and for many less hours) I went back to my room to relax, pack and have a wonderful Skype date with my little Katie (I miss her like woah!) Then it was off to the Chapel for the beginning of House Party. Friday night after we arrived (our coach got a little stuck and we had to jump, the boys in the back played a game where if they say the word "mine" they have to do push ups, and I read the first book for my literature class that hasn't at least partially confused me, bus rides are always an interesting factor in any trip) there were some games, worship, and an introduction to our theme/speaker for the weekend and then some hang out time. I chose to head to bed early (ha!, midnight) because the bug freak out had left me a little exhausted from the day. I did receive reassurance from some of the girls that often this is what bug bites do if you are allergic they get bigger before they heal.
Saturday morning the bites on my face had gone down which made me happy and the ones on my arms looked slightly less like a flesh eating disease. We spent the day totally engrossed in House Party. Breakfast, worship, talk, free time, worship talk, lunch, team challenges (I ate a whole jar (not small) of baby food fed by someone else and spilled some on myself as part of a competition) free time, dinner, worship, talk, talent show, many many card games (learned some new ones and even taught Dion one of my favorites) then bed. Spotlight on the Talent Show, I got to see Exec Club 7 (a parody of S Club 7) and other hilarious acts but I also realized that no matter how okay and distracted I feel, my homesickness can still rear its depressing little head. Andy (one of the guys there) played guitar and sang a song that he wrote about going home and his parents and leaving for Uni. Now he gave the description "This song is about going home and my parents" before he started and I knew that I didn't stand a chance but I thought I'd attempt anyway. By the first chorus I was up and out of my seat and in the other room crying, I missed my parents, I didn't like saying goodbye to them, but they aren't a train ride away like the parents in the song. Helen came over and was really supportive and understanding and I was back in by the time the next act started.
Sunday morning the bites were slightly better, but I was properly shattered (british for really freakin' tired) from the lack of sleep. Sunday at House Party, was breakfast, cleaning, worship, discussion with the girls, angels and mortals reveal, pictures and heading out. Now spotlight on Angels and Mortals reveal. You stand in the middle of the circle and wait for the person who has been giving you presents to come in the circle and hug you and then they stand in the middle etc. I got to hug Helen and she was excited that it was me which made me happy and then I found out that Lillian gave me the coolest Monkey socks ever which I wore that Sunday because I was so excited about them. Those, however, were not the highlights of the reveal. The highlight (purely for hilarity factor) was when Sam was in the middle of the circle (tall bean pole of a guy) and TSK (almost as tall and sharing some bean pole characteristics) runs and jumps managing to get his arms around Sam's neck and wrapping his legs around him knocking him to the ground. IT WAS SO FUNNY. I'm really not doing it justice. The whole room was in stitches, so funny, seriously.
After being back on campus it was time to shift gears. I spent about an hour in yoga pants before starting to get ready for the "Friends"giving celebration. I put on my nice dress, tights and boots, plus makeup and everything. I was in charge of the salad (I am my mothers daughter after all, (she is in charge of the salad at our family's Thanksgiving)) and so after picking that up I caught a taxi with Meredith and Sierra over to Matt and Sam's house and had a great Thanksgiving dinner, plus fun conversation. I really enjoyed it. Although it was unlike the Thanksgiving I was used to it was a new Thanksgiving with a different family and for now that is okay too.
We'll see how not being home for actual Thanksgiving on Thursday goes, but there is a celebration at the KPA so that should be fun and interesting, plus I am going to a (proper English) Football game on Saturday, which feels like such a normal thing for Thanksgiving weekend, except its all turned on its head since I am in the UK. Until then, don't stop climbing scary stairs.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Je voudrais une baguette
When we last left our story I was running to catch the bus. The 25 bus into Stoke-on-Trent so that I could get on another bus, a National Express bus into London so that I could get on another bus, a Eurolines bus to Paris!
Seriously, 3 buses, but it was worth it. Rather than describing the whole bus experience I'll hit you with the highlights. We sat on the top of the 25 double decker, which I don't normally do. We stopped partway through the 2nd bus for dinner and decided that Krispy Kremes would be a great idea. One after dinner, one at the London bus station, one around midnight on the bus, and one in the morning after we got off the bus. I did consider eating them all when I was in charge of watching everyone's stuff at the London Bus station. I did manage to finish all of my literature reading on the bus to London and I slept some on the ride from London to Paris.
We arrived in Paris just before 8 in the morning. First stop was purchasing Metro tickets and going to drop our stuff off at our hotel which worked well. Next we found breakfast at La Petit Pont, delicious crepes (banana and nutella with whipped cream) so good. Plus the waiter brought them out with sparklers in them. Yeah, sparklers. So fabulous.
Next up was looking at the inside of Notre Dame, where I spent almost the whole time mouthing "Wow, wow, wow, look at that" because they had signs that said "Silence!" everywhere. Then we stood in the queue outside for far too long (like 45 minutes to an hour) to climb over 400 stairs to the top of the tower, and we saw the gigantic bell, and the Eiffel Tower and a gorgeous view. Reenforcing the theme of my study abroad experience, the scariest stairs (circular and dented and weird) lead to the best views.
Then we met up with Kari (my friend from Alaska that is study abroad in Paris) at the Eiffel Tower and had lunch and climbed the 669 stairs up to the 2nd platform of the Eiffel Tower (the top was closed) and although those stairs weren't as scary they were more exhausting but still lead to a great view. Next we checked out these bears (a special exhibit that was only there for a certain time, it was really cool) and then it was off to the Arc de Triumph where it was POURING RAIN. So it was out of the metro and back into the metro. We went to the Louvre and saw the Mona Lisa and I saw paintings that I had done a presentation on in my art history class and even though we were being herded out like sheep when we were supposed to have 15 more minutes, it was amazing. Then we went shopping before we went to dinner. Crepes again, but as part of a three course deliciousness. I had a cheese soufflé first, an American crepe (burger and egg and cheese), and ice cream for dessert.
Sunday morning we had already decided that we were going to give the majority of the day to Versailles and then see what we had left, and on the way we would have breakfast. We found the cutest hole in the wall bakery where they only spoke french, it spoke to us, it was perfect, I loved it, we had croissants and I ORDERED A BAGUETTE IN FRENCH. With lots of help from Alyssa but I was so proud of myself and the baguette was soooooo good, we nibbled on it pretty continuously throughout the day until we had lunch. Lunch was not exactly authentic french but it was good all the same. When we got back in to Paris we went back to the Arc de Triumph to take pictures without the rain and then wandered the streets looking for shops and found a bakery where we found macaroons and I bought an eclair.
Then it was back to the train for me. We had an adorable family saying goodbye at security moment that was really funny and cute. Then I finished part of my math homework and bought dinner on the Eurostar train. It was pretty good. Then I had to run between stations in london and literally ran and jumped on the underground (man I looked like a tourist) so by the time I got to the train and sat down when they announced there was an option to upgrade to first class for a fee, I justified that it was worth it and I honestly think it was.
Finally it was a taxi back to stoke and some well deserved sleep.
Reading Week
I still don't know how to explain reading week, I still don't understand the concept. The closest I can get is that it is the bizarre british form of midterms and so (for me at least) if you have papers due in your classes then you don't have lecture in that class.
Since I had finished my Social Movements essay over the weekend my goal was to write my literature essay on Monday since I didn't have to go to class but a few wrenches were thrown in the way. First, I told my friend Andrea I would go shopping with her in Newcastle, second, I had math homework due at 5 pm that was not finished, third the library was more crowded than normal and normal is still pretty crowded.
I wrote this Monday:
Finding a place to study in the library during reading week is like finding a parkingspot at the mall on black friday. I actually had to do the whole, are you leaving can I take your spot thing, and I hate that.
Long story short, my day went math homework, shopping, math homework, turn in math homework, bust out literature essay ridiculously easily and only in a few hours and have more than 1,000 words. Yeah, the great irony, I struggled and fought with my Social Movements paper and could not get to 2,000 words on the first draft, but I cruised right on through my literature paper like I was writing a friend a letter.
Tuesday was a busy/interesting/political day. It started off not bad, I went for a run and started to edit my papers, then I went to a Lunch Bar at the Chapel with my friend Hannah where I listened to an interesting talk, then it was off to my Mass Media class where because it was American elections day, one professor was at a morning show for the BBC and the other one was doing local radio spots and had to leave class early. Then Hannah and I had a library study party, okay a barely focused, sitting next to each other, making silent jokes and realizing how overloaded we felt. Then it was off to British Culture class which had MORE POLITICS. Then after a short break in my room I went to the KPA to watch the elections coverage with my friends. By 1 am there were no results and I was politics-ed out. By bedtime that night I was coughing a lot and waking up the next morning the being sick that I thought I had almost kicked was back in full force.
Wednesday found more editing, a wonderful skype date with my friend Shoshana who is studying abroad in Israel and math class. Then I rewarded my self with a Wednesday afternoon movie with my friends, we saw Skyfall and I realized that we got it before America! I got to see Skyfall first, I don't know why that is exciting but it is. We got back later than I expected and so it was back to my room and to the computer to finish the edits and finalize my paper.
Thursday was a serious roller coaster of a day. The first hour was probably the most eventful though. I knew I had between 10 and 12 to turn in my papers to the Humanities office and so I wanted to get it out of the way early.
[9:50] I printed two copies of each of the final versions and picked the up from the library
[10:10] After asking for directions, I arrived at the office where I had to fill out one form for each paper and get a receipt and because no one believes in specific instructions I had to hand write my id number on every page of both papers standing in the office.
[10:20 ish]Went to pick up my first not online math homework from my pigeon hole (like return boxes) and it was a really really really bad score which meant (based on an email received earlier) that I had to go meet with the professor after class.
[10:30 ish] I picked up my post from the post room and got a letter from my littles and the package I had been waiting for forever from my mom and sat on a bench to read it and basically cried and laughed and just kind of had a little moment on the bench.
[11 ish] By 11 (give or take, these times are really fuzzy) I was in the library I was so exhausted that absolutely nothing was going to get done at that point. I tried a little but not that hard because the hour described above had killed me.
So the rest of the day was slightly calmer. I went to class, then met with the professor in his office afterwards and there was a misunderstanding on how much scratch work he wanted to see and so he gave me a chance to do a new question for Homework 5 and turn it in Monday when homework 6 is also due. Then I went back to my room and had more brain dead time because there wasn't a whole lot I was going to get done at this point. I ended the day with a special version of Jesus Jam which was all singing, which was a nice outlet after the day I had. Although singing and being sick was not the greatest idea I've had.
Friday I went to my math class and then spent some library time by myself and then working with Meredith on our portfolio for longer than I should have because then I had to run back to my room, pack in like 15 minutes and run to the bus.
Where was I catching the bus you ask? The blog of my weekend is coming up next.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
The Week I had an affair with the library
As anyone who has talked to me this past week has learned I have two essays due on Thursday November 8th and in an effort to stay ahead of them I started working on them last weekend and going into this week.
Monday I was supposed to be giving my presentation on Walt Whitman in my American literature class, but my professor was sick and class was canceled. So instead I headed off to the library to begin research on my paper and to work on my math homework. Monday night I didn't have any activities to attend and overall it was a pretty good day.
Tuesday I had my empty mornings which I really enjoy because I was able to start my laundry and go on a run, which prompted the decision that this week I will be going to purchase leggings/tights specifically made for running in colder weather. I also spent some time in the library before heading off to class. I was proud of myself for finding two secondary sources for my Social Movements. Then I had my Mass Media class where I listened to a lecture on television in America which was especially interesting for me. That night I went to Lindsey Block for a birthday celebration for two of my friends Cagla and Michael, Michael's birthday was that Tuesday and Cagla's was Sunday. Then I closed out my evening with a trip to Sacred Space, this week's form of alternative prayer was a guided prayer with moments of meditation within it.
Wednesday was quite an interesting day. I went to my math class like normal. Then spent more time in the library reading through the two secondary sources I had already found and making an outline of where I wanted to go with my paper. Then I took the Baker Bus for the first time (I normally take the 25 which is a different company) to go to Matt and Sam's house for our discussion group. (I really like going over to their house because its just nice to be in a house rather than a dorm/university setting, it is one of my favorite things about DG is it feels like a home not a dorm so there is a balance of home and university but I don't really have that here so I am always grateful of the time I spend at their house) We discussed our Social Movements essay and I realized that I in fact needed 6 secondary sources and the outline that I had created was too specific for the prompt. Following that I went to the Christian Union's Mega Halls group discussion, which was interesting to say the least. I didn't realize my beliefs would seem so liberal and it was sometimes really difficult to be the only person in a group who felt that way and have to defend my beliefs from other Christians peppering me with questions. After that I decided that my costume would be diligent college student and my party location would be the library as I searched for other secondary sources (luckily Sam had helped me find a place that had recommendations I could look through).
Thursday morning I skimmed my secondary sources to make sure they were in fact what I was looking for and one was not as useful as I had hoped so it was back to the library for me. After my Social Movements class that morning of course (this week and last week my social movements class has been taught by the professor of my literature class while my regular professor has surgery and it has been a really interesting and different experience. I could probably write an entire blog post on my literature professor and how interesting he is and maybe I will at the end of the semester). So back in the library trying to find that last elusive source I discovered that I had been totally missing AN ENTIRE SECTION of the library. I didn't know it existed and that was why I couldn't locate some of the books on my list. It was a serious eureka moment. I even tweeted about it. Then it was nose to the grindstone and reading all of my sources and pulling out quotes that I could use for my paper. After my math class I worked more on my resources and finding quotes and finally made an outline of my paper including the quotes so I would have something to follow. Thursday night is Jesus Jam night which is honestly still my favorite night of the week and this week Alyssa and Hannah were there which made it even better.
Friday after class it was more library. So.....much.....library. I did take a break to attend a short All Soul's Day service. The upside of this library and room dedicated time, I was writing my paper. Actually writing it. To be honest that is the hardest part for me, actually having a rough draft. I can do the prep work of an essay for days and as annoying as it is editing an essay is okay but actually sitting down to get a rough draft out is a serious uphill battle for me. I'm hoping at this point you can imagine what a great achievement it was for me to be writing a draft on Friday when the paper isn't due until the next Thursday. I didn't quite finish the draft that night but it was close enough that I let myself go to sleep.
Saturday was pretty great. I was up early but it was to take a train (well 2 actually) to Stratford-Upon-Avon to see a performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor by the Royal Shakespeare Company! I went with Hannah and Andrea and it was so much fun. We saw Shakespeare's birthplace and the cemetery where he is buried. We walked along the Avon river and saw the Swans that it is famous for. The play was wonderful and so funny. We had a delicious dinner at a restaurant called Rose and Crown. I had something called Hunter's Chicken which was chicken with mozzarella and bacon covered in barbeque sauce and served with chips (fries) and it was so good! Then we took a train (okay okay it was two) back and on one of them we played Pirate Fluxx on a table, it was pretty awesome. I also realized how much I appreciate when dad talks to the strangers interested in the weird card games we play so I don't have to because when I do have to I get super nervous. Plus I finished my paper.
Finally today I went to the TEN:15 service at the chapel and after a couple weeks of not going because of travel it was really nice to be back. Then lunch at Lindsey Bar where I traded off a brief discussion of American Politics for everyone explaining Guy Fawkes Day (which they call Bonfire night) to me. I struggled a lot with my math homework which is due tomorrow. Then as I was microwaving Pizza for dinner (don't judge me it was good pizza) I had to explain Thanksgiving to one of the girls in my hall whose only knowledge of it came from that one episode of Friends.
This week is reading week which means I won't be having two of my classes but it also marks the conclusion of the great essays abroad saga so it will be interesting all around. The good news is my reward at the end of the week for turning in said torturous essays is Paris. Here's to the light at the end of the tunnel!
Monday I was supposed to be giving my presentation on Walt Whitman in my American literature class, but my professor was sick and class was canceled. So instead I headed off to the library to begin research on my paper and to work on my math homework. Monday night I didn't have any activities to attend and overall it was a pretty good day.
Tuesday I had my empty mornings which I really enjoy because I was able to start my laundry and go on a run, which prompted the decision that this week I will be going to purchase leggings/tights specifically made for running in colder weather. I also spent some time in the library before heading off to class. I was proud of myself for finding two secondary sources for my Social Movements. Then I had my Mass Media class where I listened to a lecture on television in America which was especially interesting for me. That night I went to Lindsey Block for a birthday celebration for two of my friends Cagla and Michael, Michael's birthday was that Tuesday and Cagla's was Sunday. Then I closed out my evening with a trip to Sacred Space, this week's form of alternative prayer was a guided prayer with moments of meditation within it.
Wednesday was quite an interesting day. I went to my math class like normal. Then spent more time in the library reading through the two secondary sources I had already found and making an outline of where I wanted to go with my paper. Then I took the Baker Bus for the first time (I normally take the 25 which is a different company) to go to Matt and Sam's house for our discussion group. (I really like going over to their house because its just nice to be in a house rather than a dorm/university setting, it is one of my favorite things about DG is it feels like a home not a dorm so there is a balance of home and university but I don't really have that here so I am always grateful of the time I spend at their house) We discussed our Social Movements essay and I realized that I in fact needed 6 secondary sources and the outline that I had created was too specific for the prompt. Following that I went to the Christian Union's Mega Halls group discussion, which was interesting to say the least. I didn't realize my beliefs would seem so liberal and it was sometimes really difficult to be the only person in a group who felt that way and have to defend my beliefs from other Christians peppering me with questions. After that I decided that my costume would be diligent college student and my party location would be the library as I searched for other secondary sources (luckily Sam had helped me find a place that had recommendations I could look through).
Thursday morning I skimmed my secondary sources to make sure they were in fact what I was looking for and one was not as useful as I had hoped so it was back to the library for me. After my Social Movements class that morning of course (this week and last week my social movements class has been taught by the professor of my literature class while my regular professor has surgery and it has been a really interesting and different experience. I could probably write an entire blog post on my literature professor and how interesting he is and maybe I will at the end of the semester). So back in the library trying to find that last elusive source I discovered that I had been totally missing AN ENTIRE SECTION of the library. I didn't know it existed and that was why I couldn't locate some of the books on my list. It was a serious eureka moment. I even tweeted about it. Then it was nose to the grindstone and reading all of my sources and pulling out quotes that I could use for my paper. After my math class I worked more on my resources and finding quotes and finally made an outline of my paper including the quotes so I would have something to follow. Thursday night is Jesus Jam night which is honestly still my favorite night of the week and this week Alyssa and Hannah were there which made it even better.
Friday after class it was more library. So.....much.....library. I did take a break to attend a short All Soul's Day service. The upside of this library and room dedicated time, I was writing my paper. Actually writing it. To be honest that is the hardest part for me, actually having a rough draft. I can do the prep work of an essay for days and as annoying as it is editing an essay is okay but actually sitting down to get a rough draft out is a serious uphill battle for me. I'm hoping at this point you can imagine what a great achievement it was for me to be writing a draft on Friday when the paper isn't due until the next Thursday. I didn't quite finish the draft that night but it was close enough that I let myself go to sleep.
Saturday was pretty great. I was up early but it was to take a train (well 2 actually) to Stratford-Upon-Avon to see a performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor by the Royal Shakespeare Company! I went with Hannah and Andrea and it was so much fun. We saw Shakespeare's birthplace and the cemetery where he is buried. We walked along the Avon river and saw the Swans that it is famous for. The play was wonderful and so funny. We had a delicious dinner at a restaurant called Rose and Crown. I had something called Hunter's Chicken which was chicken with mozzarella and bacon covered in barbeque sauce and served with chips (fries) and it was so good! Then we took a train (okay okay it was two) back and on one of them we played Pirate Fluxx on a table, it was pretty awesome. I also realized how much I appreciate when dad talks to the strangers interested in the weird card games we play so I don't have to because when I do have to I get super nervous. Plus I finished my paper.
Finally today I went to the TEN:15 service at the chapel and after a couple weeks of not going because of travel it was really nice to be back. Then lunch at Lindsey Bar where I traded off a brief discussion of American Politics for everyone explaining Guy Fawkes Day (which they call Bonfire night) to me. I struggled a lot with my math homework which is due tomorrow. Then as I was microwaving Pizza for dinner (don't judge me it was good pizza) I had to explain Thanksgiving to one of the girls in my hall whose only knowledge of it came from that one episode of Friends.
This week is reading week which means I won't be having two of my classes but it also marks the conclusion of the great essays abroad saga so it will be interesting all around. The good news is my reward at the end of the week for turning in said torturous essays is Paris. Here's to the light at the end of the tunnel!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Lost in London
Going to London when your sick is probably not the best idea. In fact I can tell you, it's not. I had already paid for the tickets and all my friends were going otherwise I probably would have backed out and found another weekend to go (although to be fair most of them are booked.) But I went and it was wonderful, I just spent the entire weekend feeling totally exhausted because I was sick.
I chose to take the train instead of taking the bus so I woke up bright and early Saturday morning to grab the 25 to the Stoke train station. I really enjoy the Stoke station, it is cute and little and has a Pumpkin Cafe and wifi. I had a tea and chocolate croissant and then I was on my way. It was beautiful to see the sunrise over the English country side, I really enjoyed the ride and the view. The group I was meeting up with was already there and so they text me directions for after I got off the train. "Buy a day pass, when you get off at Kings Cross take the Picadilly line north to Hyde Park Corner, we'll meet you there."
Thats when the adventure started. I managed to stand in 3 different lines before I was able to actually buy a day pass. Then I figured out that they thought I was at a different train station than I actually was (I was at Euston, they thought I was at King's Cross) and there was no Picadilly line. So I took the Victoria line towards Green Park (because it sounds kind of like Hyde Park and it had the Picadilly line) it turns out the Hyde Park was only one stop off from Green park, great! So soon enough I was climbing the stairs at Hyde Park corner.
After several phone calls it was determined that I should walk from where I am to Buckingham Palace since they were already there. More directions "Walk through the park with the arch and the tube station behind you, once you get through the park it'll be right there down the street" so off I go. I start walking through Hyde Park, while 15 minutes later when I exit Hyde Park, I don't see it anywhere. I found a map that politely explained to me that it was 15 minutes the other direction, I HAD WALKED THROUGH THE WRONG PARK. Yeah, that happened. So another 15 minutes back through Hyde Park and then through Wellington Arch and then through Green park, I found Buckingham Palace and my friends. Success.
The rest of our Saturday, we went to Westminster Abbey, saw the House of Parliament, the London Eye, an interesting lunch at Ned's Noodle Box, we saw the outside of the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge, then we finally headed out to our hotel. We had to take a train and a taxi to get there but it was so worth it to have a room just for our friends and a shower.
We began Sunday morning with a service at Westminster Abbey which was so absolutely beautiful, I wish we could have taken pictures but I understand why we couldn't. Then we went to the Tower Bridge so we could actually go inside and see it. The exhibit on the crown jewels was amazing. Then we went to see the millennium bridge. Then our group split up so a few of us could take a tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theater which was amazing. It is now one of my life goals to go back and buy a groundling ticket and stand for the whole show, just to have the experience. Plus the tickets are only 5 pounds. I am so upset they are closed for the season. Finally we headed to King's Cross Station for the great 9 and 3/4 photo shoot. Finally to fit in one last thing before my train home we rushed off to Trafalgar Square and then it was back on the tube to grab a train back to stoke.
Little did I know that wasn't the end of my adventure. I had the experience of sitting on the floor of the train for 3 stops before a seat finally opened up. I wasn't the only one there was a little corner of the 3 of us sitting and reading plus others sitting or standing in other parts of the train. Luckily the website was wrong for what time the 25 would be there so I didn't have to wait the extra half an hour to get back to Keele.
Sorry this took so long, Sunday I will be posting my recap of the week which will explain why it took this long, but here is a hint it involves the library.
I chose to take the train instead of taking the bus so I woke up bright and early Saturday morning to grab the 25 to the Stoke train station. I really enjoy the Stoke station, it is cute and little and has a Pumpkin Cafe and wifi. I had a tea and chocolate croissant and then I was on my way. It was beautiful to see the sunrise over the English country side, I really enjoyed the ride and the view. The group I was meeting up with was already there and so they text me directions for after I got off the train. "Buy a day pass, when you get off at Kings Cross take the Picadilly line north to Hyde Park Corner, we'll meet you there."
Thats when the adventure started. I managed to stand in 3 different lines before I was able to actually buy a day pass. Then I figured out that they thought I was at a different train station than I actually was (I was at Euston, they thought I was at King's Cross) and there was no Picadilly line. So I took the Victoria line towards Green Park (because it sounds kind of like Hyde Park and it had the Picadilly line) it turns out the Hyde Park was only one stop off from Green park, great! So soon enough I was climbing the stairs at Hyde Park corner.
After several phone calls it was determined that I should walk from where I am to Buckingham Palace since they were already there. More directions "Walk through the park with the arch and the tube station behind you, once you get through the park it'll be right there down the street" so off I go. I start walking through Hyde Park, while 15 minutes later when I exit Hyde Park, I don't see it anywhere. I found a map that politely explained to me that it was 15 minutes the other direction, I HAD WALKED THROUGH THE WRONG PARK. Yeah, that happened. So another 15 minutes back through Hyde Park and then through Wellington Arch and then through Green park, I found Buckingham Palace and my friends. Success.
The rest of our Saturday, we went to Westminster Abbey, saw the House of Parliament, the London Eye, an interesting lunch at Ned's Noodle Box, we saw the outside of the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge, then we finally headed out to our hotel. We had to take a train and a taxi to get there but it was so worth it to have a room just for our friends and a shower.
We began Sunday morning with a service at Westminster Abbey which was so absolutely beautiful, I wish we could have taken pictures but I understand why we couldn't. Then we went to the Tower Bridge so we could actually go inside and see it. The exhibit on the crown jewels was amazing. Then we went to see the millennium bridge. Then our group split up so a few of us could take a tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theater which was amazing. It is now one of my life goals to go back and buy a groundling ticket and stand for the whole show, just to have the experience. Plus the tickets are only 5 pounds. I am so upset they are closed for the season. Finally we headed to King's Cross Station for the great 9 and 3/4 photo shoot. Finally to fit in one last thing before my train home we rushed off to Trafalgar Square and then it was back on the tube to grab a train back to stoke.
Little did I know that wasn't the end of my adventure. I had the experience of sitting on the floor of the train for 3 stops before a seat finally opened up. I wasn't the only one there was a little corner of the 3 of us sitting and reading plus others sitting or standing in other parts of the train. Luckily the website was wrong for what time the 25 would be there so I didn't have to wait the extra half an hour to get back to Keele.
Sorry this took so long, Sunday I will be posting my recap of the week which will explain why it took this long, but here is a hint it involves the library.
Friday, October 26, 2012
The week I got sick....
Well, after landing in Manchester far too early on Monday morning I went to my first lecture and discovered that I had a sore throat and that my old british professor had no clue who Taylor Swift was or why she was invading my Facebook feed. After that class it was off to the library to try and get some homework done and then back to my room for an attempted nap (which went pretty well) and some Easy Mac (courtesy of a care package from the lovely parents) which was absolutely delicious.
Normally my day off, Tuesday was jam-packed with stuff and to make matters more interesting I was feeling more of the effects of being sick (read: throat hurt, nose sniffly, sinus pain, ear clogged, and headache when I move.) I got to rep Willamette with Matt, Meredith, and Charlotte (and engage in a spirited discussion about British vs. American candy bars) during the Keele Study Abroad fair from 10:45 to 2 and then went off to my mass media class where I found myself explaining the electoral college before class had even started. Then I used the break between classes to figure out what was going on with my final exams only to get no answers and walk back to my room in a huff of head pain. Then I went to my British Culture 101 class where I got to share my outsider gem of the past two weeks when Abby told me they would "knock the American right out of me" after my comment that I had noticeably been replacing the word "trash" with "rubbish." The night closed with a trip to the bowling alley with Matt, Meredith, Charlotte and Sierra and although I did terribly and was in pain I still managed to have fun which is all that counts.
Wednesday brought more head pain, plus looking and feeling worse, but I trucked on. Class, a celebration and wrap up lunch for Vision week, yay, my discussion group, who was very understanding of the fact that sleep was more important that finishing the reading because being sick sucks and finally a Christian Union meeting which was pretty fun and had more information about their weekend away (they call it "House Party" but for the record it isn't a house party it is a retreat) and brought about my new mission: FIND A SLEEPING BAG I CAN BORROW.
Thursday, more head pain, more sick and more Ian Bell. Let me explain, the professor who teaches my Literature class is filling in for the professor of my Social Movements for this week and next week. This means I get twice as much of the old British guy who likes to call me a "colonial", hilarity ensues (or it will when I'm not sick). Then math class, in which the professor gave us a piece of paper because "that section had too much information and he didn't want to write it all on the board" yeah, thats not overwhelming and scary at all. Oh wait.... The good news is that Thursday means Jesus Jam, which is becoming my favorite part of the week because I often go in tired, weary and just feeling burdened and I always leave on fire for God and with a renewed passion and I am so appreciative of having a discussion and community of people that make me feel that way.
Friday, all the sick was still there (and slightly more coughing) but miraculously the headache had cleared (which, after 3 days straight let me tell you, made me feel like I could conquer the world) I was able to be more productive. Had a preparation meeting for my presentation on Monday, plus class and helping a friend study for the GREs also attempting my homework and doing a little bit of preliminary work on my essay for my literature class. I also took some time to relax.
This blog post seems really short and rushed but I wanted to do my recap of the week before I went to London tomorrow to meet up with my friends, which I'm hoping will be so full of adventure it needs its own post. Until then remember that headaches pass eventually (sometimes they take medicine).
Normally my day off, Tuesday was jam-packed with stuff and to make matters more interesting I was feeling more of the effects of being sick (read: throat hurt, nose sniffly, sinus pain, ear clogged, and headache when I move.) I got to rep Willamette with Matt, Meredith, and Charlotte (and engage in a spirited discussion about British vs. American candy bars) during the Keele Study Abroad fair from 10:45 to 2 and then went off to my mass media class where I found myself explaining the electoral college before class had even started. Then I used the break between classes to figure out what was going on with my final exams only to get no answers and walk back to my room in a huff of head pain. Then I went to my British Culture 101 class where I got to share my outsider gem of the past two weeks when Abby told me they would "knock the American right out of me" after my comment that I had noticeably been replacing the word "trash" with "rubbish." The night closed with a trip to the bowling alley with Matt, Meredith, Charlotte and Sierra and although I did terribly and was in pain I still managed to have fun which is all that counts.
Wednesday brought more head pain, plus looking and feeling worse, but I trucked on. Class, a celebration and wrap up lunch for Vision week, yay, my discussion group, who was very understanding of the fact that sleep was more important that finishing the reading because being sick sucks and finally a Christian Union meeting which was pretty fun and had more information about their weekend away (they call it "House Party" but for the record it isn't a house party it is a retreat) and brought about my new mission: FIND A SLEEPING BAG I CAN BORROW.
Thursday, more head pain, more sick and more Ian Bell. Let me explain, the professor who teaches my Literature class is filling in for the professor of my Social Movements for this week and next week. This means I get twice as much of the old British guy who likes to call me a "colonial", hilarity ensues (or it will when I'm not sick). Then math class, in which the professor gave us a piece of paper because "that section had too much information and he didn't want to write it all on the board" yeah, thats not overwhelming and scary at all. Oh wait.... The good news is that Thursday means Jesus Jam, which is becoming my favorite part of the week because I often go in tired, weary and just feeling burdened and I always leave on fire for God and with a renewed passion and I am so appreciative of having a discussion and community of people that make me feel that way.
Friday, all the sick was still there (and slightly more coughing) but miraculously the headache had cleared (which, after 3 days straight let me tell you, made me feel like I could conquer the world) I was able to be more productive. Had a preparation meeting for my presentation on Monday, plus class and helping a friend study for the GREs also attempting my homework and doing a little bit of preliminary work on my essay for my literature class. I also took some time to relax.
This blog post seems really short and rushed but I wanted to do my recap of the week before I went to London tomorrow to meet up with my friends, which I'm hoping will be so full of adventure it needs its own post. Until then remember that headaches pass eventually (sometimes they take medicine).
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Dancing Donkeys in Dublin
In the process of putting away my laundry on Wednesday, I thought I was such a genius because I had the perfect outfits planned out for going to Dublin this weekend. Background Info: RyanAir, the cheapest of the cheapest flights only allows one carry on that has to be smaller than my duffle bag so all I had was my backpack. I decided that since Friday and Monday were really just plane days and not adventure days I thought I would wear my jeans on those days so I didn't have to fit them in my bag when it had to be small. For Saturday and Sunday I planned variations on leggings boots and tops, not only does it look cute but it doesn't take up a whole lot of space in my backpack and that way I was only bringing one pair of shoes. Well, they were the wrong shoes, if you don't believe me you can absolutely consult my blisters and they will tell you. With all that being said it was an amazing weekend and I loved it.
We got up bright and early Saturday morning to hit Downtown Dublin at full speed. First stop was the beautiful Trinity College which was gorgeous. I took this picture because the presence of cobblestones is still exciting, little did I know exactly how full of cobblestones the city would be.
After our trek through Trinity College, we hit the Visitor Center to pick up our Dublin passes, the very useful, passes that give us free entry or discounts all over the city for a very reasonable price. Our Dublin passes led us to a nice restaurant for free coffee and cake where we had what I can only describe as the breakfast of tourists because who else eats on top of a map?
The next several hours were full of wandering around and seeing sights that included: a great street band called The Wildlings, St. Patricks Cathedral (yes that St. Patrick), Christ Church Cathedral, another Cathedral (where they were holding a graduation), a gorgeous and gigantic park called St. Stephen's Green, Dublin Castle , then it was a race to the Guinness Storehouse.
Highlights in the form of a few small pictures:
We made it to the Guinness Storehouse...phew. I have to say that the Guinness Storehouse was probably one of my favorite parts. It was really interesting because you take this self guided tour where you learn the process and what goes into each step, in addition, they integrate the history of the company into the tour. Did you know Author Guinness threaten to attack in order to keep his precious water supply? Man was serious about his craft. Once you have seen every step of the process and learned that it takes a total of 9 days for the Guinness to actually be made you go to the tasting experience. They give you a small glass with a little bit of Guinness and the walls have instructions on what you should be seeing, smelling and tasting. I think that was the thing that drew me in because I took my first drink and went "Blech" and then I looked at the wall and saw oh I am supposed to taste that bitterness on the back of my tongue, but there is also the something on the middle (I can't remember and it is driving me crazy) and the sweetness of the malt on the tip of your tongue. Then we continued up through the other displays and finally hit the Gravity Bar (almost entirely windows rather than walls providing an amazing view of Dublin) on the 7th floor right about sunset, which was absolutely beautiful. I got my complimentary pint of Guinness and they had made a Shamrock in the top of the foam, it was awesome and I may or may not have said a little too loudly upon returning to my friends "THEY MADE A SHAMROCK IN MY BEER!" yeah. Focusing on what I was supposed to be tasting I actually enjoyed the Guinness and managed to finish it.
After that there was the great Irish Dinner & Dance search of 2012 which lead us to the conclusion that every Irish Dance show starts at 8:30 and most of them are full or expensive or both on a Saturday night and a good number of them need a reservation. We decided that we should eat dinner first and then make reservations at dinner if possible, the final verdict was that we would shoot for Sunday night as it is less crowded and we found one that was free after dinner.
We ended up having dinner at The Bad Ass Cafe, which drew me in because it had a dancing donkey outside.
Yeah, it did. For dinner I had Bangers and Mash which was delicious and felt like a very Irish thing to order. We got to listen over the speakers to the people playing live music downstairs and generally just have a great time.
After that we made a quick stop at the hostel to drop off some stuff and then went out to the Temple Bar area and somehow managed to run into a free outdoor concert, but couldn't actually go in because it was at capacity, how the outdoors hits capacity I couldn't actually tell you. After walking around some more we went to a little bar called The Quays that was jam packed but it had good singers and a (European) Football game on so we stayed for a bit before calling it a night.
The next morning Hannah and I were off on a day tour that starts at 7 am (british time as in Keele time as in late) and goes until 9:45 pm. So after walking to the place we were supposed to meet the bus we actually had to follow the person from the tour company back the exact path we walked to finally catch the city link bus. The city link bus took us from Dublin to Galway where we switched onto a tour bus and headed out to the farm, which may or may not have had a name, I can't really remember. The tour guides name was Daraugh and he was hilarious and Irish and he walked us up this hill (he called it a mountain, I laughed a lot) to see an amazing view of the town and the bay:
Then we went back down to have tea and cake at Granny's house before departing again. I have to say I love love loved the tea and cake at Grannies house, plus I drank from a cow mug! We also learned about hurling a big sport in Ireland.
The bus then took us out the the Cliffs of Mohr, which were gorgeous and I'll let the pictures say the rest.
Then we went to a village and had a very Irish lunch:
After that we made a few more stops along the way for some pictures before we finally ended up in Galway with an hour before our bus left to head back to Dublin. Through our exploration of Galway we found a park, a mall and a painting of that mall underwater. The mall was especially interesting for us though because it had stone buildings and a stone tower inside it. You just have to see the pictures:
When we got back to Dublin we met up with the rest of our group and finally got to see traditional Irish Music and Dancing which was amazing and I really enjoyed. Then we were off super early Monday morning to catch a plane back to Manchester.
We got up bright and early Saturday morning to hit Downtown Dublin at full speed. First stop was the beautiful Trinity College which was gorgeous. I took this picture because the presence of cobblestones is still exciting, little did I know exactly how full of cobblestones the city would be.
After our trek through Trinity College, we hit the Visitor Center to pick up our Dublin passes, the very useful, passes that give us free entry or discounts all over the city for a very reasonable price. Our Dublin passes led us to a nice restaurant for free coffee and cake where we had what I can only describe as the breakfast of tourists because who else eats on top of a map?
The next several hours were full of wandering around and seeing sights that included: a great street band called The Wildlings, St. Patricks Cathedral (yes that St. Patrick), Christ Church Cathedral, another Cathedral (where they were holding a graduation), a gorgeous and gigantic park called St. Stephen's Green, Dublin Castle , then it was a race to the Guinness Storehouse.
Highlights in the form of a few small pictures:
We made it to the Guinness Storehouse...phew. I have to say that the Guinness Storehouse was probably one of my favorite parts. It was really interesting because you take this self guided tour where you learn the process and what goes into each step, in addition, they integrate the history of the company into the tour. Did you know Author Guinness threaten to attack in order to keep his precious water supply? Man was serious about his craft. Once you have seen every step of the process and learned that it takes a total of 9 days for the Guinness to actually be made you go to the tasting experience. They give you a small glass with a little bit of Guinness and the walls have instructions on what you should be seeing, smelling and tasting. I think that was the thing that drew me in because I took my first drink and went "Blech" and then I looked at the wall and saw oh I am supposed to taste that bitterness on the back of my tongue, but there is also the something on the middle (I can't remember and it is driving me crazy) and the sweetness of the malt on the tip of your tongue. Then we continued up through the other displays and finally hit the Gravity Bar (almost entirely windows rather than walls providing an amazing view of Dublin) on the 7th floor right about sunset, which was absolutely beautiful. I got my complimentary pint of Guinness and they had made a Shamrock in the top of the foam, it was awesome and I may or may not have said a little too loudly upon returning to my friends "THEY MADE A SHAMROCK IN MY BEER!" yeah. Focusing on what I was supposed to be tasting I actually enjoyed the Guinness and managed to finish it.
After that there was the great Irish Dinner & Dance search of 2012 which lead us to the conclusion that every Irish Dance show starts at 8:30 and most of them are full or expensive or both on a Saturday night and a good number of them need a reservation. We decided that we should eat dinner first and then make reservations at dinner if possible, the final verdict was that we would shoot for Sunday night as it is less crowded and we found one that was free after dinner.
We ended up having dinner at The Bad Ass Cafe, which drew me in because it had a dancing donkey outside.
Yeah, it did. For dinner I had Bangers and Mash which was delicious and felt like a very Irish thing to order. We got to listen over the speakers to the people playing live music downstairs and generally just have a great time.
After that we made a quick stop at the hostel to drop off some stuff and then went out to the Temple Bar area and somehow managed to run into a free outdoor concert, but couldn't actually go in because it was at capacity, how the outdoors hits capacity I couldn't actually tell you. After walking around some more we went to a little bar called The Quays that was jam packed but it had good singers and a (European) Football game on so we stayed for a bit before calling it a night.
The next morning Hannah and I were off on a day tour that starts at 7 am (british time as in Keele time as in late) and goes until 9:45 pm. So after walking to the place we were supposed to meet the bus we actually had to follow the person from the tour company back the exact path we walked to finally catch the city link bus. The city link bus took us from Dublin to Galway where we switched onto a tour bus and headed out to the farm, which may or may not have had a name, I can't really remember. The tour guides name was Daraugh and he was hilarious and Irish and he walked us up this hill (he called it a mountain, I laughed a lot) to see an amazing view of the town and the bay:
Then we went back down to have tea and cake at Granny's house before departing again. I have to say I love love loved the tea and cake at Grannies house, plus I drank from a cow mug! We also learned about hurling a big sport in Ireland.
The bus then took us out the the Cliffs of Mohr, which were gorgeous and I'll let the pictures say the rest.
Then we went to a village and had a very Irish lunch:
After that we made a few more stops along the way for some pictures before we finally ended up in Galway with an hour before our bus left to head back to Dublin. Through our exploration of Galway we found a park, a mall and a painting of that mall underwater. The mall was especially interesting for us though because it had stone buildings and a stone tower inside it. You just have to see the pictures:
When we got back to Dublin we met up with the rest of our group and finally got to see traditional Irish Music and Dancing which was amazing and I really enjoyed. Then we were off super early Monday morning to catch a plane back to Manchester.
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