Though I'm sure this will happen again!
I'm taking a trip to Stonehenge and Bath tomorrow... look forward to a post with lots of pictures!! I'll be sure to write about it either tomorrow or the next day!
Thanks again for reading!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
It Had To Happen Sometime
So today, a friend and I travelled into London. What a great way to start the day!
We went to Westminster Cathedral (not Abbey... Cathedral). It's a HUGEEE Catholic church that's constantly changing due to influx of money for new projects. There are all kinds of mini-chapels along the sides as well. It was so fantastic, I wanted to stay there forever!
We went to Westminster Cathedral (not Abbey... Cathedral). It's a HUGEEE Catholic church that's constantly changing due to influx of money for new projects. There are all kinds of mini-chapels along the sides as well. It was so fantastic, I wanted to stay there forever!
This is what you see when you first walk in the door. Notice that the ceiling is black? Once enough money is donated, there'll be a massive golden mosaic in the domes!
This was probably one of my favorite mini-chapels!
In the above picture, see the red thing dangling in the upper-right hand corner?
Apparently there used to be a tradition at Westminster that whenever a cardinal would die and be buried in the cathedral, his hat would be strung above his tomb. Then, whenever the hat eventually fell, that cardinal was said to have made it into heaven.
Traditioooooon, tradition! doooo deedle-oo tradition!
That was pretty much amazing.
However, the following task... was quite daunting!
I love this so much...
THE LONDON UNDERGROUND.
After the cathedral, we had to hurry the heck up in order to get to class on time, so we headed through what I believe was West End and walked into the Victoria Tube Station.
Leaping.
Lollipops.
It was seriously like Grand Central Station. Everybody was going everywhere!
There was a quicker route, but being traumatized initially (for me, anyway), we decided to grab 2 trains to get to Waterloo and then grab a real, above-ground train to Strawberry Hill.
And I was only 15 minutes late for class!
Also, Oyster Cards are basically an absolute necessity in London. You get one, "top it up" with monetary credit, and then just scan it on any bus, train, underground, whatever! It's THE way to travel within London.
Aaaaand that's all that's London related! I also went to choir practice with no voice, and watched TV on the internet with my friend and neighbor for like 4 hours.
It was a FANTASTIC day!
Have a good Friday, everyone!!
My Livelihood May Die For A While.
So obviously, there are a few differences when it comes to the products sold here.
Let's just say this.
There are no Double Stuf Oreos. Only normal ones.
There is no Mountain Dew. Only the "energy drink" version.
Let's just say this.
There are no Double Stuf Oreos. Only normal ones.
There is no Mountain Dew. Only the "energy drink" version.
Why do I have a picture of Mountain Dew Energy ready, you ask? Because it was the first thing I bought in the UK. Yay, jet lag!
These two things were basically my addictions throughout my teenage years. And the Oreo addiction does still continue.
At least I have Nutella... sweet, sweet Nutella...
There are some other minor differences in food and things, but not enough to complain about/report!
I tried my first Cornish pasty today. It was everything I would have though English food to taste like. Onions. Meat. Flaky crust. Yummm!
Aaaand that's it on food! :)
Ugh
While I'm here in England, I'm CONSTANTLY thinking up new blog ideas.
WHY CAN'T I REMEMBER THEM WHEN I'M AT THE COMPUTER!?
WHY CAN'T I REMEMBER THEM WHEN I'M AT THE COMPUTER!?
Which Leads Me To Another Discovery!
So I talked to my parents about said Freshers Flu, and even though they don't think it's anything serious, they want me to go to the Health Centre tomorrow. I don't particularly want to, though I will. Why, you may ask, wouldn't I want to go?
Because it's 50 pounds JUST to see a nurse.
WHAT?!
I'm pretty sure Saint Vincent spoiled me on this one. Because it was part of your tuition to see the nurses/counselors/whatever. Even antibiotics were already paid for.
My American friends and I have discovered that university is much cheaper here. However. That is probably because we (or at least I) don't have to separately pay for all kinds of things that I have to pay for here.
Examples:
Doctor/Nurse: £50
Band to get into Freshers events: £50
Lunch: Not free.
Meals in general: not unlimited buffet style (America, Y U NO HAVE SMALLER PORTIONS???)
Because it's 50 pounds JUST to see a nurse.
WHAT?!
I'm pretty sure Saint Vincent spoiled me on this one. Because it was part of your tuition to see the nurses/counselors/whatever. Even antibiotics were already paid for.
My American friends and I have discovered that university is much cheaper here. However. That is probably because we (or at least I) don't have to separately pay for all kinds of things that I have to pay for here.
Examples:
Doctor/Nurse: £50
Band to get into Freshers events: £50
Lunch: Not free.
Meals in general: not unlimited buffet style (America, Y U NO HAVE SMALLER PORTIONS???)
Laundry: to wash and dry, it's £2.70 per load.
Gym/Fitness Centre: about £70 per month on campus, though cheaper if you shop around gyms in town.
Gym/Basketball Court/Track That's Right Outside My Window: not free.
Transportation to events that aren't on campus: not free.
Printing something off of the computer: not free.
Clubs and Sports: the general rule here is that each member of a club has to pay £30 to join... unless it's a sport, in which case it's £70. Uniforms not included.
Any event at all (unless you bought a freshers band): not free and varying in price.
Also, unlike at SVC, there is no free food. Ever. Like those random events in the Carey Center that just have food in the middle? They don't exist here, really. Possibly due to the small number of clubs?
That's all I can think of now, as I am but a lowly fresher/study abroad kid.
More to come!!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOMMY!
It's my mom's birthday today!
:D
Happy birthday, Mom! As they would say over here... cheers!
:D
Happy birthday, Mom! As they would say over here... cheers!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Something Else I Took For Granted At SVC:
All night everything. Laundry, chapel prayer, basically the whole campus was open all night at SVC. Here, this is not the case. I have to get up early tomorrow to do laundry... the humanity!!
A possible explanation is that people generally don't stay up late studying (there are very few exams... most of the grades are based on papers of a decent size), and hence the school doesn't worry about people doing other things at 3 am.
Weird, right? I know!!
:)
A possible explanation is that people generally don't stay up late studying (there are very few exams... most of the grades are based on papers of a decent size), and hence the school doesn't worry about people doing other things at 3 am.
Weird, right? I know!!
:)
Learning!! Yay!!
Seriously, SO MUCH STUFF to write about, specifically regarding differences in culture. Let's talk about classes, shall we? :)
So they only meet once a week, for 2 hours. Sounds pretty good to me!! And to a lot of others as well... a bunch of people are going to the club tonight... it's Monday! Not me, though... I'm unfortunately already behind on my reading.
Maybe that's the American in me, though... Apparently, we're really hard workers, comparatively!
So. This semester, I only spent £20 on books. It was a completely footnoted complete works of Shakespeare... I need all the help I can get! :) All of the other readings are either in the big booklet that they give you, or in books or articles or whatever else that the professors expect you to find yourself. It's a much less direct approach to the curriculum... which scares me!
Additionally, the classes are much less formal. There are "lectures," which I'm more accustomed to, and "seminars," in which the raising of the hand is not necessary (WHAT IS THIS SORCERY!?) and professors are called by their first names.
Admittedly, I am in mostly third-year courses. And since most degrees only require 3 years, they are HARD. These classes are, for the most part, very fast paced. This is only the second week of class, and I'm already almost a full play behind in my Shakespeare class!
Thank God the classes are AWESOME. Bill Shakespeare is hilarious (who knew?)! Bioethics is so up my alley... I've been excited to study it for a long time now! Elizabeth I will probably be the hardest, as a lot of English history knowledge is already assumed. However... how cool is Lizzie I??? I can't wait to learn more about her. Perception and Attention is seemingly a lot about optical illusions... should be more fun than I thought! And Eyewitness Testimony is the class that I probably shouldn't be taking, but absolutely have to because it's mind-blowingly interesting. Forensic psychology doesn't interest me terribly, but this specific area is fascinating... especially when it comes to false memory!!
Ahem. 'Scuse me... had a geek-out moment there!
Well, I have to go read the Hippocratic oath, then actually get enough sleep!
Also, some side notes about college education in Britain:
They call it "uni" regardless of whether or not it's a university... like we call it "college"
It's DIRT CHEAP. Basically I found this in every country except America... pretty sure my kids are going to college in Portugal.
As mentioned previously... partying on a weeknight is seemingly not uncommon. I may need a mid-week dance party with all of this reading!
I don't have any classes on Wednesdays and Fridays... the first time EVER I've had full days off, I believe.... HECK YES.
Adios, my faithful readers! :)
So they only meet once a week, for 2 hours. Sounds pretty good to me!! And to a lot of others as well... a bunch of people are going to the club tonight... it's Monday! Not me, though... I'm unfortunately already behind on my reading.
Maybe that's the American in me, though... Apparently, we're really hard workers, comparatively!
So. This semester, I only spent £20 on books. It was a completely footnoted complete works of Shakespeare... I need all the help I can get! :) All of the other readings are either in the big booklet that they give you, or in books or articles or whatever else that the professors expect you to find yourself. It's a much less direct approach to the curriculum... which scares me!
This is how thick my Elizabeth I booklet is!!
Additionally, the classes are much less formal. There are "lectures," which I'm more accustomed to, and "seminars," in which the raising of the hand is not necessary (WHAT IS THIS SORCERY!?) and professors are called by their first names.
Admittedly, I am in mostly third-year courses. And since most degrees only require 3 years, they are HARD. These classes are, for the most part, very fast paced. This is only the second week of class, and I'm already almost a full play behind in my Shakespeare class!
Thank God the classes are AWESOME. Bill Shakespeare is hilarious (who knew?)! Bioethics is so up my alley... I've been excited to study it for a long time now! Elizabeth I will probably be the hardest, as a lot of English history knowledge is already assumed. However... how cool is Lizzie I??? I can't wait to learn more about her. Perception and Attention is seemingly a lot about optical illusions... should be more fun than I thought! And Eyewitness Testimony is the class that I probably shouldn't be taking, but absolutely have to because it's mind-blowingly interesting. Forensic psychology doesn't interest me terribly, but this specific area is fascinating... especially when it comes to false memory!!
Ahem. 'Scuse me... had a geek-out moment there!
Well, I have to go read the Hippocratic oath, then actually get enough sleep!
Also, some side notes about college education in Britain:
They call it "uni" regardless of whether or not it's a university... like we call it "college"
It's DIRT CHEAP. Basically I found this in every country except America... pretty sure my kids are going to college in Portugal.
As mentioned previously... partying on a weeknight is seemingly not uncommon. I may need a mid-week dance party with all of this reading!
I don't have any classes on Wednesdays and Fridays... the first time EVER I've had full days off, I believe.... HECK YES.
Adios, my faithful readers! :)
The UK Is A Lot More Different Than I Thought!
I'm finding out a bunch of differences! I surely can't remember all of them now... but specifically in language... here goes nothing!
American British
TJ Maxx TK Maxx (I know. Why.)
Sick meaning any unhealthiness "Sick" specifically refers to stomach illness, while "ill" is like a cold
Movie theater "Theatre" is for live entertainment. "Cinemas" are where movies are!
Football Gridiron, or American football
Soccer Football (sometimes rugby is called this, too)
Chips Crisps
Fries Chips (this was probably the hardest one to master!)
Band-Aid Plaster
Weekly planner Diary
Major Programme
Class Module
... I know there are more! But I can't think of any at the moment. It really is like another language!
American British
TJ Maxx TK Maxx (I know. Why.)
Sick meaning any unhealthiness "Sick" specifically refers to stomach illness, while "ill" is like a cold
Movie theater "Theatre" is for live entertainment. "Cinemas" are where movies are!
Football Gridiron, or American football
Soccer Football (sometimes rugby is called this, too)
Chips Crisps
Fries Chips (this was probably the hardest one to master!)
Band-Aid Plaster
Weekly planner Diary
Major Programme
Class Module
... I know there are more! But I can't think of any at the moment. It really is like another language!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Let The War Begin!!
So. Let me explain to you the food system here at St. Mary's.
We get an allotted number of "points," which can be used on various food products. We get 3 points for breakfast, and 7 points for dinner. I wish I could tell you about what three points can get you in the morning, but the portions are always different based on how vindictive the server is feeling. So you could get a whole plateful of bacon one day, and 2 circles of 1-inch radii the next.
When it comes to waging war on an institution much larger than myself, I tend to go by the "three-strike" policy.
The three strikes for the "ref," dear reader, have been spent!
First. It was very early in the semester, before most of the students arrived. I was waiting in line (or the queue) for a beautiful baguette, and I'd been waiting long enough that all of my friends had already paid for their meal. I finally got up to the server, and was debating which one I should get, when the server tells me in broken English, "These aren't for you." WHAT? I really would have liked a sign or something telling me this before I got my hopes up. I really like food, especially good food.
Second. Yesterday, I was again perusing the wares in the ref. I saw a packaged muffin that tickled my fancy. So, since people do indeed eat muffins for breakfast at times, I walked up to the register, only to be told that I could only buy it at dinner and lunch time. (Also, to clarify: the ref is open for lunch... but we have to pay extra for that. Yeah. I am going to lose so much weight this semester, it's definitely not going to be healthy!) If I paid for my "points," shouldn't I be able to use them on whatever I want? Especially if it is out for me to take?? And if this is not the case, and I am restricted to very specific foods, then shouldn't I be informed of this? Again, before I got excited about eating such a delicious chocolate plastic-covered muffin??
Third. Soooo this was the fourth night/morning in a ROW where we all had to evacuate the dorm due to a fire alarm. Apparently, there's a fault in the system. So I left my building in my pajamas, and realized it was also breakfast time! So my friends and I wandered over to breakfast. They had already gotten clothed at that ungodly hour, but I had hustled out of the building in patterned shorts and an inside-out t-shirt. I wear pajamas to breakfast all the time at home.
I had realized that, when it comes to dress, the English tend to be much more formal. However, I accepted this and was ready to experience any public humiliation of wearing pajamas to breakfast. As long as I was eating and not standing in the morning cold, I'd be happy. HOWEVER, as I was standing in the queue for toast, a server asked me "excuse me, are you wearing jammies?" To which I delightfully responded "Yes!" in the hopes of being able to complain about faulty fire alarm systems to a complete stranger. But before I could explain myself, she interrupted me and said "you are not allowed to wear jammies in the refectory."
...
Yeah.
Again, I understand the cultural difference, and that it is probably weird and unusual. But don't I have the right to wear whatever I want? I know that we're not in America anymore, but I'd be willing to bet that, somewhere between the Magna Carta and current Parliamentary action, there's "freedom of expression" of some sort. And if my form of expression is wearing my shirt inside out and having donuts and cassette tapes on my shorts, why am I being discriminated against?! Went too far with that one. But you get my point.
I also realize that you may be thinking "Oh, Sara, I think you're stretching it. I'm sure there's a dress code you don't know about." To this I respond: maybe there is... If I don't know about it, then... I wouldn't know about it! But I did look in the student handbook, and there is actually no dress code mentioned at all. And if there was one, I would again be willing to bet that "no pajamas are permitted in the refectory" is in the code.
Basically, as long as I'm not wearing something hazardous or unhygienic for a kitchen-esque environment (like not wearing enough clothes. Or like wearing something like this:)...
We get an allotted number of "points," which can be used on various food products. We get 3 points for breakfast, and 7 points for dinner. I wish I could tell you about what three points can get you in the morning, but the portions are always different based on how vindictive the server is feeling. So you could get a whole plateful of bacon one day, and 2 circles of 1-inch radii the next.
When it comes to waging war on an institution much larger than myself, I tend to go by the "three-strike" policy.
The three strikes for the "ref," dear reader, have been spent!
First. It was very early in the semester, before most of the students arrived. I was waiting in line (or the queue) for a beautiful baguette, and I'd been waiting long enough that all of my friends had already paid for their meal. I finally got up to the server, and was debating which one I should get, when the server tells me in broken English, "These aren't for you." WHAT? I really would have liked a sign or something telling me this before I got my hopes up. I really like food, especially good food.
Second. Yesterday, I was again perusing the wares in the ref. I saw a packaged muffin that tickled my fancy. So, since people do indeed eat muffins for breakfast at times, I walked up to the register, only to be told that I could only buy it at dinner and lunch time. (Also, to clarify: the ref is open for lunch... but we have to pay extra for that. Yeah. I am going to lose so much weight this semester, it's definitely not going to be healthy!) If I paid for my "points," shouldn't I be able to use them on whatever I want? Especially if it is out for me to take?? And if this is not the case, and I am restricted to very specific foods, then shouldn't I be informed of this? Again, before I got excited about eating such a delicious chocolate plastic-covered muffin??
Third. Soooo this was the fourth night/morning in a ROW where we all had to evacuate the dorm due to a fire alarm. Apparently, there's a fault in the system. So I left my building in my pajamas, and realized it was also breakfast time! So my friends and I wandered over to breakfast. They had already gotten clothed at that ungodly hour, but I had hustled out of the building in patterned shorts and an inside-out t-shirt. I wear pajamas to breakfast all the time at home.
I had realized that, when it comes to dress, the English tend to be much more formal. However, I accepted this and was ready to experience any public humiliation of wearing pajamas to breakfast. As long as I was eating and not standing in the morning cold, I'd be happy. HOWEVER, as I was standing in the queue for toast, a server asked me "excuse me, are you wearing jammies?" To which I delightfully responded "Yes!" in the hopes of being able to complain about faulty fire alarm systems to a complete stranger. But before I could explain myself, she interrupted me and said "you are not allowed to wear jammies in the refectory."
...
Yeah.
Again, I understand the cultural difference, and that it is probably weird and unusual. But don't I have the right to wear whatever I want? I know that we're not in America anymore, but I'd be willing to bet that, somewhere between the Magna Carta and current Parliamentary action, there's "freedom of expression" of some sort. And if my form of expression is wearing my shirt inside out and having donuts and cassette tapes on my shorts, why am I being discriminated against?! Went too far with that one. But you get my point.
I also realize that you may be thinking "Oh, Sara, I think you're stretching it. I'm sure there's a dress code you don't know about." To this I respond: maybe there is... If I don't know about it, then... I wouldn't know about it! But I did look in the student handbook, and there is actually no dress code mentioned at all. And if there was one, I would again be willing to bet that "no pajamas are permitted in the refectory" is in the code.
Basically, as long as I'm not wearing something hazardous or unhygienic for a kitchen-esque environment (like not wearing enough clothes. Or like wearing something like this:)...
I should be able to wear whatever! If I want to have poodles on my shorts, so be it. And again, if this is not the case, I would love to be informed before having to be told I'm not dressed appropriately while I'm physically in the ref.
Soooo there you have it. I am about to wage a small-scale Aaron Kushner-esque war on the ref here at St. Mary's.
How?
... I'm probably going to take 3 packets of jam instead of 2. BOOM.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
What An Unexpectedly Wonderful Night!!
Remember how I was saying that partying wasn't really a good way to make friends? Tonight was a perfect example of that!
Today at about 6:00pm, I dropped by the Christian Union meet and greet. Long story short, I had a great time! I met a lot of great people. Though I planned on going to the acoustic night tonight, one of the girls I met basically talked/hung out until just now (about 1am), when I got back to my dorm!
Lesson learned: Sweeping generalities like "everybody here drinks" are never true. The trick to finding friends is finding people like yourself, with similar interests (for example, christianity). Do what makes you happy, and don't worry about pleasing everyone else. And, last but not least, a lesson that has been my mantra for years: A little positive attitude can go VERY far!
I feel like these are lessons I should have learned a long time ago! Better late than never, I suppose!
Adios, and THANK YOU FOR READING! I never imagined I'd get so many views!! :D
Today at about 6:00pm, I dropped by the Christian Union meet and greet. Long story short, I had a great time! I met a lot of great people. Though I planned on going to the acoustic night tonight, one of the girls I met basically talked/hung out until just now (about 1am), when I got back to my dorm!
Lesson learned: Sweeping generalities like "everybody here drinks" are never true. The trick to finding friends is finding people like yourself, with similar interests (for example, christianity). Do what makes you happy, and don't worry about pleasing everyone else. And, last but not least, a lesson that has been my mantra for years: A little positive attitude can go VERY far!
I feel like these are lessons I should have learned a long time ago! Better late than never, I suppose!
Adios, and THANK YOU FOR READING! I never imagined I'd get so many views!! :D
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Freshers Week... *pant* Continues...
Here I am, on a Wednesday night, writing a blog post in my dorm.
You may be thinking "Why the heck aren't you out enjoying the Freshers Week activities? You paid £50 for the wristband, after all!"
My answer is one that you will rarely hear from me: I'm tired of dancing! Three straight nights of it will do that to you... it's gotten to be too much fun!
Additionally, I've come to the conclusion that dance parties are bad places to make friends, especially if you don't like getting drunk.
To clarify, I personally hate alcohol: the taste, the way it makes me feel... it just isn't really fun for me. Aaaand that's really the only opinion I have on the issue at the moment!
So, as a "fresher" (for all intents and purposes), trying to make friends with people who may not remember you at all the next morning seems a little bit counter-productive. Additionally, you can't really have too meaningful of conversation with music blasting from every direction.
Last night was "UV Night" at the local club. It was SO FUN. I nearly died when they played "Black and Yellow"... the Steelers are represented even here! Though I don't like drinking, I really love dancing! I go to every dance I can at Saint Vincent, and one of the main things I was looking forward to in London was having an all-night dance environment like a club. It was a lot of fun, but again... not the best place to make friends. I will definitely go back when I've been at SMUC a while!
One fun fact I've observed: the whole "grinding" phenomenon that is oh-so-common at American dances? I saw almost none of it here!! In fact, the only grinding I had the displeasure of seeing was a fellow American, and a girl who got away pretty quickly. Not entirely sure why, but I honestly don't care! It made the whole experience wayyyyy better!!
So tonight, I'll have a quiet reading night to recuperate. Tomorrow is a meet-and-greet for the Christian Union on campus that I'm truly excited about, as well as an acoustic night.
Have a good one, everyone! And thanks for reading!
You may be thinking "Why the heck aren't you out enjoying the Freshers Week activities? You paid £50 for the wristband, after all!"
My answer is one that you will rarely hear from me: I'm tired of dancing! Three straight nights of it will do that to you... it's gotten to be too much fun!
Additionally, I've come to the conclusion that dance parties are bad places to make friends, especially if you don't like getting drunk.
To clarify, I personally hate alcohol: the taste, the way it makes me feel... it just isn't really fun for me. Aaaand that's really the only opinion I have on the issue at the moment!
So, as a "fresher" (for all intents and purposes), trying to make friends with people who may not remember you at all the next morning seems a little bit counter-productive. Additionally, you can't really have too meaningful of conversation with music blasting from every direction.
Last night was "UV Night" at the local club. It was SO FUN. I nearly died when they played "Black and Yellow"... the Steelers are represented even here! Though I don't like drinking, I really love dancing! I go to every dance I can at Saint Vincent, and one of the main things I was looking forward to in London was having an all-night dance environment like a club. It was a lot of fun, but again... not the best place to make friends. I will definitely go back when I've been at SMUC a while!
One fun fact I've observed: the whole "grinding" phenomenon that is oh-so-common at American dances? I saw almost none of it here!! In fact, the only grinding I had the displeasure of seeing was a fellow American, and a girl who got away pretty quickly. Not entirely sure why, but I honestly don't care! It made the whole experience wayyyyy better!!
So tonight, I'll have a quiet reading night to recuperate. Tomorrow is a meet-and-greet for the Christian Union on campus that I'm truly excited about, as well as an acoustic night.
Have a good one, everyone! And thanks for reading!
I can die happy now.
Today, I drank tea whilst watching a Manchester United match and conversing with a Manchester native.
Life is good, dear readers. Life is good.
Life is good, dear readers. Life is good.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Freshers Week begins!
Yesterday, the international kids went on a free walking tour of London. It was so fantastic!!
By the time we got back, all of the other students had moved in already. A few hours later, I went to the "write on white night" with some floormates that I met coincidentally! I had a blast and met a bunch of really fun people!
Tonight's the "where's wally?" night... because over here, Waldo is called Wally. Weird, huh?
I had my first class today! It was "Approaches to Shakespeare." It's going to be a lot harder than I thought! I'll probably have to get working on that pretty soon.
But now... naptime! The mix of jetlag and simply being too excited to sleep isn't treating me very well, so I sleep when I can!
Adios! And now that I FINALLY have internet in my room, there'll be a lot more updates!
SMUC!
After all of the flying, I finally met up with some other people going to my school. I met people from all over the world! I was majorly sleep deprived, though, so I was nodding off on the bus ride to the school.
Honestly, the next few days are a blur of jet lag. I made good friends from America, Australia, Portugal, and Switzerland! We went to the pub, walked to Twickenham and Teddington, ate/complained about breakfast and dinner, played Phase 10, and talked a lot about differences in culture! I learned a lot, and had a lot of fun before the freshers and other kids moved in!
Honestly, the next few days are a blur of jet lag. I made good friends from America, Australia, Portugal, and Switzerland! We went to the pub, walked to Twickenham and Teddington, ate/complained about breakfast and dinner, played Phase 10, and talked a lot about differences in culture! I learned a lot, and had a lot of fun before the freshers and other kids moved in!
Yeah, this stuff actually is real
Soooo business class. On Virgin Atlantic. To London Heathrow. It was an eight hour flight, and I sure went in style!!
:)
They gave me pajamas...!!
Entertainment galore
Dinner!!
It was essentially unbelievable!! The lighting was a shade of purple... almost club-like! All the drinks and everything were free! Had my first taste of champagne. YUCK.
I tried to sleep, but I was way too excited!!
I have to say that one of the main things I will take away from the flight was the view. It was the closest I've ever been to the stars, and the difference was definitely visible!
Anywho, finally touched down in Heathrow a little after sunrise (I can't recommend this highly enough:
Anddd went through immigration (we got a "fast pass" in the upperclass seats, so it literally took less than 3 minutes). Then I sat in the airport for about 6 hours, no lie.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Connecting Flight... and the Extreme Sadness That Accompanied It
I decided I'm going to split my posts up for continuity's sake! :)
To begin, I woke up at 7:00 am on Tuesday morning, got ready, and was out the door by 11:30. There was some confusion about airlines and boarding passes, as mentioned previously.
By the time all the delays were accounted for, we departed Pittsburgh for Washington DC 2 hours late. Which left very little time to catch the connecting flight at 6:40, as we only arrived at about 5:40. Normally, this may be okay, but because of the confusion, I also needed a boarding pass. The weather was awful in DC, and I found out that the 6:10 flight to London Heathrow was cancelled!! My 6:40 flight didn't show up on any monitor I saw, so I assumed the worst. Dad had looked up my terminal on the internet, but I wanted to ask an attendant if it was correct. I got out my flight information from my bag, and he told me to go to gate A32 (which was the original gate). I was running low on time, so I was kind of half-running. Then, about half-way down the HUGE terminal, I realized that it was pretty easy to run. Why? Because I had forgotten my bookbag at the other end of the terminal. FML.
SO I RAN BOTH WAYS. And finally made it there... about 20 minutes after the flight had closed, apparently. So I went up to the gate to get my boarding pass, and he sent me to the "club."
So, my dad is AWESOME. He sent me to England in business class... which I didn't think was a big deal until I got on the plane. But that's the next post!
So in the club, the receptionist gave me a bit of an attitude, and I almost got the vibe of "yeah, you're too late... tough luck!" But then the receptionist from the other desk came by and told her "just do it!" and they had a little spat... LONG STORY SHORT, I finally got on the plane. And turned left.
To begin, I woke up at 7:00 am on Tuesday morning, got ready, and was out the door by 11:30. There was some confusion about airlines and boarding passes, as mentioned previously.
By the time all the delays were accounted for, we departed Pittsburgh for Washington DC 2 hours late. Which left very little time to catch the connecting flight at 6:40, as we only arrived at about 5:40. Normally, this may be okay, but because of the confusion, I also needed a boarding pass. The weather was awful in DC, and I found out that the 6:10 flight to London Heathrow was cancelled!! My 6:40 flight didn't show up on any monitor I saw, so I assumed the worst. Dad had looked up my terminal on the internet, but I wanted to ask an attendant if it was correct. I got out my flight information from my bag, and he told me to go to gate A32 (which was the original gate). I was running low on time, so I was kind of half-running. Then, about half-way down the HUGE terminal, I realized that it was pretty easy to run. Why? Because I had forgotten my bookbag at the other end of the terminal. FML.
SO I RAN BOTH WAYS. And finally made it there... about 20 minutes after the flight had closed, apparently. So I went up to the gate to get my boarding pass, and he sent me to the "club."
So, my dad is AWESOME. He sent me to England in business class... which I didn't think was a big deal until I got on the plane. But that's the next post!
So in the club, the receptionist gave me a bit of an attitude, and I almost got the vibe of "yeah, you're too late... tough luck!" But then the receptionist from the other desk came by and told her "just do it!" and they had a little spat... LONG STORY SHORT, I finally got on the plane. And turned left.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
I'M HERE.
SO SO SO much to write about, but of course, I don't have internet in my room and I'm unprepared. I'm in the library with two of my new friends mooching off of WiFi. Look forward to stories and pictures!!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Flying. All. Day.
Soooo here we are! Today's the day!
I'm trying to get on London time sleepwise... rawr. It's not too bad so far! I did go to bed at 12:30 am last night, and forced myself to wake up at 7 am. Tonight, I'll sleep entirely on the plane, for a total of about 6 hours of sleep. After that, I'll actually be in London, so sleeping should be no problem.
Most people probably experience this weirdness of jet lag after they arrive, but I want to make the most of my experience there, and am trying to experience it now rather than later!
Sooo planes. Right now, I'm waiting for my flight to Washington DC at 2:10. However, the planes running late, so the new departure time is at 3:20. From DC, my flight to London leaves at 6:40, so I should have enough time to figure out everything.
Yeah... "everything."
So my dad booked all of my flights. He made sure to book all of them on Continental, so I don't have to worry about rushing around the airport looking for my terminal for all these different airlines.
BUT. It turns out that Continental is actually a bunch of different airlines in and of itself! My flight to DC is on United, and my flight to London is on Virgin Atlantic. What the heck?!
SO, after talking to a few helpful ladies at the desks, I found that I will (obviously) need to find the right gate for my flight, which may or may not be in the same terminal. If it IS in the same terminal, I don't have to go through security again (yay!), and it will obviously be easier to find so I don't miss it wandering around in confusion. If it ISN'T in the same terminal, I have to go through security as an international traveller... so the screening may be more time-consuming. Additionally, the gate may be harder to find.
As you may be able to tell, I'm having mini-panic attacks, which I know aren't necessary.
All I know is that I've been singing this basically since I woke up.
I'm trying to get on London time sleepwise... rawr. It's not too bad so far! I did go to bed at 12:30 am last night, and forced myself to wake up at 7 am. Tonight, I'll sleep entirely on the plane, for a total of about 6 hours of sleep. After that, I'll actually be in London, so sleeping should be no problem.
Most people probably experience this weirdness of jet lag after they arrive, but I want to make the most of my experience there, and am trying to experience it now rather than later!
Sooo planes. Right now, I'm waiting for my flight to Washington DC at 2:10. However, the planes running late, so the new departure time is at 3:20. From DC, my flight to London leaves at 6:40, so I should have enough time to figure out everything.
Yeah... "everything."
So my dad booked all of my flights. He made sure to book all of them on Continental, so I don't have to worry about rushing around the airport looking for my terminal for all these different airlines.
BUT. It turns out that Continental is actually a bunch of different airlines in and of itself! My flight to DC is on United, and my flight to London is on Virgin Atlantic. What the heck?!
SO, after talking to a few helpful ladies at the desks, I found that I will (obviously) need to find the right gate for my flight, which may or may not be in the same terminal. If it IS in the same terminal, I don't have to go through security again (yay!), and it will obviously be easier to find so I don't miss it wandering around in confusion. If it ISN'T in the same terminal, I have to go through security as an international traveller... so the screening may be more time-consuming. Additionally, the gate may be harder to find.
As you may be able to tell, I'm having mini-panic attacks, which I know aren't necessary.
All I know is that I've been singing this basically since I woke up.
Yeah... can you tell I'm excited???!
Monday, September 5, 2011
WOW
Tomorrow! I leave tomorrow!!
I'm still at St. Vincent now... today's my last day here. I had a blast, but now I'm more than ready to start my EUROPEAN EXTRAVAGANZA!
I'm still at St. Vincent now... today's my last day here. I had a blast, but now I'm more than ready to start my EUROPEAN EXTRAVAGANZA!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Also... this is actually a serious question.
DO THEY SHOW "JERSEY SHORE" IN THE UK???
This is crucial, as I've really come to look forward to Jersdays.
This is crucial, as I've really come to look forward to Jersdays.
Mission Accomplished, Team!
That's right... I am READY.
Packed. Secure. Charged. Whatever else. I AM READY.
In terms of packing, I can really take almost no credit. Without my mom, I would have just been curled up in the fetal position for 3 hours. My mom is an expert at this stuff!
Side note: I never did buy a "real" suitcase... at least not a huge one. I'm using a 25-inch suitcase (to be checked) and an 18-inch suitcase (to be carried on). I'm also using a HUGE black backpack!
The main issue, to our surprise, was not making it all fit (both cases are jam-packed, but everything fit quite well!). The main issue was making the checked bag under the 50-pound limit! Mom packed everything, then I stood on the scale and weighed myself. Then, I held the suitcase while on the scale. Notttt really recommended, since I have the biceps of a bowl of Jell-O. But we finally got it down to about 52 pounds... and that'll just have to do for now. Worst-case scenario, the people at the airport say it's too heavy, and I move some stuff into my carry-on!
SUCH. A HUGE. RELIEF. That list I showed you earlier is basically just a sheet with scribbles on it now!
I'm off to Saint Vincent tomorrow for one last hurrah! Can't wait to see everybody, and not have to worry about anything trip-related!!
And now, PICTURE TIME.
Packed. Secure. Charged. Whatever else. I AM READY.
In terms of packing, I can really take almost no credit. Without my mom, I would have just been curled up in the fetal position for 3 hours. My mom is an expert at this stuff!
Side note: I never did buy a "real" suitcase... at least not a huge one. I'm using a 25-inch suitcase (to be checked) and an 18-inch suitcase (to be carried on). I'm also using a HUGE black backpack!
The main issue, to our surprise, was not making it all fit (both cases are jam-packed, but everything fit quite well!). The main issue was making the checked bag under the 50-pound limit! Mom packed everything, then I stood on the scale and weighed myself. Then, I held the suitcase while on the scale. Notttt really recommended, since I have the biceps of a bowl of Jell-O. But we finally got it down to about 52 pounds... and that'll just have to do for now. Worst-case scenario, the people at the airport say it's too heavy, and I move some stuff into my carry-on!
SUCH. A HUGE. RELIEF. That list I showed you earlier is basically just a sheet with scribbles on it now!
I'm off to Saint Vincent tomorrow for one last hurrah! Can't wait to see everybody, and not have to worry about anything trip-related!!
And now, PICTURE TIME.
This is what the inside of my checked suitcase looked like before we took out "OMG what if they lose this suitcase" emergency clothes and that dry-erase board. This suitcase weighed about 58 pounds.
This is the final product-ish. My carry-on suitcase and backpack. Also my love, David the bear.
My checked suitcase now. My suitcases matching = again, total credit to Mom!
"John! Can you come and take a picture of me for my blog?"
"...Can I use fish-eye?"
"Sure, just take it quick... this is so heavy!"
Awwww yeahhhhhh.
There are, unfortunately, SOME things left to do. But those are mostly things that can't be done now, and instead will be done day-of or night-before. Things like packing all of the things I'll use at SVC (camera, camera cord, makeup, the like) and printing out boarding passes and instructions. Still, not worried, and SOOO HAPPYYY that packing is, for the most part, done!
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