Chapter 9. The adventures continue

So instead of writing my paper, I'm writing my blog. (No need to freak out Mom)

I think it's been a while. So last week was the end of my British Politics class (hence the paper). Last Wednesday (should I be posting dates? Wednesday, September 17, 2014. Or the British version 17/09/2014. Ooooo) Anyway, last Wednesday, we (us Americans) moved from our on campus housing to our permanent housing in the Hendrefoelan Student Village (I don't even know how to say that). There are a bajillion houses (literally) and each house has 10 rooms and each student gets one room to themselves. We even have our own sink in our room. (No sharing!) It's decent sized, I get my own closet (that's better than at home!) desk, bedside table, bed (obviously). Plus 9 other roommates. Who are pretty awesome. Zani and Emma live with me, who were also in the presessional course. Then there's Casey who's from North Carolina, Jamie from Manchester, Lucy from the UK (I don't remember), Nathan from the UK, and I don't remember the last kid's name. He's also from the UK and I've seen him once. Everyone is super nice.

My favorite part of this whole thing is talking with my UK friends about the differences. I now know what a quid (slang for money, like when we say "bucks") and lorry (kind of like a UHaul, small semi). And what it means to be trolleyed, pissed, and battered (all mean drunk). Plus I have a pretty mean British accent. I'm jumping out of order here but it relates, on the bus I was talking to Seb (Sebastian) who is from the UK. He asked about my tattoo, which I explained was Finnish. It surprised him how much pride I have for my ethnicity, which isn't found in the UK. What really interested me (because I never really realized it) is that as an American, we are all from different places, so just as much as being an American is important, so is where you and your ancestors came from. However in the UK, where families may stretch generations in the same spot, the European culture doesn't have that. They identify with where they were born and that's it. (This may be the Psych major in me)

Also while I'm in serious-topic-mode, I've reflected on the fact that I have been here for about 3 weeks now. The 15 of us in the presessional course have become so close, I feel like I've known them forever. It's interesting to realize it hasn't been that long, but as tight of a group as we are. Of course we branch out and make friends, but we all understand what each other is going through and have that extra support to give. Sap time over.

Chapter 10. Field tripping and beyond

As the last day of our presessional course, we went to historical Bath and got to see the Roman Baths. As a bonus, four of us (including me) stayed overnight in Bath then traveled to see Stonehenge. The bath's and Bath were really cool to see! First, it's awesome to see what the Roman's used a long time ago, and how ingenious the construction was. They created a system starting from the spring to flow through all the different baths, then out through a sewer type system; some of which is still left today. The largest bath we were able to walk right up to, however they leave it untreated and the same way it has always been, so I wouldn't suggest touching it. It's green and will probably make you grow an extra arm. But either way, very interesting. Then, the city of Bath creates all of its' buildings and shops to continue the historical look. What an incredibly beautiful city.

So we had the opportunity to either go back on the provided bus with our lecturer or stay in Bath, and four of us (Emma, Zani, Kristen, and I) decided to stay. After the tour, we wandered around the city, looking at shops and the like, taking in the beauty. That night, we stayed in a hostel (my first hostel!). Zani, Emma, and Kristen were in one room with 7 other people, and I was in a separate room with 9 other people. I said hi when we first checked in, and some of the girls there were from the USA but studying in London. I wish I had been able to talk to them more, but by the time we got back one person was sleeping so we all had to whisper. As plain and simplistic as it was, it was nice. I enjoyed staying there.

The next morning, we embarked on our journey to Stonehenge. From Bath, we took an hour train to Salisbury. Then we caught a 20 minute cab ride to the entrance of Stonehenge. The cab driver was awesome, and his wife was actually from North Carolina. Once we got to Stonehenge, we picked up our tickets, got our audio tour radios, and started in the exhibit. It described the process of building Stonehenge, and all the mystery behind it. We then got on the 2 minute shuttle to Stonehenge itself. What a magnificent structure. Unfortunately, due to preservation of the stones, we weren't able to get super close, but what we could still see was awesome. The pathway encircled Stonehenge, so we were able to see all angles. The amazing part is that it is a World Monument, and I was able to see it. (Way better than pictures) As a bonus, all these pictures are already posted! (#ontopofit). After our afternoon with Stonehenge we embarked on our long journey back. 20 minute cab to Salisbury train station, 1 train back to Bath, 2 hour train back to Swansea.

Chapter 11. Feeling Fresher

Alike in America, there is a week long freshman orientation. Unlike America, it's all parties. Hosted by the University. Some on campus. Which is frickin awesome. (Why doesn't Duluth do that?!) So we get back to the village on Sunday, tired as hell, and end up going out to the Fresher's Rage (that's what they call freshman, freshers) which is on campus. It was crazy. Like packed. Like so many people the ceiling of the tent was sweating. On top of us. (I did not drink enough for that) But I met awesome drunk people (and haven't seen since) and am super pumped that I am not the oldest here! (bonus)

This week then we had an orientation for international students (boring), and got to register for classes. (finally!) Although my course schedule sucks. Majorly. All my classes are around 4 and 5 at night, including Friday, with Wednesday off. Boo. But I am registered and I won't be deported back to good ole USA :)

Last night (Tuesday the 23rd) we all went to a football game (soccer for you Americans) and it was sweet! My seats were right off the field just to the right of the goal. The game was Swansea v. Everton. Guess who the keeper for Everton is? Tim Howard! (keeper for USA in the World Cup) I really wanted to ask someone if I could get a picture with him. Counterintuitively, I was rooting for Swansea and Tim Howard. Ha.

Chapter 12. Right now and a little extra

Which leaves us right now. Sitting in my room, typing up this blog. Surprisingly (or not) I'm not worried about classes. The weirdest part is that 70%-100% is an A. Below 40% is failing. I like that system. And, I'll have 2 essays that will make up my grade for the entire course. So like a shorter essay worth 30% of my grade during the semester, then a paper worth 70% in lieu of a final (which is in January after winter break). Good thing I can write, eh?

We (us traveling Americans) are also planning trips. I want to go everywhere. But I can't. So I think I decided on 6 trips. (Not even enough) We booked Amsterdam, and are talking about Dublin and Edinburgh. Plus I'm meeting my lovely cousin Michelle in London, and am visiting my Swiss aunt and uncle in Switzerland. And I want to go to Spain. Pretty sure I will be broke by the end of all this. (#YOLO) Best of all, Mister Mac will be visiting! Can I get any luckier?!

Until next time. As the British say, Cheer!