I must confess it has been a very long time since my last post and I sincerely apologize! Some dear friends have been kind enough to remind me that I should be more diligent with my updates and I do concur. I guess I often find it difficult to think of things to write about, not because I do not have anything to write about. On the contrary, my days are seemingly jam packed with different activities, whether it be normal lectures and seminars, going into the city for a few hours to explore/ do work/ just walk around, going around the lake, or just hanging out with my new friends, I always seem to be doing something, but it has already become such a wonderful routine, and I don't want to become annoyingly repetitive with posts. Routine is good- it gives a sense of normalcy in a world one is thrust into. Routine was good when I first arrived, being s unsure of my new environment and it is good now where any divergence from routine seems like adventure!
Things have been going very well so far and I already find myself in love with England. I don't know what it is about this country, the history, the scenery, the people, the dialectic vernacular, or even the weather, but I really do adore it. I am finally getting into the rhythm at school, although now that it is week 6 I will have to actually get ahead on some work and try not to procrastinate too badly (a stretch for me I know, but I am going to try!) I have already participated in one debate and much to my shock, I won! It was very exciting as I had never really participated in a formalized debate before. My opponent was another American and was pretty cutting in some of his points and completely drew the debate away from the original topic, which I did not appreciate one bit! I am currently working on a short paper for another class and will then begin some stuff due before Easter break.
I cannot believe how quickly this experience is flying by. It is insane! I wake up everyday and take the bus into the city, continually reveling in the fact that I am in ENGLAND!!!! So exciting that it never gets old. My two terrific American friends from USC have already taken a trip to the beautiful coast of Great Yarmouth, a mere 30 minute train ride away and on the coast of the English Channel. It was absolutely beautiful there, although we went on a very cold, windy and overcast day. There was a silver lining, though- as it was the off season we were the only people staying in the Bed and Breakfast and the town was pretty much empty, ensuring us maximum service when we went out for lunch. The board walk was so cool, full of terrific carnival activities that looks like the supreme place to go during the spring/ summer season. I'd like to take a trip back there when it gets a bit warmer out.
The weather over the past couple of weeks has been completely and unseasonably warm. After a bit of snow, Norwich became almost balmy, and it was ever so tempting to remain outside forever. Unfortunately it has reverted back to it's normal, chilly self, but I still can't really complain as it is still so much warmer than lovely upstate NY right now.
We have planned to go to London on Monday, which is good because I haven't been out of Norwich since our trip to great Yarmouth and I am getting a little stir-crazy being stationary in a country I would love to see so much of! Next weekend is our Edinburgh trip and I am wicked excited!
That's it for now and I promise (pinky swear) that I will be much better about updating! I hope everyone is doing well! I miss y'all!
Have a wonderful weekend!!!
Cheers!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
It's nine oclock on a Saturday...
I have just celebrated getting though my first week here in Norwich. I think it has been the longest week of my life as I feel like I have experienced so much already. Having gotten a bus pass, I frequently travel into the city and explore it a bit, finding something new every time. Today, my new friends and I went to the ultra modern library in Norwich, while the other day we found a great cafe (courtesy of Anna) where we could sit around and do our work. I really enjoy being in such close proximity to the city as one can never be bored, and if I am , it's because of my own laziness. Our next adventure may take us to the outskirts of the city- I really would love to see the rural area that surrounds Norwich. I am told that Norwich is not really considered a city because it has such a small population and hasn't been able to compare to London in population since the 1700's (a random fact that I discovered through some of my reading today!) I personally enjoy the size quite a bit because I have found it relatively easy to manage and not very intimidating, especially for someone who has never before been able to utilize public transportation. The city itself is amazing because some of the original medieval walls have been preserved and are visible among the compilation of traditional and modern buildings, never letting the observer forget the history that engulfs the city.
The UEA campus itself is a short, ten minute bus ride from campus and differs greatly from the aesthetically pleasing traditional architecture that dots the cityscape. Although it is mostly a concrete fortress, it is growing on me a bit. The size that I initially found intimidating has become quite manageable, although I still quiver a bit when walking on the overhead pass with the stunted concrete rails...
One good thing that recommends the campus in my eyes is the presence of the plethora of rabbits! There are so many that it makes me think of the age old adage related to rabbits... I am tempted to experiment to determine if they will come to me if I bring them carrots. I will definitely try!
I have finally been able to meet all of my flatmates, and they are fantastic! I really enjoy their company and it seems as if the flat is fairly close which is terrific and they are not hesitant in making me feel included. The layout of the flat is very odd to me, however, as I am accustomed to having a common room with couches and a desk or somewhere where everyone can just hang out and chat. The halls are reminiscent of a hotel, and the only common space available is the kitchen which leads to prolonged meals just so everyone can catch up with each other.
My first week of classes ended successfully, although I think I will have to switch out of one for fear that my obligatory course work will keep me in the library 24/7 as well as sufficiently deteriorate my gpa. I am excited to get into my classes, but their structures are rather dissimilar to ours. There is the lecture period and the seminar period. Lectures are just for note-taking, where the seminars are for discussion. I think I will be able to get used to it easily enough, but I definitely need to work on my time-management!
That seems to be it for now! I miss you all and hope you are doing well!
The UEA campus itself is a short, ten minute bus ride from campus and differs greatly from the aesthetically pleasing traditional architecture that dots the cityscape. Although it is mostly a concrete fortress, it is growing on me a bit. The size that I initially found intimidating has become quite manageable, although I still quiver a bit when walking on the overhead pass with the stunted concrete rails...
One good thing that recommends the campus in my eyes is the presence of the plethora of rabbits! There are so many that it makes me think of the age old adage related to rabbits... I am tempted to experiment to determine if they will come to me if I bring them carrots. I will definitely try!
I have finally been able to meet all of my flatmates, and they are fantastic! I really enjoy their company and it seems as if the flat is fairly close which is terrific and they are not hesitant in making me feel included. The layout of the flat is very odd to me, however, as I am accustomed to having a common room with couches and a desk or somewhere where everyone can just hang out and chat. The halls are reminiscent of a hotel, and the only common space available is the kitchen which leads to prolonged meals just so everyone can catch up with each other.
My first week of classes ended successfully, although I think I will have to switch out of one for fear that my obligatory course work will keep me in the library 24/7 as well as sufficiently deteriorate my gpa. I am excited to get into my classes, but their structures are rather dissimilar to ours. There is the lecture period and the seminar period. Lectures are just for note-taking, where the seminars are for discussion. I think I will be able to get used to it easily enough, but I definitely need to work on my time-management!
That seems to be it for now! I miss you all and hope you are doing well!
Friday, January 11, 2008
The Ship has landed!
Cheerio everyone!
Having been in the UK since Wednesday evening, I thought now might be the proper time to get these posts started! I knew that if I did not commence in the beginning of my term, then I would most certainly not remain on track (although there is still no guarantee :)
Things seem to be going pretty well so far. I am definitely still adjusting to being a continent away and the transition I am sure will be a bit difficult, but already I am feeling the slightest bit more at ease with everything.
We arrived at Norwich after a great deal of travel drama. Having to deal with flight delays, uncomfortable seats, missing the bus because of the flight delay, and the inevitable jet lag was not a pleasantry. I fell asleep Wednesday evening at 7:30 only to wake up wide awake at 10:00. I of course was panicking because I thought it was in the morning and I needed to get ready for orientation, but when I drew back my curtains, you've guessed it!, I realized that it was still pitch black.
Before I went to bed, however, I attempted to use my converter, but that too was against me as it fizzled and temporarily took out the light and destroyed the converter. Luckily I have since put everything right and once again have a somewhat luminous room.
The past couple of days have been filled with orientation activities and I have met several people from the States, but also Australia, China, Japan, Korea, and Canada.
Tomorrow we get a tour of the city and hopefully I will post more later.
I miss you all like whoa and still can't really believe that I am here.
Hope y'all are enjoying the last remaining days of freedom before school starts!
Having been in the UK since Wednesday evening, I thought now might be the proper time to get these posts started! I knew that if I did not commence in the beginning of my term, then I would most certainly not remain on track (although there is still no guarantee :)
Things seem to be going pretty well so far. I am definitely still adjusting to being a continent away and the transition I am sure will be a bit difficult, but already I am feeling the slightest bit more at ease with everything.
We arrived at Norwich after a great deal of travel drama. Having to deal with flight delays, uncomfortable seats, missing the bus because of the flight delay, and the inevitable jet lag was not a pleasantry. I fell asleep Wednesday evening at 7:30 only to wake up wide awake at 10:00. I of course was panicking because I thought it was in the morning and I needed to get ready for orientation, but when I drew back my curtains, you've guessed it!, I realized that it was still pitch black.
Before I went to bed, however, I attempted to use my converter, but that too was against me as it fizzled and temporarily took out the light and destroyed the converter. Luckily I have since put everything right and once again have a somewhat luminous room.
The past couple of days have been filled with orientation activities and I have met several people from the States, but also Australia, China, Japan, Korea, and Canada.
Tomorrow we get a tour of the city and hopefully I will post more later.
I miss you all like whoa and still can't really believe that I am here.
Hope y'all are enjoying the last remaining days of freedom before school starts!
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