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 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!