For all of those who have been looking for another blog since my last one 3 weeks ago, I am sorry for not posting one sooner. Shortly after posting my last blog, the homesickness hit me like a bolder in the back and it has been a rough few weeks to get trough it, but all is going much better now.
During my third week here, I awoke feeling really homesick and crying just wanting to go home and get out of here. I had been here three weeks and the vacation was OVER. Skyping was nice, but it was no longer enough to make me feel connected. I, along with all of my friends, reassured myself that this was normal and I would get through it and back to normal in no time. So I continued going to class, going out with friends and doing all that I could, if just for the purpose of keeping busy and keeping my mind off of home. It helped to some extent, but the feeling never went away. That weekend, however, I did go on the International Student Association's last day trip to Newcastle. The city is by far this is the best city that I have visited. It was a very old English city, while at the same time being very modern. I walked across the world's only tilting bridge and climbed the city's old fortress. They actually had a metro, which I am very happy to say made me feel much more at home. After returning from Newcastle, I ordered pizza and enjoyed a night in with a friend from UNCG and a movie.
As the fourth week began, I knew that it was time to get to work.. I had been here a month and Spring Break was going to be here in a few weeks. I began to work on research for my Air Power paper, began GRE studies and still tried to keep my mind off of everything I was doing. The homesickness, however, got even worse. No matter what I did I felt the need to go home, what was I thinking when I got on that plane to come over here? I still understood that this is a great opportunity, which not many people have the chance to do and I am on it, but that did not take away the feeling of wanting to go home. I found myself addicted to Skype, Facebook, and my cell phone calling back home and other times, sitting around wanting to sleep just so I could get my mind off of it. I kept going out with friends and resisted the temptation to stay locked up. That Thursday, however, I felt as if I hit rock bottom and to make it even worse, after not wanting to go to class, I came back crying uncontrollably and just wanting to go back to the US. My homesickness was taking its toll on my relationships both here and back home (I must say here again that I have the BEST boyfriend in the world, who was taking the brunt of my homesickness and stuck by me).
At the last minute, my friend Laura called and made it possible for me to join them on the trip to Belgium (a trip I had turned down earlier). Three hours later, I found myself at the dock with my passport and credit cards in hand going on a trip that I made NO preparations for, none at all. This is something that I never, ever have done before....I always planned trips out, particularly ones that require passports. Although, it was worth making the quick decision. Belgium was WONDERFUL and the food even better. Everywhere I turned I was reminded that I was in Europe.
This past week came and my homesickess was not getting better. I finally told a friend here that I don't feel like myself. I could not do homework, I could not enjoy things that I should be enjoying. To make the situation no better, my eating habits become non-extant. That is when I decided do talk with the study abroad coordinator about my homesickness and trying to figure out what I can do. Needless to say, we figured out a solution and I feel sooooooo much better and I am back to having the time of my life :).
With all of this being said, I am very thankful to God, my family, my boyfriend and everyone else who has made this trip possible. I am enjoying myself and can't wait to see more of the UK, Paris, Normandy, Spain and London. I don't know how everything (travels and finances specifically), are working out. Other than knowing God is making it possible. I guess that is just one of the many lessons I am learning when studying abroad.... you can't plan for everything and in the end, it will all work out :)
07 March 2010
09 February 2010
Second Week in the UK
This past week (which because of my arrival and departing dates begins on a Thursday) has been full of adventures both in the United Kingdom and in the academic world. On Friday, we all went into Hull's City Center, did some shopping and got a great lunch at Cookoo's. It reminded me of Panera Bread and the food was excellent.
Saturday morning started early, with a 6:30am meeting time for the tip to Liverpool. The ride was 3 hours long, with us arriving around 10am. The International Student Association basically dropped us off at the famous Albert Docks and allowed us to go throughout the day as we wished.
My first view of Liverpool: Albert Docks
Saturday morning started early, with a 6:30am meeting time for the tip to Liverpool. The ride was 3 hours long, with us arriving around 10am. The International Student Association basically dropped us off at the famous Albert Docks and allowed us to go throughout the day as we wished.
My first view of Liverpool: Albert Docks
After buying a cup of Starbucks Coffee, we attempted to buy tickets for the Magical Mystery Tour. Unfortunately all of the buses were full, so we assumed that our chance of seeing "Beatles" sights were gone. We ventured into Liverpool's City Center were we were able to see the Cavern and Matthew Street, "where it all started."
The Cavern Stage
The Cavern Stage
After some shopping and eating lunch at Burger King, we decided to go back to Albert Docks and attempt to get a cab tour of the Beatles sights. Luckily our cab driver Debbie was able to pick us up ASAP and begin our 3 hour tour around the city for 12.50pp or 50 per taxi. This by far was the best decision that I have made since arriving. As you can see below, we were able to get a personal tour of all of the Beatles' landmarks.
Part of the gang in front of Strawberry Fields
We arrived back home in Hull around 8:30 ate supper and everyone went home to go back to bed. However, I and everyone else got on Skype and Facebook until early hours in the morning. It's all worth it though as the weekends are becoming the prime time for me to talk with Jae and the rest of my friends at home.
On Sunday, I woke up late did laundry for the first time. Laundry has once again become one of those task that is a big accomplishment when you finish (we have a washer, but no dryer). Around 9:30 we all headed to the Pub on campus to watch the Superbowl, only to find out that they had decided to close at 11. Needless to say Molly Clark and I were becoming very frustrated. We did find out that the BBC was broadcasting it live on the net (this was a miracle as we have no TV License). After the Colts lost, I cried a little and went to bed pissed off. Only to wake up Monday around 12pm homesick, wanting my boyfriend and still very upset over the loss. The day quickly got a lot better and I was able to get tons of reading done.
On Tuesday, I woke up just in time for class and to meet with my professors. If you ever decided to study abroad go and see your professors. Both Dr. Martin and Dr. Lonsdale were very happy to help me. They were also very interested in myself being American. I got involved in an hour long conversation with Dr. Martin over US Foreign Policy over the last few years. These meetings have also relieved a lot of stress of the semester, as they explained everything in great detail, gave me study tips and told me to come back if I have any questions with the class, the university or the UK in general. I will have to say that Tuesday did have a downer, dad filled to for the Sheriff's campaign and I missed that. However, he has promised to keep me informed, so hopefully I want feel as if I am missing out of a HUGE family event.
Wednesday was just a typical day with two morning tutorials and lots of reading afterwords. On Thursday we had a Mexican night and planned Spring Break. Needless to say I am going to be so busy during break. It all begins with Dublin then to Paris, Normandy, Madrid, Mallorica, Rome/ Pompeii, and possibly Geneva.
On Saturday, I went to Cambridge and had a lovely time. The weather was not that wonderful, but it was still nice to have a relaxing time in an old English town. For lunch Jesica and I found a mom and pop Italian restaurant from my England guide book and the food was AMAZING.
Yesterday was Valentines day and it was much harder than I thought. With all of the emotions that are tied around the love holiday, I found myself really homesick for my boyfriend Jae and my family. We were all suppose to go out for supper and come home for some chocolates. Those plans, however, fell apart. Two friends and I did eventually go out for dinner and their company was great. Thank you Molly and Jesica for a great V-day date.
As the weeks go by here, everything is starting to sort itself out. There are somethings with school that are confusing, but I am sure that within due time everything will figure itself out. Looking at the calender on Saturday, I really need to get started on my GRE studies this week, my term papers and my publication. So the goals this week are quite simple: Start GRE prep, do research and an outline for my Air Power paper, work on my group project, and return e-mails back to the states. It does not feel as if I have been here two weeks already. Time is flying by and that is a comforting thought! I will see some of you guys in 100 days, but I still have a lot of living and learning before then.
On Sunday, I woke up late did laundry for the first time. Laundry has once again become one of those task that is a big accomplishment when you finish (we have a washer, but no dryer). Around 9:30 we all headed to the Pub on campus to watch the Superbowl, only to find out that they had decided to close at 11. Needless to say Molly Clark and I were becoming very frustrated. We did find out that the BBC was broadcasting it live on the net (this was a miracle as we have no TV License). After the Colts lost, I cried a little and went to bed pissed off. Only to wake up Monday around 12pm homesick, wanting my boyfriend and still very upset over the loss. The day quickly got a lot better and I was able to get tons of reading done.
On Tuesday, I woke up just in time for class and to meet with my professors. If you ever decided to study abroad go and see your professors. Both Dr. Martin and Dr. Lonsdale were very happy to help me. They were also very interested in myself being American. I got involved in an hour long conversation with Dr. Martin over US Foreign Policy over the last few years. These meetings have also relieved a lot of stress of the semester, as they explained everything in great detail, gave me study tips and told me to come back if I have any questions with the class, the university or the UK in general. I will have to say that Tuesday did have a downer, dad filled to for the Sheriff's campaign and I missed that. However, he has promised to keep me informed, so hopefully I want feel as if I am missing out of a HUGE family event.
Wednesday was just a typical day with two morning tutorials and lots of reading afterwords. On Thursday we had a Mexican night and planned Spring Break. Needless to say I am going to be so busy during break. It all begins with Dublin then to Paris, Normandy, Madrid, Mallorica, Rome/ Pompeii, and possibly Geneva.
On Saturday, I went to Cambridge and had a lovely time. The weather was not that wonderful, but it was still nice to have a relaxing time in an old English town. For lunch Jesica and I found a mom and pop Italian restaurant from my England guide book and the food was AMAZING.
Yesterday was Valentines day and it was much harder than I thought. With all of the emotions that are tied around the love holiday, I found myself really homesick for my boyfriend Jae and my family. We were all suppose to go out for supper and come home for some chocolates. Those plans, however, fell apart. Two friends and I did eventually go out for dinner and their company was great. Thank you Molly and Jesica for a great V-day date.
As the weeks go by here, everything is starting to sort itself out. There are somethings with school that are confusing, but I am sure that within due time everything will figure itself out. Looking at the calender on Saturday, I really need to get started on my GRE studies this week, my term papers and my publication. So the goals this week are quite simple: Start GRE prep, do research and an outline for my Air Power paper, work on my group project, and return e-mails back to the states. It does not feel as if I have been here two weeks already. Time is flying by and that is a comforting thought! I will see some of you guys in 100 days, but I still have a lot of living and learning before then.
07 February 2010
Living in the UK
It's been a little over a week since I arrived in the United Kingdom. Since then, I have accomplished a lot and have gone through some rough spots. After arriving on 29 Jan 2010, we took a 2 hour bus ride from Manchester Airport to The University of Hull. They quickly unloaded us off of the bus, gave us our keys and showed us to our respective homes. Needless to say I was very worried about my roommates, until two of them opened the door greeted me with smiles and treated me to a cup of coffee. They were both very happy to have an American! These two, Georgina and Mayuri, are both from the UK and are first year students. My other full time roommate Emilia, is a full year exchange student from Spain and has also been nothing but help. My fourth roommate LeAnn, is never here, as she lives very close to home. Each of them have been indispensable in making me feel right at home.
On the flight from Chicago, we had several Americans and I have become very close to many of them. It's been great having them around as we have been going through the same struggles, i.e. no internet for the first few days. Two of my American friends are living with an Aussie Kristy and Marlene from France. It's been great hanging out with them and my British roommates as I am able to further my understanding of different cultures.
The first few nights were really rough, so bad that the second night here I called my boyfriend Jae crying and wanting to come home. As always he made me feel much better and helped me get my senses. Margie has also been indispensable in helping me through this process. So have my parents.
As classes have begun, all of which I was lucky to be pre-registered for, everything is starting to get better. As each day passes, I miss home less and less. This is not to say, however, that the US and all of my loved ones will not be missed. I am still trying to figure out the class readings, etc. but I will have meetings with my professors next week to sort this out. Talking with students from the department the professors are very approachable and are willing to help the students. I only have a seven and a half page paper and exam for every course, which means I am going to have a lot of studying to get ready for my finals. It is nice, nevertheless, not to have the pressures from home here. I also have Fridays and Mondays off and I am keeping my promises to Drs. Pubantz and Johnson not to stay in the Library all of the time.
This upcoming week, I hope to get a set schedule and sort all of my things out. This way I can start planning for Spring Break, start my GRE studies, and get back on the project for Dr. Prysby.
I hope that everyone at home is doing well. I plan on updating the blog weekly and posting several pictures from my various adventures through this experience. Although I am only a week into it, I can tell time is going to go by very quickly. I am thankful for my boyfriend's support as well as the support from my parents, family, friends and professors.
On the flight from Chicago, we had several Americans and I have become very close to many of them. It's been great having them around as we have been going through the same struggles, i.e. no internet for the first few days. Two of my American friends are living with an Aussie Kristy and Marlene from France. It's been great hanging out with them and my British roommates as I am able to further my understanding of different cultures.
The first few nights were really rough, so bad that the second night here I called my boyfriend Jae crying and wanting to come home. As always he made me feel much better and helped me get my senses. Margie has also been indispensable in helping me through this process. So have my parents.
As classes have begun, all of which I was lucky to be pre-registered for, everything is starting to get better. As each day passes, I miss home less and less. This is not to say, however, that the US and all of my loved ones will not be missed. I am still trying to figure out the class readings, etc. but I will have meetings with my professors next week to sort this out. Talking with students from the department the professors are very approachable and are willing to help the students. I only have a seven and a half page paper and exam for every course, which means I am going to have a lot of studying to get ready for my finals. It is nice, nevertheless, not to have the pressures from home here. I also have Fridays and Mondays off and I am keeping my promises to Drs. Pubantz and Johnson not to stay in the Library all of the time.
This upcoming week, I hope to get a set schedule and sort all of my things out. This way I can start planning for Spring Break, start my GRE studies, and get back on the project for Dr. Prysby.
I hope that everyone at home is doing well. I plan on updating the blog weekly and posting several pictures from my various adventures through this experience. Although I am only a week into it, I can tell time is going to go by very quickly. I am thankful for my boyfriend's support as well as the support from my parents, family, friends and professors.
24 January 2010
Saying Goodbye to GSO
Yesterday was the last day that I will be in Greensboro for a long time. I had such a good time with all of my friends while at the same time trying to finish my work with Dr. Prysby and finalize all of my last minute to do things. A special thanks to Brooke/ Tommy, Brittany, and Jae for letting me spend the night(s) with them while I was in town.
This past week included two great meals (thanks Dez Lambert for one of them) and a trip to Bravo's where I must say that I ate way too much. Saturday was spent sleeping in and then a last trip to Costco and Target (oh how I am going to miss those places and I must say medication is way too expensive.) Since Friday night I have not stopped eating. I ate at Pick n' Pig for the first time last night and I must say it's some of the best BBQ I have ever had. After Church today Mom and Dad took me to Blake's so that I could get my favorite meal (white meat fried chicken, french fries and applesauce). I am really glad that my blood work came back with great results and that I will be on the "UK" diet or I might find myself in a bit of a bind.
Leaving Greensboro was really hard yesterday, knowing that it is going to be a while until I am back with all of my friends. Understanding that the next few weeks will be difficult, I know that this is an opportunity of a lifetime.
This is probably going to be my last post before I arrive in the UK and between now and then there are sure to be more tears. I am going to miss my friends, Jae, my Church family, and my family.
This past week included two great meals (thanks Dez Lambert for one of them) and a trip to Bravo's where I must say that I ate way too much. Saturday was spent sleeping in and then a last trip to Costco and Target (oh how I am going to miss those places and I must say medication is way too expensive.) Since Friday night I have not stopped eating. I ate at Pick n' Pig for the first time last night and I must say it's some of the best BBQ I have ever had. After Church today Mom and Dad took me to Blake's so that I could get my favorite meal (white meat fried chicken, french fries and applesauce). I am really glad that my blood work came back with great results and that I will be on the "UK" diet or I might find myself in a bit of a bind.
Leaving Greensboro was really hard yesterday, knowing that it is going to be a while until I am back with all of my friends. Understanding that the next few weeks will be difficult, I know that this is an opportunity of a lifetime.
This is probably going to be my last post before I arrive in the UK and between now and then there are sure to be more tears. I am going to miss my friends, Jae, my Church family, and my family.
16 January 2010
Two weeks left!
On Friday my pounds came in, which is a good thing considering that two weeks from now I will be in the UK. As time gets closer, it's beginning to set in that I will be gone for four and a half months. During this time my younger sister will be turning 18 and my boyfriend will be graduating from college (I am hoping to make it back for graduation!!).
This Monday, Mom and I are going to Greensboro to start and complete my shopping for Europe. I am so much stuff to pack and I really need to get started making a list. Although, I got a great idea today about how to charge my American appliances in the UK. Take a power strip and one converter. It's the best thing since well, sliced bread. I can't take the credit for it though I got the idea from a college's study abroad tips. As next week will be my last week here, I am going to UNC-G to finish my assistantship and hang out will all of my great friends. One thing is for sure, I am going to miss these guys. They are my rock when something goes wrong, esp. at school. On Saturday, I will be returning to spend my last few days in the US with my family.
It's hard to believe that I am this close to leaving, but this is going to be an adventure of a life time and something that I can never replace. I want to think God for such a wonderful support system of family, Jae (my boyfriend) and friends. I could not do this without you guys. I <3 you all!!!
This Monday, Mom and I are going to Greensboro to start and complete my shopping for Europe. I am so much stuff to pack and I really need to get started making a list. Although, I got a great idea today about how to charge my American appliances in the UK. Take a power strip and one converter. It's the best thing since well, sliced bread. I can't take the credit for it though I got the idea from a college's study abroad tips. As next week will be my last week here, I am going to UNC-G to finish my assistantship and hang out will all of my great friends. One thing is for sure, I am going to miss these guys. They are my rock when something goes wrong, esp. at school. On Saturday, I will be returning to spend my last few days in the US with my family.
It's hard to believe that I am this close to leaving, but this is going to be an adventure of a life time and something that I can never replace. I want to think God for such a wonderful support system of family, Jae (my boyfriend) and friends. I could not do this without you guys. I <3 you all!!!
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