9 January 2014: Feeling Like I Belong

Today when I woke up, I had a sore throat and the early signs of a cold, so I thought that today would be a crummy day. However, it turned out to be one of the best days that I've had since being in England...including all of the days that I spent exploring London!

At 11AM, my one seminar had a brief meeting with our tutor. Only six or so of us came, but it was nice to meet those people. The one girl and I chatted for a bit after, and they all seemed really nice. I'm a lot less nervous for class now that I know that I'll be in a kind environment.

After that, I went to the information centre (no, that's spelled correctly) to pick up my student I.D. It sounds stupid, I know, but getting that I.D. completely turned things around for me. From the moment I had that little plastic card in my hand, I really started to feel like I belong here. I walked around campus with a new sort of confidence, no longer feeling like some strange American who was bumbling her way through England, but like a York student.

Tonight, just as I was finishing up another section of the book I'm reading for my one class and thinking about going down to the kitchen to heat up some pasta, some of the people in my house invited me to get Chinese food with them. I happily agreed. We all hung out for several hours, playing games, eating food, and laughing. I cannot even begin to tell you how much better I feel now that I've got some friends at this school. It's been so long since I've let down my guard like that. I had fun explaining how the cities in "Glee" are not all within walking distance, telling them how Cleveland works, learning some new words ("So what exactly IS a quid?"), and learning yet again how much better British television is than American.

Not even 10 days into this trip and I'm already starting to feel like I belong. It's a wonderful, wonderful feeling.

 Oh. And this was marked down to 1 pound. So I got 80 teabags for a pound. Or a quid, as it were. :)

January 8th - Joining the Community

Yesterday, I had my International orientation. I met a girl from Germany and another girl from Italy, but I was too shy to really talk to them properly, so I had another night of eating peanut butter sandwiches alone in my room while skyping with friends from back home. I'm not going to lie, the past week had been pretty rough. As I told my one friend, I've been in a very large and loyal friend group since I was 14. It's weird starting from the bottom again.

When I was a freshman in college, I had my core group of friends in my year and it was awesome. However, the people who really showed us around and taught us what Wooster was all about was a group of seniors who lived in a place called Reed House. They all "adopted" us and really helped us through that difficult transition period of our lives. My friends and I often discuss how lost we'd be without Reed House.

Luckily from me, one of the graduates from Reed House, Katie K., happens to be in the masters program at York this year! She and I met up in the city and she showed me the ropes. I officially love the city of York. All of the shops are cute, there's a DELICIOUS pasty place where you can get one of my favorite foods ever for a pound, there's history everywhere, and it's a nice manageable size. It's essentially an "Ellen-sized London." I was really grateful that she was there to show me around, or else I probably never would have left my dorm.

However, when I was coming back, I got off at a weird stop and got lost for a bit before I found the shuttle to take me to the stop that I had wanted. On that shuttle, I ran into the two girls from orientation. I found out that the girl from Italy is going to be in one of my classes and I THINK the seminar group that goes with it, so I'll actually know somebody in there! 

While in town, I bought a pot and a pan, so I can finally cook! While I was doing some reading for one of my classes, there was a knock at my door. A few girls in my house introduced themselves to me and invited me to go down to the kitchen to cook and eat with them. I happily joined them and was relieved that I'd finally met the girls on my floor. Everybody in the house seems really nice, and I can definitely see myself becoming friends with them.

We had a bit of a funny conversation at dinner, though. I was asked where I was from, and I said, "Ohio. Right where they're having that big freeze right now. Coldest it's been in 20 years." They asked me how cold, and I said that it was -10. The one boy nodded and asked how hot it gets in the summer. I told him 90, and he looked confused for a second before saying, "Oh. You use Fahrenheit, right?" I'm like "oh yeah!" So we used an app to calculate the Celsius version of Ohio's weather to better illustrate just how cold it is right now.

I must get back to this reading...I didn't know about the website where it's posted until yesterday and have quite a bit to do for class...but to quote Annie, "I think I'm gonna like it here!"

                                Cafe Nero is the UK's version of Starbucks. Much better!!!

                          My delicious pasty. I think I got the steak and potato one. It was perfect. 

                                                                Oh, you know. York.

January 6th

Yesterday when I woke up, I realized that I was alone in England without knowing anybody, so I kind of refused to leave my room all day. Well, no, that's a lie. I went to the bathroom twice and took a shower at night. But I never changed out of my pajamas, ate peanut butter sandwiches from the bread and peanut butter that I already had in my room, and talked to my American friends on Facebook. The general response that I got from them went something along the lines of, "What do you MEAN you're in England and you're just hiding in your room? How do you expect to make friends when you won't go outside?!" I realized that they had a point. I'm here, so I'd might as well live it up.

This morning, I woke up at around 10, got ready, and set out to explore the campus. As I crossed the parking lot to get from Hallifax College (The place where I'm living) to the main campus, I ran into my one friend who's here through the same program as me. I was instantly relieved. We exchanged phone numbers and added each other on Facebook, so now I can at least contact one other undergrad. I then walked around the campus, making myself get a little bit lost so that I'd be able to figure out how to get around.

Campus is huge! All of the buildings are large and modern. There's lakes and bridges and covered walkways and paths that go through academic buildings. Since it's exam week here, all of the students walking around me were stressing out a bit, but they all seemed friendly enough, which is good.

It said on my schedule that all of my classes this term are in Heslington West. As I followed the signs around to try and find Heslington Hall, I became slightly discouraged, wondering where this building could be. When I finally found Heslington Hall, I was stunned. It didn't look like the modern buildings. It was an old, beautiful building with a duck pond outside of it and a large tree sculpture garden. (When I got back to my room, I found out that Heslington Hall and Heslington West MIGHT be different places, but here's to hoping that it's the same thing!)

Tired of eating sandwiches but unable to cook anything "real," (since I don't have any cooking supplies), I bought a frozen chicken korma with rice and made it in the kitchen microwave. I'm no stranger to microwaving food, but seeing as how this was my first hot meal in a couple of days, it was very welcome. Plus, it's the first thing that I've "cooked" since I've been in England. Baby steps, I guess ;)

                                                      Hopefully my new building!

                                   There are birds EVERYWHERE! Meaghan would freak out.

                                                          Just gangs and gangs of birds.

                                Never thought I'd find a campus half as beautiful as Wooster :)

                                                              My first hot dinner!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow is the International Student Orientation. I'm really excited to finally learn what this place is all about!!!

January 4th, 2014: FINALLY IN YORK!

This morning, the two other York people, a staff person, and I all got onto a train at Kings Cross Station to York. We arrived at around 11:30 and were met by someone who works with the international students here. We were signed into our rooms, received our bedding packs, and got our first tour of the campus. Despite the dampness (it IS January, after all), it’s an extraordinarily beautiful place. I’m absolutely in love. We took a bus into the town, walked around the wall, got some lunch at a British tea room, and just explored the city a bit. I must say, I prefer York over London by a long shot. This is my kind of city.

            After we were finished exploring a bit, the two other York students and I took a bus back to campus. We went to an on-campus grocery store to pick up a few essential items. I got all non-parishable things, because I’m not sure what the refrigerator situation is yet. Looks like it’s cereal, canned pasta, and peanut butter sandwiches for the next few days!! 

            When I got back to my room, I spent two hours trying to figure out how to get onto the Internet. I finally figured it out, and life is good :) Now to finish eating this can of Heinz Spaghetti...

                                                        ((Gotta get back to Hogwarts!!!))

                                                            ((Kings Cross Station!!!!!))

                                                         Finally in York, England!!!!!!!!!!

                                                       The wall that surrounds the city :D

                   The English Tea Room where we had lunch. I had a jacket potato with cheese.

January 3, 2014: I REALLY Needed The Internet (Oh, And London)

Early Morning

            (At some point, I’m going to start writing the date in British…)

            Last night, this time zone thing really kicked in. My first night here, I was so exhausted from traveling and all that jazz that falling asleep was effortless. However, last night, my body was all, “Dude. It’s only 7PM.” Don’t get me wrong. I was DEFINITELY tired enough. However, after I took my shower and crawled into bed, I stared at the wall for over an hour, trying to sleep. It didn’t work. I played a couple of iPod apps to calm me down. Didn’t work. Tried every “fall asleep game” on the planet. Nope. Got up to get some water. Nope. Ate one of those Ben’s Cookies (Which I’ll have to say are the absolute best). Nope. Finally, around 3AM, my body let me fall asleep.

            Now, I’m waiting until my noon meeting with the two other York people. After that, we’ll have a 1pm lunch, and then, the day is ours for exploring! It’s my last day in London, so I can’t wait to see what adventures I find : )  Even though I’m more than happy that I’m not living in this big ol’ city for the next six months, I have to admit that I love being here for a few days at a time.

            It’s just like that song from “Sweeney Todd” says: There’s No Place Like London.

January 3, 2014: Evening

            What. A. Day!

            Since the meeting was so small, I was able to chat a bit with the Butler staff. We were all talking about how much the lack of wifi is bothering us. I said something along the lines of, “yeah, I just wish that I could tell my parents that I got into London safely,” and one of the staff was like “You mean you haven’t talked to your parents yet?!” and she let me e-mail my mom off of her phone, which made me feel loads better. I’m not sure if she got it yet and I haven’t heard if there was a response (mainly because I didn’t see her at all after the meeting), but at least I’ve let America know that all is well in England.

            After lunch, one of the other people going to York and I decided to do London in an afternoon. It was all so exciting. We navigated our way out of the sketchy Soho area that we’re in now and went to the places that clean-cut humanities majors from small private liberal arts college like to explore. We went to the British Museum, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Parliament, saw the London Eye, saw Westminster Cathedral… it was all so incredible! As we walked back through a park, we decided that maybe we’d like London a bit more if we had been staying in that half of town instead of the area that we’re in now, but I suppose that that’s why we’re going to York and not staying here, because the other people on our trip all seem to love this part of London. Now, I’m laying on my bed in my hotel room, far too exhausted to even think about finding something to eat. I might just be a huge noob and get some Burger King to go and bring it back to the room…but right now, my feet hurt far too much to even think about making that adventure.

                                                                  The British Museum

                                                   Obligatory picture of the Rosetta Stone

                                                                 Selfie with Big Ben!

                     What's more British than a double decker bus with One Direction on it?!?!?!

                                                    Outside of Buckingham Palace

                                            The Union Jack flying over Buckingham Palace

           

Later:

            Dinner turned out to be some trail mix, some crackers, and a Ben’s Cookie. (I think that I’ll take a couple of the vitamins that mom packed for me as well…) Right now, I’m trying to re-pack all of my things so that I’ll be ready to board the train tomorrow. We’re meeting in the lobby at 8:15 AM so that we can get to Kings Cross with enough time to visit platform 9 ¾ (eee!!!) Looks like I’m bringing my Harry Potter scarf in my backpack tomorrow ;)

            After the adventure that I had today, I do admit that I’ll miss London a bit…but I REALLY can’t wait to get to York!
 

January 2, 2014: Day 2 Without Internet (And In London)

            Today, a couple of other girls and I set out after a morning of meetings and our lunch break to purchase some cheap phones. I ended up going with a cheap plastic Nokia 105 that has a 10 pound a month pay-as-you-go plan, which I figure is as cheap as it gets. The only problem is that I’m not sure how to get the case off of the back to get the SIM card in there, so if I don’t figure it out by tomorrow, I think that I’ll walk back to the store before lunch to figure it out.

            Still haven’t been able to find any Internet yet, so I hope that my parents aren’t worrying about me too terribly much. It’s really hard not being able to communicate with my family and friends at all. But at the same time, if I was able to, I would have called home to ask daddy if I was making the right choice for phones or which plan I should go with and all that jazz. It’s almost as if London is forcing me to be an independent adult who makes her own independent adult decisions. A bit of a harsh push into reality, but I feel like it’s one that I desperately need. 

            While we were walking around London, I saw a place that my good friend Sarah Roman had told me about called Ben’s Cookies. She fell in love with them when she went abroad a year ago and wrote me a lengthy wall post before I came over here about how I had to go there and buy an 8-cookie tin. My friends and I decided to stop and check it out. I purchased a four-cookie tin (Sorry, Sarah! It’s only my second day in Europe and I don’t want to spend 12 pounds on sweets just yet), but I’ve yet to eat any of them. However, one girl that I was with purchased a cookie and ate it right away and told us that it was the best thing ever and it’s well worth the hype. I can’t wait until I finally cave and dig in! I feel like it’ll be tonight haha.

            I found out this morning that there are only 3 people from my program going to York. I guess that it’s a blessing and a curse. While it would be nice to know more than two people when I go over there in a couple of days, it’ll be nice to be forced to make British friends and to interact with non-Butler people. Besides. The two Butler-York people I met were quality, so it’s fine. And I’ll know Katie Kowicki as well, so it’s not like I’ll have NO friends!

            Can’t wait to get some wifi access. I might pop into McDonalds tomorrow to see if I can connect to some of theirs.

January 2, 2014: Evening

            Tonight, IFSA-Butler took us to Wimbleton (yes, like the golf place) to see a pantomime theater production of Aladdin. Our bus got there a couple of hours early, so a couple of friends and I went to our first (well, my first…I can’t speak for the others) British pub. Since I don’t want to spend too much money, I just got garlic bread for dinner. After that, we went to the theater. It was like nothing I’d ever experienced before! Not only was the entire thing laced with British humor (including a few jokes that shocked the overly politically correct American in me…you can’t make some of those jokes in a production meant for children in the States!), but the songs were all popular radio tunes. You’ve got to love a show that ends with the company singing “Live While We’re Young” by One Direction!

            On the way home, we drove through London at night and saw a few iconic spots from the comfort of our bus windows. I must admit, my brother and older cousins all rubbed off on me a bit, because when we passed up Big Ben, I muttered, “Look. A clock. Because we don’t have THOSE in America.” (Parks and Rec, anyone???) The London Eye looked pretty when it was lit up all blue, but I’d never pay 17 pounds to ride it. Heck, I probably wouldn’t go up on that thing even if they paid ME that kind of money! In the words of the Internet, “2 spoopy no thank you.”

            I never knew how much I depended on the Internet until the past two days. It’s weird to think that I’ve only been without it for so short of a time. I really think that I only miss being able to communicate with my family and friends back home. Don’t get me wrong, I miss the Youtube and stuff, but I think I’d be a lot better if I could say “hi” to mom, dad, Joe, and all of the other people that I enjoy associating with. I mean, it’s a lot better now that I have a roommate and stuff, but it’s still strange. Like, what if my goldfish are dead? What if something happened to one of my friends? What if a family member is sick?

            I would have never survived on the island on Lost.

January 1, 2014

Hello, all!!

Sorry about the lack of updates. I didn't have any wifi for a few days (as you will see by the whining in the following posts), so I blogged on a word doc. Here's what I had to say each day!!!

((Well, I didn't blog about the plane from NYC-London, so I'll just do that now))

The plane from Charlotte to JFK went rather well. Nothing really notable happened, but I got this great picture that reminded me of The Lion King:

                               ((Look, Simba. Everything the light touches will be yours someday))


When I got to JFK and found the right terminal (It involved an air train and asking people for help and other scary things), I saw that there were about 100 IFSA-Butler students all crammed together in one little corner. It was great! I started talking to the other people, hanging out with them and swapping stories. It made me confident that London was the way to go. 

                                   ((Airplane dinner. Beef and veggies. Actually rather tasty!!))

    ((I was GOING to listen to Stephen Fry read the first Harry Potter book on the plane, but it broke))

Then, when I got to my room in London...

January 1, 2014: Evening

            After peeling myself out of bed, my orientation group and I walked through Muggle London until we got to a rather nice restaurant called Grace. I had some feta and pea risotto and a lemon tart for dinner. The restaurant supposedly had wifi, but for some reason, my iPod touch says that it’s connected to wifi here in England, but then tells me that it doesn’t know what’s going on and won’t load anything. I think that’s worse than having no wifi at all.

            After dinner, a few people and I were feeling rather adventurous, so we decided to walk around until we found some trendy pub or something to go in. However, as we walked, things kept on getting sketchier and sketchier until we were in some strange part of Soho that was filled with stores that we’d rather not enter. A nice gentleman helped us back to the “clean cut” area. We saw a pub called the Duke of Wellington and thought, “Hey! That looks nice and sounds British!” But while the bouncer was checking our IDs, he said, “Just to warn you all, this IS a gay bar.” And when we looked in the window, we saw that no one in there was under the age of 50, so we decided to keep walking.

After walking around a bit and going into a couple of stores, we decided to just head back to the hotel, seeing as how we’re all still dead tired from our travels.

((But I DID try to connect to McDonalds’ free wifi on the way back. Again, it said that it connected, but then it didn’t load anything. This had better not become a trend.)) ((Let’s just hope that my parents are getting the mental vibes that I’m sending them about how I’m safe))

That’s all fine and dandy, yes. But in all of that, I actually made some progress in prioritizing real things over fandom things.

Let me explain.

Tonight in the UK, Sherlock came back at 8pm. However, instead of telling my new friends that I’d just hang out with them later, I opted to miss Sherlock. I’m internally dying right now because it’s 8:24 PM, there’s a TV in my room, and I don’t have any Internet or anything, but I can’t just start watching in the middle. It’d spoil everything.

Besides. Today, when we were driving into London, we drove past Baker Street. So that counts…right?

Whatever. Let’s all mark the calendar, people. January 1, 2014: Ellen picked people over fandom.