A Journey of Self-Discovery

This would be one of those moments, as I have been informed that I’m slacking by a few friends. I’ve been swamped lately with getting everything in order and figuring out the best way to stay organized and what not, BUT I FOUND A MOMENT. 

My first week of lessons is over, and granted I was only able to go to two of the lessons because of International Student requirements that conflicted, I really quite enjoyed it. The classes are a bit more laid back than I’m used to, but they mostly only meet one day a week for about three hours. The crazy thing is, in one of my classes, he let us get up and leave the room for like, 10-15 minutes and get food and coffee! Not to mention the fact that my tutor (aka a professor here) makes doctor who jokes and will sit and just read Shakespeare to us for 20 minutes. It’s wonderful. The other thing that’s a bit different is the coursework. I don’t actually get homework each night—I am not necessarily even told to read, but obviously if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be well prepared and understand much of the lecture. Next week will be the real test because that’s when things get real—orientation will officially be over. 

Today was fun. After staying up really late with Hannah and skyping with Jeff and Eric for a disgusting amount of time, I slept til one, got up, and went to town with Hannah, Bethen, Gabby, and Ant. That was a lot of fun. We poked around a million different shops, ate McDonalds, (they really are everywhere…One double cheese burger and chips, please!), and finally went to Sainsburys. Everyone was super helpful and patient as I got everything together. I know they needed to get a lot less than I did. I bought myself a lot of stuff, but it’ll last me quite a while. I got some chop meat, pasta, sauce, and cheese so that I can just heat myself up a quick pasta dish any night, some tuna, bread, and some drinks. That should definitely last a while. Additionally, I bought a pot, (I’m borrowing Hannah/Bethen’s pan for the year as they insisted), a pie tin, because c’mon…it’s pie, knives, and a big bowl for…well for anything, really.

Tomorrow will definitely prove to be fun as well. As it turns out, tomorrow is the Chinese New Year and some of the international students are from China, so we’re all going to meet tomorrow in Becci’s dorm/kitchen, and they’re going to make us traditional Chinese food, while Becci and I make some desserts. I’m REALLY excited about that. It must be hard to be away from your family during such an important holiday, but hopefully we’ll help make it easier. I think Easter is going to be a bit tough, this year, but I suppose it will just give me a chance to experience the holiday in a different culture!

BOUGHT A LOCAL PHONE TODAY!!! 

And just to give you a little perspective…

Just a bit different…But I got a really good plan…only 1p (penny) to call to the states, and free to call anyone here who is on O2, which idk if anyone is, free to receive texts, and I think like…10p to send texts. Pay as you go, too, so definitely a good thing to have. 

I’ve finally started writing again and it feels really good. I’m hoping to get a bit more done tonight…maybe finish a chapter! 

I miss everyone tons and I love you all. Thanks for following and keeping in touch!

MP