How do pack everything you need for three months in one checked bag (under 50lbs), one carry-on, and one personal item? It seems ridiculous. Ok, so I could've brought more luggage. But I didn't want to pay for luggage, I'd rather use my money on other things. So packing was difficult. I had to narrow down what I brought with, which wasn't hard until the shoes.... I love shoes, but I had to be realistic and only bring what I needed. So, a pair of tennis shoes, sneakers, black flats, and rain boots were my choices. I know, only those shoes! I only brought 5 pairs of jeans, 2 dresses, and about 10 shirts. It takes skill to narrow down and entire wardrobe to just that. Once my clothes and all other essentials were packed, it was time to pack the important stuff: Jade, Phoebe, and Winnie. Unfortunately, they didn't make it through customs....
Saying goodbye was the hardest part. Not much need to go into detail... simply it was a bunch of tears and hugs... I didn't think it would be so hard to walk away from parents in the airport.
The plane ride was alright. The inflight movie was "Just Right" (I think) and the food was awful! But I was able to do some journaling which is always nice. The flight with layover was about 12 hours... long I know! I arrived in Manchester England at 7am England time and 2am Jasper time! Didn't sleep on the plane... seriously, it was like early evening in Jasper! Once I arrived at the airport, I sat around forever..... There was some confusion with the pick-up location, but eventually someone found me and I made the 40 minute trip to Chester, UK!
Finally! Home, sweet home for the next three months! I made it! My roommate - Fantastic! She is from California and her name is Kortnei! She is so lively and funny and I think we are going tear the UK up! I met so many people the first night that it is unbelievable.... Kortnei, Laura and April (neighbors across the hall, also from the US), Danny and Johnny (down the hall, also from the US), Ali (down the hall, from UK), Nate (random guy, UK), Alex (international student, France), Manu (International student, Spain - I think), Carmen (international student... I can't remember). Almost all of us went out to Cruise. It is a local club and it was amazing! It had 3 bars, 2 dance floors, and a lounge! It was so much fun, we danced almost all night in the dance room upstairs.... crazy lights, fog, and great music! It got a little crazy though, because this week is Fresher's week and there are a ton of parties for the freshmen and since you only have to be 18 to drink, there were a lot of drunk people. ***I would like to say that I am glad our drinking age is 21***
It was freezing as we walked back to campus, but it was my first time into the heart of Chester, and it was unbelievable. I knew I would get a full tour of it the next day, but I was so sad that I didn't bring my camera... My first night was amazing! Great people, awesome nightlife, an amazing city.... yeah, I'm pretty lucky ;)
That brings me to today. Again, crazy. Full of meetings about being an international student and what to expect. Getting stuff for my room. Eating nasty food (more about this in another blog). But then came the tour. This city is filled with so much history! This city was supposed to be the capital of the Roman Empire, but then Empire fell.... wah wah. The walls still have some of the original stones from when it was built during the Empire! You can see all the different types of architecture throughout the city: Roman, Saxon, Elizabethan, Georgian, etc. There was so much to see and so little time today. Luckily, I am here for three months! Below is a video from the heart of Chester!
I closed out my night by skyping with my family. I love and miss their beautiful faces and was so happy to talk to them and catch up on 2 days of stuff! What a crazy whirlwind these last days have been, but I am so happy to be here and cannot wait for more wonderful experiences! *sigh* Goodnight, world.
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