Ireland was absolutely wonderful. Everything I had pictured and more. I knew there was a reason I had always wanted to go there. If I ever get a second home in another country, it will def. be in Ireland. It is such a beautiful place, with so much cultural around every corner, statues, historical buildings, castles, old homes, pubs, just everything is so great and has so much to do with the history of Ireland.
I was able to go in a big circle around ireland, from Dublin, Blarney Castle, The Barren Code, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, and so many more places. Galway is a better city to visit than Dublin, because Dublin is becoming to touristy, still liked both places. And the Barren Code was pretty amazing, just a huge stretch of rock, but the crazy thing is that there is plants and wildlife from all over that grow there, even some alaskan flower.
I def. will be visiting Ireland again one day, there is still so much i didn't get to see!
Now the trip wasn't perfect we got to experience the lovely irish weather of liquid sunshine daily, and cloudy-ness. But still thats the irish life, so I could deal with it. :P
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Scotland, Home of Hamish
Being in scotland for four days was great.
I went all over, from the lowlands to the highlands and to the Isle of Skye. It was beautiful, to put it mildy. The second day there was snow on the mountains, by the third roads were being closed because of the snow storm. It was freezing, snowy and, rainy, but wonderful. I got to see some castles, landscape, and learn some great history of Scotland. The tour guide was pretty great, she was easy-going and made some silly jokes, but also knew what she was talking about. One thing that I remember easily is that faery's are real, never forget it and don't make one mad. Other stuff is about the clan system and about fighting and how history made the present Scotland.
The first name of Scotland was Caledonia, meaning land of the woods. Romans first named Scotland, when it was still covered in forest. Interesting little fact because there is hardly anywhere near as much woods. I think the tour guide said it was 90% covered and now is only 5%.
More important note.
Hamish, is the name of the famous Scottish Cow. He was an awesome cow. I wish I could buy myself one, but it would have ot be just like this cow. Hamish would pose for pictures, look towards the camera, at least thats what is seemed like through all of his hair. You could pet him and feed him. He was the best cow ever.
I went all over, from the lowlands to the highlands and to the Isle of Skye. It was beautiful, to put it mildy. The second day there was snow on the mountains, by the third roads were being closed because of the snow storm. It was freezing, snowy and, rainy, but wonderful. I got to see some castles, landscape, and learn some great history of Scotland. The tour guide was pretty great, she was easy-going and made some silly jokes, but also knew what she was talking about. One thing that I remember easily is that faery's are real, never forget it and don't make one mad. Other stuff is about the clan system and about fighting and how history made the present Scotland.
The first name of Scotland was Caledonia, meaning land of the woods. Romans first named Scotland, when it was still covered in forest. Interesting little fact because there is hardly anywhere near as much woods. I think the tour guide said it was 90% covered and now is only 5%.
More important note.
Hamish, is the name of the famous Scottish Cow. He was an awesome cow. I wish I could buy myself one, but it would have ot be just like this cow. Hamish would pose for pictures, look towards the camera, at least thats what is seemed like through all of his hair. You could pet him and feed him. He was the best cow ever.
| Day One Edinburgh to Loch Ness | Day Two Skye day-tour | Day Three Return to Edinburgh |
| · Leave Edinburgh towards Stirling passing by Linlithgow Palace- birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots · Stirling battlefields- where Wallace and Bruce bravely fought for Scotland’s freedom! · Through the Trossachs- Rob Roy MacGregor country · Rannoch Moor- the largest expanse of uninhabited wilderness in Europe! · Glencoe- site of the infamous bloody massacre in the winter of 1692 · Great Glen- Lochs Linnhe, Lochy, Oich, and.. Ness! · Fort William and Ben Nevis- the highest mountain in the UK · Fort Augustus & Morag’s (Nessie’s sister’s) Lodge | · Loch Garry- affectionately known as “Scotland’s Loch”, and on to ‘The Road To The Isles’ · Glen Shiel & the Five Sisters of Kintail- they weren’t always there you know! · Eilean Donan Castle- used in the film ‘Highlander’ · Over the sea to Skye! · Broadford and ‘Beinn na Caillich’- Hill of the Old Woman, grave of Saucy Mary · Sligachan Glen and a Highland faerie story, and views of Glamaig - hill race run each year · Portree and magnificent Trotternish- ‘nish’ being the Norse word for peninsula. · Back over the Skye Bridge to Fort Augustus | · Drive the full length of mysterious Loch Ness, past ruined Urquhart Castle · Inverness- meaning ‘At the mouth of the River Ness’ · Culloden Moor- where Bonnie Prince Charlie led the Highlanders in the doomed final Jacobite uprising, and changed Scotland forever · Clava Cairns - prehistoric burial chambers · Through the Cairngorms National Park to Kingussie for lunch · Drumochter Pass- the highest road in Britain · Dunkeld- shimmering River Tay and the ruined Cathedral. Back to the Lowlands! · Past Perth- an ancient capital of our nation · Forth Road / Rail Bridges |
Friday, February 19, 2010
Class Fun
And a little bit about my classes. I really enjoy most of them, but I have one teacher who is a bit mean, he just needs to calm down and it wouldn't be so bad. I love my creative writing class, it is a lot of fun, but can be nerve-wrecking! We do random writings and then he calls on people to read their work out loud. I am always nervous at that point, but its good practice. I wrote a poem today, it had to be a school memory and we had about ten minutes to write it. I guess I could put it on here, give a sample of the class. Remember it was a quick write and poetry is not my best skill. But its a cute poem.
And this is the first draft!
And this is the first draft!
Tag your it: Anger Flares, no fun and games
He lunges, he pushes: knocks me right to the cold hard ground
Crack, Pop, Snap- broken collarbone
Brother wasn’t playing games
Now pain, swelling, time for the emergency room
No salty tears from me, tag is not game for the weak.
School Tomorrow, 1st grade
Glue smell, writing practice, spelling bee, playing games, laughter fills the air
You see an arm in a sling, yet no complaints from me
Special treatment comes my way
Less writing, more candy, help from everyone
Center of attention in 1st grade.
Brother was mean, not playing a game
But now I’m the golden child
Sweet and sour candy, more help, extra attention, envy fills his heart
Arm in a sling, 1st grade, its not so bad!
Hehe, silly, but cute and yes I had to read this out-loud!
I would give samples from my other classes, but no other does things like this. My other classes are mostly reading and the only one essay maybe two. Still I enjoy them, I like my schedule here.
Much Needed Update!
Lots has happened since my last post, I have been slacking and its time to catch up!
Fist I have pretty much found my place here in Wales, I have a good group of friends and my classes seem to be going well. I know where to get food at and anything else I need. So yea, life is pretty good here.
I do miss food from home though, a real home cooked meal would be good, but I have a few months to wait for that.
I haven't got to go around and travel much because of school and being busy, but I have attended many birthday parties, including my own! Having my 19th birthday here was fun for sure! And the other birthday parties were fun. I have been shopping a few times. I really feel that when it gets warmer traveling around will get much more inviting. I really hope to go to London soon and maybe Amsterdam and Ireland over my Easter Break. I love having a 3 week Easter Break, but its hard to find stuff to do when it seems like everyone else is going home, even the other international students! So maybe Amsterdam with a couple of other people, but thats still in the beginning stages of planning and a trip to Ireland on my own, but it will be through a tour company, so I should be safe. :)
I just turned in my first assignment! Yea its almost halfway through the semester and I just now had to write an essay. It amazes me, but I enjoy it. Gives me more time for going out. I went to the movies last night and watched Valentines Day, its was a good movie, pretty funny. The theatre was no different than one at home and I much enjoyed the popcorn!
Besides that not much has going on, just can't wait for more traveling around and warm weather!
Some Pictures--
Saturday, January 9, 2010
I Survived! (Week 1)
The image to the left is of wales right where I live. It is the view I get when I walk out and to the side of my building.
I like it here, but the walking is killer. I have to walk up this huge, steep hill to get to my building each day. I would say that I should get my legs in shape quick.
I have enjoyed my first week besides some of the annoying hiccups that I have had to deal with, but as of now things are looking up. The people are still very friendly and I meet more people every time I go out to have fun. M and I get along well and are planning many trips around the UK. I can't wait to get even more use to the area and use to taking trains or taxi's everywhere, but I don't think that will take long.
Campus was closed 2 or 3 days this first week because of the snow, which in my opinion was no more that what was on the ground when I left home, but it was a big deal here. It is pretty though, the snow seems to be more powdery here, till the ice attacks. But the snow does make for a pretty sight (and picture).
Well the first week has been tough, but it got better quick. I feel like I am settling in pretty easy. And I think I really enjoy the rest of the weeks, well months, that I have left here!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Fun Quote
“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
First Outing!
Finally, I made a friend here. She is really nice. I meet her because she is the only other international student coming to Glamorgan at this time; she is from Norway! Well yesterday we went shopping in the Pontypridd town for awhile. Then later that night I went over to her flat to hang out with her and her flat-mates, who seem to be much more inviting than mine. They even put my birthday on the calender, so they can bake me a cake and we can "celebrate". They were all really nice.
Later M (my only friend) and I went out with some other people to some bars, so that we can meet people and get out of the room. Well I ordered my first drink at a bar, it made me nervous. I felt like I was going to be arrested since the laws in the US are different. :P. Well I only ordered beer because thats what they ordered and I didn't know what to get. I hated it. So this other guy saw I wasn't really drinking my drink and went and ordered a more "girly drink" and traded with me. :) So no wasted money and a much better drink. After that bar, which was a more chill type of place we walked down the street (not even 20 foot) and came to another bar. This bar had loud music, some dancing, it was more of a party bar. I really didn't like it as much, to chaotic. For some reasons all the bars started closing around 11:30, maybe cause a weeknight, maybe cause of the weather (snow), I am not sure. So we called it a night. Still I meet a lot of people and now have more plans set up throughout this weekend and next week. :)
(pictures are of the two bars that I found online)
During this outing I met people from all over, Norway, Germany, Italy, Canada, and maybe some other places, well of course also from the UK. It was a fun time, everybody was really nice.
I can't wait for my next time going out. M and I are heading to Cardiff this Saturday to see the place, go to the Castle, and shop some. Then on Tuesday I am heading back to Cardiff with M and some other girls for some fun.
Meeting more people, experiencing the UK is going to be great.
Later M (my only friend) and I went out with some other people to some bars, so that we can meet people and get out of the room. Well I ordered my first drink at a bar, it made me nervous. I felt like I was going to be arrested since the laws in the US are different. :P. Well I only ordered beer because thats what they ordered and I didn't know what to get. I hated it. So this other guy saw I wasn't really drinking my drink and went and ordered a more "girly drink" and traded with me. :) So no wasted money and a much better drink. After that bar, which was a more chill type of place we walked down the street (not even 20 foot) and came to another bar. This bar had loud music, some dancing, it was more of a party bar. I really didn't like it as much, to chaotic. For some reasons all the bars started closing around 11:30, maybe cause a weeknight, maybe cause of the weather (snow), I am not sure. So we called it a night. Still I meet a lot of people and now have more plans set up throughout this weekend and next week. :)
(pictures are of the two bars that I found online)
During this outing I met people from all over, Norway, Germany, Italy, Canada, and maybe some other places, well of course also from the UK. It was a fun time, everybody was really nice.
I can't wait for my next time going out. M and I are heading to Cardiff this Saturday to see the place, go to the Castle, and shop some. Then on Tuesday I am heading back to Cardiff with M and some other girls for some fun.
Meeting more people, experiencing the UK is going to be great.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Differences!
This is a list of differences that I encounter comparing the UK to the US. I will add to it the more differences I notice. :)
1. Door Handles (sometimes)
2. Toilets (the back is hidden behind the wall in stead of being attached)
3. Outlets
4. Accent (And some people speak Welsh)
5. French Fries are call chips (yes Melissa I found a fish and chips restaurant)
6. Potato chips are called crisps
7. Steering Wheel is on the other side of the car
8. People drive on the opposite side of the road
9. Use Pounds, means different paper money and different coins
10. Shower handle is numbered 1-10, 10 making it hotter. I put it on 3 1/2 and its pretty hot.
11. Some packaging is different, such as the Skittle bag or some chip(crisp) bags.
1. Door Handles (sometimes)
2. Toilets (the back is hidden behind the wall in stead of being attached)
3. Outlets
4. Accent (And some people speak Welsh)
5. French Fries are call chips (yes Melissa I found a fish and chips restaurant)
6. Potato chips are called crisps
7. Steering Wheel is on the other side of the car
8. People drive on the opposite side of the road
9. Use Pounds, means different paper money and different coins
10. Shower handle is numbered 1-10, 10 making it hotter. I put it on 3 1/2 and its pretty hot.
11. Some packaging is different, such as the Skittle bag or some chip(crisp) bags.
And yes there are five differences in the picture, I took the time to find them to be sure. :)
Class Schedule!
Reading Poetry Monday 11:00-1:00
American Short Story Monday 3:00-5:00
19th Century Literature Tuesday 1:00-3:00
Modernism Friday 9:00-11:00
Creative Writing Friday 11:00-1:00
History of The English Language Friday 2:00-4:00
No Class on Wednesday or Thursday!!! :)
No Super Early Classes!!
I must say that I am very pleased with my schedule
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Venting Is Good
I don’t get it. I have been here for a couple of days, everyone has been nice, but I have consistently worried about food and where I need to go. The university has had me be a sitting duck for a few days now. I don’t have a phone and the international people here are all on vacation, it really aggravates me. I have to meet the woman tomorrow at 9:15 in a building I have no clue where it’s at. I have no notebooks, no pencils, nothing, but she is expecting me to be ready for classes, when I have had no help adjusting and finding my way around here.
I have needed to buy a converter outlet thing for a few days now, but can’t find one. Yes I borrowed the accommodations lodge and got a taxi into the town area yesterday to go shopping and find one, well the store they sent me to didn’t have one. I went into a cell phone place that was T-mobile, but they didn’t have the chip thing and sent me to another store that I couldn’t find. I did get a regular phone, but surprise the end of it is different than America’s phone outlet also. It’s a really cute phone with a penguin on it, but it won’t work unless I can get an American phone cord. Also, I have taken some cool pictures but can’t get them onto my computer because I left my camera cord by at my home, so that’s annoying, I am pretty sure I won’t be able to find one here. I can’t get it shipped because I don’t have an address yet.
It's all driving me a bit crazy!
It’s been fun (way sarcastic), but I would defiantly advice the universities international program to be more ready when students arrive and have the induction service before the day the classes start. My guess is tomorrow will be a stressful day!
On a good note, the town was a pretty neat place. It has a ton of shops on like two streets and they don’t let people drive on the street. It also seems the stuff is cheaper here than in America because I bought a hair dryer, straightener, pillow, snacks, drinks, a fuse converter(wrong kind), and a phone and it was only 22 pounds. Cheaper I think. :)
Friday, January 1, 2010
People Are Extremely Nice?
I am sorry to say I was not expecting people to be nice. I figured they would stick to their business and go on their way. I am happily proved wrong of this thought continuously. Every where I have gone on this trip so far people have been extremely nice and helpful. The lady at the first airport saved my mom money since my bag was overweight she gave us the advice on which method was the best pay the 150$ charge for being 12lbs overweight or go by another back bag and just pay a 50$ charge for an extra bag. It saved about about 60$ which is better than nothing. After that on my first plan ride I sat beside this elderly lady who just loved to talk. she was very much interested in what I was doing and my travels; she also made sure to wish me luck and told me to be safe more than once. She was very nice.
After that in Memphis people were nice, but my second plane ride to Amsterdam was 8.5 hours long. I sat beside a man who put my carry-on up and answered silly questions of mine with interest. He would kindly let me out if I needed to use the rest-one with out even rolling his eyes. I was very happy about this. When the plane finally made it to Amsterdam he got my bag down for me.
People in Amsterdam were also kind, answering questions and giving extra advice. A security guard let me back through security when I went down to early without any issues. Then after that another security guard to time to compliment my southern accent. :) On this plane a guy also put my carry-on up and took it down for me. I never had to ask, but I always said thank you.
Finally in Wales, I had to get through immigration then catch a Taxi. People continued to be very nice. My Taxi driver allowed my to sit in the front with him and gave me advice on good places to go, pointed out a great castle. He was very polite the entire ride.
I arrive at my final destination and get moved in. I haven't ate in hours and realize I have no phone and my computer is dying. Every place I looked online to order was close because it was new year's eve. I went to ask the accommodation lodge where I could get food, even from just a vending machine. They were offering to order food with the phone because the vending machine wasn't enough, but then they just grab food and give to me without a second thought. Today, I was even more surprised when the same security guard that gave me some food last night brought food to my room, so "I wouldn't go hungry." I was stunned, but grateful.
Thats where I am at write now, astonished to see how nice everyone is, even giving their own food away. I am grateful for these people and their help. Also, very glad that people are much nicer than my first expectations. I hope this continues to be the case. :)
I am so happy to say not one person has been mean or even rude in the slightest way to me. As I stated these people have exceeded my expectations.
After that in Memphis people were nice, but my second plane ride to Amsterdam was 8.5 hours long. I sat beside a man who put my carry-on up and answered silly questions of mine with interest. He would kindly let me out if I needed to use the rest-one with out even rolling his eyes. I was very happy about this. When the plane finally made it to Amsterdam he got my bag down for me.
People in Amsterdam were also kind, answering questions and giving extra advice. A security guard let me back through security when I went down to early without any issues. Then after that another security guard to time to compliment my southern accent. :) On this plane a guy also put my carry-on up and took it down for me. I never had to ask, but I always said thank you.
Finally in Wales, I had to get through immigration then catch a Taxi. People continued to be very nice. My Taxi driver allowed my to sit in the front with him and gave me advice on good places to go, pointed out a great castle. He was very polite the entire ride.
I arrive at my final destination and get moved in. I haven't ate in hours and realize I have no phone and my computer is dying. Every place I looked online to order was close because it was new year's eve. I went to ask the accommodation lodge where I could get food, even from just a vending machine. They were offering to order food with the phone because the vending machine wasn't enough, but then they just grab food and give to me without a second thought. Today, I was even more surprised when the same security guard that gave me some food last night brought food to my room, so "I wouldn't go hungry." I was stunned, but grateful.
Thats where I am at write now, astonished to see how nice everyone is, even giving their own food away. I am grateful for these people and their help. Also, very glad that people are much nicer than my first expectations. I hope this continues to be the case. :)
I am so happy to say not one person has been mean or even rude in the slightest way to me. As I stated these people have exceeded my expectations.
Just The Beginning
The beginning of my trip started two days ago. I boarded a plane to fly into Memphis, TN then to Amsterdam. In Amsterdam I caught a flight into Wales, my final destination. It was a fun trip taking a total of 20 hours. This being the first time I have ever flown or traveled I was nervous, but more excited than anything. It was actually pretty easy finding the gates, getting through security, everything just went smoothly for me. The people on the flights were all nice, I always had help getting my carry-on put up and taken out of the storage on the plane by other passengers seating near me. By the time I made it to Wales I was wore out because I had to get use to the time change, of losing 5 hours, and just being jet-legged from flying and hanging around airports for two days.
I had a lot of lay over time in Memphis and Amsterdam, so I was able to explore both airports shops. Memphis didn't have nearly as much places to go as Amsterdam's airport did. That airport was huge consisting of many shops! Three or Four liquor stores, A casino, spa, many restaurants and bars, and other gift shops. So I was able to spend my time shopping and taking pictures.
I have started my awesome collection of shot glasses. I plan on getting one everywhere I go. I now have two memphis and amsterdam. They are pretty cool. I hope to have at least 10 glasses by the end of the trip, hopefully a lot more though!
Well that is the sum of my first flying adventure and how the beginning has gone.
I had a lot of lay over time in Memphis and Amsterdam, so I was able to explore both airports shops. Memphis didn't have nearly as much places to go as Amsterdam's airport did. That airport was huge consisting of many shops! Three or Four liquor stores, A casino, spa, many restaurants and bars, and other gift shops. So I was able to spend my time shopping and taking pictures.
I have started my awesome collection of shot glasses. I plan on getting one everywhere I go. I now have two memphis and amsterdam. They are pretty cool. I hope to have at least 10 glasses by the end of the trip, hopefully a lot more though!
Well that is the sum of my first flying adventure and how the beginning has gone.
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