Well, It's been a week since I arrived here in England. In the spirit of avoiding washing my dinner dishes (some things never change), I decided to post a summary of my week (don't worry, I'll do the dishes tonight, mom).
Lessons learned in 7 days:
-My name sounds better in French.
-European chocolate, no matter how 'cheap' the brand, is so much better than its' US peers.
-Stores in Coventry close early. Very early (5-7pm in most cases). Makes keeping 'to do' lists very important to ensure things are done before stores close...
-Most people I've met ask why I'd choose to come here, the center of England, furthest from the coast(s), from the beautiful Puget Sound. Well... here is definitely different, but it's not like it's Mars! There is a canal... ;-)
-Reusable shopping bags are a must. When you only have two shelves of a small refrigerator, there will be frequent trips to the market. No use in killing the environment with plastic bags every time.
-IKEA is still the best store on earth, and having it only a few blocks away (literally!) won't be good for my bank account. haha.
-Smoking is gross. The sheet amount of smokers here is really gross. Need water balloons to scare away smokers who sit under my window, smoking up a cloud that comes through my window (joking, as that would be a violation of my tenant agreement- but that doesn't mean I don't want to!!!)
-Every American student should study abroad- whether it's a semester or more- already my perspective has shifted (for the better!)
-I don't miss TV. But I am a bit disappointed that I can't watch Army Wives online- apparently Lifetime doesn't want those of us abroad to watch their shows- they've banned foreign access...
-I'll be really tired the days after presidential debates, as they're on at 2am my time, and you can bet I'll be up cheering on my team! ;-)
-The people I've met here who are British always call the US "the states." So much so, in fact, that when people now ask where I'm from, I've programmed myself to simply say "the states." I don't like it. Not really sure why though. It seems so trivial, but it gets to me!
-I love the sounds of organs in a church. You could get every note wrong and I'm pretty sure I'd still enjoy it. :-)
What I've accomplished the last week:
-Moved. Twice. Once with two large suitcases, and two carry ons. Once with two large suitcases, two carry ons, a coat, two purses, and two bags of goodies the university gave me. Without a lift (read: elevator). Don't ask.
-Been to Oxford (and saw my IQ spike).
-Been to Windsor Castle
-Attended a service at the new Cathedral (where I heard the organ music!)
-Enrolled.
-Gone shopping. A lot. Nothing touristy (yet), only necessities like sheets, a frying pan, plates, etc. Oh, I guess I did splurge on the wine and a bamboo plant. But everyone needs a plant, and everyone deserves wine. :-)
-Met new friends from (literally) all over the world. Thailand, Nigeria, France, UK, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, US (only a handful!), Brazil... the list goes on.
-Gone to my first Rotary Club meeting abroad. Had a great time, and while it had differences from those I've attended in the US, (mainly the size- the smallest meeting I'd attended in the US was probably about 60 people, the meeting here had four! Though there will be more next week who were on holiday last week- still, that's a huge size difference!) There were many similarities, too! Happy bucks, for example (though they don't call them happy bucks).
-Made it on the train to Birmingham all by myself to get my computer fixed. About a 45 minute train ride away.
Plan for next week:
-Dinner in Birmingham tomorrow with two other Ambassadorial Scholars (one from Japan, one from Taiwan).
-First class meeting on Monday morning. Everyone from my programme will meet then to find out when our classes are.
-Next weekend I'll be staying with a woman who has donkeys, dogs, and sheep in a small village outside of Birmingham while attending my inbound orientation with lots of other Ambassadorial Scholars and Peace Fellows. Can't wait to meet them!
-Think more seriously about the HostUK programme. I can apply to go stay with a British family anywhere in the country for a day or a weekend to experience British culture. I know I want to do it, now I just need to figure out where in Britain I'd like to go! Any suggestions out there? I'm thinking the Lake District? Or further north? Or south? How 'bout east or west? haha.
It's 9:00pm, and Lady Godiva is dinging. Curious? Check this video out. I didn't shoot it, but before all that activity, the bells ring to indicate the time. And that's about three hundred feet from my window. :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRZ5BZemk4M
That's about it for now. And mom, I did my dishes. ;-)
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
I LOVE MY FLAT!!!
Hip Hip Hooray! My new flat is amazing. Soooo much better than the temporary housing. First of all, it feels sanitary. It smells new! Great desk set up- drawers, shelves, pin board.... and my bed is lofted, which leaves me with a TON of room! And, it's a double sized bed- nice surprise! Plus there's extra room with the bed- a nightstand, and it's got room above the bed so I don't feel like I'm trapped in a box! The ladder is angled just enough so I can put all my suitcases into the biggest, and put them there out of the way. Not much hanging room for clothes, so I may buy a coat rack. Plenty of room for it!
There's no wireless here, and the ethernet cord isn't nearly long enough for me to take the computer far enough to get a photo of the bathroom- but if you can imagine a really spacious airplane bathroom, that's what it looks like. I like it- decent sized shower, not much storage space, but there are two towel racks, and a small shelf.
The kitchen is just down the hall. There's (if memory serves) six small refrigerators. Three are for veggies (only drawers in them), three normal. A microwave, hot pot for tea, a toaster, and, drum roll please!!!! A stove and oven! Yes!!! I can cook!!! Can you tell I'm excited? ;-)
I'm off shortly to IKEA, as the bed is bigger than the bedding they gave us at the temporary housing. And I need towels, a small garbage can, hangers... oh, and a hair dryer. I'm sick of the "I just got out of bed" look that my hair has when I let it air dry. ;-)
Thursday, September 18, 2008
A Coventry Update
Happy Thursday, everyone! It's about 11:30am Coventry time, and I've had a very busy, and successful morning full of firsts. I arrived last Saturday, so it's day six here. And today is the first day my wireless internet has worked, thanks to the Genius Bar at the Birmingham Apple store. Apparently some of my settings were out of whack, and they knocked 'em back into place. Hooray! That means I can take pictures, like the one with this posting, to show you where I'm writing from. Behind me is the ruins of the Coventry Cathedral. It's my favorite place here in Coventry. I've already bored my family with the story, but lucky you, you get to hear it possibly for the first time! Coventry was a major armaments center during the second World War, so it was a huge target for the Luftwaffe. It was hit many times (so much so, apparently, that when the Germans wanted to destroy something, they'd say they wanted to "Coventrize" it). On November 14th, 1940, the cathedral (built originally in the late 14th/early 15th century) was hit by fire bombs, when engulfed the wooden roof, and destroyed nearly all but the exterior walls and the spire. You can climb the spire, which I might do today- there's actually blue sky today! How exciting. So much grey sky here... And when the spire has about 180 stairs, you really don't want to climb it unless you can see!
Today I got up way too early so I could get to Birmingham for my 9:20am Apple appointment. Originally, I was going to take the bus, as the bus station is about 300 feet from my temporary housing. But I decided last minute that busses still worry me (I never feel like I know exactly where they're going, or if I need to signal for my stop, etc- basic unreasonable paranoia), so I'd rather take a train. At least trains run on tracks, so I know exactly where they're going. It was a great decision, as the building that Apple is in is connected directly to the train station in Birmingham. It was a really smooth ride - not like the bumpy rides Amtrak gives in Washington. Pretty comfortable, too. I am going to buy a student railpass, which gives me a 1/3 discount on all trains in Britain. Should encourage me to get out there and see the country!
Today I pick up the key to my permanent accommodation, but I can't get in until tomorrow. Strange. Oh well. We have a banquet with the Lord Mayor this evening, with a disco. I have found it really entertaining- all the American music here. We had a karaoke night earlier this week, and the music was the exact same that I'd expect to hear at an American karaoke night, just with British accents! Lots of Beatles music, which I certainly won't complain about!
That's probably about it for now. I think I am going to take advantage of this gorgeous weather and climb the spire. I'll post more photos and shoot a few videos once I'm settled into my housing. That includes shopping at IKEA, my favorite store in the world that's only a few short blocks from my place. Oh - had to add- I walked all over around my new place today, to familiarize myself with all the shops and alleyways. There's three "dollar stores" (99pence, or 1 pound stores) within a block of me. There's a sandwich shop called "Snax in the City" (haha), there's a news stand (several actually), and, well, here's the worst. A gelato stand. And yes, they have pistachio, my absolute most favorite food of all time. It's 1.70, or about $3. My prediction: I'll go broke on gelato in about three months time... :-)
Monday, September 15, 2008
I'm in England!!!
It's Monday morning here in Coventry, and I'm quickly checking my emails at an internet cafe before heading to the information fair, where we can learn about banking in the UK, clubs at the university, and more.
I'm here with a few hundred other international students right now- the only students allowed on campus this week. I've yet to meet another American- though I did see someone with a Notre Dame hat yesterday- he had to be an American, right? :-)
Here's what I've learned so far: 1. My name sounds better coming out of the mouths of native French speakers. 2. The food so far has consisted of potatoes, potatoes, and more potatoes! Now, I like them as much as the next person, but I have a feeling I'll be sick of them soon! 3. Starbucks really is everywhere. As are McDonalds, and PizzaHut.
Photos and more details soon! Should have internet through the university starting later today, I hope. :-)
I'm here with a few hundred other international students right now- the only students allowed on campus this week. I've yet to meet another American- though I did see someone with a Notre Dame hat yesterday- he had to be an American, right? :-)
Here's what I've learned so far: 1. My name sounds better coming out of the mouths of native French speakers. 2. The food so far has consisted of potatoes, potatoes, and more potatoes! Now, I like them as much as the next person, but I have a feeling I'll be sick of them soon! 3. Starbucks really is everywhere. As are McDonalds, and PizzaHut.
Photos and more details soon! Should have internet through the university starting later today, I hope. :-)
Monday, September 8, 2008
Last Post Before Heading Across the Pond!
It's Monday evening, and I'm surrounded by boxes and piles. As overwhelming as moving is, I think I may just be on track for a not too terribly stressful last night here. At least that's the goal. We'll see.
My flight leaves this Friday morning (arriving Saturday morning, London time). Before then, I have many trips to Goodwill to make, friends and family to say goodbye to, and two large suitcases to stuff as full as possible. Oh, and I have to finish my presents that I'll be bringing with me to Rotary presentations (homemade cards with photos from home). Tomorrow morning I'm heading up to Bremerton to enjoy my last political event before heading out- a debate between my (now former) boss and his opponent. Should be fun!
Many people have asked me about the origin to my blog's name: What Will Work? Well, it began back in college, if memory serves. I was a political science major, peace and conflict studies minor. In all those social science classes, I was overwhelmed by the problems facing today's society, and the burden they will (and have been) placing on my generation. I would often find myself scribbling in my notebooks "What Will Work???" Instead of getting depressed with all the things that needed fixing, I started to think about all the things that could be done. And that's what I hope this masters program will help me to continue. Finding positive solutions to the difficulties that we face. That's how I decided to select "What Will Work" as my website address.
Well, I better get back to packing. Tomorrow I'll go exchange some money for pounds since I won't have a bank account for a few days once I arrive. I got my international drivers license today, just in case I'll need to drive while abroad.... all these little things are important!!!
My flight leaves this Friday morning (arriving Saturday morning, London time). Before then, I have many trips to Goodwill to make, friends and family to say goodbye to, and two large suitcases to stuff as full as possible. Oh, and I have to finish my presents that I'll be bringing with me to Rotary presentations (homemade cards with photos from home). Tomorrow morning I'm heading up to Bremerton to enjoy my last political event before heading out- a debate between my (now former) boss and his opponent. Should be fun!
Many people have asked me about the origin to my blog's name: What Will Work? Well, it began back in college, if memory serves. I was a political science major, peace and conflict studies minor. In all those social science classes, I was overwhelmed by the problems facing today's society, and the burden they will (and have been) placing on my generation. I would often find myself scribbling in my notebooks "What Will Work???" Instead of getting depressed with all the things that needed fixing, I started to think about all the things that could be done. And that's what I hope this masters program will help me to continue. Finding positive solutions to the difficulties that we face. That's how I decided to select "What Will Work" as my website address.
Well, I better get back to packing. Tomorrow I'll go exchange some money for pounds since I won't have a bank account for a few days once I arrive. I got my international drivers license today, just in case I'll need to drive while abroad.... all these little things are important!!!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Last Rainiers Game... ;-(
Baseball is a crucial part of me. I've never in my life been far from it. So today, I went to Cheney Stadium as I always have, every summer, to enjoy some quality (most of the time) minor league baseball. My guys certainly didn't disappoint. A walk-off homer by Prentice Redman gave them the win, and series sweep.
But today was the last game of the season. I hate the last day of the season. It means that fall and football have arrived. I'm pretty sure the reason I despise (American) football is simply that it takes baseball's place. This year the last game was even worse than I remember from years past, as I won't be in the country at all next season. I've never, I repeat, never missed an opening night at Cheney Stadium my entire life. Twenty-four years in a row I've sat in Section 17, row 3 (sometimes row 4), seat two on a cold (and most years rainy) April evening. And I've seen every July 3rd Independence Day celebration game except the year I was interning in DC (no, 3rd isn't a typo- the Rainiers celebrate a day early). I'll miss both next year.
There's always internet radio, of course. So you can bet I'll be listening online next April. But it's certainly not the same.
Happy off-season, all.
But today was the last game of the season. I hate the last day of the season. It means that fall and football have arrived. I'm pretty sure the reason I despise (American) football is simply that it takes baseball's place. This year the last game was even worse than I remember from years past, as I won't be in the country at all next season. I've never, I repeat, never missed an opening night at Cheney Stadium my entire life. Twenty-four years in a row I've sat in Section 17, row 3 (sometimes row 4), seat two on a cold (and most years rainy) April evening. And I've seen every July 3rd Independence Day celebration game except the year I was interning in DC (no, 3rd isn't a typo- the Rainiers celebrate a day early). I'll miss both next year.
There's always internet radio, of course. So you can bet I'll be listening online next April. But it's certainly not the same.
Happy off-season, all.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Week wrap up
Well, it is finally the end of a very, very, very long week. I had my wisdom teeth pulled on Tuesday, which I had spent the last 5 years of my life avoiding due to unreasonable terror and apprehension. Now that it's done, and I've been almost four days without too much hassle or pain, I have to wonder why on earth I didn't have it done sooner. Oh well. I just can't wait until I'm totally back to normal, when my jaw doesn't ache after talking--- it would be nice to go a day without feeling like ice or heat would provide needed relief.
Today is my 24th birthday. I started the day with a "goodbye" presentation at my sponsor Rotary club. Other than a minor technical glitch, I think it went well. I hope that I conveyed to them how thankful I am at the opportunity they're offering me. After the presentation, I went to my bank to find out how to transfer money to Coventry to pay for tuition. Thankfully, no fees! And I stopped at Dairy Queen to pick up some soft serve, which I made into a single serving size of one of my favorite cakes- soft serve ice cream frozen with a top layer of rice krispies and coconut, which I really enjoyed after dinner. Probably not the best thing for my healing mouth, but it's my birthday darn it. Got to have something special. I celebrated the rest of my birthday very quietly at home, watching one of my favorite movies with my dad and sister, while my mom was busy cheering on the Mariners in the other room. Apparently she did well, as the M's actually won a game. I still think I had a better time watching Major League. It never gets old. "Just a bit outside" is probably one of the best lines ever given. I postponed a party until a time when it's easier for me to eat... the Tacoma Rainiers game next Thursday night. Come one, come all! Tickets are on me! Just send me a note so I bring enough.
Today is my 24th birthday. I started the day with a "goodbye" presentation at my sponsor Rotary club. Other than a minor technical glitch, I think it went well. I hope that I conveyed to them how thankful I am at the opportunity they're offering me. After the presentation, I went to my bank to find out how to transfer money to Coventry to pay for tuition. Thankfully, no fees! And I stopped at Dairy Queen to pick up some soft serve, which I made into a single serving size of one of my favorite cakes- soft serve ice cream frozen with a top layer of rice krispies and coconut, which I really enjoyed after dinner. Probably not the best thing for my healing mouth, but it's my birthday darn it. Got to have something special. I celebrated the rest of my birthday very quietly at home, watching one of my favorite movies with my dad and sister, while my mom was busy cheering on the Mariners in the other room. Apparently she did well, as the M's actually won a game. I still think I had a better time watching Major League. It never gets old. "Just a bit outside" is probably one of the best lines ever given. I postponed a party until a time when it's easier for me to eat... the Tacoma Rainiers game next Thursday night. Come one, come all! Tickets are on me! Just send me a note so I bring enough.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Quick update
It's late (I've been way too busy watching Olympic fastpitch)... so I won't write much. But I'm way overdue for an update.
My housing is arranged for England- finally! I'll be living on the first floor of a graduate student apartment building. I have my own room, my own bathroom, and will share a kitchen and living room with 7 other students. It's just what I wanted. Right in downtown, close to class- Starbucks very close (too bad I don't drink coffee), and an Ikea a couple of blocks away. Home, sweet home!
Another new development is that I was assigned my host club and counselor. I'm paired with the Leamington Spa Regency Rotary Club, which appears to meet about 10 miles from where I'll be living. I've already emailed my host counselor, and am really excited to meet him and the rest of the club when I arrive.
Tomorrow morning UPS will be delivering my approved visa and my passport. So I'll be legal to leave!
My sister and I finished our trip safely- which is an impressive feat given that we (I) drove more than 1,100 miles through Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Delaware, New Jersey, Virginia, and probably some other states that I simply can't remember right now, all in the course of 11 days. We survived Coney Island's "Cyclone" roller coaster (though I really did think I was going to die for the first half of the ride). We toured some beautiful colleges (University of Virginia will always be one of the most beautiful campuses in the world, at least in my mind). And I got to visit Mr. Jefferson twice: a morning visit to the Jefferson Memorial in DC, and a visit to his home- Monticello, on our last day. For those who don't know, I'm a huge Jefferson fan. This was my second trip to Monticello. If I ever live in a house with property, I will have a garden just like his. I can only hope to have a view like his as well.
We were supposed to fly home on a Friday, just in time for me to photograph a friends wedding on Saturday. But the airlines had a different plan for us. Our plane broke, so we missed our connection to Seattle. So, we spent the night in Chicago- not a cheap place to find a hotel when everything is booked. Wouldn't recommend it. I did make it back in time for the wedding (with an hour to spare- just enough time for a shower, thankfully). Got some great photographs.
The morning after the wedding, my mom, sister and I headed off to Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop, WA, for a second (yes, second) celebration of my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. My dad had too much work so he stayed home. I spent a lot of time next to the pool enjoying the 95 degree weather, went horseback riding, got a massage (yes, the massage was a direct result of the horseback riding- apparently I am not invicible)... went kayaking, and tried to read a few books. It was a nice little vacation, but I frankly was vacationed out by then. It was really nice to get home.
My family had our 11th annual Jimmy Buffett Party on last Saturday. It was a ton of fun, as always. But it was a bit sad, as I said a lot of goodbyes to people I won't likely see until 2010 when I'm back from England.
The morning after the Buffett party I went down to Portland for a night. There I got a chance to see a couple of friends, and stay with my cousin (thanks for the couch, Katy!!!). Cramming in all these goodbyes is depressing!
This morning I gave my first full program speech to a Rotary Club, the Port Orchard Rotary. I had a lot of fun, and got some great questions. I have another full program speech on August 22nd (my birthday!) with my sponsor club.
OK, I guess that wasn't a short update. Oh well. Might not be much next week, as I am having my wisdom teeth pulled- and I have no idea what I'll feel like doing... :-)
My housing is arranged for England- finally! I'll be living on the first floor of a graduate student apartment building. I have my own room, my own bathroom, and will share a kitchen and living room with 7 other students. It's just what I wanted. Right in downtown, close to class- Starbucks very close (too bad I don't drink coffee), and an Ikea a couple of blocks away. Home, sweet home!
Another new development is that I was assigned my host club and counselor. I'm paired with the Leamington Spa Regency Rotary Club, which appears to meet about 10 miles from where I'll be living. I've already emailed my host counselor, and am really excited to meet him and the rest of the club when I arrive.
Tomorrow morning UPS will be delivering my approved visa and my passport. So I'll be legal to leave!
My sister and I finished our trip safely- which is an impressive feat given that we (I) drove more than 1,100 miles through Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Delaware, New Jersey, Virginia, and probably some other states that I simply can't remember right now, all in the course of 11 days. We survived Coney Island's "Cyclone" roller coaster (though I really did think I was going to die for the first half of the ride). We toured some beautiful colleges (University of Virginia will always be one of the most beautiful campuses in the world, at least in my mind). And I got to visit Mr. Jefferson twice: a morning visit to the Jefferson Memorial in DC, and a visit to his home- Monticello, on our last day. For those who don't know, I'm a huge Jefferson fan. This was my second trip to Monticello. If I ever live in a house with property, I will have a garden just like his. I can only hope to have a view like his as well.
We were supposed to fly home on a Friday, just in time for me to photograph a friends wedding on Saturday. But the airlines had a different plan for us. Our plane broke, so we missed our connection to Seattle. So, we spent the night in Chicago- not a cheap place to find a hotel when everything is booked. Wouldn't recommend it. I did make it back in time for the wedding (with an hour to spare- just enough time for a shower, thankfully). Got some great photographs.
The morning after the wedding, my mom, sister and I headed off to Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop, WA, for a second (yes, second) celebration of my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. My dad had too much work so he stayed home. I spent a lot of time next to the pool enjoying the 95 degree weather, went horseback riding, got a massage (yes, the massage was a direct result of the horseback riding- apparently I am not invicible)... went kayaking, and tried to read a few books. It was a nice little vacation, but I frankly was vacationed out by then. It was really nice to get home.
My family had our 11th annual Jimmy Buffett Party on last Saturday. It was a ton of fun, as always. But it was a bit sad, as I said a lot of goodbyes to people I won't likely see until 2010 when I'm back from England.
The morning after the Buffett party I went down to Portland for a night. There I got a chance to see a couple of friends, and stay with my cousin (thanks for the couch, Katy!!!). Cramming in all these goodbyes is depressing!
This morning I gave my first full program speech to a Rotary Club, the Port Orchard Rotary. I had a lot of fun, and got some great questions. I have another full program speech on August 22nd (my birthday!) with my sponsor club.
OK, I guess that wasn't a short update. Oh well. Might not be much next week, as I am having my wisdom teeth pulled- and I have no idea what I'll feel like doing... :-)
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