The Tower of London and The Globe Theatre

Early morning we head off to the Tower of London. On the way, we get some lecture about some building. In addition, we saw some church that was rebuilt after the Second World War. We passed by the remaining part of London Bridge. I had no idea the bridge was bought by some guy in Arizona.

We went to the Tower of London and saw Tower Bridge. It was a sight to see. Seeing the jewels was interesting because all that history and to think that people wore it and or used it. T.C. got bitten by a raven. He obviously did not see the sign that they had posted. The ravens were huge. I mean they are larger than a pigeon so it is big.

Next, we headed off to the Globe. That is suppose to be where Shakespeare’s plays were performed. Some of it has been changed because it had to be somewhat modern and somewhat close to what it was originally. The Globe is not as at the location that it should be because there is some historic building there.

Friday night and the party was happening. Went to a club and saw a cute guy. He is French and everything I know is from Stacey. Oh well. I thought he was cute and I would go up to him and dance with him. At the club, I saw another Asian guy. Not too cute, but he was with others so you know. There were no other cute guys there. Kind of sad.

Off to London but not without drama (not the worse kind)..

I cannot believe that Mandy called me out moving out thing. She was totally pissed (angry for those of you that are not American) about it. She said it was nice of her to find out from a third party. She could not tell that I did not like life at the house. I felt as if I was the dog. We both were treated almost the same. She asked me what it was and I said that I felt like I did not fit in. She said that regardless if I was there or not that they would be doing the same thing. That is just not how I imagined how my life would be. If she treated me better and made me feel as if I was part of the family like her husband then I might not have moved out. The fact that she kept on asking if I was going anywhere or doing anything did not help me either. That just made me feel very uncomfortable. I should not have to put up with that. I had to worry about that the whole time when I was at the station. I soon forgot as I headed off to London. I then find out that Michael wants to stay with them. I cannot believe he would.

London’s Paddington station was huge! Nothing compares to it. After we went on the Underground and headed off to the hotel. Posh looking (upper class looks nice), but the telly (television) was scary. It had your name, but then again it was on when you got back. After resting, we headed off to the British Museum. British Museum was huge! There was just so much to see. I was tired after walking around or just up some stairs. My feet were killing me. The reading room was huge as well. There were so many books. It is a round library. After we headed back to the hotel and it was time for the play. The play was interesting. There was actually an Asian guy in the play. I was surprised. Then we made a Sainsbury run. It was one of those nights that you just had to take it easy. The water in the shower was crazy. It got most of the bathroom wet. I think it was poorly designed. Then water got on the floor and ewww.

Off to London...

Did not get to talk to Adam today. Sad for me, but I will live. The sun did come out today, which surprised me. Heading to London again tomorrow. This time I will get to see more of the stuff that I did not see. I do not know why, but I want to see everything at night. It makes it more special. That is just me personally.

Must pack up. Do not know if I will over pack, but I just hope I do not. I think I can get used to living out of a backpack. That is what I am going to be doing for the rest of the month except maybe spring break. Nothing too interesting happening. I hope I get the internship with the people at the main campus. That is all I hope. I need something to do and maybe that will help me out more. Informal interview on Monday at 10 a.m. Yikes. I have to get to the bus and hope I do not miss it and pray I get to the appointment on time. I do not want to be late. Then again, there is the thing about how I will be dressed. So many problems. What to do?

The decision to move...

It is a gloomy looking day. It took me ages to sleep last night. However, Ryan was right about keeping the curtains open. That somewhat works, but I just did not want to get up afterwards. I am too attached to the warm bed and blanket. If I could hear the heat turning, off at 8.00 a.m. that would be ideal. However, I am not one of those light sleepers. It is still bright outside considering there is no sun. Well better, get back to work on my paper.

Therefore, after the long talk I have had with Michael yesterday I have decided that I should move. Mai’s host parents made a good point that since we are paying all this money that we should be able to be happy and have fun while living here. Once again, I made it on time with my paper. Not bad for going to bed early and then not being able to sleep for an hour and a half and then finally going to bed and having a good swear or something that might have broken the fever that I thought I had. Michael also made the point about whatever does not hurt you will make you stronger. In addition, that is true.

Today was an easy day. I talked to Adam. He is still the one that keeps me sane. It is ironic. He can make me laugh and i forget all my problems. Should I head Italy after school ends? I had better check out the prices first tomorrow. The sun actually came out today.

Meeting the Mayor of Bath...

I think I am sicker than I was last week. I could be running a fever. All I got from Mandy was just, “take some pills 4 times a day�…well duh, I know that. However, she does not know that I know me better than she knows the ill. I think I am going to move. I like Chris, but Mandy is the person I do not get along with. I am suppose to, but I do not know if other Capricorns get along well. I suppose yes, but I do not know if it is because of the age gap. I think the sun actually came out for a while. I am not sure since I am delirious now.

Today I met the mayor. I did not think that first it would be a woman. She is pretty nice and down to earth. She just wanted to show everything off to the public and that is nice. Glad that she wants to reach out to as many people as she can. To think that I was in a room that Queen Elizabeth the II was in is wow. That is wicked (cool). To see how she signed her name was neat too. That was just exciting. To see everything that goes on. I tried on the robe that the mayor wears. It is long and heavy and keeps you nice and warm. Good thing if you’re outside and not inside. Exciting day. Never thought I would get to meet the mayor. She keeps tights in the wine cooler. Heh heh. Little traditions change since it is the new millennium.

Afterwards we headed off to a pub. It was nice. Students and professors just drinking, talking, relaxing, and enjoying the city of Bath on a weekday after meeting the mayor is unheard of in the States. I talked to Michael and he got rejected by his family. That is sad to hear. Because his parents think it is his fault because it looks as if he did not try. I got to thinking about myself and I do try, but I am not just adjusting as well as I thought I would with this family. I do not get along with along with Mandy. I get along with Chris great, but the children and I are far from being close. We are from two different worlds. Ben is into sport (sport for Americans) and Danni is into dance and music, what I am into, but since I have not been feeling well it is hard for me to be up and active.

Out for a stroll on Sunday...

Today I saw the sun. Somewhat shocking since they reported that it would not be out. In addition, the weather report said that it would rain or was that partly cloudy and scattered showers? Oh well. I am in my room right now thinking about what I should be doing now. Should I read the book because of the quiz or should I work on the paper that is due on Tuesday and I have not a clue how long it is suppose to be etc.? I think I will go down and have some breakfast first. I cannot believe that Danni and Ben (host sister and brother) are loud and fight much more than I did. That is if memory serves me correctly. Should I head to town? Maybe Safeway, but that is all. No place else. Town? No too far. Safeway is somewhat far already or should I head to school? I will decide later. I have until 1 p.m. to decide what I want to do.

Everything does close early on a Sunday. I have never seen a supermarket close. Everything is so different over here. Come Easter it will be different. I might head on over to France. Nice to be exact. Should I go? I suppose since I have nothing else to do. I talked to Adam today. In addition, I never would have guessed that my fourth year I would end up meeting him. Those that I have said that I have wanted to meet I have not yet, but those that I have talked to the longest I want to meet. Jon is someone I have to meet. We have known each other since I was in the tenth grade. That is a long time. Although we do not speak to one another as we used to we still can carry a conversation, which I think is just fine. He helped me with my maths (math to us in America). Those were the days.

A little house cleaning and no “Ta� or “Cheers�…

I hope it is warm today. I must go to town to buy some lotion. That is the plan. I must have written those sentences before midnight. It is sunny outside. Shocked there since the news said there would be clouds. They never get the weather right anyway. At least there is no wind. I hope it does not rain next week. Last night as I was about to take shower and headed towards my room there was a huge spider! It was a smaller one of those eight-legged freaks. I was about to freak out. I know whenever there is one near I get itchy; I suppose that is my version of spider sense. I think my little cleaning has gone unnoticed, but it is just fine with me. I found a paper under the sofa or “sitting� as they call it with a paper from November 22, 2002.

Chris (my host dad) was surprised. I almost thought it was those few months leading to the exact date. That would have been something. He thought it was yesterday’s paper. Mandy’s not around when I go out. The one time I go out and she is out as well. In a way, I should move, but it would be so much of a hassle. Moreover, I only have to be here a month more. Next month I will not even notice since I will be gone every weekend.

I hope I run into someone at the library and so we can just kill some time. Be back, home late, but not too late. Sounds like a plan to me. Off to the library I go. I need to learn to wake up earlier. Eight something is early, but 7 a.m. would be ideal.

I went and saw no one. I did end up going to Somerfield to buy something. I bought those cookies that Scott was talking about. Odd since I cannot find my calculator. I have to find it. If I lost it…uh oh. My math is not that great. Dinner at five something. That is early but by then I am starving. I am snacking again. Not good. Going to be almost 9 stone. One stone is 14 pounds. Who uses stone? What kind of weight is that?

Cleaning house...

Today I cleaned the house. Some habits are hard to break. I had to. The house was yucky. You are wondering what is. They have spider webs around the house. I do not like spiders or spider webs. So I “hovered� (vacuumed) them all. I even hoovered my own room. I find Fridays just nice. If I start up early I have more time to lounge around. I even unloaded the dishwasher. I guess every home has one. They are more backwards here than in the “states.� We still do them by hand, but since it is so busy over here because they have the soap operas on here at night instead of in the morning. I guess that is why they would need one. If I could figure out what was wrong with my computer I would not need to ask Adam. i suppose I am off to school to use the computer and then head on back home to make my weekly phone call to me mum (that is to my mom.) I do not even know why they say me instead of my. I also made the mistake of saying eraser instead of rubber. Who knew one language separated by an ocean would be so different? Four weeks and not a lot of progress from me self. = )

Talked to Adam today. Adam looks like a panda. I am going to tell him that next time. He is so nice. I wonder if Mandy (host mom) thinks I am some sort of odd person or something that does not go out a lot. She asked me again if I have many friends. Well I have some, but not a lot. Then she said something about when she was my age she was not at home anymore. Well I live a somewhat troubled life. All that thanks to former flat mates (roommates). They drove me nuts and now it is going to take a while for me to become more normal. I guess I am less social that some of the other students she has had before. She asked if I walk with anyone to school. We all have different classes so it is hard to. And plus those that I get along with live on the other side of town.

I would go out more, but I am sick right now. She could not even let me stay and rest because of that. I just wonder…what is on her mind really. I try to go out. I mean I made the effort to head to school and such to get online to talk to people. Ok I think the computer rules my life. That is just sad now. I will have to say it. Well at least next month I will be away a whole lot. Then she cannot really say anything.

Field trip to King Arthur's Camelot...

Today we went to see cathedrals. They have gothic influence. The first one was where King Arthur was suppose to be buried. You know the whole Camelot thing. I do not know much about it, but it was something to see the last parts of it. Oh, the professor asked why the walls were red. I answered because there was a fire or just said fire. I remembered from the first outing that we had in Bath. The tour guide said that if it had fire then the stone would be red.

The next location we headed off to was, Wells. That cathedral was not big, but heavily gothic influenced. We also found out that there really are people buried under the church. There you could see the where the bishop lived. He lives on this island type thing complete with a real moat. That was interesting to see. A real moat. After we saw the church on the inside, we walked about the outside. Then we walked over to the part where the people who worked or ran the church at. They took a picture of me standing in front of a door that was perfect size for me. I do not know if I should be amused or impressed.

The last place we headed off to was, to Cheddar Gorge. That is where cheddar cheese was invented. I thought we would get to see it, as in get off the bus and see it, but no such luck. It was just a drive thru or drive by. Not over all the day was too bad because it was not as cold. Normally when we go, it is cold. It was nice. The sun even came out. The people who give the weather reports are so off.

Hate Thursdays...

The sun was out. Nothing new. I think that Adam and I made a silly couple. As in, we get on great. I do not know why his name is totally stuck in my mind though but it is. Today class was all right. Holman talked way too much and lucky I watched that Edward thing that he was talking about so at least I had an idea. I have not even gotten an internship yet. Well more like called. I just hate Thursdays because I have to get up early. That is never ever fun.

Adam is too silly. Good silly. Makes me laugh and grin, otherwise I would be one sad girl.

Boring Tuesday...

Today the sun is out. I reckon it will not be out the rest of the week. I am so tired and so ill. Well I am tired or body is rather. I have to go to that long class today. That is not going to be enjoyable. We at least killed an hour almost talking about Paris. That was nice. Then when it came down to the actual talking about course stuff, I could not wait for it to be over. Paris here I come! I cannot believe I am going to Ireland, France, and Spain. I just need to head to a few more countries and I will be happy. Seeing only three is not a lot. I want to see more! I just have to find others to go with. Who shall it be? I want to see Rome, Italy, Holland, Switzerland, and a whole bunch of other places.

Impressions...

I am heading off to Dublin next month. Wow. I did not think it would be like this, but hey you only live once and you are only a student once. I hope it is nice. I totally forgot that Adam’s a vegetarian. Slipped my mind completely. I knew Al another friend of mine was, but not Adam. I wonder what Kate thinks of me. But I am always wondering what others think of me. Better get to bed. Not feeling too well. My throat is dying. Do not even want to talk. That is horrible for me.

Back to Bath...

Today had to get up early. I was not pleased. It is so nice and warm in bed. I just did not want to get out of bed! It was sad to leave, but at least I was able meet Adam. I made sure that I got off at the right stop and then headed to find out where I was supposed to be. I did not want something like Friday to happen again. I talked to one person on the bus while heading off to Heathrow. He was from Northampton. He is just 16 and heading off to Brussels. It is amazing whom you can meet. He complained about his name being Lance and that it is an odd name. I do not think it is that odd. I knew someone in elementary school named Lance. We talked about politics and how Mr. Bush is stupid and what I thought of him. We agree that we do not need a war now. He was quite interesting. The funniest thing he said was that he and his mates watch Buffy and they think that they talk like an American. But when he spoke with me he noticed that he had a big British accent.

I slept on the bus. However, I got up just before the first stop. That was good. I did not know there was something called Box in Bath. Things that you learn while you are awake and reading signs. I got back to the bus station and could not be bothered to wait for the bus. I walked home instead. The funny thing is that I did not know which way to go but I still ended up going back. I think I am starting to become more aware of streets or something. I am becoming a local. Is that a good thing or not? I only beat the bus slightly by walking back. I only realized I was on the wrong street when I saw the bus. I must have been on something to not even know I walked up the wrong street. Side effects I suppose.

My over all impression of Adam is that he is silly. He is an adult, but he still acts somewhat like a little kid. The fact he knows how to play with Lucy’s toys says something. He is just a nice guy. What else can I say? I do not know him well, but it is somewhat of a start. Life can be so different for those that have seen other places, while those that do not see other places only know one side. Like the saying, the grass is not always greener on the other side. I like Adam. He is silly, but it is fine. Might be just a phase I think? Just thinking about him makes me smile. Odd I am. I wonder if Kate knows who I am. She might just think I am some crazy person. I will have to ask Adam tomorrow. How come when I mention a certain type of food I end up eating it? I think I had better stop that. Mentioned curry to Adam and ended up eating it.

Meeting Kate...

I met his sister Kate and her daughter Lucy. Lucy is cute but she throws tantrums occasionally. I also saw more of his house. It is interesting how there is one room in his house that used to be a schoolroom. Adam said that his house used to be a school. The house was built in 1852, which is quite old. I was able to go online at night. I missed that.

I liked his black cat. He is so cute! I do not know any of the names of the cats and dogs that he has. They love to follow you around and even hop onto the sofa. The black cat is just as strange. What an odd day. I felt something that seemed like it was an earthquake this morning. I found out that it was just the train passing by. It made me feel as if I was home back in San Francisco. The silly thing that Adam did was print out the coach stops of where the coach is suppose to go. If I had that going, I do not think that I would have gotten lost. I thought in a way he was making fun of me for getting lost.

A day I want to forget...

Today I am heading off to Kettering. I get to sit on the bus for a nice long time. I will take it as naptime or something. I am not going to go and look out the window, or I might and hopefully that will put me to sleep. The sun is out today. Have not seen it in a while. I get to stop at Heathrow. That should be interesting. With the tanks and what not on the runway.

Well I did not see any tanks at all. The reason being I did not get off. When I realized it, it was too late. I did see Albert Bridge and Hyde Park or part of it if I am remembering correctly. I ended up stuck in Central London. Horrible. They do not understand me at all. Those people at the ticketing place. Bastards. I am going to have to complain about them once I get back. Therefore, I was stuck at the station until 9 p.m. That was not fun at all. It was cold! They had on the air conditioner! What sort of people have on the air conditioner when it is not even 60 degrees? Londoners are just too odd. I finally got there at about midnight because we stopped to buy food. Too tired to even talk, but enough to just mumble about how horrible buses are.

The impression of his house is nice and big. The dogs and cats are interesting as well. Odd like him, but I suppose that is how it is sometimes. I finally saw the black cat I talk to. LOL (laugh out loud). The little dog just keeps on following Adam around. The big dog is odd too. He stretches then lies down. They both eat the cat food.

A night out of dancing...

The morning was not that cold. However, by the time it was the lecture break, boy was it cold outside. Even after the lecture, it seemed as if it got colder. After class, they talked about going to a club. I was not sure if I was going or not, but when I got a call later that evening I decided why not? I have not gone out in a while. The only reason why I do not like going out to cubs is that it is so smoky and you keep inhaling it. People were smoking all kinds of stuff.

Yesterday was fun! I had a blast. This is all of course after classes and late at night. Went to Cadillac’s and just danced until I was tired. There was a fight that broke out in the end, which was scary. Scott tried to have me dance with a total stranger. If I ever went back to that club, they would know me and I did not think that was a good idea. After we got into the door and paid the cover charge, this "bloke" (guy) was checking me out. Tonya told him my name. I was not too happy about it, but really embarrassed. He kept on trying to dance with me I think, because he was just near the group of us. He kept talking with his friend I am not for sure about the other bloke being his friend, but they talked. I gave him chances to approach me, but he did not see them so it was his loss. Rode home in a BMW taxi. Last time it was a Mercedes. Man how lucky am I.

Spring break is a go!

I have plans for spring break. Yay! Did not think I would do it, but I did. I am so happy. Spain. Wow. Exciting. I also have plans for this weekend. I am meeting up with Adam. I cannot believe it. It will take ages to get there, but it should be ok. I am hoping. So excited. Ahh. Such a relief to know that I am going to be doing something that I never thought I would be doing. This is what the college life should be about. Going to exotic places with others and just having fun.

For the night, I ended up watching football. My first time ever. I watched a majority of the game. England versus Australia. The youngest player ever or in 120 something years to play was Wayne Rooney. I saw it. I think I am changing. Hmm, but I do not think that I could get used to the cold weather.

Forgetfulness...

I know I had class today. I had the long anthropology class. That is what I do on Tuesdays. I wonder why I do not have anything written here.

Trying to find Somerfield...

Today the sun was out. I went to class and I just wanted to be in bed. There is something about a classroom and being in another country that makes you just not want to study. That is just horrible!

On my way, back I thought I would try and go to a supermarket. It is one that suppose to be closer than Safeway. I got lost, well not really. I eventually found my way there. It is odd because I have never walked there, but I managed to find it. Of course, I took the long way. When I was heading back I took the long way as well. So who knew? It would do me good to walk back anyway since I have been eating like a pig recently. Binge eating is not very good. It is chips or "crisps" as they call it here. I am so horrible. If I was back at home and they have those 99-cent bags and one would be just fine. They do not have those. They have those 30-pence bags. Sigh. I have to eat a couple to satisfy me. Chocolate has also been a problem as well. I need Hershey’s Special Dark. Dark chocolate is yummy. They do not have that here. For some reason I think the chocolate over here is sweeter than the stuff back at home. It might be just me. Since I am used to eating dark and not milk chocolate.

I just realized as I was walking back home today or to school that I only wash my hair 3 times a week. That is not very much. It is horrible. I feel as if I washed my hair more I would be yelled at. In addition, using hot water as well. It is worse because I feel guilty about it. And having to eat at the dinner table and not in the living room is even worse. I am so used to eating while watching something on TV. It is as if my life has done a 180 or something.

I come back to find that my sheets have been changed. And the window open. I suppose my room does have some sort of smell. I cannot figure out what, but it does. Not too pleasant. Maybe it’s because I have eaten food in it. Crisps I think are the cause. I should probably do that from now on before I head off to school. Leave my window open to get some air. I have done it before at home. I just have to remember to close it otherwise, I will be cold. That is one thing I am somewhat used to. The cold. It is fine if it there isn’t any wind at all.

No crisps eating in your room...

Today I'm heading off to school again. I might be there for a while and then head off to town. I saw the sun. I stayed at the library for the entire time. I really am sad. Some things never change. I still chat and laugh.

Do not eat crisps in your room. It will make it smell unpleasant. I learned that the hard way after eating just regular crisps in my room. It is not a nice smell either. I saw some people at the library at school. We were all talking about how the novelty has worn off being here. Town is so small and you can only go so often until you are tired of it. I feel the same way. I have not been to town or walking about since last Saturday. I do not think that Friday counted when I went to the library to check out some books.

Easy day...

There was no sun. I went out and had a blast. I have to talk to people online and get myself feeling as if I was home again. The walk to school was pleasant and the way back was as well.

Goals and trouble...

The sun was out, however it was not clear. It is partly cloudy and I suppose if I am to head off to town or to school that I should do it now. It looks as if it will rain. I do not want to be caught in the rain so I will head out now. It is just nice to have Fridays off and just to wake up late and enjoy the weather no matter how it may be.

So I went to the library and checked my e-mail and decided to look for some books on places in Europe. Unfortunately, they did not have any thing on France. I did end up checking out two books. It is Harry Potter. I am the last one to probably read it. I bet more than half of the group of students I came with read it or even Lord of the Rings. I then headed off to Safeway to find Fruit by the Foot. It took me ages to find it. I finally found it in the cereal section. That was hard. I was told that it was with the biscuits. Boy were they off.

I did something stupid. Ran downstairs and just started to use the phone when Mandy was there. I know should ask, but I forgot? Goals I am setting for myself: read more, less TV, fewer computers, and study some. Not too bad.

Stonehenge, Woodhenge, and Avebury on a cold Thursday...

The first place we went to had similar rocks placed about to Stonehenge. However, it was more of a town than Stonehenge. It had the original buildings and then right next to it was the one more modern made out of brick. The roof of those homes are made out of straw, manure, and something else. Cost a lot to replace now and to maintain it I suppose. And some of the buildings that were damaged used rocks or stones of before to fill in the holes. Recycling existed back then. It was Avebury with the town and the stones.

Stonehenge is neat. Interesting is the better word. It was COLD though. The first place we went was cold and started to rain. Horrible really. However, it was smaller than I thought it would be. It is interesting to know where you stood once had people living there or creating the structure. One of the last rocks that was not on its proper side (cannot remember which side it was suppose to be) looked like a turtle’s head when it is coming out of its shell.

Seeing the last site of a church and all of its find details that the guide really did not have to say made it odder. Archaeologist looking through waste that people had left behind in a 38 foot deep well is not something we would like to hear after eating our lunches. Most of the area has chalk underneath it. And I even saw some animal I think that was done in chalk on the ground. It was visible from the bus. Old Sarum is where this place was.

There was no sun today. Monster Munch Flamin’ Hot was a disappointment. I found it to be salty and taste like pork rinds. Forget that I am going to get biscuits instead.

A new find...

I finally found the English version of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos! Yes! 32 pence it cost me, but worth it. The little girl is driving me mad. I have to do homework. It is just nice to have my own laptop and just come to my own little paradise to just chill out from them. There was the sun out. In addition, I hope it says out. 10 pence for a small bag of chips. Pickled onion is what it was. It tasted all right, but I am waiting to try out the Monster Munch.

They have been very disorganized with the planning of Bath this year. They did not even have the right textbook for us to buy at school. We are now told that we must get other textbooks and it is going to cost at least 25 quid.

Safeway...

Sun is out. It is starting to feel more like school and less like a holiday. The buildings I see everyday that look like they have had the same architect or even paint job is telling me it is not holiday anymore. The long class is today. I wonder when we are going to find out about our internships.

Man was the class long. It makes it even harder for me because I know that I am suppose to be hanging out with friends, but instead I am in school and they are at work. I do not like classes that are over an hour and 15 minutes long. I went to Safeway to try and find something that I want, but there was nothing. It is sad being in another country and craving the foods that only America has to offer. Couldn’t find burrito stuff nor could I find Cheetos…Flamin' Hot of course.

Being a Spod in "Spod" country...

I left the house early and caught the bus to school, and that scared me a bit. Having never taken the bus to school, I started to wonder if I got on the wrong bus. It made a huge circle and then finally heading off to the direction that was sort of close to school. I got off the bus where I would usually start walking to school. I then proceed to walk to school as usual. I am doing the UK uni (university) thing by going to school and hanging out at the labs talking to others. I finally did it. I am one of them! Yes!

I did not go to town today, although I wanted to. I must explore. I must find good deals on good food and at cheap prices. One pound for stuff isn’t too bad, but if it doesn’t fill you up then it’s not worth it. And it’s true about not looking at one pound as equal to one dollar otherwise you will be paying way too much and not knowing it at all. I miss Mexican food. I truly do. I am going to head off to Safeway if I can tear myself away from the computers tomorrow to buy some Mexican stuff. That is politically incorrect, but they do that with all Asian food by calling it "Oriental". The sun was out. Just wanted to make a point of it, for when it is not and when it rains or even snows. I cannot believe the snow keeps missing me! My host dad is glad, but if it was to snow on a weekend, I think that would be neat.

Missing Chinese culture...

It is the second day of Chinese New Year. I wonder what this year had in stored for me. I guess it would be hard living here and celebrating since there are not many Chinese people around. I miss real Chinese food. I think I am going to have to find a place to get some. Chips and salsa is something yummy too. I think I will walk around town today. Might as well, since there is nothing interesting happening at the house or at school. I miss those Sugarus candies, especially the strawberry flavored ones. Thinking about them makes my mouth water. I think I will make it my mission to head to town to explore what is cheap and good for a souvenir. I have not even done the post card thing yet. Not likely, it will snow here anytime soon. I suppose I will head on over to the library and check my e-mail. I hope that something interesting will have been sent to me. I doubt it though since it is Sunday.

I was correct. I think the internet is running my life. I think the place to go now for using the internet is the library in town. Forget school. It is a long walk up hill and then to be disappointed would be horrible! All that for nothing and it would be a shame as well. The family that I am staying with that I have not mentioned until today is because I wanted to be sure that I did not make any judgments too soon. They are different than, the children brought up in America. They do not really obey they parents and they do not sit and eat their “tea� properly. It has to be playing and eat at the same time. When I think of my cousins that are about that age it’s as different as night and day. It was sunny and then it rained and then stopped. I think if this keeps up I will have to have an umbrella with me always since that is the proper thing to do. I have not had a chance to really explore the shops in town, but I am going to have to eventually. Tomorrow I think will feel more like school and not vacation.

To Cheddar or not to Cheddar?

After yesterday’s adventures, a group of them wants to head off to Cheddar today. I think it is by train, and I am not sure how much it will cost. They will meet up at 10 a.m. I do not know why they want to see where cheddar was found and why it is white over here and not yellow or orange color. I am actually unsure if it is yellow or orange. It is suppose to be cold today. In the northern parts it snowed. I wish I were there to see it falling or get pictures of it falling. All I get to feel is how cold it is.

Should I go to Cheddar today or not? I think I have decided not to. I saw the sun briefly. I think it is going to get cold and I cannot handle it. As much as I wanted to go, I am sure I will have other chances. Time to get washed up for brunch. Ok, so I went to school, only to find out that the computers were down. How convenient. Ended up walking to town with the lot of them. So that means I did not head off to cheddar after all. I have 3 months to go. And many weekends ahead. No worries. I think I found the UK version of the 99-cent store. It is the one-pound store. Yup. Everything or almost everything one pound. That is still quite a bit of money. I went to Safeway and ended up buying chocolate. One pound and 29 pence for 8 bars. It would have been six if there were not two free. That is not a bad deal. I was going to get the mini ones, but thought why bother? And since they use grams and other funny measurements for weight I did not want to have to think. I have bought that only frivolous thing so far. I might end up buying stuff from the one-pound store or if something that’s one pound strikes my eyes I will buy it.