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.
2.10.2003
2.09.2003
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.
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.
2.08.2003
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.
2.07.2003
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.
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.
2.06.2003
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.
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.
2.05.2003
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.
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.
2.04.2003
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.
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.
2.03.2003
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.
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.
2.02.2003
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.
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.
2.01.2003
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.
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.
1.31.2003
My first time on a bus...
Well I got on a bus for the first time today. It was not too bad since I was running late to meet up with everyone. I ended up at the bus station before they did because I knew if I had to walk all the way to Mc Donald's then I would have been late. We ended up taking the bus to Bristol and only saw Bristol Cathedral and Millennium Square.
One of the others said that all the churches are all different. I guess since I am not a church type of person that I do not understand it all. The only thing about the church or most churches is that it was old. It was from the 1600s I think. And there were people buried inside the church. The tombstone had how old they were and when they were alive. Something else that happened at the church was me having to use the toilet. I followed the signs, but when it came to the door that actually goes out to it, I could not open it! I tried, and I had two other people trying. It was not going to open. A few other people must have known how to open the doors because they opened it with such ease. I am still wondering how they opened that door. The door looked as if it was from a castle being made out of wood and had iron round handles and bolts.
At the Millennium Square, they had something that looked like a giant disco mirror ball. However it had stairs going up to it and so it was spaceship looking. There were also bronze statues of famous people. There was one of Cary Grant. I thought he was from the movie It is a Wonderful Life, but I was mistaken. The other two I had no idea who they were because I did not take the time to find out. I am sure one of the others I was with knows who they were. It was funny that I pulled the wrong cord in the bathroom and set off an alarm. Hey, how was I supposed to know? I knew that the toilets were modern here, but somehow I think I was thinking I was in Hong Kong. Go figure that one out. Then we walked all the way to the Maritime Museum, but it was closed and we just ended up riding the ferry back to the city center and headed home. I cannot believe we headed all the way over there just to see a church. The sun was out today and that was nice.
One of the others said that all the churches are all different. I guess since I am not a church type of person that I do not understand it all. The only thing about the church or most churches is that it was old. It was from the 1600s I think. And there were people buried inside the church. The tombstone had how old they were and when they were alive. Something else that happened at the church was me having to use the toilet. I followed the signs, but when it came to the door that actually goes out to it, I could not open it! I tried, and I had two other people trying. It was not going to open. A few other people must have known how to open the doors because they opened it with such ease. I am still wondering how they opened that door. The door looked as if it was from a castle being made out of wood and had iron round handles and bolts.
At the Millennium Square, they had something that looked like a giant disco mirror ball. However it had stairs going up to it and so it was spaceship looking. There were also bronze statues of famous people. There was one of Cary Grant. I thought he was from the movie It is a Wonderful Life, but I was mistaken. The other two I had no idea who they were because I did not take the time to find out. I am sure one of the others I was with knows who they were. It was funny that I pulled the wrong cord in the bathroom and set off an alarm. Hey, how was I supposed to know? I knew that the toilets were modern here, but somehow I think I was thinking I was in Hong Kong. Go figure that one out. Then we walked all the way to the Maritime Museum, but it was closed and we just ended up riding the ferry back to the city center and headed home. I cannot believe we headed all the way over there just to see a church. The sun was out today and that was nice.
1.30.2003
Awaken by the cold.
Today is the one four-day weekend I will have until a while. Today I am heading off to campus to check e-mail and to hopefully have replies from those that I know around these parts. I am waiting to hear from my friend in London and from Kettering. It is so hard to keep in touch with them since they have work and or just have nothing to so most of the time and so they seem to lounge around all day long similar to a college student but minus the classes. It is quite cold today. The cold woke me up and I just wished that the heater would turn on. That is how cold it was. Glad I am indoors and not outside. I find that here the parents no matter what age go out a couple times a week just to get away from their children. The mum goes out to workout I am assuming this because she had on workout clothes when she left the house. The dad went out with friends to watch football. He was dressed casual and I noticed there was a game last night, but I am not sure if it was his team or not. The children here are more rebellious that over in the states. Maybe sometimes, they talk back but mostly they respect them, no matter what the choice is.
Maybe I will have something more interesting to say once I have headed off to school to check e-mail. I am glad I did not head on out last night. If I did, I bet I would not be up at about seven something in the morning. I am guessing I need to plan my own trips to places and I have never done that before, but it will be a good learning experience. It was cold! Brrrr. I could not stand to being outside. For sure, we are heading off to Bristol tomorrow. I just wish I had done some research on places in England in general.
Maybe I will have something more interesting to say once I have headed off to school to check e-mail. I am glad I did not head on out last night. If I did, I bet I would not be up at about seven something in the morning. I am guessing I need to plan my own trips to places and I have never done that before, but it will be a good learning experience. It was cold! Brrrr. I could not stand to being outside. For sure, we are heading off to Bristol tomorrow. I just wish I had done some research on places in England in general.
1.29.2003
Second day of classes...
I think I have finally gotten used to the time difference. So far, I have been heading off to bed a little later each night. I hope I stop at some point otherwise; I will be in that horrible pattern I was in before I left. Going to bed at about 4 a.m. and not getting up until the afternoon or early evening. Today is the second day of classes and I hope that it is short. But I know it will be the whole time because yesterday the class that was before me ended a couple of minutes later than it was supposed to. It is early in the morning or as I like to call it the time I should still be in bed. I was hoping that there would be snow today since someone mentioned that there would be and I also looked on the weather forecast page as well and it said snow. If it would snow, it would make it perfect. I cannot wait for that! I know it is not going to be as much as the east coast or Lake Tahoe, but at least it is snow!
I was planning on heading off to the campus early so that I could use the computers over there to do some e-mailing since I do not have access at my host family’s home. I mean I do, but it is dial up and I cannot be tying up the phone line. I was surprised yesterday when I was using the computers in the computer lab that the connection was so slow. It seemed slower than the school’s (San Jose State) and it took ages for stuff to load up. And using a Mac I forgot that the commands to cut and paste were different because of the command or apple key. That brought me back to why I do not like Macs and because they only have a one-button mouse. There is no scrolling button either which is annoying. I think PC users are just spoiled. I will have more on how my adventures of heading off to school and how I was almost blown away by the strong gale winds and how PCs should be the computer of choice.
Since I have been here, I have seen the sun twice, well maybe three times, the first day that I arrived, yesterday, and today. I just wonder how much longer the sun will stay and how far away the clouds of rain are. It is been windy as well because I think a storm is supposed to approach the island. I had my second class of the semester and was I glad it ended early. I was surprised that the sun was out so long today. I doubt that it would snow tomorrow, but who knows? I opted to stay in tonight to watch some TV and be normal, or myself. I think that the lot of people that I came here without knowing is good, because now I am able to have a couple more friends based on what we have all experienced together in some form. Some I have gotten to know some better than others because I suppose I just click with them better. I have noticed that my right foot is hurting and I am wondering if it is from all of the walking, I have been doing. I have yet to take the bus to school and even to town. It is getting late and I better rest up so that tomorrow morning when I get up I can call my mom to tell her I have got a phone card and that I am going to try and call when I can.
I was planning on heading off to the campus early so that I could use the computers over there to do some e-mailing since I do not have access at my host family’s home. I mean I do, but it is dial up and I cannot be tying up the phone line. I was surprised yesterday when I was using the computers in the computer lab that the connection was so slow. It seemed slower than the school’s (San Jose State) and it took ages for stuff to load up. And using a Mac I forgot that the commands to cut and paste were different because of the command or apple key. That brought me back to why I do not like Macs and because they only have a one-button mouse. There is no scrolling button either which is annoying. I think PC users are just spoiled. I will have more on how my adventures of heading off to school and how I was almost blown away by the strong gale winds and how PCs should be the computer of choice.
Since I have been here, I have seen the sun twice, well maybe three times, the first day that I arrived, yesterday, and today. I just wonder how much longer the sun will stay and how far away the clouds of rain are. It is been windy as well because I think a storm is supposed to approach the island. I had my second class of the semester and was I glad it ended early. I was surprised that the sun was out so long today. I doubt that it would snow tomorrow, but who knows? I opted to stay in tonight to watch some TV and be normal, or myself. I think that the lot of people that I came here without knowing is good, because now I am able to have a couple more friends based on what we have all experienced together in some form. Some I have gotten to know some better than others because I suppose I just click with them better. I have noticed that my right foot is hurting and I am wondering if it is from all of the walking, I have been doing. I have yet to take the bus to school and even to town. It is getting late and I better rest up so that tomorrow morning when I get up I can call my mom to tell her I have got a phone card and that I am going to try and call when I can.
1.28.2003
My first day of school...
Today was the first day of class. I walked to school and was early. I could not believe how long it took me. I suppose that if you are with others it does not seem as long that or it was because I had a backpack and that made it harder to walk up and down hills. When I reached the campus I thought I knew where the classroom was, but I went to the wrong door and then finally figured out which one was the right one. Once I entered the classroom, I found out that I had brought the wrong book to class. I thought I was odd that it was not professor Holmann who would be teaching and it was professor Jurmain. I must have thought that Monday was Sunday and that today was Monday. While coming back from the college I noticed the nice view of everything that I had seen closer and other parts that were far away from as well. It was just nice to see everything from a different perspective. As I was walking back, I could not believe that I am actually in England. Where the Queen is Elizabeth II and Prince Charles owns part of the school grounds for the other part the college. That it really is cold here and “jumpers� (sweaters) necessary. Gloves are also a must, but I did not bother to bring any because I knew that would be another thing to pack; although it is small I did not want to sincejackets have pockets.
1.27.2003
Orientation...Macs or PCs?
The first day of school, it did not feel like it that was for sure. It is as if I was on holiday and this is some sort of dream. We just had a brief orientation on where everything was. We were shown the computer labs, which were full of Macs, and we were warned there were mostly Macs, but I did not see any PCs except the ones that the card catalog is on. Once orientation was finished, some of us headed off to eat Thai food. There we sat and just had fun and told stories about each of our families. We are loud Americans or those that I was walking with. I walked faster and ahead of them because frankly, they embarrassed me.
When I left everyone, I headed off to the town’s library because I was dying to use a computer for e-mail. It is one of the hardest things to live without. I had to check to see if I had gotten any new messages, and to e-mail my family that I got here all right and in one piece. It was funny because later in the evening my mom called me up and asked why I have not called. I said I could find a phone card, which was somewhat true and that I do not know how to dial up to the states.
When I left everyone, I headed off to the town’s library because I was dying to use a computer for e-mail. It is one of the hardest things to live without. I had to check to see if I had gotten any new messages, and to e-mail my family that I got here all right and in one piece. It was funny because later in the evening my mom called me up and asked why I have not called. I said I could find a phone card, which was somewhat true and that I do not know how to dial up to the states.
1.26.2003
A walk to school...
Some of the others wanted to go and check out where the school was, but I am sure they did not meet up at the time they originally planned because we did not get home until 4.30 a.m. I ended up meeting with someone who is in my area and her host mom took two others as well as me on a walk towards the school. We would be the four that would walk to school, because it just takes a very long time for the bus and the fact that after you got off the bus you would still have to walk to the school. Afterwards we headed off to town. We got there ok and while heading back this time we did not get lost and found our way home just fine.
1.25.2003
Walking tour of Bath and a night of drinking...
I had gotten great sleep, well sort of. I woke up in the middle of the night, but that is fine with me because I went back to sleep. We had a tour of the town and half way through I just wanted to go home. Not to San Francisco, but back to the house. It was getting cold and although I wore layers of clothes, nothing to could prepare me for the cold that I felt. During this time, a car had its roof down and was blasting music and the tour guide apologized for it. We all just wanted to laugh and say it is not a problem because we are used to it.
After the tour, a bunch of us decided to go out later that night just to have some fun. So we parted ways with the others and headed home. I was not alone walking home and we ended up lost and walking too far. We knew we should not have been talking when we should have been paying attention to what street we were on etc. It is not as if the streets were all straight and blocks. We realized we went too far and then walked back and eventually found our way home. It only took us about an hour to head back I suppose when it should only take 20 minutes.
By the end of the night we ended up at three pubs. We finished up at the last pub part club and needed food. We found a pizza place and had some. Afterwards we headed on over to the river Avon (this one is suppose to be the one that everyone has to see and the correct one and none of the other ones) and talked and hung out. We all decided that we should take a taxi home because the buses had stopped running for one thing and another was because it was about 3.30 a.m. in the morning. We ended up in line and had some people trying to “jump the queue� (that is cutting in line) and it almost started a fight because of it. another story that would probably run over back in the United States if the “bobbies� (police officers) saw us. A funny story that would run in the paper back at home would say something on the lines of San Jose State University students get into a fight over a taxi. A few were injured and because of this are sent home.
I got to ride in a Mercedes Benz as a taxi. How cool is that?
After the tour, a bunch of us decided to go out later that night just to have some fun. So we parted ways with the others and headed home. I was not alone walking home and we ended up lost and walking too far. We knew we should not have been talking when we should have been paying attention to what street we were on etc. It is not as if the streets were all straight and blocks. We realized we went too far and then walked back and eventually found our way home. It only took us about an hour to head back I suppose when it should only take 20 minutes.
By the end of the night we ended up at three pubs. We finished up at the last pub part club and needed food. We found a pizza place and had some. Afterwards we headed on over to the river Avon (this one is suppose to be the one that everyone has to see and the correct one and none of the other ones) and talked and hung out. We all decided that we should take a taxi home because the buses had stopped running for one thing and another was because it was about 3.30 a.m. in the morning. We ended up in line and had some people trying to “jump the queue� (that is cutting in line) and it almost started a fight because of it. another story that would probably run over back in the United States if the “bobbies� (police officers) saw us. A funny story that would run in the paper back at home would say something on the lines of San Jose State University students get into a fight over a taxi. A few were injured and because of this are sent home.
I got to ride in a Mercedes Benz as a taxi. How cool is that?
1.24.2003
Here I am England!
Today was horrible! I could not sleep much on the plane and I was dead tired when it came time for dinner. I did not know they called dinner “tea�. That was the oddest thing in the world. I hated the fact the pilot told us that there were planes above and below us. We had to circle the air until there was space for us to taxi down. Even then, while on the runway it took ages until we could be let off the plane. We were just on the plane on the runway waiting to park. The pilot used some term that slipped my mind now about parking the plane.
Once we were off the plane, we had to go and pick up luggage. That was interesting because the luggage carts were called “trolleys� and I finally got what my old co-worker said about my rolling backpack. Those trolleys were quite interesting because we could not really control them. The best part of that day had to be the 20 of us each with a trolley or just rolling luggage had to go find the bus. We got to the point that the bus was supposed to be and it was not there and had left. So the 20 of us had to go back into the airport and head on to the other side. When we got outside though it was not as cold as we had expected.
Then the bus driver had to put our luggage into the storage area of the bus with all of our suitcases. He was not a young man, but I would guess that he is about 50 something. He saw all of us with our two suitcases or more in some cases and said something along the lines of “did you have to move your whole house over here for 3 months?� and that was funny. This one guy had more stuff than I did! He even wanted to bring an ironing board! Loading everyone’s suitcases took about 30 to 40 minutes. And once on the bus after a while, everyone went to sleep because it was just too difficult to sleep on the plane. That and the fact was it was going to take about two and a half hours to the campus where we would meet our host family. The views of the land that I saw while awake on the bus were amazing. The views from the plane were also spectacular. Seeing the homes and what they are made of makes me feel as though I am going back in time. The orientation was interesting because we found out that the next day we would get a tour of the town.
Another funny thing that had happen to me while I got the luggage into the car and headed off to my host family’s home was that I forgot that it was the opposite of American cars and drivers were on the passenger side. I thought that I would know better because I have been to Hong Kong and that is how it is there, but it must have slipped my mind because I was just too tired to remember. I had a talk with my host mom about what my parents did. I do not know what she thought about it, but I suppose she just wanted to get to know me better.
I went to see my room and thought it was not too small. The room that I stay at in Hong Kong is even smaller so I am glad in a way my room is somewhat bigger than that. Of course, if I had to compare it to my room at home it is quite small. The blanket and the pillow case as well as the room the colors were blue and yellow. I wondered if they had planned it being blue and yellow because they knew that most of the students they would take in would be from San Jose State and that our school colors were such. Everything is as I imagined it would be. The homes and the size of stuff such as the room I was staying in. I think it is because that Hong Kong prepared me for what to expect in England. Remembering to look right and then left instead of left then right. The only difference is that the shower or bathtub does not have a shower curtain and that is just odd to me. And that it is colder here and not as humid as well.
Meeting the rest of the family today was interesting. Of course, the 11-year-old son was taller than me (that I had expected) and the daughter is an oddball. She was in bed when I got to the house to meet her. I could not believe what my host mom had said about Tonya. Calling her a colored girl. I met my host dad and I did not know what to make of him.
Once we were off the plane, we had to go and pick up luggage. That was interesting because the luggage carts were called “trolleys� and I finally got what my old co-worker said about my rolling backpack. Those trolleys were quite interesting because we could not really control them. The best part of that day had to be the 20 of us each with a trolley or just rolling luggage had to go find the bus. We got to the point that the bus was supposed to be and it was not there and had left. So the 20 of us had to go back into the airport and head on to the other side. When we got outside though it was not as cold as we had expected.
Then the bus driver had to put our luggage into the storage area of the bus with all of our suitcases. He was not a young man, but I would guess that he is about 50 something. He saw all of us with our two suitcases or more in some cases and said something along the lines of “did you have to move your whole house over here for 3 months?� and that was funny. This one guy had more stuff than I did! He even wanted to bring an ironing board! Loading everyone’s suitcases took about 30 to 40 minutes. And once on the bus after a while, everyone went to sleep because it was just too difficult to sleep on the plane. That and the fact was it was going to take about two and a half hours to the campus where we would meet our host family. The views of the land that I saw while awake on the bus were amazing. The views from the plane were also spectacular. Seeing the homes and what they are made of makes me feel as though I am going back in time. The orientation was interesting because we found out that the next day we would get a tour of the town.
Another funny thing that had happen to me while I got the luggage into the car and headed off to my host family’s home was that I forgot that it was the opposite of American cars and drivers were on the passenger side. I thought that I would know better because I have been to Hong Kong and that is how it is there, but it must have slipped my mind because I was just too tired to remember. I had a talk with my host mom about what my parents did. I do not know what she thought about it, but I suppose she just wanted to get to know me better.
I went to see my room and thought it was not too small. The room that I stay at in Hong Kong is even smaller so I am glad in a way my room is somewhat bigger than that. Of course, if I had to compare it to my room at home it is quite small. The blanket and the pillow case as well as the room the colors were blue and yellow. I wondered if they had planned it being blue and yellow because they knew that most of the students they would take in would be from San Jose State and that our school colors were such. Everything is as I imagined it would be. The homes and the size of stuff such as the room I was staying in. I think it is because that Hong Kong prepared me for what to expect in England. Remembering to look right and then left instead of left then right. The only difference is that the shower or bathtub does not have a shower curtain and that is just odd to me. And that it is colder here and not as humid as well.
Meeting the rest of the family today was interesting. Of course, the 11-year-old son was taller than me (that I had expected) and the daughter is an oddball. She was in bed when I got to the house to meet her. I could not believe what my host mom had said about Tonya. Calling her a colored girl. I met my host dad and I did not know what to make of him.
1.23.2003
On my way to Bath...
Today is the day! I am going to be on the Virgin Atlantic plane heading for Heathrow, London. I cannot wait! It is been a while since I have been on a plane. I have everything all packed up and ready to go. I should have placed the weight of the clothes more evenly between the two suitcases that I am bringing. One is light and the other is a ton! I know I have brought too much now. I just hope that the two suitcases are not over the limit. England watch out! I am ready to invade!
At the airport, I thought that the professor would never arrive. He was holding everyone’s ticket. It was just a shock for me to meet everyone and most of were being friendly. Little did I know that some of them I would end up being friends. On the plane I sat next to Ryan who I had no idea that I would have most of my classes with. It was intimidating. I tired to be as outgoing as possible, but in the end, I reckon I failed. However, that was not my first impression of him. When I saw him at the airport, I was thinking he is tall. Is he part of our group?
At the airport, I thought that the professor would never arrive. He was holding everyone’s ticket. It was just a shock for me to meet everyone and most of were being friendly. Little did I know that some of them I would end up being friends. On the plane I sat next to Ryan who I had no idea that I would have most of my classes with. It was intimidating. I tired to be as outgoing as possible, but in the end, I reckon I failed. However, that was not my first impression of him. When I saw him at the airport, I was thinking he is tall. Is he part of our group?
1.22.2003
Bath here I come!
It has finally hit me that I will be in England on Friday. England, the country that I have been dreaming about since the tenth grade in high school and even did a report on it. Making a list of everything I need is a pain because I know I will bring too much and wish that I did not need everything on it. I have so much to do and nothing done. I have ordered textbooks and they have not arrived! Where are they?! I leave in a day and they are still not here. I do not think I am going to use Barnes and Nobles anymore. Free shipping is nice, but if they cannot ship it on time then what is the point? I ordered books from total strangers and they have managed to get them here on time. It would have helped if the Bath program professors were a little more organized and told us the books in advance. I only just found out last week where I was going to live. That is scary. I had thoughts of living at the student union or even at the train station. That would have been funny. It is evening and all I have been doing is just watching TV and not packing. I will probably end up packing into the wee hours of the morning.
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