Lost in London

So I'm a bit lost here in England, but in a completely good way. Everything is foreign, new and exciting... more so than I expected! I step outside and initially feel as if I could be home. Then I enter a crosswalk (or zebra crossing as Brits call it) and realize that everyone is driving on the left side of the street and they talk differently. Then I am pulled back into this reality that seems like a dream. A pretty amazing dream.

 

After spending a couple days on Newcastle's campus for international orientation, our Loyola program took a weekend trip to London. I have wanted to travel to London since I was young, and heard so much about it through others' experiences there. It was interesting to see how the trip would compare to what I always imagined it would be like. Once again reality exceeded expectations. I really hope this trend continues!

On the first day after everyone dropped their belongings in the hostel, we took the Tube for a night tour of the city. I wasn't exactly sure which sights were included on the tour. So when we walked up the stairs from the tube, my breath was taken away when I looked right up at Big Ben. I have seen pictures of the famous landmark, and all of a sudden it was right in front of me. As corny as it sounds, it took my breath away. It was one of those nights when I felt so happy that I felt a little sad too.  It's a strange paradox to say the least. I think it was the notion that I could never experience London like this for the first time again with such wonder. I reminded myself to take in every moment, and enjoy it all as it comes.

The tour was so beautiful at night, but I wanted to see the city during the day again. So we went back to see all the touristy attractions which included Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the British Museum, Westminster Abbey and Camden which were all equally amazing.

 

 

 

 

I have to say the best experience of all that weekend was going on the London Eye with two of my friends. The wait was long, but the view was completely worth it. Once again, I felt like I was in a dream. Seeing the cityscape from such a tall height reminded me of my view while skydiving. Everything looks so small, and not as intimidating anymore. Simultaneously, it was beautiful and breathtaking. Words can't really describe it even though I could go on forever about how great it was.

 

Although I absolutely loved London, I was happy to get back to Newcastle. London can be a little overwhelming, and I love the community atmosphere that Newcastle gives off, if that makes sense. Although it is a city, it feels more personal and close-knit than London.

So after a week or two of vacationing, orientation and Fresher's week, I finally am starting classes after five months off. I hope my brain still works. Even though I will have work now, I'm pretty sure I will continue to love it here. Wish me luck!

 

           

I'm Loving Geordieland!

First of all, may I say that Newcastle is absolutely amazing. I couldn't imagine it to be this beautiful in my wildest dreams. No exaggeration. Secondly, I had no idea that I would come across such a language barrier! Although the majority of students studying at Newcastle are from different cities in England, the locals (Geordies) can be quite difficult to understand for out-of-towners! During international orientation, we were handed a translation sheet to help us better understand the people we would be spending a good deal of time with for the next few months. A personal favorite of my friend's and mine is "Shy bairns get nowt", which literally translates to shy children don't get anything. Naturally, it became our little motto for our study abroad experience. I listed a few more terms below that I found interesting and amusing. I'm trying to become fluent in Geordie, but I'm not sure it's going too well. But I have to at least try! Remember, shy bairns get nowt!

Aa divvent knaa: I don't know

 

Aalreet?: How are things

 

Bairn: Child

 

Caad: Cold

 

Canny: Nice, pleasant, good or quite

 

Doon the Toon: In town

 

Geet: Great, large

 

Hadaway: Go away/I don't believe you

 

Shy bairns get nowt!: Shy children don't get anything; be assertive

 

Tra: Goodbye

Ten. More. Days.

Not that anyone is counting. Actually, I am counting. I have been counting this entire summer. I remember saying to myself way back when, only 80 more days... and now we're entering single digit territory! I don't even feel nervous. Is that normal? Who knows... I am just so excited and eager to get to Newcastle for the semester and settle in. The anticipation is really the worst!
 
So what am I doing during my last days in the states? Packing, packing and more packing.

 Maybe I'm trying to avoid being nervous about leaving the country for three months by only worrying about the clothes that I'm going to bring. But seriously how do I fit three months into one suitcase?! My biggest issue right now is trying to figure out which coats and shoes to bring. I don't want to leave any of them behind because I know I will have separation anxiety! Then I remember to tell myself, they're just clothes and they won't be upset if I leave them behind. They don't have feelings....or do they? Nah, just kidding. If my biggest worry right now is packing coats and shoes, then I am a pretty lucky person.

 When I look at the pile of sweaters, shirts, and jeans sprawled overwhelmingly across half of my bedroom floor, I think of the memories that will be made in them, and the potential that these next few months hold. The future is a completely blank canvas and I can't wait to splash it with vibrant colors (extremely corny, but I had to). 

 So I could be worried about my classes, finding my way around the university and town, and making new friends, but I'm not. I'm just throwing clothes around my room because that seems much more productive to me. Everything will work out! And I'll be in England so it will be awesome no matter what. Oh they don't use the word awesome do they? Okay, it will be BRILLIANT.