Vicennial Birthday

Hey, I'm twenty years old now. Cool. Last night we celebrated at the Cuban and had an amazing night even if we didn't get our free cake. Had one lecture today so I slept most of the day. Received flowers, a balloon, cake, and chocolate from my grandma. She has been doing this for the longest time, even if I am twenty now and overseas. You are amazing G. Went out for thai food with the girls for my birthday dinner. Lanna's Thai Place, it was so awkward and quiet in there. They whispered the Happy Birthday song for me, that's how bad it was. They paid for my dinner and a slice of carrot cake from Costa (popular cafe here). Wonderful ladies. Not going out tonight, last night was good enough. If you are my friend on Snapchat, I am sorry. Anyway, we are going to London this weekend for my birthday as well. I am so happy right now. 

Canada. Turkey. 

Blanket Scarf

I've had a wonderful day. Slept in and went into town to explore by myself. Bought a week bus pass, saw a massive amount of ducks when I left the Uni. I feel so much more british because I got a blanket scarf and a large shoulder purse today. I also went to the Chocolate Cafe that Vee had told me about, had a mini hot chocolate and a chocolate muffin with a cup of chocolate syrup to dip it in. Stomach ache totally worth it. Got back to find out I received a parcel (mail package) from my grandma. Filled with a bunch of amazing things. Cards from several people including Grandma Sue's birthday letter, gummy bears, teddy bear with grandma's Wind Song perfume sprayed on it, peanut butter, my American flag, my mother's jacket for outdoor adventures (caving, trekking, etc.), photos, my dreamcatcher, and much more. Blessed, I am. 

Words:

• Jumper instead of sweater
• Tap instead of water faucet

Yesterday, I didn't post because me and my Milwaukee girls took a trip to ASDA to get some groceries and other cheap, needed things. And that was it. 

And grandma: please don't cry on skype again, you make me sad!

Herne Bay

Sore. Sore. Sore. I cannot feel my body. When I woke up this morning, I rolled out of bed tired and sore to begin with. Deciding I wanted to see more England and meet more people, I went to the TreKent Rambling Society's first walk. Which happens to be to Herne Bay. Well, no one said anything to me when meeting up or through half an hour of walking. Saw sheep and a fox though. I decided to be not the quiet girl I am and introduced myself to a really cool girl, Vee. We talked for the entire three hour walk, we did get lost quite a bit. Anyway, she told me lots of things. Mainly because this stupid American girl kept asking stupid American questions. 

She shared:

• Instead of saying our weight in pounds, they say stones. "I am thirteen stones."
• Instead of saying "tipsy", we can say "jolly".
• Ellie Goulding went to a Canterbury Uni until someone discovered her. 
• You can say "Five quids" instead of "Five pounds", talking money.
• The sun baby in the old show Teletubbies goes to a Uni in Canterbury currently. 

There is obviously a lot more said during the five hours total. She's probably reading this and laughing at this stupid American. Hopefully, she keeps her word, to go out one night with her friends and mine. Herne Bay is not very exciting. Decided to take a bus back, because our shoes were covered in mud and soaked. Before we left, I decided to get food because I haven't eaten anything in twenty-four hours. Sorry grandma. Fish and chips it was, only thing open within a block that I was willing to walk. The minute I got back, I jumped into my bed and took a long nap in my disgusting, pigsty room. Full of mud and alcohol, I should probably take a shower and maybe do some laundry. Tomorrow is sleeping and taking a big trip to ASDA with a few people because this girl needs some granola bars and fresh fruit in her room. 

Whitstable and The Venue

I keep forgetting to tell you, or maybe I already did. I'm just too lazy to check through my older posts. But, I tried duck. I heard it's popular here and it tasted like, I don't know. Just meat. Tasteless meat. Anyway, I am getting used to using their twenty-four time and trying to learn the celsius. People here are extremely pale. I fit in. 

In my seminar, I raise my hand and I think that's not a thing here. Stupid American. They also ask "You alright?" instead of saying "How are you?". Went to a dance last night, one the uni hosted. It was actually a lot of fun. Maybe because of the state I was in. 

Today was lots of fun, besides my headache. Slept in and took The Triangle bus to Whitstable with my two Milwaukee girls. Walked to the harbor and then the castle. The shore was filled with rocks, barely any shells. I had to scavenger around to find a few. See, I collect the sand from the various beaches I go to. Unfortunately, I didn't have a cough drop bag (California friends would understand) or jar to save any. So it's an excuse to go back. Walked to the small castle. Had a free tour. Went back into town to eat. Had a large breakfast plate for a late lunch, it was delicious! Checked out some shops. Thank God for my receptionist who told me about Whitstable, otherwise we wouldn't have gone. Went to City Center in Canterbury as soon as we got back. I wanted a skirt for tonight's party. Came back from City Center with two skirts, two sweaters, and a few tanks. Oh, and a caramel Cadbury egg. Well, worth it. 

Tonight was Callum's birthday party. Enjoyed an hour with them at the flat and then headed to The Venue. It's a club on campus. Apparently, it sucks but you have to go at least once to experience it. I thought it was quite fun. However, I definitely choose the Cuban over it. Anyway, off to bed and might wake up to go join a trip to Herne Bay with the TreKent Rambling Society at ten in the morning. 

France. Spain. England. Greece. Egypt. 

Vanishing Point

Last night. Cuban. Dresses up with the girls. Lipstick and black dresses. Dancing and laughing all night. Keep in mind, I was sober and every one else was funny tipsy. I can't say the same for one of my friends, but she probably made the entire night even if she was crying over her coat for a good hour and even if she got kicked out of Cuban before eleven. Uni bus sucks. We waited in the freezing cold for over half an hour and when it came, it zoomed right passed us. We assumed it was because of how many people were on board. Took a cab. One of the earliest nights out and maybe the best so far. Now, I have my readings and last seminar of the week. Mungo's party tonight. 

And hey, I found out why they say "Hi-ya". It's just slang, a shortened word for "Hi you". Also, there are no grape flavors here. Instead, it's called "Black Currant". Look it up. 

One more thing. I had my first seminar yesterday. Compare it to UWM's discussions after the lecture. Well, I don't know if it's just me but the professor didn't look at me at all. Kept his focus away during the talks. I even spoke up twice and it was like I was hushed. Besides that, we talked over two hours about Alberti's perspective. Literally the vanishing point/centric point in paintings. I mean, I could do it easily. Drawing class at UWM only had us do it one day, one day to master it. It's not even hard. Yet, we sat there talking in British terms and so scientifically about it for two hours. Easy. Easy if I could understand the words they use. I could have schooled them.

Goodbye Pickles and Hello Caving

I'm really getting used to this place with every day that passes. It's only been a little over a week but I'm starting to feel like I belong here, also feels like I have been here for a month already. Campus is getting easier to navigate. I'm starting to understand the bus system as well. Which, I always try to sit first seat on the top of the double decker. And I still jump whenever the branches hit the top windows. It snowed twice since I have been here but it disappears within a short period. However, I am still not enjoying/getting used to the wet cold. 

Every Wednesday they test the fire alarms and every time I freak out. I grab my keys, throw shoes on, grab my phone, coat, and wonder to actually run out of the building. It went off twice this last Wednesday and I was almost on my way out the main door when I realized no one cared. Also, it happens at eight-thirty in the morning. How stupid. 

Sadly, I hate to admit it, but I have been going out every night to drink with new friends. I mean, I love it because I get to meet more people and make more memories but I don't do this at home. I'm usually the one to sit in my room for hours, studying and napping. And because of this, I have been procrastinating to the extreme. I actually just did my readings for my seminar that is in two hours. In Milwaukee, I would have gotten them done on Monday night, when I received the assignment. I think things will start to cool down. Every one calls it "Refreshers week". I guess a way to express the new students, like me, to see what they have to offer with clubs, pubs, societies, sports, etc. Monday night, I think, I went to a house with some friends and saw balloons spread across this guy's room with tiny silver canisters. Apparently, it's a way they like to get high here. You blow up a balloon with the canister and breath it in to get a small buzz. Sounds extremely stupid and dangerous. One of my friends tried it and said she felt nothing, she compared it to smoking a hookah. 

Currently I am in Rutherford Dining Hall. Bought a sandwich from a place they call, "Bag It". Basically an expensive sandwich making station. Note to self: Don't get the pickle anymore. It was definitely not the green pickle slice I was thinking of. It's a disgusting sweet and sour brown relish with peppers or something, it was spread on the bread. 

Went to a cave training last night because I joined the Caving Society. They go around England, into caves and explore. My hands were red by the time we were done. Climbing up rope with all this heavy equipment. Apparently, I am good for a first timer. It was a lot of fun. Can't wait to do it in the caves, the first trip is in South Wales. After training, they go to the pubs. I didn't go because I didn't bring any money and I had my readings to do. I plan on going next week because the people at the training were extremely nice. They have a movie night this Saturday that I hope to attend. I only say hope because I have so much going on this weekend. Thursday, today, we are going to Cuban again (the club). Tomorrow, Friday, some of my new friends and I, are attending this party at Eliot College. Then on Saturday, Micheala and I are taking the bus to Whitsable. It's a downtown area like Canterbury with lots of shops, it's right by the water as well. The receptionist was explaining it to me and told me it's a very artsy-fartsy scene with more art and music shops. After, at night we are celebrating Callum's birthday and/or the Caving movie night. Sunday, walking to Herne Bay with the TreKent Rambling Society. Haven't met them yet, however I should be fine because I met a former president of that society at the Caving Society. She was wonderful and told me I was going to fit right in. 

Where A Bouts?

Checklist #2:

• Instead of saying "Take Out" for food places, they say "Take Away"
• They say "more or less" a lot. Example, "About ten o'clock more or less"
• At stores or restaurants, they greet you not by saying "Hi" or "Hello", but they say "Hi-ya"
• Every time I tell them I am from America, they ask "Where A bouts?" all the time.

Here are my Module times (they will change in a few weeks):

First Module

I finally found the laundry room. Took almost a week. It's so expensive, it's 2.80 pounds for washing and 1.60 for drying. That's around five American dollars, and the loads are small. I had to use double. After using that system for the first time, I went to my first module of the semester. It was extremely packed on campus compared to three days earlier of ghost town. Class was boring. I had a lecture and there were about twenty students. They already had their friend group so I was in the back falling asleep. Besides falling asleep, I was signing up for societies and sports for the Uni. I'm joining the Arts Society, Yoga Society, and TreKent Rambling (sight seeing Canterbury and trails, hills, etc). For sports I joined Mountain Hiking and Caving (exploring caves). These organizations also have pub crawls and travel through out Great Britain. I'm so exitced!

Went out to the better Whetherspoons pub with a few cool people that I haven't met yet. From California, New York (Rochester!), Essex, and somewhere near London (I forgot). Actually before Whetherspoons, we stopped at Cherry Tree for a few minutes, a few people got a drink with three shots called Pig Fucker. At Whetherspoons we all got pitchers of different drinks and just hung out. Learned some drinking games they play here. There is Fuzzy Duck and Arrogance, we didn't play though. One guy who was pre-gaming a little too hard, sadly had to get an ambulance. No modules tomorrow!

Checklist

I started a checklist on my phone for things to tell you guys about that I keep forgetting so here it goes:

• Don't say pants here, it's trousers. Pants are underwear.
• Every single outlet has an on and off switch.
• Rubbish is probably my favorite word to hear.
• Instead of saying classes, say modules.
• They spell words by "re". For example, "theatre" and "centre"
• Look right and then left when crossing the street. I get close to getting hit here a lot. At least they don't drive crazy like the Italians.
• Say "Uni" instead of "University"
• My school union has a "University of Kent Monopoly" game.
• Students dress up just to go to class, I wore a blazer, skirt and tights, and some lipstick to fit in.
• Girls do not use backpacks, they like their large bags and purses.

Dover Castle

 Birds here are so fat and annoying. You could walk right up to a seagull without it flying away. Trees are green and I'm not talking leaves on top. Green moss covering every branch or leaves are covering the ground and growing from the bottom up, wrapping around the tree's bottom. Sheep everywhere, jumping up the steepest hills. We have an Aldi's grocery store nearby. And the trolleys (shopping carts) have the coin system. To use a trolley, you have to put in a pound (or a quarter at Aldi's in America). You get your coin back when you put the trolley back as well.

So Dover Castle in Dover, England. It reminded me of San Marino, Italy. Went on tours in the wartime tunnels, climbed hills and stairs to the top of the castle, had a jumbo sausage roll at the cafe for lunch, and had a great time with some new friends. Also, had a blood orange drink. I was really excited about it because I had blood orange juice a lot in Italy and I guess I really missed the fresh taste. The rain and cold is still hard to get used to, even if its colder back in Wisconsin. I just hate the cold in general, hate it with a passion. When we got back from our trip, I went to Suzzane's room with some others to try her dutch cookies (she is from the Netherlands), called syrup waffles. Very delicious. In her room, people were from: California and South Carolina.

Uni Day

Last night I went out again. House party. Played circle of death, however, they call it ring of fire. Same rules but they explained everything different and had different names for the rules. Drank Carlsberg beer. Walked back and counted eight rabbits, they come out at night all the time.

Today, was amazing. Slept in, well I tried. It's been hard for me to sleep in here, no idea why. Anyway, me and Micheala figured out how to ride the double decker bus. Bought a ticket for the entire day (called Uni Day) to get into City Center and back, 2.80 pounds. City Center is a huge square filled with stores, pharmacies, pubs, restaurants, the cathedral, and much more. I think we spent over five hours downtown. I bought: clothes from Primark (super cheap here, even after converting it to dollars), postcards, a flag, a map of Great Britain, prayer flags, a cactus, and more hangers. People singing in the streets. Got a Vodafone cellular plan as well, only ten pounds a month. Saw the outside and inside of the Canterbury Cathedral. Split fish and chips (our first), we were actually a little disappointed. I thought it was going to be better, maybe its just the place we ate at (had skin on it still, is that normal?). Then we went to Raj's 59 hookah store, and I got a free lighter because the owner Raj (owner of four stores in Canterbury, as he bragged) started hitting on me and said he was fascinated by me, also was able to get the special discount. The lighter has love written over it, I was absolutely creeped out. During our exploring, we also split a footlong cumberland hotdog at a stand and tried different sauces. I had Brazilian barbecue, spicy heinz ketchup, and regular ketchup. Took the double decker back to shower and go back in a cab. I like cabs and then I don't, a love/hate situation. Note to self: take the cab in the front of the taxi queue (line). Went to a pub called, Wetherspoons, for a strawberry daiquiri and was told I had a cute American accent. Whatever. Following Whetherspoons, we came back to campus to the same house party as yesterday. Played ring of fire/circle of death again. Slowly meeting more people because everyone is returning for classes starting this Monday.

So, I may be heading to London to celebrate my birthday in two weeks, and then heading to Germany for a weekend stay with one of Micheala's friends. Also, Yik Yak here is extremely weak compared to Milwaukee, if you wanted to know.

Napping Numb Limbs

Feeling more comfortable in my room after a trip to ASDA. If you didn't know, ASDA is a supermarket, just like Wal-Mart. Anyway, I picked up a lot of stuff. It equaled up to 130 pounds. Non-perishable foods, fruits, kitchen ware, hangers, bedding (favorite buy), hair dryer, water heater, air fresheners (musty wet smell here), etc. Although, the hike back to Rutherford College made my arms numb for two hours after. Carrying three huge bags, a devout, pillows, and toilet rolls. As well, my legs are killing me from all the walking in the past 24 hours. Thought I should let you know. Off to another four hour nap in this extremely warm and comfortable bedding. Cheers. 

One Pound Jägerbombs

Yesterday was long. Campus tours and getting our official ID, even a scavenger hunt. Before our fancy dinner, I had another four hour nap (my third one since I got here). Finally meeting one of my housemates out of the seven as well. During dinner, I had the chance to meet some really cool people from France, Netherlands, and Milwaukee that I hadn't met before, while we had a magician walking around doing card and rope tricks. Then, the fun began. I won't get into too much detail but I'll say that we (Americans) all taught others how to play flip cup. After, took a cab to Cuban (a club downtown) with the girls. It was a long and exciting night. One more thing, I can fake a british accent pretty decently already.

Grandma, don't worry, we were really mature about the use of alcohol. 

Address

E4E-8

Rutherford College

University of Kent

Canterbury CT2 7NX, UK

Moved In

I made it in one piece and it was a very pleasant trip, all 3993 miles, reading "Gone Girl" and sleeping off and on for the eight hours over the Atlantic ocean. I had the entire row in the plane to myself, the plane was maybe a fourth full. When I arrived to London Heathrow Airport, I was in terminal two or called "The Queen's Terminal" (I giggled). People were not pushing carts, however they were pushing trolleys. Then, waiting in the queue (line) for the UK Border, my legs went limp and my stomach was in knots. It was hitting me hard or I was scared shitless by these officers. Thankfully I got through with no problem and I was sitting in a bus that was driving me to Canterbury, the University of Kent with other international students. A fact you probably know already: they drive on the wrong side of the road! I mean, I think it's very interesting to experience but at the same time I constantly feel like we were going to get in an accident. Our bus driver was amazing and had the best accent. I speak with a british accent when I talk to myself in my head and I sound ridiculous, thought you would like to know. Anyway, getting closer to the campus, I started to notice the houses. Harry Potter. They are screaming Harry Potter. The brick and stone houses squished together look like they should each have their own owl. Arriving to my dorm, I was hauling three roller bags and a purse up through several doors and up stairs with no lifts or elevators (I live on the fourth floor). The struggle was real guys. Anyway, if you didn't know, England apparently think roommates are strange so I have a single like everyone else (I'm not complaining). I live in Rutherford College for the dorms. 

Pros: fast wifi, lots of drawer and shelf space, privacy, close to the library and union, good view.
Cons: far from the sports center, hard bed, smells gross, not many people here. 

I settled in half way and ran off to the union to buy bananas, toilet paper, water, tacks (to hang photos on bulletin board), postcards, and a notebook for classes. After, I hit the ATM to pull out fifty pounds and bought some cheap chicken pad thai for lunch from a food truck that was buzzing (it was delicious). Now, it's only 13:38 and I want to shower and sleep but I also want to go explore. Decisions, decisions. 

Airport Bound

Well, I'm packed. All three bags will be on their way to the United Kingdom with me in haul tomorrow. My last week in Wisconsin was spent with my loved ones, including my dog and before I leave to the airport, I plan on buying cheese curds for my final snack. I think I spent the last week perfectly. Rewinding to August, before I applied for this Exchange Program, I was thrilled to say that I was doing it because I was finally eligible to apply. After I got accepted I was excited, planning out everything I wanted to do and see. Researching the art and culture, taking notes and making bookmarks on my mac. About one month ago, my emotions about England were becoming sad because time was getting short and it started to make me feel rushed with everything. Now, I'm scared and excited. I really don't know the reason for being scared but I know I am excited to see the different cultures, gain life long friends, and experience their lifestyle with home and schooling, as well as bring back some cheap souvenirs like postcards and keychains. I believe I am scared because of the amount of time that will be spent away from home, family, and friends. I keep telling myself it's only five months, and I know people who will go for entire year or more. However, leaving is, with no doubt, still going to be extremely hard. This last week I had to say goodbye to my friends and family. Every goodbye had me weak in the knees because England was becoming real like before it was just a joke. But now, I am on my way to the airport and will be cramped in a small seat for hours, sad and happy at the same time. The hardest goodbye will be my Grandma Ann. If anyone who really knows me, they know her as well and should know how close we are. 

Anyway, there are many things I want to do when I get to Europe. I want to buy a cheap bike to get around the town and campus, I also want to go to the pubs with my new friends, as well as go shopping with them, and travel to other places. The list includes: London (obviously), Paris, Amsterdam, Athens, Madrid, Sicily and Milan, Switzerland, Dublin, and maybe Japan. The art galleries and the Europe festivities during the time I'll spend there will be my favorite trips. I want to try all kinds of food and try the traditions they have. I even want to come back with a slight British accent. Also, you may laugh (you will laugh), I really want to write the Queen a letter to have tea with me. Lastly, I want to see the places my grandmother Sue and deceased grandfather Lee have traveled in London. I had the privilege to see ticket stubs and postcards of the museums and gardens they have been. As well, my recently deceased mother has been to England more than once, and it's going to be a blessing to put my feet where her feet have been when she was around my age. Finally, I want to thank all those who have supported me in my plans and the scholarships to make the experience possible. I cannot wait to see the place I will be calling home for the next five months ahead.