Thursday, March 20, 2014

Time and Acknowledgment

I have a total of 6 weeks left in England, three of those in Ormskirk and three traveling around Europe. Everyone said enjoy every second you are here because time goes by so quickly and boy were they right. It's an interesting combination of feeling like I just stepped off the plane and feeling like I've been here my whole life. Edge Hill feels like home and I'm not sure I am ready to leave. Don't get me wrong, going back to America, my big comfy bed, my friends, my family and Mexican food will be amazing, but being in Europe is not something I want to give up just yet.

I have learned to appreciate many things about America that we do not have over here, One being wifi and 3G readily available and at your disposal. It was nice not to have to worry about international fees and have the internet at your fingertips. Not having internet has taught me to be less technology dependent. I've learned that it is okay to ask for directions and use a paper map instead of the Maps app on my iPhone. Also, not having constant contact with those back home is okay. It is nice to be in a foreign country and just enjoy the scenery. People watch. Focus on the present, here and now.

I also appreciate America's connivence. Stores are open 24/7 and have a wide variety of every product. The options of food at restaurants here is minuscule compared to any restaurant at home. Here there is 1 maybe two pages of choices while in America you can spend hours looking through a menu. (I probably shouldn't say this- it only perpetuates the stereotype that all Americans are overweight)

I recognize the worth of the strict schooling system in America. Here, students seem to take their education as an option and not as a priority. People skip class, talk while the tutor is giving the lesson and do not focus on the presentation. (This is obviously a generalization as not all students are this way.) In America, college is not even an option for many people, it is a must.  Professors at home are much more respected and looked up to, which I think suits their profession.

Even though it can be time consuming and frustrating, I appreciate America's safety and security. Airport security is much less strict and police officers carry pepper spray instead of guns. It can be a hassle in America going through so many security precautions, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.



With that being said, there are SO MANY things I am going to miss about Europe!


1. Trains: the rail systems in Europe are amazing. You can take a train nearly anywhere, at any time, for a very low price. I was worried about not having a car over here (I've had a car since I was 16 and I'm way too overly dependent on it) but taking a train is so much nicer! You can relax and get to your destination quickly and safely.

2. Budget Airlines: Ryanair and Easyjet are a lifesaver! You can get tickets for less an 20pounds to some places in Europe. This is absolutely unheard of if you were flying through America. It has made traveling while in Europe affordable and possible.

3. Sales Tax: There is none! What you see on the price tag is what you will pay.

4. How appreciative everyone is of a bright and sunny day. I know I take that for granted in America.

5. Proximity: Towns are designed so that you can walk everywhere. There isn't even the need for a car in many places because you can walk to the grocery store or clothing stores to get everything you need. It is so nice to take a walk into town and just appreciate the scenery and atmosphere.

6. A great English breakfast complete with eggs, sausage, toast, mushrooms, tomatoes, bacon, beans and more!



Thought I would throw in some fun pictures of my adventures lately

About 20 of us dressed up as Gatsby theme for a night out

Guiness Factory Tour in Dublin

The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. Definitly the most beautiful place I've ever been




Sunday, March 2, 2014

10 Tips For Surviving England

1. First and foremost: To get the most out of your experience, you have to put yourself out there. Sitting in your room and waiting for something fun and exciting to happen is like expecting to get 4.0 after never going to class. Introduce yourself to everyone. Ask if you can tag along to dinner/movies/going into town. Stepping out of your comfort zone is half the reason for studying abroad anyway.

2. I feel like this should be obvious but bring  RELIABLE rain boots and a raincoat with a hood. It rains about once a day here in Liverpool but usually only for an hour or so. It just so happens that the hour it rains is when I'm walking to class/town/anywhere outside.

3. People dress nicer here than in America. Don't expect to go to class in sweatpants and a messy bun. Bring jeans, cute sweaters and dresses with black tights. And when you look better you feel better so why not? 

4. You will get homesick. You will miss your friends. You will see Facebook pictures from everyone at home having a great time and feel like you are missing out. But you will also be making amazing memories of your own, growing up, learning about yourself, meeting great friends and more. Don't get caught up in stalking everyones Facebook pictures, it only makes things worse.

5. Buy train tickets in advance. Don't just turn up at a train station and buy a ticket unless you still haven't realized that money does not grow on trees. You will save literally hundreds of pounds if you purchase tickets weeks in advance. The same goes for hostels and airfare.

6. Buy a young persons rail card. It is 30 pounds but you save 30% on each train ticket you buy. It pays for itself within 1-2 trips.

7. Lots of drinks over here are carbonated. Lemonade is the same thing as sprite because it is carbonated. Their version of gatorade is carbonated. Sometimes water is even carbonated. Look at the label before purchasing.

8. Have a rough estimate of the currency exchange from dollars to pounds. Right now it is around 1.7 dollars to 1 British pound so money goes FAST. I am not a math person so every time I look at a price tag (and cry for my bank account) I multiply the number by 2, then subtract a little. Very scientific I know, but it actually works for the conversion very well. 

9. Bring a wallet that is coin-friendly. They have 8 coins -1 penny, 2 pence, 5, 10, 20, 50, 1 pound, 2 pound-  compared to our four coins. You jingle everywhere you walk but you get used to it. 

10. Come prepared to eat chips (french fries) EVERY SINGLE DAY. I would actually suggest avoiding fries for about 3 months before you come over here just so you don't get sick of them. They are served with every meal, every where, at all time, constantly etc.. Also, be prepared for lots of peas and mushrooms.