I ♥ Nottingham

This week I made a second attempt at visiting Nottingham, the first trip failed in epic proportions.  This time I made it to campus on the a city bus, and found the office I needed.  I still wasn't able to get the signature I need for a student rail card.  Apparently I'm not a "real" student until I register for classes next week.  Afterword I made a new friend on a yellow uni double-decker bus!  Shelia is from Kenya, and it was her birthday.  We had an adventure getting to the shopping area in Nottingham and then my wonderful cousin Charlie met up with us.  He gave me a very nice tour of all sorts of amazing things in Nottingham.  

Highlights:

A bar in a beautiful old church Pitcher and Piano
A small free art museum Nottingham Contemporary
A cool dinner and art house theater The Broadway

I finally felt comfortable and much less lost after he helped me.  I was also called "duckie", apparently its a term of endearment.  Charlie had to explain that one to me! ha  Next week is the official semester kick off.  Lots of meetings, fairs, and presentations to attend.  No official classes until the first week in October.

Officially over a week!

It's been over a week since I came to Grantham, and I am LOVING England.  I got back yesterday from visiting my cousin Katie in Manchester.  We had a crazy good time at some very fun bars... three nights worth of fun.  Her boyfriend Chris's birthday was on sat and I met some really cool people.

          

                                         Chris and beer!                               Fun new people!

    

I've been living it up awaiting my program to start.  I did some great shopping in Manchester!  I finally purchased some adorable Hunter boots, and a very velvety 80's dress for a themed party on the 24th.

Bad News, Good News

The bad news....... Netflix, Pandora, Project Runway (via lifetime), and the Daily Show hate England.  None of their video options on their websites work here because "The video you are trying to watch can not be viewed from your current country/location."  Why these wonderful brands and companies hate the UK I'm not sure.  What a downer.

The good news... I've been a pirate for a while and can find them online for free.

As my brother would say

 May the flying spaghetti monster wrap you in his noodley embrace, shower you with his holy marinara, and grant you peace, Ramen.

You know you're in England when....

So far I've struggled opening a bank account, and getting a student rail pass.  They need more documentation, they need a stamp from the University.... blah blah blahhhhh!

The only thing that has been easy is getting my NHS registration completed. And that's how I know I'm not in the US... because the easiest thing about being here is that I'm already insured. :)

Sad Camera.... Happy Christine

I have safely arrived in England and properly celebrated with my British family!  It was a nice flight from Minneapolis to Iceland.  By nice I mean long and sleepless, but comfortable.  Iceland is really interesting and I would have loved to post pictures of my trip to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.  BUT I forgot to pack my camera card reader :(  So photos will have to wait until I can track down a reader.  The pool was amazing!  It was all foggy when we arrived at 10, parts are warmer than others as you walk around.  There was very cool silica mud to put on your face and body as a mask.  I couldn't get in for a massage but had a great time floating around and getting a drink at the bar in the pool.  I met a very nice new friend from Australia who is moving to London for a few years.  Hopefully I can visit her once I am settled.  It was a very relaxing 4 hours before I had to head to the airport for my flight from Reykjavik to London.  That flight went by very fast, sleeping on and off.  Once we landed and I finished waiting for customs to stamp my passport I met up with Malcolm, Trisha and Katie and drove to my new home in Grantham.  

Tomorrow is all about setting up my new life - bank account, cell phone, shampoo and conditioner and other toiletries - all the essentials. 

More later!

Diet Coke I love you...

You have served me well Diet Coke.... We've had years of codependency, I don't know what I'll do without you.  I'm sure the most immediate pangs of sadness will be the massive migraine I have from not drinking you.  We had a good month though... 36+ in the last two weeks, not bad.  How I will miss your sweet bubbly presence in my life.  I promise not to tell you when I find a British replacement, nor will I blame you when my British dentist finds the cavity you caused.

 Love always
Christine

Leaving on a jet plane...

Today is the day... In 10 hours I'll be in the air flying towards England. I can't wait. This summer has been such a long one. I'm so excited for my journey. :)