A Step Back Into Time: Day Trip to Bath

Bath Street, Bath, Somerset, UK

Yesterday, a my exchange group took a day trip over to Bath.  Being a Jane Austen fan and a Georgian architecture enthusiast, Bath was one of the top places on my list to visit.  Wandering around the ancient streets was like a step back into time.

We arrived around ten in the morning.  It was one of the most beautiful days I've experienced since arriving in this rainy country.  About fifteen of us jumped off the bus, and headed for the main attraction, the Roman Baths.  

Over 2,000 years of history, once buried under the rocks, was excavated and restored into a wonderful monument.  The baths themselves look like they do in the pictures, but I was surprised to find out that the geothermal spring that once heated the water for the Romans continues to do so for today.  The museum did a wonderful job of weaving the restorations in with the original works.  

At the end of the tour there was a filtered Bath Spring Water stand, so we too, could take the healing waters.  We all drank the warm, newly filtered water, then immediately regretted it, because, despite being filtered, it still tasted as if it had been boiled with dirty gym socks.  Gross!  It took me two bottles of water and a couple breath mints just to get the taste out of my mouth.  Jury's still out on whether or not it will "heal all of my ailments".  I guess time will tell!

Next stop was Queen Square and the Royal Crescent.  The park held an obelisk type monument erected in the honor of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.  The Royal Crescent appears to have once been a palace or some sort of extravagant stately home.  Now, it has been broken up into apartments.  We were told that one would have to pay £400,000 just for the right to rent one of the homes, then monthly rent and co-op fees on top of that.  The dozens of luxury cars parked in resident parking only went to further our realization that this was where Bath's elite lived.

My group spent most of the afternoon wandering the streets and just taking in the city.  We stopped for lunch at a pub.  

I tried Cottage Pie for the first time.  It was delicious!  I'm going to have to find a recipe and see if I can recreate the dish.

During our journey, we happened upon the famous Pulteney Bridge.  Beneath the bridge was a terraced water feature much like the one from Javert's death scene in Les Miserables.  Beside the bridge was a lovely park named Parade Park.  Despite it only being the first of March, daffodils were blooming everywhere and the grass was luscious and green.  Springtime is coming, I could feel it in the air!

The last stop for the day was Bath Abbey.  I've mentioned before how much I love cathedrals, and this one jumped to the top of my list to tie with Notre Dame.
Unlike many cathedrals I have visited, Bath Abbey was light and airy, rather than having the dark, omnipresent air that many seem to have.  The building was made of a light colored stone, and the windows positioned to take full advantage of the natural sunlight.  The stained glass and flowers added color to a sand colored backdrop.  The way the sunlight and colors mingled brought a feeling of joy to the place, instead of the somber reverence inspired by many churches of England.  It was a beautiful place!

All of the Georgian architecture, well kept streets, ancient alleyways, and beautiful gardens was like stepping back in time into a Jane Austen novel.  Some places you can feel the light whisper of history in the air, in Bath that it is not a whisper but a song floating through the streets.  This beautiful town has become one of my favorite places in England.

Au Revior, Paris: Day Three

Montmartre

We spent early Sunday morning wandering around Montmartre, the art district of Paris.  The neighborhood was once home to Pablo Picasso.  It was only a ten minute walk from where we were staying, so we thought we'd save it until the last minute.  I love cities in the morning when they haven't quite woken up yet.  Paris was still sleepy when we looking around that morning.  We witnessed the shops slowly opening and the city beginning to come alive.  

Our last and final stop before returning to our tour bus was the Sacre Coeur.  We didn't go inside, but we hiked up the hundreds of steps to see the famous church.  The morning sunlight lit up the beautiful, old white building.  It was like it glowed against the perfect blue sky.  We didn't spend too much time there, but it was a great end to a very good trip.

The bus ride home was long.  It felt like it took a lifetime just to get out of France.  We took the ferry from Calais to Dover, UK.  Since it was daytime this time when we took the ferry we could see the White Cliffs of Dover as we pulled into the port.  It was such an interesting sight.  I've never seen anything like it.

We got home after eleven that evening, and I quickly crashed into my bed.  Class started at nine Monday morning, but the weekend was well worth lost sleep.

That concludes my adventures in Paris.  My next upcoming trip is Bath this Saturday.  Stay tuned for updates!

Dernier Jour: Day Two

#wavetheflag at the Eiffel Tower!  Go Cougs!

The girls and I got up first thing on Saturday morning and took the metro to the Eiffel Tower.  It was absolutely massive, but wasn't what I was expecting.  Maybe it's because we see it all the time in pictures, but it didn't take my breath away.  It's an iconic monument, no doubt, but I didn't think it was as impressive as everyone kept saying.  Nonetheless, it was a wonderful opportunity to experience something famous.

Musee d'Orsay

After taking dozens of photos, we hopped the metro to the Musee d'Orsay.  We got let in for free because we were all on UK visas which was cool.  We wished we'd known that the day before so we could have avoided paying the rather expensive entry to the Louvre.  Oh well.  I actually liked the Musee d'Orsay a bit more than the Louvre.  It wasn't as intimidating.  The building was beautiful.  Previously, it was a train station, so it has the tall foggy glass ceilings and iron supports that train stations of that time usually did.  The glass ceiling tiles allowed for a lot of natural sunlight.

Inside the main room of the Pantheon

We stopped into a little cafe for lunch then went on to the Luxembourg Gardens.  We walked through the gardens and over to the Pantheon.  I love old building like this.  They were doing construction on the dome, so I didn't get any good outside photos, but the inside was really pretty.  In their crypt is the final resting place of Voltaire, Marie Curie and her husband, and many others.

Continuing on our journey we trekked over to Love Lock Bridge and then Notre Dame.  We got a little turned around in the Latin Quarter, but followed the sight of the steeple on the horizon all the way down to the Seine.  Love Lock Bridge is actually several bridges in Paris where lovers come to place a lock on the railing of the bridge and toss their key into the river in hopes that their love will last forever.  What they don't tell you is that there are so many locks that they have to be removed once every seven months.  The Love Lock Bridge we visited is on the bridge just behind the cathedral.

Danni, Molly, Caylyn, me, and Olivia at Love Lock Bridge with Notre Dame in the background

Notre Dame was my favorite stop that weekend.  When I first walked in I was hit with this sudden overwhelming awe and reverence for the place.  It was a powerful experience.  The place was packed with tourists and worshippers alike, but their presence didn't take away from the experience.

The glow of the chandeliers against the ancient walls leading up to the vaulted ceilings created an atmosphere that was magical.  The stained glass windows added light and color, and prayer candles flickered against the stones creating movement in the light.  There were hymns playing softly in the background and the low buzz of the tourists whispering to one another and prayers being uttered.  I would love to go back one day to attend a service.  I'm sure it would be a great experience.

To finish off the day we took an evening river cruise.  It added a special something to be able to sum up all that we had seen in the past two days from a different perspective.  The sun was setting, casting a glow to all of the famous buildings and monuments.  The perfect way to end another great day.

Bonjour, Paris! Day One

Rooftops of Paris

I spent the weekend of Valentines Day in Paris with a large group of students from Swansea.  We had a wonderful time!  It was a very busy few days, but we managed to see everything we wanted to.

We took the bus Thursday night and drove all night to get to Paris Friday morning.  Unfortunately for me, I didn't sleep but two hours on the bus.  I was tired, but when we arrived in the outskirts of Paris, I hit my second wind.  After dropping our bags off at the hotel, my group of four Americans, a Canadian, and an Australian set off to sightsee.























First stop was the Opera Garnier, one of the most famous opera houses in Paris and home to the National Ballet of France.  It was as breathtaking as its pictures.  The main hall was my favorite, with its grand double staircase with gilded accents on every surface.  I would love to go back some day and attend a show there.  The main theatre seemed a little bit small to me, but I think it was simply because I was standing in the back with a poor view of the upper decks.  The entire room was covered with red and gold velvet.  Next we wandered into one of the halls.  It had an enormous fireplace at one end, then glassy hardwood floors and gold chandeliers lining the the hallway all the way down to another enormous fireplace.  It was massive and reminded me of Versailles' hall of mirrors.

The Louvre courtyard

The Louvre was the next place on the list.  Overwhelming would be a very good word to describe it.  I knew it was big, but I had no idea how easy it would be to get lost amongst the thousands pieces of art displayed in the former palace.  We saw the two main must-see items, the Mona Lisa, and the Venus de Milo.  I was disappointed to find that the Mona Lisa viewing area was a chaotic mess.  The famous portrait is hanging on the back wall of a huge hallway.  There was no queue, no specified viewing area, nothing but about two hundred people elbowing their way to the front to take the obligatory photo and then push their way back out of the madness.  I was kind of hoping it would look like it did in The Da Vinci Code...not so much, but that was okay.

We walked through the Jardin des Tuileries on the way to our next stop, the Grand Palais, home of Paris Fashion Week.  The garden was pretty, but bare due to the winter weather.  I was surprised to find that rather than concrete walkways there was a light beige gravel mixture spread over the designated walking areas.  We passed this guy who appeared to be a pigeon whisperer.  He was catching pigeons mid-flight then literally handing them to the onlookers.  The strange things you see when you travel.  We made our way to the Grand Palais which is this enormous convention center with a glass roof that looks like an atrium garden from the outside.

Grand Palais behind Pont Alexandre III

The Grand Palais was in between conventions, so we couldn't go in.  Next up was Laduree on the Champs Elysees.  We all got macaroons from the store.  They were absolutely delicious!  By far, my new favorite treat.  We walked down the Champs Elysees, and grabbed lunch.  It is a street made for walking.  The sidewalks are about three times as wide as they are in the States.  All kinds of shops lined the streets, from Sephora and H&M to Louis Vuitton and Chanel.  I wish I'd gotten to see the trees when they had leaves on them.  The whole street is lined with these perfectly manicured trees and flower pots.  It made a lovely background to the cafes.



We continued down the street until we reached the Arc du Triomphe.  All I can say is wow.  There it was in all its grandeur.  What an amazing memorial to the victories of France.  It sits in the middle of a massive traffic circle.  Around eight different streets all merge at this point.  A while back, someone once told me that no matter where you are in Paris, somehow you'll always find your way back to the Arc.  I definitely understand what they mean.  Strangely enough, I found that I liked this monument more than the Eiffel tower.  Something about it is more understated and less gaudy and ostentatious.

It was a crazy first day in Paris, and by the time we hit our last stop, the Galeries Lafayette, I was completely exhausted.  The inside of the building looked like another opera or basilica.  It was beautiful.  I've seen pictures of the place at Christmas, and would love to return and see the enormous Christmas tree in person.  But even without the Christmas tree, it was awesome.  We somehow miraculously managed to see every main destination on the right bank of Paris in just one day.  We walked through almost ten arrondissements and past dozens of iconic sights. It was Valentines Day, so the six of us girls got bread, cheese, chocolate, and macaroons to eat in our hotel room and celebrate spending a wonderful day amongst friends in one of the greatest cities in the world.                    

Tales from day two can be found in the next post.  Pictures from Paris are all posted to the site, so check them out!  The adventures are to be continued!

American Football & Superbowl XLVIII

The day I flew to London was the same day the Seattle Seahawks were in the play-off game that would decide if they made it to the Superbowl.  The captain of my flight from Seattle to Amsterdam came on the intercom every few minutes and gave us updates on the score of the game.  The plane was full of Seahawks fans who went nuts when we got the call for the final score.

Fast forward to last night, a night almost any Washington resident will never forget, when the Seahawks shut out Peyton Manning's offense until the last few minutes of the third quarter, then brought home the game winning 43 - 8.  I experienced all of this crazy excitement watching the game live from a bar on campus at three in the morning with my flatmates.  

We arrived about two hours before the game started.  The place was already packed.  By kickoff time is was standing room only.  I had no idea that American football was popular among the Brits, nor did I realize that we had that many Americans on campus.  When the national began, like any good citizen, I solemnly put my hand over my heart and respectfully listened to the song.  Then suddenly, like a roar from behind me, I hear the Brits in the room start singing "God Save the Queen".  In response, there was a large, rowdy group of American boys who decided that the best counter attack was to sing our national anthem even louder.  Within two minutes the room had become a sing off between two countries.  I sat there a little stunned and incredibly amused.  I had no idea that our national anthem would illicit such a reaction from the locals.  I was told later, by a friend who is from Wales, that she found our national anthem rather annoying and hypocritical.  It's the little things, I guess.

I watched a rugby match over the weekend, and it made me increasingly aware of how long it actually takes to get through any college or NFL game.  In rugby, the clock doesn't stop, nor does the game.  Player gets hurt, his team mates and opponents just run around him.  No one challenges the referees, and there aren't as many timeouts.  A typical rugby game runs for 80 minutes, where as it took us about four hours to finish the Superbowl, not including pre and post game coverage.  Nonetheless, I wouldn't change anything about the way we play our games!  

It was a long night, but thoroughly worth the lost sleep!  I'll never forget the year I watched the Superbowl from a pub in Wales.  Go Seahawks!

Settling In

The week is winding down, and I've settled into a routine.  Classes have been different, but I like all of them.  I'm taking Victorian Cities, Marketing, and Comparative Political Science.  My schedule is very sporadic.  We are not on a block schedule here at Swansea like we are in Pullman.  Each day of the week I have different class times and different rooms to find.

The most frightening thing about this new set of classes is that for every class my entire grade is based off of one project or essay and then a final exam.  Other than that, all I am responsible for is doing the readings and going to class.  That is a really weird concept to me, just having to go to class.  When I'm in Pullman, when I'm not in class I'm doing homework, writing papers, and studying for my next upcoming exam.  I'm always swamped with classwork.  That doesn't seem to be the case here.

Beach Break!

That being said, my social calendar is busier than ever!  My flat is so active!  I'm finding myself double booked between my flatmates and my other exchange friends.  I'm not complaining by any means.  I love being busy, it's just different.  At home, typically I schedule my social time around my academic obligations, but here, I have so much free time.  I'm constantly out and about doing things with my friends.

Swansea Beach

Just this week for example.  Monday, between classes, I went with Molly, my Canadian friend, down to the beach.  Tuesday, I had coffee with my assigned "buddy", a fourth year who just got back from a year in America.  Wednesday I went grocery shopping and then to the gym with my two neighbors.  Thursday I went back to the city with Molly.  Today, I'm headed out on the town for a girls night out with some fellow exchange students, and tomorrow a group of us are going to Cardiff.  I'm told there will be a bonfire at the beach to attend when I get home tomorrow night.

I expect things to start slowing down here pretty soon.  That first week of school is always a little crazy.

The weather has been okay this week.  I'm getting used to the rain.  It doesn't rain cats and dogs like it does at home, but it's this steady shower that will drench you if you're not careful.



More later, I promise.  Be sure to check out the photos page.  I have many more pictures posted there!

Welcome to Swansea University: Move In, Orientation, and My First Weekend

Panorama of my dorm room.

I got to Swansea with no troubles at all on Thursday.  The train ride from Cardiff was only an hour, and very pleasant.  It was sunny when I first arrived.  You could see the beach and the ocean running parallel to the road to school.  I found my dorm, picked up my keys and moved in.  I realized, upon walking into my empty dorm room, I could possibly be facing the most problematic part of studying abroad...having to completely restock your room.

Summer before freshman year at WSU, I, like hundreds of students before me, spent two months buying linens, hangers, mini fridges, desk supplies, and dozens of other things that simplify the transition into school.  At the end of the year I learned how to properly repack everything in order to move it all back into a room the next year.  So when I first saw my room, I felt incredibly unprepared.

After dropping off my bags, I took the bus into town and bought bed linens.  I did my best to not buy too much at one time, but even so, when I re-boarded the bus with my two bags, plus a pillow and duvet, and squeezed into a seat, it occurred to me that I was going to have to readjust my shopping patterns.  I quickly realized how spoiled I've been with my very roomy SUV and ability to cart everything I needed home in just one trip.

When I got back to campus I unpacked, posted my pictures, and settled in.  It's a nice little room.  I love the window I have on the back wall.  It takes up the entire width of the wall and helps immensely with the natural light.

After dinner, I met all of my flatmates.  I got really lucky to end up with such a great group of people.  It's a very diverse crowd, with people from Norway, France, Italy, the US, and of course, Wales and England.  I think I'll fit right in :)

My picture collage behind my desk.

Friday was orientation.  I was shocked to see how many incoming international exchange/study abroad students there were.  There were 80 kids from Brazil who were with Engineers Without Borders, then at least 150 other students from all over the world.

I met a girl from Canada, a girl from Australia, and a girl from Spain just on the row I was sitting on.  The day was just your typical orientation.  Here are the services we have on campus, be safe, go to class, and have fun.  I was surprised, however, that we didn't get a campus tour.

Afterwards, we signed up for classes.  Which, I must say, was the most inefficient process ever!  As an international student, I'm taking classes from three different disciplines:  history, political science, and business.  I had to go to each department person and get them to sign off on the classes I wanted to take.  It wasn't really like we were even getting special permission to take a class, it was just the way you registered.  Once I got all of the classes I wanted, I had to go back to the business department, where I started (they are my "home" department) and turn in my registration forms.  Between standing in line and playing Tetris with my schedule to get my classes to fit, the entire process took about six hours.  Talk about an adventure!

Over the weekend, I was way busier than normal.  Friday night I had my first clubbing experience with my flat mates. It was very different than the fraternity parties at WSU, but I think I like Swansea's social scene a little bit better. 

Saturday, they took me to the main grocery store in town, Tescos, their version of a super-Safeway. My neighbor, Marisa, patiently waited while I stood there reading labels on items I typically just snatch off the shelves back home.  It's definitely going to take some time to get used to the new brands and packaging.  I found it very interesting that the marketing for everyday goods is directed towards niche markets rather than brand name recognition. In the States I look for the packaging and label to find what I'm looking for, then closely read labels if I'm trying to choose between similar products.  Here in the UK, it seems to be there is one product for each need.  For instance, once brand of laundry detergent that specializes in unscented, allergen-free detergent, rather than several brands offering a wide selection of products based on what the individual companies believe will sell.

My two neighbors, Marisa and Alexia, at Swansea Bay.

Sunday, a group of us walked down to Swanswa Bay. The weather changes so drastically here, it reminds me of Pullman in the fact that one minute it's pouring down rain and in five minutes the sun will come out.  It's funny, when it rains it is not the huge rain drops that just pound on your head, but a steady shower that will quickly drench you if you're not careful.  After all of the snow and cold in Pullman, I don't mind the rain so much. It hasn't dipped below freezing, so I can't complain!  The bay is quite nice, but not too much to see.  Nonetheless, it was a very nice outing.

Classes started today, so expect a full report soon!

First Impressions

I made a list of my initial reactions and random thoughts I had during my journey to the Wales.

1.  We have to wear full seat belts on the RailAir bus from London-Heathrow to Reading.

2.  Wishing I had not left my sunglasses at home for Dad to ship me in a few weeks, because it was  bright, sunny, and cold when I arrived.

3.  Airplane food is awful.

4.  Queuing is apparently a big deal--just because you don't see the line doesn't mean you can assume there isn't one.

5.  Driving/riding on the wrong side of the road is terrifying!

6.  I have officially pulled an all-nighter plus about four hours.

7.  Buses have wifi?!?

8.  My mental voice has somehow morphed into a strange Southern/British hybrid.

9.  There is no easy way to get from Heathrow Terminal 4 to the Central Bus Terminal...I tried to find an easier way and failed.

10.  People actually wear those? (referring to the high heeled wedge sneakers Nike has been pushing on the normal population the past few years)

11.  The British really like their traffic circles.

12.  That is the biggest piece of fish I have ever seen!  (Someone sitting at a nearby table ordered fish and chips.  The piece of fish was literally a foot long.)

12.  Everyone is so polite!  It's great, but I'm beginning to wonder if my good manners are up to par.

13.  How does Subway not have yellow mustard?

14.  Yeah, I could definitely sleep on a train (it was 5 am PST and my jet lag was starting to set in.)

15.  Chicken Bacon & Welsh Cheese Panini for dinner? Yes, please!

16.  I'm officially a fan of art galleries--particularly impressionists and Alfred Sisley.

17.  Everyone in Wales is so friendly!

18.  The whole "Arcade" layout of the shopping centers is really cool!  It's like being able to shop outdoors minus the rain and wind.

19.  UK Public transportation is not sketchy.

20.  Apparently, the sunshine was a fluke...normal Wales weather is very wet.

My Journey Starts Here

Departure Day

I began my study abroad adventure two days ago (give or take a few hours. The time zone thing is confusing!), and I'm already beginning to understand why everyone pushes students to study abroad.  I realize this sounds like an overstatement, but just in the past two days I have done so much that stretched my comfort zone.

The initial goodbyes at the airport were hard, but when I walked down the stairs to catch my flight to Seattle and saw my plane (it was painted with the WSU Cougar logo) I knew it was going to be a good trip!  I arrived in Seattle with no problems, but my arrival gate was literally as far away from the departure gate of my next flight as you could get.  I've only been to the Sea-Tac airport one other time, and then I just had to find my way to baggage claim, not to another gate.  After taking three trains, and a lot of prayer (I kept reading signs and making turns hoping I was headed in the right direction) I made it to my departure gate in plenty of time to grab some lunch and check in with the family.

My flight to Amsterdam was rough.  Not because the flight itself was bad, but because I hate being cooped up for ten hours.  I was really hoping to sleep...no dice.  That being said, I survived and made it to Amsterdam in one piece, although pretty sleep deprived.  When we touched down at Schipol Airport (pronounced skip-ole, oddly enough) I was struck by the fact the airport looked very similar to dozens of airports I've landed in in the States.  My dad commented to me once that the rest of the world "...is just living life like everyone else."  Everything looked so normal!

Sunrise over Greenland

I was very relieved to find, as promised, that all of the signs were in English.  After hiking through the airport to my final flight, I noticed that everyone at that airport has to go through security twice.  Once, upon their initial arrival, and then again at the actual gate, just to get into the waiting area of the flight.  I was a little annoyed, since this would be the second time doing the TSA dance of removing jackets, scarves, shoes, liquids, laptops, and putting them all back on and in my bag without holding up the line.

When I sat down, I started hearing all of the British accents and conversations in Dutch and several other languages.  I looked around at my fellow travelers and began to feel very foreign myself.  Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.  It's funny how we get used to being in our own country.  I've been surrounded by fellow Americans my entire life.  It's a totally different feeling when you're one of a handful of Americans in the entire airport.  That's something I'm going to have to get used to.  When I moved to Washington I had to get used to being a Southerner in the Pacific Northwest, but at least we all shared a nationality.  I think it is going to be a very interesting experience learning to assimilate into life in the UK.

The rest of my journey to Wales can be found in the next post.  New pictures have been posted.  Check out my link on the left side bar. 

Packed and Ready to Go

My bed in the pre-packing stage.

All of the packing advice I've read on the internet said to lay out everything that I wanted to pack, and then take half...I have to admit, it is a lot harder than it looks!

Those of you who know me know how attached I am to my wardrobe.  Style is my favorite medium of self expression, and I take it very seriously.  Packing for six months with only a carry on suitcase and a Vera Bradley duffel bag is any fashion-focused girl's nightmare.  I ended up packing my duffel and suitcase once, only to find out the items I had planned to put in my backpack weren't going to fit. So after completely re-packing all three bags, and sacrificing a few items to either stay home or be shipped later, I finally zipped up my bags and am ready to go.

The final result.

It's been a busy week, but it's gone by in a flash.  I can't believe I'm leaving for Wales in the morning!  Time has flown by.  It seems like just yesterday that I was still summer, and I was daydreaming about jetting off to the United Kingdom. 

It was harder than I expected to have to say all of my goodbyes, but my Dad pointed out that its more of a "see you in six months" than a real "farewell."  It was kind of sad, but I know that I have it much easier than the kids before did.  I've set up Skype dates and phone calls that will definitely help me keep up with all of the happenings back home.

Despite my slight nervousness, I am so excited that my adventure is finally here!  Next stop Cardiff!

Feature: WSU Honors College Students in Action

Courtesy of WSU Honors College

I was notified this morning that the WSU Honors College has featured my blog on their Students in Action page.  The website can be found here.  

I have been active in the Honors College for two years now, both as a student ambassador and as a mentor to incoming freshmen.  We have a wonderful program centered around small class sizes and discussion based lectures.  We like to think of ourselves as "a liberal arts college in a research university."  

The classes are always interesting and engaging, but my favorite part of being involved with our program is our strong sense of community.  You can always find a friendly face on campus, and a person who shares your interests and passions.  I actually met my two closest friends through the Honors College.  The first, during freshman orientation and the second, last semester in my Honors English class.  All of our students come from incredibly diverse backgrounds.  This combined with the mutual commonality serves as a foundation for meaningful connections with other students.  Plus, it's a fabulous conversation starter!

My exchange program in Swansea is just one of several exchanges offered by the Honors College, as well as many faculty-led trips to places like Brazil, Ireland, and Scandinavia.  

Just a quick thanks to the Honors College staff who helped get the site up and running, and all of those who have helped me through the application and advising process.

An update on my departure preparations:  I leave in T-minus nine days.  I'm slowly crossing things off my To Do list.  Typically, I am packed more than a week in advance, but I am majorly procrastinating.  Luckily, it's all I have left to do, and everything's coming together.

And So It Begins...

The week of Thanksgiving I received the envelope I've been waiting for all semester; my acceptance package from Swansea.  It was official, I was in!

It took a couple of weeks to get all of the final details worked out, but I finally sat down and booked my plane ticket tonight.  In five weeks, I'll be on a plane to London for a couple of days and then on a train to Swansea!

There is still a lot left to do, like booking a train ticket, finding a taxi from the train station to my hotel in London, finding a hotel...the list is never ending!  I'm slowly getting it all done.

Swansea University

I just wanted to give everyone a quick look at where I will be studying for the next semester.  My school is in Swansea, which is about thirty minutes from the capital of Wales, Cardiff, and three hours by train to London.  I've always wanted to live on the coast, so I'm really excited the school is literally a block off the beach.

Swansea University is known for its research institutions and strong academic programs.  They exchange with WSU through both the Honors College and the College of Business.

If you've got a little time to kill, here (Swansea University) is the actual school website.  It's worth a look around!

I will post actual pictures when I arrive, but here is a light overview, courtesy of Google Images.

Introductions and Pleasantries

Hi guys!

I'm writing this blog to document my semester abroad in Swansea Wales, and to share my adventures with my friends, family, and any future students considering going abroad.

For the sake of any newcomers, I will go ahead and introduce myself.

My name is Taylor, and I am a sophomore honors student at Washington State University.  I am an accounting major, with a background in Spanish and French.  My Spanish is coming along nicely, but my French needs a lot more work.  While home for Christmas break, I'm brushing up on my German to prepare for a visit to a friend of my in Muhlheim, Germany.

I grew up in the southeastern part of the United States.  The one question I get all the time, even after having lived in Washington for almost three years now is, "Where are you from, because you aren't from Washington."  My southern accent comes out the most when I'm tired.  I'm secretly hoping I'll come home from Wales with a cool southern/british accent hybrid.

I love to read, travel, and watch TV.  Any of my friends can tell you, I'm entirely too invested in the well-being of my TV drama characters...don't even get me started on the emotional trauma Downton Abbey has put me through!

Anyways, that's all for now.  Keep checking back, subscribe to the RSS feed, or keep an eye on Facebook for new updates! There are the appropriate links to start following this blog on the left side bar.

Talk to y'all soon!