California to England 7/9/06 - 8/9/06

Well it all started Wednesday when I realized I was not packed. I had set out everything I was taking, for the most part, and that was about it. In case you did not know I am somewhat a procrastinator, but I really thought this time I would turn over a new leaf, but I didn’t…oh well. So Wednesday afternoon I start to pack and things are going kind of slow, I finished one suitcase and realized that I had only packed jeans and t-shirts. This meant that I had sweaters, non-jean pants, other tops, coats and sweatshirts, sportswear, toiletries, computer, bedding, and most importantly SHOES still to pack. Let’s just say it was all down hill from there. I went through about 4 filter cycles to reduce the amount of “essentials” I wanted to bring; so that it would finally/barely fit into two full size suitcases, a very large duffle bag, a carry-on and the largest backpack I owned. You are correct in thinking, “how the heck is she going to manage all this going from plane to train to taxi?” but I did not care, I had already “sacrificed” about a whole suitcase of “essentials”. Packing went on for a very very long time and morning came very quickly and very early. After 3 hours of sleep, I woke up and realized, “oh my… I am really leaving… shoot!” Don’t get me wrong, I was excited, but in about 20 hours I was going to be halfway across the world, in another country, where they speak English (different from American or Texan), the US dollars value sucks (50cents), and NO CELL PHONE ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!


my first step…in England we are not worthy of a terminal

Those crazy Brits let me into their country, believe it or not; but probably because they knew I would look like a stupid American who knew nothing about world travel. After clearing my passport, I grabbed my bags (one suitcase handle broken) and I was off to the train station. Luckily I had a cart (for free) to push all my crap to the train station, which is connected to the airport. I bought my train ticket (10.60 pounds/ $21), at which point I realized that the currency place gave me Euros not British Pounds. Luckily for me, I exchanged currency twice and had some pounds to purchase the ticket and was one step closer to Preston. Loading luggage SUCKS! The train ride was beautiful; I was able to see the city, track homes, and some country side. Everything just looks very old…probably because it is old.


train station train view

train view train view

Now you must understand that I have never taken a taxi by myself. I had no clue what to expect and did I mention that they drive on the other side of the road. I told the driver that I needed to go to the Marsh Bldg. on Marsh Lane to pick up my keys. At first he took me to Marsh Lane. This might not send up any red flags at first, but HELLO!, I had luggage totaling a weight of approximately 210lbs, and I guess he just thought I would walk to the Marsh Bldg from some point on Marsh Lane…I DON’T THINK SO! He took me to the driveway of the Marsh Bldg, and waited while I got my house key, then took me to my apartment. He was very nice, helped me unload my luggage and taxi ride cost me 7.60 pounds (~$15). This was no “Rachel Ray $40 A Day” special, but not too bad.

The house I am living in has 10 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, that’s right no typo there, 10 girls 2 bathrooms…a man’s design definitely! The house smells damp, my room is small, and my wardrobe for all 210 lbs of attire is about 2ft wide. There will be some DIY storage building going on here. All the appliances are small, dryer and washer (located in the kitchen), stoves, and this house has 4 “dorm room sized” refrigerators (located in the living room???), it makes no sense to me. I am the first one here so it will be interesting when the others arrive. There is only one phone (a pay phone) in which you pay by the second (weird). I have probably already lost 2 pounds… of money… because I 1)inserted the wrong coin, 2) it does not give any change (good business investment), or 3) thought I would be talking longer. Other unique aspects of the house are that every room is protected by a fire door, which means you can’t/shouldn’t leave any doors propped open. I have to enter the study area to go through a door to the kitchen then exit two more doors to go out back. I have to enter a door at the top of the stairs that opens to a hallway, where I have to open another door to exit the hallway, and then enter the door to my bedroom. This gets real old real quick, like after you do it once! One good thing about my room is that, because it is on the second floor, I can open my window and not have to worry, too much!





Because I brought mostly clothes, I had a few things to buy; but because the store I found is about a mile from my house, and I have to walk, I didn’t spend a lot of money. Also, most shopping places close at six! So there go any late night trips to the store, because I forgot something (good memories of Super Wal-Mart). I did not find a food market today, and did not want to go out for dinner and walk home after dark, so I had oatmeal. Not your ideal first European adventure meal, but it was great because it was the only thing I had eaten since breakfast on the plane.



Today was different, and at times (which are unknown because I had no cell phone or watch) I wondered if I had made the right choice in coming to England to study. At the closing of this day I feel better and have hope that with each passing day I will feel a little more comfortable with my new surrounding. I’m in England!


backyard view from my room


front door, only the middle lock works