Small World Tuesday September 12, 2006

Today was the first day of waking up to an alarm clock; I remember now why I do not like them. I went to hear some people talk on various subjects concerning student life at ULAN. Some of it was informative, but almost half was for non-native English speaking students. I did learn a lot about the library and a little bit about the sports centre. I really want to join club volleyball, but one out of the three times they meet is on Sunday (maybe I can just skip that day of practice?). The total lecture lasted less than two hours, so I had the whole afternoon to do whatever.

At the end of the lecture, Jackie Maudsley (International Support Team) introduced me to someone I would have never guessed………..a BAYLOR student! It was crazy! I can not believe I am living about 4200 miles away from home, across an ocean, in another country, on a different continent, and I am going to school with someone that went through the forensic program with me. It is a really good thing that I met her (Courtney Haddox), because she had a lot of very valuable information like: we don’t get our classes until Monday, that the next 11 months are going to SUCK, that I really only need to buy one book out of the 20 they tell you to buy (that’s a really good one), and that I might only be home for 10 days during Christmas break.

I am really starting to get scared about my studies at ULAN. I don’t think I will be able to have as much fun as I was expecting (good times in Waco), although I know I am here to study and not to see the world. I just wonder if I will be able to do it; did I prepare enough in my undergrad for this, who knows? I plan on having fun this week, because next week it’s over. Nicole Hahn (the girl that started last year) is still here and leaves Saturday, but she did not go home for Christmas. That scares me a lot! I also found out that it is not an internship based thesis, it was just that some people went other places to collect their data. All of this new information makes me very doubtful, but I am now REALLY happy that I “know” someone that will be going through the same situation.

Today, I bought a mobile (cell phone). I found the cheapest one I could (free!) and have a “pay as you go” plan. I can not have a contract plan, because you have to have lived in the country for at least one year. My cell phone is so basic; it looks like the one I got in high school (7 years ago). But, it calls, sends text messages, didn’t cost a thing, and that’s all I really need for a year. This weekend I am going to IKEA so I am sure I will get into trouble there.


Random Thought/ Sights
Õ On the back of an ice cream truck…
Õ “I like Americans, but your President is a prick”
Õ a restaurant called “Eat at Doughnuts” they don’t serve donuts
Õ there are 32 million known books in the world. It is suspected that all will be electronic in 20 years
Õ some streets have crosswalks with yellow bulbs, and supposedly you can just cross at anytime and the cars will stop (not really going to take that chance)


Õ it is a long walk from town centre to my house when carrying 35lbs of groceries
Õ I think I am the only person here who sweats, without working-out! Everyone is wearing sweaters and jackets; I think tomorrow I am going to wear shorts.
Õ It has only drizzled once since I have been here (knock on wood)