The reason you haven't heard from me lately

This is what I've been surrounded by for a few days.  But my first essay is due tomorrow and I'll have a little break!

(Yes, that is toilet paper.. I'm out of kleenex and my British allergies are going crazy!)

Life Lately

This week two of my five classes were cancelled.  Which means that I had Tuesday and Wednesday completely free in addition to my rather empty schedule (not complaining).  In an effort to not spend a lot of money (shopping, going out to eat), I've been spending time in the flat.  This has led to a lot of deep cleaning with the adorable vacuum cleaner, or hoover as they say here, and small decorating.  First up, some cute flowers I picked up for 75p since they were leftovers.  I love having these in my room!  They smell great and make me smile.  Then I made a heart garland with the paper the flowers came in.  While I enjoy these, clearly I need to get out of the flat.  

Yes, that's my vacuum cleaner

This afternoon my flatmate Petteri and I went to the Leeds Art Gallery.  Well no one told us we couldn't take pictures inside (and there were NO signs), so we wandered and took pictures until we were rudely told pictures were not allowed at all.  Oh well!  I got a few, so that's what matters.  The museum was nice, but pretty small.  There was an exhibit by Gary Hume, who is one of England's most established modern artists.  His work was pretty interesting, as well as the surrealist room.

There is a circus in town that I want to try to go to, but we'll see how it works out.  I'm slightly afraid of circuses after Phantom of the Opera and Water for Elephants.  Also, with this whole blogging thing, I'm running out of things to talk about!  Anything you guys want to hear about?  Feedback?  Let me know!

Something not about "leaving on a jet plane"

Jan 24, 7:21 PM- Leeds, UK (now 12:11 AM)

Heeeere!  The international flight could have been rough, but Jerry upgraded me to first class (thank you!!) and it was fantastic.  Seriously.  I had the entire row to myself, and a chair that reclined to a bed-like position.  We had our own tvs with whatever we wanted to watch.  Crazy, Stupid, Love was my pick.  The real highlight, though, was the 4 course meal we were served.  Rosemary pork, pumpkin bisque, and warm toasted nuts was just the first course.  Then a delicious salad.  Then a pasta dish that I couldn’t finish because I was so full.  And then an ice cream sundae.  This was all accompanied by a nice glass of delicious wine.  Ah, the life of leisure. I sound like such a small town person who has never left the farm, but it was so different. 

Trying not to be noticed, but look at this presentation!

At the airport, I was met by a welcome group (?) from Leeds Met.  There we grouped up and taxied to Leeds.  In the car was Alex, Vanessa, and our guide, Steph.  England is so green it hurts my eyes.  Leeds is great, I really do like it and I’m excited to look around.  It was extremely foggy today and it has been “misting” all day.  No rain, just mist.  Leeds Met is basically in the middle of the city so it’s pretty busy.  We didn’t do much exploring today, but I plan to tomorrow.  Steph took us on a necessities run (lifesaver) and I started unpacking.  My flatmates are Josh, Alice, a nice guy from Finland whose name I cannot remember, and I believe another one that I haven’t met yet.  Josh is from Manchester, Alice is from Canada (Vancouver?), and the other flatmate is also international.  So, pretty fun! 

Quick list of little things I've noticed/learned:

- There are no outlets in bathrooms because it’s dangerous

- England doesn't want to be in the EU at all

- Drivers actually follow passing laws (but pass on the right here)

- Girls dress up a ton when going out

- Every outlet has a switch to turn it on or off

- EVERYTHING IS SO EXPENSIVE (and the exchange rate makes it worse)

And We're Off!

(Jan 23, 5:15 PM- Somewhere between Albuquerque and Atlanta)

Leaving today was interesting.  After a sleepless night of packing, printing, sitting on suitcases to close them, and generally freaking out, we got to the airport relatively calm.  Then the flight was delayed for two hours.  Mom and I went to uptown to shop and had lunch.  It was such a nice way to say goodbye :)   I sat in the always-classy Sunport for awhile after.  Things I witnessed: (1) a couple talking about their nature/soul retreat at the Tamaya.  I’m sorry, if you need to “connect with nature to nurture your soul”, isn’t it best to go camping or something other than paying hundreds of dollars to stay at a luxurious resort?  (2) A man with a tumbleweed as his carry-on.  I wish I could make that up. 

We finally got on the plane and now are en route to Atlanta.  Sadly, because of the delay, I can’t meet Donna, Josh, and Jerry for dinner at the airport.  I’m sorry, guys, and I’ll see you when I fly through in May!  I haven’t slept yet since I’m trying to exhaust myself fully before the flight over the big ol’ pond.  It’s working haha. 

Currently reading: Game of Thrones

Currently listening to: Jesus, Etc.- Wilco