Silly little cacti

I saw these while wandering in the City Centre yesterday.  Um, adorable?  If they made it into my flat, I'd make sure to find a way to get them back to the states.

North Yorkshire Explorer

Over the weekend we went on the North Yorkshire Explorer with this group, Don't be a Tourist. They're a lot of fun and I've enjoyed the two tours I've gone on with them.

First up was a small town called Pickering.  It's home to a random castle owned by the Queen, but other than that it's a small, typical English town.  That's not to say I didn't love it, because I did.  I ditched the 40 or so people walking together and just wandered for a bit.  It's so fun to get a feel for such a different place, but realize it's quite similar.  I was going to take a picture of a beautiful front door/stairs, and then I saw a lady inside drinking her morning tea, so I refrained.

Then we bussed up to Whitby, a gorgeous little coastal town.  There's an old abbey there, conveniently named Whitby Abbey.  Tours were £7, so we just took "dodgy" (as our tour guide said) pictures over the wall.  The town is built around the harbour, and is famous for their fish & chips.  I joined some girls for lunch and we had quite a pleasant afternoon.  We stuffed ourselves on fried food and then walked around Whitby.  The ocean was beautiful, but looked extremely cold.  Seagulls were attacking people left and right in attempts to get food, so we were happy we ate inside.

Pringles anyone?

Thanks for the picture, Annik!  I was too busy stuffing my face to get my camera.  

The last stop was Goathland, which is where they filmed the Hogsmeade train station in Harry Potter.  That was the tourist destination, but the town was actually quite cute.  Maybe I just love everything to do with England.  My inner hipster stepped in when people kept gushing about how much they loooooove Harry Potter, but half of the fools hadn't even read the books.  Please.

Well that's all for now!  Have a fantastic week guys :)

Small Peeks: Mobiles

So there is an official way to identify international students: their cell phones.  I would say about 8 of us (that I know of) have the same phone.  It was the least expensive on the cheapest pay as you go plan, so naturally we all have the same one.  I feel like we're all part of this special little club when we all have them out at the same time.  

Embrace the high performance technology.

Catching Up

These past few days have been great.  I really feel like I’m getting into the Leeds groove.  School was good, I’m really going to like my classes.  I’m taking: Environment and World Politics, The Rise and Fall of Communism, and Applied Global Ethics.  Enviro is going to be fantastic.  The tutor (professor) is really interested in the subject, but makes it accessible.  He knows that most of the people are politics/international affairs people, so he isn’t going to go too science-heavy.  It’s mostly focusing on how to achieve world cooperation with regard to environmental politics, how awesome is that??  The Rise and Fall of Communism is a history class, and I’m pumped.  Applied Global Ethics is basically a mix of international politics, current politics, and debate… um YES.  These are all going to be great classes, or modules as we say over here.

Life outside of uni has also been pretty great.  I love being able to stop by the market after class on my way home.  I really am enjoying the city living.  Although yesterday someone gave us a ride, which saved us a 20 minute walk, and it reminded me just how nice cars can be.  Leeds is such a student town, so everything’s catered for the students.   We went to Primark yesterday, which is heaven.  It’s kind of like H&M, but cheaper than Forever 21.  I want to go wild in there, but being budget-conscience stopped the fun.  I did get a cozy sweater, because that’s a necessity here.  English girls dress so well!  I have not seen one in jeans and a sweatshirt.  I wore exercise clothes and running shoes while running errands one day and I felt so out of place.  They wear mostly cute sweaters (not thrift store Grandfather sweaters), opaque leggings, and variations of boots.  The opaque factor of leggings is really what Americans need.  The English are also way more acclimated to the weather.  Most people wear coats during the day, but not at night.  Seriously, girls go out in tiny dresses and THAT’S IT.  We look like this in comparison. 

Gracie lives in my hall, so I hang out in her flat a lot.  Her flatmates are so nice!  There’s another Spanish girl, and then four English guys, so we’ve been spending our nights comparing America and England.  One of the most interesting aspects is that they judge us so much on our movies.  Imagine Step Brothers dictating someone’s view of the US.  Yep.  America can give off some pretty horrible vibes, but most people are really interested to know what it’s really like.  I’ve had a few conversations where someone will ask about an aspect from a movie or tv show and ask if it’s real America.  Frat Culture? Yes.  Red Cups? Yes.  Gossip Girl? No.  Comparing things never gets old!

Tonight we’re going to this ravin' party, Gracie’s flatmate is in charge of it or something? He got us in for free, or else I would not be paying £16.  It should be quite the night. 

Well since it’s snowing, I’ve resolved to stay in for the day in rebellion, so Petteri and I are going to watch more Game of Thrones. Loving it!

A Walk Around Leeds

Finally, here are some pictures of Leeds.  Yesterday was sunny and nice, while today is snowy and grey, so I'm glad I shot these yesterday.

Isn't Leeds adorable?  It's a nice mix of city energy and a quaint English feel.

Can't Get Away From It

Mah Room!

Hi guys,

So I feel like I haven't adequately shown you my room or Leeds yet.  Leeds will have to wait (it's cold outside!) but here's a look at my room.

(View from door)

(Tried to bring decorations that took up the least amount of space)

(Not too bad for an £8 comforter) 

(Pumpkin and Muffin to keep me company)

(Not a lot of color in the room so I try)

(NM calendar and favorite pictures)

(It is impossible to get a good picture of the bathroom)

(The shower is just chillin' in the corner)

(Not even a raised edge, just a small dip in the shower floor)
Also,  it looks gross in this picture but it's not bad.

(A final shot to say cheers)

Headingley Campus aka Elizabeth Bennet's Neighborhood

Jan 27^th, 12:37pm, Opal One, Leeds

Today was great!  Petteri, Alex, Harley and I went to Headingley campus to look around.  It is absolutely beautiful.  Old buildings, grass, spacious lawns.. gah so pretty. 

Here's some eye candy:

After, we went back to get ready for the international party hosted by Leeds Met.  It was at the Student Union, which has a bar, and a live band.  Nice to meet the other internationals.  The first live band was kind of a flop, but then they switched to dance music?  We played pool for a bit and it’s different there!  It’s the little things that seem so foreign.  Next up was an Australian club… for Australia Day.  So wild!  There were hundreds of people inside and a bouncy house jump thing.  Right in the middle of the club.  Clearly they’re not worried about lawsuits here.  We danced and danced and laughed at the Australian’s antics.  Wiiiild.  

Leed’s City Centre is so cool.  It’s basically the downtown and because there are four universities in the area, it is crawling with students at night.  There’s a different club/pub on every corner and so much to do.  I can’t wait to explore it all.  Tomorrow we’re going to the largest indoor market in England- should be a good time!