I even have my own loo!

so saturday i got to the airport in newark nj (EWWWW) and there were lots of IFSA-Butler students there, all flying to London with me! They're all really, really cool and nice! There are only 2 other IFSA-Butler people at Cardiff with me- 1 girl who goes to Fordham, and a guy who goes to the University of Tulsa.

When we got into London it was Sunday. London is an awesome city! There's so much to see, lots of shopping, and its really really diverse! (It's mad expensive though) We went out to dinner at this Irish-y restaurant and then some girls and I went to a bar and got beers. I got really sick that night (I think a combination of being jet-lagged, tired, overwhelmed and the food). It was fun until I started throwing up though haha.

Monday we had lots of orientating.. various people spoke to us about our programs (there were kids going to Bristol, City College of London, Leeds and Cardiff), a london cop talked to us about safety, etc. Then we had dinner at this Japanese restaurant called Wagamama (apparently its a chain.. it was yummy!) and then we saw a play in central London called War Horse which was very good.

Tuesday we took the train from Paddington station into Cardiff.. it was only a 2 hour ride so it's like way convenient to take the train to places around the UK! We had lunch with our advisor person and then they took us grocery shopping at this super-walmart-esque place called Tescos. Then we went back to the residence building so we could unpack and start settling in :)

I live in University Hall (they call it Uni Hall for short!) in a flat with 7 other people. Uni Hall also has its own pub and gym (although the gym is currently closed unfortunately). I have my own room with my own bathroom inside! All of my flat mates are british/welsh first-years except for the girl who goes to Fordham. They're all really friendly and fun! And they have awesome accents! I've met so many people already, it's awesome!

Since wednesday we've been doing Cardiff orientation stuff where I met a lot more international students (lots of americans and europeans). We got a small tour of the campus (which basically is the city) and I even took an introductory Welsh lesson! (Weirdest language everrr). This city is awesomee. There are ridiculous amounts of shopping and places to eat! There's also a castle (Cardiff Castle) in the city centre which we got a tour of-- it is absolutely AMAZING! (pictures will be up on facebook soon!) Everyone in this city is so friendly and hospitable.. it's wonderful :) So far I have found a small group of American friends.. although I have bonded fairly well with most of my flat mates, who I think I'm going out with tonight!

Bore Da!

Bore da (which means "good morning" in welsh)! I'm leaving tonight to start my adventures in Wales this semester. I can't believe it.. when I got accepted to the program it seemed like today was never going to come. I'm almost done packing (still have some clothes and toiletries to pack up). I'm flying out of Newark tonight into London Heathrow.. I think the flight is about 7 hours, which means it will be Sunday when I get there! Orientation is in London, I think for about 3 days? Not really sure. I can't wait to get settled into my new flat, meet some new people and experience a brand new city in a totally different country. I hope Welsh people are nice! And I hope they have yummy food there :) This is soo exciting!

I kinda have to shut down my laptop now so I can pack it away, but I just wanted to make a pre-departure post :) Next time I write, I will be in the UK!! :D


Cheers!

Elysse