Wow. It’s hard to believe I’ve been here for a week already. I’m starting to get the lay of the land, but I still feel like I just stepped off the plane…
I think every Anglophile has this notion that when you get to England, the world suddenly transforms into a Jane Austen novel. And while I haven’t seen any men in cravats lately (darn it), there is something terribly romantic about this country. From the stone cottages and foggy weather to the accents and the abundance of tea*, everything just begs to be fallen in love with. And I am–head over heels, in fact.
We all knew it was inevitable, didn’t we?
I knew before I started this journey that I would want to document every moment, so I’ve decided to try a 365 Challenge, wherein I will take a photograph every day. Knowing me, that will probably translate to “take a thousand photographs every day”, but I promise not to bore you with all of them. I’ll also continue to do posts about all the fun adventures I’m sure to have (like our trip to Whitby last Friday!), but the Newcastle 365 project will hopefully piece together a glimpse of what daily life is like for this crazy American** expat grad student.
So without further ado, here is Newcastle 365: Week 1.
*Which I don’t drink… **Funny story: The other day, the boys from the neighboring flat came over to introduce themselves. I answered the door, and they were very excited when they realized I’m American. One of them said, “I LOVE your accent!” I found that rather amusing, especially since I don’t have an accent. 😉
10 Responses
Jess! The pics look fantastic and I can’t wait to read and see more from your adventures over seas. Missing you at Philmont!
Thank you, Lee! I miss you guys, too!
Has school started yet or are you and the dinosaurs just sight seeing for now? I look forward to more posts.
School hasn’t quite started yet. Last week was all preliminary stuff like registering and checking visas and opening bank accounts. This week is all induction sessions, so I’m learning about my program, how to write a dissertation, what resources are available to students, etc. Tomorrow, we get to go on a field trip to the farms (the university has 2, a conventional farm called Cockle Park and an organic farm called Nafferton Farm). The actual classes start next Monday, and for the most part, I will only have one class at a time for short blocks instead of 4 or 5 classes at once. I can’t wait! 🙂
I love love love that you will be documenting your England adventure so thoroughly. I am so excited for you, it’s actually kind of ridiculous. Have a smashing time!!
Thank you! Hopefully I’ll be able to keep up with it. I’ve tried these 365 projects before, and I usually last about 2 weeks… Haha!
Jes! I’m so excited that you’re over there and starting on your adventure 😀 And even more excited that you’re going to be documenting it all!
HAVE FUN!
Haha, thank you! I’m also excited to be here. 😉
Love sharing your experiences, I hope you will still have time to post once class starts. I certainly never thought you had an accent…;-)
Me too! I have already been so busy… I don’t have any plans for today, and I’m trying to decide whether I want to go explore something or just stay home and rest my weary bones. (I’ve never done so much walking in my whole life!!) I’m completely torn. Haha!