Everyday Dutch

Hello all! Here are some photos from last weekend's amazing Holland excursion. Take a look at Kelly's blog-link on the right-to read some of our stories! The trip could not have been better...I got to see the girls, eat some yummy food and appreciate the beautiful weather. The transportation there and back was challenging, but I made it and it was well worth it. Now it's time to really hit the books here in Leeds...but don't fret, I'll make time for some blog-worthy adventures.


In Utrecht, we discovered our own little canal down some steps and away from the crowds.


The little engine that couldn't. This is the train that failed us on the very first night in Holland.
Bikes and canals are my new favorite landscape.
Amsterdam was precious, don't believe all those naughty rumors.
Relaxing again. It was the theme of the trip.
Amsterdam Centraal, even the train stations were gorgeous!A wedding in Utrecht.

The bike parking lots were crazy.
Had to snap a photo! :)The inside of the Delft Old Kerk (Church). Beautiful stained glass.

Firsts

So I tried my first Yorkshire Pudding a few nights ago, compliments of Bex. I'm not really a big fan of sausage normally but it was quite delicious!

After our Yorkshire pudding dinner we ventured to a second year house party which was cool. However, it made me glad that I chose on campus housing instead of finding my own place. Our flat is really nice and in a safer area in comparison.

In other news, I rode on a double decker bus for the first time today on our "food shopping" trip today. Enjoyable indeed.

And last night was the Fresher's Ball...which was the big end all for the freshers fortnight of events.
The picture is one of the four clubs inside the student union.



Some of the people in my building. The girls posing pretty and the guys being crazy. Alright, well keep checking back in because I'm going to Amsterdam and Utrecht this coming week so there should be lots to write about!! Oh and if you want to mail me something in the post:

Oh right, that's what I'm here for...

So I only have class Monday through Wednesday which is really amazing and I only have one class a day. Compared to the five days a week, at least 2 classes a day schedule I had at UCSD, I feel like I'm on easy street. Well, until I went to my seminar today.
Here at Uni, the students pick a course (like a major for us) and study only that course for three years. They have a set group of core classes they take every level. It's very strange for me though because I'm sampling classes from all three levels. I'm taking my theatre courses in level one with first years and my communication courses in both levels two and three.
I had a lecture Monday for my Communication Arts class and I think that class will be pretty good since many of the themes I've learned about at UCSD. Tuesday I had my Stage Management class which I almost fell asleep in it was so boring. I think that one will be tough to sit through but the tutor promised something more active next week, thank goodness. However, today's seminar has got me a bit worried.
The class is Screen Fact and it is taught by David Lancaster. He is a definitely a character and very smart man. He came out to The Library (if you were paying attention you will recall that this is a pub) after class today with all the students. During class though, I felt so lost. The seminar is only about 35 people and they all know each other from their first year. Prof Lancaster pulled one of those cliche movie scenes and introduced me to the class. In a very slow and dramatic voice he said "This is Brittany and she is from America. Not only America, but California, not only California, but Southern California, not only Southern California but San Diego," to which I smiled, looked around and gave an awkward wave.
Then he started talking about the aims of the class. It's basically about factual British TV, like documentaries and news and such. I know nothing about British TV and felt so oblivious as the group discussed current debates surrounding it.
I have a lot of learning and TV watching to do in order to catch up to all my colleagues, but it looks like I'll have plenty of time.

I also joined the Theatre society and the LS:TV society so that should keep me busy. (you know they charge money to join clubs here?)

And, seeing as how my pictures are not postable right now, I'm stealing someone else's from last night's Devonshire Pub crawl. This is Rachel, Paul, Bex and I walking back to Dev:

Intro Week Recap

Last week was crazy -freshers week here at Uni in England is a big deal. A BIG deal. Nothing like the few events they put together at UCSD. This is a constant week long fiesta specially made for the crazy students of Leeds Uni and Leeds Met (the other big university in Leeds). Just to give you a little example:
Saturday
got in to Leeds and was completely exhausted from traveling so nothing to exciting there.
Sunday
Welcome party at the union, which is fully equipped with four clubs and a bar. Very fun, very packed.
Monday
The flatmates went to the "Intro Party" at the Union but I missed out on tickets because they went to fast. Instead ate some take away pizza with my Cali girls I met at Orientation.
Tuesday
Went to the pub close to campus called The Library and tied in a game of fooseball with the flat mates.
Wednesday
Foam Party at Halo nightclub. I don't know how I feel about that place seeing as it used to be an old church and now its a nightclub. Still it was a fun night indeed. The first time the foam came I was squashed into the center of the dance floor which was actually quite scary since I am so short and the foam comes from above. The tall people kept pushing it down into my face and I rarely had chances to wipe my eyes. Luckily, the next foam batch, I was around the edge and free to move about. It was beach themed at the club and of course I didn't bring anything beachy with me. The girls thought me of all people would have beach wear. :)
Thursday
Tried to go to one nightclub but it was too crowded so we ended up at GateCrasher where we danced the night away.
Friday
Every Friday at the Union is an event called Fruity. Basically its when they play really cheesy dance music. Went with the other Ca EAP students.
Saturday
We weren't going to do anything but the flats below us dragged us out to more dancing. This time all techno music which was interesting.
Sunday
Stayed in finally! We had delicous chicken curry made by Jamie.

Yes so all of this going out at night plus all the meetings for school made for a pretty hectic week. It was fun but I'm so glad now that things have settled down a bit. I'm starting to get my routine and I can rest better knowing I'm not spending so much money.

Words words words

My gosh this is overwhelming...in between all the meetings to pick classes and get introduced to the university as well as shopping for things I need to get by like sheets and a hooded coat, and finally getting to know people at night, there is no time to sleep let alone blog. My apologies folks. Honestly though, once I am settled I plan to be a consistent blogger because as I have found out so far, I do notice or learn something new everyday.

My flat-mates are all wonderful. I was lucky enough to be placed with all girls and they are all from the UK. One from Scotland, one from Manchester and the other from Southern England. Bex is the artist, sweet and kind. She made us spaghetti for dinner last night. Jamie is this tall Scottish thing, also kind...friendly to everyone, the type of person that gets along with just about anyone and will go with the flow. And lastly, Rachel, tiny with ginger hair and the best attitude to match it. She is quite the ball of fire and I am always laughing in her presence. All three have taken gap years so they are 19 and have traveled around already. Oh and I forgot about Maud-our house plant...a little green flowery cactus.

The only downside to this flat is the shower. No hot water, I mean not even warm. I come out shivering and can barely stand there long enough to wash my hair. I hope it won't last much longer...

Other than that, I think I may have got the best housing. The building is beautiful.

Also, the walk to campus is pretty rough...15 go 2o minutes.

However, the walk is so worth it. The Leeds Union is fabulous...really amazing.

Okay that's all I can do for now. :)
Love you! Miss you!!


Some fun observations:

• a hamper here is not used for dirty clothes but instead is what we know as a picnic basket

• quite necker'd is extremely tired

• when wanting to emphasize something one says "proper" or "dead" before, such as "when my brother was little he was proper naughty."

• Mingen is a word which I am still trying to master, but essentially it's something bad

• a Band-Aid is known as plaster for the Brits
  

• tea is the solution to any problem, feeling bad? put the kettle on

After four days it starts to sink in...

So sorry it has taken me this long to post something. The internet wasn't as easy as I had hoped in Edinburgh and when I did get the chance to use it, I was saying hello to mom or figuring out how I was getting picked up after my arrival in Leeds-things like that. Now, however, you don't have to fret because I have made it to Leeds, have checked into my new room for the year and very quickly got my network set up. I just got here a couple of hours ago and I'm pretty tired from the journey so I will entice you with my stories of Edinburgh tomorrow I hope.
I think I just really let it hit me that I'm here for a year...probably due to the fact that no one in my flat was here to welcome me and my room is completely bare. Miss you all and can't wait to really elaborate. Goodnight! How I spent my first night...no blankets or pillow :(

Thank You!

Just wanted to say thanks so much to everyone for their gifts, presence at the party and much appreciated words of advice and support! I will miss you all so much-this has been a fabulous summer and I am grateful that saying goodbye is hard to do. I'm leaving for my journey knowing how much love there is to return to. :) Talk to you soon!

Also, my personal email is bhorton@ucsd.edu