Two weeks ago, today, I arrived at my new home for the next few months. The journey to Harlaxton Manor was interesting. We had a good adventure just making our way here. This was my second time flying, and it was my first time doing it independently. It was definitely a learning experience. The airport ended up losing my luggage by the time we arrived in Heathrow. Then we had to switch hostels from the one that we had booked because ours had flooded. At night, we ventured out from our hostel in search for food. We stopped by ASDA (British Walmart), and we also went to a fish and chips take away place. We finally made it to sleep so that we could get up to meet the others at the airport the next day bright and early. The next day, the airport still could not find my luggage. This was a very discouraging situation. It was not until three days later (on Sunday night) that I received my luggage.
At any rate, we proceeded on to Harlaxton Manor in Grantham. It was about a two and a half hour drive by coach to the college. This place is absolutely gorgeous. The beauty of it cannot be expressed by words, and even pictures have a hard time telling the whole story. Side note: this manor was featured in the movie, The Haunting, which is available in the movie room.
We started classes on Monday. British Studies is interesting; however, it is nearly impossible to stay awake through the whole lecture. I am also taking Art 105 and History 111. Classes are slightly more difficult than at Hannibal-LaGrange or University of Hannibal, which ever they are calling it these days. Well, difficult may not be the proper word. Time consuming is really the issue. There is just so much material to read, and as some may know, I read very slowly. It's just a matter of making the time for it (which I do.) I am enjoying the classes overall.
I have found some really awesome people here. We had an great time on the first weekend trip to London. We saw so many things (see my Facebook page for pictures.) I plan to make another trip to London this semester, because despite everything we saw, there were many things I still was not able to make it around to.
I am learning so much about this different culture. I've already made friends with the owner of the cab company in Grantham. British people are very nice. They are always interested in small talk so there is much to be learned from simply sparking a conversation with a local at a pub. They are more than happy to share about their culture and experiences. It's also fun to hear what they think about Americans. Most of the British that I have talked with love Americans.
Well, I have to leave some information for the next time. Until then, Cheers!
