by Kelley Blankenship
University of Worcester, England
**** You must read this post in a British accent ****
*This post was meant to be put up on the 23rd of January, but the internet did not work until the 24th.*
Hello from Worcester! The journey to get to Worcester was an adventure all on its own that started with a flight out of Knoxville, Tennessee. After saying my heartbreaking goodbyes to my Mom and sister, I waited patiently for my flight to take off which had been delayed from 6:45pm to 7:10 to 8:15. The hilarious part was that I was sitting right next to the desk where the Delta ladies had to answer the same questions over and over again... most of them had obvious answers. The flight had been delayed due to a "ground-stop" in Atlanta, GA because of bad weather. At 8:15pm, the wheels were up, and I sat back to enjoy my short flight to Atlanta.
Once I arrived in Atlanta at about 9:00pm, I took my time to get to Concourse E. Upon arriving, I found the closest currency exchange desk and had a lovely chat with the clerk. By this time, it was getting time for me to board the plane. Wheels up for this flight was at 10:35pm. I made my way onto the flight, and spotted my seat which was by a nice British gentleman named Roger. Roger was an extremely interesting and kind plane buddy who happily gave me an aerial tour of London, just as we were flying over it... including where he worked.
After I landed, customs went smoothly and my personal taxi service, Neil, came to pick me up! For those of you who don't know Neil, he studied at Maryville College in spring of 2011, so he's one of the few friends I have already here. The adventure really began when we got into Neil's mum's car. While we were loading everything up, the plastic part on the key came apart. We just popped it back together and then got into the car, but as soon as he tried to start the car, it wouldn't! After phone calls to Daddy and Mummy Larner and the AA (the British equivalent to the American AAA), we concluded that the small chip inside of the key had fallen out. So, the search went on for about 30 mins. in the carkpark at London-Heathrow airport with a small party consisting of me, Neil, and the guy from the AA. The assistance from a broom and several flashlights was also needed. In the end, Neil found the chip, the AA guy put it back into the key, and we were on our way.
The drive from London took about 2 1/2 hours. Neil drove me the longer, but more scenic route through the Cotswolds, where I have now selected about 3 or 4 cottages that I would like to live in. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures, but I expect I will return in that direction some time.
We finally arrived at Worcester. It's a lovely city with a nice big cathedral in the middle and a river running beside it. On campus, I was finally given a key to my room after going to several offices, but using the key posed a bit of a challenge (I think I've got the hang of it now). I found that my bedding package was not quite the definition of soft, so Neil assured me that there would be some at his house. So, I dropped my bags, changed my shirt, and we went on our way to the Larner house.
The Larner's were most welcoming, offering me a seat in their living room, while Neil made me a cup of traditional English tea. Mrs. Larner was immediately phoning her daughter-in-law trying to arrange for a set of sheets for me. By the end of my visit, she had assembled a nice little bag full of towels,blankets, and even a radio, as well as two nice, plump pillows for me. :) Needless to say, she fells like my Mummy already! After tea at the Larners, we drove over to Neil's brother's house, where they had a nice set of purple sheets waiting. We were invited in where I found non other than a playroom full of Playmobil! Harry, the boy of almost 4, had the fire station and engine, as well as the family camper. I had flashbacks to home, immediately.
After the Larner adventure, I came back to my room to find that I had 2 flatmates that I hadn't met before, Tamra from Germany and Annie from Norway! Friends!
The first day was definitely long, but completely worth staying up for. Sitting in a living room, having a cup of tea, and talking with an English family is the best experience I could ask for. I would say that I would be satisfied if I had to go home now, but I guess I should explore the city more. I haven't even walked around the city yet :)
"Where ever you go, go with all your heart."
University of Worcester, England
**** You must read this post in a British accent ****
*This post was meant to be put up on the 23rd of January, but the internet did not work until the 24th.*
Hello from Worcester! The journey to get to Worcester was an adventure all on its own that started with a flight out of Knoxville, Tennessee. After saying my heartbreaking goodbyes to my Mom and sister, I waited patiently for my flight to take off which had been delayed from 6:45pm to 7:10 to 8:15. The hilarious part was that I was sitting right next to the desk where the Delta ladies had to answer the same questions over and over again... most of them had obvious answers. The flight had been delayed due to a "ground-stop" in Atlanta, GA because of bad weather. At 8:15pm, the wheels were up, and I sat back to enjoy my short flight to Atlanta.
Once I arrived in Atlanta at about 9:00pm, I took my time to get to Concourse E. Upon arriving, I found the closest currency exchange desk and had a lovely chat with the clerk. By this time, it was getting time for me to board the plane. Wheels up for this flight was at 10:35pm. I made my way onto the flight, and spotted my seat which was by a nice British gentleman named Roger. Roger was an extremely interesting and kind plane buddy who happily gave me an aerial tour of London, just as we were flying over it... including where he worked.
After I landed, customs went smoothly and my personal taxi service, Neil, came to pick me up! For those of you who don't know Neil, he studied at Maryville College in spring of 2011, so he's one of the few friends I have already here. The adventure really began when we got into Neil's mum's car. While we were loading everything up, the plastic part on the key came apart. We just popped it back together and then got into the car, but as soon as he tried to start the car, it wouldn't! After phone calls to Daddy and Mummy Larner and the AA (the British equivalent to the American AAA), we concluded that the small chip inside of the key had fallen out. So, the search went on for about 30 mins. in the carkpark at London-Heathrow airport with a small party consisting of me, Neil, and the guy from the AA. The assistance from a broom and several flashlights was also needed. In the end, Neil found the chip, the AA guy put it back into the key, and we were on our way.
The drive from London took about 2 1/2 hours. Neil drove me the longer, but more scenic route through the Cotswolds, where I have now selected about 3 or 4 cottages that I would like to live in. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures, but I expect I will return in that direction some time.
We finally arrived at Worcester. It's a lovely city with a nice big cathedral in the middle and a river running beside it. On campus, I was finally given a key to my room after going to several offices, but using the key posed a bit of a challenge (I think I've got the hang of it now). I found that my bedding package was not quite the definition of soft, so Neil assured me that there would be some at his house. So, I dropped my bags, changed my shirt, and we went on our way to the Larner house.
The Larner's were most welcoming, offering me a seat in their living room, while Neil made me a cup of traditional English tea. Mrs. Larner was immediately phoning her daughter-in-law trying to arrange for a set of sheets for me. By the end of my visit, she had assembled a nice little bag full of towels,blankets, and even a radio, as well as two nice, plump pillows for me. :) Needless to say, she fells like my Mummy already! After tea at the Larners, we drove over to Neil's brother's house, where they had a nice set of purple sheets waiting. We were invited in where I found non other than a playroom full of Playmobil! Harry, the boy of almost 4, had the fire station and engine, as well as the family camper. I had flashbacks to home, immediately.
After the Larner adventure, I came back to my room to find that I had 2 flatmates that I hadn't met before, Tamra from Germany and Annie from Norway! Friends!
The first day was definitely long, but completely worth staying up for. Sitting in a living room, having a cup of tea, and talking with an English family is the best experience I could ask for. I would say that I would be satisfied if I had to go home now, but I guess I should explore the city more. I haven't even walked around the city yet :)
"Where ever you go, go with all your heart."