England ROUND #2

I just arrived back at my flat after a 9.5 hour plane flight (which was fast by the way because of a tail wind), a 1.5 hour bus ride, and a 20 minute taxi ride. Luckily my grocery delivery showed up at about the same time, so I came home to a fully stocked cupboard. Unluckily, we had a slight power outage. However, I now know where the circuit box is and was able to correct this before our cold food spoiled. Unluckily again, it looks like our water heater isn’t working. The red light is on (not a good thing according to the label on the side panel). So all baths until Monday will take place in the tub with my kettle. Yuck!

In other news, I had a great 3 weeks at home with my family, despite a case of the chickenpox! Yikes! And for those of you who are curious, yes I had it when I was little. It was just another case of bad luck I guess. LOL.

I was able to celebrate my best friend's 25th birthday. I was able to see a few of my good friends and ate all kinds of delicious American food to my hearts content. Now that I am back, I am going to rest for the next 2 days - with the exception of having some drinks with friends tomorrow night for my 26th birthday. Then I need to focus my efforts on completing my 3 terms papers due this month. Yikes, again! I better start writing!

1st night in my new flat!

Today was very adventurous. We had out first official meeting at the Shakespeare Institute.  I met my main professors and the new director of the institute, Michael Dobson. Dobson is a comical character and a very knowledgeable individual. He has already charmed his way into my heart and I look forward to speaking with him more about my studies.

I think this is going to be a very work intensive, but fun year! This semester I am taking 3 modules (classes): Research Skills, History of Performance and Plays & Poems. Classes start tomorrow and continue through Thurs. We also were given a tour of the Institute Library which is very extensive.

After our first meeting we went to the tower at the RSC to view the entire county of Warwickshire. It was an amazing view on a beautiful summer day. It was actually very warm out today with plenty of sun. I hear that the good weather is suppose to continue through the week. Perfect for a California girl like me.

In other news, my mattress arrived today. I have all the pieces of my bed frame on the floor of my bedroom to put together tonight. Yikes! I hope I can figure out how to put this thing together.

Picture to come soon!

My New Flat!

Thanks to my lovely new friend and roommate, Jude, I will now have a roof over my head. We secured a flat together in Stratford-upon-Avon on Birmingham Road. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a washer! What more could a couple of girls want?

It is unfurnished, so when I arrive I will have to order up some furniture for my bedroom. Jude seems to have a living room set available, but instead of sleeping on her couch the first few nights, I will be staying at a bed and breakfast until I can order myself a bed. The reality is starting to set in and my excitement for the trip is building. I cannot wait to begin the journey.

Brush up your Shakespeare!

After yet another aggravating day of house hunting, I decided I needed something to make me smile. I think this takes the cake! I hope this brings a smile to your face as well.

Student Visa Recieved - Next Step: Finding Housing

Good news! I received my Student Visa and US Passport back today. I can hardly believe how quick it came back. I am thrilled to begin the next part of the journey – finding housing! This part of the experience has been a stress point for me. I found a cute little flat with a blue door online today. I am adding it to my list of prospectives. Hopefully everything will continue to fall into place. Wish me luck finding the perfect UK dwelling!