Finally home!

After a 15 minute taxi ride, 3 hour train ride, 1 hour 30 minute underground journey, 48 hours at London Heathrow, 8 hours plane ride, and a 3 hour car ride... I'M FINALLY HOME!!!

Its a bitter sweet moment to be here! I'm so happy to be done with the holiday travel. Looking back, although it was not the most enjoyable part of my study abroad, it is something I will never forget. I met many people within the 48 hours I was stuck in London Heathrow, it was a great networking opportunity :) Laying in my bed, I can now say it was a good time! [But my bag was not so lucky, it still in London!!]

Whats Next?


1.) Get over this Jet-Lag! I'm not sure how long it will be before my biological clock is set my current time zone, but I hope its soon! I have had some good sleep tonight but considering my clock is still set to 11:30am England time, I'm wide awake at 5:30am Springfield time. However it is good to lay in bed and rest!

2.) Get everything back to normal: I anticipated my life being turned upside down, due to being out of the country for 4 months; what I failed to anticipate was it  being shaken, kicked, dropped, picked up and dropped again, then sent on a rocket ship to outer space! [In a good way of course] In much more simple terms, I did not anticipate all of the work that comes with studying abroad. However, I am thankful for the experience and I will have time to get things back right. It is only a matter of time! Almost there!!

3.) I will also continue to blog. I really enjoyed doing this and I have read over some of my first entries and noticed growth in my writing. I feel I have grown so much as a writer and will continue to blog to become even greater. Blogging has now become a new hobby and I will be sure to keep it up!

However, as for this blog, it will soon come to an end. I will add a few more post between now and my exams I take at the end of January, and even after I receive my grades back from Hull University. Its not over quite yet!

Until next time, Buh-Bye!!

Not my time to go

Today I woke up at 6am ready to catch my bus to go back home. I never thought that today would turn out the way it did but here it goes:

1.) My taxi was late picking me up from my house this morning. It was so late that I missed my bus to London. I had to pay for a [expensive] train ticket to London the same morning in order to make my flight. It was due to leave at 10am, getting me to London by 12:30. Purchasing my ticket at 6:50am, I thought everything would be fine getting home today. I was even able to go back to my flat to go to sleep for about an hour and a half.

2.) I wake up around 9 and the taxi arrives on time this go around. I get to the [freezing cold] train station at around 9:30, with plenty of time to spare before my train to London at 10. This is when I learn of the travel troubles that have once again rocked the public transportation of England. My train is delayed due to the weather [snow] and it does not arrive until 10:30. It was supposed to have me in London by 12:30, but "due to the weather," I did not arrive until 1:30.

3.) I must have been was half sleep until I arrived in London and realized that I am about to try to get to the busiest international airport in the world, during holiday travel. The Underground was so congested!!! & I did not understand how the "Underground" subway was effect by snow on the surface streets but there was nothing I could do. I rode it, standing like sardine in a can the whole way to Heathrow, and got off at the wrong terminal. Its now 2:40pm and my flight is due to leave at 3:25.

4.) I ran through the entire airport and made it to the terminal at 3:05. I knew it was close but ironically, the line to get checked-in was not long at all. I went to check-in and they told me "the closed the gate 45 minutes ago, we will not let you board."

Fast forward to now, I'm sitting in Heathrow airport, and will be sleeping in this...

I am flying standby tomorrow and hopefully I will get out of here. Basically what that means is because of the conditions, any seats not filled 45minutes before departure at turned to the standby people waiting to make it to the destination. I will be sleeping in front of the check in desk tonight. On the floor. The cement flood. At the airport. Praying I get home safely tomorrow.

On a good note, they did turn on the wifi throughout the airport and are giving out food vouchers left and right. Tomorrow is the last day flights leave London to Chicago from Heathrow until the 27th so It will be a long day. Fingers are Crossed, very tightly!!!

Well, I hope the next time I blog, I will be in the United States! CHEERS!


Oh yeah I almost forgot! I did take advantage of being here again. I saw the city at night and it is beautiful!!!

The London Eye

Me and Big Ben!!!

I guess being stuck in London is not so bad after all!!??

Barcelona!... oh.. and IBIZA!!

Me and my house mate, Matt, decided to back-pack to a few places before we left back to the states! We went to Barcelona Spain which is located on the eastern coast, somewhat towards the middle.

We had such a good time there! The Spanish culture is really unique and I really enjoyed the city.

This is the "Arc De Trimof." It is really big and towers over you, thus the reason I took the photo from far away. They also have one similar to it in Paris from what I have been told. 

This one here is at a castle that over looks the entire city. [Yeah I know, a REAL CASTLE!!] I also had lunch in the same spot I am standing in this photo. It was really great!

We aslo went to IBIZA!!!!!

This is the view from our "hostel" in Ibiza. Ibiza is a island about 50 miles south of Barcelona. I never thought to go here, and really didn't know what to expect. But for a $10 round trip ticket to this place, it was WELL worth it.[Thanks Ryanair] They say this is the equivalent to Cancun Mexico for Europe.

It was very relaxing! A true Vacation Spot!

The last days...

Over the past few days, I have reflected over the past 4 months of my life I spent living in the UK. Its hard to fathom I will be back in Springfield Illinois in less than one week. This semester abroad is an experience I know I will never forget. All of the people, food and places I have been, its hard to believe it is over.

Today I will go to do a checkout with the accommodation office to make sure I am clear on what I need to do about turning in my keys. I will be heading to London at a time when the office is closed, thus I will need specific instructions. 

As I look at my suit case sitting in my room, bare and silent as the first say I walked, it brings back memories from this trip. I must say, I love studying at this university and I am not ready to go back. Deep inside, I kinda wish I could do this again. I'm going to miss the accents of my professors and peers. The different money I used to pay for things in stores. The 13 digit numbers to call people in Europe. Even the long days I spent doing nothing, just enjoying the fact I am in another part of the world.

I will miss my house.[I have grown attached to it.] I will miss my housemates as well, always talking in German.  Having to walk everywhere for everything. There are many many many things about this place I will miss, even living the life of a poor college student, with no job or income.[ehh... not so much] 

It was fun while it lasted, now the days are very limited. I will continue to pack, wash and clean until it is time to leave. What I will do now is just relax and prepare to go back to the United States. Even when I get back, it will not be the same. 

Although this is the conclusion to my trip, it is the beginning of a new start back home. College is no where near over. I'm still working on my first degree!

Until next time, friends, family, and followers! This is Blake signing out for the last time. I really hope this blog gives you a sneak peak at my time abroad and you enjoyed it! 

CHEERS!

[I really like blogging. I think I will keep this going.]

This Oven!

This morning, I woke up and decided I was going to make a pizza for breakfast [yeah I know, proper breakfast huh?] but the directions were only a "guide" and actual cooking "directions" may vary. Which is fine because anything that frozen and cooked varies by some small degree?

My problem didn't arise until I had to start the oven. It took me over 15 minutes, and 2 house mates to get this thing going!! Why have we been using this thing for 4 months and still cant seem to figure out how to work this thing!

The top cookers are pretty easy to use, turn the nob, hit the spark, and you have a flame. The top oven-toaster, is about the same way. Now the bottom oven is where things get tricky! Its like every time you have to turn the nob a certain way, or you have to let the spark thing go for a certain amount of time. I just don't get it. After 4 months and with less than 2 weeks left here, I don't think I will.

Signing out,
frustrated early morning pizza eater [lol]

English Weather

Today I woke up to find out it is -13 degrees outside! I have been really ill these past few days [since the snow fight] and today I actually feel somewhat better. However, I will still stay in most of the day because I want to feel completely better before I go back out into the cold, -13, snow filled streets of Hull again.

Although it is very beautiful out, the cold is not my best friend. This is a picture from the street close to my house. Outside it looks like a true winter wonder land! However, its much better in photos than in person.

Its a bitter sweet moment knowing I will be home in 13 days. I thought I would be really excited but I neglected the friends I have made here. They are really cool people, and I will miss them lots! I will miss fish & chips, and summer fruit juice from Tesco![best juice in the world] There is so much here that I am use to, it will not be the same in the states.

[Although I am really anxious to eat some Popeye's!] I'm going to miss Hull a lot. I have had a great time! Words really cant describe how good it has been studying abroad.

.... Signing out! Cheers

Snow Day!!!

For the past 3 days, it has snowed over a foot of snow in England. Apparently this is very abnormal and they never receive this much snow. From what I am hearing from the locals, it usually snows mildly in January. The university has been closed fort he past 3 days, shutting down everything! I haven't has a snow day since grade school and it felt good to go out and play. 

SNOW FIGHT!!!

It was so much fun! Everyone organized a massive snow fight and this is one of my action photos! ha ha..

I have never been one to play in the snow but it was a lot of fun. People were building igloos, giant snow men and snow creatures, and having fun in the snow. I have to say I felt like a kid again. Then I came home to have a nice cup of tea!

However, it also is somewhat of a downfall because I have not had classes for the past 3 days! Next week is my last full week of school and the semester is over! I cannot believe it! Saying 'the time here flew by' does not even describe how quickly my semester abroad as gone by. Although I am anxious to get home, I will miss all of the people I have met here. I hope to come back to visit again sometime.

Until next time,

CHEERS.

Its almost over...

On September 15, 2010 at approximately 8:40 pm, I boarded a plane at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport headed to London, England. At that very moment, I did not know what I was I was doing. I had no idea what to expect, how I was going to live, or what it would be like in my new home. 

Many things in the previous days, weeks, and months prior to my departure said that I should not be going on this trip. Everything that could have gone wrong right before I left, did and some. One being what I will have to deal with as soon as I get back, my car. It was broken into and vandalized 4 days before I left. However, there was so much going on, I had no choice but to leave. 

My entire life was left in a terminal at O'Hare Airport that evening. Everything I worked for, strived to achieve, my hopes, dreams, aspiration; feelings of guilt, shame and fright; Fear of failure, loneliness and ignorance, all left sitting in a pile in that terminal on September 15, 2010 at 8:40 pm. (Now the fear of flying, that one didn't go no where! It sat next to me on the plane the WHOOLE WAY! LBVS)

Now it almost time for me to return to the states and I am unsure how I feel about this. Part of me is ready, and anxiously anticipating my return home, ready to pick up where I left off; while the other half found new hopes, dreams and aspirations acquired while here. And I am not sure if I can simply leave them in London as I did to the previous back in September. Its as if I have become a different person and I know people expect me to be the same old "Blake," yet in reality, he is sitting in a terminal at O'Hare. And I don't think I want to collect him from lost and found when I get back.

I have changed so much, have a new outlook on life, I am almost certain people will have trouble letting go of the old Blake. Especially considering how hard it was for me to let him go. Don't get me wrong, Im still ME, I just have a different desires, perspectives, and ways of doing things. I never anticipated being here would change me this much, but I must say it has been for the better.

I don't know, Im ready for this to be over. Ready for the new semester, and some good weather! My time in Europe is almost over... 

No Thanksgiving?!

Well today is Thanksgiving back home with all of my friends and family. The entire country of the United States of America is on a stand still. Banks, Schools, and Government Offices alike are closed to recognize the national holiday. BUT! Since the pilgrims left continent I am currently on, there isn't much celebration. No turkey. No dressing. No corn. No pies, No cakes, No nothing! I even had to go to class today! YES! Lectures on Thanksgiving; [talk about culture shock]

Today is definitely one of those days I wish I was home. Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday out of all of them. However, I am still very thankful for a lot. Illustrating everything I'm thankful for would take to long, so I will summarize and say I am thankful for the beautiful life I live!

There is so much I am thankful for, however I am not thankful for not having any TURKEY today! {lol} It is a surreal feeling being somewhere and experiencing something different than you ever have in life. I'm not trying to dramatize the effects of today BUT all my life, on this day, I have eaten a big meal and celebrated thanksgiving.  Sneaking samples of food all day to the point I know what everything tastes like before the meal is completely finished. I wonder if my body's biological clock will notice?

Well, I since I just left class and am in the library studying, I will 'get back to it.'

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

On the downward slope...

- Chicago

The closer the time comes the more thankful I become for the time away..

I thought that I was ready to go home, until I realized what I have been doing with myself for the past 2.5 months. I have started a new 'UNI' and have began to live in a completely different lifestyle. It has had its ups and downs but I can honestly say that I have grown to be complacent living here. 

Yes, sometimes I suddenly get the urge to be at home eating pop-eye's or out with my friends back at UIS, but I also have a new completely different circle of people I now know. I have new professors, classmates, and friends; a new schedule with my life that is still sometimes hard to grasp. I have been living in England for nearly 3 months not and the time has flown by so fast. I think when I return back to chicago in a few weeks, I will begin to realize how different life really "was" here.

I must say, I know there will be times in the beginning of 2011 where I will be 'homesick' from England. I never thought I would be able to go to another country and adapt to life as easily as I have, and it makes me want to experience more, and travel to more places on earth to live. Being here, and getting here, I have learned so much about myself and the world I live in. 

The entire year of 2010 was such a wonderful year all together, especially I have been planning for my study abroad for more than half of it, and spending the rest experiencing it. It makes me wonder what I can dream and hope for over these last few weeks of 2010, and what I can achieve during 2011...

Only time will tell...

Long time no see!

It has been a while since I have blogged. These past 10 days have been difficult. I am SOOO ready to go home I don't know what to do! I love Europe, England, Hull, this experience, all that good stuff: BUT! I am ready to go home, get a job, and get back to my life as I know it is will be... Love studying abroad, best time of my life, yet its TIME to GO! [Maybe I feel this way because its so close to me being home?]

A quick update:

Well... I had to the opportunity to go to Marseilles France with a really good friend of my Chloe! We had such a good time in France, and it was a real vacation! I even turned my phone off for two days straight, and never checked the time. That's how to have a vacation...

This a view from Notre-Dame de la Garde, a famous church in Marseilles. It was a very unique church with the most beautiful architecture I have ever seen. Here is a photo of the inside paintings on the ceilings...

Beautiful huh? Yeah I know!


I also had the chance to ride on her family's boat, and eat Pate` while sitting a few miles off the coast. She showed me the best of Marseilles and I will never forget! 

Thanks Chloe!

I also had the chance to stop through London! It was awesome, although it was EXTREMELY cold, wet, and rainy, I had the chance to visit some nice museums....

this is the British Museum of World History... Man the world is amazing when you get to see it on display..

Finally: I have been relaxing. I had a good time getting away but when I came back to Hull, I was sad. When you leave somewhere that nice its just never the same. Now I am focusing all my time on school, counting down the days until I go home. 

Cheers..

Sickness...

I am becoming very homesick...

I really miss home right now. I'm not sure if it is just today, or if this is part of the process. However, today is one of the days I really miss home. I am craving some Popeye's, number 5 with extra BBQ sauce and a strawberry Fanta! AHH!

I know this is part of the process of studying abroad. I have not felt this homesick since I have been here. This sickness is a different kind of sickness that I thought was an emotional thing, but I really do feel sick. It could be the Popeye's cravings, but I also miss home.

However, Thursday I am going to Marseille France!! Maybe this will help me get over this feeling of being "homesick." But we shall see...

Signing out! Cheers!

SUCCESS!!!

I started my final essays and all of my tutors say I'm off to a great start! I'm very proud of myself. I think the school system here is awesome! Now I can focus on my final papers, and that is about it considering I do not have any other assignments within the mean time! This is so good, I feel so successful! :)

Having a lot of free time on my hands has allowed me to explore so much stuff I would not be able to at home. Because I cannot work, and only have a total of 8 hours of class time per week, I do have being to do so much on the side. Ive stated putting a lot into writing and plan to make things happen when I get home!


 I have to say I made a mistake, I thought I had less than 60 days left and I was off by 10 days. I skipped a week (oops!) I have exactly 61days left, not including today. So it exactly the half way point now. Especially since on the 5th and today is the 6th. Hey, everyone makes mistakes!

This week has been amazing! I am really blessed and thankful to have had such a good week. Not all of the weeks here have been like this so I'm thankful things are starting to look up. The more I think I am adjusted, the more I learn something new and realize that I am not fully adjusted to "English" culture. But hey, I love it here!

Well, I am about to go to the gym. I have been working out much more here since I have so much free time, and I think this is going to turn out to be a good habit I picked up, possibly a new hobby.

Down Hill From here!

Will I have reached he climax of my trip and it is down hill from here!! I have registered for class at UIS for the Spring 2011! I'm taking teacher education courses; ill only need one more course for my minor in English, and on my way to the top courses of my major sociology!!  17 credit hours is a lot, the most I have taken in my college career. I have a big work load ahead of me but nothing could be more than writing 10000 words!

I tried something new this week. Me and a bunch of friends went salsa dancing! Ha ha.. it was an very interesting experience! Everyone says that I was the best, and caught on the quickest but I'm not sure, there were some real "professional" salsa'reerrrs(lol) in there! I had a blast, and it was really interesting to see the Mexican culture from the European perspective!

Culture is amazing! I now know I am in the right field with my major sociology. I'm learning respect for people, and better understanding of the world!

Tonight there is supposed to be firework demonstrations all over the UK and Europe. These pictures will be nice!

Until next time... 'Adios'!

Another day in England!

Today is getting started. Today I will got to the library and study (><).. I have a feeling the work is going to pile up on me one day so I am trying to stay on top of my school work. Being here,  I have to continuously remind myself I am here for school. Having classes 4 days a week does not permit much travel, so I will hit the books nice and hard this semester.

I really miss home. My life here is totally different and its starting to feel like an "out-of-body" experience. However, im loving every minute of it! Yet its time to get back to my normal life!

In one week, I will be going with friends to Marseille France!! The anticipation is building up and im so ready! I hear the weather there is really nice! Pictures soon to come..!

LOST!

[Ahh the last day of October! Only two more months left in the year of 2010 and I will be spending them on the other side of the planet from everything I have ever known.] Good thoughts!

On a bottom note, I have lost my iD and debit card. Not a good look! It will be nearly 10 days before I get a new one. I think I need to become even more organized than I currently am. I always think everything is going smoothly and then BAM! Something like this happens and I realize that its not always peaches and cream. I do not understand how something like this could happen! But its going to be OK, as they say, no worries. I am trusting and believe that this is just another obstacle in life that I will overcome. Although being in Europe with no money is not good! Im hoping m new card will get here soon!

I am loving Europe right now. It is an amazing place to be and I would not trade this experience for anything. I have also completed my first assignment! [WHOOO]

First Assignment: Tomorrow I will be doing a presentation on C. Wright Mills' approach to presidential power in the US. It is a sociological approach, which is why I choose it. In his approach, Mills says that American power is in the hand of "the power elite," an elite group of people who hold critical positions in the economic, political, and military domains of the US. Together, these three domains have become the center of power in the US, and the people who are at the top of these domains are politically and administratively connects, form the social class of the power elite.

Its very interesting and it makes me think more about out government and how it works. Like many other great classes I have had in college, I think this could have made me want to become a political science major. But I'm sticking with sociology for this degree. Maybe another time. :-)


Until next time... Bye.

Leeds!

I had a Day tip to Leeds, England, which is about 2 hours west of Hull England!

This is one of he main buildings in the city center of Leeds.

I love the architecture of it. Really nice.

This building is called the corn building. I don't know why

because it has absolutely nothing to do with corn. Still nice.

One day I will go in there to go shopping!

I walked down this strip here and there were tons of

fancy shops! Louis Vuitton is by far my favorite!

Leeds was a good time. I went with a few of my buddies I met here. We called it a day trip because we leave to go and come back all in one day. It was cool. I love it there.

Half way? Really?

I just completed week 5 of classes. There are only 10 weeks in the UK's fall semester. This means I am half way there! Its hard to believe that I have reached this point already. :-?

Im not ready to go! I love it here, and I could definitely see myself living here. Hands down. Im glad I am meeting people who I know I will stay connected with. Maybe a potential house mate in the future?

But I do miss the comforts of Springfield and UIS. The knowledge of m surroundings, culture and country is a missed feeling. Something I am taking from this experience is the ability to adapt. This is a new found ability, which basically means I can adapt to almost anything. I may struggle, and even resist at first. But I eventually come out on top and excel through difficult situations. Living in another country, on another side of the world had definitely taken is course of "adaptation" on me, but in the end, everything works together for good.

SN: This girl from Romania made me the best grilled cheese sandwich I have ever had in life. I have officially relapsed to my 10 year old addiction to grilled cheese... YESSS... LOL

39 Days in

It has been 39 days since I first arrived in england. Its about to be the 4th week of classes and I will be on a plane headed back home in approximately 73 more days. The time here is going fairly quickly but I am enjoying every minute of it.

Right now, it is 1am and in Chicago, but here it is 7 in the morning. Some people are now seeing the sun that I've been looking at for hours now. The mornings in England are the best times! A hot cup of tea is always a good way to start the day. The sun is shinning really bright out today. I think im going to take a nice walk to the city center and have some fish and chips!

I am finally getting adjusted to this new teaching style. There is more freedom to explore topics because tutors here do not use text books. Here, they use various novels, journals, new papers, ect, to explore topics to help student get a better understanding of the subject. I like this style better because it allows me as a student, to explore the topic in my own way. I can find out things about the subject that other students may not read or research, yet in a class discussion, the different findings and perspectives are put together in great discussions! I must say, the classroom discussions here are the best! Discussions are the best part of college! Nothing like a good discussion to get the mind stimulated!

This is a Meal I made. It is corn, with an English garlic bread.

On the garlic bread there is feta cheese, tomatoes, and lettuces.

Really good!

The food is here is pretty good.  I have noticed the vegetables are fresh, fruits are juicy, and the meats are nice and tender. I have not ate out as much as I would like to, it is fairly expensive here. But I have had a few English meals.

Well, im about to go have a cup of tea! Until next time... Be cool!

Im such a character..

CHEESSEE!!!

Today is yet another cold but sunny day near the eastern coast of England! My body is not doing to well of adjusting to the cold sea-breeze and my worries are that by the time I do adjust, back to Chicago I go! Nevertheless, no worries (*_*)...

Today I will be making plans to go to Marseille France with my friend Cloe. She lives there and is going home for a while, inviting a few friends back with her. This will be my first trip out of Hull, and it is out of the country as well! Many people have already began to do lots of traveling but I have refrained because I wanted to be sure I had everything with school together. Its not completely together, but by November 11th, it will be there.

 Right now it is 3:36 and back home it is about 9:36 in the am. Its funny how 6 hours can make such a big time difference. Then on top of that day light savings time is fast approaching and word is, it will be dark by 4:30 in the afternoon!! (WHOA!) This will be some culture shock. We will see how this goes, ill keep you posted.

These past few days have been some of the best thus far. It has been a little over a month and I can feel myself finally becoming settled within the english culture. Its weird to say, but I am beginning to let go of some of my American "ways of life" is substitute for the social norms I am now surrounded by. I think it will make the rest of my stay in England that much easer. There is a saying I just thought of 

"When is Rome, Do as the Romans..." - Easy

On another note, I still miss my people back home. I think who I miss the most is my MSS and Bonner family, they give me much love <3! Anxious to see them in the new year!  

I had totally forgot about this! I will not see the United States until 2011!! Or anyone I ever knew! I can remember saying bye to people and saying "see you next year." haha.. I never thought about that. hmm...

Well I guess I will finish studying and get ready to go to class... All these books!! Its so many...


Until next time.. Buh-Bye!

Living Simply...

"life can be as complicated as you allow it to be. Because we are raised to lived in a complex world, people tend to be more complex than life itself. However, if you choose not to allow the unnecessary things into your life, you can live simply."

Live, love, life, simply.

Today I found out I will be going to Marseille France! One of my good friends lives there and a small group of us are going home with her in early November! WHOOP!! WHOOOP!! Now that I am getting settled into classes, my travels shall begin! I am planing and hoping to go to Berlin Germany, Rome Italy, London England, Paris France, and Amsterdam The Netherlands. Im keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to make it to all of these places. We will be staying with her and her family in Marseilles, which is in the south of France. I have never been to France before and I am really excited to go!

This is Marseilles! Cant wait to get there!

Until next time... Bon au revoir!!

Day 35

Day 35 is a COLD day. It is extremely cold in my house. The english are definitely use to a different type of cold than I am. I don't think the cold is something I will be able to get use to. The cold here is a different type of cold, not like Chicago cold either, its like thick,hard, coldness. It hurts my face! lol

Im still trying to adjust to my courses here. It is proving to be harder than I expected. I spoke to some people and they said level 6 courses here are the equivalent to taking graduate course in the states !(><) AHH! This is proving to be pretty difficult but I am going to make it work. I am taking really interesting classes and love the library here, so this combination helps too. The library is really nice and I spend a lot of my time there studying and reading. School wise : so far so good.

I have to say I have truly met some cool people here. I hope the friendships established here will continue to grow even when I go back to the states. I find talking with them to be the best part, just sharing differences of opinions, views on life, expressing differences in cultures; its all very intriguing to me.

Sometimes, I wonder what it would have been like to stay at UIS this semester. I hear that it is changing dramatically and I want to be apart of that change!

Either way it goes, I LOVE this university and the city of hull. It is a college town hands down, and I really enjoy being here. However, I miss the people who supported me at UIS :-(

On another note, Only about 78 more days before I head home... Who knows whats going to happen between now and then? Until next time... Cheers!!

Its been one MONTH!

I went to the FAIR!

Hull, where my school is located, is also home to one the biggest traveling fair in Europe. Me and a few of my buddies & housemates went.

It was so much fun! I was able to eat some of the "carnival" foods from Europe.

Some of the best burgers ever! It was a typical burger but different at the same time. It had onions and bacon on it. MAN it was good. And the fried doughnuts are to DIE for. The best I have ever had!

I have also been here officially one month!!! Its hard to believe that one fourth of my time in Europe is gone! It is flying by!! But I am soaking up every minute of it. 

I learned something along the way, I need school. School is not an option. I'm either teaching or learning. Once I began to have lectures and attend classes, everything became much better! I enjoyed not having anything to do but it feels good to know that I have a regular routine now. 

Some of the organizations I have continued to be apart of are the International Student Association, The Black Student Union, and a project called Buddy Scheme. I have been to a few Caribbean/ Nigerian Society events and the Hull Christian Union.

I am focused and having a blast! Until next time.. CHEERS!

Officially week 3!

It officially week 3! It has been exactly 3 weeks since I landed in London. It feels like it has been longer than that, but 3 weeks is really not a long time. Its going by pretty quick, but I am making the most of my time. I have read more books in these past 3 weeks than I ever have. I have found time to wake up peacefully every morning and go to bed and sleep peacefully. I will be honest, it does get hard at times, especially when people you care about are having hard times. When the people you talk to the most are down and out, its hard to be happy with them. Being happy alone is no fun, I'd rather share it with people I care about. However, I cannot fix the world, and I cannot save everybody from everything.

Being here for these three weeks has been like roller coaster ride. Its had ups and downs, twists and turns, and its still not over! I have a book I am reading daily and today it said something that really helped me through ["You may be in a situation where you have almost given up. Your strength is failing; your outlook is grim. Take up the shield of faith. Put the matter squarely into the Lord's hands and believe that He is in control." ] After I read this, it seemed like every worry, concern, doubt, trouble, or negative feeling I had went away. I am learning to trust this process that I am going through. I see my life changing, faster than it ever has in my entire life and I am trying to keep up.

Today I went to visit a place in town called "The Deep." It was really cool!

Here is ti basically an underground aquarium. It also illustrates the history of the worlds environment and how Humans became the dominate species. It was really nice.

Its still hard to swallow being in EUROPE! Realizing that my dreams are slowly becoming a reality, makes me dream bigger, do more and want more. I also want to give back! I want everyone to have this experience! Ill work on that when I make it back to the states. My personal journal is filling up quickly with thoughts and ideas! They are not fine-tuned yet, but soon to some!

Well as they say in Germany.... TSCHUESS & BIS BALD!!! (Good-bye & See you soon!)

[SN: Thanks roomies! :-)]

Day 20

Day 20 is here! Its one day short of 3 weeks in England. It has been a fun time. Much is going on but all is smooth on this side. My first week of classes went pretty well. I had a little trouble finding them on the campus but I made to them eventually.

Still continuing my regular use of the gym. I have a personal trainer that came with my gym membership and my work out plan is pretty touch. I think this is going to be an interesting experience watching my body transform!

I also discovered TESCO! Tesco is the equivalent to Wal-Mart in the states, it has everything! I have been grocery shopping a few times and it is basically the same experience. Except for the fact they do not have American brand food! Also it is REALLY expensive! Im not sure if it is the exchange ate, or the actual cost of food here, either way, it is still expensive!

Getting around is fairly easy as well. I can get downtown in about 20 minutes, catching the bus. The bus stop going to the city center is only about a 2 minute walk and the one coming back is literally right in front of my flat.

Life in the UK is great! So far so good!!

Until next time.. CHEERS!

First Day of School!!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

CHICKA CHICKA YEEAAHH!!!

At last I have finally went to my first class after a 5 month hiatus!! Its a bitter sweet moment yet I am excited to begin my studies. My class today is called "Approaches to Presidential Power in the US" and I know this will be one of my favorites. It is about different people views [approaches] to the way they view the presidency of the United States. I think the most interesting part will be seeing the views of people whom have not lived in the US, and to see how they receive my perceptions as well.

I feel like I have been here for months, yet it is just getting started. There were so many people walking on campus today, I was slightly overwhelmed at first, yet it was exciting at the same time. Hull Unversity has over 20,000 student! A big difference from the 5,000 at UIS. There are no underground tunnels to take to class like at UIS so you see everyone moving and rushing to class. This campus is much bigger than my home campus and it will be an interesting semester adjusting. I believe by the time I am accustom to the way of life here, it will be time to go home.

SN:  Today I also learned of some devastating news. One of my students, James Jones, whom I worked very closely with father has passed away. I also knew his father very well, because of how closely I worked with this child. It is hard to imagine what my scholar is going through right now and I do not like to see children hurting. I wish I was there, to do or say something but I can't. I know I will pray for him and his family, and hope for the best. I am learning that this will be one of my struggles in my field, is how much I actually care about the well being of the children I work with. I wish I could wave a magic stick and make all of their troubles disappear but we all know this is not how things work. However, I will continue to stay focused, humble, and prayerful for him and those in need.

Until next time...

Day 17

I am 17 days into my semester abroad. I am learning a lot as my life begins to take shape here in England. I am learning something, but I am not sure what it is called. However, for now, I will call it "world wide personality traits." [LOL] I have met many people here and have seen many things. I am learning that there are people from all over the world who act EXATLY alike! I find this to be very interesting and I know there is some sort of name someone made up for this. Nonetheless, it makes me think on a lot of things that I will speak on at a later time.

Today, I joined the gym here on campus. Since I have all of this free time, there is no excuse as to why I am not in the gym 6 days a week as I plan to do. At this moment, I weigh about 60-65KG[145-155 lbs.]. When I return to the states, I plan to be between 75-80KG[ 165-175 lbs.]. This is one of my goals I will accomplish while I am here. [I hope]

The conversions to the metric system is something I can remember from 4th or 5th grade. I wish I would have retained more of it than I did. I can quote of my teacher saying "you never know what you will need later in life."

Today has also been the first Saturday I have sat in the house and did absolutely nothing. I made my calendar for the semester, cleaned my room, ate a good lunch, worked out, and thats about it. It seems like a bit much when written out, but compared to my typical schedule from back at UIS, this is nothing. Im joining approximately 4 or 5 organizations while I am here. If I can do it at home on top of 2 jobs, I know I can do it here without none! Amnesty International, Buddy Scheme Project, Hull Christian Union, Black Student Union, Caribbean/ Nigerian Society are what I hope to become a dedicated member of.

Well... Until next time... CHEERS!

School is finally here!

"Anticipated like the iPhone..."

Finally! I begin classes Monday at 9:15!! I have taken care of all of my business [registered for classes, sent things back to UIS, everything that comes with starting school] and made a smooth transition. I am so ready to start this semester! Its amazing how much I miss school. Lets see how I am feeling in about 4 weeks!

This is a view from the top floor of my house!

Sike! I wish! Its from the top floor of my library at HU(Hull University). It is a gorgeous view and a very nice library! It is 8 stories tall and has books, books and MORE BOOKS! I was lost because here there is always a ground floor, then the next floor up is the first floor. It was weird at first. Nevertheless, this is going to be a great semester! 

Until next time.. CHEERS!

Egg, Coffee, or Carrot? Which will you be?

The Egg, Carrot, and Coffee Beans

Situations in life can make you feel out of place and not know what to do. When life heats up, it can make life seem uneasy and you may not know what to do? I once herd this story and it relates to life, what will you be? The egg? The Carrot? Or the Coffee Bean?

The Carrot: The carrot lives his life the way he or she wants. Throughout its entire life, the tribulations it has faced made it extremely hard to the core. Since it is very hard, it does not waste time on the soft things in life, such as love, peace and happiness. The carrot has learned that in the in, you will end up hurt, thus the reason it has grown to be extremely hard. However, it has been able to make it, and sustain itself, living a seemingly happy and productive life.

The Egg: The Eggs is someway the same way. It wants to achieve great things and have all of the pleasures that come with life. The egg wants to be happy, at peace and in love. It has been deprived of all of these things and desperately wants to find these things. Because of this, it has developed a hard exterior, but can easily be broken, leading to all of its emotions being poured out. Because it is very soft and fragile at heart, the egg can easily be broken.

The Coffee Bean: The coffee bean has a different life story. It was raised around many people of its kind. Yes its worth has been stolen for the good of others. The coffee beans for many years have been exploited, being sold around the world because people loved the dark rich taste of coffee. Some even said coffee beans have natural high, a rush of energy they give to people who consume them. The coffee bean for many years has faced turmoil but has never let it change them.

Then one day, the egg, carrot, and coffee bean find themselves

in a heated situation. They must pull together in order to survive but

their difference of opinions makes it difficult for them to effectively find

common ground suitable to all. They are now in a pot of boiling water, 

frantic, not knowing what to do. They could all loose their

lives if they do not think fast....

Instead of working together, the do what they know to do best: 

survive on their own....

The Carrot: With its many years of being hard as a rock, never allowing its emotions to show, always having the answers, breaks down. It cannot handle the heat, and being alone. It become so frustrated, and with the intense heat of the boiling water, it become soft and beings to break down. It begins to scream and cry to the sky, "take me away, get me out of here!" The carrot does not believe it will survive the intense heat. It screams, cries and bangs the walls of the pot, wanting out. It cannot handle the intense heat of the boiling water. All of the years of living life hard to the core, have finally caught up with the carrot. It continues to cry to the sky, for something, someone to rescue it. The carrot is not breaking down, it does not believe it will survive and begins breaking down. It become so soft that it is eventually rescued by silver forks from the sky.

The Egg: Because the egg has always been a softy at heart, the heat of the boiling water is desensitizing it, and since it feel so alone, it does what it does best, live live for itself. Seeing the emotional break down of the hard carrot, and knowing what may happen, it quickly hardens. It cries to the sky, but does not see r get an answer. It panics, frantically trying to find something to reduce the heat. It no longer can take the intense heat and It creates a thinker inner core, and maintaining the hard outsides. Making it even harder than before. Yet still feeling the heat, it cries to the sky, wanting to be rescued. Still hearing no answer, it become harder and harder, resistant to anything thing. It becomes so hard, silver spoons swoop down from the sky to save the hardening egg.

The Coffee Bean: The coffee bean is now alone in the pot. Seeing the emotional turmoil the egg and carrot went through, led the coffee bean to think fast. It began to bleed, bleed and blend to its surroundings. Yet the intense heat did not seize. It began to cry to the sky's for mercy, and it let the intense heat of life go away. The coffee bean had changed the boiling water to coffee, yet it was still extremely how. Fearing it had made a mistake, the coffee bean tried to undo what it had done. But it was too late. Fearing the worse, it cried again... no answer.. no silver spoon or fork to come and rescue the coffee bean which was not a boiling pot of hot water.... Yet the boiling bubbles began to rise slower, and the ground became easier to stand on. The heat began to seize and the coffee began to feel calm. Then its world was turned upside down, only to be met by sweet crystals and smooth cream. The coffee bean did not get rescued, but it survived the boiling water.

What will you be?

Freshers Flu?!

Well for the past few days I have done nothing but lay in bed. Last night it reached its peak, I could barley walk, talk and BREATH! It was by far the worst cold I think I have had in a long time. Apparently there is a "Freshers" flu that goes around at the beginning of every semester. Freshers are what we back in America call Freshmen.

This Freshers Flu is NO JOKE! Nonetheless, I am feeling much better now. Thanks to Glenn, he helped me get better.  He walked to the store, bought my medicine. Made me some chicken noodle soup and made sure I was better.

I am doing much better, just going to take it easy today. Thankful for my good health, and the ability to be here! Until next time, CHEERS!

Show me a GOOD TIME!

This was a good night!

This makes everything worth it! Being surrounded from people all over the world having a good time. We all had such a good time just sitting in the house and talking about stuff. We talked about everything from the way cars are produced, to exchange rates, to just life in our home country. In this photo, there are people from Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia,  England, and the US! I think the most interesting part about all of this is, seeing how different life is for people who live in the same country, let alone people from different countries!

This experience is one words cannot describe! I hope I have met some life long friends here. People from all over the world who are simply trying to live their lives and make something of themselves. The ironic things is, all of us are also related by our majors, departments and interests. Being surrounded by positive people does help to keep your own positive mindset intact. I am very thankful and fortunate.

Signing OUT!

True Freedom: The prison Gate

"Throughout the ages mean and women have fought for what they believed was freedom. Now that we have obtained a higher level of national security, the thee has shifted to how we can remain free.

But are we really experiencing freedom? Everywhere we turn there are evidences of freedom granted and freedom abused.

Political leaders, exhausted from their flight to freedom without moral restraint in the seventies, now claim we must return to the moral values of our forbears. As a society, we have rejected values that even hint at morality. In a recent interview, one congressman state that our nation no longer has clear-cut "moral guidelines...."

This is a quote from a book that read almost every day. Some days it confuses me and on others it makes complete sense. Some days I also have to research the meanings behind the messages, and others I remember at a later point. 

However, today was one of those days where it "hitting the nail on the head." Many times people, and myself, become detached from the true mission at hand. We allow things to come into our lives and deter us from our mission. My heart goes to people who do not know their mission because when your not trying to accomplish something, what are you living for? I believe that everyone in life is trying to accomplish something whether it be having a good time, finding love, having a family, money, receiving an education... the list goes on.

I am on my mission right now. Nothing can stop me from 'mission accomplished.' Its amazing the power I have gained from knowledge. Having so much free time, I have read more in recent weeks than I ever have in life. [could be the lack of television] I am finally free to focus on learning, and be a student in college. This is a joy I have not felt for 5 years and it feels really good.

UPDATE:

I also have 2 German house mates. They are also exchange students here for only one semester. I have another who is from Seattle Washington. I have never lived with girls before so this could be interesting. We are supposed to be getting another one any day now. From what I have been told it will be another girl.

But from the ones I have met this far, we get along fairly well. One does not speak good English, but she is learning.

Until Next Time... Signing out!

International Week has Started!!

Today has been a good day. Hull brings international students from all over the world. I have learned that there are over 3000+ of us here from places around the world. At UIS, I am 1 in 3 study abroad student; At Hull, I am 1 in 3000!!

The university is well known for its international program. It has one of he best Political Science Departments in all of Europe! I am fortunate enough to have my major fall under this department! I also learned that Hull University is the 14th oldest 'uni' in all of Europe being founded in 1927.

I have started meeting people from all over the world! This is an experience I believe every student should have. I think it is much easier than back home.

ALSO, for the first time since the age of 15, I CANNOT work. It would be illegal for me to obtain work while studying here. I feel like freshman right out of high school for the first time ever! Its amazing!

I am having such a good time! I feel like a true college student being here. Meaning: my only obligation is school right now. I am enjoying the free time. However, I do have meetings and events to go to. International week is similar to Welcome Weeks back home and I will be going around collecting all of the Free-Bees!

Also today I met another student named Usman at a Pakistani restaurant (BEST FOOD EVER!!! -FYI). We had a really good conversation that sparked from a jar that was set up in the resturant to collect money for the people of Pakistan. From what he told me and I have read, this is the worst natural disaster in the history of the world. He told me how estimates of over 20 million people have been affected by this disaster. I felt bad not knowing anything about it so I looked it up and found this video...  < http://cnn.com/video/?/video/international/2010/09/17/bs.pakistan.flood.wald.pleitgen.cnn >

After watching it, I thought of Usman and how he must feel knowing his entire country is going through a devastating natural disaster, I think of where his strength comes from day to day. It made me reflect on my life and the things I have been through. Even with everything, I have no choice but to be so thankful for the pleasures I have in life.


I say all of this to say this... I cannot begin and probably never will be able to express how thankful I am to be in the position I am. There are no words to describe the feelings I have, or the things I have thought about today. I am going to use these experiences as my strength to move forward. There are men, women, and children all over the world who need good people in their lives. I am not choosing any other option but to be there for other people. I know I cannot do this alone, which is why I am even more thankful to be surrounded by such positive people.

Until Next Time! CHEERS

I am officially here!

Where I will be sleeping for the next 4 months!

Today I received my apartment flat, and it is pretty nice!! I also went on a walk around the campus. It is pretty nice as well, much bigger than UIS! All I need is to meet some cool people and get adjusted to the lifestyle here.

Right now I am at at a cafe called Lattitude because my internet does not work from my flat but it will be cool for now. I have found a good place to eat some food, and settled in. I even learned the bus system in one day, which was pretty easy to use. It is a good thing they speak english here, I will admit asking for help a few times. I have managed to get all the basics together, now the fun starts!

SN: I also found out I do not start classes until the first week in OCTOBER! What am I going to do for 2 weeks??

I will be sure to keep the posts coming!

 Until next time... Signing OUT!

My first night in HULL!

I am here in Hull and it is now dark outside. I still have not made it to my apartment and I am staying with another exchange student who came to UIS last semester. I have seen the campus and a little of the city. But not that much, it is only the first day. I have been traveling for a while and I am going to relax tonight.

However, I was driving through the city today and my friend pointed out a few differences. The most obvious is they drive on the opposite side of the street with the steering will on the opposite side as well. AND they do not have dive up banks!!! There is no driving up and making a withdraw from your account. Not in England.

The feeling of being away from home has also settled in [kinda]. I really miss everyone and the comforts of being home. It is not the same being here, especially when I have nobody here! I do not know one person in this entire country!!!!! Sitting here, I am thinking to myself, "what was I thinking coming all the way over here?" I am so far away from home!


Until  Next Time,

Blake is signing out...

LONDON!!! Im here!!!

My plane touched down not too long ago. I did the wrong thing in customs about 5 times but I made it! I am now on the underground headed to London Kings Cross where I will take another train directly to Hull University!!!

Right now I already feel like a foreigner!!! There are no people that look like me, talk like me or even dress like me! *Awkward*

I will be at my new home shortly!!!!

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Taking off...

Im sitting on the plane, and take off  us in 20 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel the plane starting up!!!!!!! OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!! (><) *waves hands dramatically*

First Leg of the Journey

I have started my journey!!! Its going to be a long two days of traveling but it will all be worth it once I reach the UK! Anxiety and nervousness have began to settle. I feel like a baby learning to walk for the first time.

I am really going to miss my UIS family!!! It has taken a lot of energy and preparation for this very moment. I have worked long and hard to achieve the goals I have set. The good and bad times, the ups and downs have all paid off. The best part of it all is it in not over, this is just the beginning!!

This morning I arrived in Chicago around 1pm and I am currently sitting in O'hare airport waiting to board my plane! If I had wifi, I would upload some really cool pictures I took earlier but it will have to wait until next time.

I have strong concerns with flying, this is only my second time, and the first was NOT a good experience. I'm praying this one will be better than before. ((((Aaahhhhhhhh!!!!)))){ How I feel on the inside but I'm keeping it together. "Ill be fine."

Until I land, PRAY FOR ME!!!!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

T minus 6 seconds.

It is 6 days until I leave the United States. Anticipation is building the closer it gets to the time for me to leave. I am very excited to go but I am not sure if my fears of flying will be overcome by next week. I thought I was leaving springfield for good but I  had to return to Springfield due to situations that came up[like having my car broken into], but hey that's life.

My dream is less than a week away. I am sorting my belongings and it is finally starting to look like I can actually fit 4 months of LIFE in one suit case! This is one of the biggest challenges thus far because I do not want to forget anything that I will need. 

I have my lists together. I have created several lists that have become very useful. I think this is a skill that I will keep because it has helped me stay in order. Everything is looking good! Thanks to everyone who is in my ear giving me words of encouragement! You have no idea how much it is helping right now! Until next time, Bon VOYAGE!!