Primark: Pretty Prices

27




Leah Petr
Napier University
(I touched on this in my Favorite Things post, but this is the continued explanation of my obsession)

If you know anything about me, you know my penchants for both clothes and good deals—combine the two and I’m there! Primark is the perfect combination of these, my two loves. This place is so great that I think it deserves its own post. I’m sure to mention it as the semester goes on, but I just had to give it a little appreciation of its own.

It’s at that point here where it’s new enough that everybody still shops there, but it’s been here long enough that some people are snobby about it and its cheapness. It is funny because after being in there a few times, I notice people in Primark clothes all the time; it’s kind of like American Eagle was in middle school- you would think you were so cute when you were leaving the house, but once you met up with your friends you would realize that you’re all wearing the same shorts. But, you know what, that doesn’t bother me at all because A. I’m an international student so I didn’t bring that many clothes and B. I’m an international student so I will be taking them home with me in a few months where nobody will recognize them and C. I’m an international student so I’m allowed to be un-cool.

Since this store is new to Edinburgh it’s naturally packed all of the time, but it’s definitely worth fighting the crowds for the great fashion and even better bargains. This place is like a four-story H&M with Ross (Dress for Less) prices. I love practically every item in the place. I must have a slightly European style because I feel like all of the items that I have to search for so hard in the U.S. are so easy to find here. It’s so hard to turn down things that I know I won’t be able to find at home, especially since they’re so cheap, even considering the exchange rate. Also, I have issues passing up deals to begin with so this store sends me into a tizzy (a good one) every time I go in. I’m probably compromising on quality a little, but with these kinds of purchases, I’m all for quantity over quality. I guess we’ll see if all my clothes fall apart after 2 washes like Forever 21’s.

As I write this, I’m sitting here in Primark head-to-toe (minus undergarments only)—I’m talking shoes, socks, sweater, and jeans, all of which add up to about 21 pounds worth of purchases. Primark may turn out to be my Achilles heel, but at least I’ll be happily well-dressed as I take the fall

the dress is H&M but everything else is Primark

Springtime in Austria?

Another week has absolutely flown by! I can’t believe I’ve been here for two weeks already. I had a real shock when I realized I’d only be spending another four months here… To some that may seem like a long time but I feel like at the end I’ll be looking back not knowing where the time went.

Monday was my 21^st birthday! Not that it’s really that big of a deal here because the drinking age is younger, but I was very excited! Some of my friends surprised me with cake and presents, and I felt so lucky! That night there also happened to be a Carnaval party, so I had two reasons to celebrate. Carnaval is pretty much just one giant party – you can dress up in costumes and everyone celebrates. Some of the other students and I decided to use our bed sheets and go “toga style.” It was a great time!

I’ve continued to have German class this week, and I’m learning a lot. I successfully managed to ask a server at a restaurant some questions and he understood me! I like to count the small victories. I also did my laundry this week and that is definitely a process… I needed to bring my dictionary so I could get an idea of what the washers and dryers said. And in the end my clothes weren’t all the way dry! I’ve registered for classes, and so far it looks like the scheduling pretty much works out. I only have a class conflict on one day. Most of my classes meet once a week for a couple hours, but my German class will meet twice a week. I do have one class I might be taking that only meets for one day… for 8 hours! We’ll see how that goes. I finally got my bankcard this week, and it works so that made me really happy.

On Saturday I went into the city with some friends to visit a flea market. Apparently flea markets and open-air food markets are pretty common. I really enjoyed looking through all the things people had to sell. There was everything from books to bikes to dishes to clothes to chandeliers. Afterwards we had lunch and then I took some more time to check out some of the stores in the city center. There are so many bakeries… I have to fight myself not spend all of my money there! I went into one store called Thalia, and it turned out to be a bookstore. A four-floor bookstore! I was in heaven! I also went to a store called Kika that’s a little bit like Ikea. They have furniture and other various household goods. One my way back it seemed like the tram was delayed for some reason (haha I couldn’t read the scrolling message…), so I decided to start walking back to the University. It was a beautiful day and unusually warm, so I enjoyed the walk immensely. I can only hope that Spring might be around the corner, but I'm not getting my hopes up too much as it's supposed to get colder later this week. Eventually, though, a tram did stop by so I didn’t have to walk all the way back. Saturday night my mentor here and the other members of our group of exchange students met the last member of our group. She’s from Korea, and she had to stay there until recently because she needed to be present at an interview, so she only arrived here the day before yesterday. We took here to the grocery store because we knew it would be closed today! Later while we were hanging out I decided that I wanted to make cookies despite the fact that I didn’t have a baking pan, all the right ingredients, or any measuring cups or spoons. Surprisingly, they turned out to be edible.

I’ve pretty much spent today doing things around the flat. This morning some other girls on my floor and I cooked breakfast! One girl made homemade pancakes that were absolutely delicious (there were some strawberries to go with them!), and I brought eggs, toast, and some fruit. I have my first test tomorrow. It’s for the Pre-Semester German class that I’m taking here, and despite needing to know a lot of vocabulary I think it’ll go well. Or, at least, I’m hoping that it will! Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday I’m going to a Cultural Sensitivity Training course, and then Friday we leave for Budapest for the weekend! I’m beyond excited, and I can’t wait!

Ok I think this post was a little bit more manageable haha. I’ll post more pictures next time! Especially a lot from Budapest!

Santiago de Compostela Carnaval 2012

Santiago de Compostela tuvo su carnaval por tres dias comenzando el 20 hasta el 22 de este mes, Febrero. El último día del carnaval hubo un desfile de disfraces. Entonces, el domingo a las cinco de la tarde nos fuimos haber de que se trataba este desfile. Las calles de Santiago siempre están vacías por la tarde, ya que todo el mundo les encanta tomar siestas. Fue mi primera vez que vi a Santiago por la tarde tan llena, y me sorprendió cuanta gente vive acá. Todas las veces que he salido en la cual es frecuente, las calles nunca están llenas de gente. Pero para esta ocasión, la gente salió a celebrar con sus lindos disfraces. Ya van a poder ver un poco en el clip. El desfile duro como dos horas y por la noche hubo un concierte gratis en la plaza de las dos Marías. También fui al concierte y baile muchísimo. Este pasado lunes hubo una celebración muy extraña, los españoles quemaron un enorme muñeco para iniciar la terminación del carnaval. Yo no fui a ver esto porque vi videos en youtube y me asuste. Mi compañera de cuarto, Fatima, fue y me conto que había muchas personas. A mí me pareció que era algo de brujas y me dio miedo ir. El carnaval me gusto mucho ya que toda la cuidad vinieron juntos para celebrar.

Affordable Summer Study in Asia

 Study in Korea this summer for the same cost as Maryville College summer courses! No language requirement!

Korean and Asian Studies, Yonsei University

The six-week Yonsei International Summer School Program (YISS) allows students to take a variety of classes while truly experiencing the Korea. Located in the wooded hills of western Seoul, Yonsei University is only 10 minutes by bus or subway to the downtown area, the fashion-filled city center that sparkles with both modern innovation and ancient cultural tradition. Students can enjoy a variety of Korean cuisine and also take in lively festivals, performances, and folk museums.

Hanyang International Summer School, Hanyang University

All courses are taught in English by renowned educators invited from prominent institutions abroad and from Hanyang University. A wide range of courses including Korean Studies, Humanities, Business, Economics, International Relations, Media & Communication, Design, Science, Engineering, Sports, and Korean Language. Students can be fully immersed in Korean culture by participating in various field trips, excursions, and cultural programs.

Korean Studies Summer Program, Hannam University

The Korean Studies Summer Program at Hannam University offers students an exciting opportunity to learn about Korean culture and language during the summer. The goal of the program is to guide each participant into a total experience of the rich and dynamic Korean culture in historical and contemporary social contexts. An additional goal is to promote awareness of Korea’s unique place among East Asian cultures.

For details and scholarship information about this and other summer study abroad opportunities, visit http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/international/studyabroad/

Application deadline is March 1.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things (About Scotland)

** I wrote this for our MC newspaper, but I’m so behind on my blog that I decided to post it here as well. I have multiple other posts in the works, but it’s been kind of crazy here (actually having to DO homework, gah!). I should have them up this weekend.**


On our first weekend trip outside of Scotland, my new friends and I went to the Mediterranean Island of Malta (Gorgeous! Go there!). On the way there, we flew over the Alps which were completely stunning. With my entire iPod on shuffle, The Sound of Music Prelude happens to start playing as I’m peering out the window at the craggy magnificence. First of all, yes, I’m so cool as to have The Sound of Music soundtrack on my iPod and, secondly, I had just completed a life goal that I wasn’t even aware of having: living the opening scene of my favorite movie. That Sound of Music experience has inspired me to make a short list of a few of my favorite things that I have found here in Scotland so far.

Here goes:

1. Raindrops on Roses: It might rain here relatively often, but, when it does, it isn’t the drenching kind that requires a raincoat and “Wellies;” it’s more of a misty drizzle that’s more likely to make you drowsy than really get you that wet.

2. Whiskers on Kittens (or Puppies, in this case): I’ve said it before, but it still amazes me; Edinburgh is home to some of the most well-behaved dogs that I’ve ever seen, which is probably why they’re allowed in many establishments. It seems like everyone here has a dog trotting along behind them as they walk through the park or even down a crowded street. There doesn’t appear to be a leash law, but it isn’t an issue at all because all the dogs either trot alongside their owner or frolic nearby in the grass only to come running at the quietest call.

3. Bright Copper Kettle: A kettle is a marvelous kitchen appliance that I had never encountered before coming here. While ours is of the stainless steel variety rather than copper, I find myself using it all the time even though it seemed so pointless the first time I saw it (just boil water on the stove or in the microwave!). It is so incredibly convenient, though. Especially with my newly acquired tea habit. I just might have to invest in one when once I’m state-side again.

4. Warm Woolen Mittens: In my case, I’m completely loving a pair of warm woolen tights that I picked up over here rather than mittens, but the concept still applies: toasty warmness!

5. Brown Paper Packages Tied-up With String (or criss-crossed with packing tape): Living so close to MC, I never get care packages in the mail. I don’t have too much to complain about considering this means they’re instead hand delivered or picked up on a trip home, but I have to say the joy of signing for a package is hard to beat. I just got my first one and it’s made my life. Thank you for the Reese’s and stick deodorant (2 things impossible to find here), Mom!

6. Crisp Apple Strudel: (This is a bit of a stretch, but, hey, they’re both bakery items!) I’ve fallen head-over-heels for Pains au Chocolat (aka chocolate croissants) which, I know, are A. technically French and B. available in the U.S. However, I have only discovered their deliciousness here and my favorite ones are from the grocery next door. Ten seconds in the microwave makes those things heavenly!

7. Doorbells: The doorbell itself isn’t one of my favorite things; it’s what happens when the doorbell RINGS (which is not what you might expect). You’re probably thinking I’m crazy so let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start (cha ching- another Sound of Music reference): There’s a door to each of our 5 bedrooms, the kitchen/lounge, and the three bathrooms—all of which are supposed to remain closed at all times because of the fire code. But, really, the only thing the flame-retardant doors deter is flatmate interaction, so we naturally all bought door stops in the first week of being here. Now, since every time the doorbell rings could be a random room inspection, there’s a flurry of hilarious chaos as we race around grabbing doorstops and stuffing them in our pockets. Multiple doors are sure to slam in the process and our running feet definitely cause a racket, eliciting yet another Sound of Music reminiscence in my mind; it sounds just like when the Captain whistles for the children and all you hear of the kids coming is their pattering feet and slamming doors. Inevitably, it’s a friend from upstairs or the mailman ringing the doorbell, but the threat of inspection has struck terror into our hearts so the comedic routine ensues with each ring.

8. Sleigh bells: I feel so European when I hear the police and ambulance sirens; they’re so different!

9. Schnitzel with noodles: While Schnitzel is a national dish of Austria, anything deep fried is apparently a national dish of Scotland (apparently the Southern Scots-Irish descendants came by the propensity honestly). Sure, everybody knows about Haggis, but that’s actually hard to find on menus and seems to be more of a tourist attraction than anything. What real people eat is the fried stuff found at “chippies” on every block. From fried fish to fried cheeseburgers to fried pizza to friend Mars Bars, they will throw anything in boiling oil. I’m determined to try as many dishes as I can without keeling over from a heart attack. I could really get used to this Scottish 4th Meal!

10. Girl’s in White Dresses with Blue Satin Sashes: Primark is a beautiful place. I might not have purchased a white dress or a blue sash there (yet!), but I have sure bought a ton of other items. It’s Forever 21 (or lower) prices with H&M style in sizes that can actually accommodate normal-sized people. It might be heaven on earth for me—at least the materialistic, deal-loving side of me. Everything is cute and everything is cheap so I’m a complete gonner whenever I walk inside. I will have a major problem if they ever expand to the U.S.! So these are just very FEW of my favorite things about living and studying in Scotland. There are many more already and sure to be more to come!

Estonia, Ukraine, and Russia Summer Travel Study Opportunity!

Visit Estonia, Russia, and Ukraine while learning about the crucial changes that occurred in these countries after the collapse of communism. This unique, interactive summer program takes students to three countries and three universities to explore social, economic, and judicial issues through lectures, discussions, and excursions. Cultural activities include visits to renowned historic sites, museums, art galleries, and theater performances.

 

Participants spend one week in Estonia (Tallinn), one week in Russia (Saint Petersburg), and one week in Ukraine (Kiev). Lectures by the professors of the participating universities are given in English on a variety of topics concerning social, political, economic, and judicial issues. Special seminars and meetings with diplomats, businessmen, and politicians are part of the program, as are visits to enterprises, governmental, and NGO institutions and/or media firms.

 

For details and scholarship information about this and other summer study abroad opportunities, visit http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/international/studyabroad/

Application deadline is March 1.

Swedish Conspiracy

Nathan Phipps
Sodertorn University, Sweden

Perhaps I’ve seen too many episodes of X-Files, but I think I’m onto some sort of Swedish conspiracy. I suspect that the government (who else?) must be employing some type of time manipulation that causes an entire month of studying abroad to pass by without the exchange student fully understanding what has occurred to him/herself. It seems the only way to counter-attack this phenomenon is to vigilantly supervise one’s remaining time and concentrate all efforts into making the most of the study abroad experience.


Tomorrow, I endeavor to venture into Stockholm. Even living just 20 minutes outside of the city center can make ‘going out’ feel like quite a task. Tomorrow, I will seek destinations and I will learn to get there (perhaps by trial and error) without anyone showing me the way. For me, this is the only way to truly learn a place.

Below is one of my favorite songs that I’ve been listening to since arriving in Sweden. It’s been my soundtrack to walking in the snow, waiting for the bus, and experiencing the completely unique feeling of exploring a foreign land that is equal parts alienation, independence, and adventure.

(You have to check out Nathan's personal blogsite to get the music clip: http://nathaninstockholm.wordpress.com/)

 by Katie Reed
Universidad de Navarra, Spain

Where to begin??  OH!  Bilbao on Saturday, of course!  We got up at 5 in the morning, left at 6 to walk to the bus station, and our bus left at 7.  At about 9am we arrived in Bilbao, Spain in Pais Vasco.  We figured we should go ahead and buy our bus tickets back so that we would all be able to get back on the same bus since there were 9 of us (Amanda, Courtney, Aude, Andrea, Rebeca, Madara, Marta, Therese and myself).  Our first adventure was finding somewhere to get breakfast and CAFE!  We found a cool little bar to eat at where we got the typical spanish breakfast: tortilla de patatas y cafe con leche.  Then we set out to find the Museo Guggenheim.  When we got there we took pictures with the huge dog sculpture covered in flowers outside while Aude made fun of us for taking pictures of absolutely everything.  Once in the museum we got what looked like phones from the 90's that were actually used to tell you all about all the art throughout the museum.  We could type in the number of what we were looking at and it would tell us all the details about it.  We were not allowed to take pictures in the museum, but it was definitely a strange type of art all throughout.  Parts of it even seemed quite scary to Amanda and I.  However, we made it out and headed off to explore the city.

by Amy Hagerman
Universidad de Murcia, Spain

Granada!

 by Amy Hagerman
Universidad de Murcia, Spain


Vale, Granada es uno de mis lugares favoritos! Es tan bonito y no es demasiado grande. Si es muy turístico pero ya la gente aquí es muy simpático. Fui con la programa ESN, un grupo por los estudiantes internacionales (Erasmus Student Network). Y por eso todos los actividades fueron planeando y facil para hacer pues.. excluyendo el caminar. Nosotros caminando mas de 12 horas en 2 dias! Pero sobrevivimos jaja. Granada es un ciudad en el sur de España a lado de la Sierra Nevada, montanas muy altas y con mucho nieve. Son muy bonitos fue una escena perfecta! Especialmente porque el Alhambra esta encima de una montana. (El) Alhambra es un castillo con mucho influencia Árabe y de los anos después de la Rey y Reina Isabel y Fernando. En el castillo hay jardines, muchos fuentes aguas, banos árabes, un laberinto y 3 palacios!! Los Árabes supieron como vivir! jaja Las paredes en los palacios tienen mucho detalle y color. Ademas, en Granada hay la tapas gratis :) Por ejemplo cuando compras una bebida, recibes una tapa gratis! Un noche fuimos a 3 restaurantes a comer tapas con bebidas. La comida fue tortilla de patatas, jamón, bocadillos ( un sandwich) y un ración pequeño de pollo. Después las tapas fuimos a un lugar cuando celebramos con una fiesta de banderas (flag party!) Todo la gente recibe su bandera en su mejilla. jaja fue cómica pero divertido a aprende de donde vive todos. Por otra día fuimos a un sorpresa que fue un espectáculo de flamenco! :))) Cuando empezó la cortina (curtain?) se levanto para mostrar Alhambra con luz encima de la montana, fue una ventana muy grande! ahhh un noche perfecto! No hay palabras para explicar como es Granada. Mi parte favorito fue las montanas... OOO ay hay gitanos en Granada en cada lugar jaja! Yo bailo con un gitano y el no robarme y ni cursarme (maldecir?) Ellos tienen 'dread locks' y fuman marijuana en los calles y hacer actividades en el calle por dinero. locos! También fuimos a un club en una montana con cuevas dentro. Todo en Granada es bonito. Me gusta Granada mucho! Por el fin de mi viaje fui a un bano Árabe. Hay un cuarto con muchos piscinas muy pequeños como un 'hot tub' pero hay 3, uno con agua muy caliente, uno con agua muy frió y otro con agua de medio temperatura. Hay 10-20 personas en los cuartos y ir a todos los banos y bebe te caliente hasta la gente llama su numero por un masaje :) También hay una sauna.. en total, los banos árabes son increíbles!

HAY UN FRASE EN ESPANA: DONDE FUERAS, HAZ LO QUE VERAS. ES COMO, CUANDO EN ROMA, HAZ COMO LOS ROMANOS.

Plaza del Toros y tapas con amigos

by Amy Hagerman
Universidad de Murcia, Spain

Fue una fiesta de bienvenidos por los estudiantes internacionales en la Plaza de Toros en Murcia :) Era muy divertido, conocí un chico francés y su prima. Ellos son muy simpáticos y también conocí chicas de Brasil, EEUU y una Murciana! He realizado que no hay muchos chicos que estudia afuera porque hay muchísimas chicas y muy pocos chicos porque era muchas chicas en la plaza de toros. Mi amiga de Rennes en Francia no le gusta que los otros de Francia son de París, ella me dijo que la gente de allá son locos pero yo no se. A mi me gustan ellos.

- Otra día fui a comer tapas :) Fui con Caroline, Michael (un chico de mi clase), Erell ( mi amiga de Francia), Vesa y Leija Novios de Finlandia, y la madre de Erell y su amiga de Francia también. Nos pasamos el tiempo muy bien! Aprendí que cuando hacer saludos con las bebidas con Erell y su madre ( yo no se que todos los franceses hacer esto) que es necesario mira en los ojos o es de mal humor si no hace esto. Hasta ahora no había dado cuenta que no hago esto. Ademas, probé nuevas comidas y para mi es muy raro. Probé tigres, mejillones fritos con queso y mas dentro. Me gusta estos y también probé croquetas que son jamón o carne o pollo frito también son buenos. Otros incluye: frutos secos (peanuts y otras nuts, pienso que la palabra es frutos por nuts? yo no se) pero entonces queso fresco y parmesano con pan y queso fresco es mi nuevo queso favorito!! Todos de estos comidas son tapas la gente no comen tapas. Este noche fue uno de mis favoritos porque estaba aprendiendo mucho de la cultura española, un poquito de la cultura francesa, y también comiendo comida muy buena.

Discover Beautiful Costa Rica This Summer!

 Spend five weeks exploring the culture and language of beautiful Costa Rica, known for its rich rainforests and ecological awareness. Universidad Nacional (UNA) offers this cultural immersion language program for students at all levels. Students live with host families and participate in exciting day-long excursions as well cultural workshops that include Costa Rican cooking, and popular dance.

 

Costa Rica is exceptional for its ecological awareness, environmental sensitivity, and political stability. The university, located in the city of Heredia in the Central Valley, is surrounded by coffee plantations and rainforest parks. Known as the “City of Flowers,” it has a year-round spring climate and is a small comfortable city for students to live and study.

For details and scholarship information about this and other summer study abroad opportunities, visit http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/international/studyabroad/

Application deadline is March 1. 

 

Vamos A Coruña

Las chicas y yo nos fuimos a La Coruña el lunes pasado ya que es feriado acá y no había mucho para hacer en Santiago de Compostela. A Coruña es en gallego. Tomamos el tren, mi ticket me salió 6 euros de ida y 6 euros de vuelta en la cual el viaje era solamente 30 minutes desde Santiago. La Coruña es una ciudad ubicada al norte de España. Cuando los bajamos del tren, me sorprendí mucho porque todo el mundo habla sobre La Coruña como un lugar muy lindo pero adonde el tren los dejo no era una zona linda. La cuidad era muy moderna con edificios enormes y muy parecida a Lugo. Pero cuando llegamos a la playa, las chicas y yo corrimos como si nunca hubiéramos visto una playa antes. El agua era transparente y un color bellísimo parecía de mentira. También fuimos a la famosa Torre de Hércules, pensé que la Torre iba ser súper alta por todas las fotos que eh visto pero es bastante baja a 68 m. Hay muchas leyendas sobre la torre pero la más conocida es la leyenda que la torre es el lugar donde Hércules enterró la cabeza del gigante Gerion en una batalla. La verdad me encanto La Coruña por su hermosa playa en la cual mis compañeras y yo vamos a volver cuando haya más calor. Les cuento que había personas bañándose y tomando sol. !Hacia frio!. Los clips no son muy buenos porque no tengo la menor idea co filmar, pero creo que pueden ver que linda la playa es. ¡Besos!

Canadian Rockies Outdoor Adventure Summer Program

Earn credits while learning to whitewater kayak and rock climb amid the stunning landscapes of Canada’s famous wilderness. This four-week program, led by world-class guides and lecturers, combines academic study and exciting, practical field-based experience. Participants will delve into the fields of Natural History, Wilderness Environment, and Adventure Activities while traveling through the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, the interior ranges of British Columbia, and the Okanagan Region.

The program includes approximately 4 days of lectures, 20 days of field trips, and 4 days of logistics and exams. It is most suitable to students of geography, science, arts, culture, biology, sociology, tourism, recreation management students, but students in other study areas (business, marketing, kinesiology, etc.) are welcome. Participants must be moderately fit and athletically inclined.

For details and scholarship information about this and other summer study abroad opportunities, visit http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/international/studyabroad/

Application deadline is March 1.

Cheap Summer Study in China and Korea

Tsinghua University, China

The Summer Service Learning Program (SSLP) brings Chinese and international undergraduates together to combat poverty issues in rural China by spreading access to high-quality educational and training resources. This unique and enriching opportunity allows students to develop and implement a service learning project in rural China. Projects include teaching English, doing poverty alleviation research, giving lectures on cultural communications, and visiting local villages.

Hannam University, Korea

Students are welcome to take courses at the Center for Korean Language and Korean Studies (CKLKS). The goal of the CKLKS is to develop the students language skills and to expand their knowledge of the Korean culture. Students will have opportunities to go on field trips and culture excursions with an emphasis on intensive language study. The program is dedicated to developing language skills, cultural awareness, and learning about Korean history.

For details and scholarship information about this and other summer study abroad opportunities, visit http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/international/studyabroad/

Application deadline is March 1.

First Week in Linz

Wow what a week! I’ve come to the realization that I probably need to post more than just once a week at least for these first couple weeks – so much has happened! I’ll try to condense it into a manageable summary.

I moved in officially last Sunday. I live in the Julius Raab Heim dorm here at JKU. What’s nice about this place is that it’s also used as a hotel, so it has a lot of hotel amenities! Downstairs under the lobby are an indoor pool, an indoor full-sized football (known in the states as soccer haha) court, a small dance studio, three piano rooms, and pool and foosball tables. On the level where the lobby is there is also a restaurant that isn’t too expensive. I haven’t eaten there yet, but I’ll have to try it out soon.

One interesting thing about Sundays in Linz – a majority of the shops and grocery stores close down! That was a little bit of a surprise for me. So far I’ve only been able to find a gas station that is consistently open on Sundays.

I share a flat-style apartment with two other girls. I’m in a double room with a girl from the Czech Republic who’s already been here for a semester, and a girl from here in Austria lives in the single room. They are both very nice! We share a bathroom and a small kitchen that has two burners and a small fridge. We’ve got a pretty great view!

On Monday the international students had an orientation session, so I got to meet many of the other students. We got all kinds of information about enrollment, registration, classes, university facilities, and upcoming trips. There is a group on campus called REFI, and this semester they are planning trips to Budapest, South Austria for skiing and snowboarding, and Prague. I’m going to try to go on all of them if I can! They sound so exciting. We took a tour of campus and got put into mentor groups. Each group has one or two students from the university to help them. So then, our mentors helped up pay our student fees, set up a bank account, and set up passwords for the JKU online systems.

Wednesday I had my first German class! I am taking a Pre-Semester language class, so we have it for about three hours a day. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to learn more. Wednesday night there was a pub crawl, so we got to go around Linz and check out some of the better pubs. The first one was called Bar Walker, and it was pretty much a sports bar. I really enjoyed the second one, which was called Café Valdes. If was kind of a Spanish style café, and I even got to speak to the man who was working there in Spanish! I didn’t think I would get to practice Spanish very much while I was here. The next one was Bar Bug’s, which is a bar and a club. They were playing American pop and hip hop! The final bar we went to (we skipped the very last one) was called Segabar, and it was much more laid back. All in all it was a great time!

On Thursday I had to take care of some administrative business like finalizing my account information, paying my rent and housing fees, and meeting with my coordinator here to discuss classes. Here, because the Julius Raab Heim isn’t owned by JKU like MC dorms are owned by Maryville College, I am responsible for paying my own rent. JKU and Julius Raab Heim just have contracts so that many students live here. Then, we had a meeting to learn how to use JKU’s online registration system for classes. I have to register next week, and it looks like all my classes are going to work out, so I’m happy about that.

Thursday night some of the students organized a trip to A1, a club close to the city center. It was really nice! There were three rooms: one more traditional, one techno, and one pop/hip-hop. In the more traditional room they played some German songs and… you’ll never guess… Backstreet Boys! I really couldn’t believe it! We spent most of the time in the pop/hip hop room, and it was another fun night!

On Friday I had German class again, and that night there was a birthday party for one of the other students. On Saturday we went on a trip to Schlierbach and Steyr. Schlierbach is a monastery/school, and now they make stained glass and cheese there. We went on a tour of the building, which I found contradictory in the most wonderful way. On one had, we saw the cheese-making facilities, which were very industrial and sterile.

On the other hand, in other parts of the building we saw baroque style rooms, a library, and the church. All of the ornate detail was absolutely incredible! No matter how many times I see baroque style architecture and décor it will never stop amazing me. Despite being breathtakingly beautiful, the library was absolutely freezin. Our tour guide told us they kept the room cold to better preserve the books.

After the tour we got to taste cheese that had been made right there, and it was absolutely delicious!

That building also had a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape.

Next we took a 45-minute ride to Steyr, which was a medieval town and is located in Upper Austria. We stopped to have lunch and ate at a traditional Austrian restaurant. Absolutely delicious.

Then, we took a tour of the city, which used to be a big source of iron production. The architecture there is absolutely beautiful! I think it’s the epitome of what a lot of people might consider a quaint European town.

Even though it’s only been about a week I feel like I have been here for so long. I have met half a lifetime’s worth of good people, and this is only the beginning! Almost everyone here has been very friendly, and I’m enormously grateful for that. It took a couple days, but I’m finally used to the time difference! I’m starting to settle in too, and I even found myself calling Raab Heim “home.” Haha the people I was with when I said that gave me uncertain looks until I explained that I meant the dorm. I still miss my MC home and Georgia home, though, but Skyping helps a lot!

Ahh… even though I tried to make it concise I’m afraid this is the best I can do! I’ll try to make my future posts a little more manageable! But I’m sure once semester classes start up my blogging might revolve a little more around my homework haha.

Mother ALWAYS Knows Best

by Kelley Blankenship
University of Worcester, England

This morning started out pretty terrible, not going to lie. The gloomy weather seemed to play well with how I was feeling... a little ill, bored, and stressed. But as if God himself was listening to my horrible attitude this morning, He decided to brighten my day with a few things, one of them being the sun. Literally as the sun (finally) came out, I entered into a much needed skype session with Mum. Seeing my pitiful state and listening to my pity party, Mum gave me her motherly advice and told me that I had to get out and do something and give her a full report by this evening! So... I did! I remembered that I really needed to get a hair cut, so I made my way to a place that my flatmate recommended. I decided to take the path along the river (because the day was so nice), and made my way down towards the cathedral. As I was walking up a side street, I noticed two men walking from High Street in World War II uniforms...? A bit confused, but not thinking much of it, I continued on but then realized that there were two other men walking around in what looked to be like Three Musketeer outfits. Ok... now something is up. I rounded the corner to find a whole crowd of people dressed in various period outfits! Ah!!! Naturally, I started laughing, not really sure what I had just stepped into. It turns out that the Worcester Re-enactors were doing an event called "Living History in Worcester"... so cool. The sign said "Free Entry," so of course I went in! I was like a giddy child walking around a candy store. I think I started weirding people out because I was a little too excited.

August 1940 re-enactment

After feeding my historic appetite, I made my way down to the salon. There I met two very lovely ladies and a nice gentleman. I had an interesting conversation which included comments like "Do you have people tell you that they just love to hear you talk?" and "You have a very calming American accent." HaHa! I must have talked to them for a half an hour after I got my hair cut.

Saturday = a good day. The thing is, if Mom hadn't made me get out of my room, then I would have missed out on meeting those wonderful ladies and having some historic fun! The moral of the story is obvious... Mother Knows Best. :) Love you Mummy!

"Where ever you go, go with all your heart."