Blogs from Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe - page 7

Sleigh bells ring...are you listening? Do you hear what I hear? From the official 'turning on of the lights' (orchestrated by some B-grade British celebrity) to the first cup of mulled wine, I can't help but be overcome by all things Christmassy. Oh yes, Christmas time is here again and I am filled with festive cheer. I find Christmas very different on this side of the world. In Australia, I typically embrace the Christmas season with summer evening gatherings with loved ones ranging from BBQs at home to al fresco dining in our favourite restaurants. I rush about air conditioned shopping centres, dreading the moment when I return to my car which has baked in the sunshine and heat. I struggle to avoid burning my fingers on the steering wheel as I try to keep on ... read more

To all of my supporters/readers/whatnot-ers: I am sorry that I have not updated in a while. For the most part, things sort of remain the same. However, I did get sick AGAIN recently, and I had a visit from my father. Both are worth going into detail about. Unfortunately, I do not have time at the moment. Possibly tomorrow I can arrange a chunk to do some writing and uploading of pictures. But DON'T WORRY! I will post soon! This broad is still abroad and has plenty to say!... read more

I added some pictures that I took around Mary Morris fairly recently. I really should take some more, but I have a tendency to forget. My apologies. Anyhoo, here is one of the big Mary Morris gang. It is not close to being everyone, but it gives you an idea of how many friends I have made since I've been here. Very cool. ... read more

I finally went to classes today. I decided to walk because it's nice exercise, and it really doesn't take that long. Maybe like 35-40 minutes. With music playing, it goes by quite well... except for the whole sickness thing. It was quite difficult to breathe and even more uncomfortable to cough. Lots of pain. Anyhoo, the walk was nice anyway. The sun was coming up and there was a fresh, crispy coldness to the air. When my professor came in, it was like he was from out of a movie. He wore black pants, black shoes, a button up shirt that was tucked in, and a tweed jacket on top. What sold him was the perfectly tied man scarf around his neck that clearly distinguished him as British. The stereotype I learned always associated a man ... read more

A lot has happened since I last wrote. I’ve met at least 20 new people in my residence and I have enjoyed all of them. Tons are from India, but I have met people from Poland, Germany, China, Australia, England, Greece, Spain, France, and Nigeria…oh, and America. Everyone is really friendly and they enjoy going out as a big group. I never realized how much attention one sweatshirt could attract. The other night, I took a walk with a few of my new friends and I wore one of my favorite hoodies, which says "Oregon" on it. I cannot tell you how many times I was stopped on the street by drunken British men. I naively wore it out without thinking that it was a big American stamp. So, my word to the wise is, if ... read more