Lancaster University, England

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And the adventure begins…. The trip kicked off on a slightly sour note. While packing for the trip, I decided I didn’t want to check my baggage for fear of losing it. So I forced everything into carry-on luggage, at times leaving things behind that I would have normally brought along. I didn’t want to risk lost luggage with all the changing of cities I plan to do. Mission failure. Unknown to me, apparently the overhead compartment carry-on restrictions are much tighter on Air France. The same bag I always carry onboard domestic flights was too large for this flight, so alas, the bag was checked. Thankfully, upon reaching Manchester baggage claim, my luggage was right there waiting for me with open arms.

As for the flight to Paris, it seems fortune smiled upon me. I ended up with an entire row of three seats to myself. After a couple hours of reading, I stretched out across the seats and drifted off to sleep for the remainder of the flight. Not quite first class, but close enough. I really couldn’t have asked for a better scenario on an overnight flight.

After a flight connection to Manchester and a train ride to Lancaster, I finally reached my destination in a modest 16 hours. Lei met me at the Lancaster train station with no confusion. From there we headed for her dorm at Lancaster University, which included more bus rides and lengthy luggage dragging.

My first impressions of Lancaster were a bit indifferent. I liked the small town feel I was getting from the row of shops throughout the main district. The architecture was unimpressive, as every building seemed to be some brick cutout of another. The weather was a tad chilly, which was a welcomed change from the hot August days back in Washington, D.C.

After relaxing in Lei’s dorm room for a bit, we left to meet up with her friend Susanna. The three of us headed to an Indian restaurant called Bombay Balti for dinner. Despite the restaurant being very loud and busy, the conversations over dinner were flowing. The service seemed slow (probably an American point of view), but the food was very good. Bellies full of food, we left dinner and headed back to the dorms.

At about 6:00am on Thursday morning, I suddenly remembered what it was like to live in a dorm again. Some idiot managed to set off the fire alarm in the building. So much for uninterrupted sleep. After about 20 minutes of standing outside in the cold in pjs, the fire department showed up and let us back in. I have a bad feeling that 20 minutes is going to lead to a cough and cold for the remainder of my trip.

We’re off to the Lake District Thursday morning, then back to Lancaster Thursday night.

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Photos

Lancaster at its best
Hooray!

Comments

[Dad]

Careful
I'm sure you've heard what's going on. Be careful.

[Wayne Rooney]

Service? What service?
I'm sure you probably know this by now but... tipping is really not that customary there so service really doesn't exist. While in London last week, G and I sat for at least 20-30min waiting for the bill while our waiter sttod by the bar laughing and watching the telly with the other wait staff. Have another pint on me, Wayne 8

[Garcon]

Laughing waiter?
Damn, I would have straight up laughed my ass off and talked really loud like the "stereotypical american tourist" until they wanted to get me my check so I can leave. - Le vrai G.