Rebekah Buchanan

Rabs1995

Rebekah Buchanan

I once met a man who changed my life forever- that was 9 years ago. I am now 21 and pursuing a life that I could have only imagined about. I am currently studying BSC Geography at Canterbury Christ Church University, however I grasped the opportunity to study in Canada, Alberta for my second year and here I am. I shall be blogging as much as I can, mainly for myself so I don't forget things, but also for those who may be interested.
My family are also my impeccable pillar, who have each guided me in their own way, and provided the stepping stones I have needed to be where I am now.
I adore you all, and I wish there were more words to express my eternal gratefulness for everything you do for me.
Thank you.



North America » Canada » Alberta » Hinton February 29th 2016

Reading week came rushing up upon us, and for the first time since Christmas, we found ourselves with 9 spare days on our hands. Leah, my utterly wonderful best friend and house-mate, offered for me to spend the week up in Hinton with her family in their home. I couldn't say no of course. So on the 12th February we got in the car at 9am and arrived in Hinton at 9pm. Now, if you drove for 12 hours in the U.K you would probably end up off the coast of Scotland, however when you drive for 12 hours in Alberta, you can drive through the rocky mountains (look at the map for a more detailed explanation) where you can travel through Canmore, Banff National Park, and up towards Jasper National Park. What a fantastic and ... read more
The smaller ice wall within Maligne Canyon
The View
Ice cold maple syrup

North America February 1st 2016

My last blog was on the 12th of November and lots has happened since. After Dan's departure I quickly learnt to work on my own, and slowly began to enjoy my own company which has proven to be a very useful tool. The month of November and beginning of December were utterly chaotic. Exam period nearly killed me, and after arguing my right to move 3 exams to return home I found myself with my feet on English soil on the 18th of December. It was an absolute delight being home, and as predicted there was a lot of crying on my arrival, many hugs and kisses and lots to talk about. Christmas was fantastic, I ate more than I should have and spent some much needed time with my wonderful family. I could not believe ... read more
Just a casual stroll through the snow
The trestle
We found a couch and decided it was a perfect photo opportunity

North America » Canada » Alberta » Lethbridge November 12th 2015

So after 2 months in Canada I feel officially settled in and boy do I love it! I believe that I suffered from acute culture shock as I naively hadn't anticipated the lifestyle to be so different, however now, I love it. From my last entry, which encompassed Thanks Giving and other lovely activities, I haven't strayed too far from the university. Dan and I both decided we needed a little pick-me-up so we went to the 'Throw Back Cab' where we both dressed up in costumes from the 50's on wards and had a thoroughly enjoyable night. So enjoyable that as soon as we got in, I fell asleep instantly from dancing all my energy away. Then came Halloween! We decorated our apartment and carved pumpkins, to the Canadian standard however the pumpkin I created ... read more
SNOW!
Halloween
Field trip to Cottonwoods

North America » Canada » Alberta October 9th 2015

Aside from a tornado of work and studying, Dan and I have managed to be some what social. We joined our Canadian buddies for a university Basketball game. We did the usual 21 year old thing, had a few drinks and arrived feeling giddy but excited. I have only ever been to one basketball game before and this was something entirely different. The atmosphere was electric and the audience were sat on the edge of their seats, chewing their nails, shouting their support, and chattering away about upcoming events and the antics they got up to the night before. Canadians have a very raw but very honorable sense of community and they strive to be glued together as much as possible which is something I only have admiration for. I am studying a class called 'Introduction ... read more
Calgary hosted the most astounding sunset I have ever seen. It's power and beauty was beyond words.
'Banff pond'

North America » Canada » Alberta » Lethbridge September 19th 2015

The journey was very long, we traveled for over 36 hours, and with a lack of sleep I was a grumpy arse. We sat in Calgary airport for 12 hours waiting for our coach to take us to Lethbridge. After trawling the departures lounge more than once, the first thing that struck me was the size of everything! Canada consumes. So, we arrived in Lethbridge and student life began. Let me begin by saying my housemates are just fantastic and I am privileged to have them all. Dan on the other hand wasn’t initially quite so lucky and within 2 weeks he moved apartments and we found ourselves 2 floors away from one another….. A lovely experience, and I bought myself some Jam-something I had been craving since I arrived. The next day we ventured off ... read more
Upper-lake, Waterton
Beautiful Waterton
Prince of Wales Hotel-Waterton

North America » Canada » Alberta » Lethbridge September 6th 2015

So this story is slightly long- a year long in fact, however the year has only just begun, the stories are unraveling and the memories are being built. Let me take you back to December the 12th 2014. The day I found out it was all about to change. I had applied for a once in a life time opportunity; to study in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada for the net year and against all odds I won my place along with a fellow student who for this sake we shall call Dan. The preparations began. Accommodation was applied for, visas were paid for, suitcases bought and endless lists created. Time quickly began to tick away and before I knew it, it was the 6th of September 2015 and I was jumping in the car and waving good ... read more




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