Blogs from West Midlands, England, United Kingdom, Europe - page 9

I finally made it to the actual city of Coventry! It was my first ride ever on a public transportation bus and I think I did okay, other than the fact that I was guessing at which stop to get off of. Luckily, a kind, older woman told the right one. The ruins of St. Michael's Cathedral was my goal and they were worth the trip. After the destruction caused by German bombs in 1940, only the walls and a vew remnants of the stain glassed windows remain. It was a large building, considering it was built in the 14th century. The cathedral used the Gothic style and it was stunning. St. Michael's Tower was rebuilt in the 1970's and it was terrifying. To get to the top, I had to climb 180 steps. That in ... read more

So my first week in England is almost done and I can say that I'm happy about it. After days of running around to Tesco and random buildings across campus trying to get all the administrative stuff done, I am glad that all the paperwork is done (mostly). I'll be taking the following classes: Latin America: Themes and Problems Empire and Aftermath Modern Mexico: 1810-present Galleons and Caravans: Trade from 1300-1800 I've been to a lecture for Mexico and seminars for Mexico and Latin America. All three things were pretty interesting and the professors were both very accommadating. I've got quite a bit of reading to do to catch up, but it shouldn't be much of a problem. As for the administrative stuff, I'd rather drink coffee than see another form. I went to the University ... read more

My first true day in England! After getting in around 8pm last night, I settled in to my great room. I have a decent bed, a large desk, a great view of the "lake," my own bathroom, and a lot of space. The lake had a pair of swans, some ducks, and a flock of Canadian geese swimming around. I think I actually saw a sea gull as well. I met some of the people in my flat and the flat neighboring mine. They were all extremely nice and welcoming. I slept past noon today and then Candace was generous enough to give me a tour of campus and then walk me to the local off campus store for me to buy food and other stuff I needed. The campus is quite compact and is quite ... read more

“Turn towards the light” Down by the Sea was, at the offset, among the easiest of the songs chosen to relate to a place. Its writer, David Ford, holds an annual charity Christmas bash near his hometown, which just happens to be down by the sea. All we needed to do was find out the date, buy a ticket and have a December seaside getaway full of milk, cookies and good music. Of course, nothing has quite gone to plan since around about the third song in on our trips, and so, almost as expected, David Ford decided not to put on his annual charity bash for the first time in ten years. Not deterred, I decided to take the song apart and find a place from the lyrics. Clearly, down by the sea is a ... read more

Some funny things happen when you are all traveling on low budget, and from and to the same place. Jen, Ellie, Sarah, Monica and me ended up in the same coach from Manchester to Birmingham, which was obviously a lot of fun. Unfortunately I got sick a few days before the UK dates, and i was not fully recovered, but i got a bit better after a red bull and a great gas station which offered a hand job for only 5 pounds. And THAT'S why i love the UK so much. The travel from Manchester to Birmingham was pretty much fun, the toilet was rather small, but fresh aired, thanks to the little hole in the floor, and the laughs were great, I think i even slept for a short while. When we got out ... read more