So You're Wondering Where I'm Living?

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Hiyas everyone! I'm afraid this blog is a little late in coming; however, there have been some seriously beautiful days in a row here and I had to take advantage of them. Believe me, if you ever find yourself in England, you'll know what I mean. The folks here are completely obsessed with all things weather, and I've found myself becoming equally obssesed!

So, here I am in beautiful middle England. Leicester (pronounced Lester) is very much a college and business town, much like Gainsville, Florida. About an hour or so north of London and a train ride away from just about anything!

The flat I'm living in at the moment is on Evington Road in a part of Leicester called Highfields and is mainly populated by Bangladesh and Pakinstani Muslims. It is quite common to see women walking up and down my street dressed in their Burka's going about their daily business. Most days I am the only caucasian person walking on the street, which is fine by me. Everyone is friendly helpful and pleasant.

I am also very close to Victoria Park, a large open area just by the University of Leicester. It's really quite beautiful and peaceful despite the fact that a fairly large city surrounds it. I spent an afternoon there the other day just lounging about, reading and relaxing.

I actually had the chance to visit the university and speak with several staff and faculty members about attaining my M.A. abroad. It is considered one of the top three schools in England at the moment according to their International Office. The campus is quite small compared to UCF and boasts only 12,000 full time students. I was impressed with their History curriculum and met with a couple of professors in the department. I'm not sure yet as to whether or not I'll end up back in Leicester in the fall, but it's nice to have options.

Alright then...that's all for now, but look for more blogs soon! I think you'll find the next edition pretty exciting!

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Photos

Leicester Station
From here, I can travel on train to just about anywhere! Trains come and go frequently and so far, I've had no real delays in travel. It's convenient and is used by a lot of commuters.

Evington Road
This is my street!

University of Leicester History Department
The University has offices all over and I met here with some of the Historical faculty.

Posternalifts
These lifts were in one of the bulidings at University of Leicester. They continuously move up and down and have no doors. All you need to do is hop on and off.

U of L
This is a view from Victoria Park. The buildings in the photo are a part of the university.

Peace Walk
This is a war memorial near the univeristy and serves as an entrance to Vicky Park.

Comments

[Kathy]

Lester/Leicester
Great pics L J. Everything looks very green...I guess from all the rain! We've finally had some rain today 6/1/06 in the WG. Is the town as clean as it looks? The lifts at the University look a little scary! Blog at ya later! KAJ

[The Chief]

On the Historical pursuit
Diverse travel you are experiencing. The Memorial must be for WW2? I think every building should have a lift. They are unique for at least our country. Carry on. The Chief