No matter how long I live, I will never forget flying into the dawn with the Atlantic Ocean stretched below me. It was an awesome sight, comparable only to the bus ride to Bangor, a ride that offered me a roadside glimpse at not one but two magnificent castles. Sights like these are why I decided to study abroad. They are why I want to work abroad, to live abroad, to spend as much of my life as I can exploring this remarkable world.

I’ve been asked to introduce myself. So here I am: My name is Sarah Jones, and I have always wanted to travel. To achieve this end I became an International Studies major at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio. I am also a freelance journalist, and I plan to pursue a career as an international journalist. During my semester in Wales, I will be serving a journalism internship with a local newspaper. Not only will this give me experience in my chosen field, it will offer me opportunities to become more familiar with this area and its residents than I would as a regular student.

I chose to study in Bangor for several reasons. One, my family is proud of its Welsh heritage. In fact, I’ve owned a Welsh flag since I was five years old. Two, I love history and mythology. Wales has an incredibly rich history and an equally rich culture that has spawned some of the most captivating stories I’ve had the pleasure to read. And three, I love beauty. The pictures I’d seen of Wales promised awesome beauty.

The pictures didn’t lie.

That is the view from Caernarfon Castle. The castle is as magnificent as the countryside that surrounds it. It was built in the 13th century by Edward I of England as a defense against the Welsh, who were conducting a campaign of guerilla warfare in response to Edward’s victory over Llewellyn ap Gruffudd, the last native Prince of Wales.

Caernarfon Castle is quite large, and was the site of the investiture of Prince Charles in 1969.

Wales’ beauty extends beyond its castles. Today (Sept. the group visited Lake Idwal in the Snowdonia National Park. Since we were caught in the kind of rainstorm I did not believe existed outside the borders of the state of Ohio, I have no pictures of the lake. However, I did manage to take a picture of a waterfall near the lake.

Snowdonia is rugged. It is also the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my life, and I look forward to returning there on one of the program’s field trips.

I’ve only spent four days in Wales, but I am already in love. It’s a truly amazing place. So, croeso i gymru! Welcome to Wales!

This Last Blog is an accumulation of many thoughts and stories from the past couple of weeks. Hope it’s not too much or too little….enjoy.

Leaving could be either the hardest or easiest thing you’ve done in a long time. For me it’s one of the hardest. The people I’ve met and the relationships I’ve enjoyed are priceless and will continue on…some for the rest of my life. Leaving brings about the realization that I will no longer be a 15 minute walk from the ocean and a 20 minute bus ride from the mountains. I know that where I will soon go to school and live, none of this will be available. If you go to Wales I hope that you will embrace the culture and the people like I have. I hope you will grow to love the beautiful landscapes and the kindness and pride of its people. When the time comes to leave, make sure you plan time to say goodbye to everyone — even those who are going to the U.S. You might even say goodbye to your flat or the hills. Whatever floats your boat. I said goodbye to these places and more. Everyone is different… but some places you just MUST go to! Here’s a partial list: Mikes Bites, Belle vue, Yellow Pub, Pizza House, Whether spoons, Varsity, University, Octagon, Time, Academy, The Pier, Roman Camp, Bar Uno ( especially for football and Rugby games) Tap and Spil.

Here comes the randomness for this blog…So many memories!

While my friend from Spain visited he was able to watch Tyler (a student from Central) and I perform for a class. Tyler played guitar and I sang. My friend and Tyler both play guitar…so I brought them into the kitchen, made them breakfast and listened while Tyler played the Gibson and my friend played the acoustic guitar. Yep, the kitchen is often the hot spot. Eight hours later they were still ‘jammin’ in my kitchen while my flat mates and I studied for upcoming finals. Often there is a huge tele (TV) in the kitchen where all the men revert to boys and play “Call of Duty” among many other video games. I will always be missing that ever busy kitchen where there was some kind entertainment while we were cooking. Sometimes, in the evening, a good card game or game of poker is definitely the best option! While you are here, facilitating things to happen around you involving people you enjoy will keep you busy and always of good cheer.

Up in the early morning to catch a train…and yes I mean catch as my flat mates and I ran to catch our train into Chester! First stop the Chester Zoo…now personally, I don’t like zoos; mainly because free and amazing animals are being caged. However, the fact that this zoo has many programs for endangered species and conservation efforts enticed me to a visit. So on this sunny day (during which we all got burnt — so put your sun block on kids…haha) we enjoyed this spacious and dazzling animal filled zoo! We saw every exhibit in a six hour day. Note to the wise; take a packed lunch as we did because the food is very expensive.

BBQs here are different and more plentiful. It is common for one of your friends to get a disposable barbecue, grab drinks, meat and snacks, head out into the grass by the buildings or out into the hills, and enjoy a great meal. (A disposable barbecue is like a turkey baking tin with coals in the bottom and a grate; use it and throw it away.) I’m used to a BBQ being a huge deal with so much preparation it becomes stressful at some point. Being here has opened my eyes to quick, easy, worry free spontaneous meals in the beautiful outdoors of Wales. (It’s a good idea to make sure the coals are completely out before you put the barby in the dumpster; I’ll never forget the flaming dumpster surprise waiting for us one evening.)

If you are a baker be aware that pie is non-existent in Wales. But, if you make them a pumpkin or apple pie, or some kind of baked treat…it will be a hit! Baking or cooking often speaks to the heart of your flat mates…and is something of our tradition you can share with them! They will love it!

If you are searching for Welsh Love Spoons while you are away; wait until you get into Cardiff. Find Mark Davies (a famous Love Soon Carver) and look at his masterpieces. He’ll even engrave something on one for you (by hand!). He’s known throughout Great Britain and has done several commissions for the Queen. This month his work will be on exhibit at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.! He is a real person and seeing his amazing hand carving talents is glorious. If you want the real thing go to him!

Indoor climbing was one of the last things we got to do in Outdoor Pursuits. It’s a great big playground for climbers. What a great hobby to acquire! After the initial expenses for equipment, it is relatively inexpensive. We all had a great time trying different grades and levels of climbing. If you are okay with heights it is very relaxing and a great was yo pass the time on a stormy day. (If you aren’t one to be chasing storms.) Again, when you come to Wales I definitely suggest you take Outdoor Pursuits. It’s a blast!

When it came to those last precious weeks; I began to take advantage of every moment, even more so than in the past. So a spontaneous jaunt down to the pier to see the sunrise was a brilliant idea. This idea occurred on the same evening as the Summer Ball. This event is an extravagant evening with men in tuxes and women in gowns. There are bargains and deals from all the venues around Bangor…even breakfast in the morning. However, the Ball itself was 50 pounds. So those of us who didn’t want to pay that steep price chose to make the evening fun in our own way. The Pier was breathtaking! We arrived at 3:30am just as the light trickled from the sea’s edge. As a group, we inhaled deeply…the sweet fresh morning ocean breeze. I looked at the faces surrounding me and they all seemed lost in the recollection and the nostalgia of our time spent in Wales….most of us cried…(if only to ourselves) while marveling at the sun rising above the sea. How beautiful it all was! How lucky I am to have had this experience! This was another moment when I tried to photographically and emotionally ingrain it into my mind. I know I’ve said that for many of the experiences here in Wales. However, it’s all true. I was once asked what negative things there are about Wales and it was hard to think of anything. The best I could do was say the peanut butter tasted different. That being the worst thing, I’m pretty sure you’ll agree that Wales is as brilliant as I’ve always described.

After a missed train, a flight delay…and then a flight re-route I finally got on a plane from Wales to Boston. The flight was long, as it always is. However, on this flight behind me two Russians spoke incessantly. To my left four French men shared many cheers over drinks. In front of them, surprisingly, a group of Spanish women were all watching American style shows. And at last in front of me two people from Cardiff and three people from London. I enjoyed all of the languages. I will miss the cultures and the accents of the different languages. All of which enriched my life during those precious five months. This experience was life changing. It made me want to discover the complexities of the cultures and accents of the U.S.as well as other countries. When I stepped off the plane, went through customs, and stepped out into the neon signs and the humidity of Boston…a great sadness hit me. When I returned I was faced with finding those last few sentences to finish this last chapter of my life in Wales and not knowing how to start the next chapter of my life. I was faced with seeing old friends and trying to keep in touch with the new friends as well. There is also the fact that you may want to share all your experiences and excitement with those around you. Remember they may not want to hear it all. You have changed but they may not have. Be wary of telling too many stories as some people may be envious of your experience. Try little things like my friend Caitlin and I made a deal to always use a Welsh or British term in every text we send one another. In this way we will not let the magic die. It really helps to keep a journal of your feelings and the experiences you had while abroad, and how it felt to come back. I just know this will be so valuable to you in the future when you are in a different place in your life.

There is no way to fully describe all of my thoughts and feeling about such a brilliant experience. Nor can I tell all the stories which should be told. I definitely have been putting off this last blog; purely because it is a symbol of the end of something so pleasurable, so meaningful, and so educational. So…with that said, all I can add is I hope that you come back from Wales with as much joy as I did. The sadness and pain felt upon leaving is completely worth it, and I would not change a thing!

Here is a final Quote!

“Our lives are defined by opportunities, even the ones we miss.” Don’t miss this one!

Well we all piled onto a bus and headed to Hollyhead to catch the Ferry. A lovely sea adventure lasting only two hours with Dumbo playing on the televisions and children running around joyfully after eating too many chocolate eggs as we headed into Dublin. Ahh yes, this diverse city always ready for more tourism it seems, welcomed us with open arms and hostels. We stayed at a great hostel almost an arms length away from the city center and Temple Bar.  The atmosphere here is wonderful but expensive; however, the culture you receive when walking into a pub is well worth it. Since Cait and I had already been here we became tour guides. First stop, Grafton St. (which yes if you’ve seen the film Once it is the street it’s filmed on). While in Dublin we visited the Book of Kells, Oscar Wilde, and Trinity College. During the evening we headed down to Temple Bar which is a street of pubs and clubs and restaurants and is world famous. While there Cait lost her passport, no worries! now you can have some insight on how to deal with it if it does happen. Here are the steps:

1. Don’t carry it in your back pocket so someone can steal it.

2.When you’ve searched the room and all your bags and clothing then become aware that yes it is gone.

3. Re-trace your steps from the entirety of the time you had your passport on your person. Ask the staff, cleaners, bartenders, secretaries, managers if they found a passport.

4.Don’t Panic, it will just make your energy negative and stressful and you will be less likely to find it or get a new one.

5. If they don’t have the passport then go to the nearest Police station where you will have to fill out a form indicating that it is lost or stolen. You cannot get into the American Embassy without this form. Depending on the country they will be nice or not. In Dublin they were delightfully understanding.

7. After you have this form you must also print out when you will be leaving the current country you are stranded in. For example flight itinerary, Ferry Tickets, Train Tickets, Bus Tickets ect. The Embassy will not issue you an Emergency passport if there is no proof that you must leave in a hurry.

8. Next go to the nearest Pharmacy or Photo Shop that takes and sells Passport photos. You normally may travel with a few extra on you which is wise. Make sure you ask for American sized because the European sizes are different. Make sure you have these in hand before you even enter the Embassy because if you don’t you will have to leave to get them and then return. (Thankfully a very nice Irish Guard man warned us before we came in and showed us where the nearest Pharmacy was and a cafe right next to it.)

81/2. Make sure you have a credit card or around $100 cash on you. Some embassies only take a certain kind. Like in Ireland they only take Visa. So just be prepared to pay for your emergency passport.

9.Find the American Embassy and go there. Here they will not let you through security unless you tell them what happened and have some proof of ID (its best to carry a copy of your passport at all times) and the police form of lost or stolen.

10.You will be let in and directed to a person who asks you millions of questions. Don’t panic, they are not trying to be threatening, it’s just their job. It will be simple but includes lots of paperwork, paying for it (roughly 80 to 100 dollars), giving them your photos, then you will be sworn in by an officer if they grant you a temporary passport. (The officer Cait dealt with playfully said “Caitlin, Caitlin, Caitlin…what am I going to do with you? You lost it in Temple Bar eh…..? Cait, ” Yes, but there wasn’t any alcohol envolved…” Officer, “Well what’s the point then eh.”) So, usually they understand the emotional torment you are suffering from and try to make light of it.

11. Last but not least you receive your temporary passport. This will last you a year before you must apply for a new one. So, you just went through an emotional hurricane, are out 100 dollars, got scared out of your mind. But after all that you can travel internationally again and leave the country you are in.  Most importantly it is after all a material item be thankful that you yourself are safe an undamaged.

Okay so…after we got through that we had to catch up with the rest of the group in Galway. It took them four hours on a bus, however we got a lush display of Irish country side while on a train for two. Although Galway is near more of the country it is still a growing city. Here however you are closer and converse more easily with actual Irish people. One night spent diving into hours of pool games poker and other card games, it was off to bed to prepare for an early morning.

Destination the Aran Islands! After another short Ferry ride we arrived on the Islands almost untouched by development and the chimneys giving off thick wafts of Peat. The whole crew rented bikes and off we went to cycle around its lush landscape. Here where the thatch roofed cottages and stone fences added to the glorious ocean back round accented by the plethora of daffodils and sheep whizzed past while on bike. After many stops for amazing photographs we made it to one of the Islands main attractions, the cliffs of Dunangus. WOW!!!! Here where there are no fences or boundaries on one of nature’s most extravagant cliffs! Perfect! Here we crawled right to the edge and draped ourselves over it….the wind so strong almost standing you up again. So picturesque you take in one of those moments that all the bad in the world disappears for just that moment and you bask in mother natures splendor.

But with time to spare we hopped back on the bikes and rode to a nearby cafe and enjoyed some lunch. Then down the opposite side of the coast to the harbor…sea breeze brushing your face and the sweet sent of salt filling you nostrils. One more stop before getting back on the Ferry however…a colony of Sea Lions! These gentle eyes creatures basking in the sun… almost knowing they were the main attraction of everyone’s photos, what a delight.

The weather must have known that the day was near end…as the sun was covered up by rolling dark clouds and the sea began to play a more dangerous tune on our way back, rocking everyone swiftly to sleep.

Sleep must have suited everyone because we all went out on the town on our return to Galway. The place, The Kings Head Pub, as a rule always just follow the music for a good pub! Here a live bad played while many of the girls seeing the movie P.S. I Love You automatically got the band to play the famous song Galway Girl after several very persistent shouts and many batting eyelashes!

The next day we were off to see the Burren Cave descending underground into the mystics of a 100 years of  work by one of natures most expertise sculptress….Water! It was wet, dark, and acoustically delightful, a real wonder! Next a Castel and an amazing stone formation the mini of Stonehenge Another Pub for more traditional music was the evening’s pleasure. Fiddles, guitars, bodhran filled the ears as you almost hugged the people next you…it was packed. Although packed it is the best way to meet the locals…after all it’s just awkward if you stand next to people that closely and don’t say anything. I met many characters that evening including some English ladies who just loved America and had been to Oregon…it’s a small world!

We ended this short but fun filled week with tea and toast and a lovely Ferry ride return back to Bangor.  This time Fantasia filled the screens and calmed the children. As the mini bus pulled back into the campus parking lot it hit me like a brick wall…how much I have come to love Wales! Ireland is Lovely as well however….Wales has now merged into a small piece of my heart. The Sea to my left the mountains to my right…good people right in front of me, what more could you ask for! All I can say is it is really good to be back in Wales.

Well there you go Folks…each adventure never ceases to surprise. Around each bend comes another reason to gasp at the wonders of being alive.

Quote of the Day:

“People living deeply, have no fear of death.” -Anais Nin

LIVE DEEPLY EVERYONE!!!!

Today was spent in a cafe drinking cafe con leche and eating pastries diving into a two hour discussion on the meaning of life…something really neglected lately! It was brilliant, the company the topic and the fact that the pace of the country that allows you to sit in a café for that long and not rush you out in anyway not even upbeat music. Then we went off to the top of the city Alhambra a Moors city surrounding a Castle. There the view was splendid, over the city we were able to explore for a week.  It’s one of those places where you look out over the landscape and just wish you went back in time where the simple things in life such as food, shelter, water and deep thinking. Back when the electrical pylons weren’t there and now possibly purely exist only to ruin your photos. If you are ever in Spain it’s definitely a place in which you will feel a little more Spanish even if all the Spaniards constantly mistake you for a German.

We said our goodbyes in Spanish and headed off on the bus then a plane ride over to Dusseldorf, Germany. We arrived and all the signs were in English and German…now you may not think this is a big deal…however, if you’ve been speaking only English and Spanish for the past 10 days your brain automatically tries to make German words into Spanish ones.

The stay was a little different than usual being that I stayed on a military base within Germany with a friend. However, I still felt the true German feeling around every corner. The air was fresh and the skyline was full of windmills. We headed to Dusseldorf for a day by train and went to a tower much like the Seattle Space needle. Then the next day headed across the border into Holland. Here a slow pace proceeded through tall grass. Here a friend and I discovered their expertise at cutting hair as Caitlin had her locks chopped artfully by very skilled hands. After talking to a few locals we found that people drive hours from different directions to Holland purely to get the hair cut (who would have guessed). After some tricky train experiences and another plane it was Easter in Bangor. The campus was bare only supporting a few cars while everyone was home for the holidays.

Next week Ireland…back to a place I can’t get enough of! Onward!

Quote of the day:   ”Smile a lot. It costs nothing and is beyond price.”

As Spring Break begins another adventure starts to simmer on the fire.  The first stop on this great adventure just happens to be Granada, Spain.  Trains, Plans, and Buses pretty much sums up the first day in a half.  Stepping off the plane in Malaga and feeling much like Sean Connery’s character in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade leaning over to my friend Caitlin and whispering, “We are pilgrims in an an unholy land.” Although it’s holy the language barrier makes you feel worthless, as you try to remember everything you learned in High School Spanish.  Riding another bus into Granada hailing a cab to our hostel, the cabbie openly laughed at us when we told him we didn’t speak Spanish.  Finally, we met up with my best friend studying here for a year who is fluent in Spanish. Ahhhhh what a relief!  Next a day on the beach in Nerja soaking up the sun eating Gelato and Paella (what a hard life right…hahaha) Then out for Tapas (a brilliant idea where each round of drink you buy you also receive a delightful type of appetizer). Club metro, however here people can smoke indoors so dancing became a contact sport as sometimes you are burnt by other dancing cigarettes.

Although the big city has its charm and excitement, here, the culture and people are so different than Wales. I will be completely honest when saying Wales is my fit and I love it and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else for this experience!

Today was classic Spanish – siestas…and everything here is slower. Café con leche this evening with the waiter singing to us with a huge smile on his face may have something to do with us being the only two blondes in a 20mile radius.

As I write to you all I’m on the third floor of old red marble sitting on the balcony, Spanish flag flying in the wind to my right and a group of singing Spaniards walking the street to my left. What an adventure and tomorrow it continues…:)

Last Tuesday was filled with Sea Level Traversing which is much like Gorge Scrambling. We clung to the sea Cliffs trying to stay dry, hands and feet going back to a more primal way of things.  When getting to those really difficult parts…in the water we went. The invigorating shock of the Irish Sea is always brilliant. We ate lunch in Penrhyn Mawr where the view fit a postcard picture perfectly. A new experience popped from the ocean…Tyrolean, which involves clipping your carabineer onto rope between two sides of a gorge and pulling yourself across with your arms backwards.  Then into a cave and out a skinny slot at the back and finally wriggling your way through.  We ended the day with a leap into the sea off a mini cliff. (Yay!).

Got a call yesterday from friends back in Wales saying that I was missed.  I’ll stress again how valuable the people are that you will meet here.  They too have said how hard it will be to leave.  Again, as I sit here, three Spanish classical guitarists are serenading me into a trance.  Lovely. <

I’m dying for a cup of tea actually.  Sometimes you just miss the little things!  I also miss the horizon, the sea, and the mountains already.  This native girl only does the city in small doses!!  Although its fun and exciting and full of new cultural experiences here in Spain.

Wednesday, I went to Mike’s Bites – you must go!! Each bite filled with joy and each sip extracted from a pint of tea…you’ll love it I promise! (you’ll find it in upper Bangor)!

Well now I’m off to try and speak some more of this language I don’t understand! Yipeee! Keep Smiling everyone!

 Quote of the Day:

“The unreal is more powerful than the real, because nothing is as perfect as you can imagine it. because its only intangible ideas, concepts, beliefs, fantasies that last. stone crumbles. wood rots. people, well, they die. but things as fragile as a thought, a dream, a legend, they can go on and on.”   -Chuck Palahniuk

Here’s Sunday again and down to Yellow Pub for a delightful meal. If you would like a killer burger with a twist of unfamiliar combinations at a decent price, Yellow is the place to go! You can eat a hot meal while watching a pool game and sip on pear cider while observing the people around you which is lovely.  Watching these capped heads of older generations enjoying a meal was rather educational. Everything had that vintage feeling except for the music playing variations of techno and rap. What a strange combination of old and new. However, they didn't seem to mind much.  Just a lazy Sunday this weekend, couldn't be happier with an afternoon walk and a good meal.

This week we had some of the nicest weather we've had since we got here. All the warmth and sunlight called for some sailing on Tuesday.  Haha except the most beautiful day we've had didn't include wind! So, we just floated around and enjoyed the views on the Meani Strait. What a hard life, you know going sailing on St. Patrick's Day...tough!

Wednesday with only one class called for a walk to the Roman Camp and then to the Pier to soak up even more sun! What a joy being so close to the Sea.  From both vantage points you can see for miles. Both are nice places to just get away if you are feeling stressed.

Next weekend starts Easter Break. A week in Spain and Portugal, then five days in Germany, back here for a quick nap and then off to Ireland for a week. Everyone has there own plans and what exciting plans they are! 

This weekend like I said earlier held the Six Nations Championship with Ireland vs. Wales. Ireland won 17-15 in a close game the whole way. Within the first 20 minutes there was no scoring. Irelands win completed their run to get the Grand Slam (undefeated) this season. This loss however brought Wales down to fourth in over standings due to point differences. So although Ireland was my second favorite to Wales there was an amazing amount of celebrating as well as a plethora of sad faces. Couldn't have asked for a closer more entertaining match for the Championship!

Off for another week of homework and adventure mixed with a generous amount of joy and laughter! Enjoy

Quote of the Day: “Destiny is not a matter of chance,
it is a matter of choice;
it is not a thing to be waited for,
it is a thing to be achieved.”
- Winston Churchill

Wow, how time flies when you are having fun. Another week has gone and each week is so valuable. Before I know it they will be gone. Already the friends I’ve made here will have a lasting impression on my heart.  The best thing to do when you get here is to be open to those around you from the start. You are not here long enough to have time to be shy.  Be who you are and show that right away and you will never cease to have a blast while you are here. Making friends with people of another culture is priceless.

Gorge scrambling this week in Gorge called Afon Ddu. Whooowhooo. Gorge scrambling is something that I did at home but I didn’t know it had a name. For those who don’t know what it is, it’s basically finding a way up river. Using ropes and rock climbing skills to keep from tumbling into huge pools of water! Brilliant! It is definitely something that I will take home to share with friends as a new hobby! At the end of a day of scrambling we got to jump off a cliff into a large pool that sectioned off into two waterfalls down to a wondrous view of what we had come up earlier.  The memory of that engulfing feeling of freezing water is something that you will never forget, yet so worth it! Tuesday was one of the best days I’ve had since I’ve been here. The gloriousness of this Welsh landscape amazes me everyday.

We had another Fieldtrip Last Saturday visiting Portmeirion a little village that is sprinkled along the coast. It was designed by Clough Williams-Ellis. He built it to demonstrate how architectural design and nature could buddy up with each other in harmony. To most that’s what it demonstrates as well. A plethora of  pastel colored buildings fill your eyes as you feel like you’ve stepped into an artists studio come to life.

We also visited Beddgelert a burial site for a dog. Not just any dog though. This story taps into the deep well of Welsh Folklore, a well which you automatically want to dive into.  This site tells the story of Prince Llewelyn ap Lorwerth who took his infant son on a hunting trip but leaves him in the care of his faithful dog Gelert. After a day of hunting the prince returns to be greeted by a bloodied Gelert and his son nowhere to be seen. Thinking the worst the prince drew his sword killing his dog. Frantically searching for his son he went to the bloodied cradle, underneath lay the baby safe and sound and not far from it a dead wolf. The prince so distraught from killing Gelert the protector of his son, he then made a royal grave site for him. So, there you go….don’t you just want to know more….admit it…you do!

Another castle was also checked off the list of this weekend!  Saturdays was Harlech Castle another “iron ring” castle around Snowdonia. It took seven years to build and boy is it grand!

Also….I purchased a Welsh flag this weekend….and my four Welsh flat mates laughed and smiled when they saw it hanging on my wall. Now they are fighting over when they are going to steal it and put it in the kitchen! Uh Oh!

This weekend was a Rugby weekend. With Wales vs. Italy in a sloppy match, with Wales having their second string in. Italy is ranked last and Wales is second after Ireland in the six nations ranking. There was really no hope for the underdog. Next was a well played match by Ireland vs. Scotland. Both teams ran clean lines with a quick stratigic game, Ireland winning. Today was France vs. England, sadly the one time I voted for England. The game was almost a waste with England winning 34-10…but by the end I still had French songs stuck in my head from some blokes behind me! Next weekend there willl be three games on Saturday, that willl be a long day!

Another thing is a little term I’ve heard lately is “Bits and Bobs” used when talking about stuff or a number of items. I like it I may start using it. I was asked the other day from a friend back home if I had an accent yet. The answer for all of you is no. However, I have started doing this weird “sing songy” thing when I speak.

To be random, you will also notice the difference in the bacon here. It’s much different here than in the states. Here it’s much like the Rugby players being real men…it’s real bacon.  You will commonly see on a menu a bacon sandwich and that’s what it is just bacon on bread with butter. Even this breezy Sunday evening two of my flat mates had bacon sandwiches. You will grow a fondness for it I’m sure…I will miss it when I’m back home.

This weekend I didn’t travel — it was used for homework and organization for all the new adventures to come in this upcoming month! It was nice to stay in one weekend. The weather here is turning warm and you can see the mountains smiling under sunlight clouds! Yay!

Well, many more adventures are to be had this wondrous week for me and also for you I hope! Enjoy!

Quote of the Day:    “Get busy living, or get busy dying.”  -Shawshank Redemption

Hmmm…sitting here hot tea and a biscuit close at hand, chair pushed unbelievably close to the humming radiator clinging to the wall.  So this week went by rather slowly. A reading week for most of my flat mates which left the Flat lacking that buzz of positive energy that makes it whole.  However I did get to babysit two happy little gold fish conveniently called tomone and pumba.

In the Rugby games last weekend Wales lost to France and not a minute later all the heads hung in sadness leaving the English gleeful for another night out. Not uncommonly, the proud Welsh rugby supporters looked for a little cheer at the bottom of a few pint glasses. However Wales isn’t out of the running yet. Ireland then brought a close game to England winning after Italy’s loss to Scotland earlier in the day.  Ireland against England, boyee oh boy what a smashing match. I suggest you look it up online!

I had my first exam this week. They are much like exams you would expect in the states. Although if you are not used to class room with over 200 people in them that part is a little different.

Today started with, of course, a tea and a quick packing of some lunch. Then off to the bus stop in lower Bangor. With a group of friends we stepped off into the middle of nowhere, really. I laughed, what an adventure – it felt like it was out of one of those movies in which everyone meets at a crossroads and has to make a life changing decision…yep like that but maybe a little less dramatic. Soon we were picked up shoving two people in the boot (the trunk) for a short car ride literally through the woods past some hedges passing green fields and of course many sheep. Finally, one muddy last turn and we were at the stables! Yep, you guessed it!  We got to trail ride and beach ride today. Although since there were seven of us we split into two groups and our ride didn’t ride until half three. While waiting we watched children getting English riding lessons. The differences in terms and technique was rather interesting but all the same underlying meaning just with a new and exciting accent. Memories of pony club popped up in my mind, smiling just at the joy these kids were having. Also smiling because of the joy I knew I would have when we would ride.  My horse for the day was Jess…a stubborn hungry mare ready to give me a run for my money. Perfect! Soon our guide Dawn took us through fields brimmed by many a stone and natural hedge. Quaint houses scattered along with the plethora of sheep. After awhile we came to the beach. Inspiring…the sea back lit with a distant castle dwarfed by the mountains standing tall. The sun just glowed over the water giving a peaceful shine. We hit the sand and the horses knew what to do…we bolted into a dead canter. I honestly don’t know who was more excited me or the horse. Heels down face into the wind we ran…three horses in front of me with Dawn smiling back at us. Her classic pose of English saddle, boots, and helmet her horse bounding at a royal 18 hands was right out of a story book. It was one of those moments when you take in everything around you – the sounds, the smells, the warmth of the sun, the feel of this beautiful animal beneath you. Then the silence settled as that perfect moment when time didn’t exist just the vision of this event being stashed away in your mind forever. We eventually came back to a walk and turned into the sea the soft splash against Jess’s hooves…time to go back. After a good 2 hours we went back piling into the car. Only one stop to pick up a very tiny daughter, Grace, who I had the pleasure of meeting on the way to the bus station.  Back to the flat where the energy was normal again with everyones return…thank goodness! A word of advise if you are interested in horses, you should definitely do this. It was inexpensive, easy to organize and a short distance away. After all who doesn’t have horse back riding on the beach in a Foreign Country on their “Bucket List

Mountain biked this week as well. This Tuesday was dark, windy, and wetter than you could imagine. At one point the group rung out their gloves. Into the Snowdonia mountains we went. For about 8 miles down some of the coolest rocky trails.  I even got the chance to fall down the mountain on my bike. Yep, who can say they’ve done that in Wales, eh? However, minus the fact that I could most likely open a paint store with the amount of colors in the plate size bruises I acquired this week….it was well worth every moment.

Last Tuesday it was Rock Climbing, which I automatically fell in love with. Hanging on a rock face looking over another Welsh Bay…yep that’s the life.

Just a mini update! Enjoy the week and keep thinking Welsh thoughts!

Quote of the Day: “Time isn’t important, only life.” -The Fifth Element

Hello All! My server is down….so I’m in a rather expensive internet cafe at the moment. I will try to do last weeks blog Monday. Hopefully from a different connection. Sorry about this I will write very soon!

The days are growing warmer as the sun breaks through the clouds a little more every moment. I went for a walk yesterday evening purely to get lost. That perfect kind of lost when you rejoice in not knowing where you are. Something new is always around every corner.  I meandered down to the Menai Bridge and smiled at it’s majestic stance softly light from beneath. Crossing over its large stone walkway it was such a comfort to see all the little houses dimly light along the strait. Soon I was walking next to those houses passing their windows wondering what life for their residents was like.  Although I’m sure that there are many similarities it must be so different in just the tradition and habit of a Welsh household. I can imagine the kettle always on the stove or the electric one always at the ready.  I felt safe here, there is a calmness about Bangor that just has that effect. After about an hour of exploring I finally made my way back to my flat. Lungs filled with fresh air and another realization of how lucky I am to be here.

These past two weeks have been jam packed with new adventures so I guess I must share them with you! Hmmm… A good start would be Outdoor pursuits!

Climbing some mountains today…my eyes adjusted to the computers sweet message early Tuesday morning. Hooray! Yes, I did say mountains…meaning three. Suiting up in snow boots, water resistant gear the group piled into a van and off we went. Although I backpack at home, I usually do it in the summers. Therefore, climbing a mountain in the snow was a whole new concept for me. Yay! Also unlike home we didn’t follow a trail up purely because there was none. Instead our instructor Chris did it the proper way. Compass and map in hand ice axe over one shoulder. We went to the summits of these three peaks breaking trail along the way. The snow sometimes so deep I forgot that I had legs and fog that seemed to have been plucked right out of a horror film. Somehow this fog was not eerie it was inviting. Suddenly the fog would break and a breath taking view would appear. The joy of seeing another part of Welsh landscape and their mountains a symbol of pride and strength.  After a long day we came down the mountain! We even had an ice axe throwing competition, I came in third sad to say! Into the van again we went and back to the centre then back to the flats. What a great day!

The sun was shinning when we went to canoe this Tuesday! Grabbing a partner and gear we all hopped in Canoes and launched into the Menai Straits. I laughed out loud when discovering that there was a crab in the bottom of our canoe! Then another burst of laughter came forth with the discovery that one of my galoshes had a whole in it as it suddenly filled to the brim with water! That aside we traveled down the strait to a kelp and sea weed covered beach hopped out like little kids. Lifting rocks to discover what lived beneath them. Cringing with each step with the realization of that crunching noise was in fact the destruction of snails. In the canoes again to a spot for lunch, here we made forts and built fires boiling water for a nice cup of tea. Laura our instructor brought her dog along and what a lovely addition to this lively crew.  Last stop for the day…. repelling! Then into the canoes we went again off to the Centre….what another lovely day!

The little things:

If you play sports in the states you are probably familiar with the fact that you will get a sweatshirt or a hoodie with your team name, your name, your number, the sport ect. Well here that is not the case, the majority of the students who go to Bangor University wear sweatshirts with their names, and what they study. This was such an odd concept at first but after you realize that University Sports don’t exist like they do it the states here it begins to make sense.

Also if you are used to avoiding discussions of politics and religion there is no need for that here. Both of those topics are wide open and usually fair game for a good discussion.  This at first caught some of us off guard but soon you enter into it without a problem. The only problems that occur with these things is when someone stereotypes you as a loud, lazy, nuclear weapon carrying American….and naturally you want to defend yourself. Just hang with the right people and this will never happen!

Also while being here I have become severely aware of the fact that I represent my country. Here they want to learn about you as much as we want to learn from them. So, when someone says they like America because of Wendy’s, Wal-Mart, and McDonalds, please help them to see there is more to America, without force feeding them information.  Some of the things you hear will just make you laugh or make you understand how silly some of the things we have/do are silly.  Like this comment which I heard last week: “I love the whole Wal-Mart thing you know….bread, milk, a shotgun. All in the same place.” How does this comment not make you wonder why all that is in one place!

Valentines Day is the same over here! Very Commercialized at that, hearts, flowers chocolate, ect. I went for a sunrise motorcycle ride with a friend to an Island north of the Menai Bridge. It was wondrous to overlook the strait all the way down to the bridge and past a large Celtic cross standing tall in a cemetery. Then of course the game on Valentines day as well! Woohooo!

Oh…Reggae Reggae Sauce is mind blowing you have to try some when you come over. Every flat mate including my self has a bottle in their kitchen cupboard.

Take advantage of Karaoke nights here! They are everywhere and they are a blast! Again if you like to go out and meet new people the going out scene is definitely the place for you! Don’t stay locked up in your room!

Anyway more to come soon! We shall see what this week brings, always something new and exciting! Enjoy!

Quote of the Day:  “People say you are going the wrong way when it’s simply just a way of your own.” -Angelina Jollie