Up and Running...

Well, I know it is a little behind schedule, but here it is, my first entry. These first two weeks have been quite crazy and busy if you can imagine. When I got here it was straight into meetings. I was so tired and jet lagged that I don't remember a thing. I hope they didn't give out any sage advice, like how to get the Rugby players to like you. Oh yes, the Rugby players. So far they have pulled the fire alarm, twice, raided the fridge (luckily I did not have anything in there), and just in general annoyed people. I heard this afternoon that they are on the night prowl for unlocked doors, so I will be double checking mine tonight.

Winchester is a gorgeous city. The history that surrounds me on a day to day basis just blows my mind. To think that I am walking down the same streets as King Alfred and standing in the same area that Mary Tudor once stood leaves me speechless. Every corner I turn there are two things I am sure to find; a historical building or statue and a pub. The pubs here are great. I love the friendly atmosphere and cheap food. Ahh, the cheap food. Getting over the fact that everything costs double for me took a few days to get used to. There will be no Starbucks or shopping sprees for me, but that is alright. I gain so much more here. I feel like the gates of Europe are open for me and any and everything is possible.

My travel thus far has pretty much been based around the city of Winchester. I enjoy going to see the sites like the Cathedral, King Arthur's Round Table, King Alfred's statue, and the countless museums. I also went to Chawton and explored the home of Jane Austen. It was quite surreal to be able to see her own handwritten work right before my eyes. However, I enjoy just walking around and getting lost in the city the most. This past Sunday I left the University's parking lot and just started walking. I had no idea where I would end up, but I did not care. I was surrounded by trees, green grass and rolling hills that looked as if they went on for hundreds of miles. Eventually I wound walking up on a flea market in the city center. It is hard for me not to buy everything from these markets because I just want every piece of England that I can possess. Then I found a quaint park near the university. So I just sat there and read my newspaper and ate my croissant like a local, it was nice.

My travel itinerary is still in progress, but so far this is what I have:
Paris- Nov 2 - Nov 4 via Eurostar Brussels/Bruges- Nov 23 - Nov 25 via flight London- This weekend (probably) Southampton- Tomorrow (10/2) Somewhere in there I plan on definitely going to Stonehenge and Scotland, and of course day trips around Southern England. Oh, and did I mention, I am taking classes as well? I guess I will talk about that next time =)

This was a long first post, two weeks worth of information builds up fast. I miss you all and hope that you keep up with me and my blog so that you can be with me every step of the way in spirit.

Cheers!!