Here I am, sitting in my room on this rainy afternoon, trying to recall what I've been doing for the past few weeks. Not much has happened since Easter break ended back in April, but I'll do my best to rehash some of the main events.
Here in the UK, the universities do things a little differently than they do back at home. We had three weeks off for Easter, and then only two weeks of class after Easter break. Those two weeks were followed by a dead week, and now we are in a four week long stretch dedicated solely to exams and testing. Through my study abroad program, I was only allowed to take two courses worth of credit here, which means I only have two final exams in a four week time frame. My first was on May 9th, and my second will be on May 29th. As you can imagine, that leaves us a lot of free time between studying for exams to do whatever we please. I've finished a whole TV series (Breaking Bad), finished the Hunger Games trilogy for the second time, started a couple new shows, watched many movies, spent plenty of time outside on nice days, and even took a 3 day trip to London. No wonder my dad keeps asking if this is benefiting my academic goals at all!
My response to him is always that yes, of course it is, in more ways than one. The courses that I've taken here in Swansea will count towards my final few general education courses that I need to take. I have actually learned some interesting information that might come in handy someday if I'm faced with random trivia about ancient Rome. Apart from the school aspect, the amount of places I've traveled and people I've met have taught me more than I could have ever imagined. It has been great learning about other cultures, and even learning about my own culture and the good old US of A.
My first exam on May 9th was for my course called Rome and the Mediterranean: 264-146 BC. It was an essay exam and I'm pretty sure I dominated it. Unfortunately, I won't be able to find out my results until June 14th when all the marking and scoring is completed. My next exam is still over a week away, but I'm preparing myself to start preparing already! That one will also be formatted in the essay style exam, and covers the material from my course called Modern European Film. Quite an interesting combination of courses, I know.
Last week, my good friend, Hannah, and her mom, Anne, came to the UK on a miniature European adventure. I was able to meet them in London the day that they arrived and spend some time seeing more sights. We went to the Madame Tussauds waxworks museum which was absolutely phenomenal! You would not believe how real those wax people look! We also rode the London Eye, saw Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Covent Gardens, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and a good portion of Hyde Park, St. James's Park, and Green Park. London at this time of year is much more colorful and beautiful than it was when I was there back in February!
After a few days in London, Hannah and Anne traveled back to Swansea with me. We were able to enjoy the nice weather (thankfully it didn't rain on them here!) and travel out to the Gower Peninsula, and more specifically Worm's Head to do some hiking and sight seeing. I think they really enjoyed the beautiful scenery here in Wales! Yesterday afternoon, they left me here as they continued their travels in Paris where I know they will have a great time. Here is another special thanks to Anne and Hannah for coming all they way across the pond to spend some time with me before I get to make the journey home myself! It was a great time, and it was also great to see some familiar faces!
That is the majority of what's been going on in Wales lately. All of our American friends are slowly dwindling down and traveling back to the states. Two more people are leaving today! The anticipation and excitement of getting home to see my friends and family is growing, but at the same time I am dreading leaving this wonderful place and the amazing people I have met. I truly understand the meaning of the word "bittersweet."
From here, the countdown continues from 11 days! I'll be traveling back to London on the 30th of May to catch my flight early on the morning of the 31st. I'll see you all real soon! Ta ta for now!
Hannah and I with the (wax) members of One Direction |
Beautiful day at Rhossili and Worm's Head at the Gower Peninsula |
Pretty flowers in St. James's Park, London |