April

4.30.2006

The return of katherine!

I made it!!! One month of solid traveling, not staying in a place for more than 2 days. While living out of a backpack for that long had it's advantages (ie. being able to carry it on my back round towns we were passing through) it was delightful to pick clothes out of my drawers and throw them on my floor after I wore them come Monday night. But what a trip!! I mean, WOW!!!!!!!!!!! My central European extravaganza with Willa was everything I had listed previously, plus Interlaken (in the Swiss Alps) and a few hours in Zurich. I have to say, Bruges and Prague were my favourite cities...well, rather, the most beautiful/picturesque which is what I love. Switzerland was magnificent, so clean, and fresh air, and open spaces leading upwards to snow-capped mountains and freezing rivers running off mountain sides. It was so beautiful and refreshing, thank goodness the weather stayed reasonably dry for us. I'm not going to post any pictures. 1. Willa still has the CDs we burned and 2. I have no time...3 essays and 2 exams in the next few weeks! and then a few more weeks and I'll be home! It's a scary, scary thought. I suppose we're never REALLY ready for some things in life... I don't think I'll ever be ready to come home, because there's still so much I want to see, discover and learn here! I shall just have to come back, that's all.

4.29.2006

ANNA'S HOUSE!!!! -- April 12-14th

From Prague I flew in to Stansted airport and took a delayed bus to Heathrow, pleasantly greeted by my housemate Anna! Her move was very kind to drive the 20+min trek to Heathrow, and for that I was veryyy thankful. Car travel is so much more relaxing. Anna let me sit in the front for the better view, aww, what a sweetie!! I just loved my time with the Speroni family in their town of Walton-on-Thames!! What a welcoming, chatty, and good-natured bunch of people! That night Anna and I cooked some vegetables while Anna's mom made the beef burgers. Her dad came home and parked himself reading the newspaper in front of the TV, what a multi-tasker! Dinner time!! It was sooooo nice to sit down over a good, home cooked meal and chat, without having to worry about staying too long like in a cafe/restaurant! Anna's younger brother Joe (gr.8) and dad had recently got back from Rome, so it was funny to listen to their stories and then bicker about Joe sharing his like 5 pound chocolate bar.

That night we met up fellow Tetley-ites, Ellie and Chris, who lived a short train ride away. We met in Weatherspoons (cheap pub with good food) in the nearby high street (aka main street). Staying longer than intended, Ellie and Chris missed their train after a dedicated jog to it (they even were on the platform as it pulled away!), so they stayed over at Anna's as well. Her dad stayed up until we got home, kind of like when my mom says she cannot fall asleep until I'm safe in the house.

The next morning, Anna, her mom, brother, and me, got ourselves together and headed a nearby National Trust family estate called Standen. It was a victorian home for a rather wealthy family. It wasn't too large, very livable, unlike those massive mansions of the rich who barely step foot in them. This cute house had darker wood panaling and uncomfortable looking Victorian chairs, but it has character because it was properly lived in, so you could tell it was just filled with loving memories by its former occupants. The ground were very green, with a large lawn, colourful flowers, a pond, and little pathways. Joe wanted Anna to race down the hill like when they were kids, but Anna wasn't up for it, so I did instead. Of course, I let him bet me. lol. We had tea and soup in the cafe over another pleasant conversation. On the drive home Anna fell asleep in the back, so her mom and I just chatted away the hour drive as I was sitting in the front seat again. That evening, we met up with another family over dinner at a Tudor pub on the river named, the Swan. I couldn't get over the number of swans on the river! There must've been at least 40 from what I could see. We had to scarf down our tasty pub food to make evening mass, only to be followed by yet another pub, but this one had a special entertaining factor...look below.

Ellie, sweetest girl EVER! and me!

Chris and Anna--so smiley!! (maybe it was all the Reefs they drank)

Standen House

Joe. I told him to eat it, but he wouldn't. I think he was tempted though. haha HI JOE!!!! ;) Anna told me you'll read this! :)

The local pub that is sketchy and people of Anna's area are too scared to go...perfect example of the weirdness: a paper-mache Jesus with flashing lights around and a paper-mache Santa praying in front. haha! It was funny though! We went to this pub after the 'Maundy' (Holy) Thursday mass we attended. Anna's mom, her friend and daughter were eager to come along and see this unique sight with their own eyes. A bunch of my housemates (Will, Chris, Faye, Laura, and Aleks) were in the same pub a week ago, laughing at the same thing. awwwww.

4.28.2006

KIRSTEN'S VISIT to the motherland!

I enjoyed seeing the White Cliffs of Dover, and the extensive, historic Dover Castle. We also managed to fit in Canterbury and it's world renown Cathedral. They weren't letting more people in by the time we arrived, but I found a way in through the back door and we had a few minutes before it officially closed and kicked the tourists out. London was the same as I remember, still enjoyed walking along the Mall and St. Jame's Park..all the tulips were out, absolutely piles of them, so that was beautiful. We head to Salisbury which I loved! So old and green and historic! There was a free tour of the cathedral (highest spire in England) which was really neat. We took a bus to an old hill fort and the foundation remains, also very fascinating!! The view was amazing from up there!! 360 degrees rolling countrysides..I really love the Cotswolds! Just like the scenery in Bath.

We then got a bus to Stonehenge...at first sigh over the hill the stones looked MASSIVE! Once up close, it was how I imagined them...though I didn't imagine 2 busy highways to be right beside it!!! Ruined the atmosphere. Thankfully they'll be making tunnels for the highways in the near future to bring back to 'atmosphere.' There were alos loads of small/large mounds around...I found out they were all burial mounds..WOW! We frolicked among the stones and took a gazillion pictures from every possible angle! It was fun! The security guard said they get up to 25/30 jumpers a night!!! I would not want that job! The following day we went to Nottingham to hang out with Kirsten's friend, Beata for the night. We went out for dinner then stayed in that night with some rum and coke, listening to cheesy polka music, but with Beata's enthusiastic conversations, it's hard not to enjoy yourself.

It was surreal to return to Ireland, after being there only 2 months ago. It was green and remote as I remembered, except this time we were on the West coast of the Republic of Ireland, supposedly the "real, more primitive" Ireland. Tha'ts for sure on the Aran Islands...a Gaelic community off the coast of Galway. They speak English, but theur first language is Gaelic. We took a mini-bus tour around the small, stoney island (8mi by 1mi). It literally was a pile of rock, and in order to create open areas, the rocks were piled to make long/square/round/asymetrical walls leading to no where and surrounding sometimes just more rock!!!! They estimate that if they were to make a solid stone wall using all of the rocks on the island, it would be over 3000miles long! The island only received electricity 30 years ago and it's main source of income is fishing and tourism. We stayed in a small village on the coast near the islands named Doolin. It reportedly had the best traditional Irish music around, and we checked it out both nights. I just love listening to the music in the pubs, it can be so relaxing, and just put you in a good mood. Next on our list was south, through Limerick and west to the Dingle Peninsuela. Here was a mountainous region on a small, narrow peninsuela, so you can imagine it was spectacular views. The bus windows were so dirty that the pictures did not turn out so well...but the town of Dingle was so sweet and quaint! It was also on the water, with a beach, coves and caves. We had limited time here because the tours were not at the right time for us so we did not stay long.

Through the hustling, somewhat dirty/unfriendly town of Cork (sorry, but that was my impressions at first) we ended up at the lovely Blarney Castle. And yes, we did kiss the Blarney Stone. It supposedly gives you the gift of eloquence. The grounds were absolutely beautiful! There were Druid stone circles and fairy trees and it was very mystical and extensive. Too bad we didn't have more time! Well off we were again, we managed to make it to Kilkenny that night and find a hostel. It was in a sketchy dark alley, but there was a church next door, so it couldn't have been that bad. I liked Kilkenny. We visited the castle, which really was transformed into a 3 sided stately home. It was sold in 1948 for a meer 50quid ($100)!!! By this time it was in ruins and needed lots of work, but STILL!!!! They reconstructed the place nicely and our tour guide was great! She was very clear and the things she talked about were of great interest (well maybe not of GREAT interest, but VERY interesting to me)....like about what certain pieces of furniture were used for, and the use of mirrors and colours, and the shapes of rooms.

It was quite funny, the next day in class we talked about the Imperial Empire in the 16th century England course, and Kilkenny castle came up as the home of the leading family to pretty much rule all of Ireland!! How cool is that??!?! I should've raised my hand and said "I was JUST there! fancy that!" The weather was gorgeous and we walked round a bit more to a nice cathedral which was closed. After running to catch the train out, we barely found a seat on the sticky and crowded train. Stupid people had their bags and jackets on the seats instead! UGH. Dublin was the same and we ended up shopping for gifts (well Kirsten) and then to watch the "inside man" with Denzel Washington. It was rather good. Early morning we flew back to Leeds to make it with time to my class. That night I brought Kirsten to two nearby pubs with my housemates. Willa and Marina also came to visit which was nice! So Kirsten got to see Leeds, and meet the majority of my close friends! YAHHHH! We were up at 4:30am the next morning for her 5:30am train. I went back to sleep, and from what I heard, Kirsten got home safe. It was nice to be home (in Leeds). I was missing my housemates and the easy paced daily life at Tetley....but then again, I'll always miss it. The end draws near and I cling to hold on to those sweet moments and memories I wish never to forget.

Tower Bridge w/ my sister!

STONEHENGE!!!

Kissing the Blarney Stone...the pic of me was crap because I kissed it too fast. I found it a bit hard to pull myself back up...kinda scary!

The old age cliff side fort: Dun Aegnus

Cute thatched house on Inishmore (largest island in the Aran Islands)
On the Aran Islands...more stone! shocking :)

Kilkenny Castle. The east wall was knocked down to view the gardens when converted into a stately home by the most powerful family in Ireland to the time.

bye bye Ireland!

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May

5.31.2006

LEEDS and CAMPUS

Exactly what you've all been waiting for!! I'm so slow, I've been here a year and STILL haven't managed to put pics up of the place! Well, for your viewing and benefit, here they are in all their glory! It is quite pretty. The Victorian shopping street has especially nice architecture! I"ve just started running and discovered beautiful parks just 5min. run from Tetley!!!!!! DUH!! Why didn't I run earlier!!?!? Just north of me is the Hollies, private gardens turned public, with neat rocky paths down a hill and the most beautiful, and vibrant blossoms on large bushes! The hill runs down into a river which extends for a mile in a forest to a main road. At the end of the forest path that was deserted of runners (though I saw an older couple kissing and I thought it was so sweet!--you don't see that too often!) I stood against a wooden fence and watched 2 beautiful horses gallavanting around their pen. It was the most perfect day, nice humid-free sun and strong cooling breeze. Nothing could have been more perfect----except of course if I had my camera and my journal :)

Inside Leeds City Hall for an orchestra concert. Ralph was able to get 3 pound tickets. Anna, Aleks, Zuna(?) Ralph and myself dressed up a bit. Anna and I were bad and bought yummy McDonald's icecream before hand. The concert was lovely, and I especially loved inside the hall. My skirt wasn't behaving and TWICE! two ladies told me the tail was caught, well, upward..but my friends didn't notice and didn't see why it was such a big deal. Still, that's embarassing!

Two Leos (my birthday's August 15th--a Leo)

They really do exist!!!! -Hole in the wall! hahahaha

Millenium Square..some sort of administration building. This is where the hold concerts, the skating rink, the German Christmas market, and cool photography of the World from air during the beginning of the year.

The wonderment of the Roger Stevens building. looking at the NE face.

Roger Stevens West Side..oh so 60s!!!

The infamous Parkinson building. Ok, I kind of cut off the most famous part, the tall clock tower that symbolizes the University. It's tall, and has a pointy top, not too important for those reading this though.

Dry Dock. Famous for it's cheap Thursday night beers! It's a happening, largely student, well only student, pub/bar. There's cool, hip music and we tend to just start dancing where ever there's room. If you can't see, it's a "shipwrecked" hull of a ship. Hence the name "dry dock."

The corn exchange

Inside the corn exchange with eccletic and different shops.lots of gothic and funky independent clothing stores.

5.30.2006

family, friends, and new found friends

Mama and Ma!! I can see where Marina gets all her peppiness, good humour, and zest for life! The five of us went to a small cafe/bar for a Mexican dinner in Headingley (this actually took place on Wednesday, May 17th, after my first exam!) It took awhile wandering through the rainy streets to find a decent place, and it turns out this place was just right where we started our search. It was soooo lovely to get to know Ma's mum, even if she couldn't speak english, she understood a bit, and I barely got by with my lack of French (which she is fluent in) Thank goodness Francois speaks French, it was easier for her mom then. And to see Francois again! I hadn't seen that guy in forever, nor ever really spoken to him, so it was really great to finally, one would say "bond."

Willa and her delicacy.

Ok, so not the most flattering picture of me! I asked Marina to take a pictures and Francois was getting ready to put on a silly picture face of his (of course) so I said, no just of me, nad he got upset. hahaha. I think that's his upset face.

ERIC'S VISIT TO LEEDS

My brother Eric came to Leeds the Monday after I finished my final exam. We walked to Kirkstall Abbey in the afternoon and headed to the Library pub for a pound/pint. There he met some of the internationals and my "posse" of hikers. But he was tired, and crappily enough we didn't make the bus so walked home.

Tuesday we headed to York on yet another cold day there!!! Geesh! Is it ever not windy and cold there? We headed the the Cathedral first and it was just as interesting before! We then headed for the 2pm walking tour, and even though I took one with my parents, I can't believe how completely different they were!! Given, it was a different guide, but still! We got back to Leeds around 5 and went to the Threehorses Shoes that night with housemates and friends :) It was a good night!!!

Ruins of St. Mary's Abbey? Most of the stones were rebuilt all over York...you can see the same detail in the gardens and walls.

Small church in York with proper cubicle type seating! Very, urmmm, different.

Ceiling of the 'Chapter House' in York Cathedral

Sister and Brother together again! My friends got together to show my brother the infamous pub near Tetley, "the Threehorse shoes." We happened to be there for quiz night, so it was good fun!. I of course was useless and could not contribute to the random, often British oriented questions. Though, I should have been able to answer "largest city outside Paris that speaks French." It turned out to be Montreal. DUH!

Always a thumbs up with Chris.

I found this older (at least I assume so!) man's glasses under the bench. We couldn't resist to try them on. Here's Faye sporting the hot glasses!

I look like a deer in the headlights...maybe it was the psychedelic visions I was having with the strong prescription!

Hot Aleks . You can't see, but we put Alex's flashing night lights for his bike in our shirts. They were even colour coordinated, red port(left), green starboard (right).

5.28.2006

Halifax -- Sunday June 28th

We were supposed to go to Keighley, a town just outside Leeds, but it was more than our day bus pass, so we decided to catch a bus that allowed us to use our day ticket. Halifax wasn't anything special, no old buildings, or cool sights. There was a cute little park 10min walk into the city where we posed for multiple pictures. I think we shocked the locals because they kept looking and laughing. We were all soon tired, maybe due to boredom, and headed back.

soo pretty!

5.25.2006

The Fab Four

Four words: Katherine, Kristian, Aleks and Alex! awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

Leeds Rhinos brutally defeated, but we didn't let that ruin our spunky spirits! :)

Mr. Preppy. hehe.

Playing vball in the rain...maybe not the smartest idea, especially on concrete. Aleks flip flop broke so we eventually moved to the slippery grass, something we were trying to avoid. Oh well.

another photo shoot on my bed....how loved my bed must feel!

mmmm hot chocolate!

yahh baby!

DINNERTIME!

Alex arrived from a short visit in Italy with something even more special than bracelets for me and Aleks...FOOD! So the four of us had a nice, "grown-up" meal complete with Italian wine. We managed to also make it to the last minutes of the hiking social in Headingley and I quickly stopped in to see Marina and Francois at her place because she also made a meal, but couldn't make it. She still forced me to eat her desert, which was soooo yummy!! Like an icecream/chocolate/crumble thing!

Alex beautifully prepared, straight from Italy, dinner. He even put little leaves on the sliced tomatoes and made circles with the cut up salami! 10/10 for presentation. Maybe he was a chef in a past lifetime...

What a smuldering look you have there Kristian! ohhhh la la.

Aleks performingher modern dances moves on an unknowing Alex.

My waxy desert. mmmmm. The retard that I am, managed to pour wax all over my icecream..not knowing I did so. The room was so dark I moved the candle to see what I was eating. Unfortunately there was a whole in the side of the candle, and wax got everywhere, even down teh leg of my pants. yup, i'm a smart cookie! :S

5.23.2006

A night out... -- Friday May 19th

My housemates went out with Anna's friend, Sorrel, on her birthday Otley run. The theme was "greecian" but none of us dressed up. oh well, it was enjoyable! We went to the Oak, followed by the Box. Aleks and I went to meet Kristian at the indie club, 'The Cockpit" but he had already left so we went to a lounge with his friends.

hahahaha, the glass queen.

The girls

Ant--garbed in that sexy fabric---Faye and Myra

I love how Will is always trying to get into the picture. hehe.


Aleks annoying Ralph as he drinks wine to celebrate his exams finishing. hahaha, Ralph is sooo funny, so posh like

5.13.2006

Essays completion=night out @ Dry Dock!

The title says it all......

Aleks and Kat
The Moor Grange girlies! :P
me and pouty Will
Angelic Anna--polka dots were dominating that night!

Myra, Aleks, Kat

bye bye Dry Dock and 1 quid double Vodka and Red Bull

5.11.2006

foreigners, a foreign hat, and a really comfy bed

We arranged to meet Kristian (the Dane from the Northumberland hiking trip) at the weekly international student night in the pub, the Eldon, (April 25th). He brought his good friend Alex (from the north of Germany but recently moved to Holland), who was supposed to go on that hiking trip but was sick. What a great night, even more so, what great company!! Aleks and I keep going on about how amazingly cool those guys are and how it's a shame we didn't meet earlier! Oh well, we all get along so well it's like we've known each other awhile! I don't know about others, but that doesn't happen too often! That week alone, we all went for coffee, played a 2 on 2 game of basketball, chilled at Kristian's place with some wine and Kristian came to our Sunday roast at Tetley, yum yum-followed by a game of Frisbee on our lawn!!

I haven't played bball since I didn't get on the team in Gr.6. haha. It was more fun than I remembered, though I was complete crap. It was a good scrimmage, those 3 pushed me to try harder. I think I improved, at least Alex was kind enough to say so! We sat in the massive Hyde Park afterwards, surrounded by hundreds of students, all of whom were just chilling, playing sports, eating ice cream...it was a moment. It seemed there was nothing to worry about in the world, no essays, no exams, just relaxation and good company. But everything good has its place in time and soon it was back to my essays...booooooooooo. By the way, I walked to and from campus 3 times that day!!! That's 3 hrs. of walking!!

After the international night we headed over to a bar in the student union buidling..it's huge..there's a club, refectory(cafeteria), shops gallore, food store, 3 bars and lots of cafes..oh and an upstairs with loads of 'offices' and such! Here is Melissa and Willa who we met at Mine, with indie/rock/cheese music playing.

me and kewl Kristian

The dancing queen and king: Aleks and Alex

Will sporting his quality, genuine Aussie hat, with of course a popsicle (aka ice lollies here). Yes!! The weather has become so beautiful and warm!!! Stupid essays prevent us fom rellishing in the sunshine...though everyone tries to sit outside at Tetley and read...didn't happen for me.

Chris and his seductive position. ahaha. He comes and lies on my bed because it's the comfiest ever!

Aleks and her 1 ft. long tongue...it's really long

5.10.2006

Antics in my small room

Chris wearing my pants...ermm, my fat pants that are very large on me *cough*. haha. They were such floods on him, because he's so tall....so funny!!! Yet, slighty disturbing. He wanted to try on my favourite pants that are not as big, but I refused, even to Alek's pushiness, because they are so old the crotch is already wearing out, he would've ripped them!

This is on another day...but I'm getting scared at my male housemate desire to dress in my clothes....hmm. Will here is in my red vest (aka tank top!) haha, they call it vest here. losers. jk.

you guessed it! me and Aleks at my beloved comp.

Faye and me...again at my beloved comp.

Me and Anna, this time on my beloved, comfy bed.

mmmm healthy food! Aleks and I cooked a potato, tuna, broccoli, carrots, and green beans!

5.03.2006

international survey

I recently sent this in to the international office at Toronto...thought you might want to read what I've taken out of being here... :)

1.? What was the most significant aspect of your experience studying abroad (include your destination please)?

I studied at the University of Leeds in England and the most significant aspect was the social side. No, I am not referring to the pubs and drinking which the British are renowned for, but being surrounded by such a diverse group of international friends day in and day out. I was fortunate enough to placed in an old Victorian house for my University residence. Even better was the variety of housemates, almost half of whom were international. I feel as though I have a taste of the world to come home with from living, learning, and creating bonds of friendship with such interesting and friendly people. I have also met unforgettable friends and acquaintances through the hiking club, of which has provided me with the opportunity to keep fit hiking the tallest peaks in England, chatting to new people along the way and traveling to some of the most remote and breathtaking places in England! As to what could be more amazing? I have no idea.

2.? What advice would you offer a student considering a study abroad opportunity?

If you're considering studying abroad but still have doubts, GO anyway! Yes, you will miss out on another year at UofT, yes you will miss memorable moments with friends, winning that trophy for your sports team and feel homesick for your family. But that kind of thinking is limiting the potential within you and the whirlwind of experiences waiting to be discovered abroad! Studying abroad has opened my mind in so many ways, through the different food I've tried, to the places I've traveled, and prejudices I had originally held. Things I have done here I may not have even considered if I were not submerged in a different culture! The University was my outlet. The student Union was excellent and provided an unbelievable amount of extracurricular activities to chose from. It was hard not to sign for every club that sounded interesting!
On the academic side, the classes offered and even the method of teaching, at least in my course, are slightly different than back in Toronto. It was refreshing to live a different lifestyle and learn a different field of study to what is offered back home. It's also important to remember that you are not cemented to the place in which you study. Instead, one can think of it as a stepping stone to other countries, either traveling to them first-hand or simply learning about them through the multitude of friends and acquaintances you will meet from around the world. So much is waiting for you abroad! What you take out of it will be COMPLETEY AND UTTERLY up to yourself. But the good news is that even if you are still considering studying abroad, chances are your mind is already open enough to let in an experience that will forever change you life! Be daring, put yourself out there and try something not everyone else can. You will no doubt come out of it with an undeniable sense of accomplishment and satisfaction like I have.

3.? Was immersion in another language an important aspect of your experience? If yes, how?

No, language was not a barrier to my assimilation in the culture, seeing as the native tongue here in England, is of course English. However, many, and I mean many, conversations involved my American sounding accent, the different words I used and how funny I would say British words. If anything, 'my language' was a conversation starter.

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