“Amazing,” “awesome,” “incredible.” These three superlatives are used so frequently that I feel they can’t really encapsulate what the Irish countryside is. But truly, places like Giant’s Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher, and others are awe-inspiring, and they did amaze me. My first two days in Ireland were split between the two different countries: Northern … More Northern and Western Ireland
With the absence of Thanksgiving in the academic calendar and its late start into autumn, schools in the UK typically have a “reading week,” which is a week without classes halfway through the eleven-week term. Officially, it starts this Monday, but because I don’t have classes on Fridays, I started my week of vacation Thursday … More England: The Lakes; Or: Hiking Boots, A Love Story
I realize it’s been quite a while since I posted – so sorry to keep all four of you in suspense! This past weekend I had a minor disappointment. I had planned to take a National Express Coach to the Peak District, national park in central England where Elizabeth Bennet went on a holiday with … More England: Bath and Stonehenge
From a very young age, I was introduced to the importance of literature. I can still recite the list of picnic items from Mickey Mouse’s Picnic and sing the good morning song in We Like Kindergarten. My mom introduced me to my childhood idol: Anne of Green Gables, and it is she who convinced me to pursue a … More Literature in England: What I Came Here For
As I mentioned in my last post, classes here in England really only meet once a week – a lecture and a seminar (one hour each). Attendance is only taken in one of those, and my overall grade will be based on a final essay that I write for each course. So, most of time … More Dover and Canterbury, England
I spent this week being a tourist for the most part. I wouldn’t say I’ve adjusted to London or Goldsmiths life yet, but I think that will come once I’ve started classes. I got the first part of my timetable today: Social Change and Political Action on Thursdays. As for my other three classes, it’s anyone’s … More Week the First: Look at all the free time
I have successfully survived living in London for four days now, and so far I have: conquered the Tube, ridden on top of a double decker bus, found two markets, bought living supplies (pots/pans/forks, etc.), tried to make a call from a payphone (was broken), made friends with people from different parts of the world, … More New Cross, First Impressions
The title of this draft was originally “Lake District National Park” because until just a few days ago, that’s where I thought I would end up. But upon realizing the cost of the only vacant room in the bed and breakfast, I decided to go to the Peak District instead. You’re confused, though, isn’t the … More Stirling, Scotland
While the trip itself was fraught with emotion – specifically because the whole time I was without my clothes, toiletries, camera, and UK converter – I loved my first time in Scotland. The hills surrounding Edinburgh, the history shown in monuments and architecture, and the stories (which I learned day by day) all came together … More Edinburgh, Scotland
When I first made the titles of these blog posts (to remind me to stay consistent) I envisioned this being a much longer post than the tirade it actually will be. If you are one of my three consistent readers, you may be wondering why it’s taken me so long to post – it’s because … More Touching Down in London
Mary M. McConnaha 