New Address

Here is the correct address that you can send me goodies too (and hurry!)

FOR A FULL TIME STUENT STUDYING IN THE UK

JEFFREY THOMAS BANIA

CARE OF-INTERNATIONAL OFFICE

AG46

CANTERBURY CHRISTCHURCH UNIVERSITY

NORTH HOLMES ROAD

CANTERBURY

KENT

CT1 1QL

ENGLAND

I was probably in the worst mood I've been in since I've been here this morning. It started last night just because everything kind of added up to my boiling point last night. I didn't know if I had a class today, so I had to come to the library to use the computers early enough to figure it out on my own. It took 10 minutes just to get onto a computer. I'm trying to book trips, but it's hard because I still don't have the internet. I don't know if I can go to all the trips I want because of classes/homework. My toilet doesn't work. My hands are dry as hell. I need to start planning my schedule for Spring at ISU. I don't know; I'm just complaining.

So now that I've figured out my class and that it would transfer, I feel a lot better. I was just really upset not knowing if I would miss it and be behind on work etc.

Whatever

Sundays...

So I guess Sundays are not a good day to travel in England since stores and mostly everything close by 4pm.

A few friends and I went up to Whitstable again for the markets, and then we made our way to Sandwich because we thought it was a cool name for a city and heard that it was fun there. Since we got to Sandwich at about 4-ish all the stores were closed, and there wasn't anything to do besides eat. Whitstable was a lot of fun though. I had one of the most delicious sandwiches there, and we sat on the beach for awhile where we watched little children picking at the remains of dead crabs that washed to shore haha.

Nothing spectacular happened today though. Some friends and I are starting to book trips or plays. I just booked "State of Matter" which is a show with 8 people where they do crazy acrobatics, "gravity defying moves", break dancing etc. I'm going to that on October 13th once I get back from London.

That's about all that happened today. I learned not to travel on Sundays, and Sandwich isn't as fun as it sounds...I forgot the sheet with my address again, but hopefully I'll remember it tomorrow. See ya!

Here we go...

First of all...DON'T SEND ANYTHING TO THE ADDRESS I POSTED! It's not complete and they didn't tell me that. I would put the correct address up right now, but I forgot to bring the sheet of paper with me :( Things have been going very well over here. I love it so much I don't want to leave! I will come back though so don't freak out.

So I didn't end up going on the pub tour on Wednesday due to financial reasons. Things are way too expensive over here (I know I've said that a lot already but I can't get over it). So that day I think a bunch of us cooked dinner and watched Superbad instead.

I've been going into town a lot due to the million stores that are over there. I've probably been into town 50 times already, and there are so many little shops that you just don't notice at all (and sometimes those are the best ones). I've been looking for gifts to bring people back at home, but I don't really know what to get. I still have plenty of time to figure that out though.

On Thursday I had another class entitled "The American Dream". Hopefully I ace that class, but it does seem very interesting to study the American dream according to a foreigner's perspective. The first assignment we were given was to read the MLK speech "I have a dream". There are 2 decent size papers that I have to write too, but that should be easy seeing that I love writing.

I'm going to see Wicked in London! I bought my ticket for November 8. I'm so excited, and it will be so funny to listen to their accents in the production. Some friends and I also found this flyer with a bunch of plays/musicals etc. going on at the Marlowe theatre so we are going to see a few shows over there too since it's about a 15 minute walk from where I live.

Thursday we also went into town, and I made a friend with a hobo. We stopped for lunch at this baquette place, and there was this poor man digging through garbage looking for food. I was like 15 feet away and eating chips (fries), but I wasn't going to finish them so I asked if he wanted the rest. He gobbled them down like there was no tomorrow. He smelt so bad, and I could barely understand a word he was saying since he didn't have any teeth. Our conversation was...weird. since he mumbled a lot, all I caught was "ACDC...Pink Floyd...America..." and that's about it haha. In the end he asked for money, but I said no, and then he wouldn't leave the area so we had to find another place to eat our food. Just so everybody knows back at home, the bums here are the same as Chicago (but with british accents).

Yesterday(Friday), we had our 2nd field trip to Dover castle (which is the picture) and a tour of the secret war tunnels. The castle was so pretty on the outside, but the inside was kind of ugly. There was so much time left over too so a group of us just chilled outside the castle and looked at the view. The view was AMAZING! I took pictures, but they don't do justice at all. So pretty. The tunnel tour was very cool too. The tunnels were basically built in the white cliffs of Dover, but we weren't allowed to take photos which sucked. I bought a book though that has photos of what I saw while on the tour so I'll have to show the pictures in there. The tunnels went on forever though. I couldn't believe it. They don't even go in other tunnels because it's not safe so there are tunnels that we weren't even able to go through.

Later Friday, we had some of the foreign neighbors come over and show them some American drinking games :). They don't really have drinking games here because they are able to drink at such a young age that it's not a big deal to play a game when you're able to go to a club/pub instead (if that makes sense). We showed them how to play beer pong and flippy cup, and they LOVED it. Some even said they like American parties better that British parties (and this was just a little get together, nothing big). Once the really drunk people left, a group of us went to this pub call Fresh. It was completely empty, so we were the only ones there. It was awesome though because we were able to chat with the manager and bartender. I think I payed for one drink and ended up getting 4-5. We'll probably be going there more often since we know the person who owns the place now.

Today we went into town again because the little market stands were up. I bought a few things for people back at home. It was so cool; by time we made our way into the center of town there were about 10 people in white "one-zies" and they were playing instruments. They were also trying to dance all crazy so it was very entertaining. I can't really describe it, but I took a video and some pictures.

Tomorrow we're planning on taking the bus to Whitstable and Sandwich just to see the sights and go to the markets on the coast.

Hope things are alright back at home. I see Bush all over the newspapers here because of the economy back home. People over here are just as worried! I really don't want to come home to a depression :(

I'll try to go online tomorrow. We still might have to wait 2-3 weeks for internet. I'm ready to choke someone. I wouldn't doubt that they get internet here a week before we leave. That would be my luck. Who cares though...I'M IN ENGLAND!

Just an update

So the weather finally gave in and it's now crappy looking outside :(

Yesterday (Tuesday) it rained literally all day so I just stayed in, did my homework, then a group of us ordered food and watched Superbad because some foreigners hadn't seen it yet.

Today was the 2nd time I've had class, and the amount of work they give you is pretty hefty. I would say so far that American classes seem easier, but I may be getting ahead of myself because I haven't been to all my classes yet.

On Monday, we went to Chill again. It was a lot of fun, but now that I know what the "club" scene is like over here, I probably won't go to them much more just because I'd rather spend my money on traveling than alcohol.

I wish I was able to have more contact with home! Not having internet is killing me now haha. I wouldn't mind calling you all, but it does cost quite a bit of money so it will add up. I would also like to send postcards etc. but for 5 stamps I think it's almost 5 quid so that's close to $2 a stamp! Things are more expensive here for sure, but so far it's been worth it.

Tonight is another pub tour, and if it doesn't rain I'll be going. Last week's tour was a lot of fun and I made a good friend, so hopefully tonight will be even better.

Nothing else is really happening. I'm just getting ready for my other classes to start. On Friday we have a field trip to Dover Castle and a tour of secret war tunnels. I'll post a picture for you all to see!

I heard that things back at home are getting crazier with the market and companies going bankrupt (?). It does have quite a few people worried over here because someone told me that basically things like this happen first in the U.S. then it trickles over to the other more powerful nations such as the U.K. and then it trickles down to the other smaller countries. For instance, the housing market has been bad for awhile back at home, it started to happen over here about a month ago. I hope nothing more happens!

Well I guess that's it for now. I'll probably write again on Friday!

p.s. don't be scared to send me things! i do miss home!

p.s. it seems like a lot of people here are 2 finger typers...weird

Oh Wait!

I forgot to say some things...

1) I just booked my Paris trip for the weekend of October 17th!

2) I had enough battery to upload my flat video so here is the link...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvrR4nHRGKU

3) I was thinking that if I posted all my pictures then where would the fun be in showing them to you when I get back? So for that reason, I won't be posting many pictures! ha!

4) I just realized I could post pictures on here so I'll be putting just a few on my posts so check out the old ones too to see if there is a picture!

So Much Fun!

So this is going to include about 2-3 days of fun.

On Saturday the 20th, a few friends and I went to the coast. It was only about a 20 minute bus ride on a double decker bus. Those busses are CRAZY! We sat at the top front of the bus, and it literally felt like we were going to hit everything (buildings, people, animals, signs etc.) I think this is where the idea of the night bus from harry potter came from because it seemed like we squeezed our way through different obstacles. Every time we thought we would hit something and it didn't happen we all were just like "how did we not hit that!?". We arrived at Hern Bay, and it was so pretty. The coast was full of flowers and so many birds and people.

Off in the distance it looked like there was a little castle or something. Us being curious tourists decided to find out what it was. After a 4 mile walk along the coast just to get there, it ended up being an old church that was bombed in WWII. It was also very pretty. They were going to tear it down, but it was left there as a reminder. I got some great pictures of it, but I wish I had the time to post some!

We also had a picnic by the coast, and that, again, was so beautiful. It had to be one of the best views for a picnic. We also then went to Whistable where there was a little castle there and plenty of shops. The castle was owned by a rich british man as a "summer home", but it's now used as a place for parties and weddings etc.

Yesterday, we went into town and went on a boat tour down Stour river. Our Irish tour guide, Vincent, was so funny and did an excellent job telling us the history of the little man made river we were on. The bridges we went under were so low that I had to bend over to make sure I didn't hit my head. After that we had lunch at a baquette shop....simply delicious. After lunch, we went into a Canterbury Tales Museum, and it was a guided tour with headphones that told you each tale. There were wax figures all over the place trying to act out the stories. It was very interesting, but at the same time creepy. A French girl, Delsa, came with us and at one point she screamed so loud when one of the figures jumped out, I couldn't stop laughing.

Today is more of a relaxing day. We (when I refer to we I'm referring to friends that go to school in NY and are my neighbors at the flat that I've been hanging out with basically every day) went to school to use the internet, and later today we're going to make dinner and then go out to the club Chill again.

I should be starting another class this week, but my schedule isn't final yet so that is another thing I have to do while I'm on campus. My flat is almost full too! There is only one empty room now.

I think that's about it. Sorry I haven't put up any pictures, but my battery runs out by time I get the chance to do it :( Miss and love you all! I took a quick video of my flat so once I'm able to put it up on youtube, I'll post the link on here!

Until next time...

First Field Trip

Today we were given a tour of Canterbury and the Canterbury Cathedral. There was a lot of standing and listening, but I learned quite a bit and took some sweet pictures. The cathedral on campus is just breath taking. I can't wait to go visit the other castles and cathedrals on our other field trips that are more famous and extravagant. The details and amount of work that must have been done on this cathedral is mind boggling. I could just sit there and stare at different parts of it for hours.

There are countless little shops, pubs, restaurants, tea/coffee places here. I've been into town about 3 times already and there are so many things I haven't even gone in yet.

I'm writing from the Mcdonalds that is about 10 minutes walk away from my flat. Their double cheeseburgers/fries are nothing compared to back at home. It's so easy to eat healthy here though. I bought a few things from Mcdonalds that ended up being like 4 pounds ($8!!). The healthier selections are so much cheaper, and I think that's why fast food business in other countries isn't as strong as in the states.

Everyone around my age here is so metro. I would say 90% of the guys style their hair in crazy fashions, and it looks like everyone dresses up. It's not a problem at all, but their style is very different here. What people may where to a club at home is what people wear on the streets here (but just a little more conservative). For instance, we were walking on campus today, and this girl's butt cheeks were basically hanging out of her mini skirt.

Everyone is so much more intimate and open here. I LOVE IT. People are very touchy and talk about anything and everything. One thing I noticed is that I haven't talked to anyone that wants McCain in office. Everyone so far is a MAJOR Obama supporter. I thought that was also interesting how much they knew about our politics.

I really can't say much now since my battery is going to die. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers please! Tomorrow some friends and I are thinking about going to the coast to see the ocean etc. since it's only about an hour ride away.

Cheers

September 17, 2008

Last night our group was given a pub tour, or as our group called it, we went "pubbing". After we hit about 3-4 pubs we made our way to this 3 floor club called BAA Bar. It was a ton of fun, and I had a great time. Everyone seems more responsible here. The drinking age is 18, and I've only been here for about 4 days, and it doesn't seem like it's a bad idea for a country to have such a younger drinking age.

I've never seen people dance for so long. Basically it seems like people drink and get buzzed then dance it all off then do it all over again. My feet are KILLING me. I can't keep up. I'm probably walking 6-10 miles more a day than what I'm used to. I'll eventually get used to it, but my pinky toe hurts so bad haha.

I still don't have internet in my flat, and it's so annoying! I want to talk with all of you so bad and get that video of my flat up on youtube so you can all see how amazing it is.

Yesterday, I got another roommate. I haven't had the chance to talk with her yet, but I just met her real quick and introduced myself. She is from Romania so I'm hoping to talk more with her just so I can hear more about other countries.

Tomorrow is our first field trip. We're going to do a tour of Canterbury and visit the Cathedral. I wish I could start uploading all my pictures for you guys to see, but hopefully we get internet within the next 2 weeks or so.

Alright well I think that's about it. I miss and love you all so much!

Until next time...

p.s. that's part of their campus in the picture

Wowza...

I am safe and having a blast here in Canterbury. I can't believe I'm actually here. Sorry for not posting anything right away or sending out e-mails, but we don't have internet in our flat yet. I don't know when we will have it either. That's probably the worse thing that has happened so far, but other than that everything has been great.

We arrived at my flat around 11:30am (5:30am your time), and I was so tired. Our flats are AMAZING though. I'll be putting a youtube video up of it once I get the chance. In my next blog I'll place the link in it so you all can see. It was so funny because I didn't realize I had a roommate for like 2 hours. We were both in the flat hearing noises and unpacking and didn't realize it until we bumped into each other (that's how big this flat is).

The first night I was so tired, but I wanted to go out for the simple fact that it was my first night in a different country. The students here who are helping out freshers (freshman) and international students are incredibly nice. I met a ton of people right away. So the first night some of the helping students here took us to the Union on their campus. It's basically a bar RIGHT ON CAMPUS. I couldn't believe it. It's very different here, but everyone has been so nice and helpful thus far.

The next morning I woke up early because we had a lot to do that day with meetings etc. Sadly, I woke up and realized I didn't have a towel so I had to dry off with a sheet on my bed instead. Later that night we met at Union again, had a few drinks, and went to this club called Chill. It was incredible. This night club was packed beyond belief, and they seemed like they were never going to stop dancing. It was strange how much American music they played, but they still had many songs by British artists I have never heard of. I hope to go home with some sweet new artists to download. By 2am the club was still packed and my feet were killing me. We left around 2am from the club, but that was definitely a good time. Probably the best drink I've had so far is called a 'snakebite'. This guy I met, Dan, told me about it and said that the football players here usually drink it. I gave it a try and it's basically one of the best drinks I've ever had. It's half cider half beer and black curry (if I heard it right), and it's killer.

Today, I had my first class called British Literature. It wasn't too bad, but there is definitely going to be a lot of boring books that need to be read and papers to write. I hope my other classes will be a little less stressful than this one.

Some friends and I are trying to plan trips. There is a 3-day package trip to Paris that we are planning on booking today or tomorrow, and we are trying to figure out if we can do a 4-5 city tour in Italy. To be honest though, I'd be happy where I am right now. Canterbury is incredible and I haven't even seen half of it. If I'm not able to go to different places because it's too expensive I'll be fine because there is plenty to do right here.

I went to the grocery store called ASDA. It is like a wal-mart back home. I think money might be an issue while I'm here. Everything seems to be cheap, but when you transfer it back into dollars it isn't cheap at all. I'm starting to create a budget so I don't mess up my entire stay financially. I'm sure if I lived here and worked here that everything would seem decently priced, but the conversion back into American dollars is definitely eye opening.

I LOVE listening to everyone talk. It's so funny. I was talking with one of the helpers here, her name is Ellen, and I was trying to do a British accent (which she said was pretty close and could possibly pass for one) while she did an American accent (which sounded like she was from the south). I guess their idea of us is southern/cowboy-ish(?).

I know this is pretty long, but I feel like I might be missing some things! If I remember I'll write about them another time. Once I get internet I'll be able to call home a little bit more and keep better contact with more people. Hope all is well back in the states! I miss and love you all so much!

My address is:
Jeffrey Thomas Bania
Care of the International Office
Canterbury Christ Church University
North Holmes Road
Canterbury, Kent
CT1 1QU

CARE PACKAGES ARE WELCOMED!!!! :)

Today is the day

I can't believe it. Today is the day I fly out to England. Words really can't describe what I'm feeling right now. It's difficult to compile a single thought because my mind seems to be racing in circles.

My bags are all packed (kind of), and I'm pretty sure I'm ready. I have to admit that it really hasn't hit me yet that I'm leaving for 3 months to live in a different country. No, I'm not nervous or scared as many of you have asked or even thought of asking. This has been one of my dreams since Jr. High School, and it's incredible to see it all unfold right before my eyes. I'm waiting for the moment when I walk into my room and let my bags drop to the floor; maybe then I'll finally realize it's all come true.

I'm not sure what else to say. I hope you all are able to keep up with my blog, but I also hope I'm able to keep up with it each day or every other day. It may be difficult to try to keep contact with all of you. I never realized how many close friends or family members I have that just wanted to talk to me while I'm there to make sure everything is alright and I'm having a good time. I want to say thank you to all of you for your support, love, thoughts, and prayers. It really does mean a lot to me to see that this is not something I have to do on my own without the support from others.

Until next time...

England...here I come!