Seeing Wales

So my trip to Cardiff was really amazing. It was the day of the England vs. Wales Rugby Match (loads of people walking around wearing red, welsh gear, flags, and some dressed as dragons) so it was a really hectic day to go to Cardiff. We went to Cardiff Castle only to find out that we could only see certain parts of the castle, because of a private party going on. It was still really amazing though. We walked along the outer walls of the castle and got to see the Keep. We also got to try on different types of armor worn by knights. Mail is seriously heavy and I don't know how knights were able to walk around lol. We ended the day by eating at a lovely restaurant where I asked for sour cream for my potato, and got a big vat of something called salad cream lol. Not a good alternative.
This past Sunday I went on my first hiking trip to Three Cliffs Bay. It was really fun, but really exhausting as well. It was my first time to actually go to the beach since I have been here. I also saw another castle called Pennard Castle. This weekend I am going to Bath on Saturday and on another hike on Sunday. My friend Sam is also coming to Swansea this week from Orleans, France. I am going to try and show her around Swansea and introduce her to University life here!

Travel Plans

So this week I have been working on my itinerary for Easter Break. Not an easy task! I found out today that I am in love with the flight prices in Europe. I found a flight to Dublin and also one to Italy for $40 including taxes and fees. That is unbelievable! I ordered a railpass for Italy, France, and Greece so that will also save a lot on travel! I decided to travel alone during break that way I can make the most of my time and see only the places I really want to see. I was worried about doing it at first, but I am starting to get excited about it. I will be staying in hostels and stuff, so I won't be completely alone or anything.
This past week has been a little slow; I am not used to having so much time on my hands. I am used to having so many assignments, but now all I have is 4 essays and 2 final exams for the entire semester! As a result, I sleep in way too late, and stay on the internet way too much. Last Saturday I went to this delightful little place in Swansea called The Mumbles. It is located right on the ocean, and although it is still very cold I had an amazing time. Tomorrow I am going on a day trip to Cardiff and will see my first castle! I am really excited!
Well, that is all I have for now, but I will write again soon (well I hope anyways :) )
Cheers (Pronounced Chiahs lol),
Britny

Getting Situated

Well, I am sad to say that I have never gotten over my jetlag. I think it may be caused by going out and staying up till 3 AM and then sleeping in until 1PM when able. The fact that my earliest class starts at 10 AM does not help either. The scheduling for classes is very strange here. There is no rhyme or reason like MWF or TTH schedules. I have two classes that are one day a week, one that is tuesday and friday, and one that is tuesday and wednesday. I cannot keep up with what class I have on which day without looking at my schedule or as they say here, timetable. On another note, this saturday I went to Stonehenge and Avebury. They were both amazingly beautiful, but the bitter cold took a lot of enjoyment out of it. I haven't seen the sun shine since I have been here, and it is a bit depressing. I am going to come back all pasty without a bit of tan left lol. I did meet a lot of other Americans on the trip that I may be going to the St. Patricks Day festival in Dublin with. I have been trying to find someone to travel with over my Easter break, but have not found anyone as of yet. I realized today that I have only been here a little over a week, but it feels as if I have already been here a month. I am quite homesick despite the excitement of being abroad for the first time. Oh and I almost forgot: I have joined both the hiking and sailing club (never really done either one lol) and I am really excited! My first sail is this wednesday if weather permits, and my first hike is this sunday! Well, I guess that is all for now. I miss everyone a lot!!!!