Cheltenham, England

Cheltenham, England was going to be my home for the next three months and I could not wait for the adventures to start! The architecture was beautiful as we entered the town. Upon arrival they quickly provided us with lunch and then we were off on a tour around town. Wow, it was different from Etown! Just to get to campus you had to walk for 20 minutes. I loved the atmosphere and on the first walk through town I just knew it would be a perfect fit for me!

There were four different campuses, but I had all of my classes on the FCH campus. Some of the campuses took a 1/2 hour by bus to get to. I was going to finish up all of my core classes and take a class on volunteering, in which I would work in a village primary school. The classes were going to be much different and relaxed, but I was up for the challenge.

The town itself reminded me of a mini version of London! With all the shopping, museums, night life, and walking I could never get bored. Our first pitstop was to get our cell phones, which we all were in need of. I was shocked and happy to find out that it would only cost 2 pence a minute to phone the United States and that the phone itself only cost 10 pounds. Then we went to the grocery store in town named Tesco, which became a daily stop for me during my time in Cheltenham. The groceries were not that expensive and it helped me to learn how to cook. I was so excited after seeing the town because there was so much to do and it seemed like a dream place to live!

Waving Goodbye!

The adventure was about to begin and I could not wait! As I waved goodbye I acted as if I was the Queen of England about to make her voyage on a great adventure. My parents were crying, but I left with a huge smile full of excitement. I was going to England and had waited for this moment my whole college career.

Arriving at the airport I was falling all over the place with all of my luggage. I had come with two suitcases, a duffel bag, a backpack, and my purse. Next time I travel I will definitely not bring that much luggage. Once I managed to check in all my luggage I successfully made it to the terminal. I was with two of my best friends from school and we were anticipating the arrival of all the other people on the group flight. The terminal quickly filled up and friendships were blossoming. I remember running and jumping into all my friends arms as they arrived. Waiting for four hours in terminal E7 was way too long at JFK. I recommend not getting there that early and to perhaps get there about an hour or two before departure.

After meeting the people that I was sitting with on the flight, I quickly learned that the guy Chad that I was sitting next to had never flown before. He was shaking and hyperventilating before the plane even moved. To ease his nerves I held his hand as the plane took off. There were 38 of us Americans from California, Kansas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Colorado taking off on the adventure we all anticipated. The movies on the plane never played slower and the uncomfort of the chairs made the arrival even longer. Sitting close to my friends, I conversed from time to time and also talked amongst the new friends I had made.

Finally we had made it and let me tell you it was a breath of fresh air when I got off the plane. Upon arrival, I met the directors Sandy and Denise and just new that they would be fun leaders during this experience. All I can remember is that my luggage kept falling over while trying to make it to the bus and then passing out when I hit the seat on the bus. When arriving at Cheltenham, England I was so nervous because they let us off in an alley, which I had not expected. They quickly assigned us our rooms upon arrival and the elevator full of luggage was priceless I must say. I was living next to my two close friends. This was my new home for the next three months.....