It's Been Centuries...

I know, I know! I'm very, very sorry. I've just been incredibly busy. This week has been perhaps the most hectic week of my life, so when I say that I haven't had the time (or the energy) to write this thing for you guys, be rest assured that I'm not lying. I didn't want it to come out all garbled and senseless - although given that it's only 10pm here and I'm already tired I think I'm fighting a losing battle.

Yes, I know, it's been a week. A whole week here in the U S of A. Let me tell you, I have more to write about than I could probably even fit into a notebook, but I will try to make sense of things. Firstly: travel. The trip went about as smoothly as I could have asked for, and although my second flight out from Atlanta into Raleigh-Durham was delayed there were no major problems. Saskia, a girl who I had been speaking to online before arrival and whom I have had much contact with since getting here (University of Glasgow), was not quite so fortunate and her inital flight from the U.K. was delayed. At RDU airport I was greeted with a brightly coloured banner with my name on it. Saskia's mentor, Deborah, kindly offered to drive us (me, Saskia, and two French girls who arrived at the same time as us) to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and even helped us to move into our dorm rooms (pictures to come, I promise).

 Atlanta airport.

By the time I was unpacked, it was midnight in America and I hadn't slept in a full 24 hours, so I went straight to sleep despite my lack of any bedding. I'll tell you now, a dressing gown, cuddly toy and a towel will do wonders if you're too tired to care!

The following day Deborah and her parents were kind enough to drive us to the local Target (yes Target!!) where I bought myself some bedding, a lamp and a 'cell' phone, all for about $130. I didn't think that was too bad! After making my room look all pretty, and putting up my pictures from home, Saskia and I ate on Franklin Street, which is the main street in Chapel Hill. The food was great, and the Southern special, Sweet Tea, was fantastic! I've had more tea since, from different places, but so far my verdict is that McAlister's do it best.

 Franklin Street

 Saskia and the Tea

McAlister's

Following that we had a boring orientation session on Friday, followed by a hot and sweaty campus tour (the weather was hitting at least 33 degrees every day!) and Friday night the EASE mentor who had given us the tour invited a bunch of international students to a party that his friend was having. There I had my first experience of American beer. No more, thank you. =/

Saturday was really more of the same, with another party and some general exploration. Those first few days without cell or internet contact with people were very hard, and I was making the most of any access I had to update people. Hayley moved in, and she is perhaps one of the loveliest people I have met. It's so exciting having a roommate!! Although it does come with challenges of its own (perhaps I'll make a blog about it...)

Sunday it was all about Fall Fest, which is essentially a giant Fresher's Fair outside on South Street. All of the student groups get together to give out free stuff and get people to sign up to their groups. I witnessed my first real-life corndog, although I didn't taste one, and was treated to a free snow cone - how exciting?? They weren't as tasty as I expected, but they were still super refreshing.

 

The snow cones

Fall fest was almost cancelled due to the threat of heavy rain, but the rain held off and we experienced only some awesome sepia-toned sky, thunder and lightning far off. I was excited for a real storm, but kind of glad when it just passed over. The idea of getting wet wasn't particularly appealing, as you can imagine...

Stormy clouds over The Pit (central campus square)

Since then the weather has been a bit cooler, which boded well for the start of classes. Yesterday was our first day of class, and whilst scary it was very fun and I'm looking forward to learning here. I think I'll do very well if I can keep up the motivation that I've experienced so far, haha. =D

For now, it's about 10pm and I'm still very tired from a hectic week. Naps every day just don't quite do the trick when you still feel like you're on a constant sugar low. (Sugar, eh. Food is another thing I'll have to make a post about once I get around to it).

I'm missing you guys back home, especially Jasper the dragon who I hope has a nice new home with the lovely Becky Clarke. Skyping with Tom at least once a day is proving to be a lifeline. As is Hayley, who is very wonderful and forgiving of my strange British ways. :)