Sir William Wallace

Well, I made it; safe and sound!

The flights were good. I didn't get lost or miss a flight without anyone there to hold my hand so I guess that is a step in the right direction. I got into Aberdeen, picked up my luggage and called for a cab with no trouble at all. The cab driver was amazing, though. He was giving me the works on Scotland, driving on the left side of the road (which is because you had to draw your sword with your right hand to defend yourself back in the old days), and the University. I got checked in and got my key with ease. The only trouble I ran into was the fact that I live on the 4th floor and there was no elevator. That climb was brutal while carrying all three bags; but I made it!

After I got everything unpacked I fell onto my bed and fell right asleep (I couldn't sleep on the plane). I woke up and really had no clue what time it was so I just went back to bed; lame, I know.

Today we had an exchange student orientation deal and I met everyone that is here for the semester. Come to find out, there are a lot of people here from all over the world. This is a hugely diverse University. A couple of us then ventured downtown to look for phones before our registration. I then got signed up for 3 classes: Agricultural Production, Plants, Pathogens and People, and a history class about world superpowers; not too bad of a schedule if you ask me. I do unfortunately have class on Friday. Other than that, not much else is going on here.

Hope all is well.

3 Weeks and Counting

My visa arrived yesterday; three weeks before I depart. This means that I will be able to enter the UK with little concern. The process was certainly long and drawn out. With an online application to complete, running into Naperville to get my biometrics taken, and rounding up all the requested information, it took me about a month to receive the visa. Now that I have it, though, I feel much more relaxed. I was also surprised to find that it was only a sticker with my picture and information laid onto a page in my passport. I guess that makes it more convenient because I don't have to carry around more than I need to.

I also received my camera for the trip. Brittany and I went to Rockford thinking that we were going to get a certain camera, but after talking to the lady there, she thought that I should get this Pentex camera. It is water-proof and has a little more "give" to it, as she says. It has everything I need: a good zoom, a wide angle shot, and it can fit in my pocket (although she told me never do that). The pictures I took with it have turned out well and even though I had never heard of a Pentex before, I like the camera.

Well, I am starting to put a list together of things that I will need for the trip. I haven't packed anything, but Brittany and I are thinking. I will keep everyone posted on the next happenings.

Later