Day 2

What a 12 hour night of sleep will do for a person is amazing. Last night I was "poorly" as the British call it, or feeling ill, due to my exhaustion. During the night, another international student was being moved in at about 11 pm (only after 3 hours of being asleep), and the clatter and chatter of that woke me up for a while. But I slept well through the rest of the night, and awoke to a gorgeous breezy view out of my window.

The day began with a trek across campus in a light drizzle to Westminster building where our "lecturer" didn't show up. So naturally, a coffee stop was necessary. The University has cups with their logo on it, which I thought was so fun and something Wichita State should look into.

Aren't they awesome!?

My "hall mate" for the first few days of temp housing before we move into the dorms, Andrea. 

After grabbing coffee, we had a lecture with all the international students with a local police officer, James Hannath. What a fun last name. And let me tell you, this man was absolutely brilliant. So funny. He told us about laws in Chester, and how to stay safe during out stay. Something interesting about the police in the Chester...they don't carry guns. It is really difficult to get a gun in the UK apparently, so they rarely have to use them. If they are needed, the select police officers who work in the "gun area" are called to the scene. Kinda interesting! Anyway, this is James. He is handcuffing my friend Melanie just for kicks.

Unbelievable.

After a lunch of fish and chips in the dining hall, we took a stroll around campus just to check it out. Something I am loving is all the moss growing on stones and buildings. I mean, everything is just so picturesque. And of course, all of us American girls confirmed our American status by snapping pictures like we will never see this University again in our lives.

Some of the incredible greenery.

Some precious school children walking through campus in robes. I totally was a creep taking this, but I couldn't resist!

A fun spiral staircase on campus. 

Some of the other American students who I have had the sweet pleasure of getting to know better.

After a quick informational session on campus, the girls and I walked into the City Center again (still as incredible and magical as yesterday) to shop a bit and grab some more things we needed. I purchased a throw blanket for £3 (which is under $5) that I am so excited to use. I should mention...last night I went to bed in a fleece SAS zip up, my down winter coat, and my thick scarf wrapped around my head. I was frigid going to sleep with wet hair and my tiny comforter provided by the University, but woke up in the middle of the night realizing I was beginning to cook myself!

After shopping, we walked back to campus for dinner, which was delicious! I am surprised at how good the food is. Unlike American meal plans, you get one plate of food and either a dessert or fruit. You cannot go back in line, and the whole two-item rule is strictly enforced. I am sure I will be thanking Chester for this later on.

 After dinner, we had a bring and share event, where everyone brought a candy or treat from their country and we went around tasting. The Swiss chocolate was my favorite! It was so neat seeing all of the students from so many countries. 

Tonight at a local pub, George and Dragon's, there was karaoke. Apparently, every Thursday is karaoke. So we all went to join in the English fun. I ordered my first legal beverage, a house cider!

It was super fun and hilarious watching everyone sing. The pub was crowded to standing room only, and the music was so loud my ears are still ringing. All of us girls got up and did Miley's Party in the USA! The Spanish girls did a few songs as well. It was a really fun time! 

Well, I am off to bed. It's been an incredible two days so far, and I am still in awe that this is my real life for three months.