Three Week Mark

My goodness, how time has flown by. I cannot believe today marks THREE weeks of living in Chester. It makes me sad to think that almost one third of my semester here is over. I am determined to soak up every bit of goodness, more so than I have. I was getting nostalgic this week thinking of all of my sweet family and friends I am missing back home. I often think how cool it would be to do the whole European-escapade thing with all of the people I love. Someday, perhaps. But I am thankful and amazed at the group of friends I've made here. I guess I was in this delirium that Erica and I were the only people in the world who would be studying at Chester this semester besides the British students, and it has been so fun getting to know so many new people from all over the world. The group of girls we spend most of our time with are all so different, fun, and make me laugh an obscene amount.

This past week, I did many new things. One being running from one country to another. What? How? might you ask? Well, I could attribute it to my incredible running physique or unwavering determination. But, I simply pushed through and ran from England to Wales, all in one morning. I know, it's incredible. Alright... it wasn't as legit as it sounds. But isn't that so cool to say?! Chester is really close to the Welsh border. And by close I mean 2 miles from the border. So one morning, my two friends and I ran/jogged to Wales! It actually was more difficult than I expected, but I guess not working out for a couple weeks and eating clotted cream by the spoonful will do that to a person. Who knew.

Jumping over the England/Wales border.

 Besides my running adventure, this week I went to TWO open mic nights. The first was at a coffee shop called Central Perk, which is straight out of Friends. It was so adorable, with the couches and everything matching spot on to the show. They have American candy bars and cans of soda for purchase, but only if you want to break the bank. They play episodes of Friends all day, and we happened upon quiz and open mic night. I grabbed a latte and we hunkered down to try to win the quiz, but lost to some other Friends-obsessed British folks. The guy playing guitar had never performed for people, and was quite nervous. His whole family was there and when he finished, his dad was crying. Too sweet. Oh, and he played Céline Dion's My Heart Will Go On, and I about melted into the couch. If you know me, you know my love of Céline.

Sunday, Erica and I went to a church really close to our house. It was delightful. The Church was celebrating and giving thanks for their recent renovation. To celebrate, they served cake and mimosas afterward which was completely different and unlike any service I have been to, but I was not complaining. This Church serves lunch to students every Sunday, which was perfect since Erica and I don't have any meals on the weekends.  They served sausages and mash! Which was really delicious. And the company of two sweet members was a perfect way to feel included and welcomed. One retired teacher invited me to a women's bible study Friday's at a pub in town, so I think I am going to go. Such a good morning.

Casual photo on the walk home from church. 

After classes all day Monday, I joined my sweet German friend, Wiebke, to the Chester University Music Society. Also known as the choir. The practice was in the chapel on campus, and the director was nothing like my beloved Mr. Riney. All that to say, I really enjoyed it. It brought back so many good memories of my days in the East High choir room. And when we picked up Handle's Messiah, I really felt like I was back in choir. In December, the choir sings Christmas carols in the Chester Cathedral, so obviously I am joining the choir.

The chapel on campus where practice was held.

Oh mercy, this music takes me back. Way back to those 3 years ago. 

Wiebka! 

 The second open mic night we went to was at the coolest little pub/restaurant. We all grabbed a drink and sat down for some ridiculously good live music. There were some incredible musicians, but my favorite were these two girls who performed a rap song transformed into an acoustic number, and it was fantastic. We are for sure going back to Alexander's again.

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My classes went well this week, and I am enjoying my lecturers. Erica and I had a 4 hour long class down by the River Tuesday morning. The people in the class seem really nice, and our lecturer was warm and kind. It's a class called "Getting to Know the Child: Ages 3-5" and will be neat to compare with my elementary classes back home.

Peanut Research? I thought this was quite funny. 

Besides classes, drinking tea, and spending way more time together than normal, Erica and I have made some headway on our trips. We already have our Development Week booked (SCOTLAND...hello!), and today we booked a 5 day trip to Dublin! We have extended family that live in Dublin who have so incredibly graciously invited us to stay with them. We decided to book a ferry rather than a flight, as the prices were comparable, and a ferry seems so much lovelier. Basically, I can't wait for November. Conquering the UK? Just ask the Wonder Klunders, cause we've got in under control.

 Here are some pictures E and I snapped walking back from studying/trip planning at Central Perk today. It was frigid and windy, but oh so beautiful.

Oops...

Lastly, tonight we got ourselves giggling with our housemates about the differences in British and American words, and decided to make some pretty funny videos.

And click this link to see the other. 

Sending lots of love from Chester!
xoxo Cath