It's only the beginning.

I'm not really sure how to begin writing this last blog before I leave Harlaxton.  Today is my last full day at Harlaxton.  How will I be spending it?  Well, I can tell you how I'm supposed to be spending it.  I'm supposed to be studying for the last test I have here this semester in British Studies.  But who can study for this test when you are overcome with all of the emotions from the end of this journey?  How can I sit here and study and concentrate when I know I will not see some of these people ever again?  It seems as though I'm stuck in time and space, and I'm not sure how to feel.

When I woke up this morning, I saw there were posts on my Facebook wall about coming home, and having safe travels.  These posts made me smile because that means I'll be seeing my family and friends again that I haven't seen in over 16 weeks.  Then I saw there were new posts on our Harlaxton wall.  However, they weren't new.  16 weeks ago, we were all nervous about meeting the 150 students that were joining us at Harlaxton College.  We were freaking out because we didn't pack enough t-shirts or enough socks.  We were saying our goodbyes at the airport and making new friends with people in the line for customs.  If only we knew how many times we would actually see people we knew in the line for customs again...

When we got to Harlaxton College, there were no words that can express the excitement on the coach that I was on.  Everyone had their faces pressed against the windows staring at this magnificent building that we would come to know as "home" for the next 16 weeks.  As we stepped out of the coach, we were ushered into the building and greeted by Dr. Kingsley, who welcomed us like a dad into our new home.  Words cannot express how welcomed we felt in our new home those first few days.  However, I found it hard to call Harlaxton home for a long time.  

We have traveled and seen some of the greatest wonders of the world.  From taking a day trip to Cadbury World, to getting bit by monkeys in South Africa, to trying to run through the ques in the Metro in Paris- we have seen it all.  My meet-a-family describes it the best for me, "You have seen so many things your feet haven't touched the ground."  It's the best way I can describe it.  I don't think we can recall every moment of every adventure we have been on.  I know there are some stories that are just meant to stay in the country that I visited....

We survived the food served at Harlaxton this semester- even if we were dying for the roast meat dinner on Sunday after a weekend of traveling in an expensive country.  Who can forget when they served Mexican night for the first time, or even a second round of breakfast?  However, we bonded over the nights we have had in the refectory.  You have grown to know who to see at which table.  You expect to see certain people downstairs every meal you go to at certain times.  What about times we have walked in and walked straight back out to order pizza?  

I think Nolan Miles described it best in the video we watched to wrap up our semester.  The best times that we have had are the ones that have been in the Manor.  Whether it's running around ghost hunting or watching the Lions play or even throwing some Scrumpy Jack back in the Bistro- the times we have had in this place I have learned to call home in the past 16 weeks have been the greatest in my life.  We have talked about how our journey is coming to an end, but I think it's only the beginning.  I have learned so much about myself, other people, and yes, even British identity this semester.  How can we let this opportunity end here?  I think we all will be more daring and ready to go travel across a few states to meet up with their Harlaxton friends.  I know I won't let this opportunity end here. 

Two More Days...

Cheers Everyone!

I hope you had a great weekend back in the States.  I have been keeping up with the weather at home and I think you have been getting a sunny winter so far.  I am pretty jealous because it is about 30 degrees here...and it doesn't get any better because I am bringing it home with me!  Two more days of Harlaxton (really, one more because my day is now ending) until my journey over in the UK comes to a close.  I have been toying with the idea of keeping my blog throughout my senior year of nursing.  Let me know what you think-yay or nay :)

This weekend went by way too quickly for me!  Friday was filled with studying and getting ready for more exams, as well as packing.  I also got to see one of my friends from Nottingham University that came to UE in the spring semester of 2012.  It was a lot of fun- we went into town for lunch and did a little shopping.  When we got back to the Manor, we watched "The Haunting", which features several scenes with Harlaxton College in the background.  I did a lot of packing on this night because I needed the study break.  When I was getting ready to come over here, I had some trouble with the weight limits.  However, I think that my packing skills have greatly improved...

Saturday was the Meet-A-Family Christmas dinner at Harlaxton!  It was a great day all together though.  The nursing students volunteered as "Santa's Helpers", and we got to help little kids make Christmas crafts.  It was a lot of fun making paper angels and Christmas cards!  We also got unlimited wine and beer for helping with the project (great incentive!).  Later in the evening, I got ready and went to meet my meet-a-family for the last time.  There were carolers in the main entrance to greet the families trekking to the Manor that evening, and it was really pretty with the echos of the stone.  Once all families were inside, we had a dinner.  It was nice to meet other host families of other students.  We ended our evening with Christmas carols (both American and British) in the Great Hall.  My host family and I promised to keep in contact.  I am so blessed to have had them in my life here!  Later that night, I went into Grantham one more time with all of my new friends from this semester.  I couldn't have asked for a better day!  It was so much fun from start to finish.  
Sunday was full of studying and taking finals and doing laundry (yuck yuck yuck!).  However, I was able to Skype my family and pass my finals, so that was a positive!  
Today I got to take yet another final and finish all of my packing.  Officially.  I'm done packing.  ALL OF MY CHECK BAGS ARE UNDER 50LBS!!!  How exciting is that?!  I think I'm more surprised by that than anything else :) I also checked up on all of my airline information and those small details (aka, I have a passport, I have a flight itinerary  etc).  
Tomorrow I get to spend the day studying for my last final- British Studies.  As much as I enjoyed learning about the British Identity from the beginning of time until present day, I really just want to skip the final and come home at this point!  I know I can't check out yet- so don't worry too much.  Just pray that I can pay attention Wednesday when I know I will be checking out the minute I turn in my final!  

I will hopefully be blogging one more time before I get home- and if not, I will still probably blog when I get home and maybe even change the name of my blog to work (like taylorintheusa!).  Thanks for being part of my journey!

Cheers for now-
Taylor <3

My Last Week at Harlaxton

Hello from across the pond!

I hope you are all having a splendid day today :)  I can't believe that it's my last week in the UK!  I feel like I have been busy busy busy the last few days, so I will catch you up on life over here and what my plans are for this evening.

On Monday, my day was FULL.  I had my final nursing class (hooray!) as well as my second to last British Studies lecture.  I turned in my last project for the semester and I was relieved to do so.  Homework sneaks up on me sometimes, especially with travelling all weekend.  Anyways, on Tuesday I had another long day.  In the morning, we had a nursing presentation (hopefully I can blog about it!) and then I got a behind the scenes tour of the manor.  If you didn't know, Harlaxton Manor was home to the movie The Haunting.  I got to go into the basement and see the props that were used in the movie.  I also got to go into the clock tower, which was really cool.  No students have ever gone up there!  My day didn't stop there- my meet-a-family picked me up to take me to their church and also took me to a church from the 900s.  It was REALLY cool!  I've been blessed by the time I've gotten to spend with them.  When I got back to the manor, I played in the last volleyball game of the semester.  I did pretty well (even though I know NOTHING about the sport!).  
Yesterday was the last British Studies lecture I will ever have (CHEERS!!!!!!!!!!!).  Everyone stood up at the end of the lecture to applaud for our professors.  Even though the class is a pain, they always made it an entertaining subject.  I studied a lot yesterday for upcoming exams.  I did take a study break to watch Christmas Vacation (National Lampoon style) and I went to the comedy night that was put on by fellow students.  It was a scream, that's for sure!  
Today I had an exam and tonight is the Valedictory dinner.  I did really well on my exam, and hopefully the dinner is fun!  

Cheers for now!  7 more days!
Taylor <3

Roma Roma Roma!!

Hello Everyone!

I have finally found the time to talk about my FINAL trip that I got to go on this semester- Rome!  School was busy today- I have a feeling I will be blogging A LOT in order to keep up with everything going on.  I am already a few days behind on this one, and I know today's information will be posted tomorrow.  9 more days abroad!  Unbelievable...well, here is the trip of ROMA!

My trip started with my packing experience for Ryanair.  I don't know if anyone has ever used a cheap airline, but for this trip, I did.  The tickets were cheap and we were leaving at a reasonable time.  Big mistake.  First of all, your bag has to be the size of a child's going to grandma's house suitcase.  So you have to wrap all of your clothes to be minuscule-sized.  Second, they are never on time.  Ever.  So don't count on an afternoon flight and expecting to get there before 10pm at night.  It just doesn't happen.  However, that's besides the point.  I was able to fit 3 days worth of clothes (plus options!) into my book bag as my equipment for tackling Rome.  Be proud, everyone.  Be proud.   

I arrived to Rome about an hour late, but safe and sound nonetheless.  I was excited about starting my adventure!  I figured I would get to the hostel and get to sleep because it would be an exciting few days.  Well, we took a bus to the train station, which our hostel was only 4 blocks away.  We asked police officers and taxis if it was a nice area to walk in.  They assured us that we would be fine.  No. We were NOT okay. We were almost mugged (ask for the personal story in an email in case this guy comes after me!), and it was an unsettling experience to say the least.  We ran into the door of a hotel and told the concierge what happened.  He was really upset and helped us avoid the bad part of the street in the end.  We arrived at the hostel soon after and passed out.  It was an exhausting day of traveling!

The next morning, I went to the Roman Colosseum and Forum.  It was BEAUTIFUL!! I can't believe all of the pictures I got.  I'm honestly going to share the facebook album at the bottom of the page because there are just too many to look at.  Rome was full of history and beautiful architecture.  I experienced this because I literally walked everywhere I went.  I learned a few things about Italian people as I did so.  First, they have no concept of personal space.  They don't care if they are brushing past you and touching you.  It doesn't phase them whatsoever.  I find this quite annoying, but I could handle it.  Second, they REALLY like their name brands, especially expensive name brands.  I have never seen so much Gucci in my life.  Third, they are into the whole Native Indian fashion thing, which is kind of weird to see.  They like to mix it with American flags and union jacks.  It's definitely different.  Oh, and they like to pickpocket.  Saw that happen plenty of times.  I am happy to say that did not happen to me (yay!).  After I went to those places, I walked to the Trevi Fountain to throw in my coin :)  I also visited the Pantheon and the Pavalon markets, which reminded me of like a home festival/carnival of sorts.  

On Saturday I went to Vatican City.  It was more beautiful than words can describe.  Not only did we have perfect weather, but we got to see so many amazing things!  St. Peter's Basilica was closed due to a ceremony of bringing American priests over into the Vatican. However, I got to go in the square, the Sistine Chapel (illegal photos coming soon lol), and the Vatican Museum.  I honestly felt blessed to go here- absolutely stunning.  Again, just look at the pictures.  It was so so so so pretty!   After the Vatican City, I walked to the Spanish Steps and then back to my hostel.  We had an early flight out on Sunday morning that we had to catch (even though the airline is ALWAYS late!)  

While I was in Rome, I ate pasta, pasta, and oh, more pasta.  I guess you can throw in some brushetta and pizza as well.  I also had gelato. All the time.  It was delicious.  I loved the food there, and I'm glad I walked everywhere or my body would have had to be checked in a bag to get myself back to the UK!  The cafes on the streets were really nice, but you had to watch out.  Restaurants stage their waiters around the edges of the restaurant to advertise and convince people to eat there.  Sometimes it was too much to handle and you literally couldn't walk away.  So if you go to Rome, BEWARE of intense cafe people.  Don't be afraid to shop around and find the cheapest pizza/spaghetti.  I believe I had a pizza shared for 250 euros for two people, and a pate of spaghetti with bread for 750 euros.  Which is not bad at all, considering they don't use decimal points in their numbers.  So hundreds are single dollars and thousands are like your double digit dollars.  Kind of confusing at first, but it worked out well.  I bought some souveniours as well, but those will be given away to others :)

Hope you enjoyed my Italy trip!  Time for bed here :)

Oh, and here are the pictures!  Pictures of ROME!

Cheers!
Taylor <3

10 more days!!!

Cheers everyone!

I can't believe that I'm writing a blog that has only TEN DAYS LEFT in the United Kingdom!  Time has flown by so fast this semester- I'm sure you read about it in every blog, but I can't believe it has been 14 weeks across the pond.  As I was skyping my Grandma today, I was telling her I feel like I have learned so much and have been able to appreciate our culture so much more.  I think we take for granted all of the things we have in life.  This experience has changed my life for sure.  

With ten days left in the UK (9 because it's technically midnight here, but whatever), I have a LOT left to do!  Today was a project day for nursing, tomorrow we have a presentation, and I am getting a tour of the Haunting sets that are kept in the basement!  I am also going to see my meet-a-family tomorrow for a little bit, as well as play in a volleyball game.  Breathe.  Then on Wednesday I get to study and have my last British Studies class.  Thursday I have my first exams starting finals, as well as the valedictory dinner to end the semester.  Friday I have another final, and Saturday is Harlaxton Family Christmas, complete with caroling in the village.  Sunday I get to pack, and Monday I have another final.  Tuesday I get to pack and I leave on Wednesday to catch a flight on Thursday to come home.  Yeah, I'm a little bit busy, but I don't mind.  I have a lot of work to do before I come home, and I am starting to get homesick with the holidays in full swing.  Fortunately, I will be home soon!  I should be posting more blogs as the next coming days will have so much going on, and I have to post a blog about Rome as well!! Hopefully I find time to study (just kidding mom and dad, I will study first....maybe :) ).  

Thank you all so much for your support with my journey this semester.  I could not have been over here without everyone encouraging me and helping me live my dreams!  Here is a picture to remind you how much I miss home today... :)

Cheers!

Taylor <3

When in ROME!

Hello Everyone-

Although I am not feeling the greatest, I have decided to go on with my plans to travel to Rome this weekend while you are celebrating Thanksgiving!  I hope you all get to feast on turkey surrounded by the love of family and friends.  Please pray for those who will not be around a table full of food and love, and remember them as you feast on this day.  

I leave for Rome at 10:00am from Harlaxton.  Again, I will be utilizing a LOT of transportation methods for this trip.  I'm either taking a cab or the shuttle into town to get to the train station, where I will then use the train to get to London Stansted Airport, which will take me to Rome.  I have a lot of time between my flight and when I arrive, so I plan on reading and just reflecting back on the semester.  I have a personal journal that I have been using, and it's nice to look back on everything.  I will arrive in Rome at approximately 8pm, which is 7 hours ahead of the midwest states.  At this point, some of you will begin your feasts- remember to pray for me for safe travels!  

I don't have my plans set in stone, but I do know a few things.  I will be walking- EVERYWHERE.  I feel like the best way to know the culture is to walk, so my travel partner, Alexis, and I will be walking everywhere.  We want to see the Pantheon, as well as the Trevino Fountain and the Vatican City.  We want to eat LOTS of gelato and drink wine.  I also really want to eat some authentic pasta from Italy!!  I really want to look for some street markets to finish up my souvenir shopping before I get back to London (I almost said the homeland!).  We have Friday and Saturday to do all of this- and I think we will accomplish this easily.  Alexis and I are pretty laid back about our trip.

Roman weather is also looking in our favor- we saw it should be about 60 degrees every day, which will be a nice change from the 30-40 degree weather that we have been experiencing.  I would enjoy the cold weather a LOT more if it were snowing, but unfortunately that is not the case.  Our hostel we are staying at is pretty close to the city center as well as the main train station, which if we need a train, we are close by.  Some students that traveled to Rome earlier in the semester stayed at the hostel we are staying at, and they said it's pretty cool.  They also recommended a pizza place nearby, which I will definitely have to check out!

I arrive back in London on Sunday at 12pm.  If all goes well with customs, we should be on a train back to Harlaxton and back to the Manor by 5pm.  However, the trains have been failing us lately, so I think we will be back around 6:30, which is still plenty of time to get back for roast meat, mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts, and fake ice cream, the typical Sunday dinner at Harlaxton.  At that point, I will be home in 11 days- so so so so soon!  

By the time people see this blog, it will be 14 days- 2 weeks- until I get back into the states.   Remember- pray for safe travels and for those who aren't able to enjoy Thanksgiving.  I have a lot to be thankful for while being at Harlaxton in England this semester, and it starts with my family and friends who have loved and supported me throughout this experience.  I thank God every day, because I know I couldn't do it without you all :) I'm very thankful for the safe travels that I have had for the past 13 weeks.  I'm also thankful for the friendships I have made while being here.  I know that God has brought us together for a reason.  I'm also thankful that I am going home in 14 days to see my family and friends- although I love Harlaxton, it has made me appreciate home that just more.  


Cheers, and have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving-
Taylor <3

17 Days and Counting!!!

Cheers Everyone!

I can't believe that I'm leaving so soon!  It's official- I will be on the USA soil in 17 days, and I will be leaving Harlaxton for the last time in 16 days.  It's unbelievable that my time here has gone so quickly!  I am so thankful and truly blessed to have had your support while I have been away.  I could not be here without my family and friends talking to me every day and reminding me that I have people out there praying for me!  Here is a little re-cap of what has happened this semester :)
On 24 August 2012, I arrived at Harlaxton Manor for the first time.  I still can NOT believe that I am here- each time I walk in the doors or even drive up to the Manor I cannot get over its beauty.  The decor and styles that are all over the place are just magnificent- every time you turn a corner you see something different.  Each time I walk into a room, I notice more and more detail that I had not noticed before.  But we hit the ground running when we arrived at Harlaxton- we were immersed in the British culture.  
I took my first trip outside of Harlaxton Manor to London for a weekend on 30 August 2012.  It was my first real trip in another country without people I was really close to.  My nursing classmates and I wandered around the city trying to find different information related to our nursing clinical.  My roommate Bailey and I went on a sightseeing tour.  Everywhere I went, I saw something different; iconic red buses lined the streets, the classic black taxi cabs, as well as the Olympics mania occurring at Trafalgar Square, where I witnessed an American winning a Gold medal.  
I traveled again to London on 07 September 2012 with my great friend Desiree and her Auntie Agnes, whom I have grown very fond of.  The week after was spent in the Manor with friends and experiencing the nightlife of Grantham, the town next to Harlaxton.  I met my Meet-a-Family, Andrew and Ann for the first time.  I planned trips to Ireland and Paris.  I met new people and I don't regret any new friendships created.  
Soon I was off to Ireland on 26 September 2012 for a long weekend with the school.  We went to kiss the Blarney Stone, and traveled around the Ring of Kerry, where I saw the most magnificent landscapes that I had set my eyes on.  I left a piece of my heart in Ireland, and I know I will be back to see the lush green landscapes that are so beautiful.  Just remember, when you go to Ireland, stay in Kilarney.  It's too beautiful to pass up <3
After a few mishaps when planning trips, I stayed at Harlaxton for a few weeks to complete assignments and wander around the Manor.  It was nice to be one of the kids who hung out at home and see what life was like without everyone here.  I got to watch movies and actually feel like I lived in a castle for the first time during those weeks.  In between weekends I traveled to Eyam (the Plague village), Chatsworth House, and Burghley House.  Just a few pit-stops along the beautiful English countryside.  
Suddenly, I was in Bath and Stonehenge on 18 October 2012.  I got to see the Roman baths and honestly one of the most cities I have ever seen.  I loved Bath- the culture of the people there were so charming and welcoming, and I had a great time with new friends yet again.  I got to wander around one of the most mysterious things I had ever seen- Stonehenge.  Incredible, yet it makes sense when you see it.
I was able to cross an item off my bucket list- paragliding in Switzerland with my friend Sara on 24 October 2012.  The trip was honestly a blessing from the skies above- we got lost and confused so many times, yet there were people who crossed our path who were able to help us along the way.  Interlaken was a great place- so many people and so much to do.  I definitely want to go back to see it in the summertime.  I think it would be completely magnificent :)
Life started picking up; I took a day trip to Cadbury World and Birmingham, home to the great shopping area in London.  I ate so much chocolate and shopped till I dropped; it was a trip to remember because of the free chocolate, and because we accomplished all we did in one day!  But not to be there too long- British Studies examinations were coming up yet again.  Don't forget the small parties that we had in the Bistro on week nights after the Lions Basketball Games.
Days later, I traveled to Paris, France to experience the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, other items checked off my bucket list on 07 November 2012.  I was able to wander the streets of Paris and attempt to be a Parisian (unsuccessful).  However, I created new friendships over BBC television and cheap wine in our hotel.  It was one of the greatest trips I had ever been on.  I had no plans, and I came out with a great experience.  And, a new love for crepes and nutella :)
Now I sit here and I reflect the past weekend of my London field trip and Costume Ball.  I leave in literally 72 hours for Rome.  It's truly amazing how fast time has gone since I have been here.  To think that I recounted only a FEW of the highlights of my semester is incredible.  It's like an entire volume in my life that I have filled up with the memories of Harlaxton.  I'm slowly starting to see how easily this place can change your life and your outlook and personal beliefs.  Never have I ever thought that I could change this much since being here.  
I leave this castle in 16 days, and I will be home in 17 days. I didn't think I would ever say this, but it's really bittersweet to think about going home.  I know it will take a lot to carry my bags out the door on 05 December 2012....but I know I will be running off a plane on 06 December 2012 into my family's arms!

Love always,
Taylor <3