10 Ideas About How To Deal When It's Nearly Over

After finishing my exams last Tuesday, and not leaving San Antonio until tomorrow morning, I have had a lot of time on my hands. Time can be a curse because it gives you time to dwell on the fact you need to leave this fantastic place you've called home for 20 odd weeks. However, I have more than managed to fill that time, as I shall now share with you and pass on as tips!

1. Eat bad food
I have had about 4 takeaways, a packet of mini kit kats, a tube of pringles, a two litre bottle of sprite, a meal out and a few ferrero rochers in the space of two days. This may not sound like a lot but considering I've mainly been eating two decent meals a day this semester, that's a lot of crap. I regret nothing though!! Bad food is necessary when your emotions are a little all over the place, and it's winter so a little extra chub will keep you cosy.

2. Binge watch something
Other than eating what should you do with all this spare time?! How about that new TV series you've fancied watching for a while? Or, as it's nearly Christmas, how about 4 or 5 Christmas films a day? You've earned it! I've done both of these. I watched all nine episodes of How To Get Away With Murder and I am now on tenterhooks waiting for the next episode in January. It is a phenomenal show! The acting, storylines and scripting are superb, completely and utterly gripping. Even when a sex scene was merged with one of a post mortem, I was not wholly put off. Check. It. Out. I have also, been rewatching Dexter, a.k.a. creeping myself out because I sort of relate to him. This is another fairly graphic programme but it earns it's right to be through the excellent writing and character portrayals. I cannot even begin to list the amount of Christmas films I've watched on top of this, but there have been many and The Nightmare Before Christmas will always be the best.

3. Basically do nothing
Sleep. Stay in pjs all day. Speak to no one. Indulge in the quiet of having nothing to immediately do.

4. Except, tie up those loose ends
When studying abroad, your home university will probably as you to collect all marked pieces of work so they can make sure it has been graded to their standards. This is what Keele asked me to do at least, so the few days after finals, I had to make sure all of my professors knew to make my marked exams available to me. They did this without bother, thankfully. Packing is another loose end to be tied up, one I should probably get cracking with myself...

5. Remember that leaving is a side effect of arriving
Think practically about the whole situation, don't be silly. You knew you were leaving at some point, this was never forever so don't get yourself in an emotional mess, kidding yourself that it may have been.

6. Focus on the positives
Revel in the fact that you have accomplished something absolutely fantastic. YOU, went all the way to a different country, BY YOURSELF to live and study within a new system, with brand new people and you survived. There are memories and people you will forever be connected to, be proud of that; it's amazing. Also, all those things you've missed like crazy, the food, the people, the comfort of being home? It's just around the corner.

7. Make plans at home and where you are
I know for a fact jet lag will be an absolute bitch. I leave San Antonio at 10:20am on Monday 22nd December but I don't land in Manchester until 8:45am on Tuesday 23rd December, and then I have a 40 minute drive home to Liverpool. This is mainly thanks to 6 hour time difference, and the fact Texas is a bloody long way away from the UK. However, the thought of getting home, feeling sorry for myself in my tired state is repulsive so I plan on keeping busy, seeing people for an hour or two a day, making sure I can be in bed by 9pm and sleep as long as necessary. Of course it being Christmas helps, as people are all home from university and I have an Alex to visit but even if I didn't, plans to keep yourself busy at home are definitely important. They're important wherever you are abroad though, don't waste your last days moping about. Last night, for example, my roommate and I had a fantastic time, eating in Hooters (next time I go, I'm stuffing my bra, just saying...) and wandering the beautiful downtown San Antonio, seeing it all lit up for Christmas. Then this morning I went to church, which is currently held in a cinema screen (awesome!!) and sang Christmas carols. The perfect end to my amazing experience.

8. Indulge in the things you'll miss the most
This is pretty self explanatory, and I've alluded to how I've done this in my previous point but it is incredibly helpful to go out with a smile through doing what you've loved the most and are going to miss. My favourite thing, is wandering downtown, going to cine-church and binging on sugar cookies, so that's what I've done! It's helped. Loads.

9. If you haven't been keeping a blog, take time to make a list etc...
I'm really glad I've kept my blog and I haven't been shy with posting on Facebook, Twitter (https://twitter.com/LauFrances13) or Instagram (http://instagram.com/laufrancesmccann13), because now I have permanent records of all that I have done, seen, heard, felt, out here and that's priceless. I also, have plans to not stop this, life is a journey after all so I shall be keeping at it! So, if you haven't been the same, take this time to look back upon everything, you don't want to miss out on remembering this incredible adventure you've undertaken.

10. If you need to cry, do it, (if you don't, don't force it)
Seriously, just roll with your emotions. However you feel, show it. Those around may not understand but if they're decent people, care for you and like you, they'll deal and support you I am sure.

Revision...Exams...Stress...Coping?!

It turns out you can go to the other side of the Atlantic, a completely different country on an entirely new continent and still your university will insist that you participate in exams. Completely shocking and unfair, right?! It's like they want you do well and get a degree or something instead of just have a ball meandering around this brand new world you've landed yourself in...Well, I have two exams and an essay that will all be completed by Tuesday so I thought what better way of procrastinating than doing a post that compares the American university system with the English one, with some potentially helpful revision tips thrown in.

The two biggest differences I have found between the English and American university systems are the amounts of assessments and when students begin to specialise. In England, as soon as you finish your GCSEs you hit A Levels which are around 4 subjects that you study in depth. After A Levels comes university, when you only study one or, in some cases like mine, two subjects. I'm doing History and Criminology as a combined degree at Keele which requires you to gain 120 credits in each subject come graduation, with one module being worth 15 credits and each year needing you complete 8 modules. This usually turns into 4 modules per semester with a little room for electives, such as the study abroad module I had to take last year. Ultimately though my focus is upon Criminology and History and not a lot else, even when it comes to electives I am restrained to the humanities (which I'm happy with as science and maths make me cry) and foreign languages.

In America however, there are 'core' subjects that are needed such as English, Maths, Sciences and History no matter what your degree will be in. Some smart people can take dual credit classes in high school to get these core ones out of the way but most end up doing them at university. This, along with the fact that degree declarations are not mandatory until just before graduation, means that people can find themselves taking much longer than the standard 4 years to graduate. If, for example, you wish to declare your degree in one subject but struggle to get into those classes, you could end up waiting for the next semester that class is open so graduating later or trying to find another subject that you happen to have the credits to graduate for and declaring that. It's all rather complicated to and I am very glad that us English students don't really have to go through it especially as American students pay tuition fees by the hours they take, rather than the £9,000 standard we have to pay each year in England.

None of that has really affected me though, I picked 4 classes that matched up with Keele's curriculum for this semester and voila, I am the happy student of Texas History, Europe in the Nineteenth Century, Intro to Global Analysis and Managing Criminal Justice Organisations, at UTSA. I say happy in that I found them all interesting, my professors were great, especially my ones for European History and Global Analysis. However, the assessments were far more intense and regular than that of Keele. This may be due to the fact first year does not count towards your degree in England but everything counts in the States, so when I return to Keele I could take this all back! I'll let you know. Anywho, if you're planning on studying at an American university then prepare yourself for never getting a break. Unlike in England when you may have 2 or 3 assessments a term, you'll have around 4 or 5 minimum along with pop quizzes and participation and attendance grades will actually be given and count towards your final grade - a lot. If you have a busy week, you can't just skip a chapter of reading and catch up later because then you won't be able to discuss in class and answer aimed questions, very embarrassing especially when you're brand new and stand out because of being foreign anyway. It is worth it though, I have definitely picked up the work ethic that I lost for a little bit and hope to goodness it sticks with me through the madness of socialising, working and cheerleading back at Keele.

Now for my revision tips, I am on course to get an A and 3 Bs (though 2 of those Bs may easily become As if my revision has worked) so I feel I am not completely inept and revising for exams. I need 2 As and 2 Bs to get a 3.33 gpa which would equate to an English 2:1 - here's hoping! I hate tests as much as the next person, especially multiple choice ones. I would much rather write a paper everyday for a week than do 20 questions of multiple choice. However, life isn't up for that so here are my revision tips:
1. Make notes throughout the term
Every time you have to read something for class and are actually in class, take notes!! No matter how bored you are and tired, making notes then will save you so much agro later on as you won't have to reread chapters or flick through powerpoints, all the information will be right there for you. Also, it has been proven that handwriting notes helps you retain the information better than typing them.
2. Notecards. 
Literally, the saviour of my educational experience. Rewrite the notes you've been making all year that are relevant to your exam on notecards a few days before the exam and go over them a few times a day. I currently have the pattern of read notecards, watch an episode of Dexter (having finished How To Get Away With Murder - both are incredible whether you're a crime nerd like me or not, you'll be on the edge of your seat).
3. Snacks
Because when are snacks not important?! Seriously though, when you're stressed about exams and assignments, forgetting to eat is unfortunately incredibly easy to do. Snacking however, will keep you fed and alert as well as constantly giving you something other than reading or writing to do. Drinking water, though rewards pints of beer are totally allowed, regularly falls into this as well - incredibly important!
4. Exercise
And no not just to stop all the snacking from making you fat, but working off all that excess energy that stress and brain work brings with it. Go for a walk, a run, lift weights, do 10 press ups, whatever, just DO something that isn't work and gets your body moving.
5. Don't hide away
I purposely have set up camp in the kitchen of our apartment for a few reasons; it means that if people are watching what I'm doing then I feel I have to work so I don't need to explain why I'm not working but also it means that I see and talk to my friends regularly. That is incredibly important. A quick hi, how's your day can really help keep you positive when your drowning in exam induced doubt.

Hope these tips help! Let me know if they do and best of luck to those of you doing exams and remember if you don't make an effort then

Oh Canada...

Around ten days ago, the 27th November, was the holiday of Thanksgiving in America. Although, historically it comes from when the pilgrim fathers landed and white America at least began to grow, today it literally is a day of encouraged giving of thanks. People often spend it with their families and loved, those that they are most grateful to have in their lives. Even though I am very appreciative of those I have come to know in Texas, those I am most thankful for in my life are dotted around the UK or chilling (literally) in Canada. Therefore, I decided to spend the holiday weekend (Thursday-Monday) in Ottawa, Canada with Alex.

San Antonio airport stylises itself as an international airport, however, the amount of direct flights it has to other countries are limited and very expensive, therefore I knew that I would have at least one change of plane going to and from Ottawa. When I booked, it turned out I would have two changes on the way back and only one on the way there. However, when I arrived at the airport, my first plane was delayed for more than an hour and my connection time was only 50 minutes, which is usually plenty of time, unless of course you're delayed. Thankfully (optimum word of the moment), I was a found a new route to take: San Antonio - Houston - Toronto - Ottawa and I would arrive a couple of hours later than expected. It was very annoying however, I could take my plane to Houston immediately and was transferred free of charge so no huge complaints. 

My day had started at 3:45am as my plane was supposed to be at 7:16am and I had a 25 minute walk to the hotel where the shuttle bus would pick me up from. Why not get a taxi I hear you cry? Well, the taxi would have been around $10 more expensive, which is a lot of money at the moment as I am finding there is quite a large amount of term left and the end of my savings... Also, the housing I live in has very secure gates and unless the taxi company has been given the code to get in, we have to let them in but as I am only using my phone when connected to wifi here, I would have had to stand in the cold morning for ages to make sure I didn't miss the cab - not worth it. All this meant that I was rather tired, especially with the slight stress of changing planes, so I was really looking forward to a three hour nap between Houston and Toronto. However, I ended up sat next to a lovely Turkish lady who only knew around 5 words of English - no kidding. I managed to gather that she had been travelling around the Southern states and was now off to Toronto, she also has three children and a selfie of her and I on her phone - awesome! I am really glad that I managed to keep my patience even though I was tired and not fall into patronising her as I attempted to explain things, especially as the air hostesses clearly could not be bothered. 

When I finally made it to Ottawa, Alex was there to greet me and we went straight to his student house which was about 2 mins walk from the university, 5 mins from a pub that did an amazing breakfast and 7 mins from a Subway. I loved that you could walk around everywhere, something that I have really missed and craved for in San Antonio. It was also, only 12 mins walk from the pub/bar we ended up in that night, after I had taken a nap and been given presents, with most of the friends he has made. They were all incredibly welcoming and lovely to me the whole weekend. 

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As Alex only remembered once he'd got me my presents, I could not take food back to the States with me as I only carried hand luggage, this meant a big bar of Dairy Milk Fruit & Nut had to be eaten everyday - boss!

The next day we went for an amazing breakfast at the pub I mentioned earlier. It's called Father and Sons and HAS to be eaten at if you make it to Ottawa (which you should). For around $10 Canadian, I had a plate filled with bacon, home fries, sausage and toast, toast that I hasten to add that was not made with sweet American bread but darn tasty English like stuff with melted butter - delicious! Alex then had class but kindly, Clemence and Rachel, two of his housemates that are also studying abroad for a semester in Ottawa, took me to the mall not too far away. It was Black Friday, the maddest day of shopping with greatest sales of the year apparently, but this was a Canadian mall, Canadians have manners. Yes the place was busy and I got in everyone's way if they dared near Kat Von D's Sephora collection, but it was definitely not the anarchy American shoppers experience/avoid. Afterwards, Alex and I walked to Parliament, as Ottawa is the capital of Canada. 

It looks like Hogwarts!! And the flame at the front is an ever burning one, very symbolic as it sits in line with the Peace Tower (the clock tower). We wanted to climb the Peace Tower that day but unfortunately were too late, we were also too late for any remaining English tours of Parliament inside but we were just in time for the last French one. Now, Alex and I have not studied French in around 4/5 years, he has the slight advantage of having now lived in bilingual Ottawa for nearly 4 months but still French is neither of our strong points. However, the tour guide was lovely and spoke very clearly and not to quickly so we understood practically everything - yay! I was amazed at how many areas of the building we could wander around. Though of course there were guards and security about, I definitely felt a freedom to explore and learn there something I recommend other Parliaments pursuing, perhaps people would be more intrigued and interested by there governments if they could see them in action more freely. 

Afterwards we headed to the Market area where most of the shops, restaurants and bars are. We ate in the Auld Dubliner which did a fantastic stew and it almost poured a Guinness correctly! A guy sang and played guitar for about an hour, a mixture of Irish and Canadian folk songs, it made for a brilliant atmosphere. For dessert, we crossed the road to Sugar Mountain, a massive pic 'n' mix shop, I was in absolute heaven! I bought chocolate raisins and cola bottles galore and discovered chocolate covered gummy bears which HAVE to become a thing in the UK, they are delicious. 

The next day, Alex insisted on taking to try poutine at the best poutine place in Ottawa, Smoke's. It was soon tasty and incredibly filling. They haven't quite got the gravy down but the gravy, mozzarella lumps and bacon were top notch. We returned to Parliament to climb the Peace Tower but were told that unfortunately it had been closed early that day so instead we walked straight to the war museum. It was a pretty hefty walk, especially in the cold but it was worth it, the war museum has a fantastic collection that is laid out clearly and interestingly. 

I couldn't resist snapping this part of the exhibition because I'm a history nerd and well, scouse. On our way home, we went to the LCBO. It is basically a Costco for alcohol as alcohol selling is controlled by the Canadian government so is not sold in supermarkets as in the UK. 

I was amazed by the sizes of some of the bottles available and their really decent prices. After not being near alcohol really for 4 months due to American law, this was a big deal. That night, Alex's housemates joined us for dinner at the 3 Brewers. It is a really lovely restaurant that brews it's own, really tasty, beer on site. I was a little disappointed with the food, as the flatbread I ordered was sold to me as I kind of pizza but it did not really deliver nor did it fill me up but that was not to dampen my experience in the restaurant. 

We then headed back to the house where many more people joined us, two of whom I know from Keele and are also studying abroad in Ottawa. It was really great to have familiar faces in the midst of brand new ones though they all made me feel very welcome. One of my favourite nights of study abroad then followed, we went dancing until 2 in the morning! It was so much fun! I have always maintained that I don't alcohol to have fun but there is definitely something so relaxing about a couple of beers and Jack Daniels' and lemonades mixed in with a load of dancing and laughing that really chills me out, I love it! I also felt rather like a 

student. (See what I did there?)

The Sunday of my brilliant weekend was as busy as the other days. After trying out Subway's new rib sandwich, it's not that great to be honest, meatball marinara for the win! we finally managed to go up the Peace Tower and it was so worth it. The only other place to have as amazing views of the city is the top floor of one of University of Ottawa's buildings. The hodgepodge of architecture is a sight for sore eyes, I haven't seen another city like it and I've seen a fair few cities. The next sights we saw were at the Nature Museum, it interested me slightly less than that of the War Museum but it still had a great collection, particularly of dinosaurs. To commemorate our final evening, Alex treated me to a meal at Vittoria Trattoria in the Market area. It was a fairly swanky Italian but not so swanky I felt awkward not being in heels. On the way in, in fact, I was made to force my way past the Attorney General - the only Canadian without proper manners. The food more than made up for that though, the soup and pasta were homemade and phenomenal. 

The next morning was bittersweet. I am currently all over the place. I am swamped with exam work, I'm going to miss Texas, I hate that I have no more adventures until home time but I'm also incredibly excited to get home and see everyone and thing that I have been missing so much. The three flights back to Texas helped me get my emotions together and sort myself out a little, though watching Fault in our Stars may have definitely made me work out how to surreptitiously cry in public...

Much Ado About Everything

Raise your hand if you've been an awful blogger and not blogged in nearly a month...*sheepishly raises hand*. Many apologies but after the stressful fun of having my parents here, I was thrust into the madness of having two essays and two exams all on the same day, last Thursday so I was all over the place and panicking but now I can chill and chat.

Taking this much time also means I have to condense so much into one post you'll only get the good stuff no boring fillers!

The first 'good stuff' is my week the Daddy Mac and Mummy Mac as they're affectionately known in my phone book. I was so incredibly grateful that they made the big trip out here. I would definitely suggest to people who do something like studying abroad, try to get your parents to come out to where you are at in the middle of your time away because even if you don't realise it, it will be just what you need. Even though, as I mentioned in my New York blog, English people make me homesick, it's so worth it!! They even brought me Haribo star mix because America's silly and only does those gold bags of gummy bears. Also, having them here meant I could places and do things I probably wouldn't be able to otherwise. For example, we went all the way out to Houston to visit the Space Centre because dad's a massive kid about that sort of thing. His face literally lit up like a five year old's at Christmas as we wandered about the place, seeing all things space including the current astronaut practice centre and formerly used rockets. I personally, am utterly freaked out by space, it's just so expansive and scary, I can't get my head around it and quite frankly do not want to but I still adored it.

That's how you get a space shuttle from A to B across America - madness, right?!
We also had a long day out to the hill country surrounding San Antonio. On this trip we found ourselves in Fredericksburg which was first colonised by Germans, so has a large Germanic influence upon it unlike the Mexican influence on San Antonio. It was a classic looking cowboy town and I loved walking through it! We also got to nerd out at the WWII museum and saw an atomic bomb, never thought that would happen. On our way back we went to Luckenbach which has an official population of about three people. It consists of a shop, car park, bar, stage and dance hall, so the basics of life really! It was so quaint and there were old men bantering to each other in the bar in broad southern accents; I was weak at the knees the whole time.

Another day out that we had was to Austin, the capital of Texas. I really like Austin. You can tell that despite being the grand capital of Texas, home to all of the government buildings dating back to when Texas was a Republic, it is definitely the most liberal area. Down on 6th Street (the must visit area of Austin), there were bars, haunted houses, tattoo parlours, people with more than one colour in their hair! I flipping loved it.

My absolutely favourite activity was the daddy daughter bonding session at Nardis gun club. My dad is my favourite person on the planet, so sharing something that we wouldn't get to do at home and is so stereotypically Texan, it was a big deal for us both and we really enjoyed it.

(instagram.com/laufrancesmccann13)

It also helped that a practically got a bullseye and won! I'll treasure it all forever. Though not the bullet caps that I snuck out there as apparently, I'll never get them home on the plane...darn...

The rents left on the Friday after arriving the Sunday before, and I was rather sad to see them go. However, the Saturday evening kept me busy as my flatmates, Gabby, Hannah and I spent it downtown. We first stopped off at the Dia de Los Muertos festival and ate amazingly authentic Mexican food in a restaurant that ajoined the festival. Dia de Los Muertos, is a really fantastic (in my opinion) Mexican festivity. It celebrates the lives of those people who have past and really vibrantly combines death with appreciation of what has gone before. Afterwards, we wandered to the Indian festival that was also taking place. Unfortunately, I was too stuffed to check out the Indian food on offer (so I've put in an order for a takeaway as soon as I get home with mum and dad), but we all managed to take full advantage of the henna available.

Hanging out with my friends and my parents made for an absolutely great week and my friends and I have many more plans for fun before the end of the semester that I will be sure to catch you up with, hopefully more promptly too!

Also, you should all be aware that my ears have been loving Don Broco and Mallory Knox these past few weeks! Check them out if you haven't already :)

Ooohhh We're Halfway There...

ooh oh! Livin' on a prayer! (I couldn't resist, if you know me, you'll understand).

This is it, pretty much the halfway point of my big adventure. I cannot believe how quickly this whole thing has come around, honestly it is utter madness! I'm really proud of how I have coped and managed to do this and so grateful to all those who have helped me and stuck with me. All the bad bits are completely worth it for the amazing parts.

I'm going to split this post into two sections: home and Texas and have a reflective look on both.

Home
I miss it, I do, everyday but I don't want to be there, I want to be in Texas and am so happy that I am. I hate that I am away from friends, family, my cat! All of my comforts, English food, my bed, the ability to walk places and not have the pavement stop halfway through, my church, hugs, cheerleading, nights of dancing and laughing. But I can and am going back to all of that and have no plans to leave it for significant amount of time again! So why dwell on it all? That is all still ticking along just fine across the pond and I can hop right into it as soon as I am back.
So many of my friends and family have been absolutely incredible and making sure I know I'm not forgotten or left out as I mentioned, two blogs ago (http://laurameetsworld13.blogspot.com/2014/10/friends-faith-and-missing-freshers.html). Going to Keele from Liverpool began to show who was really there for me and who wanted to be there with me as we all grow, change and find ourselves while studying for a degree. Now, coming all this way to Texas I feel I have been completely shown. I know who is there and I love them all for being there still. I really admire the maturity of our relationships that each of can go off and do things anywhere, for any amount of time and yet we've still got each other's backs, we're still there. I am really proud of and so incredibly grateful for that.

(Slightly different context, but I could not deny myself the indulgence of a Harry Potter quote)

Texas

This part is called Texas, but I really could be calling it 'my home away from home' or something equally as corny that still represents my adoration for the UK while acknowledging my comfort in the Lone Star State, USofA. 

Everybody here, in one way or another has been so incredibly welcoming and an absolute gem at making me feel at home. I have an amazing church with Chi Alpha, my small group is full of really great girls who don't treat me any differently because I am newcomer. I couldn't have gone there without being taken by my flatmate Gabby, which brings me to how fantastic my flatmates are. We all have our things to get on and do but we still band together to decorate our door for Halloween, organising a cleaning schedule, chill and chat around the kitchen, usually ending in comparing English and Americanisms. I feel really looked after by them. 

My teachers have been fantastically understanding when I have struggled to get to grips with certain ways of the American system, they let me write in English English for my essays - yay! And they are never shy to pick on me in class to answer questions from an English perspective - much love to the Scottish referendum for aiding that. That has really helped my classmates talk to me though, as soon as it is made a 'thing' that I am English then want to chat about it and some of them have even heard of Doctor Who!
Yes, it's disappointing that the Ebola scare has not been handled, in my opinion, well enough to make me feel safe going to Dallas and spending the day on public transport but oh well! I'll have to save that trip for next because I will definitely be coming back. 

It's shocked me how quickly this halfway mark has come around and it kind of scares me that sometime will probably come around just as quickly even though I am looking forward to returning to my home, I will miss it here and I'm still urging to make the most of it. Thankfully, my parents are visiting next week so I will get a little combination of home and Texas to keep me going. I would recommend to anyone who does something like study abroad to do there best to have at least one visit or direct contact with someone from home, I can imagine it will help loads. I will let you know how it goes in my next blog post! 

Don't hesitate to ask me anything about my experience and I'll be sure to answer, it may even inspire a post. Till next time! 

New York, New York, It's A Helluva Town

Since coming back from NEW YORK I have been mad busy catching up on the work I missed but now, this fine Friday afternoon, I finally have time to write all about it. Be warned, this could be a very long post full of photos, to combat this I'm going to try and write it as a bit of a list but we shall see how that goes...

Day 1
I legged it out of my history class to meet a really kind soul who'd offered to take me to the airport for $10, saving me paying $45 for a taxi! However, I realised I'd brought my passport cover and not my passport...classic Laura. Luckily we had enough time to nip back to my flat to get my passport and get to the airport with plenty of time. I had two flights to take and was surprised at how light the security was and that there was no security in between the two flights. As I had printed off my boarding passes at uni, I didn't need to show anyone any ID let alone my visa, I feel this maybe different when I go to Canada for Thanksgiving though. After about 8 hours of travelling I made it to the big apple where I eventually found my Alex and our adventure began! We checked in to our hotel, Club Quarters, Midtown which we booked through Hotels.com.

Day 2
Hotels.com gave us 20% off a three day package with the city sightseeing company, the same one I used for New Orleans. Our package included, unlimited hopping on and hopping off the buses on both the uptown and downtown route as well as tickets to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, which we did and to the museum of New York and a cruise of the bays around Manhattan which we did not have time to do. We also got money off for tasty meals at Planet Hollywood and a family style Italian.
We decided to take both the uptown and downtown tours this day so we could then have a general idea of New York and also work out where the tours go so we knew how to get to places we wanted to visit. That night we had dinner in Planet Hollywood, right underneath a Batmobile/plane!! The food wasn't amazing to be honest but good for what we needed. Then we strolled Times Square and found the massive Toys R Us with a ferris wheel inside and Cadburys chocolate!!! I'm sorry America, but Hershey's is crap in comparison.

 

Day 3
The next day we went to Wall Street. There we saw the bull, apparently it is the 'most sexually abused' statue in the world. People are weird. We then went on the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry. To be honest, the views from the boat are absolutely magnificent that I really don't think the cruise would have been worth it in comparison so I have no regrets at all about not doing it. The Statue of Liberty was pretty special. It felt surreal seeing it and no point did it register for me that she was actually there in front of me. Ellis Island, as I expected, was a bit emotional and my imagination managed to creep me out. I had studied the immigration to America in detail in history so I knew what Ellis Island meant to people. Walking around the corridors, seeing the conditions people had to stay there in while they awaited clearing, learning that 2% were sent back to their original countries, probably to their deaths, it was a big deal. It felt to me like a very spirit filled place and Alex and I appreciated seeing out surnames in the list of people who landed there.
For dinner we went to the Hard Rock Cafe. I really enjoy them but Alex is borderline obsessed, the nachos are incredible though as is all of the memorabilia so it is totally worth a visit. Our walk home found us Grand Central Station which is naught but absolutely stunning, a must see for sure.

Day 4
Our day began with us being made to feel incredibly old after a delicious breakfast of bagel and cake. We went to the Nintendo shop by the Rockefeller centre only to find that in it's mini museum were all of the gameboys we used to own. Not amusing. Afterwards though, we stumbled across a k-pop mini festival thing which was uber bubbly and fun.
Alex went to New York with his parents for a few days in the summer and one of the things they couldn't get into was the Intrepid ship exhibition as it was closed. So we made the extra effort to go this time and it was incredibly interesting!! Alex and I are both history nerds but his speciality I would say is the military aspects, particularly weaponry which meant here he was in his element. However, even though I prefer the people of history and stories, I really loved it too.
On the walk home, we found McGee's pub which is what McLaren's pub in How I Met Your Mother is based off, it's fab! However, we did not eat there but instead we got pizza at the place where they filmed Sharknado 2. Afterwards, Central Park beckoned and it was beautiful.
That evening, we had a really tasty dinner in Ruby Tuesdays before going up the Empire State Building at around midnight to enjoy phenomenal views of New York at night. I was completely and utterly blown away.

Day 5
Our final full day as we both flew out stupidly early the next morning began with breakfast at Tiffany's! No there is no cafe at Tiffany's so we did what Audrey does in the film and bought delicious doughnuts then ate them outside the building. I felt so sophisticated. Getting there was a bit bothersome as loads of roads were limited access due to the Columbus Day parade but we got to see the parade! Afterwards, we went to two whole lego shops!! I had ball walking around with my mouth wide open and a weeping debit card.
Afterwards we went to Times Square to buy on the day discounted Broadway tickets - the best and only way to buy tickets if you ask me. For $90 (£60ish) we got centre seats, 4 rows up from the front of the mezzanine to watch the fabulous production of Rock of Ages. It was amazing! So much fun! And a lot naughtier than the film. Before the show started we had a delicious Italian that our bus tickets had given us money off and had had a quick nose around Macy's. We didn't have time to check this out, but if you are not American, take your passport to customer services and you will get an extra discount on all goods. After the show, we had time to go ice skating at the bottom of the Rockefeller Centre. It was absolutely magical and a bit of a dream come true for me.

Congratulations on making it to the end of this post! In all, I had a fantastic time in New York, it was just the break I needed. As a city, it is definitely American but has so many British influences in parts that I even got a bit homesick at one point. I'm determined to go back, see more museums, venture out to Staten Island, Brooklyn and New Jersey and go to the top of the Rockefeller centre as well as shop some more and ice skate in Central Park. That's the brilliant thing about New York, there's so much to do you leave having had your fill but there are still a million reasons to go back.

Friends, Faith and Missing Freshers

Off to New York next week to see Alex (yay!!!) so I am trying to do about 3 weeks worth of reading/tests/assignments in 1 and a half which is why I haven't blogged in a while. It is worth it but it is stressful and time consuming.

This quick post really is just a massive 'shout out' because obviously 250 blog views (very grateful for them) means I am now eligible to do 'shout out's...not. However, I don't care, my wonderful friends deserve it!

To the ones back home, whether you are enjoying Freshers without me, the token scouser, or you're fellow scousers and have been enjoying your own Freshers or life without me, it's nice to know that you all still care! Honestly, the internet has been a God send. What's App, Viber, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Skype have kept me ticking over and have prevented any major breakdown of 'why don't people like me? Have I been forgotten?' Social media often receives such an awful name and it can sometimes be deserved, but right now I have nothing but praise for it. The little texts of genuinely asking how I am, or even the mad vents from my friends that I would normally get at home have done perfectly at keeping me happy and connected. I could never forget them and I do miss them all terribly so it's fantastically overwhelming and appreciated that they too are making an effort with me. Thank you!!

(my phone's background)

To the new ones I have found in Texas, thank you for being there for me! One of my flatmates has been taking me to her church group, Chi Alpha. There are main services on a Thursday evening and we have small group meeting at the beginning of the week. Including our leader, there are 8 girls in this small group and I really feel so grateful to them for letting me in and not holding back when it comes to friendship and fellowship. I'm truly finding out that beyond all the 'politics' of, faith shares with maths the beauty of being the same around the world; ultimately, everyone of faith believes in an incredible God that made them and adores them and He is the best of friends one could ever hope to know.

That's me signing off until I fill you in on New York! And I sign off with a very content smile :) (slight apology for the cheesiness...)

New Orleans; Home of my Artistic Heart

Guess who went to New Orleans all by herself and didn't die?!

This girl!!

And she absolutely flippin' loved it.

I knew I wanted to go to New Orleans (Nawlins to us locals ;)) when I came out here but the actual booking and organising of it was a bit impromptu. I was embarking upon the toughest week, work-wise I've had since I got here. It hasn't lessened but I'm more used to it now, last week was an overwhelming shock and I wanted/needed a break, so what better way than an adventure?

I booked to spend 12 hours on the Greyhound bus on Friday night, spend 10 hours on and off the City Sightseeing buses of New Orleans on Saturday and then spend 12 hours on the Greyhound bus on Saturday night all for less that $150 - bargain!

I was very excited to go but of course was nervous and the panics of my parents did not really help that, but I think calming them down, calmed me down too so I could just focus on the positive. The bus journeys were incredibly long, but I managed to sleep and the only issue was one crabby lady who decided to mouth off and swear at 3am but I'm pretty sure she got arrested when we got there, so it's all good. They also took me through places such as Houston where I'm hoping to go back to and Baton Rouge, which I have no interest of visiting I just wanted a picture of the sign because of the Janis Joplin lyric 'busted flat in Baton Rouge'...

 

When I got there at 7am, I was a little sleepy, excited, nervous and completely bewildered. Now, I haven't been anywhere in America except San Antonio, unless you want to count Philadelphia airport but immediately I just knew that New Orleans was different. The station for one is covered in beautiful, eccentric art and I soon found that this was just a small representation of the whole city.

I got breakfast at the Subway and then had an hour and a half to find where I would catch my City Sightseeing Bus. These buses are all over the world, from what I've seen and can tell and I cannot recommend them more! Already booked one for when Alex and I meet in New York. For a really reasonable price, especially if you can get a discount code which we did through booking through hotels.com, you can hop on and hop off all day and often get discounts for attractions, if not get into them completely free.

The first street I walked down and felt most comfortable and less on edge was the one that housed the House of Blues. From an early age, thanks to School of Rock and Freaky Friday I have known the House of Blues is a big music deal and I was disappointed it was closed.

Not too long after I found this, and the meandering of more amazing streets of culture, I got on the bus and hopped on and off.

I nerded out at the WWII museum,

gawped at the World of Mardi Gras,

felt like I could be Cinderella,

found my new summer home,

saw the tomb they do acid off in Easy Rider and Nicholas Cage's preemptive one,

hustled and bustled with people in the street,

and received some love from the merchandise,

along with so much more!

In all, I had a fabulous day and I am really proud of doing it all by myself. As a city it is the perfect blend of French, American, uniqueness and art. New Orleans, I will be back; lovely readers, you will go there!

Maladie du pays

Maladie du pays aka, sick for one's homeland, homesickness.

Last weekend, was Labour Day weekend here in America. It is basically, a day to remember a unionist march that took place in New York on 1st September, or something like that. It was nice that we got a day off but I found no other celebration to really participate in. As it is anyway, many students seem to go home at the weekend here and campus pretty much shuts down, so if anything I would have much rather been in class.

Class. Stress. Reading.
With the constant assessment style of American learning, you cannot afford to skip the odd reading or what have you as it is highly likely you will something required for a test. I was perfectly happy with this, as I have alluded to before the social life here is a lot quieter than back at Keele, my interactions with other people are class, gym classes and Chi Alpha (Christian organisation), so I have plenty have time to work but my books have not arrived as they should. That has meant that this week I am forced to cram three weeks of reading into one, absolute miserable nightmare. However, I am getting through and have booked myself a solo trip to New Orleans this weekend to make up for it!

I have found that this week my homesickness is coming through a little perhaps. I have noticed that I feel anything negative at all, stress, tiredness, hunger, it is sprinkled with sadness as opposed to being the individual emotion I just deal with. I am definitely coping though and being a little homesick is just making me feel so lucky that I have such great things, places and people to miss so much. It's all good, ultimately I would much rather be doing this than not, I am having a fantastic experience.

Hectic Happiness

Madness, parties, start of class, more school pride, loving life.
So much has happened since I last blogged, I'll probably forget to mention half of it/this will be a super long post...apologies!

From two Fridays ago until last Friday, UTSA ran something called 'Roadrunner Days' (our mascot is Rowdy the Roadrunner). This has meant there have been lots of different activities going on all week to induct and welcome back students to the university.

One of the events was the lighting of the UTSA sign, the first year they've done it but President Romo would like to continue it as a tradition. It was nice to be part of something new and I found all the 'school spirit' that bit less overwhelming, good practice for when I go to our first home American football game of the season next week. The season actually started last Friday and we beat the University of Houston, at their brand new stadium 27-7! GO 'RUNNERS!

I also started my classes this week. School pride, even followed me there, at the end of each syllabus there was the Roadrunner creed, because it had to be. Very new to me. American pride was also not far behind. One of my classes is 'Intro to Global Analysis', basically International Relations and even in the very first introductory class, I found myself biting my tongue so as not to massively offend people... I think I'm going to have to express my beliefs in class, carefully but remember to like America and it's policies loads when it comes to writing papers. I am also taking 'Texas History' which will be a lot of I heart Texas, America's great, 'Europe in the 19th Century' so I will get to find out what the Americans really make of us and 'Managing Criminal Justice Organisations' which just does what it says on the tin really. Being English has really helped when introducing myself to the lecturers as I can ask them am I allowed to write in 'English english' (I can, yay!) and they should remember me.

Being remembered and making yourself known, is massively important here. There is so much constant assessment in terms of quizzes and papers but also attendance and participation counts for so much of your grade. If a tutor doesn't think you have performed well enough in class or shown up enough, you can lose a whole letter grade. In 'Texas History' in fact, if I get an A in attendance and participation then I can skip the end of term exam and be given 100% for it. Major. It's going to be a lot of work but I am ready for it and looking forward to the challenge.

This week I also experienced my first social events with Chi Alpha, a Christian group on campus that a flatmate of mine has introduced me too.We had a huge water balloon fight with about 300 people, it was so much fun and then we had loads of fun at the 'Dance of the Ages' party. I want as 90s. The party was the girls only; I don't think I have ever been to a girls only dance and I certainly haven't been to a sober one in a while, but I really enjoyed myself, just letting my hair down for a few hours.

(instagram.com/laufrancesmccann13)

Even though I have had such a good time starting to make new friends and getting to know my flatmates, I really am so appreciative of the internet for letting keep in contact with my good friends back home and those studying abroad and my family. I am also really grateful to them for wanting to keep in touch with me!Much love. Till next time. 

School Pride; Everything's Bigger in Texas

Coming from England to America I knew that there was going to be a 'peppiness' that I was going to have to get used to. In England there is pride, namely around sports but in general we're a reserved people that don't like to shout about ourselves too loudly, the Americans are the complete opposite.

On Wednesday, everyone on campus (to be fair at that point there wasn't too many) it seemed, turned out to watch the university's President Romo, undertake the ice bucket challenge courtesy of 2013's Mr and Mrs UTSA. - Check it out on YouTube. That was my first, minute taste.

Then on Friday, which was the first official day of the big move in weekend, I and quite a few more people, students, families and staff alike were introduced to the marching band and cheerleaders and it was awesome!!!!!!!! I'm a cheerleader at Keele and nowhere near the level of the UTSA team but I did miss my pom poms a bit. What I missed most though was my flute, marching band made it look cool to play and it was awesome. I'm not afraid to admit that the singing of the alma mater and the fight song may have given me some goosebumps...

Yesterday evening (Saturday), the university put on a huge night in the (highly impressive) gym with bouncy castles, games and pizza galore. Unfortunately, I had to enjoy from afar for 15 mins as before I got there my flatmate had decided to leave and I couldn't find a fellow lost sheep to befriend. Oh well, very disappointed but tomorrow's a new day and hopefully my new flatmates will be up for going to things or I at least will have that bit more confidence to say hi to people whether they be alone or in a group, we shall see and I of course shall keep you all updated.

Onward and Upward

Today has been my most favourite day yet!

San Antonio is known as the Alamo city as it is home to a mission that became a fort when the Mexicans invaded and the Texans tried to kick them out. One of the main 'heroes' was Davy Crockett and as Alex's surname is Crockett and I'm a history nerd, I have been so looking forward to getting to go and visit this place.

It is situated in Downtown San Antonio, so I had to get the bus there. Word of advice, Google maps have no clue, I got on the bus and checked with the driver my full schedule and he told me a quicker and more efficient way to get from a to b. It took about 40 mins on an air conditioned, wifi-ed (awesome) bus and we were in Downtown in and I was happy and in love. YOU CAN WALK AROUND! After, trying to get a McDonalds one night out here on campus and losing the path half way so having to walk along the side of a busy highway, a series of consistent paths going everywhere I wanted was a delight to see and made me feel at home.

The first thing I saw that made me smile was a 'Five and Dime' so I immediately began singing Summer of '69 to myself, as I walked down the road and had the Alamo surprise me. It's at the end of a busy shopping street, set back and hidden by trees so you can literally stumble across it.

Inside, it isn't that big but very emphatic. The mission (the smaller building) is now a Shrine and photos cannot be taken inside. It is very broken down in terms of the walls but the stain glass is still in place, something I loved, the representations of faith and the Bible still last even when the other bits start to fall. Also inside, was a flag from most American states along with one from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales which touched this Brit a little. 

Everywhere around the place is 'Crockett' this and 'Crockett' that. I can't wait to take Alex and see how many discounts we manage every time we mention his surname. 

I also checked out the local shops. They varied from gimmick stores to a mall that extends along part of the Riverwalk that goes along the edge of the Downtown area.

 <<Only in Texas. Awesome.

My final stop of the day was the Alamodome (though due to a local competition it was nearly called Dome On The Range - would have been brilliant). This is where all of the UTSA American football games are held and it is also used by professional teams for their games and concerts happen here too. Though, I shall not be rushing to see One Direction, despite it being advertised in such a 'convincing' manner. 

Now I am back at the flat and am the most happy and content I have been since I got here. I think it also helps that I officially have a flatmate and a mate, Tori, yay! As I have already mentioned (Greetings From the Lone Star State) it was really bothering me not really having anyone around to talk to but now I do!! :D She's a freshman and absolutely lovely. We've been here and there together but have also had our own things going on which has been absolutely perfect and gelled really well. We think another flatmate is moving in on Sunday as this weekend is the final and main move in weekend so if we have a fourth flatmate, then she should be arriving this weekend too, very exciting!! 

Greetings from the Lone Star State!

I have landed and I have moved into my campus apartment so I'm almost settled, certainly settled enough to now be blogging about it.

Firstly, just as I hope you've noticed is a theme of my blog, I am going to be honest. I don't see the point of dressing things up, here are the facts plain and simple, I am not going to tell you this has been easy and I've constantly smiled because I haven't. At the same time, this is not my sob story; I'm not a baby.

After 23 hours of travelling on Monday, I fell asleep crying. I had spent that day in 3 different time zones, I was alone, exhausted and quite frankly fed up. I spoke to the rents and Alex which helped loads but really I just needed sleep. I snuggled up and awoke feeling a lot more positive and ready to face the day ahead. I wandered onto campus and was glad that even though UTSA is 3 times the size of Keele (Keele has 10,000 students, UTSA has 30,000 and is small in America!!) the campus is pretty easy to navigate. I went to bed so much happier that night, aided by my back home support and loads of American reality TV (guilty pleasure, don't judge).

Wednesday and Thursday were international orientation days. They were great to get more hyped about the University but unfortunately, apart from the people I ate lunch with on Thursday who were lovely, I haven't managed to integrate properly with them all and make actual friends. Most of them, yes speak English but it's their second or third language. Props to them by all means, my French and German is very conversational so there is no way I could study at degree level in those languages, but unfortunately, it's difficult to connect with someone when you have to constantly repeat/rephrase what you're saying. I have noticed how my accent has lightened and I have started to speak slower already, though to be honest that will help as much in England as it will here (scouse and proud!!).

Thursday was another difficult night. I moved into my university accommodation at University Oaks. I am living in an all girl, 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom (I haven't shared a bathroom in about 8 years, help! I've grown accustomed to 1 hour baths) apartment on the second of 2 floors. It's really rather nice to be honest, no better or worse than at Keele, if anything the living spaces are a little bigger. So far, only I am here. One of the girls has moved her stuff in but she is yet to appear. Realising this after another long and busy day, when I've been feeling really lonely was not at all ideal, but hey ho, a little cry, rant to Alex, chat to the rents and a good night's sleep I was all good this morning.

This morning I sorted my last few bits and then made a trip to Target. It was a nightmare hour's walk in 30 odd degree heat but my room is now fully kitted out and my pictures are up and making the place so much more homely. I also bought a Brita filter water bottle as American tap water tastes like warm English tap water with an added dash of chlorine - bleurgh! and buying a water bottle everyday isn't that practical.

(instagram.com/laufrancesmccann13)

Hopefully tonight's sleep won't come after tears! Having my room like this is helping so much already. I'm also being sensible about this. At no point have I said 'I hate it here, I don't want to be here! Take me home!' Because that would be stupid. Yes, this is an incredibly difficult and there are certain situations I think could be helped by better planning on the part of the University but hey ho, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. I am literally just waiting on making friends, everything else is great. Classes start on 27th so my flatmates have to be moved in by then, and then it'll be term time and I'll be in lectures making friends. This won't be easy but it'll be damn worth it. 

Also, mini 'shoutout' to the weather here in Texas and to one of the greatest comedians to ever live. It is so unfair that he could make so many happy but not himself. Depression is an illness and suicide can be a consequence of it. R.I.P. Robin Williams. 

Goodnight Vietnam. 

Texas Time!!

I'm going on an adventure!!

This is IT. The day has arrived, my journey to Texas is about to begin. 

I have had an absolute nightmare of packing, seriously. My suitcase and hand luggage are at their absolute limits but I'll only have 3 pairs of shoes with me and no heels or trainers - massive issues! Just means I'll have to have a mini shopping spree even earlier I guess, yay!

I have also had a bit of a money nightmare. I initially ordered a UKASH card but unfortunately, it could not arrive on time (they are sooooooooo busy this time of year) so I have ordered a Travelex card to pick up at the airport. They are only supposed to take 4 hours to make so having ordered it on Saturday, there is no reason it should not be ready to collect pre-flight. 

My journey is going to last 11 hours altogether. First, I'm on an 11am plane from Manchester and I'm...

'Going to Pilllyyy!!' (to be said a la How I Met Your Mother). I'll be waiting there for 2 hours before hopping on a plane for San Antonio!! There I will be staying at a StayBridge Suite hotel for 3 nights until I can move in to my University accommodation. 

I'll write back once I'm settled and tell you how it goes, until then lets just pray US Airways look after me (I've never been to the States never mind on a connecting flight before!)