Day 5 and 6: Traveled to Norway!

For the last several weeks I had made a new friend in Norway. I had the opportunity to go visit this friend. I brought a Ticket to Oslo, Norway. This part of my journey began on Saturday at 4 am. I traveled by tube to the airport with another person in my group who was going to Dublin. I boarded the plane with some nervousness and excitement.  The plane landed, and I went through customs and got another stamp in my passport! I saw my friend we both greeted each other.

We both got to the car and we got some food. After lunch my friend took me to see Oslo! Norway was breathtaking! I got to see where the ships come in. We went to this park that was full of statues that was done by one person. Beautiful artwork of people telling different stories. After the park we went to see the royalties castle. Learned a little bit of Norwegian as well in the process. I also got to know my friend in person rather than chat or video like we have been doing for last several. We ended the day with pizza and movie.

Day 6: Sunday

Today was wonderful  day of rest for me. I was able to go to church with my friend. It was an amazing experience to go to church in a different county and language. Sacrament meeting was first. My friend did his best at trying to interpret for me, but I was happy without the translation. Even though I could not understand I could feel the spirit very strongly. The first speaker though spoke English! I was able to understand the first talk. She was the mission president wife from Salt Lake, Utah. She spoke about heeding the spirit voice and then acting on it. If we don’t act on it then we sometimes lose the blessings or opportunities that Heavenly Father has put in our way. When it came to sing the intermediate Hymn my heart leap for joy when I recognized the tune and the song “I am a Child of God”. I of course sang it in English but hearing the song in another language just does something to my soul. At that moment I had the spirit whisper a reminder  that I am His child! After church I had to pack and leave for the Airport. Even though it was a short trip it was one that I will always remember.

I am now going to switch topics, it will not be related to the trip to London or Norway.  Its about May 11th. This day is a special day for me. It important year mark that reminds me that I accomplished something greater than grad school, or even just this trip alone. I never really talk about this topic before. For 10 plus years I have struggled with an addiction. This addiction created a lot turmoil in my life and my parents. This addiction essentially made me feel like I was two different person. Last year May 2017, Heavenly Father decided it was time for me to change. Things happened that made me realize the dangers that I was putting myself in. I began to work even harder to change my poor behaviors. I began to work harder with therapy and my bishop. During this time, I had put in an application for Grad school at Arizona State University. When I got accepted I almost decided not to go. However, the Lord made a huge impression on my mind that I needed to go and I needed go NOW and not put it off until spring. Since then my life has been changing. It like the Lord knew the only way I needed to change was to get out of an environment that was not healthy for me.

So May 11^th will always be a new special day of remembering how far I have come from not giving into my addictions. I have learned new things to apply to my life. Going to Norway and was able to  sing that song has touch my heart in so many ways. I am happier than I have ever been. I have had up and downs in the past year but those up and down gave me experience for new things to create a better environment. This move has helped me have a better understanding of who I am and who I want to become.

The final point that I want to express is to my Mom. Today is Mother Day. Happy Mother day Mom! Thank you for being by my side in whatever trials or things I was going though. You have been my rock and my foundation in helping me figure out who I am. You have been my number one fan in making this journey happen. You have been my strength and my beacon. Thank you MOM and I love you!

Tomorrow will be a day at King's College and Student Central in London. In the evening I will be going to a play. Looking forward to it!

Norwegian Castle

Me at the park 

Some sculpture Oslo, Norway

Oslo, Norway

Day 4: First day of class in London

Sorry for the late post. I know today is day 5 but I am having way too much fun in London! I will try my best in remembering everything that has happened yesterday.

My roommate woke me up at 7:30 am to get ready for the day. I had a short simple breakfast, mango, rasberries and blueberries with a english muffin. It was quite good. We had to meet with the ACCENT group at 10 am outside our flat. We then had to walk about 1 block  to get where our classroom is. Class is in the Hogarth room.

I arrived to class and finally met my two interpreters! They are both from the states. One interpreter actually been living here in London and works at a private interpeting company in London. The other one is from Washington DC. I am learning some new signs. A mixture of British Sigh Language (BSL) and the Universal Sign Language. I bet the first question is coming to mind is what is the difference between the two. Well as you know each country has their own language. BSL is very different from ASL (American Sign Language). The Universal sign Language is a series of signs that were created to hep with the Deaf Olpmics or when there are several deaf together from different counties. It has been fun learning new signs and being exposed to different languages.

After meeting my interpreters it was time for class to begin! We had a guess speaker, Joy Elliott-Bowman, who is the Policy and Public Affairs Manager For Independent Higher Education in the United Kingdom. She cover over so many topic and was speaking so fast that I could not keep up with the interpreters and write at the same time. I will mention a few things that she talked about and compare it with the Untied States higher Education stystem.

1. Student loans

           In England there was free tuition for all students that decides to continue their education at a university. However, UK realized that it is not possible to proved free education since the number of students entering the University. Because of this they decided to start charging students. This began in 1992. The rate was 850 pounds. Over the past several years that rate has gone up. Higher Education finally put a cap on it that can not be change it is now 9000 pounds. With the increase of tuition UK wanted to allow everyone to come so therefore the student loan was created. England is having the same problem as the US students are not paying their loan and therefore its creating a default and causing a debt problem. The biggest difference in student loans is that England is actually making movement in fixing the problem. Were as in the US student loans is not a big issue even though its about to surpass the housing market loans.

     So what the UK solution. First of all they put a cap on the rising tuition and therefore it can't change.  The Second thing is that they have determine if a person make 28,000 pounds a year they are aware that student will never pay off a their loan. So they created a forgiveness plan for them. For those who  make more than that they automatically take a percentage out of their income. After 10 years that loan can be forgiven even if its no payed completely off. The concept that I like is having a percentage be taking out of a paycheck each time is a great idea.

      2. How universities are graded

           In the US universities are graded by students enrollment rather by success in my opinion. When student go "shopping" for school they usually look at recreation center, club that are there, and other things that are not strictly related to education. Where as in the UK according to Joy and to some of the students we met most universities in the UK are more focus on quality of education rather than quantity. The example she gave was if a student studied to be a art teacher when they graduate they get a job working as an insurance person the school counts that as a failure on the school part. They feel that if the student cannot get job in the field of study they expressed that the students are not getting their money worth in other word quality of education.

      The other thing that stood out is that student in the UK it only takes three years to finish there undergrad. The reason why is so simple they do not have to take general classes like we have to in the US. I think if the US higher education got rid of general ed classes several things will happen at once, tuition would go down, students would more like graduate and not change majors. students will be able to focus on goals quicker and not be burden with classes that will not benefit them. For example a student majoring in social studies program, biology and advance math is not going to apply to their program and therefore students are putting in money into classes that are needed. 

Those were just some of the things that was talked about. After class was over we had a short break for lunch. We the girls ate lunch at a park. There was gate into this park but we didn't read the sign carefully as we went in after another person went in. The sign said " this park is only for this particular resident that have a key, please close the gate completely behind you." We all read it but we thought we would be able to get out. We learned that lesson the hard way! 

After lunch we had to go back to the ACCENT classroom and have a class discussion. It was very intellectual. It was good short class. We were all dismissed a little early so we can get ready to have afternoon tea with some students that are taking classes at the universities. Tea was taking place at the British museum. I had a peppermint herbal tea and scones. It was like the cutest little things. I really didn't hear much from the students because we were in a public place and the interpreters could not hear. So I just enjoyed getting to know my interpreters. 

After tea we went back to our flat to prepare for a fun night in the city. Two of the students left to go

visit another country so we were short in numbers. We decided to have dinner at place in Leicester Square. That is an interesting part of town at night. I would not recommend going to that part town by yourself at night. All kinds of people come out. Weird things to see as you walk past the stores. We arrived to dinner a small Italian place. Everyone ordered drink excepted for me. I was quickly hounded for questions in the end they all respected me for not drinking. In fact one guy said "good that you do not drink it becomes a habit and sometimes its not a good habit." They all ordered shots and when they raised their glass I raise my water it was awesome! After dinner they all expressed they wanted to go gambling and do a few other things that I had no desire to do. So a person walked me back to my flat. I was so tired that I went to sleep instead of working on my blog.

The British Museum

The awesome class

Dinner

China town in London

Leicester Sq.

Day 3: Meeting the up with the Crew!

Today was an easy day. I didn't sleep much last night so I decided to have an easy day. I checked out of the nice fancy hotel that I was staying at for 2 days to go to central London. To kind of give you a bigger picture of what I have. I have one large suitcase for my clothes, my school bag which has my laptop and school stuff, and finally my camera bag. As I was checking out, I asked the receptionist what the best way to get to 19 Bedford place. They said the tube. So I gather all of my things and made the trip to the tube got my ticket. I had to carry my suitcase down the stairs. Thankfully, there are gentlemen in the world and helped me get it down the stairs. This time I made sure I got off at the right stop. I got off and had to carry my suitcase up some stairs. I thought I had one more flight of stairs instead they had a lift (elevator)!!!! I was so excited. Came out of the station and I immediately realized this was college town. There are a lot of colleges in the area so naturally the streets are crowed. I have included a map. Where it is circled is my walking distance. It really was not that bad, but when you have tons of stuff it seems like it was a long distance.

The awesome map!

Once I arrived at Bedford Place I had to find ACCENT office to check in. The  ACCENT is the study abroad program that ASU is connected to. They had told me that the dormitories that the females are staying is not ready and should come back at 1200. So I went exploring central London. Found several gift shops and little market stores. I also found some clothing stores (this can totally be fun).  After a brief exploring I went to a park near by and sat on a bench and proceeded to ready the Chronicles of Narnia. Such a fitting book for London! A little after 1200 I went back and they said they are ready. I was the first to arrive from my group. About an hour later the other girls showed up. It a nice dormitories for us quite a lot of space.

The Kitchen

Living Room

The backyard

The eating/ study area

The stairs down to the rooms

One of the smaller bedroom

One of the three loos 

My room

Soon after everyone arrived they added me to "WhatApp" so I can be part of the London group text. We all went to get a bite to eat before we had to meet up with ACCENT to have a "tour". Basically to tell us where things are at and the rules. I really didn't hear much because for some odd reasons my interpreters did not show up. I hope they will be there tomorrow. Anyhow after the tour we did a little shopping for breakfast, and other essential things that were need. Afterward we all came back. We did a tour of the male dormitories. I must say the ladies lucked out because our place is much nicer than theirs! Shortly after that everyone decided they needed to get drunk tonight so I am in my room enjoying some quiet time with chocolates!

Here is the schedule of what will be happening the rest of the week, looking forward to it! 

That is all for now. Tomorrow school starts at 10 am!

 

Day Two of London!

Today was a busy day for me! Today I woke up and I was sick. I don't know if it was from the long flight or what but I took some time sleeping in. I finally got myself out of bed and was out the door by 1400. Yes i am learning military time because that is what used here. I decided to attempt in taking the tube (subway) today. I didn't pay attention as to what stop I was suppose to get off at. That was a fun experience.

I get off the tube and had to walk through Green Pak which was just as amazing as the garden that I walked through yesterday. Tomorrow morning I think I will go to the Garden parks and just sit and relax while reading a book that I brought to read on the plane. After walking through the garden I saw Buckingham Palace. There was a huge crowd. I arrived just in time to watch the changing of the guards. That was cool!

After I went to the Palace I started walking down the road to Westminster Abby. I had to go though another garden/park. As I was walking I could hear drums. I decided to go check it out. It was at he Imperial War museum. There was a rehearsal for the Household Divison's Beating Retreat at Horse Guard Parade. I was amazing to watch how they stay in step. I got to listen to the bagpipes play. Listening to bagpipes never get old. After that I continue to walk though the Buckingham garden on my way to Westminster Abby. I stopped along the way to There was this Pond with this cute little house. This cute little house watches the birds. I saw pelicans, ducks, and some other amazing birds (of course I have pictures of them). While I was taking picture of a bird I was not paying attention of what was going on around me. After I was done I turn my head and I see a squirrel sitting on my shoulder. He just sat that. I didn't want to make any sudden movements, therefor I did not get a selfie with the squirrel. However, some person gave me some sunflower seed and it just crawled down my arm took some and off he jumped. He just wanted some food. I did get a picture of the squirrel on the fence! After that I continue my journey to the Abbey.

I finally arrive and of course there is a crowd of people. This magnificent building is beautiful. I have been watching the Netflix show The Crown. Knowing the history behind the Abbey is just so rich. I did not make it in time to do a tour inside of it. But seeing the outside was just as good. Next I wandered over to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. The sad thing is that Big Ben and part of that building is under construction. Right behind Big Ben is London eye. It this big ferris wheel. I cross the Westminster Bridge and I stopped right in the middle to take a picture of the boats going out on the River Thames. After that I went to the Florence Nightingale museum. It starting to get late so I start to head back. Then I see the Churchill War Room tour I decided to go to it.

Before I go talk about the war room I need to mention what I saw while walking past the Houses of Parliament. I saw several people out protesting against the Brexit. What is Brexit? First of all the word means "British exit". It relates to the idea of United Kingdom to leave the European Union. I had to study this as part of my program and how it will affect higher education if it were to happen.

Now back to the War Room....

The Churchill War Room was AMAZING! Several months ago I got to watch The Darkest Hour now after I got to see where it all happened was a humbling experience. World War II was a harsh war and Churchill was a man who stepped up to recognized that England would be next if he didn't go to War. Seeing the Map room where it all happened was just chilling and amazing at the same time.

After I visited the war room I walked back to the Abbey to get a better picture without the bright sun. I saw this huge line of people waiting to get in for a service. They were all dress so nicely and in hats. Some of the cutest hats! I decided to walk back toward Buckingham Palace to get another picture without the bright sun as well. Instead of walking back towards the tube station I decided to walk through Hyde park and go through Kensington Garden. By this time cyclist and runners are out in the park. If i was to live here I would be biking everyday in the summer because its so easy here in London. They actually have bike lanes, parks and etc just for these types of activities. Walking through the park I saw a practice of rugby, cricket and football. It was fun to just sit and watch. It took me 40 minuets just to walk back to my hotel. My feet hurts!

I went to have dinner at a local Pub and had fish and chips. It was delicious. By the time I was walking back to my hotel the streets lights were coming alive and seeing the city be alive in the dark was fun.

I think I have fallen in love with London! Tomorrow I start my journey to meed with my class and my learning begins!! So excited

The Map Room
" Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousands years men will still say " This was their finest hour." ~Winston Churchill~

Big Ben

The Square

Buckingham Palace

Westminster Abbey

The friendly Squirrel

Buckingham Palace from another angle

The Guard Museum

First Day of London!

I finally accomplish something off my bucket list that is to travel international. I had the opportunity with my graduate program through Arizona State University. When I made the decision to go to Grad school I wanted to have every possible experience that I did not have while doing my undergrad. So the purpose of this trip study how England do their higher Education programs.


I decided to arrive two days early before the actual study abroad program begins. I must say that I am glad that I chose to do this. The first journey of the trip began Monday, May 7, at 4:30 am drive to the Airport. I was so nervous that I was up 3:30 am making sure I had everything packed. I had two layover one in Chicago and one in Toronto Canada. I am not sure which airport i loathe the most. When I landed into Chicago  my phone would not update to tell me which gate I was supposed to go to. I ask for help the first time and they told me this gate. I grab lunch and waited until it was time to board that gate. When I scan my ticket it denied me. I was at the wrong gate. I then went and talked to the same person and he said "my bad this is not the right gate" proceeded to look up the right gate and tells me were to go. i had less than 10 minutes to make there. I ran so fast!. I barely made it in time. Then I arrived in Toronto. That Airport has very little signs to point the right directions. I was annoyed. I finally boarded my plane to London! This would be a six hour flight. They served dinner to us on the plane. It was not a good meal. Finally at 6:30 am the plane landed at the Heathrow Airport!

Getting ready to fly!!

First Stamp in Passport!

The view from my Room!

This was the part I nervous about. Being hard of hearing and trying to understand the British accent is is hard and is bound to be some sort of communication breakdown. I arrive at custom, the guy starts speaking and I am just lost. So I proceeded to hand him my passport along with a letter from the study abroad program. He said all is good and I have my first stamp in my passport! I go get my luggage and then had to figure out how to get to the Green Gate hotel. I decided just to take the taxi because my brain was already dead from such a long flight that I didn't want to think about which Tube station I needed to get to. I have a nice quite little room, with a Patio the opens to chairs and tables. Gorgeous view TOO! After resting for a couple of hours I decided to go do a little exploring. Yes I brought my camera.


Today I thought it would be good to start off easy. I went to Kensington Gardens. It was a beautiful walk. Just green grass everywhere. There were a lot of swans, which are beautiful birds. Today was the perfect day just to sit in the grass and enjoy life kind of day. I got to see the princess Diana memorial Fountain, Prince Albert memorial (married to Queen Victoria), and saw a little of Kensington Palace from a distance. In a little area of the park there was a small gathering of individuals holding their hands out with sunflower seeds or piece of fruit. There were these small parrots. Somebody was kind enough to give me a handful of sunflower seeds I was able to hold my hand out. I had two parrots land on me just enjoying the seeds. When they left up flew two pigeons. The song came to my head "Feed the Birds" from Mary Poppins. I began to walk back toward my hotel. I just fell in love with London and the cute little apartment type complex.

Selfie because I can!

Feeding the parrot!

Again feeding the parrot!

Gorgeous  Swan

Some Duke house that was in the Gardens

Prince Albert Memoral

Ice bream who wants ice cream???

Kensington Palace from a distance

Just sitting and relaxing!

Princess Diana Fountain

Normally I take the time to fix these up, however I do not have my other laptop with me with all of my programs. But I will have fun when I get home!!!

Tomorrow will be another fun fill adventures of London. Look for my post tomorrow for my second day in London!