Week One Recap: What a Wild (Plane/Train) Ride

Well for those of you who keep up with my Instagram and Facebook you might be aware that I have officially made it to my final destination. I still have a few things to make official before I’m all settled, but for the most part I can now call Stratford-Upon-Avon home.

September 9th Monday:

I packed up my suitcases and headed to the airport. Those of you who know me should be impressed, I love my clothes and so it was very difficult to narrow down my belongings to a European sized carry on, an averaged sized backpack, and…yes…one giant suitcase. Shout out to my mom for the moral support she provided as I sorted through my entire closet. It was a trying time, but with the help of some vacuum seal space saving bags, I was able to stay within the 50-pound baggage limit. My bags only weighed 49.8 pounds and I stilled packed five pairs of shoes.

Once I got to the airport it was pretty smooth sailing. –Heads up to those of you who have a macbook. Apple recently announced a battery recall on some macs because the batteries were getting too hot and starting fires. My mac was one of those recalled, but I got it fixed before my departure. I mention this because some airlines have banned these macs from their flights and wont let them on unless you provided proof the battery has been replaced. Thankfully I saved my receipt and brought it with me to the airport. –Anyway, soon I boarded my flight and off we went.

September 10th Tuesday:

I arrived in London, got through the airport and headed to my hotel. After settling into my hotel I needed to go get a new sim card for my phone so I could function…I mean I have the worst sense of direction and use the Maps app to get me everywhere. I made my way to a local cellphone shop (only had to stop and ask directions twice). A very kind store employee set me up with a pay as you go sim card I could use, until I was officially settled and could switch over to a contract. She also said most contracts have a student discount so if you can prove you are student you can pay a discounted rate!

Don’t worry I did do some sightseeing while in London. Once I had my Maps app up and running the hunt was on, for the Sherlock Holmes Museum that is. I enjoyed the museum. It provides a historic look at one of Britain’s most famous literary detectives. All the “artifacts” in the museum are antiques from the 19th and 20th centuries so you get a real sense of history as make your way into Sherlock’s house. The museum also leans into being a tourist trap, with some hokey displays and souvenirs, but it is still worth your time if you love Sherlock. Next I wondered over to Regents Park, which is my favorite park in all of England. Walking from one side to the other you are exposed to so many different kinds of scenery, as well as experience one the best locations for people watching.

September 11th Wednesday:

I checked out of my hotel and walked the 11 minutes to Marylebone Station. Yes, I walked because I’m cheap and love looking ridiculous walking down the street like a pack mule. The train ride to Stratford-Upon-Avon from London is about 2 ½ hours, so I caught up on some sleep. My housemate was wonderful and picked me up at the station and then I arrived at my new home. I absolutely adore my new room and my housemates. They all made me feel comfortable right away, even if they did make me say a bunch of British words and laughed at my pronunciation. Don’t worry I got them back by making them say town names from Wisconsin!

September 12th Thursday:

I had to make my way to Warwickshire, pronounced war-ick-sure, if you wanted to know. I had to head to Warwick to collect my Biometric Residency Permit or BRP card in order to legally be in England. None of the post offices in Stratford-Upon-provided this service so I had to head to the town over. Now you would think that after getting myself to England and then traveling to Stratford I would be a pro at train travel, well you would be mistaken. I missed my first train…thankfully another train was coming and I could fix my mistake. I also took this extra time to ask a very kind couple how to read the train station signs, that way I wouldn’t miss any more trains. I might be a pro now…knock on wood. I eventually got to Warwick and collected everything I needed.

Welcombe Hotel

September 13th Friday:

My biggest adventure on Friday was going and collecting my bike. I don’t live too far from the Institute, but a bike cuts the commute time in half. The only thing I didn’t think about was that once I got the bike I would probably have ride it back…this being concerning because driving and riding in England is opposite from America. I opted to just walk my bike back home since I did not feel 100% comfortable riding it. After getting safely back home my roommate asked if I wanted to go to the local pub. Let me tell you going to a pub on a Friday night and having a few ciders is the best way to start off the weekend. After a few drinks and some chips my roommate decided we should check out The Welcombe Hotel. And it did not disappoint! The hotel is a 19th century neo-Jacobean mansion; Henry Clutton designed it 150 years ago. He is the same architect behind Battle Abbey and Lille Cathedral.

September 14th and 15th Saturday/Sunday:

When the weekend rolled around I spent my time getting familiar with the charming town of Stratford-Upon-Avon. I roamed the streets getting myself acclimated to the surroundings. I also was kept my eyes peeled for bike lanes, so I could figure out if there was a “safe” non-life threatening way to get from my house to the Institute.

As I wondered toward to the river I discovered a weekend market and I happily looked at all the bits and bobs in each stall. When I finished at the market I saw a crowd down by the river, as I got closer I realized there were boat races. So I sat down and watched the rowers chant “one, two, one, two” over and over as they raced against there opponents. Soon it was evening and I headed back home.

I am happy to report that on Sunday I rode my bike into town and survived! Filled with such an accomplishment I stayed home most of the day, setting up appointment, getting travel plans in order, and putting together the multitude of lists I have for preparing for school.