I never gave conclusion to my year abroad and this partially stemmed from the idea of not wanting it to end. It was an immeasurable and unforgettable experience. Not only did I learn a lot about myself, but I also learned where in the world I felt most at home.Since my return to quote-on-quote normal life, it has been difficult to settle in and feel completely comfortable as it seems like I have given up a vital part of my life on a whim. Regardless of comfort, it has been great spending time with my family. I owe them a lifetime for allowing me to have gone on such a great adventure.
I want to thank everyone who made the course of the last year possible.
In particular I want to thank:
MMU's courses advanced my knowledge in British Literature while firming up my writing skills. Without poetry workshop, my collection, Stains, would not have been possible. Jean Sprackland gave me the confidence my creative writing techniques had an enormous potential. Although Stains will remain in a file folder under my desk, I am truly proud of my writing accomplishment.
The Manchester Metros were and will remain a huge part of my everyday self. We've created great memories on and off the ice and I am thrilled with the opportunity they gave me to further my hockey career.
Lastly, a tremendous thanks to anyone and everyone who has taken time from their day to read one post, five posts, 20 posts, or every post. Whether you're family, friend, or a complete stranger, I hope you've enjoyed what you've read and if you're thinking about studying abroad, I highly recommended it!
I have a two-year plan that will hopefully land me back on the shores of England ready to pick up where I left off.
Things I've Learned: Part II
1. The weather drastically changes within seconds; the forecast is always about 99% incorrect— but that fact is irrelevant because rain or some form of precipitation at some point is inevitable.
Things I've Learned: Part II
1. The weather drastically changes within seconds; the forecast is always about 99% incorrect— but that fact is irrelevant because rain or some form of precipitation at some point is inevitable.
2. A hoodie
and track bottoms in the U.S. is considered comfort clothing; it’s the chav
style there so I always tended to avoid that comfort look…
3. Derby
Day is proper intense in and around Piccadilly Station. Be on guard and avoid
red and City blue if you don’t wish to be heckled by the latter.
4. One can
get swept away by sports teams at any age. My inclusion at St. Mary’s by the
Mackinnon family was an experience only rivalled by my enjoyment of Carolina
sports. The Saints’ return to the Premier League comes via their brilliant back-to-back
promotions. I am happy for the Mackinnon’s who have supported the Saints through
good and bad; I am grateful they took me along for the ride this season! I am
forever linked with Southampton. We hate Pompey!
5. The
smaller football grounds have the best atmospheres, hands down.
6. Nuts is well… that’s some magazine. Lucy
Pinder… Peta Todd… Sophie Reade… Yum.
7. Croatia
boasts some of the most beautiful females in the human race. It is also just a
fantastic country to visit.
8. The
A&E on a Saturday night is full of personality.
9. The TV
programmes are hilarious; the FCC needs to sod off.
10. I’ve
learned too much from Snog Marry Avoid? and I only watch that programme for
Ellie Taylor. The Scouse Brow is the scariest thing ever… EVER. It makes the
lasses look continually angry.
11. Saying
“zed” versus “z” makes a lot more sense, especially now when I think Americans
are saying “c”…
12. Sundays
are something to look forward to. Nothing better than a Sunday roast!
13. It’s
not really a point just a mere fact, but I played an ice hockey game in the
Czech Republic. Never in any of my years playing hockey would I have ever
dreamed up making that journey. Tremendous thanks to Michal Rudecky and the UTB
Hockey Team for a truly amazing week.
14. The
FIFA apology rules.
15. The
Manchester Metros.
16.
Exchange your Scottish bills for English bills and vice versa. One may refuse
to accept the payment considering the other, “not real money.”
17. Beans
on toast.
18.
Crosswalks are optional.
19. The
French generalise all annoyances as, “those damn Americans.”
20. “ua find out that me
ed gon drop a 4 of in the corner cos that slag toss'er face out for scraps.”
Unsure what I was even trying to say, but it was my best Brad Valentine
impression.
21. Every great joke includes a reference to Jeremy Clarkson and the way he dresses.
22. Parents love hearing their son/daughter’s drunk stories. Regardless of how messy it is, it is always welcomed with a chuckle.
23. “The Big Bang Theory: sponsored by GiffGaff, the mobile network run by you.”
24. A keyboard without the “£” sign is one useless keyboard.
25. At the end of the day, nothing beats the British weather when you’ve spent a week in 20-25C temperatures—refreshing clouds!
21. Every great joke includes a reference to Jeremy Clarkson and the way he dresses.
22. Parents love hearing their son/daughter’s drunk stories. Regardless of how messy it is, it is always welcomed with a chuckle.
23. “The Big Bang Theory: sponsored by GiffGaff, the mobile network run by you.”
24. A keyboard without the “£” sign is one useless keyboard.
25. At the end of the day, nothing beats the British weather when you’ve spent a week in 20-25C temperatures—refreshing clouds!
Thank you,
Allen x
Allen x
