A Year in Review

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.

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!

Thank you,
Allen x

Metros Swansong

I concluded my Metros career this past Friday in a 4-6 loss to Blackpool Seagulls. It was a trial of a game that saw us fall behind, catch up, only to fall behind shortly after. Definitely frustrating, but the effort needed to pursue a victory was there. We just came up a few minutes too short. Blackpool fielded an experienced team that passed the puck with great speed. The Metros fielded a mixed team of A-C players.

As a final outing, win or lose, I wanted to go down fighting. I netted my first off a rebound on the back post as I fired into the gaping net. My second followed from another rebounded that I snuck thru the goalie's pads. Finishing off a stellar year, I completed my second hat-trick off a rebound from a shot from the point.




The three tallies totaled to nine goals and four assists in the last three friendly matches-- excluding the Clermont trip. Throughout the BUIHA Cup Competition I notched a total of 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) in seven games. The 8th game vs. Sheffield was forfeited due to no game sheet being turned in. I was proud to be a part of the most productive line-- the three of us in the top 10 in Division 1 North, 1st, 5th, and 8th.

Without question, the 2012/13 Manchester Metros campaign was a tremendous success. Each game was met with the common goal to perform at the highest level possible.

Goodbye Mill Point

Saturday saw the end of my contract at Mill Point. It has been a fantastic place to call home for the last 10 1/2 months. I have met several great folk via Mill Point that I will consider friends for life. Overall I am thankful for their hospitality. I absolutely loved the en-suite experience as my room had its own signature personality.

Following the conclusion at Mill Point I've enjoyed wonderful nights with hockey friends, Brumby x2. Chris and John welcomed me into their home before I made the transfer to the quaint Cheadle on Tuesday.

Sunday night saw one of my most productive in a Manchester Metros uniform as the team beat Aardvarx A, 9-5, in a friendly in Blackburn. It was convincing win that saw the line combination of Gunn-Brown-Etherington combine for 8 goals from textbook passing.

I have one more run-out in a Metros jersey on Friday night at Deeside versus the Blackpool Seagulls. Every "end" has been a tremendous honor as I look back on my year abroad as a truly successful experience. It includes being top points scorer across Div 1 North & South, a Cup Competition Title, a BUIHA Playoff Championship, a poetry collection, visits to 8 countries, and several great friendships. Oh, and I learned a lot in my lectures!

The last week in the UK will be great!

Tallin, Estonia

Finally getting around to this one!
Last Wednesday I had the opportunity to travel and spend one day in Estonia's capital city, Tallinn.
Once again, the weather was cooperating just perfectly.
Thru Tallink Silja, I easily booked my ferry across the Gulf of Finland.
Although Estonia can be accessed without disruption, it can be affected by lack of sleep.
I had spent much of the previous night with Jussi & his brother at a 4th of July celebration.

My original idea was to visit St. Petersburg in Russia, but that required a lengthy visa process.
I can say I have visited a former USSR Satellite State.
Regardless, Tallinn was a great choice as it's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In 2011, it was the European Capital of Culture (shared with Turku, Finland).
What I like most about Tallinn is its contrast between new and old.
It is something that is seen throughout the city.
I enjoyed a relaxed day in Estonia, which was much needed.
The park located next to the Old Town provided shade from the sun.

Now I will let a few photos take center stage.

(I feel my blog writings have taken a few hits due to the terrible new layout system blogger uses. Just an FYI why my last few posts have seemed a little lackluster! I can't arrange photos or type layouts the way I used to as I am awful with HTML.) 
 

Viru Gate, an entrance to the Old Town.

Alexandre Nevsky Cathedral

St. Nicholas' Church

Helsinki, Day 1 & 2

For starters, a dream of mine since 2005 has been to visit Finland. A peculiar selection you might be asking yourself? Finland is home to my favorite band and guitarist-- Children of Bodom and their, Alexi Laiho. I had read a Guitar World issue entitled The Virtuoso Issue: The Super Guitarist. Depicted on the front were guitar giants Zakk Wylde and Steve Vai. Nestled between the two American legends was the 26-year-old, Alexi Laiho. After reading his article, checking out his shred licks, and listening to COB, I had found an idol.

So this trip was just a shy under 8 1/2 years in the making. A trip that I could not let slip by me as Finland seemed so close all year. Not only do I cross it off my list, but I got to visit a good friend who came to UNCG last year. He welcomed me to Finland, but also into his apartment for the week.

Day 1 (Arrival) ; Day 2 (Sightseeing)

I arrived into Finland this past Monday night, a bit groggy from leaping 2 hours ahead of UK time. That and I had only briefly prepared myself for how bright the nights would be. But pay no mind, Jussi had me awake at 7am for breakfast before he went to work. He had picked his usual spot where he said, "all the beautiful girls go here." (Can't fault him for that kind of decision making!)

My tour around Finland's capital began after a hearty breakfast that included fresh bits of salmon. The city surrounded by water looked eloquent under the blue Finnish skies. Perfect weather for any tourist. And as that, I got started on the main sights of Helsinki. From the famous Helsinki kauppatori or "main market square", I ventured east around the harbor. Along the route, I passed by Alexander Hotovistsky's Uspenski Cathedral. It loomed atop the city, rich with the Russian's architectural design c. 1862.

I next passed by Helsinki's own Helsinki Cathedral. Helsinki Cathedral is definitely one of the most iconic attractions in the city. It can be seen from the sea as a beacon between Helsinki & the nearby island, Suomenlinna. From the Cathedral I ventured up Mannerheimintie, the main shopping street. The street runs by many landmarks and museums, such as the National Museum of Finland. It continues to pass along the banks of the Töölönlahti bay, Olympic Stadium and out of the city.

By the time I returned to the market square, Jussi was on his lunch break. Neither of us were particularly hungry yet, the breakfast was just too filling! Instead we got ice cream and walked along the market. His break was over in a flash and he departed after helping me get my ticket to Suomenlinna.


Suomenlinaa (Castle of Finland; 1917) is important as the place of surrender to Russian forces. It was originally designed as Sveaborg starting in 1748 under Swedish ruler Augustin Ehrensvärd. The 6 islands are home to several sights like Ehrensvärd's grave, the old chruch, and The King's Gate. Nowadays, it is a touristic attraction as well as a place for locals to relax on the rocks.

I once again met up with Jussi following the end of his work day back on the mainland. He suggested we go back to his place to relax a bit before dinner at a restaurant he's a a regular at. Prior to arriving at the restaurant, he walked me along another harbor. There, he explained that the richest neighborhood was home to the Swedish inhabitants of Helsinki. Buzzing with hunger, we did end up arriving at a restaurant called Sea Horse. It specialized in Finnish cuisine and had done so since 1934. It is a famous place as it's served Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda, trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and more. Under the direction of Jussi, I ordered the Scandinavian Hash. It was comprised of ham onions served amongst potatoes with a fried egg on top. So to say the least, I was very pleased with the selection!

While we were eating, Jussi's younger brother arrived. Following the meal, we were all heading to a local party to celebrate the 4th of July!

Happy Birthday, America!
And welcome to Finland!

Olympic Torch

It seems this year my timing has been impeccable.
Preceding and continuing after my arrival, Great Britain has been preparing for the Olympics. (Of course, upon my arrival they took a breather to welcome me!)

The Olympic flame arrived on British soil May 18th to begin its journey 70 day, 8,000 mile tour. It is journey that started on May 19th at Land's End, the most southwesterly point of England in Cornall.The torch relay is due to conclude on June 27th at Olympic Stadium in London. On June 6, the traveled south of Newry in Northern Ireland to Dublin.

Today was Manchester's day to get in on the act. The Torch is currently on day 36. Throughout the course of the morning, the skies opened up and relinquished a bit of English weather, but by 4PM, Mother Nature decided to cooperate. The torch endured cloudy skies, but no rain as it passed through the city centre. Today is the first of two days the torch will spend in the Lancashire city. It arrived via Blackpool and will depart in the morning via Salford as it heads to Leeds.

The Olympic Flame as a tradition was re-introduced in 1928 at the Games in Amsterdam. Since then, the Olympic Torch has been a part of every Olympic Games. I felt it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the flame. Even though it happened so quickly, the runner, the exchange, it was brilliant. Its like being a, 1.0 × 10⁴⁰ part of history and is something I won't forget.

The Olympic Games, London 2012 are only 34 days away!

Tournoi Loisir 2012 à Clermont-Ferrand

Day 1 -- After arriving in France at 11AM on an 830AM flight, day 1 of the trip began. And by began, there ARE people out there who enjoy standing in a queue more than the British: THE FRENCH. The group of hockey friends I was traveling with (A. Frewin, E. Howes, A. Mackinnon, and P. Thomson), and myself stood in line to get train tickets into Paris for longer than our flight from Manchester to Charles de Gaulle. Now if that didn't sentence made sense, then surely my French was as understandable. Cannot get far when all you know is how to compliment girls........ Prior to that, the EU travelers stood in the queue at border control for 15 minutes longer than I did (no idea how long I was in line for...). Normally I'm the one being bored senseless the "All Passports" queue.

By 1230ish we finally got into Paris. Our first stop was Notre Dame. Without soliciting for too long, we moved on to find food. You cannot blame any of us as most of us had not eaten since our awakening some odd hours earlier. We refueled with ham and cheese buttys from a side street vendor. Then began the leisurely walk to Gare de Paris Bercy where our train to Clermont-Ferrand would depart! Via Mackinnon's navigation skills we ended up in the correct area, just not the correct station-- missed the mark by about 5 minutes, but no worries as we reached the right station!

Mackinnon had made contact earlier with others from the team who were leaving from the same station on an early train. Low and behold, their train had been delayed 2 hours due to a fatality on the tracks. The delay allowed us to catch up to the others and join their train, evading an even further delay to our originally scheduled train.

CLERMONT BOUND. 3 hours of naps and Frewin spending thirty odd quid on Mars Bars, drinks, and other sorts of food. Not to mention a fiver on internet and 200 international texts. His money budgeting was working flawlessly.

Upon our arrival in Clermont, we were greeted by two of the tournament's organisers. They welcomed us warmly to Clermont and ushered us to the rink. There we met up with our 15+ hour driving Martin Klefas-Stennett who had brought our smelly hockey bags miles from home thru France.

Again, nothing is more important to a growing appetite than feeding it food. We were taken to Les 3 Brassuers which was close to our hotel. Our punctual arrival was just in time for England's match versus Sweden. Everyone (seemed to at least) cheer on England who pulled out a 3-2, come-from-behind, result.

Bed was next. Our first of six (yes, six 20 minute period games) was to start at 830AM the next morning.

Fun fact of the day: my camera decided to bow out of this trip and succumb to yet another lens error. So the quality of my photos will deteriorate in France as I was left to take photos with an Ipod. Dear Apple, give the Ipod Touch a REALLY good camera in the future. Dear Nikon, you disappoint me... This is the second time this has happened, sort it out! Dear France, just had to make my camera conk out whilst taking a photo of a shop called "American Car Wash".

Day 2 -- The tournament began bright and early Saturday morning. The Metros matched up against six teams hailing from all over France, Switzerland, as well as locally in Clermont. Granted, these results may be skewed as I am going off a confusing table... The game results are as follows:

Mont-Dore 4 : Manchester 2
Manchester 1 : Sangliers 3
Joker 1 : Manchester 0
Manchester 1 : Clermont 2

Geneva 6 : Manchester 2
Manchester 1 : Montpellier 2

Following the conclusion of the Metros final game of the day, 4 members of the team were elected to play in the All-Star game. They were Del Perona-Wright, Jeff Holliday, Alex Frewin, and myself. It was a tremendous honour to be sent to the game, even though my legs were dead!

Fun fact of the day: I was beaten on the draw several times by a 60+ year old former French Olympian. That gentleman had the fastest hands I had ever seen in my life. Let me repeat: IN MY LIFE. I hope when I am his age, I still have the ability to skate like he can. His fitness was unreal!!!

Day 3 -- The tournament concluded and was finished with a small award ceremony. It was another scorcher in Clermont with the afternoon free to recover. The weather all weekend had been a very big difference from the expected stormy weather predicted prior to departure. Each team only had 2 fixtures remaining.

Dammarie 3 : Manchester 4
Strasbourg 1 : Manchester 1

Regardless of the lackluster of wins, the tournament was a really pleasure to be a part of. I enjoyed playing tons of hockey. The line of Szepes-Gunn-Mackinnon seemed to produce and that was something to be happy with!

Fun fact of the day: Put Paddy anywhere around time that is not occupied and he will suggest getting a beer and relaxing. In France, it is not likely to be accepted with those prices. Trip tip, order water. Nothing beats free in France.

Day 4 -- At 830AM we returned to Clermont's train station for farewells. A great weekend had to come to a close. The train departed and the lot of us were on our way back to Paris. The original five had some unfinished sightseeing in Paris to do. All the big places had to be seen so I could cross them off my "to see" list. The Eiffel Tower was first on our agenda. And I will be honest, it is impressive that it is there, but it really is "meh". I found the Arc de Triomphe to be more exciting in terms of display-- due in part to my viewing of the Tour de France. I can say I have walked the Champs-Élysées where many great cyclists have grasped glory in the final stage (since 1975). Our sightseeing adventure ended with a trip to the Louvre. It is quite a picturesque scene, but the pyramid is just there. And that's about it.

The fantastic-five concluded the trip by taking the train to the airport in the wrong direction. Auber was our unscheduled stop, but no one panicked (even though our flight boarded in less than 2 hours). We broke speed-barriers and made it to the airport in just under an hour.

The shores of Britain seemed so welcoming outside the plane's window.

Fun fact of the day: Any mention of, "American" in a sentence while talking in an audible voice on the train will prompt an angry Frenchman to to turn around and shout at your group in French referring to the lot as, "a bunch of obnoxious Americans."

France in review: it was well, as depicted??? Lost for "age appropriate" adjectives on this one... The hockey guys & girls in Clermont were great and friendly. The Parisians on the other hand: as rude as I had been told they were. I just didn't really find the French experience all too appealing outside of the quaint-Clermont friends. But I found it interesting that you can buy full 2 feet-long baguettes for .28 Euros. Folks, that's 22p! That's $0.35 cents!(American). Other then that, expect to pay up the wazoo as France is expensive, expensive, and more expensive.

Disclaimer: Not trying to slag off Paris, but it is just not my cup of tea. Its really just one of those, "I went there so I can now say I've been" kind of things.

Manchester Metros Awards Night

Alistair Taylor, selected the club's Most Improved Player.

This past Wednesday night marked the first (and hopefully annual tradition) of the Manchester Metros Awards Night. It saw teammates from across all three teams come together for awards, long winded speeches, several laughs, and of course many pints. The location for the festivities was Manchester's Jabez Clegg Beer Hall.

To start the evening, current committee members discussed and presented the progress of the club over 2011/12 campaign. The club, which had entered the year with allowances was debt free. Also, as an organisation the club extended its boundaries via social media (Facebook, Twitter) to reach a broader audience. The Metros saw themselves competing abroad in an international friendly during March against UTB Hockey Team in the Czech Republic. While the brand of Manchester Metros will remain a small entity in comparison, British ice hockey has taken leaps and bounds forward to be recognised in mainland Europe.

Andrew Mackinnon (left), was the C team's clinical finisher.

The new committee for the 2012/13 season was introduced. Members who will retain their current position on the board are as follows: Matthew Rohani (Secretary), Shayne Langois (Vice-President), and Liam Jacques and Patrick Thomson (both as treasurers). Newcomers to the committee are Ben Brown was selected as President of the organisation, Andrew Mackinnon as Social Secretary, Dec Ryan and Benn Robinson who will both oversee the Kit Secretary role, and Scott Stevens appointed as Tour Secretary. Matthew Rohani's experience as a 2nd year secretary will hopefully be easier than his first. His positive attitude helped keep the club afloat all year long.

Alex Frewin (left), presented with B team MVP & MetroStar.

But tonight, was all about the members of an organisation that has grown monumentally within the last few years. The C team which was established this year mainly as a development competed in BUIHA's Division 3 North, finishing in a strong second place (only trailing Edinburgh Beagles). Self-proclaimed M3tros, were headed by their clinical finisher, Andrew Mackinnon, who peppered goalies for 8 goals and 10 assists. His partners in crime were the speedy Jack Walker and the finesse hands of Ashaan Waithe-Bousquet.

The Metros B team struggled to keep healthy, but finished middle of the road in Division 2 North. Led by physical play, the team was matched against some of the best import players. Their main spark was in captain, Mark Szepes, who was the team's main offense. The B team had several players make the leap to the A team to fill empty voids. Both John and Chris Brumby helped the short-manned A team win crucial points away at Newcastle. The goalie for that night was also a B team member, William Wells. On two occasions Alex Frewin found himself playing extended minutes versus Newcastle and Sheffield (both at home).

Martin Klefas-Stennett, Del Perona Honour winner.

Rounding out the organisation's teams, the Metros crème de la crème A team, finished top of the table in Division 1 North and added a regular season title to their accolades. The star-studded team was held together by goalie Robyn Maby who continually lent her skills to game-winning saves. The most memorable is her glove save against Sheffield Bears in the final game of the season. Her save protected the team's 4-2 lead and eventually made way for team to be crowned regular season champions as Edinburgh Eagles couldn't prevail against Newcastle.

Moving on, the awards began.

Individual Awards: (Winners in bold-faced italics)
Most Improved Player -- Alistair Taylor, Jessica Vigne, Tom Jones
Most Valuable Player (A) -- Tom Wilson, Max Drakeley, Robyn Maby
Most Valuable Player (B) -- Alex Frewin, Mark Szepes, Oliver Wallace
Most Valuable Player (C) -- Ashaan Waithe-Bousquet, Stephen Harvey, Jack Walker
Katy "Goon" Holliday Award -- Shayne Langlois, Richard Renshaw, Jonathan Brumby
Best Offensive Defenseman -- Gino Poulin, Max Drakeley, Jonathan Brumby
Best Two-Way Forward -- Tom Wilson, Allen Gunn, Jack Walker
Dick of the Year -- Michael Zyczkowski (Playing with a broken stick at Nationals)
MetroStar -- Kieren De'Ath, Chris Brumby, Alex Frewin
Del Perona Honour -- Martin Klefas-Stennett

The Division 1 Team celebrates their successful campaign.

Team Honours:
Chairman's Trophy -- Metros A Team (Regular Season Champions, Playoff Champions)
Top Goalscorer (A) -- Joe Holder
Top Goalscorer (B) -- Mark Szepes
Top Goalscorer (C) -- Andrew MacKinnon
Top Points Scorer (A) -- Allen Gunn
Top Points Scorer (B) -- Mark Szepes
Top Points Scorer (C) -- Andrew MacKinnon

Following the completion of the awards, teammates mulled around chatting with others, finishing drinks, and buying more. The party moved to the usual Metros hangout, Courtyard for further indulgence. A successful year, concluded in a successful awards night. Congratulations to all teams!

Photos courtesy of MJ Photography.