I am nearing the end of my time here in England. I knew at the beginning of my trip that it would be over quickly but now that I'm here with my bags packed my english adventure expiration date is getting pretty clear. Two days ago I went for a hike to one of my favorite places here in england. All I do is walk out the front of Michael's door and down the lane, over a river and through the woods. Past a herd of cows (avoiding the patties), and up a hill that leaves me breathless before I'm even a quarter of the way to the top. Once I make it to the top I arrive in the most amazing place. Fields sewn into the billowing quilt that is the english countryside. I'm going to miss this place. I'm going to miss the richness of my life here. Both the people and the country. I'm on to the next step of my adventure. Roaming the UK with Michael, and then running around europe possibly jumping out of a helicopter over the swiss alps. Only time will tell. Just like every day in my life all I can do is take each moment, each experience as it comes. For now...

~Hawk out

Boston tea party...in England?

Today I had my first very official very intimidating English exam. The exam was hosted in the tennis centre. I was sitting at a desk surrounded by hundreds of students at identical desks in alphabetical order. It was all very official. Cellphones and notes were strictly prohibited. Apparently last year there were many students expelled for cheating. There were people in shiny vests walking around patrolling called "invigilators." They were telling people to roll up their sleeves as well as being a constant reminder of the consequence of cheating. It was not exactly the exam experience that I have become used to at Hartwick. I appreciate Hartwick's staff and learning environment much more after experiencing a larger school where the student can very easily fall through the cracks.

After my exam I went hunter gathering (also known as shopping at Sainsburys). The trek into town wasn't too painful today seeing as I was able to stuff all of the contents into my trusty backpack. Earning a "kudos" remark from the grocery bagger. After shopping and finding a fold out map to plan with I had a delicious veggie burger at "Boston Tea Party." That's right there is a "Boston Tea Party" cafe in exeter. There is so much of exeter that I have left to discover. As I was picking up a voucher for a free exeter sweatshirt to remember it by the woman behind the desk asked my friend and I if we were in coming or outgoing students. I can't believe how quickly my time here has passed. My time here has been simply amazing. The rich english countryside accompanied with a wealth of kind intriguing people from all over the world has helped to make my time here unforgettable. I hope that when I return back home I will be able to maintain the appreciation that I have formed here for my surroundings. The ability to relish my surroundings, and feeling lucky to be exactly where I am in the world. It was difficult to avoid these feelings in such a beautiful place.

Today was a busy day, tomorrow will be full of studying. In a week I will be done with exams and on to summer and road trip planning.

but for now,
hawk out

The time goes flying by...

I have been in England for almost three months now. This means that I will be kicked out of the UK in just over three months. I am experiencing a mix between feeling as though I stumbled off the plane yesterday, and the feeling that I have lived here all year. Although this is something I was expecting coming into my study abroad experience, I am still in awe of my surroundings. I feel as though this is a skill that I would like to keep with me wherever I go in life. The ability to truly come to the realization of how blessed I am to be present, and living the life that I am. It can be a bit easier to come to this point of view when I am in a beautiful unfamiliar country, but it has none the less brought me a renewed sense of appreciation for the world that I am blessed to be a part of.

It is truly a gift to have the ability to appreciate your life for exactly what it is. The key is to maintain a sense of humour throughout the highs and the lows. A miserable grey day can be a thing of beauty if it is spent with the right set of mind, and a cup of tea. If a grey day is accompanied by cream tea one of my favourite English treats the day will be a bright one indeed.

I am in England. Surrounded by lush green pastures that are almost always pencilled in with thick shrubbery higher than me. I feel as though I should be experiencing things in a slightly less dream like manner, but I am still in awe of everything that is around me. Thankfully I am finally beginning to balance out the "Oh my god! This is so beautiful!" With a few practical elements as well. I am simply perfecting my sponging method. With a mission to see and do as much as I can while I am here it can sometimes feel as though taking a breather is a waste of time. Who needs quiet moments at home in my dorm room to sleep when I could be out seeing a castle, or witness the intensity and enthusiasm of rugby fans. Yes, balance is something I am beginning to fully appreciate. Perhaps the Zen masters are on to something.

For now I am attempting to take one day at a time, live in the moment, and to celebrate everything for exactly what it is. This task is something that I attempt to do wherever I am. In England it seems to be no less challenging.

In the last four weeks I have made countless memories, and friends from all over the world. Including places like: Canada, Holland, France, New Zealand, Australia, Italy, Germany, Austria, Korea, and Sweden. I love going to the kitchen to cook dinner and hearing accents and languages being spoken from all over the world. I hear french almost as much as I hear english (sadly my french classes are not fully paying off and I do not understand more than a few words now and then).

So far step 1: Get to England, and step 2: settle in and find a balance. They both seem to be going smoothly enough. We shall see how step 3 goes (which is to figure out what the rest of the steps are). But for now all is well and wonderful, and that is more than I can ask for.

~Hawk out

Where did all my time go?....oh right.

imgfave.com! It is both wonderful and DANGEROUS! Beware!

Here's a sample of some of the things that can be found on this marvelous site.

Ready or not here I come

I have had a dream for a long time. This dream involved tiny cars and stone buildings...and people speaking with interesting accents. I have thought of studying abroad since I began to consider the idea of studying. If I am going to be in a classroom I might as well be in a foreign land right?

This idea has been floating around for awhile. Yet it always seemed to come to be a a hypothetical one. Would I like to go to England to study abroad? YES! Of course. What a foolish question. So why wasn't I? This summer when I thought of returning to my little college on the hill I was met with a sinking sensation. Was I limiting myself through my choice of colleges? Last year the smallness was perfect. Going from a class of 3 to a class of 400 was quite a large leap, but I made it! And now it seemed like I needed a change, a challenge, and an environment that inspires me to grow into a person whom I respect.

Then came Michael. Although our meeting was slightly unorthodox our friendship was/is something that inspires 12 hour conversations that fly by as if we've been talking for five minutes, and a bond that is more than just skin deep. Michael also just happens to live in England...

Sooo... long story short I am going to England for six months. I am off to study psychology, and to learn how to impersonate the english accent to my best abilities.... well mostly the first part. I cannot believe that I will in fact be going to ENGLAND!! It's amazing.. I'm 20 and off to a the a new world (the old one officially).

The reality that I will in fact actually be going is something that has not quite sunk in.. It will be an adjustment, but it is an adjustment that I am thrilled to make.

England here I come!

~hawk out

To love is to risk not being loved in return. To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, but risk must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

-Author Unknown-