I have now completed my first week in England. It has been a week filled with activities and adjustment. I have learned a quite a few new things in the past week. Also, since classes have not started yet I have had time to participate in a few activities.
What I’ve learned:
1. Black Tea
This may seem obvious, but I didn’t know that when you ask for black tea it means without milk. Where I’m from black tea is a type of tea, which could have sugar, honey or milk; basically whatever your heart desires. As an avid tea drinker, I have learned that particular difference very quickly.
2. Roads
I know that I will eventually remember which way to look for the coming bus and oncoming traffic. While waiting at bus stops I continually gaze in the wrong direction to see if the bus is approaching; when it does appear there’s a part of me that’s always a bit surprised I didn’t see it coming. Even so, the farther I get into this second week the less it’s been happening. I hope that soon it won’t happen at all. I do feel a little dumb looking the wrong way.
3. Fret
Here in East Yorkshire, a mist is called a “fret”. An older woman taught me this while at an afternoon tea her club was putting on. She was very friendly and talked to my friends and I about the area and the cakes she had baked for the event. I can’t quite remember how it came up (we might have been talking about that morning’s mist), but she explained a fret to us. I rather like the term. It inspires the imagination.
What I have done:
In the past week, I have done quite a bit. That is, in the time between figuring out classes, registering and international student meetings.
We went rollerskating one night. I hadn’t done it in a few years which was obvious by my many near misses with the ground. Despite this I had a great time rolling around the rink while attempting to dance to the music blasting from the speakers.
Taking the bus into the city center one morning, I was able to pick up the random things I needed for my room, including the hangers I mentioned in a previous post.
I have also had the chance to try fencing; it was a lot of fun. The part of me that is fascinated with knights and mid-evil times found it very exciting. We had to wear a breast plate which was a new experience for me, but definitely helped me get into a knightly mindset.
England has quickly captured my heart. I have grown to love the misty mornings and sandwiches in little triangle containers available at eateries. The multitude of accents are at the same time intriguing and hard to understand.
During my time here I know that there will be ups and downs, but for now, I plan on riding this wave of excitement for all it’s worth.
Awesome!!!!
Thanks!
Sooooo delighted for all of your experiences. I now have two understandings for “fret”
Thanks! Isn’t it a fun word?
Tea with honey? You’ll learn…
🙂 yes I suppose I will
Love your blog posts! I am definitely reliving my time in England through your many adventures. You have a great way of capturing your unique experiences with words.
Cheers!
Thank you so much!
Cheers!