Hi, my name is Phil North. I am currently a student at UCLan in Preston studying Creative Writing and Journalism and have been given the opportunity to study my second year at Central Connecticut State University. Here is where you will be able to find out about my experiences, opinions and just how well I'm adjusting to the US way of life.
Just down the road from where we are staying is Peanut Island. After having Jon's Grandma take Jon, Brenda, and I down to the pier we bought our tickets and waited for the water taxi to ship us across the water. Having to wait up to an hour for the next taxi I wandered along the pier taking in the views. When walking along the pier I found myself chatting to a group of people from the South. If memory serves one was from Mississippi, one from Tennessee, one from Texas, and the last from Ohio (so they weren't all from the south). They were interested in where I was from and why I was here, I told them about Evan and I's planned road trip through most of their home states in the spring break before returning to the others to catch the taxi.
Brenda Goes Hunting For Shells
The whole point of this trip was to do some snorkeling the only problem was that the tide was low and therefore the water was murky and shallow; not the best snorkeling conditions. We set up base and after having burnt myself on Christmas day, decided to slap on the sun cream. Despite this I could feel the burn soon after so resulted in putting my shirt back on.
Forgot My Phone & Wallet Were In My Pockets
I had a dabble at snorkeling and must say that it's weird at first. I'm not the most comfortable at swimming at the best of time and don't exactly like swimming under water, so when I first put my head in my breathing was very erratic as panic built up inside me. After a little while I managed to calm down and get the hang of it, this didn't seem to make things any easier the next time I had to put my head underwater.
I managed to find some flipper that fit and I must admit that they do make it a lot easier to swim. Having really big feet they have always been compared to canoes and flippers but they are nothing compared to the real thing. I actually felt confident swimming rather than splashing about like a dog.
Waiting For Our Taxi
After managing to see a couple of fish in the murky water we dried off and took a wander around the island. True to form, America do like to fence off any natural areas with big signs telling me not to walk in the grassy areas. A walk through the park here is not a walk through the park, more like a walk along a path that cuts through the park.
When we returned back to the pier it was bustling with all sorts of stalls and musicians as the dock was lit up beautifully. It was very similar to walking along the sea in the Mediterranean you don't particularly want anything from the stalls but it adds a nice atmosphere.
Sunset On Peanut Island
I think we will try and return before we leave but this time when the tide is high, we'll have to wait and see.
Merry Christmas readers. It seems that my decision to spend the holidays in Florida was a good choice as there are heavy snowstorms in the North of America, and as always rain back home in England.
Beats The Wind & Rain
After already receiving presents from my family before I came to Florida I was very surprised to find that Father Christmas had left me a gift, Jon's Grandma had kindly bought me a fleece like jacket. After breakfast Jon and I decided that we would spend the day on the beach; how many people can say they spent Christmas day turning pink on the beach? Arriving in our Christmas hats and a cooler full of Yueungling I was surprised at how busy the beach was. It was brilliant though, definitely the way to spend Christmas day.
Swimming, Or Toilet Time?
Look At Those Muscles, Or Lack Of
After burning myself pretty bad on one side we returned back to a lovely Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Despite all of this, it still felt weird as it doesn't feel like Christmas with all the sun and sand. Also it's the first year that I haven't had to withstand perfume adverts, comedians flogging their new DVD's, WHSmith advertising celebrities new autobiographies, and those bloody Park Catalogue adverts.
As per tradition after eating I fell fast asleep until the evening, the only difference being that there were no Christmas specials of soap operas, Only Fools & Horses, or the Royal Family. Shrek however was on the T.V so it wasn't too dissimilar to home. I learnt whilst here that they don't have Christmas Crackers in America, not much of a loss as the hats are too small for my head anyway.
You Can Take The Oz Out Of Australia, But You Can't Take Australia Out Of The Oz
To close the evening Jon and I watched a film and finished off the beers. Well, it would be rude not to.
Where I am staying in Florida is just outside of West Palm Beach. This is roughly an hours drive from Miami, and with two Brazilian exchange students spending their Christmas holidays in Miami, Jon and I thought we'd pay them a visit. Kindly, Jon's Grandma offered to drive us there so that we didn't have to take the train.
Mariana & I
Once we arrived we went to meet Mariana at her mother's house. This place was beautiful. It was a set of apartments with gym, shopping complex, rooftop swimming pool, BBQ areas, private parking, dock, and the rooms were breathtaking with private balconies. Unfortunately her mother didn't speak much English but we still managed to thank her for the meal she cooked us.
During the day we walked along South Beach and it was beautiful, albeit expensive. This is where anyone with money hangs out, it was as if we were surrounded by peacocks. All the men driving round in their Porsche's, Ferrari's, Lamborghini's, Bentley's etc whilst wearing only the best designer clothes. I think Jon and I stood out in our scruffy shorts and t-shirts.
Lovely Little Streets Full Of Bars & Restaurants
Although a great place to visit, I simply don't think I could afford to stay. A small beer cost $8, and that was cheap. Later in the evening we met up with Sabrina, another Brazilian exchange student. The idea was to go clubbing, but Jon forgot to bring jeans so we knew before we started that we wouldn't be allowed in. Choosing to bar hop we quickly realised that we couldn't afford to do this as prices rocketed. In this one particular bar, the place reeked of money. I've never seen so many expensive clothes in one place, meanwhile mine and Jon's shirt's showed up blue bits of lint in the lighting.
Unfortunately for me, Man-Flu decided to take a strong grip of my throat resulting in water and coke for the rest of the evening. Good really as the place was dead, Mariana said she'd never heard of it being this quiet before. We walked the girls back to Mariana's before we set out our plan to return home. Being 2am and my Man-Flu resulting in me coughing up lungs, we were not in the best of positions. We tried a couple of hostels that were full before we nipped into McDonalds for some food. Noticing a few homeless using the 24 hour McDonalds for warmth, I took it in my stride to join them for some sleep. I can slum it with the best of them.
Sabrina, Jon, Mariana, & I In A Bar Far Too Expensive For Students
We wandered the streets until 5am before getting a taxi to the train station. Despite being Miami it was freezing walking round in a t-shirt. I looked at my phone to find it at 7 Degrees, I think the warm days are spoiling me. To get the train home we had to catch 3 trains; the final train being a close call to catch as we had to run from one platform to the other, or else we faced a 2 hour wait. As we ran a guy tried to cross the level crossing but his car died. Rather than wait on the side, he continued to try the engine. The train getting closer and the barriers coming down it jumped forward before dying again, this time slap bang in the middle of the tracks. Watching from the platform I saw 3 passers by run to his truck and push him to safety before the train hit. Lucky him.
The problem with this rush is that we didn't have time to buy a ticket and assumed we could get one on board. Apparently not, the conductor had to take our I.D's and write Jon and I a warning, complete with lecture. Still a free train ride at the end of the day, and it was funny watching him try and figure out a UK driving license.
We finally arrived home at 9am and as yet the Man-Flu hasn't taken my life.
After cramming in a semester full of work in the last couple of weeks, a break was finally in order. Jon's grandparents live in West Palm Beach in Florida, so we decided to hop on a flight to spend Christmas and New Years with them. Arriving on the 17th in the afternoon, we just lazed around the house as we had been up since the crack of dawn. An early night and an early rise saw this outside the bedroom window. Hello Florida!
A Home Away From Home
Invading The Family Photo
We then went out to see the beach down the road. Unfortunately the bridge is out at the moment so we have to get the car, otherwise it would be a five minute walk. At 10am we arrived at the beach, the sun was baking hot and the sea was warm. We walked for three hours up and down the beach in the heat of the day before collapsing at the beach side bar. It reminded me of the song, 'Mad Dogs & Englishmen' as Jon wasn't too happy about walking in the heat, I otherwise thought it was fantastic. A lot better than walking round in the wind, rain, and ice back home anyway.
The following day we did a little food shopping before plopping down in yet another bar, this is more than likely going to be my favourite place to drink. It's huge and has multiple levels all in the sun. After turning a lovely shade of pink, we retired to the shaded area where Jon's sister, Brenda joined us, and then by his Grandma and Grandpa for a drink.
Heavy Weight Champion Of Kenya
Can't Complain
After getting Jon and his sister a little worse for wear, we decided to head back home for tea. Now Jon's grandma is like a good ol' fashioned grandma who will fatten you up. I wake to a full breakfast every morning, and go to bed at bursting point after tea. It really is a good job I didn't have a grandma like this growing up, otherwise I'd be a little more rotund. The following day, Jon and I decided to chill around the pool and top up on my lovely rouge colour.
Bedroom View
What I've found out since I've been here is that Jon's grandma is a very talented woodcarver. She has her own little workshop in the back, along with Woodcarver Magazines scattered around the house. I've found my bedtime reading for the holiday. I've been offered to learn some tips and tricks so I will no doubt take her up on that.
Yuengling Is Great Beer
I Like Florida!
During the meantime Jon has fallen victim to a horrible addiction. He has taken my laptop and begun playing Football Manager, since he has done this the Jon we knew is no more. He has been replaced by an over emotional angry lump who forever screams at the computer screen. Fleetwood Town have obtained a new supporter. Hopefully Jon is still in there somewhere and the game hasn't taken him from us. Let us pray.
In the short time that I've been here, I've been introduced to the next door neighbour who is going to take us out on his boat fishing at some point which should be good. I've never been fishing, and just looking in the water by the house, they are pretty big. Also there is a lady upstairs who originates from Stockport. It was nice to talk in my regular dialect without having to translate myself into Queen's English. I've been invited upstairs to watch Corrie whenever I want on Sky+. Fly to Florida to watch Corrie and Emmerdale, sounds reasonable.
Yes I cooked it on a Friday, and yes by the time we ate it was closer to midnight than lunch, but it's the thought that counts.
Preparation Table
Erik and Stefanie have now finished their time at Central Connecticut State University and to celebrate I decided to don my chef attire and cook them a traditional Sunday lunch. This is not only a first for them, but a first for me cooking Yorkshire Puddings from scratch, a joint of beef, and all for more than two people.
Ethan Whisking The Batter For Yorkshire Puddings
Chez North
Arriving at Hongi's house with ingredients in hand, I took to my station and opened up her laptop to play the role of first assistant. Having Evan read the instructions we were confident we could pull this off. The meat looked good and took place in the oven whilst Evan and I peeled potatoes, carrots, and parsnips before beginning to sample a few beers.
Finished Piece
My problem always has been timing when cooking. I never seem to be able to get everything to finish at the same time. In this case, it was the roast potatoes. Firstly they took ages to boil, then ages to roast. We ended up having to take the beef out and wrap it in tinfoil whilst we waited for the spuds, but in my opinion (and Evan's who was more than ready to point it out) the meat was close to well done than medium.
Evan & I With The Nights Fuel - Cooking Is Thirsty Work
Full Stomach, Comfy Sofa = Job Done!
Bored of waiting, we settled for some semi roasted spuds, some fantastic Yorkshire Puddings (I was a little proud of them) and some ok, but not brilliant beef. The gravy was cheap stuff out of a can so not the best, yet everyone seemed to enjoy it. The proof in the pudding came when Ethan fell fast asleep after eating, all he needed was Corrie on the T.V. and he'd be just like everyone back home.
Lessons are now finished for the semester, with the little task of getting my portfolios and essays written, polished, and handed in before the deadline. Begrudgingly Jon and I's room has been turned into a little library with his Xbox untouched for the past 24 hours and books scattered across the room. We are only stopping for food and sleep, although we may be taking advantage of using sleep as an excuse to stop, with long lie ins being the norm along with kips throughout the day. Wish us luck!
Procrastination - At some point I'll put the same effort into doing work as I put into avoiding it.
Procrastination - Hard work often pays off over time, but laziness always pays off now.
If you have ever seen Malcolm in The Middle, and the episode Reece Cooks (season 2 episode 18), you will understand what I'm going through in relation to Francis' sub story in the episode.
Run out of ideas on how to punish Reese, Hal decides to sign him up for a cooking class. It turns out that Reese is a natural and really enjoys it. When he sabotages everyone else's dish in the cook-off, Hal and Lois think they finally have a way to punish him effectively. Malcolm tries to convince Cynthia to not throw a party for the whole school, because he thinks no one will show up. Eric tries to get Francis to do his half of the history project, but Francis keeps on getting distracted. If you get a chance to watch it - do! Right, so food and then sleep. Work can wait until tomorrow I guess.
The best thing about New York is leaving New York; it's horrible. Things didn't start off on the best foot when I was awoken on Friday morning by Erik with a horrible hangover after celebrating Alejandra's birthday the night before. Sitting at the back of the bus for two and a half hours, I was glad that it was empty so that I could curl up in the seat. When we arrived at our hostel/hotel, we dumped our bags and made off into the city.
Still A Little Tender
Erik, Stefanie, and Hongi had already spent some time in New York and had done most of the touristy things so first off we went into Chelsea. This is where I got my first taste of New York. We went into this market style building that was full of tat yet was absolutely heaving. I spent all of my time trying not to be in someone's way whilst we waited for Stef to finish looking around. It also didn't help that it was ridiculously hot. Once we left we began to walk along the pier which is probably the nicest part of the city. We made our way towards fifth avenue and walked towards the Rockefeller Centre to see the Christmas tree. The closer we got the more horrendous it became. All you could hear was the sound of sirens and car horns, I don't understand why they beep their horn when they can see there is no where for the car in front to go? The streets are very dirty with rubbish bags littering the streets, the smell of car fumes and sewage follows you wherever you go, and for some reason there is scaffolding everywhere. It's not even as if the buildings are nice to look at. Being a country boy from Lancashire, I did spend most of my time looking up at the sheer size of these buildings but they are so ugly. It's not like Edinburgh or York where the architecture is stunning and full of character. It's just plain ugly.
I No Longer Like Crowds
Zzzzz
I love the idea of living in a city, after living in a small town all my life where everyone knows you, the idea of anonymity is appealing. However, the idea of being crushed to death in the crowds of New York does not. As I walked along the street you have to be aware of people cutting across your path, stepping on your feet, stopping randomly in front of you. Meanwhile the people behind you keep moving forward and pushing past you. Then every 100 yards you come across yet another level crossing that is always on red. This results in everyone crammed together on the side of the road waiting to cross. Once the light changes you then have to fight not only with the crowd going in the same direction as you, but the crowd coming straight for you in the opposite direction.
Is This The Tree Off Home Alone 2?
When we arrived at the tree, is was chaotic. So many people pushing and shoving trying to get the best photograph. It isn't even the nicest tree in the world, just big. To try and escape the crowds and entertain ourselves on the cheap, Hongi suggested that we go to the museum of contemporary art as it was free. After being in there five minutes, I think I'd sooner have been fighting the crowds outside. Some may call me uncultured or uncouth but I cannot possibly see why two hoovers, one above the other in a box is considered art. Or a pair of tights filled with sand, tied in a knot and stretched. Or a group of picture frames all with scribbles on the paper within them that look as if a toddler got hold of a pencil. It's pathetic. I was so happy when I found a chair and drifted into the land of nod for half an hour.
Huge Portions - The Way I Like It
We left the museum and went to a Vietnamese restaurant for Hongi's birthday. One thing I still find rude in America is how they rush you in a restaurant. As soon as you finish your plate they take it away, not like England where they wait for everyone to finish. As soon as you're done they force the bill upon you, no time to chat and wait for the food to settle before deciding upon desert. Being German, Swedish, and English we left a $5 tip which we think turned out as more of an insult. The waiter came back with our change to which Erik told him, 'It's ok.' The waiter looked at him and said, 'a tip?' Erik nodded and told him that it was for him. The waiter looked down at the money in his hand and stormed off. We should have taken it back if he didn't want it.
The Closest I'll Be Getting To An Ice Rink
The day after we took a walk through Central Park. This was what I looked forward to but yet again couldn't help but feel disappointed. It may be because it is winter but it just didn't seem very pretty, also the path was fenced off from the park with shoddy plastic making it look cheap and reminding you that you were in a city. That is if you were deaf and couldn't hear the constant sirens from the road. Once out of the park we went into a couple of shops for Erik and Stef, as I again hid from the crowds in a nice little corner that kept me out of the way. In the evening Stef and Hongi went to watch a modern dance performance whilst Erik and I wandered around the city. We went back to the big tree so that Erik could get a picture of him holding up a sign in Swedish for his girlfriend. We went into times square in a search for cheap food but quickly left after getting frustrated with the crowds. Without the girls it was a lot easier to navigate as Erik and I can find each other easily amongst a crowd as we stand head and shoulders above everyone.
I Realised It's Not The Best Time Of Year
To Shave My Head
Should my degree not work out I have found a job I can do. Throughout the touristy places people dress up as Smurfs, Puss In Boots, Elmo etc so that people can have their picture taken with them for a tip. I did wonder if there are mascot wars in a battle for the best territory as I saw a dejected Mario walk with his head down from Elmo and the Cookie Monster. In the city that never sleeps Erik and I decided to get a couple of cans each and go back to the room to watch TV. I must be getting old.
Entertaining Myself In A Shop. The Sales
Assistant Gave Me A Nasty Look As I
Crept Round The Store Like This
On our final day I left the others in the room as I woke at 6am, showered and hopped on the subway to the centre in search of the Football Factory pub to watch Blackburn Rovers play the enemy. Arriving at 7am I was the first one in and set up stall at the bar donned in my blue and white halves. It turns out unfortunately that the game wasn't being shown on TV and so he couldn't get it up. Dejected I settled for Sky Sports News as I tucked into an English Fry-Up and a pint of Magners. AFC Wimbledon fans began to filter in to watch the game against MK Dons and a Chelsea fan was knocking about. I've never felt more at home since I arrived here. Watching Sky Sports News is more nerve racking than watching the game as things didn't sound too promising in the first half. Once we went 1-0 up things seemed to calm down although a late equaliser left a bad taste in my mouth. Look on the bright side though, we're not playing well at the moment and yet it is still 33 years since the Dingles last beat us. Happy days!
New World Trade Centre
I was now meant to meet Hongi and Stef by the south pier so set out walking south. I navigated my way through China Town and was horrified at how dirty the place is. It makes the parts of New York I saw previously look spotless. Using my phone for navigation I told Hongi that I should be there in 20 minutes once I was roughly in the right place but my phone is about to die. I arrived 25 minutes late and saw no sign of them. Waiting for a further hour I came to the conclusion that they had left and I had no way of finding them. I decided to walk to Ground Zero and see the new towers but once I got close the huge crowds made me desert the idea of walking through the city and I made my way to the west coast of Manhattan and start walking north back to the hotel/hostel. This was probably my best time in New York as there was no one here but runners, cyclists, dog walkers, and the occasional walker. The sun came out and the walk was nice as I looked out to the sea. What I did find funny is that there are so called parks all along the pier, despite how small they are. At home it would just be classed as a patch of grass, not a park. All the while the highway runs along the side of said parks. No matter how much you try to get away from the city, you can always hear or smell it. Finally getting back after a 15 mile walk, I bought biscuits, crisps, and coke for tea whilst I sat in the hostel/hotel watching films as I waited for the others.
Leaving to catch the bus I have never been so happy to be back in New Britain and the oven that is Carroll. My friend Art says that he'll take me next semester and show me the real New York so I change my mind. We'll have to wait and see
To start with, those you of you think that Yoga is easy because girls do it - WRONG. I don't think I've ever been in as much pain in my life. Arguably the longest hour in my life.
I Couldn't Even Get My Leg Horizontal,
Let Alone Straight At The Knee.
You Will Learn To Love This Position
Apparently Evan's physiotherapist has been telling him for years to go to Yoga. In addition to having the ACL in his knee all but destroyed as a child and a ripped tendon in the base of his foot, Evan struggles to relax as his heart rate is always high. Me on the other hand have no flexibility at all and suffer with back pains be it due to my height, the way I stand, or the fact that the beds in Carroll are horrible.
My Thighs Were In Agony During This,
And Walking Up Stairs Hurt The Day After
I Couldn't Do This - My Arm Kept Shaking
And Giving Way. Evan Couldn't Stop
Laughing At Me.
The Girls Could Practically Double Over
I Was Lucky To Go Back An Inch
Unable to attend the beginner's session due to schedule clashes we attended normal Yoga and were told upon arrival that they would not slow down for us. On the front row were four girls who seemed to know what they were doing. On the back row was a black lad (apparently he had been for a couple of weeks), Evan, and I. In comparison to the front row, our row was abysmal. I have never sweat so much in my life despite never moving further than the mat in front of me. My balance is atrocious, my legs won't straighten during most procedures leaving me bent legged in a puddle of my own sweat. Meanwhile the instructor is telling us when to breath in and out, this went straight out of the window as I struggled to catch my breath let alone to let it in and out at specific moments. She also has funny ways of naming things as a little voice inside you begins to tell you that you aren't bringing your heart down to the floor, you're simply doing press ups. You aren't holding your body still before moving up into a 'downward dog' you're doing a plank. The only difference is that I don't have a football coach telling me to do more, instead I have soft music and a woman's voice telling me at what pace to do these exercises.
This Confirmed That I Have No
Strength In My Shoulders To Push
My Upper Body Off The Floor.
When The Instructor Did This, The
Back Row Looked At Each Other In Horror.
Not Happening.
As we began to relax towards the end, we were told to lie on our backs and stretch our arms above our heads for the next part. At this point I felt something between my fingers and began to fiddle. When I brought my hand back down into my vision I found that I had been playing with the biggest toenail clipping for the past few minutes. Lovely.
As we finished and I cleaned my mat free of sweat puddles I noticed my feet and legs had beads running down them, as did my face, and my shirt was pretty much stuck to me. Evan was all bright eyed and bushy tailed telling me how great he felt, as I followed behind holding the base of my back and limping my way to the canteen for food. Same time next week I guess.
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