Hello America!

I've been here for three full days now, and i've got to say: it's a different world out here!

All three of my flights were smooth and I landed in Minot, North Dakota in perfect time. Whitney greeted me with patriotic American balloons, looking 'gorgeous as ever. We didn't stay in a hotel after all, and instead made the two hour drive to Whit's home. I felt fatigued and jet lagged, but was kept wide awake by the overwhelming feeling of.. well everything. I had taken a giant leap from my comfort zone, and going from a crowded city to a rural, sparsely populated land of greenery made this hit home instantly. Still, I had chosen to be here, and I was glad to be here, ready to experience something new. 

We arrived at Whit's house, which again is surrounded by beautiful scenic greenery, and not a lot else. I met the parents; I met the pets (a dog named Kobe, two cats, and four horses). All are whom are very nice. That night we chilled out and watched a film; I wasn't awake enough to do much else! 

Skip forward three days and I've experienced a little more of North Dakotan life. We went out for one of Whit's friend's birthday last night. It's a strange feeling going from being part of the majority population, and then suddenly becoming the minority. On the one hand it's nice to be the 'novelty' where everyone wants to know more about England and English culture, but on the other hand, it's annoying not knowing 'the ropes' around here. But like anything, you get there with experience and every day I feel more apart of this place. My first impressions are that life is very laid back here. The people I've met so far all seem pretty chilled and at ease with the surroundings. It's hard not to be. Like I keep saying, the scenery is very calm, and the traffic on the roads in non-existent. A few beers also helps as well I suppose. 

 Today I rode horse for the first time ever, albeit it briefly. Everyday I learn something new about them either through Whit or her mum, so I should be an expert in a few weeks! I also saw a horse show, where people compete in different timed events with their horses. 

I should also mention the weather: beautiful! The skies have been clear, and I swear the sun looks bigger and brighter here, not that we get to see it in England anyway..

Stay tuned for more!

L is for Lucozade...

me and the lucozade bottle in Florida, 2007

It's 6pm, and I’ve just about finished packing. It's crazy to think that I rely on so many things, and yet when given only a single suitcase to fill, I've instantly forgot about everything that's not integral to this trip. I suppose I can buy other essential items while I'm over there, but still, I currently stand here with less than 20kg of possessions to my name. One of the most valuable possessions I've packed has been everywhere with me. I received it as a present at the age of 14/15. For 3 years it kept me hydrated whilst playing in my local 5-aside football league. It came to University with me. It went to 5 American states with me in 2007. In fact it's been with me in at least 4 countries overall. It is non-other than my famous Lucozade sports bottle.

It seems bizarre, and I have no idea why I've chosen to carry this item around for so long. I guess I just like to stay well-hydrated!

I fly out at 6am tomorrow morning from Manchester Airport. At first I fly the 'wrong way' to Amsterdam, hang around there for a few hours and then take an 8 hour flight to Minneapolis. Finally I take another 1-and-a-bit hour flight up to Minot where I will (hopefully) be collected by Whit. It sounds like we're going to stay at a local hotel for the night, which suits me fine, as I'll have done enough travelling for the day!

Well, this will be my last entry from this side of the pond. It seems almost dramatised or 'fake' to say an emotional goodbye, as nearly all of the people I'll be keeping in touch with have Facebook or some other form of space-age communication. And so although I won't actually be seeing them for a while, I'll still know what they're doing, where they are, and what their latest hairstyle looks like.

So this is it for now,

Take care everyone, and 'you stay classy England'

Goodbye University; hello factor-40 sun cream

In 3 days I will be in the USA. Sounds crazy; feels crazy. You know when something doesn’t quite hit home? Well, this is it. But still, I’m excited about my 4-and-a-bit months away in the USA. I’m now just sitting around waiting for it to actually happen. I’ve worked out my financial situation for while I’m over there, had my queries answered by the airline companies, and have even considered packing (I’m very last minute).

A few days ago I boxed up my possessions and left Lincoln for the last time as a university student. It was strange to think that the safety bubble of being a student has suddenly just popped, and here lies what most would call ‘the real world’ - I hate that phrase. But now is not the time for ranting.

I said goodbye to some of the few people who have made my 3 years at university the best of my life. The people I can look back at and reminisce:

“Oh, I remember the time we carried a 5-foot tree home on a night out, before getting stopped by the somewhat suspicious police.”

Or..

“They were there when I stood in the middle of a cross-roads at 2:00am in the morning and directed traffic, before the somewhat furious policeman screamed “get out of the f*cking road!"

I would like to make it clear that not all my memories from University involved a cameo from the police.

I spoke to Whit last night. She’s spent a few days with family in Vegas – sounds rough, I know!

She was showing them pictures of when we went to Greece in May. When they asked why – on our last day there - she was nearly black and I was ghost-white, she told them it was because I stay in the shade and wear factor 40. Great, her family now think I’m a geeky vampire kid. Firstly, it was factor 25; not 40! Secondly, she was nearly black before we left! A pasty English boy was never going to come out of this looking good. But anyway, I will keep all my readers up-to-date with the progression of my sweet tan while I’m over there. Stay tuned..

On a side note, I'm also waiting for the ebay auction to end on my Playstation 3. It pains me to sell it, but I'd rather have the money for this trip. The current bid is at £50, but I'm confident I can get over £250.

Numb mouth and a visa

I don’t mind visiting the dentist… I think it’s because the threat of having needles jabbed into my mouth encourages me to take special care of my teeth. However, effort alone could not prevent a cavity that needed filling this time around, so yesterday I had a needle jabbed into my mouth anyway (Marvellous!).

But even a numb mouth that felt twice its size couldn’t dampen my spirits for when I returned home to find a special delivery envelope. I opened it up to find my passport and visa. “That’s it” I thought. Other than packing and trying to find some last-minute money for my ‘America fund’, there are no more obstacles. The flights are booked, I’m mentally prepared. I have nothing to complain about right now.

I called Whitney to share my excitement. She returned to the USA 3 days ago, so it was nice to confirm that in 12 days I would be following her.

12 days and counting.