It's been about two months since I stepped off the plane at Newcastle International Airport and took my first breath of Northern England air. I'd like to say that I've learned quite a lot since living here, but in truth I have only just begun to scratch the surface of life in the U.K....
I can remember how anxious I felt when I woke up on the morning of my departure. My head was spinning (and so was my stomach). I was thrilled and terrified all at the same time because the day had finally come to leave everything I know behind and begin the adventure of a lifetime...
When I first arrived in Newcastle, I immediately fell in love with the beautiful city and those who inhabited it.
The locals, known as "Geordies," are some of the friendliest people I've ever met.
The campus at Newcastle University immediately stole my heart. Imagine walking through these arches to class every morning!
My flatmates & I hit it off straight away and I was thrilled to be welcomed into their lives.
They're always there for me when I'm having a bad day or feeling a little home-sick and I am so grateful that we have become such great pals in the past couple of months
I hope to stay in touch with them long after I'm back in the States. ◡̈
When we first arrived in the U.K. most of the students in my Loyola group were not friends...
But after a week or two of traveling and experiencing a whole new world together, we have become bonded by our adventures and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to form relationships with people I might never have been friends with back in Baltimore.
I now feel right at home in Newcastle and I love to cheer on Newcastle United on game day... I've even bought tickets to the game at Castle Park in two weeks! Howay the lads!
Adjusting to my new life in Newcastle was challenging at first, and there are some things that I still can't seem to get the hang of (I've accidentally handed the cashier euros instead of pounds more times than I'd like to admit). But right from the get-go I was extremely fond of my new home. I know one thing for sure: I'll be sad to say goodbye when it's time to board my plane home to America in a few weeks.
Credits:
Created with images by chrissuddes0 - "evening newcastle upon tyne newcastle quayside"