These are the links to our pictures...
Scotland:
http://uregina.facebook.com/album.php?aid=56808&l=e1e04&id=666295320
York, Whitby, Around
http://uregina.facebook.com/album.php?aid=56023&l=77d41&id=666295320
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Edinburgh - by Jonathan Slywka
Hi guys! Guess who this is? Yes, I, Jonathan Slywka, am about to enter the bloggosphere. Ssscchhheeewwwww!!!!!!! There I go. How's it goin'? So, anyways, I'm gonna tell you about our weekend in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is just 200 miles up the road from York, just 2 1/2 hours by train, or 4 hours by bus and train. We left York on Friday morning with our good friend Katherine. We arrived in Edinburgh at 11, and hung around the station until our other friend, "Dudders", arrived at 12. From there we went to our hostel - an old, converted church building. It was pretty cool, I guess. Typical hostel accomodation in an atypical location. Our first real taste of the city was a walk up Princess Street. This is the main "new" thoroughfare of the city, as opposed to the "old" royal mile, which I'll describe later. It is lined with the same old shops - Zara, Gap, H&M - but also a plethora of junky Scottish theme shops, where one could find anything from Kilts of every colour, to a very smart looking 1970's wig and mustache emsemble (I'm not sure why that one). Anyways, along that street can be found the Scottish National gallery, which, we were happy to discover, was showing an exhibition of Andy Warhol. For those who don't know the guy, think Campbell's soup cans and Marilyn Monroe. It is always nice to get to see the works of some great artist, even if you aren't a fan of the person, or art in general. (Brittany would like to remind me that I am speaking for myself. She loved it.) Upon leaving the gallery we took a stroll through the lovely Princess Street Gardens. These sunken gardens at the base of the castle hill were created when the old north loch was drained. It all makes for quite an extraordinary setting - monumental architecture, beautiful gardens lying beneath a towering hill with imposing castle set on top - something unlike I've ever seen before. We next set out for the older areas of Edinburgh, those running down from the castle, along the royal mile. We climbed up to the castle, but finding it closed for the day, instead went for a whisky tour nearby. We had heard that a whisky tour was one of the must do's in Edinburgh - Scotland is known for there whisky, or Scotch, after all - and it really was quite interesting. We learned all about the finer points of the "Water of Life", how to taste properly, and even got to keep the glass. That was pretty much it for day 1. Day 2 began with a hike back up to the castle. Being a Saturday, the place was crawling, but we found plenty to do, and quite enjoyed it. (Again, my wonderful girlfriend has reminded me to speak for myself.) She did, however, enjoy catching a rare glimps of the honours of the kingdom, Scotland's equivelant of the crown jewels. From the castle, we made a short stop at a wool mill nearby, where I bought a tartan tie (somewhere Alicia is saying "You would") in the official tartan of Edinburgh (I was searching for the family tartan for Slywka but none could be found). We then set out down the royal mile, toward some other castle, which happens to be an official residence of the Queen. We chose not to stay long, however, rather catching a bus out to the sea side. We dipped our toes in the frigid Firth of Forth, and then headed right back to our Hostel. After a quick refreshing in the equally frigid showers, we went out in search of some food, and a spirited location to join the locals in watching Scotland's world cup of rugby encounter. It was pretty fun. Admittedly, I was more concerned with checking the score of the Rider game when we returned to the hostel ("You can take the man out of the province ...). And with that our Saturday ended, and all that was left was to make our way back to the station this morning, and home to York. Funny how, after just 2 weeks, a place that had seemed so foreign could seem somewhat like home. Somewhat, though not completely. I miss you guys, all of you. And I'm getting kicked out of the library. So here's to posting my first blog. Sscchhheeewwwww!!!!!!!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
At Last
The pictures are posted on Facebook. Hopefully you have facebook or you have a friend who has facebook so that you can see the pictures. It took me 2 and a half hours to get them up so i hope you enjoy atleast one of them.
I am heading to my BLT class then we are off to Scotland tomorrow. We'll chat soon. Take care!
Jonathan has promised to write the next blog... you'll definately want to read that one. He is a way more talented writer than I.
I am heading to my BLT class then we are off to Scotland tomorrow. We'll chat soon. Take care!
Jonathan has promised to write the next blog... you'll definately want to read that one. He is a way more talented writer than I.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
I am a slim, trim, stretcher of the truth...
Or a big fat liar. The pictures aren't posted. Obviously. Its been a bit of a process, but tomorrow we are getting up bright and early to tour the Minster (Northern Europe's largest) and we plan to take loads of pictures and then I am devoting myself to an afternoon in the library with the IT tech people.
I am slim and trim though, or well on my way. I just finished a work-out class called Legs Bums and Tums. It was fabulous. I couldn't stop thinking about a BLT the entire time though...
School is finished for the week! How fantastic is that story! My classes are really cool. I have one called the Visible Past where we explore old monasteries and castles (literally) and relate the surroundings to the peoples daily lives. (Pretty much a geography class). We get to tour some pretty amazing buildings for that one.
I am also taking two America Studies classes- Affluence and Anxiety USA from 1920 to 1960; and America's Century. How I got into two american classes, I have no idea. The fascination of the USA kinda makes my blood run cold, but with all the tact I store in my pinky finger, I'll stop myslef there.
So, school is good. 3 papers and no finals. I can't complain.
Jonathan and I are sitting here thinking of what to do with ourselves the rest of the week as he is not working and I have no school. SO we just booked train tickets to Edinburgh, Scotland. A friend of ours from Regina is coming with us as well. Her name is Katherine and she is great.
I have to tell you the story of my dress.
Jonathan and I have done alot of window shopping. This place is so expensive! One night we did our daily browse later in the evening when everything was closed. We walked past this one store and I stopped in dead in my tracks. "Look Jonny, it's so pretty! I have to have it!" He smiles. He smiles so loudly that I hear every word- "Brittany, you seem to need an awful lot to sustain your well-being, but how ephemeral your emergencies- you won't remember that dress in 5 seconds from now." So I respond by squaring my shoulders to his. "Jonathan," (I only call him Jonathan when I am typing or when I am really having a serious moment) "I reallllllllly like that dress." His metaphorical animal ears perch when he hears "Jonathan" and he responds, "Brittany, it's probably a zillion dollars, but if you must have it, then lets come and visit it tomorrow and it can be your back to school outfit." I calm down, then pray to God and Bob Barker that the price is right.
The next day we set off shopping. I don't want to break the bank but I really would like a resonably priced back-to-school outfit. We walk for hours trying to find this store. After about two and a half hours I resign to the fact that I'll never have her, but Mr. Direction Man is not giving up so easily. I have my heart set on a One-Pound sandwhich Man, (who, by the way, is most definately the man that inspired the Sinfeild episode about the Soup Nazis) but Jonathan keeps us searching. After another half hour he gives up to. SO we are on our way to the Sandwhich man when my heart stops. "JONNY LOOK" And there she was, on a maniquinne that looked just like me. We enter the store and I bashfully hide my face from the store people in the boutique. This is the high end kind of store where my yesterday's masquara and Birkenstocks don't attract much help. An insult and a relief. We start looking and don't see the dress, but we see many other dresses with price tags around 240 pounds ( like 500$). I get more and more discouraged. We walk upstairs and there she is! I slowly reach for the dress, Jonathans hand reassuringly placed on the small of my back. Everything is moving slow-mo. I turn the tag around with a shaky hand. . . £25! twenty-five pounds!
I try it on and love it! I buy it. I would buy the same one twice if I could! Jonathan and i giggle in disbelief as we leave the store. I was so happy that the grumpy sandwhich-man was my favorite man alive in that hour.
Thanks Bob.
I am slim and trim though, or well on my way. I just finished a work-out class called Legs Bums and Tums. It was fabulous. I couldn't stop thinking about a BLT the entire time though...
School is finished for the week! How fantastic is that story! My classes are really cool. I have one called the Visible Past where we explore old monasteries and castles (literally) and relate the surroundings to the peoples daily lives. (Pretty much a geography class). We get to tour some pretty amazing buildings for that one.
I am also taking two America Studies classes- Affluence and Anxiety USA from 1920 to 1960; and America's Century. How I got into two american classes, I have no idea. The fascination of the USA kinda makes my blood run cold, but with all the tact I store in my pinky finger, I'll stop myslef there.
So, school is good. 3 papers and no finals. I can't complain.
Jonathan and I are sitting here thinking of what to do with ourselves the rest of the week as he is not working and I have no school. SO we just booked train tickets to Edinburgh, Scotland. A friend of ours from Regina is coming with us as well. Her name is Katherine and she is great.
I have to tell you the story of my dress.
Jonathan and I have done alot of window shopping. This place is so expensive! One night we did our daily browse later in the evening when everything was closed. We walked past this one store and I stopped in dead in my tracks. "Look Jonny, it's so pretty! I have to have it!" He smiles. He smiles so loudly that I hear every word- "Brittany, you seem to need an awful lot to sustain your well-being, but how ephemeral your emergencies- you won't remember that dress in 5 seconds from now." So I respond by squaring my shoulders to his. "Jonathan," (I only call him Jonathan when I am typing or when I am really having a serious moment) "I reallllllllly like that dress." His metaphorical animal ears perch when he hears "Jonathan" and he responds, "Brittany, it's probably a zillion dollars, but if you must have it, then lets come and visit it tomorrow and it can be your back to school outfit." I calm down, then pray to God and Bob Barker that the price is right.
The next day we set off shopping. I don't want to break the bank but I really would like a resonably priced back-to-school outfit. We walk for hours trying to find this store. After about two and a half hours I resign to the fact that I'll never have her, but Mr. Direction Man is not giving up so easily. I have my heart set on a One-Pound sandwhich Man, (who, by the way, is most definately the man that inspired the Sinfeild episode about the Soup Nazis) but Jonathan keeps us searching. After another half hour he gives up to. SO we are on our way to the Sandwhich man when my heart stops. "JONNY LOOK" And there she was, on a maniquinne that looked just like me. We enter the store and I bashfully hide my face from the store people in the boutique. This is the high end kind of store where my yesterday's masquara and Birkenstocks don't attract much help. An insult and a relief. We start looking and don't see the dress, but we see many other dresses with price tags around 240 pounds ( like 500$). I get more and more discouraged. We walk upstairs and there she is! I slowly reach for the dress, Jonathans hand reassuringly placed on the small of my back. Everything is moving slow-mo. I turn the tag around with a shaky hand. . . £25! twenty-five pounds!
I try it on and love it! I buy it. I would buy the same one twice if I could! Jonathan and i giggle in disbelief as we leave the store. I was so happy that the grumpy sandwhich-man was my favorite man alive in that hour.
Thanks Bob.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Sunday September 23, 2007.
Its Sunday.
Today we went to a church called St. Micheals. It is right next door to the Minster in a beautiful building. The atmosphere was really family oriented and kind. The lesson was on Shake the bed, Make the bed, And into bed you go. (haha). It was a little bit different than what we are used to. There are scripted prayers that the congregation says in unison, one part of the service you sit and think about the bad things that you have done that week then pray for forgiveness together, things like that, a little different but interesting to learn about. Barb told me that the Anglican church is pretty prevelant here, I'm not sure if it was Anglican but I think it is.
The one thing I was closed to was the communion. Jonathan promises me that God (and the church) aren't offended, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. They use real wine and they drink from the same cup. I've never really tried wine before and they could atleast take me for dinner before my lips touched theirs! I was just so consumed by that thought that I couldn't focus on what I was supposed to be focusing on and so I sat it out... I have a cold okay?! Jonathan braved it, he said that if God was going to protect him from any disease, it would be during communion... he's probably right.
Jonathan and I have had a few really cool discussions on why we do what we do at church. We are reading the Da Vinci Code as well as experiencing a new church so the arena for this discussion is perfect. We decided that in the end it is all an offering to God, which is cool because he gets so much variety. They had these cute little boys passing for the collection and I just thought that must have made God's heart glad.
I think we probably will continue to go there, the people were so friendly and just really eager to take care of new students. We'll keep you up to date on that for sure.
I start school tomorrow. I am taking three history classes. The paperwork will be heavy but atleast I dont have any tests. I am excited to start school because classes are a whole new area to meet new people. Its also been 5 months since I have been in school, so i am ready.
We've seen so much this week and a picture is worth a thousand words, so I will get some pictures posted instead of detailing all of those. How about by tomorrow? I'll commit.
My cousin Sam has just given birth to two healthy baby boys named Garry and Julian. A big congrats to the new Mom and Dad. (We'll keep our eyes peeled for some sweet european kicks)
Jonathan is really missing Sweet Chilli Heat Dorito chips. If anyone wants to bring those over or send them in the mail, he just might weep with excitement.
We are off for supper. I think we are going to pizza hut, the only place in europe with non stop pop. (I know what you are thinking.. ' I could really take a lesson from these health nuts') Haha.
It's salad bar the rest of the week.
Today we went to a church called St. Micheals. It is right next door to the Minster in a beautiful building. The atmosphere was really family oriented and kind. The lesson was on Shake the bed, Make the bed, And into bed you go. (haha). It was a little bit different than what we are used to. There are scripted prayers that the congregation says in unison, one part of the service you sit and think about the bad things that you have done that week then pray for forgiveness together, things like that, a little different but interesting to learn about. Barb told me that the Anglican church is pretty prevelant here, I'm not sure if it was Anglican but I think it is.
The one thing I was closed to was the communion. Jonathan promises me that God (and the church) aren't offended, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. They use real wine and they drink from the same cup. I've never really tried wine before and they could atleast take me for dinner before my lips touched theirs! I was just so consumed by that thought that I couldn't focus on what I was supposed to be focusing on and so I sat it out... I have a cold okay?! Jonathan braved it, he said that if God was going to protect him from any disease, it would be during communion... he's probably right.
Jonathan and I have had a few really cool discussions on why we do what we do at church. We are reading the Da Vinci Code as well as experiencing a new church so the arena for this discussion is perfect. We decided that in the end it is all an offering to God, which is cool because he gets so much variety. They had these cute little boys passing for the collection and I just thought that must have made God's heart glad.
I think we probably will continue to go there, the people were so friendly and just really eager to take care of new students. We'll keep you up to date on that for sure.
I start school tomorrow. I am taking three history classes. The paperwork will be heavy but atleast I dont have any tests. I am excited to start school because classes are a whole new area to meet new people. Its also been 5 months since I have been in school, so i am ready.
We've seen so much this week and a picture is worth a thousand words, so I will get some pictures posted instead of detailing all of those. How about by tomorrow? I'll commit.
My cousin Sam has just given birth to two healthy baby boys named Garry and Julian. A big congrats to the new Mom and Dad. (We'll keep our eyes peeled for some sweet european kicks)
Jonathan is really missing Sweet Chilli Heat Dorito chips. If anyone wants to bring those over or send them in the mail, he just might weep with excitement.
We are off for supper. I think we are going to pizza hut, the only place in europe with non stop pop. (I know what you are thinking.. ' I could really take a lesson from these health nuts') Haha.
It's salad bar the rest of the week.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Whitby and Scarborough
Today I ventured off to the sea-side.
It was so wild, in a matter of seconds I was outside of this fast-moving, buzzong town and into the country side. Its like centrifugal force, slow on the outside, fast on the inside. The countryside was beautiful. I saw the moors with bright purple heather blanketing their fields; ; the hills were patched with farms; the pig farms were stinky.
We arrived in Whitby and the scene was breathtaking. This huge abbey, a regal castle, looking over a cozy city built on a hill, all right next to the north sea.
I toured with some friends from Regina, we took pictures, cuddled some geese (seriously, so tame), strolled through the grave yard that inspired Braham Stoker's Dracula,and sauntered down 199 steps (we counted). We then walked through the shambles, across the bridge, to the sea wall where we ate fish and chips and dipped our feet in the salt water. The same water Captain Cook wet his feet in. I took lots of pictures and would love to get them posted just as soon as my wireless works in the library.
We met back at the bus and drove along the coast to Scarborough (another famous sea-side town.) We had some prize winning ice cream and then made the journey home. Jonathan and I ate in the cafeteria tonight. The salsa for my fajita had....CILANTRO in it!! Everything here has cilantro. siiiiick! We decided it was time to make a date to Starbucks for the ol reliable BIG cup of coffee and latte. (europeans are stingy on the portions in cafes.)
We were talking all about Jonathan's 3 hour bike tour today and recapping our separate adventures when we remembered our next big adventure... PARIS! Yes we are heading to paris roughly one month tomorrow (as that is our one year). So in this book store, with the Starbucks, which happens to be the only thing open past 6 pm here, we decided to pick up the Da Vinci code and re-read it before we go and spend 2 days in the Louvre. (Nothing says love more than 2 full days in the Louvre...right Jonathan, right??) We are excited though. Jonathan is actually browsing accomadation for that trip right now.
So I will end this here for tonight, we are going to have a read. Do keep us updated on your happenings as well. And i willlll get pictures sent to you all soon.
Much love.
It was so wild, in a matter of seconds I was outside of this fast-moving, buzzong town and into the country side. Its like centrifugal force, slow on the outside, fast on the inside. The countryside was beautiful. I saw the moors with bright purple heather blanketing their fields; ; the hills were patched with farms; the pig farms were stinky.
We arrived in Whitby and the scene was breathtaking. This huge abbey, a regal castle, looking over a cozy city built on a hill, all right next to the north sea.
I toured with some friends from Regina, we took pictures, cuddled some geese (seriously, so tame), strolled through the grave yard that inspired Braham Stoker's Dracula,and sauntered down 199 steps (we counted). We then walked through the shambles, across the bridge, to the sea wall where we ate fish and chips and dipped our feet in the salt water. The same water Captain Cook wet his feet in. I took lots of pictures and would love to get them posted just as soon as my wireless works in the library.
We met back at the bus and drove along the coast to Scarborough (another famous sea-side town.) We had some prize winning ice cream and then made the journey home. Jonathan and I ate in the cafeteria tonight. The salsa for my fajita had....CILANTRO in it!! Everything here has cilantro. siiiiick! We decided it was time to make a date to Starbucks for the ol reliable BIG cup of coffee and latte. (europeans are stingy on the portions in cafes.)
We were talking all about Jonathan's 3 hour bike tour today and recapping our separate adventures when we remembered our next big adventure... PARIS! Yes we are heading to paris roughly one month tomorrow (as that is our one year). So in this book store, with the Starbucks, which happens to be the only thing open past 6 pm here, we decided to pick up the Da Vinci code and re-read it before we go and spend 2 days in the Louvre. (Nothing says love more than 2 full days in the Louvre...right Jonathan, right??) We are excited though. Jonathan is actually browsing accomadation for that trip right now.
So I will end this here for tonight, we are going to have a read. Do keep us updated on your happenings as well. And i willlll get pictures sent to you all soon.
Much love.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Rested.
We are getting over the Jet-lag and we are much much happier.
Jonathan got an apartment (God's hand was totally there, there is NOWHERE in york that rents for less than 6 months but we stumbled across this one place and the landlord is allowing a 3 month lease!) The apartment is really close to my school and it is by far the most afforable around. Thank-you for all your prayers!
Jonathan has applied at a job agency- we have yet to hear from them but it should be soon. He also got a bank account today so that he can get paid (that was a bit of a process but it worked out)
He also bought a reallllly nice bike. He gets to sell it back to the guy at the end so that turns out to be quite cheap.
We both have cell phones now and there is a bit of a difference when you dial us. You should dial 011-44-7942-486789(Jonny) (484567Britts).
The cheapest phones around! 30 pounds and you get a phone plus 20 pounds of credit- 5pence a minute to canada.
Hm. We haven't been too terribly touristy yet, we have just hit the ground running getting set up and what not. I am feeling so much more relaxed and just happy and able to take it all in. Today we had breakfast at starbucks then shopped around a bit. I found a pair of jeans from Mango (penelope cruz's store) which i loooove. But i think i might wait till the end to buy any clothes. Everything is so expensive here.
I've learned lots. "Are you alright?" doesnt mean "you look like you've been crying", it means "how are you!"... so i have stopped snapping at people that "yes i am alright i'm just jet-lagged--geez".
The food in england is gross- we went for fish and chips... for the last time.
I only have classes on monday's... so i might be traveling alot more than I originally thought.
Jonathan has put in for tickets to an england game (we found jerseys today for 10pounds! steal of a deal!) sooo thats exciting.
Also, the three classes i take here equal 5 classes in canada- i love that!
Okay, I think we are going to watch a movie tonight, rest our feet in our cozy moccasins. We do miss you all lots and lots, its certainly different not having you close at hand. We are thinking of you all most of the time. I will get some pictures up just as soon as my wireless works in the library.
cheers,
Britt and Jonny
Jonathan got an apartment (God's hand was totally there, there is NOWHERE in york that rents for less than 6 months but we stumbled across this one place and the landlord is allowing a 3 month lease!) The apartment is really close to my school and it is by far the most afforable around. Thank-you for all your prayers!
Jonathan has applied at a job agency- we have yet to hear from them but it should be soon. He also got a bank account today so that he can get paid (that was a bit of a process but it worked out)
He also bought a reallllly nice bike. He gets to sell it back to the guy at the end so that turns out to be quite cheap.
We both have cell phones now and there is a bit of a difference when you dial us. You should dial 011-44-7942-486789(Jonny) (484567Britts).
The cheapest phones around! 30 pounds and you get a phone plus 20 pounds of credit- 5pence a minute to canada.
Hm. We haven't been too terribly touristy yet, we have just hit the ground running getting set up and what not. I am feeling so much more relaxed and just happy and able to take it all in. Today we had breakfast at starbucks then shopped around a bit. I found a pair of jeans from Mango (penelope cruz's store) which i loooove. But i think i might wait till the end to buy any clothes. Everything is so expensive here.
I've learned lots. "Are you alright?" doesnt mean "you look like you've been crying", it means "how are you!"... so i have stopped snapping at people that "yes i am alright i'm just jet-lagged--geez".
The food in england is gross- we went for fish and chips... for the last time.
I only have classes on monday's... so i might be traveling alot more than I originally thought.
Jonathan has put in for tickets to an england game (we found jerseys today for 10pounds! steal of a deal!) sooo thats exciting.
Also, the three classes i take here equal 5 classes in canada- i love that!
Okay, I think we are going to watch a movie tonight, rest our feet in our cozy moccasins. We do miss you all lots and lots, its certainly different not having you close at hand. We are thinking of you all most of the time. I will get some pictures up just as soon as my wireless works in the library.
cheers,
Britt and Jonny
Monday, September 17, 2007
We are here!
Hello everyone!
We have arrived safely in York. The trip was a long long long and tiring one. Even though we are jet-lagged and hungry (our eating patterns are soooo messed up!) we are happy. This is the single most beautiful city I have ever seen. "Britain's favorite city".We have done so much exploring in trying to get settled here. Jonathan has some rooms to rent lined up, and has been into the job agency already. We also have a phone. Right now Jonathan has the only one but they were so cheap that I think I will also have to pick one up. His number is 011-07942-486789. Weird number I know, but just call or text that and it works.
I am so out of it and exhausted right now but I will try and tell you what we have seen so far.
We arrived in Manchester and collected our huge and heavy bags. We then had a hairy time getting train tickets (the pace of life just sped up and we were lugging our tired bodies and huge bags around). We made it on the train and then for the next 2 hours we saw brick building after brick building. We saw farms and fields on the greenest hills (farming can never be easy eh? Either on prairies in extreme weather conditions, or on a massive hill!).
We arrived in York (which is just a gem, nothing leading up to York quite resembled her character). We lugged our bags uphill to the hostel then up the stairs. We settled, hugged, changed and headed out. We ate at an Indian restaurant (the soup had cilantro in it, i was mad). But the river running through the city is so nice. We almost got hit by a bunch of cars because we are all backwards then we viewed an apartment and explored some more. I wish I could tell you in words about this place, but I am frustrated because there are no words. Its like one big festival all the time. People just fill the streets. There is a shop for EVERYTHING however random and the shop doors are always wide open. Its bustling and busy.
We woke up that night to me being violently ill. ( my body was mad at me). I tried to get through that, and after sevral gruesome hours we mustered the strength to move into the dorm.
My bedroom has a big bay window facing the garden then behind that the minster ( the biggest cathedral in northern Europe). Its breathtaking. I live alone and have a sink, a desk, a bed.
The shower is something to get used to. Its just a pit in a room that seems to fill with water and peoples hair is everywhere, no curtain... not the lap of luxury, but its warm!!!
Okay, I really hope this email doesnt have a negative tone because we are really just so happy to be here. This place is beautiful. I have been touring the school, attending meetings and trying to get set up (but exhaustion is not a friend). We are burnt out. But hopefully we can get things done and in order and then just enjoy ourselves.
I am heading to Whitby, the sea side thursday. yay.
Please pray for us and be mindful of us. Jonathan is really tough and optimistic but sometimes I get panicked like WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE!! I get a little homesick and I tend to worry. Its tough not having our core support group so close by. I am getting over it and we spent about an hour in matthew 6 last night, meditating on not worrying and trusting God to feed and clothe us. That jonathan will get work and a home.Please pray that doubting voices will be stilled and replaced with peace.
We really are so delighted to be here. I wish you could see it. My bestfriend the navigating genious is by far the best person in the entire world to travel with, he's a walking compass/history lesson. I just love him!
We miss you and even though we are so happy to be here, we are so excited to see you again!
Colby just sent jonny an email- the weakerthans are going to be in leeds. Yesssss.
Take care!
Britt & Jonathan
We have arrived safely in York. The trip was a long long long and tiring one. Even though we are jet-lagged and hungry (our eating patterns are soooo messed up!) we are happy. This is the single most beautiful city I have ever seen. "Britain's favorite city".We have done so much exploring in trying to get settled here. Jonathan has some rooms to rent lined up, and has been into the job agency already. We also have a phone. Right now Jonathan has the only one but they were so cheap that I think I will also have to pick one up. His number is 011-07942-486789. Weird number I know, but just call or text that and it works.
I am so out of it and exhausted right now but I will try and tell you what we have seen so far.
We arrived in Manchester and collected our huge and heavy bags. We then had a hairy time getting train tickets (the pace of life just sped up and we were lugging our tired bodies and huge bags around). We made it on the train and then for the next 2 hours we saw brick building after brick building. We saw farms and fields on the greenest hills (farming can never be easy eh? Either on prairies in extreme weather conditions, or on a massive hill!).
We arrived in York (which is just a gem, nothing leading up to York quite resembled her character). We lugged our bags uphill to the hostel then up the stairs. We settled, hugged, changed and headed out. We ate at an Indian restaurant (the soup had cilantro in it, i was mad). But the river running through the city is so nice. We almost got hit by a bunch of cars because we are all backwards then we viewed an apartment and explored some more. I wish I could tell you in words about this place, but I am frustrated because there are no words. Its like one big festival all the time. People just fill the streets. There is a shop for EVERYTHING however random and the shop doors are always wide open. Its bustling and busy.
We woke up that night to me being violently ill. ( my body was mad at me). I tried to get through that, and after sevral gruesome hours we mustered the strength to move into the dorm.
My bedroom has a big bay window facing the garden then behind that the minster ( the biggest cathedral in northern Europe). Its breathtaking. I live alone and have a sink, a desk, a bed.
The shower is something to get used to. Its just a pit in a room that seems to fill with water and peoples hair is everywhere, no curtain... not the lap of luxury, but its warm!!!
Okay, I really hope this email doesnt have a negative tone because we are really just so happy to be here. This place is beautiful. I have been touring the school, attending meetings and trying to get set up (but exhaustion is not a friend). We are burnt out. But hopefully we can get things done and in order and then just enjoy ourselves.
I am heading to Whitby, the sea side thursday. yay.
Please pray for us and be mindful of us. Jonathan is really tough and optimistic but sometimes I get panicked like WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE!! I get a little homesick and I tend to worry. Its tough not having our core support group so close by. I am getting over it and we spent about an hour in matthew 6 last night, meditating on not worrying and trusting God to feed and clothe us. That jonathan will get work and a home.Please pray that doubting voices will be stilled and replaced with peace.
We really are so delighted to be here. I wish you could see it. My bestfriend the navigating genious is by far the best person in the entire world to travel with, he's a walking compass/history lesson. I just love him!
We miss you and even though we are so happy to be here, we are so excited to see you again!
Colby just sent jonny an email- the weakerthans are going to be in leeds. Yesssss.
Take care!
Britt & Jonathan
Sunday, September 9, 2007
We are off!
Today is Sunday. The Sunday before we leave for York, England. It's been a good day; we went to church, had a lovely lunch, watched Federer make history and I got a little more organized.
We leave in 4 days. It has been nice being back in Regina and just relaxing so we haven't really let ourselves pee our pants in excitement to leave on this crazy trip.
Wednesday the Young Adults are all coming over for one last Brew-ha-ha before we leave (i am so positive i misspelled that!) We are looking forward to that.
I'll tell you a little about what we know for sure is happening in York. I know that I am going to York St John University on an exchange. I am taking classes that will transfer to the University of Regina soley based on pass-fail grades-school might be a little secondary these next few months....I am staying on campus. Jonathan is going to be looking for a job and a place to stay. We have been in contact with a few real estate people so hopefully that is helpful.
We have one Paris trip planned for our one-year anniversary next month and I have another one planned with my school in November. Who knows where we might adventure- YOU will know if you keep checking in!
Anyways, thats what we know.
Thanks for loving us and investing in our lives; we will miss you.
xoxo,
Britt and Jonathan.
We leave in 4 days. It has been nice being back in Regina and just relaxing so we haven't really let ourselves pee our pants in excitement to leave on this crazy trip.
Wednesday the Young Adults are all coming over for one last Brew-ha-ha before we leave (i am so positive i misspelled that!) We are looking forward to that.
I'll tell you a little about what we know for sure is happening in York. I know that I am going to York St John University on an exchange. I am taking classes that will transfer to the University of Regina soley based on pass-fail grades-school might be a little secondary these next few months....I am staying on campus. Jonathan is going to be looking for a job and a place to stay. We have been in contact with a few real estate people so hopefully that is helpful.
We have one Paris trip planned for our one-year anniversary next month and I have another one planned with my school in November. Who knows where we might adventure- YOU will know if you keep checking in!
Anyways, thats what we know.
Thanks for loving us and investing in our lives; we will miss you.
xoxo,
Britt and Jonathan.
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