I am in my room and last two days I have reading a book that has been far too sad and cheerful, depressing and hilarious for me – The Rabbi’s Daughter by Reva Mann. See, before I came to the UK I had never experienced different cultures closely. The short trips abroad and the awkward meeting with strangers have never given me even a hint of the people different from me. That is probably why I was so stricken by the diversity of London and Birmingham when I came. Now, that I am more aware of the differences between me and my friends I want to know more about the different cultures. Probably the confessions of a Jewish woman will make me see the world as she saw it. Yet, my Jewish flat mate seems reluctant discuss the experiences he has had in Israel with me. Or, probably, I seem more stupidity and ridicule in my questions. I hope I have not been, as now I try to respect the different cultures more.
Tonight I feel like thinking about the distance between me and my parents. I feel like the thing I have dreaded the most has happened and now I am a distant part of their daily routine, a phone call in the evening and nothing more. As much as 'they keep loving me', I feel abandoned. The visits to Bulgaria every two months just remind me of the life I have left behind. The stories of my Bulgarian friends just make me feel jealous for they have different routines, problems and joys.
Every phone call with my father starts with a short silence and is always distant. As much as we have never had any emotional connection I have always, well, hoped that he would open up and accept me as a equal human being one day, capable of decisions, thoughts, emotions… My mother on the other hand has always being my friend, as much as people think of it impossible. And, now deven though I speak to her for hours on the phone, the awkward moment of silence always comes. If it does not, then she becomes distracted with something in the house and is not paying any attention to our conversation. Believe me the worst thing is to hear your mother talking to your little sister about something while you are trying to have your personal half an hour conversation with her, the distance between you being thousands of miles.
Yet I cannot, like my friends here, call my parents once a week and just explain briefly my current situation like a soldier to his commander. And explain is the exact terming, for they do not ask for a permission or advice. As much as I am independent now, I like to think that there is someone there judging me. Maybe it is this lack of judgement in the awkward silence that threatens me and makes me feel grown up and alone.
Anyway, in, as short as, an hour I will be at a Lakeside Party and these troubles will be just a flashing memory behind me. TIP 5 for prospective students: try to avoid the short moments of self pity and loneliness, for there would always be something happening at Uni and do not waste your time being sorry for yourself! Go with the flow!
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
Monday, 26 May 2008
The First Classes
Today is one of the windiest days in Birmingham since September. My prayers for sun and heat are evidently unanswered. So, I can go back to my memories from the beginning of term.
I was late for my very first, introduction, lecture (a big party the previous day). Me and my flatmates ran to the lecture, arrived almost last, and had to sit on the floor. Helen Higson gave probably the most memorable speech, at least I thought so but I was, generally, too busy looking a the crowd of future students to listen carefully. The Great Hall was overflowing with people. A see of heads all looking as overwhelmed as me.
The day was long and full of enrollment duties. Of course, I messed it all up, got lost, and ended up not enrolling. I thought 'that was it'. I was running around the Main Building like a psycho searching for help and it seemed deserted (of course it wasn't , I was too panicked to notice the people around me).
TIP 3 for prospective students: Every problem is fixable and the Aston staff are quite helpful, so do not panic! I should say that the Undergraduate Office is the most useful place to ask for help.
I had the opportunity to meet Helen myself in the Undergraduate Office and I was just amazed how one of the most important people at uni was dealing with my childish problem. So, everything got fixed and I enrolled.
The first lectures started in the beginning of next week and the roller coaster starter going. Nothing has changed in the lectures and tutorials till now. They are still hard and still we are all struggling. Why? Because students always leave everything till the last minute. TIP 4 for prospective students: Try not to repeat our mistakes, do not leave everything till the last minute!
I was late for my very first, introduction, lecture (a big party the previous day). Me and my flatmates ran to the lecture, arrived almost last, and had to sit on the floor. Helen Higson gave probably the most memorable speech, at least I thought so but I was, generally, too busy looking a the crowd of future students to listen carefully. The Great Hall was overflowing with people. A see of heads all looking as overwhelmed as me.
The day was long and full of enrollment duties. Of course, I messed it all up, got lost, and ended up not enrolling. I thought 'that was it'. I was running around the Main Building like a psycho searching for help and it seemed deserted (of course it wasn't , I was too panicked to notice the people around me).
TIP 3 for prospective students: Every problem is fixable and the Aston staff are quite helpful, so do not panic! I should say that the Undergraduate Office is the most useful place to ask for help.
I had the opportunity to meet Helen myself in the Undergraduate Office and I was just amazed how one of the most important people at uni was dealing with my childish problem. So, everything got fixed and I enrolled.
The first lectures started in the beginning of next week and the roller coaster starter going. Nothing has changed in the lectures and tutorials till now. They are still hard and still we are all struggling. Why? Because students always leave everything till the last minute. TIP 4 for prospective students: Try not to repeat our mistakes, do not leave everything till the last minute!
Sunday, 25 May 2008
The 9th Step
When I decided to start the blog I thought of all the different stories I want to tell and all the different people I want to introduce to the world. The odds are, when you move to a different place, you meet tons of new people. And, yes, it is just a few that will become a part of your life.
Opposite to your expectation I want to tell the story of a person that, well, is not a new acquaintance - Jane. You probably have met those annoying couples that are just perfect together. Well, I was a part of one of those couples.
It all started as a fling in May 2006. Being as self-obsessed as I am, I never believed I could fall in love, and I was absolutely OK with that. Anyway, nothing ever goes as planned, does it? So by next May I was crazy in love.
There is only one problem that I had not considered: 'School Ends!' In September Jane got on the plane and left for Milan and I, well, came here. We started talking as often as possible BUT we did not see each other for three months. In the beginning of December I went to Milan to visit. By Christmas holiday I was alone.
That is exactly how fast it goes. You don't have time to think about it, one day you are secure and on the next you are all alone (and yes it is security that is the most important - knowing that whatever happens you have someone). So how would you cope with it? I, actually, did delete her from my life. The phone numbers, the pictures, the everything. Not a single sign of Jane in my life.
Exactly 5 months have passed since then and it may not seem long, but 5 months are a f*** long time. So I had time to think things over, and slowly I heal. I had not had a normal conversation with Jane till this morning and well as much as it is weird, I also, finally, feel good.
TIP 3 for prospective students: Before you leave you home always think things through! I already saw several long relationships die because of the distance. Just leave as friends and on good terms, and avoid the pain! Start a new life as you leave!
What happened while me dealing with the end of my relationship, though, was a series of unforgettable days and nights...
Opposite to your expectation I want to tell the story of a person that, well, is not a new acquaintance - Jane. You probably have met those annoying couples that are just perfect together. Well, I was a part of one of those couples.
It all started as a fling in May 2006. Being as self-obsessed as I am, I never believed I could fall in love, and I was absolutely OK with that. Anyway, nothing ever goes as planned, does it? So by next May I was crazy in love.
There is only one problem that I had not considered: 'School Ends!' In September Jane got on the plane and left for Milan and I, well, came here. We started talking as often as possible BUT we did not see each other for three months. In the beginning of December I went to Milan to visit. By Christmas holiday I was alone.
That is exactly how fast it goes. You don't have time to think about it, one day you are secure and on the next you are all alone (and yes it is security that is the most important - knowing that whatever happens you have someone). So how would you cope with it? I, actually, did delete her from my life. The phone numbers, the pictures, the everything. Not a single sign of Jane in my life.
Exactly 5 months have passed since then and it may not seem long, but 5 months are a f*** long time. So I had time to think things over, and slowly I heal. I had not had a normal conversation with Jane till this morning and well as much as it is weird, I also, finally, feel good.
TIP 3 for prospective students: Before you leave you home always think things through! I already saw several long relationships die because of the distance. Just leave as friends and on good terms, and avoid the pain! Start a new life as you leave!
What happened while me dealing with the end of my relationship, though, was a series of unforgettable days and nights...
Saturday, 24 May 2008
The Beginning
I had a little fight with my flatmates yesterday. We sorted it all out, but it got me thinking... Several months ago life was peaceful, calm and, most importantly, FUN. How did it change? When you live with someone you get to know him so well that even smallest things are noticeable, like the annoying habbit of leaving a wet plate on a shelf, or a handbag on a kitchen table.
In the end though, when you, like me, realise that in two short weeks it will be all over, you will remember, mostly, the amazing times you had together. And when did it all start? Fresher's!
Once I came into my flat, on 22 Septmber 2007, I entered in the world of 'no worries'. See, I had never lived away from my parents for more than a month before and my heaven had just opened its doors to me. What happened with us during freshers was an unending party and every day had the same routine.
Wake up at noon, have a huge breakfast and fight hangover with your last remaining strength. By three you are already drinking again and having your lunch. Then go out, buy more boose and come back home. Have a little nap, get dressed and the guests are already arriving at seven, so dinner has to go fast. That was always a problem with us - dinner.
Evidently, we were all ready to cook and show off our skills in little 'competitions'. Every night someone cooked for the flat and although no one very said anything, we all knew what was going on. Some of my flatmates still won't admit that it was a competition. But our little feasts were amazing and I have to say the peak was this Roast we had and ,God bless Graham, I can still taste the gravy in my mouth.
Surely, there were a lot of activities aranged for us freshers but after the long nights all we wanted to do is sleep.
And so Fresher's Week ended in a glimps of an eye just like a summer holiday. Just as you got used to it all, you have to go back to reality. The only difference with me was that I was not going back to reality, I was entering a whole new world.
In the end though, when you, like me, realise that in two short weeks it will be all over, you will remember, mostly, the amazing times you had together. And when did it all start? Fresher's!
Once I came into my flat, on 22 Septmber 2007, I entered in the world of 'no worries'. See, I had never lived away from my parents for more than a month before and my heaven had just opened its doors to me. What happened with us during freshers was an unending party and every day had the same routine.
Wake up at noon, have a huge breakfast and fight hangover with your last remaining strength. By three you are already drinking again and having your lunch. Then go out, buy more boose and come back home. Have a little nap, get dressed and the guests are already arriving at seven, so dinner has to go fast. That was always a problem with us - dinner.
Evidently, we were all ready to cook and show off our skills in little 'competitions'. Every night someone cooked for the flat and although no one very said anything, we all knew what was going on. Some of my flatmates still won't admit that it was a competition. But our little feasts were amazing and I have to say the peak was this Roast we had and ,God bless Graham, I can still taste the gravy in my mouth.
Surely, there were a lot of activities aranged for us freshers but after the long nights all we wanted to do is sleep.
And so Fresher's Week ended in a glimps of an eye just like a summer holiday. Just as you got used to it all, you have to go back to reality. The only difference with me was that I was not going back to reality, I was entering a whole new world.
Thursday, 22 May 2008
This is my first post and, although I want to, probably I won't make it as special as I want it to be. So, ... no need of any awkward introduction. All you need to know is that my name is Vladimir, I am 19 years old, studying Economics and Management at Aston University and it is now the end of my first year. The first thing I want to share with you is my journey to the UK.
Anyone who has ever travelled on their own can probably understand me and it is most important that you avoid my mistakes!
It all started at the airport. It was 5 in the morning and I had just said Goodbye to my parents. I was sitting with my friends waiting for the 'all passengers for London, ...' What would a normal person do, hug, kiss, shed a tear... me, I was crying my eyes out and looking at it now, it must have been amazingly entertaining for the surrounding population. This continued at the security check, the pasport check, the boaring and the plane. Probably most of the people thought I had just found out I was dying tomorrow. At some point I said to myself, just deal with it, and that is when London came.
The huge wave of wondering population hit me like a metal bat. Of course, I managed to get lost in the Airport, on my way to the Train and then in the massive Victoria Station. So, after getting ripped off (I bought a £70 open, first class ticket, by accident of course) I was sitting on my little round table in my comfortable first class seat, enjoying the free treats I was offered.
By the time I reached Birmingham I would have been calmer, had I not discovered free coffee. And here is TIP No 1 For future students: When you go out of the Train Station and ask a policewoman where Aston University is and she says 'I have never heard of it', do not panic.
TIP No2: Do not get in a black cab, it will rip you wallet off and then ask for your credit card After I got ripped off by a very rude taxi driver I had almost reached my final destination - 'Dalton Tower' Well, there was no such, I found only an 'ALTON' Tower (later I was informed that the 'D' is missing from the sign)
'The Bee Hive' as I shall now call it was a small utopia of unending activities. People going an and off the lift, people getting to know each other and having an annoying chatt in the middle of the hall, getting the keys for their rooms, carrying huge boxes of pans and dishes and of course the gigantic suitcases. I was walking through the corridor slowly in a perplexed and childlike manner (probably pissing everyone else off, who actually knew what they were doing) Everything else happened in a split of a second, I got my key, had a fast chat about London with the staff, got into the lift, and before you know it met my flatmates. But more on them later, because what was about to happen is the most beloved moment of university for all students - Fresher's Week!
Anyone who has ever travelled on their own can probably understand me and it is most important that you avoid my mistakes!
It all started at the airport. It was 5 in the morning and I had just said Goodbye to my parents. I was sitting with my friends waiting for the 'all passengers for London, ...' What would a normal person do, hug, kiss, shed a tear... me, I was crying my eyes out and looking at it now, it must have been amazingly entertaining for the surrounding population. This continued at the security check, the pasport check, the boaring and the plane. Probably most of the people thought I had just found out I was dying tomorrow. At some point I said to myself, just deal with it, and that is when London came.
The huge wave of wondering population hit me like a metal bat. Of course, I managed to get lost in the Airport, on my way to the Train and then in the massive Victoria Station. So, after getting ripped off (I bought a £70 open, first class ticket, by accident of course) I was sitting on my little round table in my comfortable first class seat, enjoying the free treats I was offered.
By the time I reached Birmingham I would have been calmer, had I not discovered free coffee. And here is TIP No 1 For future students: When you go out of the Train Station and ask a policewoman where Aston University is and she says 'I have never heard of it', do not panic.
TIP No2: Do not get in a black cab, it will rip you wallet off and then ask for your credit card After I got ripped off by a very rude taxi driver I had almost reached my final destination - 'Dalton Tower' Well, there was no such, I found only an 'ALTON' Tower (later I was informed that the 'D' is missing from the sign)
'The Bee Hive' as I shall now call it was a small utopia of unending activities. People going an and off the lift, people getting to know each other and having an annoying chatt in the middle of the hall, getting the keys for their rooms, carrying huge boxes of pans and dishes and of course the gigantic suitcases. I was walking through the corridor slowly in a perplexed and childlike manner (probably pissing everyone else off, who actually knew what they were doing) Everything else happened in a split of a second, I got my key, had a fast chat about London with the staff, got into the lift, and before you know it met my flatmates. But more on them later, because what was about to happen is the most beloved moment of university for all students - Fresher's Week!
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