Fannish Argosies

Saw the new Harry Potter flick last night in Llandudno, as it was bargain Tuesday at the cinema. Twas fun, though we had to sit way too close to the screen so I had to look away during some of the action scenes or risk a raging headache. I enjoyed it for the most part, though ( possibly still a spoiler )

ETA: Oh yes, also went to Plas Newydd yesterday, as they were having a summer festival thing with a reenactment group called the Jolly Jack Tars, who were there all dressed up in navy gear and showing off period weapons and things. They had cannons, which made me happy. Evidently they do reenactments at Waterloo every year, as part of the Hussars who were under the command of the Marquess of Anglesey - Plas Newydd is his house, which is now a National Trust site and does tours and such. Saw lots of lovely paintings (many by Rex Whistler - very nice indeed), tons of Napoleonic-era military clothes and memorabilia (including the uniform the Marquess wore during the Battle of Waterloo), and some very nice gardens with lovely views of the Menai Strait. Sadly, my camera chose to die on me yesterday, so all my photos are on my cell phone. I'll have to try and find the right equipment to get them off of there one of these days.

Took care of the diploma mix-up today, though they said it would take 10 - 14 days and would have to be shipped to me in the post, as this is the busiest time of year for these people. Argh.

I have had absolutely nothing to do today that was healthy and good for me. Nothing.

We all met up at noon for a fry-up, the usual English breakfast fare - egg, bacon, sausage, fried toast, black pudding, and tomatoes. Sadly, I gave away some of the healthier items, the beans and mushrooms, to Kate b/c I don't like them. I got her black pudding in exchange, so it was worth it. It looks and sounds like some of the vilest stuff ever, but omg, so good with breakfast.

We took a football/soccer ball up to the Roman camp and kicked it about for a bit, then sat down in the sun and read aloud a few chapters of the new HP book. This is my first experience with these books, but it was fun to read it with a group like that when only two of them are really reading it seriously.

All these literary and oratory endeavors made us hungry again, but of course not for proper food. Instead we went to Marks and Spencers in search of pudding. Found a hot fudge gateau sort of thing and some chocolate mousse things with a bourbon biscuit base and chocolate sauce center. Had these with ice cream and tea and generally stuffed ourselves silly with all this chocolate and sugar. Tomorrow will have to be a salad day just to make up for it, but omg, what a nice day. So worth it.

*waddles off to bed*

Finally have my luggage, although it didn't make it in time for graduation and in fact arrived while I was at the ceremony. A neighbor was kind enough to take it from the delivery guy and keep it until I got home. I borrowed some clothes from Christina and wore the brown boots I'd left here last year, so I didn't look too rumpled under the gown. Good thing, too, b/c the British ones don't close in the front like all the US graduation gowns do, so whatever you're wearing underneath is totally on display. Whew.

The ceremony itself was interesting, with lots of symbolism and people carrying strange sticks and a mace and staffs and things. There was a guy who looked like an 18th century page boy or something, except far older. He had on velvet and tights and the whole nine yards.

The entire thing was conducted in both English and Welsh, and the welcome thing the vice-chancellor the president say to all the graduates when they've received degrees and are being formally acknowledged as (in our case) "masters" was entirely in Welsh. A translation for that was provided in the program book. That was very cool.

I have a little problem with my certificate which I'll have to have remedied - they neglected to add the "distinction" bit on there, and I didn't even notice until a classmate pointed out that he had his on there, and a quick glance at mine revealed the mistake. I hope I can get it fixed while I'm here, so I can take it home with me. The design is pretty simple, with the university seals and crests and whatnot, but I love the fact that my degree is also written in both English and Welsh. The Welsh is at the top and then they repeat it all underneath. <&heart>

Had a bit of a lie-in this morning, so as to recover from last night's epic session in the pub. Everyone went to the Auckland in Menai Bridge to celebrate, and it felt just like old times. I didn't feel like drinking (especially not with the exchange rate at over 2:1 right now), but it was great to chat with everyone and laugh and feel like we'd never left at all. A lot of people expressed surprise that I'd come all the way over here just for graduation, but honestly, this is the last time I think we'll ever have so many of us all together in one place, this place ever again. It's special. A lot of my classmates have had to go home today, as many could only get so many days off work, but a good number will be here throughout my visit. I said a bunch of goodbyes again at the pub last night (or early this morning, technically), which was sad but I know I'll keep in touch with these people. I've been ordered to get on Facebook, heh.

Gotta go later to Kate's graduation, and then we're all having dinner tonight, so in the meantime I'm just chilling at the house and hoping the rain will stop. I need to go and get some groceries, too, just a few things to tide me over while I'm here. It's too expensive to eat out all the time, and I'd rather not spend more than is wise while the dollar is so weak. The first few days have been expensive, what with buying a new SIM card so I can have a phone while I'm here, eating out a few times with friends, paying for the dinky reception thing they gave us before graduation (kind of a waste, but oh well), etc. At least I get paid today, and mum can put that in the bank for me. I still have the stupid temp job, so at least I won't be completely broke with no way of making some money when I get home, though my credit card is acting wounded at the moment. It's such a wuss, I swear.

I'll keep everyone updated with my goings-on over here, though I doubt they'll be all that interesting. I'm not really here to sight-see or travel like so many are assuming; I'm here to see people and to be here in this place and enjoy a relaxed vacation with my friends. I may not do anything more exciting than having a night out in the pub, or going for walks in the mountains, or seeing a film in Llandudno with the group.

Okay, and I want to see my cuttles, too. I missed those crazy things.

I've got a very few up here, but for the bulk of the pics go to this album hosted by one of my classmates.

( My goodness, my Guinness! )

Alas, the t-shirt was borrowed but I now have one of the extremely goofy looking green hats seen in the pic of us having an Irish singalong in the Auckland. I think the horrendously orange beards really make the hats ;P

I suck at keeping my photobucket account updated, but here are the latest uploads.

Several weekends ago, I went with a few international friends to the tiny village of Portmeirion ("Port-mary-on"), located just outside Porthmadog. It's a completely secluded village which requires tickets to enter and is one of those oddities you wouldn't expect to find in rural Wales. Regarding trivia, it's where Patrick McGoohan's tv series "The Prisoner" and Igrid Bergman's 1958 film "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" were filmed, and Noel Coward wrote Blythe Spirit while staying in one of the hotel suites. The architecture is just...bizarre, I think. The scenery is lovely, however, and we had the most perfect weather for our day out.

Pics from Portmeirion

That album also includes some pics of Caernarfon Castle, as we stopped there on the way to have breakfast. keleos, I took pics of the bathroom for you - I gave it 8 flushes for cleanliness, comfort, and the hysterical instructions of how to do your business that were posted on the wall.

The next weekend was spent in Aberystwyth in celebration of not having any work to hand in the next Monday. Marie, Helen and I drove down to visit Marie's sister who's doing her undergrad in maths at the Uni of Wales, Aber. We hit the pubs, stayed up late to watch Pirates of the Caribbean, then spent Saturday at the pier and the old castle ruins, with lunch at the local Wetherspoon's. That toilet gets maybe 6 flushes; despite a spacious interior and a nice window view, the toilets themselves were cramped and not terribly clean. I also have rocks for you, K, from the beach.

Pics of Aberystwyth

Another of the international students in our group is leaving this week, so we're having a party for him tonight. I hate that so many of the Erasmus students are leaving. These are the first people I met when I arrived and we all bonded so quickly. It's sad to see them go.

Taking advantage of a rare Sunday off to spam you all with posts. Here are some new pics from Wales, for those interested.

Our international student family photo, as Ruben calls it. We had a low-key party last night, which was fun as I hadn't seen some of these people in weeks. I don't know a few of them, as they're new additions to the group, but some I've known since I got here. Andi, Johannes, Maria, Manis and Pawel in the back; Me, Sonke, Jake and Ruben all squished in the right-hand corner. You can also see my spiffy new SOS sweatshirt.

Another shot of the above, as someone was rude and walked into the shot in the first one.

Ruben, a fellow Marine Biology MSc student, has put up his own album of pics from the SOS, which can be viewed here. My favorites are from the Prince Madog trips, the pics from my birthday, and of course our muddy shore group from Shell Island. You can see our group photo (which is going on the cover page of our report) here.

For fandom-related picspam, go over to cimmerianwillow's LJ, where she's been posting wonderful screenshots from Starsky and Hutch.

( Pics from our offshore fishing trip on the RV Prince Madog )

Am exhausted, but it was a profitable day. It's nice to learn new things that are both fun and useful. I've never eaten some of these things before, but I'm going to get some tips and give them a try.

Today is more flailing about doing the stats for our barnacle report, and writing up the fisheries essay. Monday is more ship work (this time just taking measurements here at the pier) and writing up the barnacle report. I'm not sure how good this report will turn out, considering how little time we've had to learn about this and do it, but I'll do my best. See you all after the deadlines...

A little late, but here are the pics I've taken so far, as promised. Flash drives are wonderful inventions, oh yes.

( Scenes from Bangor and home )
More to follow...

So, an update for those of you following the sordid and possibly emo-filled saga of my housing search here in Wales. I assure you all, once this is sorted out my posts should be a bit more interesting again.

Went by the student housing office again, and between them and a few new things I'd pulled off the net, we were able to make some phone calls and set up a few viewings for me tonight. So I paid for yet another bus ticket and set off back to Menai Bridge. So much walking tonight, and now I'm exhausted. (Knackered, as many of my fellow students would say).

House #1: Two-bedroom bungalow, maybe a 5-8 minute walk from the school, just a few minutes by bike. Shared with one other girl who seems very nice and most importantly clean and tidy. Large lounge area, nice furniture, good kitchen and bathroom, a lovely good-sized bedroom, and a backyard garden. The only drawback here is really the cost. Rent is £225/month, not including bills. The meters are evidently run by some sort of cards you put credit on, so that would be taken in turns every week or so; she said it averaged about an extra £20/mo each, which is more than I was expecting for a small house. Water is, I think, an extra £16 or so a month split b/w the two of us, so it would be something around £250/month for this room. Which is...pricey. For me, anyway. Everyone else seems to think this is standard, especially for Menai Bridge.

House #2: Larger house with two floors, shared with one new tenant I've not met and the landlady who is a youngish teacher in the area. This one is in Bangor, which is less convenient for school (probably 15 minutes by bike), but more convenient for everything else. The room is much smaller, the house not as new or as nice, but it's clean. The biggest incentive here is that the rent is only £200/month, and that includes all the bills, so I wouldn't have to pay anything extra.

So...yeah. Dunno. I'm not sure I can afford the first one, as nice as it would be. It's lovely and quite close to my school, but that's over $400 a month and is quite a bit more than I wanted to spend. I'm going to ring mum and see what she thinks, but I have to decide by tomorrow b/c there were other people interested in the first one. I told the lady from the 2nd house I was interested, so I should have that one if I want it. I'd just need to get contracts and things sorted out.

I suppose I'll have all day to mull it over, since I can't call either of them back until after they get home from work tomorrow. I don't want to rush into anything, but I can't afford to wait too long, either. The part of me that wants the nice, quality home close to school says take the first one, but my more practical side tells me I shouldn't spend that much, not when I'll have other expenses that will crop up along the way.

*indecisive*

Ok, so things are looking up a bit, and the housing situation is looking a little better. I've joined forces with the two German guys from the hostel, and along with a girl from Spain we've been spending the past few days together hunting for a place and also just hanging out. It's been fun, and I think I'm going to like them all very much. Unfortunately they're only here for the semester as exchange students, but still, not bad. We're thinking of getting a house together until they leave at the end of February, so then I'd either find new roommates or move somewhere else. It seems to be the best option, b/c really, I didn't have a very good feeling about the Indian place. This way I'll be more comfortable for the first half of the year, I'll have plenty of time to secure another place for the second half, and all the places we're looking at are only a short bike ride away from my school.

One house was a little further away than any of us would have liked (it's that town with the longest name - yes, that one - which is usually shortened to Llanfair PG), but it was absolutely beautiful. Rent would be affordable once we split it b/w the 3 of us, and the kitchen was brand new; it's all very well kept up and the view is spectacular. Three bedrooms, a lovely living room, and fully furnished with appliances to boot. So if nothing else works out, we may take that one. We're viewing a place here in Bangor today that is cheaper and would be a better location, right in the middle of where we'll all be going. And a house just opened up in Menai Bridge for 4 people if we want to try that instead. So, yeah, we have options now, and I have good people to be with that I know I like. Much better than taking a chance with people I haven't met. We can all cook, too, and have been making group meals at the hostel which is fun.

I feel much better now that I've found a nice group of people. Johannes, Andi, Angels (there's an accent grave in there on the E but I can't figure out how to type that on these damn British keyboards) and I get along really well, and once I have my computer up and running I'll post some pictures of all of us. We took a trip to Beaumaris yesterday - one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. It hasn't even rained that much.

One thing I don't think people realize about this area is just how much Welsh they really do speak here. I'm told a majority of the population is bilingual rather than just a small percentage as in other parts of the country, and all the welcome meetings so far have been conducted in both languages. A good number of the staff and higher-ups speak Welsh, all the signs are bilingual, and it's very easy to go into any cafe or pub and hear someone rattling away in Welsh. I'll have no trouble at all finding ways to improve my skills here.

There's an international student field trip type thing this Saturday to Mt Snowdon - optional, but it sounds like fun so we may do that this weekend if all goes well with the houses. Once we get settled I can see about getting a cell phone and broadband service; some of the shops here offer some good deals when you buy both together. Then I may be able to be on LJ a bit more frequently. Hope so, anyway.

One last interesting thing? Last night I met my first fellow American in this country, an older man from Oklahoma who's here on vacation and is staying at the hostel. I've honestly seen no one else yet from the US, so we may be a scarce breed around here.

Hi from Bangor! I've made it here safely, though not unbruised (I hate my luggage with a passion, I really do). The youth hostel where I'm staying for the moment has shite internet service, so I've only just now found a proper internet cafe where my gmail will actually load. This week I'm mainly wandering around the city getting my bearings and looking for a place to live. I'm looking forward to being able to use my own computer and having steady 'net access once I'm settled in Menai Bridge, not to mention setting up a local bank account to make things easier.

No surprise, of course, but it's absolutely beautiful up here. The weather has been lovely apart from a bit of rain, and the people are very friendly. I was thrilled when on my first day here I stopped in a Subway to get a cheap sandwich and ended up sitting with two older ladies who rattled on in Welsh the entire time, pausing occasionally to switch to English and talk to me a bit. I've been taking pictures (Mum saved up and got me a digital camera as a surprise bon voyage present), so as soon as I get settled I'll set up another Phtobucket account and post them. I don't register until next Wednesday, so I've got some time to kill until then.

Thanks to everyone who replied to my last post and wished me luck. I may not have time to answer you all at first, but I appreciate every one of you.

*runs to check flist before the hour of 'net time is up*