Everyone do the student slog!

I'm not cut out to be a rockstar. Touring multiple cites with a new bed to sleep in every night is do-able, but  I appreciate knowing that my base it not far away.

The lack of updates can be attributed to 3 things. 

Americans abroad. You know how sometimes you make invitations for people to come and stay with you, not really being certain of how you will accommodate them, but being sure that you could figure it out should the time come? Well, 3 friends from the states, as well as 1 from England, called me on my invite. All at once. A smashing good time was had by all, as well as some of the tightest sleeping arrangements ever devised. The mindset was that they were not tourists (though we did do some very touristy things, cause you kinda have to), but outsiders, like I once was, to a completely new culture and it's practices. To make a long story short, they integrated smoothly and honestly into the university life of an English student. By the end of their week, they were no longer visitors to our flatmates, but neighbors. I say success on culture introduction. 

Mad dash to the coursework finish-line. 9,500 words. A poster. A full lab report. 3 weeks. Done. BEFORE THE DEADLINE. Proud? Damn Strait. 

Easter Traveling. 5 Cities over less than a week and a half. Dublin, Blackpool, Manchester, Warrington, and Liverpool. Let me give you a brief rundown:

Dublin - Ridiculously cheap flights using Ryan Air. Left for, and arrived on time. Very impressive. Great city with lots of history. The Irish are some of the most hospitable people I have ever encountered traveling. I recommend these sights, Dublin castle, Temple Bar, Grafton Street, the National Gallery, St. Steven's Green and shopping centre, and of course, the Guinness Storehouse. All of which, by the way, with the exception of the Storehouse are free to experience. Menupages.ie is an invaluable source for finding cheap eats and the best local spots to hang around. I highly recommend visiting the Brazen Head, the oldest pub in Ireland (since 1193) lots of real history to be found there. Stop into the Queen of Tarts cafe by the castle for a cuppa and some real charm from a truly unique cafe. Be comfortable with walking as well. 

Blackpool - We had the privilege of having a local show us round England's resort town and found, as it often happens, to be so much more. Rich history of supporting local talent in the music scene exists in the more indie parts of town. A nice break, for sure. 

Manchester - The capital of the north. Unfortunately I don't have much to report on way of things done, because spent most of the time in enjoyment of company of girlfriend and friend. We did hit up the Manchester Art Gallery, which was surprisingly well stocked with great 18th century art. The star of the show though, had to be the Odd Bar. Great vibe, even better food and a quirky setting. Dig it. 

Warrington - This was my first venture into a more "village" type of place. As expected, it was close and intimate, with plenty of character all on it's own. Participated in my first pub quiz, which I had been dying to do for ages now, didn't do too shabby, but definitely rocked it at darts. Comes recommended for a stop if you are in the area. 

Liverpool - This was the destination I had been looking forward to. As a lifelong Beatle-manic, this was my pilgrimage that I have been needing to make. For an entire day, I walked in their footsteps. Even stopping by the Jacaranda Club and Heebie Jeebie's, the first club they ever played and a club they might have frequented, respectively. The city itself is a vibrant place, full of great architecture and atmosphere that truly made you aware that you were in a place full of history. That said, I offer Liverpool in great esteem. 

Now that I am back in Lancaster, I have begun what can only be described by fellow students as the crawl towards exam period. With more and more people packing the learning zone every day, everyone is beginning to feel the premature end of the holiday. Who would have thought that out of all the things that I would miss from the states, the testing system would be one of them!?

That said, I need to be getting some sleep if I am going to be hitting up Cognitive Psych lecture notes tomorrow... Over and out.