Saturday, October 27, 2007

London baby


This one is for you mum


Caitriona with Oscar Wilde


The men who have shaped the world today...


The bells of Saint Paul's


Can you spot me?

It was so wonderful to have Caitriona come visit me soon after my arriving here in Brighton. She arrived on the Friday night and we headed downtown we some of my flatmates to try to find an RnB club, but this proved difficult. Cait and I gave up at 1.30am and headed back to campus, where two people in my room's single bed proved to be a difficult task and resulted in a sleepless night! With heavy heads but light hearts we headed into Brighton on Saturday morning for a quick wander before setting off for London. This proved slightly more difficult than anticipated as the trains were not running the whole way, and the bus and train journey resulted in a 2 and a half hour journey; slightly more than the normal 45 minute train journey. We arrived in London and frantically rushed to meet Fiona and Sarah, where after an extremely rapid lunch we rushed off to Madame Tusand's, stopping briefly at the left luggage in King's Cross station to leave the bag.
Madame Tusand's was amazing - as you will see from some of the pictures. I was not impressed however, with the fact that there are 3 different wax figures of David Beckham! The most interesting part of the visit was when we attempted to go to the live chamber, which I only discovered as we got towards the door was with actual actors playing serial killers who came right up close to you but did not touch you. We got to the door, I saw one and freaked out and turned to leave and guess what... he followed me... I was almost in tears by the time we got out, but Caitriona held my hand and made it better :-) The rest of the visit was fantastic with a black 'taxi' ride through the history of London and celebrity show.
Another running frenzy back to the station to pick up the bag and drop it at the B&B before running over to the West End to go to Chicago! It is amazing and sooooooo much better than the movie! Back to the B&B and I fell into bed.
The next morning was thankfully at a much slower pace. After a big breakfast, we headed to St. Paul's Cathedral which is absolutely amazing and were lucky enough to attend a service and hear the boy's choir sing. After church we headed to Camden Market, a place which has so many memories for me as a child, and it was not to disappoint with bright colours everywhere, people of all shapes and sizes and a sense of general madness! We wandered and shopped - of course. Amandine joined us for lunch and it was so nice to see her after such a long time, and now she is so close to where I am so lots of catching up I hope.
THEN THE RUSHING STARTED AGAIN!! Caitiona had to make it to Gatwick and time just seemed to pass us by. She made though, you will all be happy to know with 10 seconds to spare. For those of you who know Caitriona you will know that this is rather odd and would be very stressful for her; for those of you who don't know Caitriona think of how I would be if I was that tight for time!!!
I headed back to Brighton with a new jacket and a wonderful weekend to remember.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

First two weeks as a student....AGAIN


Hoorah, we qualified and got tickets for International Students night at the Dome in Brighton, where the mayor spoke!


Sara from Sudan advertising English fish&chips on Brighton Pier


My international girls


Dancing at the Funky Fish with Aliaa and Simran

It's two weeks to the day since I landed here in the University of Sussex with my 5 bags and my insane jet lag! The first few days were spent in what is referred to as induction. We got to know the university and each other. I was amazed and very pleased at the vast range of nationalities that I met. Everyone just seemed excited to be here. My classmates are from a vast range of nationalities as well as academic backgrounds. Closer to home, or rather home while I am here this year, and my flat mates and neighbours could not be more diverse. It's wonderful to be able to use English, Arabic and Bangla all in the same conversation. I have yet to make a French speaking friend, but I am starting classes on Thursday...
Last week then the classes started. Philosophy of Social Science is rather challenging and I am open to any offers of help; particularly in coming up with essay titles and relating them to migration!! I am also attending some migration MA classes which are really interesting.
At the weekend myself and some flat mates decided to try the dancing scene in Brighton and after an adventure involving a very interesting trip to a gay club, we ended up at The Funky Fish which was a lot of fun and had good music. On Saturday I was invited to Penny's house for her birthday - YES IT IS PENNY FROM DHAKA - randomly it turns out she is working in the University.
This week I have tried to put y head down and get really serious about it all. My supervisors are great and very encouraging so lets hope it all goes to plan. Wish me luck as I embark on the hardest thing I think I have ever had to do!!