Caroline and Geraldine in Plymouth!

Hiya!

Greetings from Plymouth, England! It’s Caroline Oswalt and Geraldine (my dragon) checking in.

Geraldine!

After nearly 3 months here I’m now reaching the final hurdles of my semester abroad. It’s been so incredible to spend this time away from UNCG but I’m ready come home to the nice weather in North Carolina.

View from my window overlooking the marina that leads to the English Channel.

Last Thursday was Thanksgiving, which was quite interesting being that Plymouth is probably one of the least likely places to celebrate this particular holiday. Luckily I am fortunate enough to live with some of the greatest people there are who made my favorite holiday, which is meant to be spent with family, tolerable.  We made a meal of chicken, mash potatoes, green beans, and homemade drop biscuits. The meal with finished with apple pie and ice cream just like a true Oswalt family Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving feast!

Leaving my family was the hardest thing I’ve done in my life. I mean, in Greensboro I’m a short drive back to my home in Matthews but here I’m thousands of miles away and 5 hours ahead making it hard to find time to skype back at home. In just 3 weeks I’ll be reunited with my parents and sister when we travel around Europe for the Christmas holiday. 

At the airport in September

At the Barbican in Plymouth enjoying my favorite beer!

Well, that’s about all. I have to get back to my editing bay, I have 2 more short films due by the last day of term.

 

Cheers!

Caroline Oswalt

Plymouth University

Plymouth, England

Sajin in Castellanza, Italy!

Ciao from Castellanza, Italy!

In actuality, I’ve hardly been in Italy during these last couple weeks!  I’m now off to Paris shortly after my last adventure in the unique and beautiful city of Prague.  Prague remains in my mind as one of the most beautiful cities I’ve visited in Europe.

Aerial view of Prague

My friends and I arrived into Prague late on a Thursday night.  Immediately after settling into our hostel we were encouraged to indulge in one of Prague’s cultural identities, their beer!  After enjoying a round at the bar, we realized it was too late for any kitchen to be open.  It came as no surprise that there was only one place open late, McDonald’s.  We returned to our hostel after our lovely midnight meal and set off on a city tour the next day.

During the tour our guide informed us on the many important cuisines, buildings, and people of Prague.  We even learned that Neil Armstrong listened to a Czech composer while landing on the moon!  The importance of the Czech Republic and its people in our society was intriguing.  Soon after the tour we made plans to participate in a pub-crawl that eventually led a famous five-story club!

Enjoying a beer at a local pub

Each floor in the club had a different genre of music, none of which could compare to the downstairs ice bar!  We were served on ice chairs and tables with ice cups and had to wear thermal coats.

Charles Bridge

Old Towne Square

Another aerial view of the city

 

After enjoying the nightlife in Prague we explored several other museums including the Torture Museum and the Andy Warhol Exhibit.  The breathtaking views from the castles also provided a nice break from city.  Along the way we feasted on several meat dishes such as goulash, sausage, and pork knee!  It’s safe to say that the food, architecture, and nightlife was the most impressive that I’ve experienced.

Gulash soup

Traditional gulash

Sausage platter

I plan on travelling to many other places in the near future and know that I will cherish my time equally as much.

After lunch!

Arrivederci!

Sajin Chhabra

LIUC – Universita Carlo Cattaneo (Castellanza, Italy)