It has come to an end and I have made it home safe and sound but it was another adventure in itself.
As you all know I was supposed to be home Friday December 16th. My flight was supposed to leave at 2:50 pm Netherlands time but my flight was delayed. As well I was only supposed to have an hour and a half delay in between flights. Okay so lets start from the beginning.
As you all know I did a lot of shopping in Europe whether it was for such items as souvenirs and thus I needed to purchase extra luggage to come home with. I called British Airlines ahead of time to buy an extra bag. I also bought a bag scale so I could weigh my bags. They both weighed in (according to my scale) at 24 kilos each. This is one kilo over the actual weight it was supposed to be but I hoped they would let me pass. When I got to the actual airport apparently my two checked luggage's were weighing in at 29 kilos. They made me unpack them and check another luggage. So I had to check one of my carry on's and pull out one of my backpacks to add stuff into there. I got one bag down to weight but the other one was still over weight and there was nothing I could do about it because it was all breakable souvenirs so they needed to stay packed away. I ended up paying so much money in over weight charges... and really this was just the start of my day and hate for British Airlines. So finally I just end up paying the over weight charges and the lady at the counter now tells me its 1:50 and my gate closes at 2:10. Sonya and I made it to gate and had to say goodbye :(.... I don't like goodbyes and really this whole time it has felt surreal until actually being at the airport and saying goodbye. I cried, she cried and it was a sadder part to the day, and not the last for crying. I than make my way into the airport to run to my gate. I make it there in time just to find out that my plane had been delayed and thus the gate was not even open. My plane was not supposed to be arrived and boarded by 3:30 which would give me half an hour to get to my next gate. Of course things did not go according to this plan. The plane did not end up coming until 3:30 so by the time we boarded and got headed out and made it London (an hour behind Amsterdam) it was not in time. I made it to my gate 10 minutes after it closed but they still would not let me in. Since Heathrow was closed the day before and they were dealing with "weather" conditions that day as well (it was not snowing) A LOT of people missed their flight. I than had to wait in line for customer service for way over 2 hours just for them to tell me I was not getting another flight tonight and they had rescheduled me for the next day. The worst part about the whole situation aside from missing my plane and really wanting to be home already was the lack or organization and helpfulness of British Airways. If they would have sorted the abundance amount of people that missed their flights because so many planes were delayed they would have been able to get more people on different flights that night by rerouted them or putting them on different connecting flights. I really felt that British Airways customer service was horrible, and it was just so frustrating after being away for four months and really just wanting to get home already.
I ended up being put up in a five star hotel with dinner and breakfast but man I was hungry by the time I actually got to eat. If I was eating at this hotel or staying at any other time it would have been a very enjoyable experience but when you just want to get home it is not.
Its more a lot of anger, frustration, sadness and tears.
Anyways I got booked on the 12:00 flight the next day and this was a relief in itself since the other flight was at 4 and I did not want to take that one I just wanted to get home already.
The next day things went a little smoother, as in I got on my flight but it was a long day. I got hassle again about my carry on and they wanted me to check it in but this was not happening. Not after all the hassle they already gave me, and their horrible customer service I would never do anything to benefit them again.
Now comes the good stuff. I MADE IT HOME. I was a little behind again as the plane took off later than it was supposed to from London but we landed around 8pm Canadian time. It took me a little bit to get off the plane, go through customs, and get my bag but all worth it to walk out that gate and see my amazing boyfriend standing there waiting for me. As well his parents came down to surprise me and welcome me back to Canada.
Oh how nice it has been to be back in Canada.
So now that I have been home it has been quite an easy adjustment. I really was not that jet lagged, I definitely missed the food like cheese and how much flavour it had, and I missed the big beds and just the familiarity. I have started going to the gym again, I have spent time with my boyfriend, seen my mom, and will be seeing more family and friends as time passes. It has been nice talking about my trip and reflecting on my past 4 months abroad.
School Recap
I ended up finishing all assignments with time to spare and getting school done very well. All my grades (still waiting to find out on some but from what I think) turned out well and I am happy with how they went. It was a good semester and quite a nice easy semester. It was laid back, I learned some and I ended up with some good professors. I am going to miss the school and flexibility I had but am looking forward to the structure and people at the University of Windsor.
Exchange Recap
It was an unbelievable amazing experience. I made lifelong friends, have lifelong memories and have something on my resume to distinguish me from others. That aside it was an experience in my life that allowed me to learn and experience all together. I experienced things people will never do in their whole life and I got to learn new cultures, new foods, and a lot more about myself. I wouldn't change anything that happened for anything ( maybe except the journey home )
Really this is the end to another chapter in my life in order for other chapters to open up. It was an amazing experience but I am more than happy to be home. I missed my friends and family, food and structure. I hate British Airlines and Heathrow and will avoid with everything I have to ever fly with or through them again. I am not ready to start my Canadian life again with school, friends, structure, gym and eventually after the holidays to start eating well again.
Thank you all for reading throughout these past 4 months it has been enjoyable sharing my experiences with all of you.
:)
Mickey
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Sunday, 11 December 2011
WOW!!!!
Holy Smokes...5 Sleeps and I am back in Canada and as I look back at this experience at this moment I have to say WOW where did the time go. I am super beyond excited to be home but at the same time there is a part of me that is going to miss this place and the people so much. Really how can you not, after four months of the same environment and being with the same people all the time. Especially someone like Sonya who I am pretty sure other than a number which can be counted on our hands have spent every single day together.
You really get to know a new culture and a new environment, and meet new people but the most amazing thing is learning about yourself. Learning the things that make you the person that you are and the person you want to become in the future. Sonya and I were talking the other day about when I get back how many people are going to ask me about my experience here and how hard it is going to be to answer that question. I will try my best but really all I can say is it cannot be described in words. Its the moments and the memories, the little things that happen that truly shape the experience and when looking back that made it one of the most wonderful things I have ever done in my life.
My Week
Well as you all want to know about my week because it was a very busy and exciting one. Well Monday was a lot of preparation for the yearbooks and event management class since the event took place on Wed. Thanks to Sonya I had less work than I thought I would and it actually gave me some free time that night. Than on Tuesday we were supposed to have our secret Santa (Danielle, Brig, Sonya and I) but Danielle was coming back from Sweden that night and did not think she could make it in time. This was the same night Brig should have been having her Christmas at home with her family in Hungary so Sonya and I decided to make her a Hungarian Christmas dinner. THIS DID NOT HAPPEN!!! So if you ever look up Hungarian Christmas dinner you will find such items as fish fish fish and cabbage rolls. So really not our style. We than decided to make her fries supreme (kind of) because it was easy and accessible. This consisted of french fries, ground meat, cheese, tomatoes and sour cream. Easy and Tasty, so you cant beat that. We as well gave her some small little letters, and a picture frame with a picture of the three of us. It was a very nice night and really I am going to miss Brig a lot. (Speaking of Hungarian foods, Brig also decided to have a Hungarian food week in which I ate stuffed peppers (minus the peppers cause I cannot eat them) and Hungarian Potato stew, and Hungarian soup and man they were amazing. I was doubtful but they were so very good).
The next day is the day we have all been waiting. The final exchange farewell event party. I cannot be happier with the way the actual event went. It was such a success and people really enjoyed themselves. It was a lot of preparation as you all know but it was very worth while in the end. I had so many people coming up to me and saying they really enjoyed the event and we did a great job so really it was all worth it in the end. Working with the group other than Sonya to be honest was a challenge. At first it was good and everyone was very helpful but the last 2 weeks and especially the week of the group was so slacking that Sonya and I had to do all the last minute details and had a lot more work on our plates than we should have. In the end it all came together nicely which is what matters the most but it was defiantly frustrating at the time.
So during the actual event we had presentations where students could get their certificates for study, we had a buffet dinner which was extremely tasty, we had a photo booth, and karaoke. I was the MC of the night which was fun but nerve wracking at the same time ( I always feel weird hearing my own voice over a microphone) but either way the event ran smoothly. It was decorated nicely in Mardi Gras theme, people dressed up and what it really comes down to was they had a good time.
Just some event pictures.
Thursday was not so fun really. Sonya and I worked on our portfolio It was due on Friday so we were up until about 1:30 am working on it and finishing it and making sure everything was done. NOT FUN AT ALL
Presents aside dinner was beyond wonderful. The food was so good. Last but the most important was the company. We arrived at 7pm and did not leave the restaurant until 11pm because we just sat and talked, laughed and really enjoyed being with one another.
I am going to miss these girls very much
Now it is the weekend.
Saturday Sonya and I once again had to work on a paper for business to business marketing. From 11 am to 9:30 pm we worked on this paper and more work still needs to go into it. UGH PAPERS! We went to the bar that night to watch the soccer game that was on tv with everyone else but really tired from school work and not really that much fun out so we headed home. And on Sunday I Packed
My room is pretty much packed and I am coming home with 2 carry on's and 2 checked luggage's. Yikes haha. Its still surreal to be coming home in 5 sleeps after 4 months but I cant wait. Oh and also went and saw Twilight this evening. ALRIGHT!!
So really now.. the next time you read my blog I am going to be back in Canada and it will be the final.
Packing cleaning, school, and goodbyes on this weeks agenda
WOW just WOW
You really get to know a new culture and a new environment, and meet new people but the most amazing thing is learning about yourself. Learning the things that make you the person that you are and the person you want to become in the future. Sonya and I were talking the other day about when I get back how many people are going to ask me about my experience here and how hard it is going to be to answer that question. I will try my best but really all I can say is it cannot be described in words. Its the moments and the memories, the little things that happen that truly shape the experience and when looking back that made it one of the most wonderful things I have ever done in my life.
My Week
Well as you all want to know about my week because it was a very busy and exciting one. Well Monday was a lot of preparation for the yearbooks and event management class since the event took place on Wed. Thanks to Sonya I had less work than I thought I would and it actually gave me some free time that night. Than on Tuesday we were supposed to have our secret Santa (Danielle, Brig, Sonya and I) but Danielle was coming back from Sweden that night and did not think she could make it in time. This was the same night Brig should have been having her Christmas at home with her family in Hungary so Sonya and I decided to make her a Hungarian Christmas dinner. THIS DID NOT HAPPEN!!! So if you ever look up Hungarian Christmas dinner you will find such items as fish fish fish and cabbage rolls. So really not our style. We than decided to make her fries supreme (kind of) because it was easy and accessible. This consisted of french fries, ground meat, cheese, tomatoes and sour cream. Easy and Tasty, so you cant beat that. We as well gave her some small little letters, and a picture frame with a picture of the three of us. It was a very nice night and really I am going to miss Brig a lot. (Speaking of Hungarian foods, Brig also decided to have a Hungarian food week in which I ate stuffed peppers (minus the peppers cause I cannot eat them) and Hungarian Potato stew, and Hungarian soup and man they were amazing. I was doubtful but they were so very good).
The next day is the day we have all been waiting. The final exchange farewell event party. I cannot be happier with the way the actual event went. It was such a success and people really enjoyed themselves. It was a lot of preparation as you all know but it was very worth while in the end. I had so many people coming up to me and saying they really enjoyed the event and we did a great job so really it was all worth it in the end. Working with the group other than Sonya to be honest was a challenge. At first it was good and everyone was very helpful but the last 2 weeks and especially the week of the group was so slacking that Sonya and I had to do all the last minute details and had a lot more work on our plates than we should have. In the end it all came together nicely which is what matters the most but it was defiantly frustrating at the time.
So during the actual event we had presentations where students could get their certificates for study, we had a buffet dinner which was extremely tasty, we had a photo booth, and karaoke. I was the MC of the night which was fun but nerve wracking at the same time ( I always feel weird hearing my own voice over a microphone) but either way the event ran smoothly. It was decorated nicely in Mardi Gras theme, people dressed up and what it really comes down to was they had a good time.
Thursday was not so fun really. Sonya and I worked on our portfolio It was due on Friday so we were up until about 1:30 am working on it and finishing it and making sure everything was done. NOT FUN AT ALL
Presents aside dinner was beyond wonderful. The food was so good. Last but the most important was the company. We arrived at 7pm and did not leave the restaurant until 11pm because we just sat and talked, laughed and really enjoyed being with one another.
I am going to miss these girls very much
Now it is the weekend.
Saturday Sonya and I once again had to work on a paper for business to business marketing. From 11 am to 9:30 pm we worked on this paper and more work still needs to go into it. UGH PAPERS! We went to the bar that night to watch the soccer game that was on tv with everyone else but really tired from school work and not really that much fun out so we headed home. And on Sunday I Packed
My room is pretty much packed and I am coming home with 2 carry on's and 2 checked luggage's. Yikes haha. Its still surreal to be coming home in 5 sleeps after 4 months but I cant wait. Oh and also went and saw Twilight this evening. ALRIGHT!!
So really now.. the next time you read my blog I am going to be back in Canada and it will be the final.
Packing cleaning, school, and goodbyes on this weeks agenda
WOW just WOW
Monday, 5 December 2011
Stop Bullying
This is not a post about my exchange experience but none the less needs to be posted..
For anyone who does not have me on facebook, and has not seen I felt this video should be watched and hopefully people will start the get the message.
BULLYING IS NOT OKAY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdkNn3Ei-Lg&feature=share
For anyone who does not have me on facebook, and has not seen I felt this video should be watched and hopefully people will start the get the message.
BULLYING IS NOT OKAY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdkNn3Ei-Lg&feature=share
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Look back and Never Regret
Sorry for the delay Everyone. I have been waiting to write this until I had something to write about as this week has been a slow one.
As well please be prepared that the Blog Next week will as well not be written until the weekend due to a busy busy week. I have the secret Santa, the event, and a portfolio due on the Friday so my apologies. And than if you can believe it the blog the next week will be the final blog and I will be home. I will as well write that on the weekend so you can hear all about my last week and my journeys home.
Okay so to get into this past week.
As I said nothing has really happened; all in all it has been a week full of school work and movies. With "finals" coming up I have had 3 papers to write and a Portfolio to due. As you know I have finished my dutch paper and am working on the editing process but I think I will hand that in soon in order to get it over with. My second paper was business ethics. This paper has been a pain in my rear. This paper has focused on the cultural difference between two countries (we chose Germany and China) and how those cultural differences has led to doing business and ethical issues that may arise. It seems like a generally straightforward paper and it somewhat is, but at the same time trying to work in the group and making sure everyone's ideas coexist together and flow nicely has been a task. Also the guideline has been a little bit lacking so you really have to sit there and figure out how it should all flow and make sure all relevant information was there. All in all though I still have to say throughout the semester business ethics was definitely my favourite class which is a funny thing when you think about the horror you hear about it in Windsor. The next and final official paper that has been given is the business to business marketing. He decided we should not have a final exam as you know and we are now working on a 16 page paper and a presentation to go along with it. The nice thing about this one is the instructions are very straightforward, e has explained everything he wants done very well, and I am working with a good group which is always the best turnout. I have not started that but will be started the outline to my part this very day and we have the paper planned to be due in 2 weeks.
It has been very nice here actually, 3 papers to work on and 3 deadlines have been set by myself and made with no issue. The difference here vs Windsor is I have a lot more free time here. Although this is nice for school work getting done with ease I truly miss my busy Windsor life and the structure that went along with it. Here I have four classes, and really that is it. Back home I have five classes, 2 jobs, clubs (hopefully OWIMA and Commerce this semester) the gym, friends, and really an attempt to balance it all and have a life. Its a very very busy one and I definitely feel a lot more stress during times than here but really I wouldn't trade it at all. It keeps me from boredom and it really keeps me busy and my time management skills up to par. Its funny really how two different school cultures you really learn two different skills. A lot of structure back home has taught my discipline, time management, and so much more where as here I am learning such cultural skills. Dealing with issues in a foreign country, truly working with students from around the world and extremely different working cultures, discipline has as well been kept up making sure all my stuff gets done with so much free time, and last but not least but really the most important to me is my value of hard work. I bare it back home in my own eyes but when coming here I have seen so much slack from students and teachers allowing anything to fly like missing presentations or just not doing your work (things that would not be tolerated back home) and I have always kept my value of hard work and put all effort in the same. Things have always been handed in on time and really when it comes to school work I truly don't think I "slacked" at all.
This coming week is going to be a hectic one as I mentioned.
I am working on this final yearbook for exchange students all weekend to get ready for the event on Wed. Really even with all the preparation ahead of time last minute there is always the final touches that need to be put on and that's whats happening now. As well many of my group members have been starting to slack now and it has caused Sonya and I to do a lot more work than needed. So this week we are finishing the event preparations, and hosting the event on Wed. As well the secret Santa for the girls is on Tuesday so I have completed my shopping for that and will be enjoying a nice dinner Tuesday night with great company. Wednesday is the event so that will be a busy day all in all. Thursday all day I will be working on the portfolio in which is due on Friday. (As well Thursday is Steph's Birthday :(.... still sad I am missing that)
Friday-Sunday I am going to be paper finishing. Putting the final touches on the Ethics, B2B and Project dutch if needed. Because once this week is over I am in my last week
Really nothing else is happening around here so this will be all for today.
It has been crazy to think that this adventure is almost over after 4 months. Its quite the mixed emotions sad to leave the friends I have made, but super beyond excited to come home to all the people I have waiting for me at home and CANADA in general.
Write Soon
As well please be prepared that the Blog Next week will as well not be written until the weekend due to a busy busy week. I have the secret Santa, the event, and a portfolio due on the Friday so my apologies. And than if you can believe it the blog the next week will be the final blog and I will be home. I will as well write that on the weekend so you can hear all about my last week and my journeys home.
Okay so to get into this past week.
As I said nothing has really happened; all in all it has been a week full of school work and movies. With "finals" coming up I have had 3 papers to write and a Portfolio to due. As you know I have finished my dutch paper and am working on the editing process but I think I will hand that in soon in order to get it over with. My second paper was business ethics. This paper has been a pain in my rear. This paper has focused on the cultural difference between two countries (we chose Germany and China) and how those cultural differences has led to doing business and ethical issues that may arise. It seems like a generally straightforward paper and it somewhat is, but at the same time trying to work in the group and making sure everyone's ideas coexist together and flow nicely has been a task. Also the guideline has been a little bit lacking so you really have to sit there and figure out how it should all flow and make sure all relevant information was there. All in all though I still have to say throughout the semester business ethics was definitely my favourite class which is a funny thing when you think about the horror you hear about it in Windsor. The next and final official paper that has been given is the business to business marketing. He decided we should not have a final exam as you know and we are now working on a 16 page paper and a presentation to go along with it. The nice thing about this one is the instructions are very straightforward, e has explained everything he wants done very well, and I am working with a good group which is always the best turnout. I have not started that but will be started the outline to my part this very day and we have the paper planned to be due in 2 weeks.
It has been very nice here actually, 3 papers to work on and 3 deadlines have been set by myself and made with no issue. The difference here vs Windsor is I have a lot more free time here. Although this is nice for school work getting done with ease I truly miss my busy Windsor life and the structure that went along with it. Here I have four classes, and really that is it. Back home I have five classes, 2 jobs, clubs (hopefully OWIMA and Commerce this semester) the gym, friends, and really an attempt to balance it all and have a life. Its a very very busy one and I definitely feel a lot more stress during times than here but really I wouldn't trade it at all. It keeps me from boredom and it really keeps me busy and my time management skills up to par. Its funny really how two different school cultures you really learn two different skills. A lot of structure back home has taught my discipline, time management, and so much more where as here I am learning such cultural skills. Dealing with issues in a foreign country, truly working with students from around the world and extremely different working cultures, discipline has as well been kept up making sure all my stuff gets done with so much free time, and last but not least but really the most important to me is my value of hard work. I bare it back home in my own eyes but when coming here I have seen so much slack from students and teachers allowing anything to fly like missing presentations or just not doing your work (things that would not be tolerated back home) and I have always kept my value of hard work and put all effort in the same. Things have always been handed in on time and really when it comes to school work I truly don't think I "slacked" at all.
This coming week is going to be a hectic one as I mentioned.
I am working on this final yearbook for exchange students all weekend to get ready for the event on Wed. Really even with all the preparation ahead of time last minute there is always the final touches that need to be put on and that's whats happening now. As well many of my group members have been starting to slack now and it has caused Sonya and I to do a lot more work than needed. So this week we are finishing the event preparations, and hosting the event on Wed. As well the secret Santa for the girls is on Tuesday so I have completed my shopping for that and will be enjoying a nice dinner Tuesday night with great company. Wednesday is the event so that will be a busy day all in all. Thursday all day I will be working on the portfolio in which is due on Friday. (As well Thursday is Steph's Birthday :(.... still sad I am missing that)
Friday-Sunday I am going to be paper finishing. Putting the final touches on the Ethics, B2B and Project dutch if needed. Because once this week is over I am in my last week
Really nothing else is happening around here so this will be all for today.
It has been crazy to think that this adventure is almost over after 4 months. Its quite the mixed emotions sad to leave the friends I have made, but super beyond excited to come home to all the people I have waiting for me at home and CANADA in general.
Write Soon
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