Eventually, I think Chicago will be the most beautiful great city left in the world - Frank Lloyd Wright

Monday - Two plane journeys later and I had arrived in the Windy City! O'Hare airport must be the most complicated complex I have ever been in so once I'd managed to find the exit and thereafter make my way to the train station, I waited for a certain individual...

After being reunited with this girl here (more or less 5 months is too long!) we made sure Chicago would be ready for us. We took the train from the airport to our hotel managing to walk around in circles in the process and lose all feeling in my fingers. We braved the cold once more in order to find food and go to the cinema. You must see Saving Mr Banks - a brilliant, emotional movie. Leaving the cinema at half ten, the temperature had dropped to minus 17 degrees Celsius. I thought I was going to die. No normal human being should be living in a place that gets this cold, it's just cruel.

Tuesday - Get up early, we said. Set an alarm for 9am we said. 10.45am is when I finally surfaced for the day, ready for a grand adventure. First, we went to the Willis Tower and the famous Skydeck. 100+ floors later and a lift that makes your ears pop, I finally witnessed amazing views.

For someone who isn't all that keen on heights, I found this to be scary!! But not too scary that I couldn't sit and have my photo taken!!

Next, we went to the German Christmas Market to have a look around.

I got myself some hot mulled wine (so sweet and delicious and Christmassy). The guy behind the counter was clearly expecting me to be caught out when I ordered so he was all 'ID?' and I was all 'BAM'. Abi, not yet being 21 - must not laugh even if I find it a tiny bit funny - could not get the mulled cider she very clearly wanted and had to settle on hot chocolate. I gave her a bit of my wine as I am obviously a kind hearted human being (okay fine, but it's Christmas...) Naturally it all went straight to my head and when we found a Nativity scene and Abi asked who 'those random people were', I broke out in hysterical laughter. It appears the shepherds, the Wise Men and Joseph are all absent in her version of Christmas. I got to keep the mug as a souvenir!

Next we went to look around the Macy's store and I found a Topshop and all was right on my Christmas Eve. We then walked to the John Hancock Tower. I preferred the views from this one.

I took lots of photos but here is just one. Lake Michigan was all icy! You could also see Navy Pier.

Finally, we finished the evening by going to the Rainforest Café. Abi had never been (not even to the Piccadilly Circus one!!) so I felt like she needed to go.

I found it funny that she was freaked out by my medium cooked burger (her crazy meat cooking rules) and the server asked us if we were from Ireland. This morning we were asked if we are Australian - at least this was a bit closer to home! 

We sat next to the fish!! 

We were the oldest people in there (excluding parents) but I just think it is SO COOL although when the 'thunder storm' happens in the middle of eating, it is hard to see your food! I was MADE TO STAY UP UNTIL MIDNIGHT - I didn't have a choice - to, in the words of Abi, 'see in Christmas'. Here, she suddenly asked 'who is going to bring in the new year?' My confusion was coupled with 'thanks you bastard, I was going to celebrate it with you' but it turns out her family brings in the new year with a tradition called 'the first footing'. Felt like I'd gone back in time - if you don't know what it is, Google it but she was confused I didn't do it and I was confused that anyone did it at all. You learn something new every day. 

Wednesday - Woke up to a white Christmas (proving that they do not just happen in the movies!) We started with the morning skype conversations to family before going on a morning walk.

The morning walk saw a very frozen Michigan Lake.

Morning walk selfie!

We eventually reached Millenium Park, and saw the Bean.

So arty because I'm such a cool individual.

I didn't wish to do this because I knew I'd look like an idiot but Abi wasn't taking no for an answer so note my grimace.

We also went ice-skating in the park. The people who worked there were a bit funny about people taking pictures on the ice so we didn't want to risk it, so here is a photo of me post ice-skating!

I've finally had a Dunkin' Donut now - as we needed warming up after ice-skating with coffee (and food!) - and it was rather yummy! We returned to the Hotel for an hour or so because we had time to kill before dinner. This way, we walked to the restaurant. And walk to the restaurant we did...35 minutes, in the snow...and Abi insisted we walk back; except I sorted of trudged myself back instead. Dinner was really good! They brought me the wrong food to the table to begin with and were all lovely and apologetic. Abi said 'so your line at British politeness no I'll just eat it anyway is drawn at ribs?' Yes. I hate ribs. Don't bring me ribs. Anyway, the rather dishy manager brought my food over this time, he asked if I needed anything else and part of me wished I had any form of confidence so I could have simply replied 'yes, your phone number!' Alas, I am not. 

Thursday - The walking continues. Note to Abi's future boyfriend/husband - you had better be energetic because unless it's the tube in London, this girl has no interest in public transport!!

First, a quick visit to Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears! They may not be my team, but mum wanted a picture as it is hers!

We went to the Planetarium - I've never been a student of the sciences but physics was my favourite out of the three, probably because space is included in this section (no-one can take that A* from this module away from me!) We got to watch a show in which we toured the stars and it was visually stunning. Abi had no idea that there were so many planets out there among the stars. Hey, who knows, somewhere out there, there could be a parallel universe in which I'm married to Tom Hiddleston!

In the evening, we went to dinner at an Italian Restaurant where they basically just give you the indoor equivalent to an Oyster card in which you go to the correctly labelled stations, scan your card and they cook your food for you! 

Theatre ready!

Afterwards, we went to see 'A Christmas Carol'. It was great apart from the TERRIFYING GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE! It suddenly appeared, this tall hooded figure - Abi screamed...which took away from the next 5 minutes as I was too busy chuckling to myself! The show was really good as were the English accents even if they did say 'potatoes' really weirdly.

Just ending the day on this picture because I have no words for it either...

Thursday - We rose bright and early(ish) in order to see the new Hobbit movie. I'd seen it before with. Katelyn but didn't mind seeing it again. If you have Richard Armitage, Lee Pace, Aiden Turner and the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch in one movie, I'm obviously not going to say no to watching it again!

We then walked (are we surprised? I'm actually hoping to lose weight this week) to Navy Pier which had great views when you stood at the very end (it didn't beat Brighton pier however!) 

All this walking has been worth it to enjoy a guilt free slice of cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory (FINALLY!) I chose my favourite flavour in the whole world, white chocolate and raspberry. Unfortunately it came with cream on top...so I soon scraped that off and gave it to Abi!

Saturday - Today we visited the Lincoln Park area. First, we visited the Chicago Museum. One of my courses this term focused on the 1910s and 20, and a lot happened in the city during this period so to see it in one museum was cool.

Dressing up by the suffragette section of the museum...well, I wasn't going to just stand there was I?

We then had a walk through Lincoln Park in which a game of 'spot the statue' begun. The only ones I recognised however, were Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin! It was also time for the zoo!! And there was a POLAR BEAR which...is part fascinating and part cruel for being kept in a zoo where, although the weather in Chicago is cold, it's not quite arctic conditions!

Although wolves are my favourite animals, I have a soft spot for meerkats and giraffes...but here is a bowl of meerkats for your viewing pleasure!

Afterwards, we went for a final walk downtown as we are unfortunately, not heading in that direction again. There were obviously many people...it was a Saturday after all.

This evening we had Indian food...INDIAN FOOD! A rarity down South, I couldn't leave the North without having it at least once!

Sunday - Our last day in Chicago. The temperature has dropped again so we saved the inside activities until last. We went to Shedd Aquarium which was very cool, my favourite HAS to be the beluga whales - the cutest creatures ever! I really wished we had more time here so I can swim with them...but perhaps I will come back in the future (or so I wish to!) We also attended an aquatic show in which the dolphins and beluga whales did tricks! I had to buy a postcard of the whales because they were adorable (I thought, at 21, I was too old for a stuffed toy even if IT WAS ADORABLE!) 

Then, we went to the Field Museum - it was a very big Natural History museum! I like how well the museum was done; it just looked cool and was very easy to follow rather than getting lost. We also saw a 3D show about a t-Rex dinosaur; Sue as she was so named! 

We headed back to the hotel for one last time to pack and check into our flight for tomorrow.

So, this week is over and looking back, it has been brilliant. I've done so much, seen so much and have certainly been made to walk so much!! Chicago is a great city. I wasn't expecting the people to be quite so friendly! However, Christmas break isn't over yet and another place lies just around the corner...Massachusetts here we come!

Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure - Jane Austen

The first semester - a summary

Where to begin? Well, first I can't believe the first term here is actually over. It has gone ridiculously fast! If I were to have one problem with the way this term has gone, is that I have dedicated my life more to work than to fun. 

And how do I feel about this? My grades have never been so high. If this work continues next term, I will go back with a first. (for the rest of this rant, please see the 'overall results' section)

Anything else? Well, I've not really travelled. I am aware I have six months left but I can not BELIEVE I have been here four months and have only travelled to DC! But, it is now Christmas - I can practically feel the snow in Chicago and Massachusetts. Come January, I am sure I will feel less upset about my lack of travelling.

But there are some positives. I have met some absolutely amazing people - both fellow exchange students and Americans. My classes, although work load top heavy, have been really interesting and my professors have been lovely people. Louisiana is still a lovely place to be - I'm not wearing a coat yet, I am however, wearing a light jacket to fight against the wind (day of publishing edit - I just saw people sunbathing.) And the food, the food is still fantastic (even if most of it is fried!) Now that this first term has finished, I feel like I should have savoured more of it and at the time, the work seemed to be the most consuming thing in the world but looking back, this term was really enjoyable.

Overall results. I never brag about my results. In fact, if I see people putting their grades on facebook, twitter, other forms of social networking that replaces actual conversation etc, I think those people need to take a sit down and think about how that status may affect someone who worked just as hard yet the results never show because they aren't EFFORTLESSLY CLEVER *takes a deep breath*. However, I have made 4 As. That translates to roughly 75%. I am not a 75% student. I am not a 70% student. Heck, I'm not even a 65% student!! If I scrape 60% I get down on my knees and thank God I am still getting a 2:1. So why have I suddenly improved? Is it my lack of social life? Is it the fact you can actually get 100% here rather than failing to move higher than 64%? Do they simply mark nicer here? I was told I'd 'get high 2:1s and firsts' here and I pretty much scoffed that idea. I refuse to argue with the results, hence my one chance to brag. I will simply be happy and aim to try just as hard next semester so that I can go back to Sussex in a strong position for fourth year.

A week to relax. I have a week before I go to Chicago and it is really nice to be able to stay here doing nothing but watching Netflix (I CAVED) and reading books (I read a fictionalised novel about Louisa May Alcott and have read Alcott's 'Moods' which has to be one of my favourite books EVER - so delicious for 19th century literature!!). I'll stop this post now before it gets any longer - off to see The Hobbit and stay at Katelyn's for the night because we are decorating Christmas cookies!

A few pictures of the purple and gold tree!

Christmas cookies we decorated!

Merry Christmas readers!

I am grateful for what I am and have - Henry David Thoreau

25th November 2013 - 28th November 2013 - Thanksgiving week!!!

Monday - I saw Catching Fire. It was very close to the book, so I'm impressed! 

Tuesday - Went to 'Friendsgiving' at Jono's house. It was 'bring your own dish' so naturally, I made yorkshire puddings (as I miss eating them so badly.) Even though it wasn't 'cooking' as such, I realised how much I have missed this activity (had to be careful how I worded that - putting "I have missed being in the kitchen" opens me up to stereotyping!!!) I tried American biscuits which are basically just scones. Also witnessed sweet potato mash with marshmallows on the top - it looked and smelt revolting; no way was I even going to try it!

Wednesday - Went to see Frozen today!! Haven't seen a Disney film in the cinema since Tangled came out so naturally, I was very excited. It was amazing - the detail was spectacular, it was hilarious and the music was great (however, I am a sucker for a good Disney love song, Alan Menken style and it wasn't delivered, but female power ballad 'Let it Go' was my favourite. Talking of female power, after the release of Pixar's Brave, I'm guessing it was simply time for the main branch to follow suit with bamf princesses. 

I loved Olaf (the snowman) for the comic relief, but Elsa had to be my favourite. Her dress is SO COOL. Yes, I realise I am 21.

Thursday - Had lunch with Katelyn and her family - I have experienced an American Thanksgiving!! It was very good, complete with cranberry sauce and I even tried pumpkin and pecan pie (I have discovered that I do not like the flavour... I am a savory pie kind of person instead of a sweet one). The rest of the day was relaxing - have two 10 page essays to complete this weekend so I wanted to have one day off! No rest for the wicked.

However, 2 weeks until the end of term and 3 weeks until I go to Chicago. I can do this!

Edit: I realise I forgot to blog about the last of the football games. Homecoming game was great - this was the only game we attended as a big group.

I borrowed Austin's hat - became a bit attached to it.

Cheeky pic of Mike dressed as Darth Vader in the background!

GROUP PHOTO! (Minus Alice, she wasn't looking in the right direction...)

The final game I saw was against Texas A&M - THE GAME WAS AMAZING. Ridiculously cold and drizzly (it shouldn't be like this, it's Louisiana!) The football games have really made my time here enjoyable - it has been a proper American college experience.

Spot the drunk participant *coughs* Austin *coughs*

After all, Saturday night in Death Valley is the 'best time you will ever have with 92,400 of your closest friends.'

Washington is a very easy city for you to forget where you came from and why you got there in the first place - Harry S. Truman

7th October - 10th October - Fall Break!

Thursday - The day started at 2:45am. I was surprised at how friendly the security staff were considering it was so early in the morning but that is the South! Sat next to Charlotte on the journey and I was supposed to start reading The Golden Compass for English but I was too tired (so I attempted to sleep instead!) Two things I noticed when I got off the first plane at Texas; 1) SO COLD, probably because of 2) I COULD BREATHE - NO HUMIDITY! WONDERFUL! Arriving in DC, we got on the Metro (I miss the tube!) and met Hannah; we dropped off our luggage and first, we went to Madame Tussauds when we first arrived - I wanted to go for the simple reason that all 44 Presidents are immortalised in wax!! 

Met George.

Debating important things with John Adams

Hard times in Hooverville

ONLY MY FAVOURITE PRESIDENT, FDR

 

Chilling with the Kennedys - it's a hard life.

My 2nd favourite President LBJ (yes, I know it is controversial!)

MY HOME GIRL HILLARY CLINTON!

Afterwards, we walked to the White House and then took the fifteen minute walk to the Reflecting Pool and Lincoln Memorial.

I don't consider myself very talented when it comes to taking photographs, but I do like this!

View from the Lincoln Memorial 

 It was a surreal experience - it is a scene I've seen in textbooks for years and to finally be there, looking out at the view...I had a moment!

That evening, I went to a place called 'Sign of the Whale'. I didn't have much food as I ate the world's biggest burger for lunch, but I ended up drinking a bucket drink!

Let me tell you, it made me feel a little bit wobbly....

Friday - Today I started as I meant to go on - I put salt in my coffee instead of sugar! We went first to the Natural History Museum.

Outside the Museum

Casual elephant model in the lobby...do love seeing taxidermy animals!

Next, the American History Museum. The counter from the Greensboro sit-in was there, so I had a history fan-girl moment, but I also enjoyed over exhibtions; a Presidents section, First Lady dresses, American at War...

Eleanor Roosevelt's inauguration dress (my favourite First Lady!)

Rivalling Lincoln with the hat!!

The last museum we went to was the National Archives where I saw the Bill of Rights, The (very faded) Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. We couldn't take any pictures, considering the documents were so old; and to get into the building we had to submit ourselves to airport type security but it was still interesting to see such an important part of American history. 

We went for cupcakes at a place called Sprinkles afterwards!

I would not lie on this blog...and for this, I must admit that after being here for 3 months without Indian food has driven me a little bit crazy (or, more so than my usual standards before anyone else attempts to make that joke!). So we had curry for dinner and life is complete right now! Afterwards, we went to two bars which was an interesting experience...by interesting I mean THERE WERE SO MANY PEOPLE IN THERE, IT WAS HARD TO BREATHE.


Saturday - First, we went to Arlington National Cemetry. Luckily, the weather wasn't as cold as it was yesterday! 

The views from the top of the cemetary were stunning.

The eternal flame to mark JFK's grave

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Afterwards, I went to the Holocaust Memorial Museum; it was a very emotional museum. I ended the day by exploring the memorials.

Found Louisiana!

At the Korean War Memorial - a very interesting quote...

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

At the FDR Memorial - which made me ridiculously happy!

One of my favourite women in history; Eleanor Roosevelt (so glad she was included in the memorial!)

My lovelies Jessie, Sarah & Adam!

That evening, I saw Thor 2 with Hannah & two of her friends. The movie was amazing, Tom Hiddleston is even more perfect than he was before. It was a great way to end the trip!

Sunday - Back in Baton Rouge. I had the most amazing time in DC; yes, it was cold (my internal thermometer has adjusted to Louisiana temperatures!) but the scenary was beautiful, it was such an iconic place to see! A big thank you must be given to Hannah, letting me stay with her, Sarah, Adam & Jessie for showing me such a wonderful time! However, I'm glad to be back in the South - I missed the friendly people who randomly smile at you on the street rather than glare.

By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes - William Shakespeare

2nd November 2013 - We have a problem... I'm wearing too many clothes for Halloween!!

31st October 2013 - I experienced an American Halloween. It was an interesting experience for 2 reasons; the first - students even go to class in costume like it is normal (and some professors even give extra credit as a reward!) and the second,  "in the regular world, Halloween is when children dress up in costumes and beg for candy. In Girl World, Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it." I saw far too much boob and far too much bottom for my liking. The only benefit about having Halloween here is that the night is still warm so the girls wearing practically nothing won't end up with pneumonia. Halloween at home has such an emphasis on looking scary and disgusting (complete with fake blood) but here the emphasis (for women - OHHHH DOUBLE STANDARDS) is to wear as little as possible.

I tried on my roomie's costume - I'm more of a Loki girl myself but it was rather fun walking around the room as the God of Thunder!

I made a very half hearted attempted at a costume - put on a Gryffindor tie (I'm a Slytherin but my roomie didn't have that costume), wear my Hogwarts t-shirt, drew a scar on my forehard and voilà - female Harry Potter! I mean, I was going to go as a slutty cop/nurse/witch/stereotypical female role but let's be honest, I didn't want to end up causing a sex riot. We ended up going to a house party...and leaving after an hour because woooooow. Sometimes there are no words to describe these things.

I should have gone as Wonder Woman to continue this DC line up!

2nd November 2013 - I was a volunteer at this year's Louisiana Book Festival, helping in the Young Reader's Pavilion. I have never met a child at home who called me ma'am so to experience it here was weird - the confused look on their faces as a non-American voice came out of my mouth was priceless!! I had a really good day; and I love the fact festivals have to be held in November because to hold them in summer means everyone would melt from the heat!! The weather at present is perfect.

Much to my surprise, Claudia Gray was at the festival. She is a young adult writer, and I started reading her books at about fifteen/sixteen so to meet her was unexpected yet great. 

I bought the fifth book in a vampire series she writes - this book was impossible to find at home so my collection is now complete! (no idea when I will get to read it but it was signed!!)

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on - Robert Frost

25th October 2013 - A towel on your head and a sexy dress.

Midterms are over; such a lovely feeling after having the sense of impending doom looming over your shoulder for two weeks. I weirdly got 100% on my women's history exam...I haven't received a score like that since primary school. To celebrate, I went to downtown Baton Rouge in the evening to a music event. It wasn't really my type of music and the exhaustion from working until ridiculous o'clock these past few weeks meant I left early with Nikki. Public transport here is, shall we say, an experience. First, we waited 50 minutes in the rain for the bus to arrive, there was no clear bus stop so we just loited outside of a hotel and it gets dark really early here so I feared for my life at 7pm.

We were handed out free towels at the Florida football game. Everyone seemed to be wearing them on their heads so we joined in...

I have also come to the conclusion that there is something unnatural about still putting on suncream in October.

The work load continues however. I have 2 essays standing between me and Washington DC so I am very excited (also, with the government being open again means monuments & museums are also open!) - the next two weekends will be busy in order to achieve this goal, but I know Fall Break is going to be worth it!

Fall Fest!

I'm still buying random stuff I don't even need. Went shopping on the 20th of October and bought a dress for when I go to DC. It started out as something for me to try on to make Alice laugh and everyone on viewing actually liked it. It appears that not only can I pull off stupid hats, I can pull off interesting dresses. Showed mum and her reaction was my favourite; The dress is very sexy for you! What can I say mum, America has changed me and that is 50 Shades of okay.

On a final note, I have chosen my course choices for next semester; Science Fiction & American History, Tudor England, The First World War and Comic Books & Graphic Novels of the 1980s. I really wanted there to be a course on 19th century literature but alas, it was a graduate course - no Louisa May Alcott learning for me!

I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move. - Robert Louis Stevenson

5th October 2013 - How many places within state can I manage to visit?

I may have a midterm Wednesday. I may have an essay to complete tomorrow. However, that did not stop me from going to Lafayette with my room mate for what I dubbed 'road trip with the roomie' day. Cue awesome mix tape made by me (showing off the very best music Britain has to offer *coughs* McFly *coughs*), and an hour journey from Baton Rouge and we were ready to hit the open road!

I'm glad I went - I have booked flights to Massachusetts, Chicago and DC & I am planning trips to many more states yet have not even managed to leave Baton Rouge. From what I saw, the place was very much like the city I live in only smaller. We drove through Downtown which had some cool architecture choices before finding outselves at a mall.

Let me have my female moment. I have not shopped in weeks. I usually find shopping tedious and unnecessary but when I haven't done it for a while, I suddenly shop until I drop; and dropped I did. I told mum I would come home from this year abroad with 1 t-shirt, maybe 2 tops. I now have roughly fourteen and I still have another term worth of buying to follow. May need to seek therapy for my t-shirt buying obsession...

Like I could resist this.

Like I could resist this either...

Okay, this one was more of a souvenir t-shirt as we drove past the university and the stadium and the name makes me chuckle. [I say t-shirt, it's so long I'm wearing it as a dress!)

Tigers are still better mascots however.

Ha.

Regardless of the trip, on my return I managed to plan an essay (which I still have no idea what I'm writing about) and wrote a journal on The Hunger Games & Catching Fire for English. I can be productive when I put my mind to it!