Part 1: The Journey Explained

I know, I know...I haven't posted in some time. As many of you may have guessed (based upon my Facebook and Myspace updates and e-mails), I have arrived in Scotland. In fact, yesterday was the 2 week mark. 

Let me back up and discuss the entire experience thus far (let's hope this makes up for me being lazy):

My last day of work was on Friday, August 22 and it was a bittersweet day. I really loved the people I worked with and they felt like a second family (albeit dysfunctional). Even though it was INCREDIBLY difficult to leave, I knew in my heart of hearts that I need to do this for myself. I journeyed to Hobart to stay with my Mom before leaving on Monday, August 25. Watched plenty of movies, ate yummy food (thanks, Gram) and spent time hanging out with the fam and Adonis. I managed to clean out my car (no small feat) and turned it over to a willing buyer (Tim). I spent a good chunk of the weekend staring into my pre-packed luggage making sure that I had everything I thought I needed and could fit it all in. I am quickly turning into a master packer extraordinaire. 

Monday morning brought a mix of emotions and exhaustion, as we awoke at 4:00 a.m. to drive me to OKC in time for my first flight to Dallas. Much to my Grandma's dismay, I was granted once last driving expedition before my departure. The ride was mostly quite all the way to OKC, minus my endless chatter and singing and my Mom getting riled up over farmer's and their benefits from the government. Good morning conversation, I tell you.

Once we arrived at the airport, I had to shuffle some things from bag to bag and a few things (books), I sent home with my sister to send me later. Leaving my family at the security check point was intense. I was doing fine until my Mom started crying...I have always hated to see her cry and I sincerely hoped that her tears were tears of happiness and not tears of sadness. August 25 was to be a hard day for my Mom anyway, as it was the date that her own mother passed away when I was 2. As my Mom said it best earlier that weekend, "One journey ended on this day and yours is just beginning. Some things come full circle." 

I was on standby for my flight from OKC to Dallas, thanks to my friend Alexis and her mother's American Airlines Buddy Pass they so graciously bestowed upon me. :) I arrived in Dallas and quickly learned that I would need to pick up my luggage at baggage claim, check in with U.S. Airways and go through airport security all over again. Unfortunately, I was dropped off at the wrong end of the terminal and I had to drag all 110 lbs. of luggage with me in the heat. By the time I reached the check-in counter I was drenched in sweat. Proceeded onto security where I was "selected" for a more intense security screening. This involved taking EVERYTHING out of my carry-on and having it swiped for chemicals. Thankfully, I left the chemicals at home. 

I was put on standby for an earlier flight to Philly, as the ticket person wanted to make sure I arrived in Philly in plenty of time. Thankfully, I was able to make the earlier flight and I sat by a really nice 20 something guy from Texas. A good start to a long journey. Landed in Philly and called family, friends, surfed the internet and prepared for the flight to Glasgow. A 20 something girl sat down near me and was also making calls to friends and relatives, explaining that she was moving to Glasgow and would be out of commission for some time. We struck up a conversation with one another and realized that we were both headed for the University of Glasgow for postgraduate work. She to study Victorian Literature and me for the History of Collecting. We exchanged e-mail addresses and agreed to try and meet up once we arrived and got settled in Glasgow.

The flight to Glasgow was long and surreal. The moment the plane lifted off the ground, it felt anti-climatic. I wanted to cry, yell, laugh and do a little dance. I had that cliche feeling that the rest of my life was really about to begin. Sat by a REALLY nice 82 year old, exchanged e-mail information at the end of the flight, and was blocked into my seat for the entire flight!!!!!! :( Arrived in Glasgow and spent some time with the Immigration Official...lots of questions about my "sponsor" and why he would want to sponsor me. Eventually stamped my passport and I was officially in Glasgow! Finding my luggage and a taxi was QUITE easy and everyone was so lovely and helpful. Arrived at my accommodations and was slightly disappointed with the sterile nature of my room, but at least it was a room. Proceeded to unpack my bags and sleep for the next 5 hours or so. Woke up and thought I had dreamt it all....hmmm...

All in a day's work! :)

Today I accomplished much: I finished up summer school (finally!) AND completed my visa application and overnighted it to Los Angeles (yeah!). Now, all I need to do is play the waiting game with my visa. Ironically, Los Angeles had an earthquake today...here's hoping that the British Consulate did not sustain major damage and my application will be processed swiftly and without any problems! 

It has just now started to sink in that my time here in America will soon be drawing to a close. I've been consumed with school, work, moving and the visa application to the point of thinking of little else. 

What do I need to do before I leave? Pack, for starters....read some books of my choosing (and those that I can't take with me), research Glasgow, try and get a rudimentary understanding of the city layout (not likely to occur as I am horrible at reading maps), cram in visits with family, friends and folks that I am not likely to see for many, many years. Whew! All of that, and whatever else I may be forgetting, into the next 27 days! 

Tomorrow begins my housesitting duties until I leave on the 25th. I am looking forward to large amounts of quiet time, reading and hanging out with two adorable kitties. D-E-C-O-M-P-R-E-S-S-I-O-N. Living without Adonis has been extremely difficult; he is very much family to me, as we have been through so much together. I have faith that he is in good hands and every reassurance from family and friends that he will, in fact, remember who I am upon my return....now only if I could say the same for my family and friends....just kidding. :)

I think the best approach to prepare for my departure is to start making lists. I really do not want to forget anything major and not be able to remedy the situation from the other side of the pond. I've started having nightmares that I've arrived and forgotten something UBER important (like my passport or suitcases, etc.). Yikes!

One thing I can tell you (if you know me this comes as NO surprise)....I am SO looking forward to ditching 105 degree temperatures in favor of the low 70s and below as high temps! Bring on the rain, I say! Bring on the gray! Bring on the cold! Fabulous weather, I'm ready!!! I know, I know...only I would think that cold, gray weather is spectacular, but what can I say? 

If you think of anything that you'd recommend taking with me, or investigating before I leave please let me know. I can tell you that I will be doing some research on the differences between plug adapters and plug converters as I don't really feel up to frying my beloved Mac on my first day in Glasgow! Talk about the potential for a major meltdown on both accounts! 

-Vanessa

Breaking the News!

Yesterday I broke the news to the College of Architecture that I would be resigning from my position on August 22nd. I was very nervous about how the news would be received. Would they be angry at me for leaving? Would they be upset that I did not tell them sooner? Would they make my life hell before I leave?

Those fears were unfounded (except for one person in the office who shall remain nameless). I received such a wonderful outpouring of well-wishes from  the 5 Division Directors. Being in academia for such a long period of time, they understand the magnitude of this opportunity---academically, professionally and personally. 

Also yesterday, I journeyed to OKC to have my biometrics taken for my visa application. I will be overnighting my visa application to the Consulate Office in Los Angeles early next week. The application was comprehensive and requires tons of documentation. I have to provide my last 3 months of bank statements, last 3 months of pay stubs, a letter from Human Resources validating my employment and pay, an unconditional offer letter from the University of Glasgow, proof of the cost of my housing contract and my tuition....and the list goes on. Wow, the process is so comprehensive! 

It should take approximately 5 business days for my visa to be processed once it is received. I am worried that it will not be processed in time for my departure or that they will deny my visa for some unforeseen reason. I know that these fears may seem irrational, but the visa and my financial aid are the last things that need to fall into place and the worst to deal with if they do not. 

One of my friends reminded me that I need to have a little faith and that it will all work out...how can it not? So, I am going to try and take her advice and have a little faith....of course all the while crossing  my fingers.... :)

-Vanessa

Glasgow Date/Time Widget

I've added this widget to show the local date and time in Glasgow. Adjusting to the HUGE time difference will be interesting, both for myself and for those of you interested in communicating with me at a decent hour. Enjoy!
-Vanessa

Flipping things upside down again!

Today marks one year since my entire life was turned upside down.

Today, I flipped my entire life upside down again. Only this time, the flipping was on my terms.

Good news; I booked my airfare and signed my accommodation contract today!!!!

I have consulted with many friends who've studied abroad, and the general consensus was to arrive at least 2 weeks before orientation. Study Abroad Orientation begins on September 9. Unfortunately, I could not book my airfare until I knew if I had been allocated accommodation for the fall/spring semester.

I randomly went to the Student Union to stop in and just check on prices with STA Travel. Sadly, I learned that Friday was their last day at OU, as OU has chosen to not renew their lease and bring in a Starbucks instead. Nonetheless, my STA contact was very helpful in finding me the shortest way of getting there, even if it did cost a bit more. Thankfully, she was able to find the shortest itinerary and it cost the least! :D By going through STA Travel (http://www.statravel.com/), I was able to save about $450 on my flight(s)!!! Yeah!

Flight Details:
I am leaving Monday, August 25th, which is coincidentally OU's 1st day of the Fall semester. I am flying out of Dallas (DFW), to Philadelphia and then straight into Glasgow. My first flight leaves Dallas at 3:05 in the afternoon and I arrive in Philadelphia at 7:41 p.m. I then board another plane that departs at 9:00 p.m. and will arrive in Glasgow at 9:00 a.m. Glasgow time (which, in case you are wondering, is 3 a.m. Oklahoma time).

Housing Details:
Thankfully, I was allocated my first choice in accommodations and that is a huge relief. The difference in price between my 1st and 2nd choice in accommodation was about $1300 USD. I can use that money to fund other travel expeditions around Europe. I will be living at Winton Drive (aka "The Hall"); see http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/residentialservices/undergraduate/self-cateredaccommodation/wintondrive/.

My contract is from September 12-June 12th and I have received confirmation that I will be able to arrive on August 26th and pay about $20 USD per day to stay in university accommodation. I did receive an e-mail warning me that I may have to move from whichever summer room that I'm given into my regular fall/spring room. Nonetheless, I am happy to have early accommodation.

Note for Visitors:
I WILL be allowed to have overnight visitors in my flat. Here's what the Winton Drive Flats FAQs say about overnight guests:

13. Can my friends stay overnight?
Overnight guests may stay in your room for a maximum of three nights. There is a nominal fee to pay and guests must be registered to comply with Fire regulations.

Once I arrive, I shall check out how flexible they are on their visitor policies.

Shopping:
Even though I hate the arrival of summer, I am thankful that it's caused the stores to clearance much of their winter merchandise. Today, I hit Kohls for sweaters, cute hoodies and winter gear. I am looking for a nice rain coat/windbreaker/fleece thing and may have found it at LL Bean.

However, it is $159!!!! I like that the fleece can be zipped in and out of the jacket...so really, you're getting 2 pieces in one. As those of you near and dear to me know, I am VERY hot natured. What is YOUR thought on purchasing this?

Glasgow's yearly temperature breakdown; monthly averages in °F:

January
Avg Low: 35°
Avg High: 43°
Avg Precipitation: 3.42 in

February
Avg Low: 35°
Avg High: 44°
Avg Precipitation: 3.11 in

March
Avg Low: 37°
Avg High: 48°
Avg Precipitation: 2.93 in

April
Avg Low: 38°
Avg High: 53°
Avg Precipitation: 1.83 in

May
Avg Low: 43°
Avg High: 59°
Avg Precipitation: 1.32 in

June
Avg Low: 48°
Avg High: 63°
Avg Precipitation: 1.52 in

July
Avg Low: 52°
Avg High: 67°
Avg Precipitation: 1.95 in

August
Avg Low: 51°
Avg High: 66°
Avg Precipitation: 2.07 in

September
Avg Low: 47°
Avg High: 61°
Avg Precipitation: 2.23 in

October
Avg Low: 43°
Avg High: 54°
Avg Precipitation: 3.34 in

November
Avg Low: 38°
Avg High: 48°
Avg Precipitation: 2.62 in

December
Avg Low: 35°
Avg High: 44°
Avg Precipitation: 2.95 in

Thanks for your input!

-Vanessa

Freak-outs are okay, right?

Today I had the pleasure of running around like a chicken with my head cut off. :O

Why, you ask? Let's just say that my totally whacked out sleeping schedule is creating mayhem in my daily life.

I thought that my Pre-Departure Orientation Packet (PDOP) was due on Tuesday, May 6th. I realized last night, long about 11:45 p.m. that it was due on Monday, May 5th (TODAY)!!!

Normally, I don't freak out about these things, but I realized that I had NOT met with Allison Palmer (my favorite art history professor and mentor http://art.ou.edu/people/palmer-a.html) regarding my course equivalencies. Schedules for everyone are tight this week, as this is Finals Week. Like a trooper, she agreed to meet with me on the fly today and all is well.

Thankfully, being a Graduate student ended up being a major plus for me with the PDOP. If you are a Graduate student, the Graduate College doesn't sign off on your classes until your transcript is sent over from the exchange institution. Thus, the course equivalencies I selected can be changed in the future and I DID NOT have to track down a signature from the Dean of the Graduate College. I just needed Allison to sign off on it and, thankfully, she did! Yeah!

It looks like I will receive credit for ALL of my course work while abroad. Ironically, OU added a new degree program in Arts Management on April 19th and all but one of my courses may be equivalent to the courses offered in the Arts Management program (the other course will count as an Art History course). Talk about good timing! :)

Also, I am enrolled in 5 hours of Graduate Directed Readings this Summer with Andrew Phelan (http://art.ou.edu/people/phelan-a.html) the professor responsible by creating the Arts Management degree program. ;)

Isn't it amazing how things seem to be falling together?

-Vanessa

Ziploc Bags + Vanessa= BFF?

"Own only what you can carry with you; know language, know countries, know people. Let your memory be your travel bag." -Alexander Solzhenitsyn

Let's hope that this is an effective packing tip!!! I must admit that it does seem a bit daunting to think about only taking what I ABSOLUTELY need with me on my journey. Everything else will be taking a year long sabbatical in storage.

Thankfully, friends with previous study abroad experience are proving invaluable. They have offered up incredibly helpful tips, suggestions and opinions. They have even answered bizarre questions from me with a straight face (I have the best friends).

Some of my favorite suggestions from the past week:

• "Take a ton of Ziploc bags with you! You can't find them in Europe readily and you never know when you might get bed bugs in a hostel." Point taken.
• "Waterproof your shoes; nothing says enjoyment like perpetually wet feet."
• "Be prepared to wear the same thing over and over again. Whatever you take; you'd better love it."
• "Remember, if you do need something, you CAN buy it there!"
• "You'll get good at reading maps. I promise." If only I had a dime for every time I have heard that....I would surely be a millionaire by now.

I'll keep you posted on other fun suggestions. Feel free to post your suggestions as well.

-Vanessa