No words can describe how I am feeling. I set my alarm for 4 AM to check my email to see if I got any word on the interview that was conducted last week for this scholarship.  Nothing was there.  I then laid in bed, trying to sleep, and yet, checking my email every hour. Knowing there is a six hour time difference means there is only a limited number of hours that an email will potentially come.  They did tell me I would know either way "midweek" - well that would be today. it is Wednesday. Around 7:30 AM, I checked what time the last email was sent to me about getting the inteview and that was around 7:38 AM.  I then, totally fell asleep, for an hour.  An hour!! Little did I know that just 20 minutes later this was in my email box:

Did you see that?  Informally letting me know my interview was Successful!!!  That this comes as Good News!!!  Not going to lie, I am totally freaking out.  I am exhausted, and an entire load of stress has just completely been lifted from my shoulders.  This scholarship includes a fee-waiver for three years, a stipend, and a small research support allowance.  In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would be one to get a "full-ride."  Well, hard work pays off.  I am beyond grateful to Dr.Napier for passing my information along, and for the LINCS Department for believing in me and my proposed research. 
Thank you all for praying, for being so encouraging and sending me positive vibes throughout this process.  I do know that I have been out of contact with a lot of you and it has really been because I have been so focused on my work, on this process to try to make sure all my ducks are in a row.  Looks like once the big project I have been working on is done, there will be some time to relax and celebrate with you  all! 

Have you ever wondered what the purpose of life is?  Have you ever wondered what the purpose of your life is?  What is your purpose? 

I think Eleanor makes a really good point in the above quote.  The purpose of life is to simply experience it.  So whatever you do, you do so without fear so that your experiences are rich.

Instead of looking for your purpose, wake up every morning without fear.  Wake up and face the day, tell yourself that you want to be present and fully experience everything it has to offer.  And then... "when a little flame lights a fire under your ass" you will realize you have suddenly found purpose.  I am exhausted, but I think for the first time in a long time, I have felt some kind of a sense of "purpose."

Side Note: If you were slightly offended by my little flame quote, you should not go see the Broadway show Avenue Q.

I  could post a serious video here about finding your purpose.. However, I am posting a song from my all time favorite play, Avenue Q.  Lyrics can be read Here:

Many of you who know me are going... does she ever slow down?  And the answer is yes, when I get a cold. Which I have a slight one as we speak so I am working from home this morning. 

How the heck am I about to move across a pond and open a business?  I will explain momentarily, but I want to first share some of the history behind DWG.

Kyle Duarte and I have been friends for a very long time.  We both had visions that were similar and doing something purposeful to positively impact our community has been at the forefront of our conversations.  When we use the term community it encompasses the Deaf Community and the Hearing Community because your community is where you live, work and play and includes all the people you interact with throughout your day. Over the years, communities have changed. There have been so many changes that have impacted (some would say negatively) our communities. Think about family structures, civic/social engagement, increased mobility, technology (including: Internet, Social Media, Smart Phones & VRS). I don't want to bore you but life has changed for many and you can look back and see those changes very clearly even over the last 50 years.  Here in America we have become more independent and more isolated than ever.  Those of us who are involved in the Deaf Community know that historically this is the opposite.  I would venture to say that many Deaf People have noticed the changes as well within their communities.  In general, families are breaking up, people are less involved in civic clubs, social organizations, volunteerism and even philanthropy, more people are moving out of cities and into suburbs, and technology has made it easier for people to communicate directly with each other without having to meet face to face.  Changes are here. 

Kyle Duarte and I both support community cohesiveness and wanting to see a place that was clearly accessible for Deaf people.  We envision the workplace being  a place where Deaf people were able to have equal opportunities to build solid relationships with their colleagues, have increased promotability etc.  We want to see homes be a place where parents understand the value of communication so that family bonds will be strengthened.  We want children to grow up in schools with peers, teachers and administrators  have the tools and resources needed to truly educated Deaf Children and not continue to leave them behind because its the small percent that won't impact their test scores too much.   We want Deaf people to have opportunity to travel, and to experience the many places their home cities have to offer but also have opportunities to travel the globe to broaden horizons. 

Years ago, when Kyle Duarte and I began sharing our passions and dreams, we bought a website, we named a company and dabbled in it.  However, around that same time, he was offered an opportunity to do doctoral research in France.  It was an opportunity that no person should have turned down, and so he did in fact accept it and relocate.  During this time, we talked about our project ideas still but we had to put it on the back burner a bit as he was focused on his studies, I was continuing my education as well working on my Masters and the timing was just not right.  Our vision was huge and how to best tackle it was a bit overwhelming.  Kyle moved back this year from France and I am moving to Scotland.  We continue to pass each other but we both realized that even though I am now moving it is time to begin to stop talking and start acting. 

I shared some more fine tuned program ideas that I have been dabbling in over the last year with Kyle a little bit before the Street Leverage conference in Atlanta.  We would meet there and make a plan.  It was there that he introduced me to Patrick Graham (PJ).  Patrick Graham is a doctoral research assistant at the University of Georgia. His dissertation focus on how Deaf preschool children become embodied members of the Deaf community while attending schools. He has interests  that lie in comparative and international education, multicultural and multilingual programs for young children and teacher preparation programs. He was a perfect fit,  in both personality and passions. 

This weekend was spent in Nashville- Friday, Saturday and Sunday we worked through the business.  DWG Consultants was created.  We have a lot of great plans and projects and are still in the process of getting everything up and running.  However, we are thankful for your support and are excited to have movement.  Please LIKE our page on Facebook and be on the look out for programs near you.  Also if you have a specific cultural, educational or accessibility training need please let us know. 

IN FAMILIES: We aim to provide families with resources to rear children with the linguistic and cultural competencies needed to successfully matriculate through their educational careers and eventually transition into the workforce. Family bonds are strengthened through increased communication within the home; family members embrace each other’s similarities and differences to discover and support identity acquisition.


IN SCHOOLS: We aim to see inclusive education gather strength in schools given America’s changing cultural and linguistic landscape. This is effected through the development of modern rigorous pedagogical materials; cultural and professional training for students, educators, and administrators; and a global network of partners pursuing equitable education.


IN THE WORKPLACE: We aim to reframe diversity expectations in the workforce by supporting interpersonal relationships, perspective sharing, team building, and solution design. In so doing, organizations are better able to capitalize on the many benefits of an increasingly diverse workforce.


IN COMMUNITIES: We aim to reconceptualize positive community experiences for all citizens in partnership with nonprofit organizations and public entities. Network learning strategies are employed to organically build community awareness and strengthen collective experiences among neighbors.

None of the food is going to be in any particular order.. I had good intentions to write up about most of the places that we went to but instead I am going to highlight.

In Bristol, our first place to eat was at Shakespeare Tavern.  It was delicious.  Well, at least I think it was.  It was the first meal after the really long flight and train ride to get into the city. So if you don't enjoy it do not blame me! I ordered the Tikka and it was delicious.  My folks both ordered burgers.  I did really enjoy the chips although I didn't order them myself. Oh, you say, chips?  Those baked sliced potatoes? No, I mean french-fries, known as chips in the UK.  I think we ate chips every single day.  I don't feel guilty.  Nope.. not one bit, they were delicious.

Browns Restaurant & Bar was the next place we ate at.  This was decent.  I was surprised that they didn't have a gluten free menu. However, as I am learning most of these chefs are really willing to accommodate if you ask. This particular evening I enjoyed a piece of chicken with some ham and cheese.  Dad ordered the fish and chips & mom ordered the dinner of the night.  She ordered a pork-loin that came with all the trimmings.  I am going to post a picture of the dish and you can stare at it until you figure out why we couldn't stop laughing at her meal.  It may be totally immature, but she was really nervous to eat it because we were in a foreign country.  Not to mention that possum was on the menu as a special.

In Edinburgh we had a great food as well.  I don't have pictures of all of the meals but I do have some of the more delicious ones.  The first night we were there we actually hit up Martone  Not only is the food delicious, the Italian server was a complete heart throb.  You should ask my mother about him. He even whispered in her ear and told her a secret.  Oh, and he is the one who told me I would be suffering once I lived in Edinburgh because of how cold it is. While we were eating we made nice conversation with the table next to us and felt pretty proud of ourselves to be able to give advice on what to see and do while this family was visiting.  How to be there for a day and sound somewhat like we knew what we were talking about God only knows!  We did good work.  This place offers many gluten free selections and I was delighted with my meal and the dessert.  I encourage anyone to check this place out. We were all thrilled with our meals.  If you can only make it for the dessert, totally worth it!

GreyFriars Bobby is a famous dog who became known in the19th-century for supposedly spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner.  Little Bobby died in 1872.  The pub is situated in front of the church where both Graves are.  The food and service was fantastic.  I was quite surprised how just one server could handle all of the tables within the dining section.  She was great.  We enjoyed some drinks and some food and were very happy about being in Scotland.

The other favorite place that I am going to mention is Loudon's Cafe. I have a picture of OMG next to this post because that is exactly what this place is.  OMG.  This little cafe is an adorable cafe, a couple blocks from my flat.  It offers gluten free breads, cakes, pies etc.  It always offers gluten free soups and all of the stuff is delicious.  I had Mint Pea Soup and a Rosemary Gluten Free Bread.  If you have the opportunity to come visit, I promise every person will be brought to this place.  DELICIOUS.  Also, this place has wifi, comfortable seating inside and outside.  You order at the counter, and your food is brought to you.  OH HAPPY DAY!

Here are some other pictures of the delicious foods and places we stumbled upon.  If you were not hungry before I bet you are now!!!

Not going to lie.. I love food.  I love to shop for food, cook food, eat food.  When cooking food, I love that it releases the creative juices within me. To me cooking is truly a form of art.  When I dine out, I find myself carefully reading menus wondering what the artist will use to create his masterpiece for my enjoyment.  When the dish is brought to me, I am quick to analyze the dish based on appearance and taste, and question if it is delicious enough to recreate in my own kitchen.  I then often find myself recreating dishes, and adding my own twists to them in the comfort of my own home. 

When I shared with a group of my colleagues about my relocation to Edinburgh, one response I received was, was:
"There is SO much to see there (and eat there!! the food, oh my goodness the food!!)"

After just returning from my trip to the UK, and Edinburgh specifically, I must agree.. Oh my goodness the food. 

Lets begin with breakfast. 

A typical English Breakfast is as follows:

Bacon : A few pieces of back bacon

Sausage : A couple sausages

Black Pudding : A couple slices black pudding can make your English breakfast official.  This is basically dried and cooled blood.

Baked Beans : Heinz Baked Beans and Not Bushes.  Looks like the secret family recipe could stay a secret in this country.

Tomato : A half slice of a large, tomato.  These seem to be cooked.

Mushrooms : A handful of fried mushrooms, cooked to perfection.

Fried Egg’s : An egg or two that is "fried." Not our kind of fried, but fried where the white is perfect and the yolk is runny.  I found this to be gross.  Did not enjoy this one bit. Even when I asked for them to cook it through, most of them brought them with plenty of yolk that was trying to touch other foods on my plate.  Not cool.

Bread : If you say Wheat, they might think you mean White. Your best bet is to say brown.   Being gluten free, I skipped the bread :)

Meats & Cheese- your cold plate will consist of speckled meats and cheeses.  An option for more bread and pastry, and fruit.  I enjoyed the grapefruit and pineapple best!

Reflection:  I love breakfast foods. We know that it is the most important meal of the day.  However, I can totally skip the runny eggs.  Other than that, I am a huge fan.  Also, I learned that eggs do not need to be refrigerated, at least in other countries.  Sandy educated my mom and I on that after I had gone into the Tesco-  I was shocked to see the eggs sitting out.  Here is a really interesting article on this and why we refrigerate our eggs in the US.  Is Refrigerating Eggs Necessary?

Yesterday I woke up at the Huddleston's House (wonderful friends of mine) after falling asleep on their couch. Good friends don't wake you up, when you are exhausted.  This trip, the jet lag I have experienced returning has been worse than my previous trips and I am not sure why. However, at around 5 AM USA time and 11 AM UK time, I received an email from Caroline.  Caroline is the Research Secretary in the Management and Languages program at Heriot-Watt. She has been my number one contact.  I had the pleasure of meeting her in person on my visit to HW.  She is fantastic at her job and very speedy with replies.  Anyway, the email stated a lot of stuff, but this is the most important part of the email:

This was a great way to start my morning.  Round 2.  I have NO idea what to expect in  my interview.  I am going to do my best to prepare for it and just do the best I can.  Like Julia Glass says, "I'd  rather be pleasantly surprised than fatally disappointed."  I think this statement is very true, as much as I want and NEED this scholarship I have no idea if I will get it.  Round 2 doesn't mean there are not other people out there who want and NEED this scholarship just like I do.  All I know is I have been working hard, preparing for my move, saving my pennies and know that this is the path I am going to take. The rest my friends, is out of my control.  Keep me in  your thoughts and prayers on Thursday, June 20th at 8:45 CT, as I will be facing the next step in this process.  I don't expect to get the scholarship but would be pleasantly surprised and encouraged if I did. 

** Note: This is not the original scholarship I applied for but a different one that my information was put forth to.  I mention in my post Lets Go On An Adventure Together Part 2 about the scholarship I apply for.  Check it out!

So I seem to have some pretty good luck when traveling to see important people.  For example:

In 2010, Kim and I happen to be at the Edinburgh Castle with Prince Charles and other important people. Sadly, he didn't turn around to say, "hello" and just went straight into his very important meeting. 

In 2011, Kim and I were having a nice Italian dinner, when a secret agent man told us the Pope would be coming down our street.  The Pope in Rome in his little Pope-Mobile and secret agent men make for a solid memory.  I am waiting for Kim to send me a picture of this event (we do have proof). Meanwhile, this is a picture of us making our Italian Driver think we were pretty cool as we went through the airport with glasses, matching clothes and big hair. 

AND... in 2013 It was the 60th Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.  My folks and Sandy and Phil (other very important people) went to church at Windsor Castle to celebrate.  If you are interested in reading the Queen's Coronation speech you can read it here. Although we did not see the queen directly,  a very important official (Phil Evans) found out that she was in fact at church with us on Sunday.  This flag in the picture above signifies that she was on the grounds of the castle as well.  While in the church service, I noticed an enclosed box seat above the high alter and it is my guess that an underground tunnel led her to her seat where she could enjoy the service.  Additionally. I was able to spend a few days with Sandy and Phil.  Sandy happens to be a forever friend, my other mother in the UK, and Phil is her other half, who happens to be a Chairman of his town which is like a mayor.  This is Phil in his fancy important people outfit.

So obviously, you should be able to tell by now traveling with me will allow you to see and meet some of the world's greatest people. 

Above is Sandy who is alongside my Mom, Dad and I.  Sandy is a "Forever Friend."  We met Sandy in California with her husband Tristan.  The two of them originally from South Africa had been in love since their early teens. They had moved to the US with hopes for a new life and a new future together.  They both loved the USA. They knew and loved its history, the soil they walked on and appreciated this country and all of what it had to offer more than any American I know.  Sandy and Tristan were an amazing couple who loved each other deeply.  My family grew close to them over the years, and my folks even traveled a bit with them after I had left for college.  Tristan became ill and went to the Lord earlier than expected.  The loss of Tristan is something that still brings aches to my heart.  I have some of his old walking canes, that I have kept with me and I often hold them thinking back about the memories I have of him.  When I see them, I also think of Sandy and send off a prayer for her.  I even have Tristan's purple Yoga Mat!!  I totally refuse to part with it. People think its odd I have a yoga mat with some other person's name on it. I mean who wants to share a yoga mat?  But little do they know how much this Purple Yoga Mat with Tristan Williams spelled at the top means to me.  After Tristan passed, Sandy couldn't stay in the US as she was here on his work Visa.  She relocated to the UK.  I am so glad we were able to spend this very important and special weekend together.  The timing couldn't have been more perfect.

Sandy is a woman who has faced adversity with such amazing character. She remains faithful in the Lord, she is humble, sweet and brings so many people happiness.  She has the most amazing talent for floral design, and can make any dish she cooks absolutely beautiful.  Sandy remains positive and has a wonderful sense of humor. The lord brought a wonderful man into her life that has added a great deal of joy to her days. 

When Tristan was still alive, my family made a promise to him.  So as my Mom so clearly stated it, "Here's to you Tristan-we made a promise and we kept it"  It was promised that we would continue to look after Sandy and well, years later, here we are all together again and Sandy is doing great.  What is even more special, is that Sandy has continued to look after us as well. I am so glad to see my mom have such dear friendships in her life.  Her friendships serve as examples of what friendship should look like, and for that I am grateful.  Interestingly enough, one of her son's and his family has just relocated to the US, the same year that I am moving to the UK.  The joke is my folks have gained a son, and Sandy has gained a daughter.  I am so grateful for friendship, long lasting ties, and that life can bring so much happiness and joy even in the face of adversity. 

I look forward to spending more time with Sandy and Phil and I am grateful that I have family to call my own already in the UK waiting for my arrival. 

Windsor is an amazing place.  The city seems small when you drive in thinking there may only be a Castle. However, it actually has quite a bit going on, especially if you like shopping.  The castle is impressive and it is worth the trip if you have a chance to visit.  Meeting up with Sandy and Phil was an absolute highlight of my trip.  When you are with fun people who enjoy laughing it is so good for the soul. 

Attend church at the castle if you go- it is totally worth it. The choir sounds like angels.  The seats are uncomfortable but help with your posture as they make you sit straight up, and it is just pretty amazing to be seated in such a beautiful church for worship.

Get a "99" only if you like whip cream.  This is a type of icecream with a chocolate flake in it. Although it looks like a frosty, or soft serve it tastes nothing like it.  Mom loves them and I do not. 

If you go to the castle, do not get lost looking for the cafe.  Although the walking tour states there is a cafe, there is not one.  My dad made sure to point it out to the staff and they are going to update their tours.  The cafe has not been there in years and my dad is the first to report the overlooked detail.  Way to go with the attention to detail.

Drink Pimms.  It taste good- depending on where you go, you should ask for extra fruit.

If you go to the castle, get there early as the line or the "que" gets really long.  If you pay once,  you can actually get back into the castle for a year. Make sure you get your ticket stamped.

Here are some more pictures of the great time in Windsor.

Alright, so back in 2010, Kim Underwood (bestfriend of all time) and I went on a trip that included an overnight stay in Scotland. Our experience there was made to tell funny stories and it was far from my favorite place.  However, with an open mind and knowing that my future was going to be in Edinburgh, I fell in love with my new city.  This place is amazing. This trip, provided 100% confirmation that I made the right decision.  I am very much looking forward to my new life in Scotland. 

Upon arrival, we got checked in to our hotel. We stayed at the Grosvenor Gardens Hotel in Haymarket.    Although the reviews on this place are solid I would make one additional note.  Due to the current construction within the city, the traffic has been detoured and if your room is on the street it is very loud.  Additionally, the curtains do not provide a blackout room- so it remains pretty light in the room. The breakfast was good, and the staff was very nice.  Additionally, the rooms themselves are HUGE, especially in the family room.  We stayed in a room with very tall ceilings and was larger than anything I have ever stayed in while traveling. 

After getting checked in, again, we were hungry. I will dedicate a specific blog post just to food because I love food. Eating, cooking, and experiencing foods can be a hobby, right?  We wandered the area and could see just how the locals are getting frustrated with the new tram system that is being installed.  The construction is terrible.  The claim is that the tram system will be in within the year.  I highly doubt it, based on rumor has it they have been saying it would be done every year.

We wandered the city, found my flat, and ate at a great little Italian Restaurant.  After dinner, the wind was picking up and we needed to find some refuge. We walked a bit and then decided to head on back to get some rest for the next day.  As we had official relocating business to take part in.   

Just a 20-30 minute bus ride from the city is where Heriot-Watt University is located.  It is really a straight shot of a bus ride and I look forward to those journeys. I always loved being in the metro in DC. Not having to drive, but being able to read, or listen to music, or just look out the window as you are commuting is something that you take for granted until you move to a city where you are the one responsible for getting yourself every where.  The bus system is something I am very much looking forward to.  Our first meeting was with Peter within the international office.  He was a very nice man and was able to provide some insight on the transition.  There are only 7,000 students at Heriot-Watt and I am thrilled for this small number.  My high school had around 3,500 students so the fact that the university is only double my high school is exciting.  I believe the smaller school setting will be a perfect way to meet people and become connected to the University.  The campus grounds are amazing.  It is almost like a retreat center that you would go to escape from reality, and I get to have that be my daily reality.  The grounds are green, there is a lake, and there are even a few swans to be seen in the lake.  Completely unreal.

I later met with my advisor.  I believe she and I will get along great.  She told me the bad news that I didn't get selected for the scholarship.  Knowing the reasons made it so much easier to handle.  They needed someone who knew the Deaf Community and Interpreting Community in the UK.  I won't lie, I am sad, as receiving some type of funding would truly help this process. I don't know how I am going to do it, but I will keep working long hours and try to save as much as I can until I move.  And then, I guess just trust that something will happen. That I will find funds to come home and work some, and maybe even find a job while I am there.  After I graduate, I am committed to setting up a scholarship fund so that just regular ol' hard working people can get financial help with their educational pursuits.  She mentioned that there was on other potential scholarship, and we will see.  I am not counting on it, but it would be a wonderful surprise if I got it.  I guess, keep your fingers crossed for me. 

During the time at the University, stopped by the Health Center, and the Exercise Facilities.  They both will be great services while I am away.  I am looking forward to being apart of the National Health System there. I am not going to lie, not having to pay for my monthly inhalers is exciting!  I may not need them there, I don't know- my asthma is all weather related it seems. The health center even said that if I was SOOO sick, that I couldn't make it to campus they would potentially make a house call. I don't ever want that to happen BUT whoa, a house call?  How cool is that?  All the pictures below are from the campus.

Getting a flat booked online, when you have not seen the city or looked around to exactly where the best place would be was risky. However, I ended up in an amazing part of the city.  IQ housing is student accommodation.   I have rented a flat that will house me until July.  This will give me time to decide if I want to get a flat the full calendar year at the other IQ building which will keep me that long, OR look around and find something private.  For now this will be perfect. I am not thrilled about the mango color scheme, but I will make the best of it, and maybe I will come to love it. Who knows. The view is amazing, and the location is beyond perfect.  Just a few miles away from my new favorite cafe.  IQ housing will host events for me to get to know other students, there is a graduate student study room and even a large kitchen if I want to cook for guests.  Seems to me that it will work out grand.

The rest of the time in Edinburgh was just walking around and getting myself orientated.  I found all of the "dollar stores"  known as the "pound stretchers" and different shopping centers I will be able to buy some of my must haves when getting settled. I learned a bit more about the bus system as well.  However, one of my favorite appointments was meeting Sarah Jane.  One of my new mothers in the UK.  Sarah Jane is a cousin of one of my parent's neighbors. He grew up in Scotland and has been kind enough to offer up some of his family contacts so that I am not a total loner and have someone to call in an emergency.  Well, Sarah Jane is one of the most delightful fun people I have ever met. She is a traveler, and a cook, she lives in a little Thatch house and has invited me to spend some time with her when I arrive.  Very much looking forward to those weekend escapes.  Plus, I would love to learn some of her recipes and just more about her life. She seems like she has had many fun experiences throughout her life and it will be great to have real Scottish people show me the lay of the land. 

Here are some more photos of Edinburgh. If you ever get a chance to visit, my flat is probably too small to accommodate more than one person and that is if you know me well enough to share my double bed. Other visitors are welcome to check out this really new awesome hotel that was built called Tune Hotel. It is a concept where you only pay for what you need.  Don't need towels? Don't get them. Don't need Television? Don't pay for it etc.  Don't need a window? You could be sleeping for only 25 pounds a night.  So check them out and come visit.  Part 3 is next!

As most long flights go, this one was not much different- long, uncomfortable and the added benefit was the two gentlemen who didn't seem to think that deodorant was important in their daily routines.  I sat there, remembering the fact I learned at some point in my life that after a while your nose will not be as sensitive to that particular odor.  It seemed to work after a while, or at least until they shifted positions and I got an exciting whiff of stank. 

I watched the movie Anna Karenina on the way over.  I found it to be a very interesting film.  The main theme seems to be the heart wants what it wants and will even destroy itself to have it.  The film is a British Romantic Drama based on Tolstoy's novel.  I thought it would be a good idea to watch a British flick on our way to the UK. 

Food on a flight.  Who eats that stuff?  I politely refused it each time it was brought to me.  Luckily we had a stop in Chicago and I was able to grab a Salad at the airport and bring it on the flight. It was pretty decent and held me over.  I am not too big of a snacker but I did have my important stash of twizzlers and sour gummy worms if I needed something else.

  I am also proud to say, that I was able to fly the entire way without needing to go to the lavatory. I mean, in 2009 there was an article written that many pilots refuse to pee in the airplane potty- so why should we?  Well, I understand if you gotta go you gotta go.. but I will do my best to balance my hydration and my bladder. 

We landed safely at Heathrow, Airport, in the UK. One of the busiest airports in the world. 

In order to get to Bristol from the airport we had to catch a train to Bristol.  We learned one of our first lessons at the Airport- Don't just hop on any train. Lucky for us, the train that we got on, just took us to a different place in the airport!   Slow down, and read signs.  We made it to the right train station, on the right train and to Bristol. Yay us! 

The train ride was beautiful.  I have made a mental note to stop into Bath sometime in the future.  It looks absolutely amazing. 
The city of Bristol, is very cool.  We stayed at the Mariot Royal.  Did you know that Winston Churchill used to spend his days at this Hotel when he came into Bristol?  It was a great little hotel and they offered a fantastic breakfast.  If you are traveling with more than 2 people and you want to stay in the same room, remember to ask if the hotels offer a "family room"  this will help you avoid having to get two rooms unless you need them. 

Bristol is a really cute little city in South West, England.   When we got checked in, I had a quick shower and was ready to eat some food.  Although we had arrived in the UK at around 6ish AM, by the time we ate, it was almost 2, I was starved.  My dad had researched a little Pub called The Shakespear Tavern.  Since we are related to the famous play writer, we decided that this would be a great place to eat.  I would highly recommend this little place, as the food and staff were both great.  Here is a link to their facebook page.  I ordered Chicken Tikka Massala and it was delicious- straight from a pub, who would have thought that you could get such great food at a Pub.  Mom and dad had burgers and we are still hoping that it wasn't horse meat. 

After getting some much needed grub we decided to see the town.  Running on little sleep it is important to push through the day to go to bed at a regular time to help with the time change. Just a note of advice for all you future travelers.  Here are some pictures of what we saw on our first adventure. 

Our next day in Bristol we decided to get up early, have our traditional English Breakfast and do one of those hop on hop off bus tours.  Unfortunately, I couldn't hear all of the cool stories that the bus driver was sharing.  I don't know if this was due to the wind, or a crappy speaker system.  I did catch a few interesting tidbits. Did you know that the studios/headquarters of Wallace & Gromit is right there in Bristol?  Pretty cool.  Another amazing feature of Bristol is the Suspension Bridge.  I am so glad that we did the little hop on hop off tour so we could see this Bridge. I had seen all the pictures and it was very cool to see in real life. 

As you know the main reason we went to Bristol was to check out the University of Bristol, because that is where I was originally planning on attending school.  It was neat to see the different parts of the University. Unlike many Universities that have a campus this university is much much more just a part of the City. The buildings are amazing and I am sure that all the students who attend this school do in fact love the school and the city. Sadly, the program that I was interested in has been under a great deal of pressure and it is currently not looking good for the program to stay afloat.  Just on May 13, there was an article written in the theGuardian about the program's current state. My mom and I did go on an adventure to find the Deaf Studies building.  We are not for sure that it is in the building that we found, as it was a Bank Holiday, but we are going to tell ourselves that it is.  According to the University Map, we found the building. However, every other building had specific details on which programs were within them.  This one did not.  Then again, maybe removing a sign was part of the effort to close down the program. Who knows.  Here are some pictures from the rest of the trip. The last day it did rain and we were all pretty tired.  Since our flight was later in the afternoon, I curled up and read.  What a great escape. 

To keep this particular post from getting super long.
Look for future posts on the next part of the adventure.