Saturday 6th of September:
The day after I arrived was the first day of my volunteering week for Fresher's 2014. I headed up to the student village, Hillhead, where I stayed in my first year at uni at 8.00. I was greeted by the lovely sun and a big group of other volunteers, ready for the hectic day to come.
Lucy and I got assigned to direct the cars at the entrance. We basically had to ask the people in the car which building they were heading to, and then told them which car park to drive to. We also stressed the issue that there was very limited parking space.
Lucy and I were there for about 3 hours, before James and Katie took over for us. I headed back to "the dome" and had some lunch. I was then asked to help out the students in "the dome", answering queries and general mingling. I also helped a few people find their way around Hillhead as well as telling a girl where to go in town to purchase bedding and the like.
I was then assigned to help people carry their bags from the drop-off point to their accommodation. This was fun, but also very tiring, as some of the people had loads of bags with them, and they were so heavy! I helped a girl from Romania (who I am now friends with), a guy all the way from India, a few girls from Edinburgh and a guy from Edinburgh.
I would also like to point out that it was chucking it down with rain for a few hours on Saturday as well, so I was soaked.
On my way home at 18.30 I stopped by my old accommodation (where I lived in 2nd year) to visit Hannah. She gave me a cup of tea and we spoke for about 45 minutes. It was so nice to finally sit down after having stood up for most of the day! I then headed back home where I collapsed onto my bed and didn't want to move because my joints hurt so much! But the annoying thing was that I was really hungry, which meant that I had to get up and make some food before I passed out.
Sunday 7th of September:
At nine I met up with Katie and Lina in the train station in town for the meet & greet. We were told to get the Fresher's from the trains and busses and bring them to the minibus which would take them to their accommodation. This day was not as hectic as Saturday which was good, but it was quite chilly in the train station. I was there unit about 14.30 when I headed off to meet Hannah outside the cinema. We had decided to watch "Before I go to Sleep" with Nicole Kidman and Colin Firth. I really enjoyed the movie as it had quite a few plot twists (which I love), however, the story is a little creepy. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about the movie.
Monday 8th of September:
I only did about an hour or so of volunteering which was nice as I got to relax a little for the first time since I got back. I then went out with Maria and Alice in the evening, although I can't for the life of me remember where we were pre-drinking….
Tuesday 9th of September:
I spent the whole day on King's Lawn in the marquee as it was the Sports Fayre. IT was a lot of fun but it was incredibly warm in that tent! Also, we had about 4000 students walking in throughout the whole day - that's pretty amazing. The polo club even had a horse there; a great incentive for people wanting to join.
Wednesday 10th of September:
Spent the whole day in the marquee as it was time for the Societies Fayre. As I am a committee member of the Nordic Society, I was there all day talking to people and recruiting new members. I was also outside doing some PR-ing in the form of sticking stickers on people, promoting our first event of the year, the free beer and crisps event!
Thursday 11th of September:
In the evening I had an event for a few hours but it wasn't at all tiring as there was hardly anything to do. However, after that I headed into town as I was volunteering in Garage (a nightclub). This is the night that Kristian Nairn (Hodor from Game of Thrones) was the DJ. I had so much fun and the music was really good as well! I got home at around 3.30 after I had helped all the Freshers get on their busses back to their accommodation.
That's all the volunteering I did for Fresher's week. It was exhausting but so much fun! I also met so many new people which is great :)
Showing posts with label September. Show all posts
Showing posts with label September. Show all posts
Thursday, 2 October 2014
Monday, 15 September 2014
Madrid day 3
At 9 o'clock on Monday morning I was woken up by Angel knocking on my door, telling me breakfast was ready. I headed out into the kitchen where Helen and Ester were waiting for me. Helen and I finished our breakfasts quite quickly, but as Helen has told me previously, the kids took quite a while to finish their minuscule breakfasts. After breakfast I helped clear up a bit and then I got ready for the day, which for some reason took about 2 hours.. I was faffing about with so many different things. Meanwhile the kids were doing their homework and playing 2048, while Helen was nagging them about finishing their homework before we headed to the park.
At 12 o'clock or so we were ready to head out to the park. It was quite hot today and within about 2 minutes I was already sweltering.. After half an hour at the park I decided to head to the pharmacy at the corner as I needed to get Compeed bandaids as I was feeling blisters coming. We didn't stay at the park for long after that. Once we got home we let the kids watch some TV while Helen and I prepared lunch. Which was absolutely delicious, but the kids took a long while to finish it, and they needed Helen's help. Shortly after we finished lunch Angel (dad) came back form work. This is when Helen and I decided to pop out for the day.
We headed to the underground which would take us to Parque del buen Retiro. This park reminded me so much of Giardini Estensi in Varese. We walked around for a bit before we decided to sit down in a café by the lake to have a Calippo. We then headed down towards the Crystal Palace which was absolutely incredible! This is by far my favourite building in the world. It was so incredibly beautiful and I was in awe the whole time we were there.
After a long rest of our legs, we headed towards the exit and headed up to Salamanca. One of Helen's favourite parts of Madrid. We wanted to get tapas at a tapas bar however, the one we finally ended up going into had really bad service. This is why we decided to just head back to Santiago Bernabeu and have tapas at a tapas bar right next to the stadium. One which we had discussed eating at one night.
The service was pretty bad again, but at least we finally got some food in us. We got back at about half eleven and decided to have a bit more to eat. We then went to bed and a brief hang-out in my room, before we went to bed at about one in the morning.
Saturday, 6 September 2014
Madrid day 2
After quite an uncomfortable and sweaty night, I finally got up at
8.30 to get ready, pack my bag and get some breakfast. After my
breakfast I headed out on a short walk around the neighbourhood,
soaking up the beauty of the quiet streets of Madrid on the Sunday morning.
As Helen and I had decided to meet up by the Alonso Martinez metro station, I headed over to the plaza. After a short wait we were reunited again. Helen wanted to head over to Bilbao so we walked down Calle de Sagasta for about a 15 minute walk. We found a Starbucks and sat down with a coffee and decided what we would do that day. As were on the West side of the city, we decided that we would do the more touristy things.
Firstly though, Helen wanted to check out the sports section in the nearest Corte Ingles, so we headed over there. Helen has been wanting to get a Real Madrid football-shirt for a long time, and the shirts in the kid's section were 64.99euros. This is cheap compared to the 85euros one has to pay to get ''the real deal.''
We then headed out of Corte Ingles to go to the nearest metro station, Arguellas. We headed to Opera, to visit the Palacio Real. After a quick look on the map, we found our way over there. It was magnificent! Even though the shutters of the palace were closed, and the facade looked the same everywhere, it was pretty amazing. We then turned left and headed to the Cathedral which is right next to the Palace. We arrived just as mass was starting and we felt a bit awkward to be in there during mass, so after a brief look-see, I lit a candle and then we headed out.
We decided to go to Mercado de San Miguel for some food and a drink. On the way we saw quite a few interesting people and buildings. We passed by Plaza de Villa for example. Upon arrival at the Mercado, I was mesmerized by the atmosphere, it's just like nay other crammed market with people everywhere and food in masses! We found a place we liked, just by the entrance and decided to get a beer. This is where everything started going wrong. Helen and I were standing next to each other, and Helen ordered her cerveza. But the man didn't take my order, for some reason. He asked the next person, who arrived after us, and served him. This went on for about 10 minutes, he absolutely didn't give a rat's ass about serving me. I got fed up and asked Helen if she could order for me. At this point, a new person was working at the counter. Helen finally got served and bought a cerveza and salad for me (not what I had wanted, but we shared the salad anyhow...) After the quick lunch we headed to Plaza Mayor. Right in the middle of the square we encountered a 30-something man on a Segway He came up to us and started advertising his company, and what kind of tours they do on the Segways. After a quick chat, he asked us if we wanted to try riding the Segway. Helen was skeptical at first as she thinks they look dorky, but in the end she went on it. I filmed a bit of her ride on it. It was then my turn to go on it and i really enjoyed it! this is now another thing I can tick off my bucket-list! Also, I decided to name the dude Cedrick.
As Helen and I had decided to meet up by the Alonso Martinez metro station, I headed over to the plaza. After a short wait we were reunited again. Helen wanted to head over to Bilbao so we walked down Calle de Sagasta for about a 15 minute walk. We found a Starbucks and sat down with a coffee and decided what we would do that day. As were on the West side of the city, we decided that we would do the more touristy things.
Firstly though, Helen wanted to check out the sports section in the nearest Corte Ingles, so we headed over there. Helen has been wanting to get a Real Madrid football-shirt for a long time, and the shirts in the kid's section were 64.99euros. This is cheap compared to the 85euros one has to pay to get ''the real deal.''
We then headed out of Corte Ingles to go to the nearest metro station, Arguellas. We headed to Opera, to visit the Palacio Real. After a quick look on the map, we found our way over there. It was magnificent! Even though the shutters of the palace were closed, and the facade looked the same everywhere, it was pretty amazing. We then turned left and headed to the Cathedral which is right next to the Palace. We arrived just as mass was starting and we felt a bit awkward to be in there during mass, so after a brief look-see, I lit a candle and then we headed out.
We decided to go to Mercado de San Miguel for some food and a drink. On the way we saw quite a few interesting people and buildings. We passed by Plaza de Villa for example. Upon arrival at the Mercado, I was mesmerized by the atmosphere, it's just like nay other crammed market with people everywhere and food in masses! We found a place we liked, just by the entrance and decided to get a beer. This is where everything started going wrong. Helen and I were standing next to each other, and Helen ordered her cerveza. But the man didn't take my order, for some reason. He asked the next person, who arrived after us, and served him. This went on for about 10 minutes, he absolutely didn't give a rat's ass about serving me. I got fed up and asked Helen if she could order for me. At this point, a new person was working at the counter. Helen finally got served and bought a cerveza and salad for me (not what I had wanted, but we shared the salad anyhow...) After the quick lunch we headed to Plaza Mayor. Right in the middle of the square we encountered a 30-something man on a Segway He came up to us and started advertising his company, and what kind of tours they do on the Segways. After a quick chat, he asked us if we wanted to try riding the Segway. Helen was skeptical at first as she thinks they look dorky, but in the end she went on it. I filmed a bit of her ride on it. It was then my turn to go on it and i really enjoyed it! this is now another thing I can tick off my bucket-list! Also, I decided to name the dude Cedrick.
On our way from Plaza Mayor we passed by Plaza del Puerta del Sol, or simply just called Sol. on the plaza we bumped into a few
people dressed up as cartoon characters, there was Spongebob (whom
we took a photo with), Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Bart Simpson and
other goofy characters. They must have been sweltering in those
thick costumes as it was bloody boiling. We finally ended up on
Gran Via after a long walk where we got lost amongst the many
streets and tall buildings, but proceeded down towards Plaza de la
Cibeles. This is where we decided to finally sit down on a bench as
our legs were hurting so much!!
At this point we decided that the best thing to do was go home, where we would grab something to eat, have a quick nap and
finally be able to put down my heavy backpack which we had been carrying around Madrid for the whole day...
At about four we headed back out again to go and visit the Real Madrid stadium, Santiago Bernabeu. We finally go to the bar where we got a drink voucher. We sat down by the window with our cervezas, overlooking the football pitch. I thought that the outside of the stadium was quite boring, I mean it was huge, but I feel like it could have been more extravagant. Helen was in heaven though, she says that the Santiago Bernabeu area is her favourite part of Madrid, along with Salamanca.
We finished our beers and headed out again. We walked around the stadium and headed over to the metro station. At this point my mind is a little fuzzy, you have to understand, it felt like this day went on forever. It's been a good long while since I have done so much in one day. And so much walking!
We got on the metro and headed over to a rooftop bar near Plaza de Cibeles. After a bit of searching, we finally found the place, payed the entrance fee of 3euros and headed up in the lift. Once we stepped out of the lift, we were greeted by a large group of people and a lovely view of Madrid. We decided to get our drinks and look at the sunset. Helen ordered two sangrias for us, but we ended up getting two Gin and Tonics instead... this was the second time our order was screwed up! Anyhow, after a quick photo-session we walked around the place looking for a place to sit, but the only free seats were reserved, which was a pest for us as our legs and feet were hurting after having walked several km's during the long and hot day. I think the rooftop bar was one of my favourite things about my trip to Madrid, it was just such a nice atmosphere and the view was impeccable.
At this point we decided that the best thing to do was go home, where we would grab something to eat, have a quick nap and
finally be able to put down my heavy backpack which we had been carrying around Madrid for the whole day...
At about four we headed back out again to go and visit the Real Madrid stadium, Santiago Bernabeu. We finally go to the bar where we got a drink voucher. We sat down by the window with our cervezas, overlooking the football pitch. I thought that the outside of the stadium was quite boring, I mean it was huge, but I feel like it could have been more extravagant. Helen was in heaven though, she says that the Santiago Bernabeu area is her favourite part of Madrid, along with Salamanca.
We finished our beers and headed out again. We walked around the stadium and headed over to the metro station. At this point my mind is a little fuzzy, you have to understand, it felt like this day went on forever. It's been a good long while since I have done so much in one day. And so much walking!
We got on the metro and headed over to a rooftop bar near Plaza de Cibeles. After a bit of searching, we finally found the place, payed the entrance fee of 3euros and headed up in the lift. Once we stepped out of the lift, we were greeted by a large group of people and a lovely view of Madrid. We decided to get our drinks and look at the sunset. Helen ordered two sangrias for us, but we ended up getting two Gin and Tonics instead... this was the second time our order was screwed up! Anyhow, after a quick photo-session we walked around the place looking for a place to sit, but the only free seats were reserved, which was a pest for us as our legs and feet were hurting after having walked several km's during the long and hot day. I think the rooftop bar was one of my favourite things about my trip to Madrid, it was just such a nice atmosphere and the view was impeccable.
We stayed there for about an hour and a half before we needed to head back home to have dinner with the family. It took a while for us to get down though as the lift was quite small and a lot of people were leaving at the same time as us.
Once we got back to the apartment the family was waiting for us at the table. We said hello and we sat down to eat. It was very good! On my bed there was something that looked like a note. On the front of the envelope, it said To Sofia, From Angel. I opened it to find a nicely drawn picture of a house, a tall building and a tree. Angel had been so thoughtful that he drew a beautiful drawing to me. My heart melted. After dinner we helped clear up and then Helen and I skyped Jen in my room. We stayed up quite late, and after such a long day I passed out almost immediately after my cold shower!
Friday, 5 September 2014
Madrid day 1
Barcelona Ariport
My backpack. It looks tiny but it's very spacious
As a frequent flyer, one is used to the many queues, mishaps, delays and hours spent at airports staring into thin air. You just get on with it. All I could do was say goodbye to mother and head on over to security. After a 15-minute wait I was trough and headed over to my gate. I made use of the free wifi that Arlanda offer (Yes Arlanda!), and when my time expired I started reading my Madrid-guidebook, soaking up information about the city I was about to explore. After a long wait we finally got to board our tiny plane, which would take us to Barcelona. I felt sorry for all the tall Swedes for the tiny legroom on the plane. It resembles any Ryanair flight but with better service (Thank the Lord). Even I, measuring at 1.66m felt claustrophobic in that tiny space, crammed between two people, and the seat in front of me.
Upon arrival in Barcelona, after an very uncomfortable flight, we stepped out of the plane onto the tarmac, greeted by a comfortable 23 degrees Celcius. As per usual in southern Europe (at least in my opinion), the transit busses took us to the termial. I quickly headed on over to the information kiosk to ask for information, racing several other passengers on my plane. They guided me over to the Iberia desk, where I would get help to rebook my flight. After a quick explanation of my situation and a short 5-minute wait I was presented with a new boarding ticket and a dinner- voucher (one of the perks of the day).
After a quick look-see in some of the many shops Barcelona airport offers, I made my way over to the canteen to eat some food. God it was good. Any other day I wouldn't have eaten that crap, but that day I didn't care; it tasted like heaven!
After a couple of hours wait in the airport, it was time to head
off to Madrid, at last. After a short flight, and a long day, we
finally landed. I quickly headed on over to the salida, where upon
I headed for the metro, which would take me into the centre of
Madrid. Line 8 took me to Nuevos Ministerios, where Helen kindly
met up with me. We then hopped on the dark blue line (line 10) to
Alonso Martinez. I was happily surprised that it was quite easy to
find my way around the deserted metro stations. As well as the way
to the hostel, where I checked in, received my key, and was
to shown to my 2people dorm.
Day two of my Madrid adventure will be up tomorrow!!
Day two of my Madrid adventure will be up tomorrow!!
Friday, 28 December 2012
Songs from Memories - part 1
If I could, I would share my entire Spotify playlist with you guys. Currently I have 287 tracks on it which is around 18 hours of awesome music.
For some reason I felt as though I could tell a short story of my life with the help of my music on the playlist:
This song reminds me so much of Spring 2010. The strongest memory with this song is when I was getting ready to go to a friends party. I was listening to it non-stop at that time and every time I listen to this song I immediately think of that night!
These three songs remind me of a trip to Italy with my Italian class in May 2011. We went to Lago di Garda and lived in bungalows on a camping ground for a week. Every night, these were the songs we played over and over again and obviously I can't help but think of that week of fun and crazy memories!
One word: Europarty! Oh my gosh, haha. So many craaaazy memories! In March 2011, I attended the Europarty in Brussels which the European Schools in Europe host every year. I had a great time to say the least :) I had just found these song before I went to Brussels and when they played the songs at the party I was in heaven!
These two songs remind me of my trip to London this summer to celebrate my two best friends', Helen and Jenny, 18th birthday! The song "This is Love" was played several times on the radio in the car.
One word: Graduation! These songs immediately remind me of my graduation this summer! It was one of the best days in my life :) Need I say more? tsss
Monday, 24 September 2012
University Life
Where to begin?
I have had so much going on in my life over the past week and a half that I have had no time at all to write anything, and update you.
I moved into halls on Saturday the 15th of September and I live with four other girls in a flat. We get along well and I enjoy their company.
Fresher's Week is one week packed with fun activities during the day and night. It was a great way to meet new people and socialize and get to know the university campus.
My weeks are going to be full of long lectures, practicals, workshops and tutorials. But I promise I'll try to squeeze in some time to update on here!
Enjoy these pictures :)
-Sofia
I have had so much going on in my life over the past week and a half that I have had no time at all to write anything, and update you.
I moved into halls on Saturday the 15th of September and I live with four other girls in a flat. We get along well and I enjoy their company.
Fresher's Week is one week packed with fun activities during the day and night. It was a great way to meet new people and socialize and get to know the university campus.
My weeks are going to be full of long lectures, practicals, workshops and tutorials. But I promise I'll try to squeeze in some time to update on here!
Enjoy these pictures :)
 |
| Packed and ready to go |
 |
| On the plane |
 |
| Pub Lunch |
 |
| The university Library (it's huge and beautiful) |
 |
| Campus |
 |
| Waiting for the bus |
 |
| Sunshine! |
 |
| Cobbles everywhere |
 |
| Second breakfast one day while shopping |
 |
| Dinner at Wagamamas |
 |
| Lunch at the Silver Darling with my parents (Crabcake by the way) |
 |
| Garden |
 |
| Seaside |
 |
| Fresher's fayre |
-Sofia
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)