Twin Travel

Sunday 18th 1am:

Hi,

This is Alison here. I thought I would write a little about my journey so far whilst I have the time!

Under certain circumstances we realised my parents could not drive me down to London to catch my flight on Sunday, therefore we quickly booked another flight from Newcastle to Heathrow on the Saturday evening. This means I have all night in Heathrow airport, you may think I slept, oh no! I have to stay up to ensure I do not miss check in for my flight, because once I'm asleep, there is no waking me for a long time!

The flight was nice and I arrived safely, only to drag all my stuff to the correct terminal. Reality, and a numb leg, is starting to kick in as I sit in the terminal for hours. I am going to miss people and my home town so much but I am so exciting for the following two years but slightly nervous as I have no idea what it will be like or what I will do.

Sunday 18th 4pm (9pm in England):

So I have landed in New York after a long flight that was surprisingly good. The films and entertainment were great, and the extra leg room really made the flight comfortable and enjoyable. I made the most food and drink and got something every time the airhostess passed by :) It is now starting to get real, months of planning is now coming into action and I can feel things happening which gives me a great sense of excitement and adventure!

I am currently sitting at my gate in Newark airport waiting to board for my fourth and final flight to San Jose in Costa Rica. The lack of sleep the previous night and the jet lag means that I am so very tired. I hope to sleep well tonight but I doubt I will with all the thrill of arriving and meeting my fellow students and immersing myself in my new home.

COSTAAA RICAAAA

I'm finally here and already so much has happened. It is now Thursday so I am a couple of days in. I have met so many amazing people and the campus is so surreal with all of the animals and exotic plants. My residence is called Cahuita which is named after a beach in Costa Rica, just like the rest of the residences. My room is good and is now personalised with loads of pictures and posters from home, however my roommates are still yet to arrive!!! So it is slightly lonely but very tidy as a result!

It was dark when I landed so coming to the college through San Jose and Santa Ana felt like a weird dream. But as the days go on and my jet lag starts to go it is starting to feel more real and like a home. I have done so much such as activities, bonfires, meetings, tutor groups, dinners, parties, academic fair and tests!! My placements tests went well and I have to decide my preliminary subjects on Friday. Also I'm excited that on Friday is open house where we, in groups, go have dinner somewhere else, I am going to go to Leila's house, who is the deputy head! And I also plan to go around Santa Ana to a second hand store and to my first ever Walmart this weekend, so I'm super excited!

Also on Monday the students go camping in the mountains for a night, which I can't wait for. It's be nice getting to know people more and experiencing and exploring my new home in Costa Rica. Me and Sarah also skyped last night, well, it was 2.30am here but 1pmish in India... :( however it was nice to see what was going on there and how our experiences differed and meet some of her friends. I also managed to skype a best friend who also got into UWC-USA, so I really have been able to compare different UWC college experiences so far. But it is amazing knowing you have this connection all over the world!

I hope to keep you updated with all the many things going on here!

Ali :)