A Few Days of Familiarity

I've only been in England less than a month, but seeing a familiar face for a couple days was good for the soul. My friend from college, Michael, took a little break from her adventurous lifestyle of backpacking across Europe to spend a few days with me. But her getting here is going to be the reason I have gray hair. She was traveling from France to England, and in doing so, that meant that she had to go in an underwater tube across the English Channel for 35 minutes at least. That being scary enough on its own, this girl sent me her last few texts before loosing service in a panic about how she can feel the bus moving, that it was dark, and that she thought she was underwater. SHE THEN proceeded to not message me back until 2 hours later. This was due to her phone plan not being as great as she hoped. Finally at midnight, Michael arrived in Chichester. We then made the long 45 minute walk with two packed bags back to my dorm. We ended up staying up late that night just talking and catching up. It was so nice to finally talk without the interruption of facetime lag.

The next day we (well, I) slept in. We didn't have a lot planned other than just going with the flow. One thing that England lacks is all you can eat buffets. Michael and I did a bit of research and actually found a chinese buffet (hallelujah!). Unfortunately, I didn't have a phone plan and Michaels wasn't working, because of this we took screenshots of google maps and accidentally walked the wrong way and ended up at a Panera Bread-like restaurant instead. 

After lunch we walked around downtown a bit and I actually ended up getting a phone plan! I went to the phone shop called Three that Jessica (another friend from UNI also studying abroad in Ireland) recommended. Michael was so jealous with the deal I ended up getting that she changed her phone plan as well! With the plan, I pay 15 pounds a month for 3,000 minutes and texts as well as 5GBs  of data, which is perfect because I will have wifi on campus anyway. I can then choose to pay 20 pounds for 12 GBs which I will probably get while I'm traveling. Not only does the data work in England, but it also works in every country I plan on going to visit. 10/10 I would recommend going to Three if you need a phone plan abroad. I would say that's probably the best investment I've made this trip. Not including my rainboots. 

Michael left today to head up to Ireland and to meet up with our friend Jessica. She'll be back in a week to which she will then be staying for most of February. When she's back we have plans to make it out to Brighton and London. 

Shameless shoutout: Jessica also has a blog about her experiences abroad, check her out. She's a pretty cool chick. (;  http://www.heyjes.com/

After much anticipation, Michael's train arrives in Chichester!

After a trip for groceries, Michael couldn't wait to dig in to the popsicles!

Michael and I cuddling up to a movie night. Some of the movies we watched together/on our own laptops were: Julie and Julia, Me Before You, The Age of Adeline, Love Rosie, and What to Expect When You're Expecting.

Side note: For the past year I have LOVED the name Jubilee for a little girl. This road sign I found on one of our walks just confirms even more that I love this name.