It rains every day in London. The locals hate Americans. The food is terrible. The city is so expensive. When I decided to study abroad in London, I didn't know what to expect.
Since arriving in London, I have wondered where all the real Brits are hiding. Studying at an American program, living with Americans and embarking on touristy activities have left me with the sense that I am missing out on the real British culture. Britain has a remarkable program, however, called HOST UK, in which average citizens from around the country volunteer to have foreign students come and visit for the weekend.
Warning: Objects in photos are not as large as they appear. This disclaimer should be tagged on every tour guide pamphlet and history book so poor innocent American students studying abroad don't finally arrive at Stonehenge only to react, "Huh, well ... I guess it was important to see it." I'm not kidding.
After two weeks I have accepted most of London's idiosyncrasies. I was ready for my share of cultural adaptations, don't get me wrong, and have smoothly adjusted to most of them.
I did it! I'm finally in London! My excitement may seem a little overenthusiastic, but trust me, you would have jumped up and down like a six-year-old on Christmas morning when you arrived too -- not that I actually did that (looks down sheepishly). The trouble started when I began packing at home.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Texas Tech kicker Alex Trlica's fourth-quarter field goal sailed through the uprights to complete the Red Raiders' stunning 31-28 comeback victory against the Cavaliers Jan.
The Virginia football team seems to thrive living on the edge. Once again Saturday, after battling through injuries, turnovers and penalties, the Cavaliers (6-1) pushed the game to its final minutes before finally pulling out a 17-16 win against previously undefeated Connecticut (5-1). For the second straight week, Virginia found a way to eke out the victory as senior Chris Gould's kick put the Cavaliers ahead with 3:20 left on the clock.
At 6 a.m., when most University students are sound asleep or perhaps just getting home from the library, the men's club rowing team is already at the Rivanna Reservoir for an early morning practice.
Even though they failed to receive an NCAA at-large bid, the Virginia volleyball team (23-8) has nothing to hang their heads about this season.
