Norwich

Ugh, blogging.

I spent this past weeked on a homestay trip in Norwich, England. Before I went, I asked some people what the town was like, and overwhelmingly, I got a resounding "it's boring." Compared to the wild nightlife of Brighton, it might be; however I found Norwich to be a pretty awesome place. Only 30 minutes from the coast, Norwich is rated number three for the best shopping in England. They are also the only town in England to have two cathedrals, and an open air market; plus a plethora of churches and a past of having one pub for every single day of the year. There is also a lovely Norman castle turned museum.

During our weekend excursion we got to visit an American Air Force Memorial, two churches, a cathedral and the castle. Only speaking from limited experience, I have to say the castle was a bit of a let down compared to others. It seemed very unauthentic, I really wanted to pretend to be storming the castle (which I secretly do everytime I visit a castle) but it was a bit hard to envision it standing among a fat 'knight' in polyester clothing and coloring tables covered in children. Despite the oversized propaganda surrounding it, the castle in general was interesting to see. I mean, inside I got to see the world's largest functioning teapot and a real cat mummy...in England.

My host family, John and his partner Vanessa, were absolutely wonderful. Honestly, I could go on for pages and pages on how awesome it was to be living in their house and how generous they were, but I can't be bothered. Long story short, they spoiled us more than I ever remembered being. They packed us lunch everyday, got us drinks at our bidding, set up wonderful breakfasts for us, and made us these awesome homemade warmers for our beds. I can't wait to go back to see them again, I'm sure we'll have to go back up there before my six months is up.

Along with John and Vanessa we stayed with their 3 insane dogs. One was constantly grouchy, one was always messy, and the other continues to baffle vets around the area with his capacity to eat any sweet in sight and never have any consequences. (One time he ate 4 boxes of chocolate over 4 days, and never got sick!) I know I'm not the first to say it, but British dogs are some of the most spolied, yet awesome animals known to man. Despite the fact every scotty I see seems to be dressed in plaid.

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend; the perfect way to commerate my one month anniversary of setting foot abroad. One down, five to go.

P.S. fruit tea and crumpets are freaking amazing.