Is This Real?

This is the third day I’ve been in my apartment and it still doesn’t feel real. I’ve lost concept of time. I’m sharing a two bedroom apartment with a girl from Norway, Japan and Mexico. I really wanted a Mexican roommate so I could pester them about cooking. They’re all very nice and I feel quite like to be put in this apartment.

The arrival day was spent largely in Florida Mall and Walmart. The latter was so incredibly overwhelming. Siobhan and I had gone the day before, and were completely overwhelmed, but it didn’t seem any less daunting the following day. It’s seriously massive and everything they sell is just supersize.

I bought water (I don’t want to risk the water here), bedding (Comforter, two pillows and a sheet),  coat hangers, cleaning products, toilet roll, ramen noodles, cereal bars, pop tarts – That cost me $87. It was an absolute nightmare to carry on the bus back to the complex.

The following day, we had our housing meeting, where we were told about the rules and regulations of housing and we were given our housing ID to allow us in to the property with ease.

We went back to Walmart and I bought more substantial food like bananas, bread, cheese, more coat hangers etc. It came to about $37. I also went to get a mobile phone from the store across the way. That all cost me $100. I’m really gutted that it was too expensive to get a plan on my blackberry. It would have cost $70pm if I wanted to include international text, whereas I’m now paying $40pm for unlimited text, web and talk domestically and unlimited texts internationally. I’m still sulking over the blackberry.

Then in the evening we hung out by the pool and watched the lightening and headed back to Rose’s place to watch some Gavin and Stacey, and eat some pasta.

Today (23/06/11) we had our immigration meeting, to discuss the procedures if we were to be terminated etc and to fill out forms for our social security number. After that, we went to the outlets. It wasn’t that brilliant, but not bad to go for a wander about from time to time. We’re going to Downtown Disney in a bit. I’m looking forward because Rose hasn’t been here before and I know she’ll love it down there. I want to buy so much there.

I felt a bit homesick yesterday. I know there are going to be some down days but equally there’ll be some awesome days. I guess it’s the fear of the unknown, and part of me wishes I had my friends and family here to enjoy it with me, but I know I’ve got to do this on my own.

And on that note, I’m out. Laters gators.

Hello Sunshine State!

19^th June

I landed today. The flight was alright. One of the nicer ones I’ve been on.  It doesn’t feel real. We got to the hotel at about 4:30pm, after a slight panic at the airport. Everything was going swimmingly. Got through customs with ease, baggage was there as soon as I made my way to the conveyor belt, but then we had to put our baggage on another belt because it was too heavy to take upstairs. When we got to the other side of the airport, we had no clue where our luggage was. I had a mini internal freak out but luckily we found it in the end.

The hotel is really nice. I’m staying at the Buena Vista Suites. I have a little sitting room and a separate bedroom both with large flat screen televisions. The bed is comfy too. Oh and the staff are just so friendly.

After freshening up, Siobhan and I caught the free shuttle to Downtown Disney (DTD) and we ate at the Earl of Sandwich. I’ll write a separate post on that, for my food challenge (page still needs to be set up). The sandwich was deeelicious.

I love DTT. I’m going to try and restrain myself on purchasing all the amazing Disney merchandise. I’ve seen so many things I want. At this rate I’ll be starving myself to fund my Disney Merch buying habits. To be fair though, I didn’t buy anything because I’m waiting for the discount perk.

We were pretty tired so we went back to wait for the shuttle. The shuttle took us around all the parks to pick up other guests so it took us about an hour to get back. It actually wasn’t that bad. We got to see a tiny bit of Illuminations.

20^th June

Today I woke up at 4:30am. I think my body is still on UK time. I had a decent night sleep, before the wake up though. It still doesn’t feel real. I feel like I’m just on holiday (or should I say vacation, now that I’m across the pond?).

We went for breakfast at 8am.I had scrambled eggs, pancakes, a weird looking sausage and a slice of orange. It wasn’t too bad. Not a combination I’d usually pick. Then after breakfast settled, we went down to the pool for a bit.

I then went back to my room and skyped with my mum and dad for a bit. It was nice to see them and they seemed a lot happier now that they’ve seen I’m okay. I’m so grateful for skype. It makes communicating so much easier.

After that, we went to Walmart to look for a phone. Talk about completely overwhelming. Everything is so big, I couldn’t really soak it all in, so I’m going to try and write a shopping list before going so I don’t end up buying junk I don’t need. I did buy some cookies and a notebook though.

Back at the hotel, I had a skype session with Catrin and Susan and lazed about for a couple hours before heading out to dinner with Siobhan, Amanda, Meerah and Sarah. We went to an all you can eat buffet. I was overwhelmed yet again. I had some mac and cheese, rice, fried chicken and bbq drumstick. I barely ate it.

Tomorrow we’re heading for Vista Way to check in to housing. I’m quite excited, but equally apprehensive.

I’m also hoping to sort out my phone tomorrow. I hate not being able to use it. Well, I can use it, but with the consequence of extortionate charges.

I’m off to get some much needed sleep.

Night, Night.

'Second Star to the Right and Straight on 'till Morning'

Well, as clearly stated by the title; this is my last night in the UK. I’m spending it in the Radisson blu, by Manchester airport, with my parents.  We went for some food in the restaurant which was nice but pricey for what it was. It feels surreal. I feel like I’ve just gone for my visa interview and I’ll be back in a few days.

Today has been quite emotional but I’ve also been excited that I’m going. I expected to be a far worse emotional wreck, but I’m actually quite relaxed. Having said that, I don’t do well with waiting around for the plane, so I think I’ll be an absolute nightmare at departures.

I quietly shed a few tears in the car, but I didn’t feel the need to get too upset because I know I’m going to be in touch with everyone, and my family will be coming out to see me.

I’ve had such lovely gifts and cards off everyone, which I totally wasn’t expecting. All the support I’ve had, has also been incredible.

Next time I write, I’ll be in Orlando, Flordia. Eeeek...

See you all later.

Image found here

Last Night in Wales

I thought I’d write my last blog update, this year in the comfort of my peaceful but slightly untidy bedroom. I’m heading over to Manchester tomorrow and staying at a hotel before my flight on Sunday morning.

This last week has just flown by. I had intended on posting up my ‘to do’ lists, but they’ve remained untouched, since I’ve been way too busy.

This whole day has been a big blur. Big tip for you all: Do not leave you packing until last minute. I’m sure you’re all thinking, well OBVIOUSLY, but seriously; I had intended on starting this packing ordeal, weeks in advance, but it just didn’t happen. I kept putting it off. Thankfully, I have an amazing mother who stepped in and sorted it all out. I’d be lost without her.

I’m taking two cases with me. I’m seriously hoping they don’t go over, but knowing my luck, both the cases will. I’ll have to weigh them before leaving, tomorrow. Oh, and I've bought vacuum packs, which have been a brilliant space saver.

I’d also like to thank everyone who has sent me cards and gifts. I have had so many lovely cards, and so much support.

Well, I better get to sleep. I’m going to miss this bed, as silly as it sounds.

Night, night.

Not Enough Hours in the Day

This week is already going so fast. I know it’s only Monday night but today has just flown. I thought I’d just write a quick update on how things are going.

I had intended on sorting out all my packing this morning but it’s not happened. I’ve decided I’ll be taking two cases. I’m not even going to try and stick to the 23kg. It’s simply impossible.

Right now I have my 3 year old niece Elisha over. We’re having a sleep over. By the looks of things, she won’t be sleeping very much. She’s so adorable though.

Although I didn’t pack, I did manage to pop into town and get my blackberry unlocked. I’m hoping to pick up a sim to use in it, instead of having to purchase a new phone. It did set me back £25 which is pretty steep, but oh well.

I’m planning on taking as many things out with me. I know people usually like to just a lot of their toiletries  etc out there, but I figured the less I spend on things like that, the more money I have to buy other useless things

My ‘to buy out there’ list consists of:

·         American sim card

·         Hair dryer

·         Bedding

·         Towel (I’ll take a couple from here)

·         Food (Obviously) –I’m definitely buying some Lucky Charms and Milk Duds

·         Universal Studios Annual pass

I’m sure there’s a lot more things I haven’t considered, but that’s it so far. 

Nos da.

One Week.

Hellooo...

I apologise for neglecting my blog yet again, but I’ve genuinely been very busy. A week today, I’ll be travelling to Orlando. I'll undoubtedly be an emotional and nervous wreck, in need of some strong tranquilisers.

Right now, I’m feeling a bit nervous, but the majority of the time it really doesn’t feel real. I think it’s because I’ve been counting down for so long and the fact that it will almost have been a year since I considered this opportunity. Time really does fly.

My biggest fear, after all the fuss I've made over the whole move, is actually not liking it. I'm also worried that my wonderful parents will be worrying too much about me. I really want to do this though.

So far, I’ve had 4 ‘leaving parties’. My first one was with the Garden Centre people. I went for a Chinese. Food wasn’t brilliant, but it was fun.

My second was last weekend.  I organised a fancy dress party. Disney themed, of course. I made the mistake of making the fancy dress aspect optional, so of course, people took advantage of that. Naming no names ;-). Nevertheless, it was a really good night. Susan had kindly offered up her house for a pre-drinks and buffet, princess style party. Oh yeah, I dressed as Minnie Mouse. Cliché, but that was kind of the idea.

The third was with the lovely library staff in Fat Cat, for some food and cocktails.  Really nice evening and I came home with some gifts and dollars, which was very kind of them.

Lastly, I went for a curry last night with some of the old GC crew. By some, I mean three, so it was very small scale and low key. It was really good fun. We then went to the Menai, where some Karaoke took place. It was way too loud, with people taking it far too seriously, but it was still funny to watch.

This week, I’ll be trying to spend as much time with my family and close friends as possible. I still need to pack too. I literally cannot think of anything worse than packing. If I could afford to employ someone to pack for me, I would. To be fair though, I’m pretty certain my mum will step in and sort it out. She usually ends up rearranging my packing when I’ve attempted it, anyway.

That’s it for now. I’m going to try and update this blog daily, this week and get my ‘Walt Disney World To Do’, ‘Florida To Do’ and ‘USA To do’ lists up.

PS. I do apologise that I’ve not posted any pictures of the parties, but I’m too lazy to transfer them from my camera.