Hi all! I am thrilled to say I have arrived safely in Swansea, Wales and have loved every minute here so far. After a red eye flight from Dallas to London and a four hour bus ride to the Welsh Coast, I was relieved to have finally made it to my new home.

Everyone I have met is incredibly friendly, both the Welsh locals and the other exchange students on campus. Ironically, there are two other girls from Texas living in my flat. I have made quick friends and am thankful to have had an easy transition.

The food here is surprisingly good. The downtown area of Swansea, called Wind Street, is full of great shopping and cute cafes. To quote one of my peers, I expect to lose pounds and gain weight!

My first adventure was to Mumbles, an area by the pier about 15 minutes from campus. Again, the streets are filled with charming cafes and shops. We ate lunch at a cafe that embodied the best of both worlds: a bar downstairs that allowed dogs, and a restaurant upstairs with a view of the sea. The food was incredible, I will definitely be back!

We then hiked to the best view of the Gower Peninsula to catch the sunset. It sets early here, around 4:30. We were lucky to have gone out on a sunny day because the scenery was breathtaking. I can’t believe I get to live here for four months!

I am thankful to have had a seamless transition from my life in Texas to my one here in Swansea. It is filled with new friends from Canada to Finland, fantastic views, and endless adventures. Thank you all for following along with me!

 

Hi everyone! I am beyond excited to embark on this forthcoming adventure. In two short days, I will be moving to Swansea, Wales to begin a semester abroad. I expect many travels, new friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Since I will be using a European phone number abroad, I have created this personal blog to keep my friends and family updated on what I am up to across the pond.

Below is a quote from Thoreau that I have held close to my heart since a teacher shared it with me my junior year of high school. Thank you to everyone for your continued support and kind thoughts as I begin this thrilling new chapter of my life. I will miss my home in Texas, but am grateful to have something so hard to leave behind.

hwyl fair am y tro! (Goodbye for now in Welsh)

Advance confidently in the directions of your dreams and live the life you have always imagined. – Thoreau