Realizations in Manchester

So after being here for three weeks I've come to the following realizations:

Realization 1: I am addicted to coffee. 

Being in Seattle, we don't realize how deep our obsession goes. We're constantly surrounded by caffeine addicts, Starbucks cups, coffee tumblers and everything about the coffee culture. haha but over here I feel like I stick out with my ridiculous neon pink thermos that I carry around to class every morning. Also, spending 6-7 bucks on a latte- not cool, people. Obviously there are a ton of cafes around here and people do drink it, but my point is that I've learned just how obsessed Seattle is with coffee now that I'm not surrounded by it 24/7. Here's a pic of a cafe I went to on one of my first days in Manchester, Cafe Nero. Also, they serve the Starbucks in legit mugs here- check it out :)

Realization 2:  I MISS SRIRACHA HOT SAUCE!!! 

Man, I did not realize how dependent my cooking was on that delectable bottle of goodness. I found a cool store here "Worldwide" where they sell groceries from around the world. There was an entire aisle dedicated to asian sauces, but alas, Sriracha was nowhere to be found. haha I'll make do with what I have but my pseudo pho will not be the same without you, my dear Sriracha sauce. Here's just another reminder to everyone how fabulous this stuff is: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/sriracha

Realization 3: UW is so lucky to have Meany Hall & Desi Dhamaka is a fabulous show!

Last night I went to the South Asian talent show here and watched some great performances. Bollywood, classical, bhangra, singers, bands, beatboxers- the whole bit. It was a competition and schools from different parts of the UK came over to Manchester. The winner was this great singer. I may or may not have a new friend crush... :)

I had a great time but it also just reminded me what a world class show DD is. Plus, Meany is SO BOMB!! We are lucky to have that amazing facility on our campus! These UK groups were definitely good, but the quality of talent we have in the Pacific Northwest is definitely something to be proud of. Yesterday, I was really thinking a lot about AWAAZ and performing with you all. I miss you so much I'm thinking about starting another acapella group here...haha just joking!! For anyone randomly reading this, check out AWAAZ's latest performance. They rocked the stage at FIUTS Cultural Fest! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKVVev5GR1k&noredirect=1

Realization 4: Way to go, Foster School of Business!

My classes here have been surprising. Education-wise I wanted to go on exchange to gain more of an international perspective. I felt as though so much of what I was learning was US-centric in my marketing and finance classes. So, I wanted to branch out. My findings? Marketing and Finance classes here give examples of case studies and campaigns from predominantly two places: UK & US. In other words, a lot of the material I'm learning has been covered by my classes at Foster. So, thank you Foster for preparing me for an even easier semester abroad.  haha perhaps things will change but that's what I've experienced thus far. ALSO I heard that there's a team coming to compete at GBCC from Uni of Manchester. Excited about these global connections! :)

Realization 5: Choosing to go on this exchange was the most epic way to end my time in college.

I have had a whirlwind of a time thus far, and I know I will continue to feel this way for the remainder of my time here.While on exchange you plunge in to something unknown and you emerge with a new sense of empowerment. Everything is new and exciting (at least so far) and there's a willingness to challenge yourself in new ways that would not be available at home. It's all about maintaining a positive and open attitude. If anyone is reading this and even MILDLY thinking about it- DO IT! I would love to help you decide in any way I can! :)

Realization 6: This blog post is going to be kind of long so I'm done for now. Will report more of my interesting findings soon! Take care everyone :)

Welcome to Manchester :)

I decided to create a blog not only for my int'l exchange program but for the entire year of 2012. I can't think of a better word than dynamic to describe my life this year. It will be marked by continuous excitement and change. Seeing India after so many years, Living in England, Traveling all over Europe, Graduating from UW, Attending my best friend's wedding, Moving to San Francisco, Starting to work for Deloitte and more! If any time is a good time to start a blog..it's now! So, read on to hear about my Manchester Madness!

 It has been about 1.5 weeks since I arrived in Manchester and every second of it has been memorable. Of course, I'm sure the novelty of everything will wear off soon enough..but for now I'm loving the excitement surrounding all of my daily encounters.

I am living at a dorm called Whitworth Park residence halls within which there are numerous houses. My house is called Garstang House. For my fellow huskies, think the outside of Mercer (brick buildings) but a nicer inside version of McMahon! I was a little nervous thinking about living in a dorm again, but since I have my own room it isn't bad at all! (Pic below)Within my flat, I have 2 other business flatmates (not roommates lol) in my program. Most of the other girls are first year British students. So far, everyone I've met whether it be through my exchange program or other things have been bloody brilliant! Definitely excited to get to know even more new people and further my connections with those I've already met :)

I've started classes and they're pretty good. Being a second semester senior is pretty tough to stay motivated as it is...then, if you throw a study abroad in to the mix it gets a little bit problematic haha but we'll see what happens. The cool thing about MBS (Manchester Business School) is they have a lot more management classes available in comparison to Foster. Being a psych major as well, it's fun to take org psych/org behavior classes. Plus, hearing those charming British accents from my professors makes any situation more enjoyable!

I also joined a British choir- University of Manchester Chorus. Obviously, the experience cannot be compared to Chorale, HusKEYS, or AWAAZ but it definitely keeps me singing and happy! This semester we'll be singing Tippett's A Child of Our Time. You know how in rehearsal sometimes we try and make our vowels taller "like the British?" Well, here...everyone's vowels are already tall! haha  During rehearsal here the best moment was when we tried to sing a spiritual and my director says in a Southern accent... "C'mon...not so proper....more like the Americans!" haha I definitely think it will be a fun-filled entertaining semester! While I'm on the topic of music, Oliver is playing at the local theatre and I'm so pleased that I'll be able to see a British musical in England!

Other highlights of Manchester/My experience thus far:
- Everything is on the other side when it comes to traffic- definitely takes some getting used to

- Everyone says cheers, bloody hell, and brilliant! Just watch, I will come back with awesome slang! Also, "are you alright?"' is the equivalent to "how's it going." First time I heard it I was thoroughly confused =P

- I have booked a trip to Dublin on St. Patty's day with like 20 other exchange students. It's going to be insanely fun! Then, on my 22nd birthday I'll head to London to visit Gauri & Alok. It'll be fun to see friends on my birthday. It's lucky it worked out- Gauri's studying in London and Alok will be going to his cousin's wedding. =D

- For all my brownies at home, in Manchester there's a "curry mile" where you can get food, clothes, and anything South Asian-related. (I don't need to find a Sally's Nails equivalent haha threading is available, ladies!) It's pretty sweet how big of a desi population is in Manchester. Even Dominos and Subway have chicken tikka and tandoori chicken options- hilarious!

- Yesterday I took a trip to Liverpool with some friends and visited the Beatles museum and also visited "The Cavern"- the place where the Beatles were essentially discovered! It was great to see a slice out of history. The international societies on campus put together weekend trips so I'll definitely try to go on more of the trips around the UK.

- Manchester is where the industrial revolution started so while it is not a magnificently beautiful city, it has a lot of history, culture, museums, art galleries, theatres, and things like that. In other words..lots to do, lots to see!

Other than that, not much else to report. Loving life here, but definitely missing everyone back home as well.
Will report more of my funny sightings, interesting stories, and adventures in weeks to come!

CHEERIO!