Starting to figure out where everything is...

I have been in England for 2 whole days now. While it is different in many respects to the US, things here are much like any larger industrial city that you might go to. The cultural diversity is quite exceptional - it is nice being able to blend in (that is until I open my mouth, or count out my change)... That being said, time for a little ranting:

The money over here is so confusing. First off, there is no bill smaller than a 5, so you are regulating to heaving around a pocket full of change. And, get this - the coins make no sense. First, you have 50p and 20p pieces, both of which are 8 sided. The 50p piece is bigger than the 20p, so that makes sense. Now, there is a 10p and 5p which both are round, and the 5p is smaller than the 10p. Next, you have 2 copper coins, the 2p and the 1p. This is so confusing because the 2p is the same size as the 50p, but it is round not 8 sided. Take all of these and you also have a £1 and £2 coin, it is way too much change. Maybe the lack of a 25 cent piece just makes things difficult. Oh well...

Anyway, thing here are pretty good. We are in the middle of international orientation, which I believe is more geared for the non-English as the first language variety of student. I have found the other Americans in the group. There is a cello player from Canada who is pretty cool, and we find ourselves making fun of the way they spell things: colour, favourite, organise. It's ok - I get it, we (Americans) are doing it wrong... ;)

The school is very beautiful. It is older, but they are just finishing off a new wing that opens in March, so that means more room to grow. The school has a bout 600 students, with about 250 faculty - so the need for practice/office space is key. The practice rooms are all booked in advance, so there is no need to go hunting. You step in the front desk, and there is someone there whose only purpose in life is to book practice rooms. Quite nice, and quite effective. No more of this 1st floor, 4th floor, 1st floor junk - walk in, ask the nice lady - she gives you a key - voila!

Food here is good. There are so many options. We had a talk from the visitors bureau and they told us that if you wanted to eat a different cuisine from a different country every night that you were here - you would have to stay for 78 nights. Pretty cool. I haven't ventured much outside of turkey sandwiches and paninis for the time being, but I am feeling ambitious right now.

A little bit about Manchester, actually a lot bit is available on this website: http://www.manchester2002-uk.com/

They are turning out internet in our rooms on Monday, so I will be able to give you more pictures and such, but for now you will just have to wait! I hope that everyone is doing well, and I miss you all!