Aberystwyth, Wales:

We arrived in on Welsh soil three days ago, and while it looks very similar to the rest of Britain's vibrant green hills, it has a wonderfully rich culture that makes Wales very unique. Aberystwyth is a gorgeous little town on the coast of the Irish Sea, surrounded by tall green hills and the beautiful shoreline. All of the buildings and houses are pretty pastel colors and make up a perfect little beach town. Most of the residents speak Welsh in general conversation, but they all know how to speak English, and do so when people like myself ask for directions or try and communicate. The first day we arrived in Aberystwyth the weather was sunny and beautiful, perfect for our hike along the rocky shore over to a neighbor beach village. I took tons of pictures, and unfortunately ended up slipping and falling into a tide pool. Everyone said it was a very graceful fall and looked more like a plee-ay (I have no idea how to spell that) or some ballet move, but I still got soaked. I saved my camera, but not my self of course! I laughed it off and had to deal with soaking wet jeans for the rest of the hike.

We spend another two fulls days in 'Aber' as the locals call it, and I'm so pleased. Although, I am excited to get back to London, which will be quite familiar and relaxing in that aspect. Can't wait to see some more shows and spend some more time in the National Gallery. For now, I will rest and relax! We're staying in campus housing at the University of Wales... which seems like luxury compared to our hostel in Edinburgh!! We all get single rooms with our own sinks (amazing!) and we have high-pressured, warm showers... I never thought I would appreciate such a wonderful shower so much.

I'm having a spell of homesickness right now... or rather whitworth-sickness, because all of my good friends are returning to Whitworth and I'm not! It's been really hard not being there, but I will see them in the spring... and it will come fast. So for those of you at whitworth, give everyone my love, I miss you all very much.

Sending you all my love from Wales--
Giselle