I have been in Bath for three weeks now and already I am dreading the goodbyes I will have to make in a few months…
I arrived in England through the London-Stansted Airport, where I hopped on a coach to my final destination. I remember glancing out the window and finding myself lost in the stereotypical-English landscape: fields of green, perfectly managed, with houses resembling cottages built in the centre. I noticed that there was quite a distance between each home. No wonder they needed carriages back then!
I arrived earlier than my move-in time. Luckily, I was able to leave my luggage with the housing office while I went in search for a place to have lunch. Wandering the streets of Bath, I was met with a sudden downpour. Seeking shelter, I was surprised to see Sally Lunn’s nearby, which is a historical building famous for its Bath Bun. My exchange had barely started, and already I was crossing things off of my “Must Visit” list.
I settled in quickly. Two days without meeting anyone: I was my own company. Going into this exchange, I knew that I was doing it independently. So, I took on a mindset that would not prevent me from travelling or doing any activities just because I was unaccompanied. However, I am incredibly fortunate to say that after attending my exchange orientation I met some brilliant ladies who I now consider dear friends. I am no longer alone in my adventure.
I knew from the first day that I selected the best possible destination for my exchange that was suitable to me. After living here for three weeks, that certainty is even more definite (if that is even possible). Bath is home. The city is the perfect combination of historical and modern trends and everything is within walking distance. Up till now I had been exploring the streets within the city centre, venturing to explore some of the tourist attractions such as The Circus, The Crescent and The Roman Baths. Now, I discovered the Bath Skyline. I’m not sure why it has taken me so long to discover, especially since it is just behind where I am residing. Again, I was met with the trance-inducing-stereotypical-English landscape, resembling something out of a Jane Austen novel. Just seeing the hills, I found the child in me awakening. All I wanted to do was let all my worries go and just go tumbling down the hills of green.
Now for a few unexpected events. Any fans of BBC’s Sherlock? I learned that the crew would be coming to Bath to film a few scenes, so I woke up early morning and waited outside the set. I had never seen a production in action before. Unfortunately, class time was approaching just before the arrival of the lead cast. A few days later, a friend of mine informed me the BAFTAs were being held and that free wristbands were being handed out for the red carpet. And so, a celebrity seeking mission was initiated. Six of us girls set out to London hoping to snag those tickets, and if we did not receive any, we still had the chance to explore London. In the end, our mission was accomplished.
I cannot wait to see what other adventures will happen. As small as Bath is, it’s filled with surprises. I can only imagine the infinite possibilities for beautiful memories in other cities of greater size. So, I encourage you to go out and seek your own surprises. All you need to do is just open up your comfort barrier and opportunities will just seep through.
Angela Godossis is in her third year at Beedie, concentrating in Operations Management and Management Information Systems. She is currently on an exchange semester at the University of Bath’s School of Management in England. Angela has had over 3 years of work experience in the service industry. She has always believed that the best form of learning is by experience, whether it be professional or leisure. In search for a new learning experience, an exchange semester was the solution.