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Home. How nice that is going to be.

Well, my first term of university has finally ended. All my classes are finished so now the start of studying for my first university exams has begun. So far it has been somewhat stressful but I believe I will be alright. Starting today till exams are done is going to be 24/7 quietness so students, like myself, can study. Yeah. Let the studying begin other words.

I have four exams so it isn't that bad. I would have like to have 3 or even 2 but I can't really do anything about it. What is nice is I know what study method works for me so I am happy about that. The method I use to study are FLASH CARDS! Seriously, it is a pain in the but to write down every term on a piece of paper and the definition on the other side but it is worth it. It is quiet effective but exams are to study you knowledge and your memory. One thing flash cards do is to test your memory. HURRAY! Anyways, I wrote out all of my flash cards for my exams and there are a lot. I might be a bit nuts for writing so much but a) I am a writer and b) the flash card method works for me so....

Going back to exams, I have my art history slide test on the 5th of December, written french exam on the 6th and my philosophy and effective writing exam on the 9th of December. THEN I WILL BE HOME! YAY! I land in Toronto at 3:15 pm on the 11th of December. I can't wait to go home and see my lovely friends and family. The stories I have for them... (queue evil laugh).

I do like it here in the United Kingdom but it is really nice to be home. I get to sleep in my own bed. I get to see and play my instruments again. I get to paint and draw and do artistic things. I get to spend time with my mother, brother, my little puppy and my cats. I get to eat homemade food and TIM HORTON'S! (You guys have no idea how much I have missed the taste and smell of Tim Horton's.) I get to sing and be marry with my talented friends. I get to chill at home for three weeks and not worry about getting assignments done on time. The bliss that awaits me is torturous but hard work pays off.

I would inform you on crazy events like visiting a new country or going into London for a field study but I haven't done anything like that for a while. My next field study will be next term so I have nothing new to report. Just studying for exams, stressing about them and wanting to go home.

Till next time,

- SRH

First University Exams

Ok. I am a bit nervous for exams because these will be my first university exams. I believe I will do ok. My first exam is my Oral Exam for french which is on Tuesday, November 26 at 5:10pm. In reality that is the first half of my french exam. The other half is on December 6th which is the written. Part. I have started studying which is good. My other exams I have to write is Philosophy, Art History and Effective Writing. They won't be that bad but still. They are exams.

I do believe that is it.

A sad thing is that it hasn't snowed yet which is very sad because I miss the snow. A lot of family and friends back in Canada have been saying that it is snowing on facebook and I look out the window and I see no snow on the ground. The weather is cold and windy. No sight of snow anywhere. The good news is that I will be home soon! I can't wait. I get to see snow on the ground. I get to decorate the Christmas tree with my brother and my mother. I get to bake Christmas cookies. I get to have homemade food. I get to see friends and family again. I get to sit down and read, create art, write and play my instruments. I am really excited to be home again and have a 3 week chill period. It will be a nice break from school because everyone needs one.

Anyways, I have to get back to studying for exams. I will update when my exams are done.

Till next time! 

-SRH

Un Jour dans Paris

I went to Paris a week ago and it was gorgeous. I loved every bit of it. The architecture, the atmosphere, the food, the music, just the everything. 

I love Paris.

Nortre Dame

The Louvre

The Eiffel Tower

The Bridge of Alexander III

Napoleons Tomb

The Lights

The Cars

The Fashion.

Sacré Court

Musé D'Orsay

I just love Paris. So much but soon I will be in Canada. I will be home and I will have all of the things that is Canada.

FINALLY AN UPDATE!

I apologize for the very long wait. I know I haven't made an update in a very long time but here you are! It's going to be filled with a lot of fun adventures I have had so you guys are hopefully going to enjoy it!

School has been fantastic! Studying in a castle and also calling it home is something I haven't got use to. Just, when can you ever call a castle home? Like never! Unless your home was literally a castle then....Anyways, my courses are going well. I have written papers and had stress points but everything is just peachy. I have used the washing machine and it hasn't blown up yet so that's good. I have a really nice group of friends that are fantastic. They are crazy, "geeky" people just like me. They "fan-girl" over musicals, music, TV Shows, kittens, cute small animals. We are all a wonderful group of people. Here are some of my lovely ladies. (From left to right: Johanna, Erica, Melanie, Myself and Connor)

Unfortunately, the location where we are staying is more or less in the middle of no where. The closest place to Herstmonceux, the location where I am staying, is about a 30 minute drive. I'm used to it because back at home I lived on the country side and if we wanted to go somewhere or go shopping we had to drive so... On "campus" we have bunnies, peacocks, bunnies and cows. We also have ducks and Canadian geese who chill out and look adorable. I have gone to many places so far. Mostly London because that's where I go for my field studies but not all of them. Some times we go to different countries. Recently I came back from a midterm trip of Edinburgh, Scotland and Liverpool, England. I had so much fun and again, I didn't want to leave. Scotland was gorgeous and I wanted to stay. One of my favourite places I went to was Liverpool. Why? It's because I went to The Cavern where The Beatles played. It was fantastic. There is live music playing all day long and I was in there for hours. It was so much fun and I don't I have ever been that happy in a while.

Other places that I have been to is Bergues, France and Bruges, Belgium which were both gorgeous places. I actually got to use my French! Crazy right? There was so much nature it was really nice to see that. Everything was so green and all the buildings are so old and really pretty. You can feel the history in every buildings. I have also went to Whales for a weekend and that very nice indeed. I went zip lining for the first time and I wanted to go again and again. I was surprised at how much fun it was. The scenery was lovely; rolling hills and mountains. Sheep roaming the hills and fog chilling near the surface of the ground. Everywhere I have gone to is pretty much stunning. (From left to right: Myself, Megan, Sophie, Katlin, Annika, Cailtin, Melanie and Erica)

(Me at platform 9 3/4 at King Cross Station)

I do miss home though.

I miss home cooked meals. Eating vegetables to be quiet honest. I miss having a smoothy in the morning. Hearing CBC Radio in the morning. Seeing my dog being excited when I come in the door. Watching the sun set in the evening. Smelling garlic, onions and butter frying in the frying pan. Coming home to a house smelling like fresh baked goods. Yeah. Home is a wonderful place. I do love Great Britain but it is nice to think that I will be coming home for Christmas. I miss my family and can't wait to see them and tell them about my adventure. Here some pictures of places I have gone to.

Shakespeare's House 

Bergues, France

Sheep in a near by farm in Herstmonceux, East Sussex

Castle view in Whales

A walkway in Bruges, Belgium

A ring I bought myself in Edinburgh, Scotland

Till next time.

Sophia Rory Hinton. (Myself)

Open Books and Pens

Yes. School has officially started. This morning I went to my philosophy class and it was really exiting. My professor gave us an overview of what we will cover in the course and I kid you not, hearing philosophical terms gave me a high. Knowing that I will be learning how to become a better thinker made me really happy. It's a plus that my prof is really cool. Reminded me of my dad. After Philosophy I made my way down to my Writing course. It wasn't bad but it was dry. Good thing that one of my writing teachers will be my philosophy prof. The only reason why I thought it was dry was because my other writing prof, (yes, to profs are teaching the course.) dragged on about what he did and it was just too much detail for one day. I almost fell asleep so I had to force myself to stay awake. I tapped my feet. I played with my hand. I constantly played with something so I wouldn't be known as the kid who fell asleep in class. Not too long ago I had my Politics course which is exciting. I will be going to the Scottish Parliament and some other parliament that I will be going to. Tomorrow I have Philosophy, Art History, French and Politics so more of a full schedule compared to today's but all will be well. I think the course I am the most excited about as of now is philosophy. I love learning everything about it.

I can't remember if I posted this on the most recent post but if I have I will remind your memories. The past couple of days I have been thinking what I want to major in and I know that I want to keep moving forward with four of my main topics. I want to keep French, Politics, Philosophy and Art History. Especially Philosophy. What I might end up doing is doing a double major in Philosophy and Politics and minoring in French. If I can find a way to combine Art History and french into 'one' then that's my goal. Anyways, I have to go to choir in a few minutes so I will update you guys soon.

Till next time.

Castle Life

Mmm. Today was a lovely day. Went into town today to buy somethings that I needed. Crackers was needed to be eaten so that was a must. It was mostly was a chill out day. I hung out with friends. In the evening after dinner my friends and I got ready for a Wine and Cheese event down in the ballroom. It was lovely. Had a glass of Merlot and it was heaven. Ate crackers with some delicious cheese which I took to my room if I got hungry. I talked to my professors and I'm really excited. Everyone was dressed to superb and the lads where handsome in their suits. All of us were graceful ladies and gentlemen who are ready to study their buts off for this year. I just can't believe that I will be studying in an old castle. It's absolutely amazing. This semester is going to go by so fast. I'm going to enjoy every minute of it. I'm off to bed to catch some shut eye so I will say goodbye from now.

Till next time.

Starting the University Life.

I have arrived at my destination and I am happily settle in to my dorm. I am really happy here. The ground is gorgeous and harry potter references are being made very regularly. Everybody is soo welcoming and I have classes in a freaking castle. You can't get any better than that. When I saw the castle for the first time I gasped at it's beauty. It's absolutely gorgeous. I couldn't believe my eyes. Just everything about this place is stunning. The wide open spaces. Rolling country hills hoping with wild bunnies. Gardens that smells of lavender and roses. Apple trees and acorn trees flood the grounds. If you feel lonely there are cows near by that enjoy their grass and the sunshine. This place brings a smile to your face. I love it.

I bough my books and man. My art history textbook is so large and heavy my arms are going to fall off at some point. If I didn't forget my camera at my moms place than I would show you a picture. I will post pictures very soon. Anyways, having my books on my shelf is making my form a little more like home. I brought some of my own books like Infinite Jest and the two volumes of Sherlock Holmes. In addition I brought my big wooden R that belonged to my dad, a pencil holder, a small gorilla and Sirius Black figure. I also couldn't forget my Nietzsche mug. My computer, iPhone and iPod nano came for the trip and so did my pillow case and quilt that I made. I feel at home and very comfortable.

I visited an old church that is on the grounds and it was stunning. I couldn't go inside because it was lock but walking around the cemetery was relaxing as weird as that sounds. There was a feeling of quietness and it was peaceful. Seeing the mist and hills in the background, seeing the sunset sink into the horizon and the countless trees made it breathless. (Ha! Funny punn.) At the castle there is a pub called The Headless Drummer and I had my first alcoholic cider. It was delicious. There were people singing Karaoke and it was hilarious. Classes start soon and I can't be more excited to start.

My roommate is lovely and she is very sweet and kind. She is a little shy but I know she will be right as rain when classes start. The feeling of being a university student is rewarding. Knowing that you worked hard to be here and because you did, you earned it. I love it.

I love you guys very much and I will update you guys soon on my adventure.    

Come On Grab Your Friends, We Are Going To Very Distant Lands

This is it Canada. Tonight is my last night in this country and what a trip that has been. From a little girl who sat in a pile of books around to young lady about to board a plane for another country. I haven't been very easy to be around but thank you for sticking around this long. It's crazy to think that I will be studying in an ancient castle for my first year. I am going to say that I finally got my owl from Hogwarts and that is where I am going. I am going to Hogwarts but I didn't get here by myself.

I would like to take the time to say thank you. Everyone who has helped me get to where I am now thank you. It means so much to me that I have good people in my life that I can go to whenever I need a little boost. It was really scary asking for help but you guys didn't refuse. You helped me the best way you could. If it was financially, friendly advice or just being kind. In that precise moment you don't think it would make a difference but it really does. Knowing that I have people to go to whenever I am in trouble hits home.

It might seem that I won't ever come home but I will. I will come back to Canada in December just in time for Christmas. I will share my stories and my experiences with all you of. I can just see all your big curious eyes staring up at me as you await for Story Time with Sophie, waiting to hear the best story of your life. (I'm a good story teller so don't worry.) I'm going to see a lot of things while I am over in the UK and as much as I want to bring you guys along this is the only way I can. I will post on a regular basis and if I don't update this blog then I will apologize. I promise.

Everyone who is going off to university, college, work, school or anything, I wish you guys the best of luck and I will see you next time on Story Time with Sophie. :)

I know I should be packing right now but I can't pack wet clothes can I? Well, if I want to take that literally then yes, I have the ability to pack wet clothes and only if I want my suitcase to smell of wet clothes and that isn't a great smell.

In 2 days time I will hit the ground of the UK and then will be on my way to find out who I will be rooming with. It's getting to that point where I find it very hard to wait. I want to get there now. I want to learn about great philosophers in an ancient castle and see the Mona Lisa for my Art History course. Sitting in a cafe reading Gravity's Rainbow. Hearing all the different accents and feeding off the energy of football fans cheering from the recent goal their favourite team just got in the net. It will be quiet an experience that I will always keep with me. There is a faint thought in my head that is telling me that I might love England so much I might not come back home. There is a chance that I will go back, by a flat and settle down in a country I have loved so much. I can't wait to start because when does the chance of studying abroad in your first year and knowing that all your classes will be held in an ancient castle.

How crazy is that?!

A Different Beginning

Most 17-18 nervous yet adventuresome teenagers go to university after they finish their torturous last year of high school. They get accept, move in to that school and 'happily' start their climb of dept. They spend their first two years at their home university and when they reach their third year they can decide to stretch their bubble by studying abroad. Most universities have that option but what if you could travel abroad in your first year?

That's where my story begins. Instead hoping on the band wagon I made a choice most people wouldn't consider, or at least that what I think. I'm starting my journey by studying in England starting this September. Ever since I read the first Harry Potter novel I had this desire to go to the UK. I wanted to see Hogwarts, get my letter of acceptance and play Quidditch. I fell in love with the magical world JK. Rowling created for everyone and that is also where I become a Harry Potter fan.

 When I was searching and pondering where I wanted to continue my education it took me a while. A long while to be honest until I was confronted with a program where I could travel and study in the country I have been dying to go. I sent in my application and I couldn't tell you how happy I was when I got my acceptance letter. (My mom phoned me about my acceptance and I squealed. I think I scared some people since I was in my high schools cafeteria) 

It's really hard to believe that I will be starting my first year in England but what amps everything by a couple notches is not only will I will be in another country, I will be studying in an ancient castle. It's called The Herstomonceux Castle. This is what it looks like.

Pretty awesome right? My dream is about to begin on the fourth of September where I will leave this country that has been very good to me from the very beginning. I will be honest that it is somewhat difficult to fit all your belongings in only one suitcase. Anyways, now you have it. The starting of a new chapter but an ending of another. If you are completely hooked and want to fuel your excitement to another level, all the information will be given to you by clicking the link below.

http://www.queensu.ca/bisc/index.html

It begins in 3, 2, 1....