We have arrived!

We arrived at the Manchester airport on Saturday morning.  We stood in customs line for what felt like forever.  We were the only people at baggage claim, which was a big change from the Atlanta airport.  Then we wandered around and asked security where the train stations was located.  He told us to follow the signs that say "Station"....then mocked us a little in his English accent.

The train was an interesting adventure.  The aisles are very small and there is virtually no storage for luggage.  The people around us were annoyed that it took us forever to squeeze ourselves and our luggage on the train.  Plus, they stop very quickly at each station.  So I had to run off the train, and then Morgan and Julie threw our 50 pounds bags off the train while I caught them one by one.  The English were looking at us like we were "daft."  Luckily, we made it off the train with all of our luggage in tack.

Andrew met us at the apartment.  Julie and I have the only flat with Internet at the moment which is nice.  Unfortunately, we only have one bed and no pull out couch like the rest of the apartments.  But I don't mind snuggling with Julie every one and then.  I guess we will become great friends quickly!

Our first night out, we ventured into town to celebrate Kiah's 22nd birthday.  We ate at Nando's, which is famous for their spicy chicken.  I got the homemade mash, which was delicious mashed potatoes.  Then we went to about five bars.  Don't worry, we didn't drink too much! We just wanted to check out which spots we liked, and which we would never go back to again.  For example, The Rise had all female bar tenders, and they were not happy about serving Americans. 

Sunday, March 13, 2011, we ventured out on our own, Julie, Amanda, Morgan and me.  We went to the bank, Boots (a pharmacy), TK Maxx (like our TJ Maxx), and Primark (sort of a cheap Forever 21).  I bought a beautiful floral scarf, gray boots, and some leggings to stay warm.

Monday, March 14, 2011, was our first day at the schools.  We caught the TRAM with Andrew at 9 am and rode that all the way to Hacklethorpe.  From the TRAM stop, it is about a 10 minute walk to Rainbow Forge Primary School.  The school set up an assembly for us to be introduced.  The students (about 200 in the whole school) filed into the gym silently.  We could not believe how well behaved they were acting.  When the Headteacher (or principal) Mr. Poole asked a question, they would quietly raise their hands and wait to be called on.  I never once heard a student speak out of turn.

The entire school has a reward system going on.  Each student can earn "Merit Points" for good behavior.  The entire population of students are divided in 4 groups (Emerald, Ruby, Diamond, and Sapphire).  The teachers don't know which students are in which group, and at the end of the week, the School Council Leaders collect the team points from each classroom.

Rainbow Forge is so community involved and environmentally aware.  The students figured out how much energy the school uses in one day.  They are concerned with their carbon foot print they are leaving behind.  They have designated someone in each classroom to turn off all power when it is not being used.  Then they are planting trees and bulbs to give oxygen back into the environment.  The Lord Mayor is donating a tree to the school himself.

Today, we also met the Lord Mayor of Sheffield for tea time.  He actually thought we were from the country Georgia.  He was very polite and humorous.  He gave us a book of Sheffield's history to take back to the College of Education. He wears a 160 year old gold necklace of Sheffield's crest.  Every Lord Mayor has worn this 2 pound solid emblem.  He took some pictures with us, and sent us on our way.

Lastly today, we ate dinner with Andrew's family.  We met three of his seven children.  Jay, 7 years old, is so energetic and friendly.  Jay and I sang Queen music together, such as Bohemian Rhapsody and Fat Bottomed Girls.  His older children were very nice and gave us great advice about where to go in Sheffield. We ate chicken, Yorkshire pudding, and potatoes.  It was a delicious meal, then we had birthday cake for Kiah, and tea after dinner.

So far, I love it here in England.  I could see myself moving here and teaching in the country.  The city is beautiful, the shopping is fantastic.  Though I miss my family and friends, I can tell this month is going to go by very fast!  Feel free to leave comments and questions!