Yesterday we had our first day of classes. The day began a little stressful because the fire alarms went off just as we were heading down to get breakfast. Turns out one of the Program Assistants put his croissant in the toaster and burned it. Once we were cleared to go back into the building, we went to the basement to grab breakfast before heading to class. We had Nutella bagels (yum), breakfast bars, and oranges. Once in class we met our professor and teacher’s assistant, and went through our syllabus and all of the excursions we will be going on. Class began at 9:30 and went until 1pm. We thought that three and a half hours of class would be way longer than it was. We learned about individual differences and how they start at the genetic level. The reason we are learning this is because Thursday we are going to the science museum!

After class we went back to our flat to relax a bit before heading back to the basement for pizza night and an orientation on the Liverpool trip we will be taking this weekend. We all sat on the floor eating Papa John’s pizza while listening to a presentation on all the things we will be doing while in Liverpool and Wales. While we did learn we have to get up very early Friday morning to begin our travels, we are now so excited to visit and explore these incredible towns!

This morning we woke up bright and early to head to the buses where we met up with everyone else. We had a 2 hour bus ride to Oxford to visit the Blenheim Palace. On the ride there we were able to catch up on some sleep and enjoys the beautiful views. It is crazy how different the countryside looks in comparison to the city where we have been living.

Blenheim was an incredible palace. It is actually still a private residence because it is home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family. The family resides in the East wing of the palace, but the rest is open to the public to tour. All of the money made goes to the various restoration projects that are constantly happening. We were given a walking tour of the inside of the palace. Our tour guide was very informative and we learned a great deal about the palace. Fun fact: Winston Churchill was born in this palace! After the tour we wandered the grounds and looked at the various gardens. They were all beautiful and the grounds seemed to go on forever. We explored for a few hours and still did not have time to see everything. Before heading back on the bus, we stopped for lunch at the cafe on the grounds. We had delicious sandwiches and crisps (chips).

It was a great day and a stunning place to visit. Definitely would not complain if I got to wake up with that view every morning!

After the ride back, we went grocery shopping and had a relaxing evening in our flat. We can’t wait for another fun day tomorrow! -SYD & SAM