I say AC, you say Camp

Already it seems the year is underway. The first years arrived on Saturday and the day was spent painting our faces, banging pots and pans, blowing the conch, and shyly greeting the newcomers.

What is to be said in the introduction? Eventually we get tired of "Hello, my name is ____ from ____. Where are you from?". That question morphs into "What house are you in" followed by "What service/classes are you interested in?".
The small talk gets a little old, but its the beginning of a real friendship.

AC Camp was different for me this year (going as a peer listener, not a camper). Different yes, but just as enjoyable. This time I saw how much work the second years do to make the experience enjoyable for the fresh new faces. We all basked in the new pool of optimism that came from all over the world. We enjoyed the optimism in Moroccan sweets, and American hugs, and the singing of the World Cup song "Wavin Flag".

"When I get older, I will be stronger, they'll call me freedom, just like a wavin flag.."

This quickly became the camp anthem. I won't lie, the chorus is still streaming in my head.

At camp I did the walk-an 7 hour hike along the beautiful welsh coast. It provided a great opportunity to spare good conversation.
I lost my voice, I think I have the flu-but I don't regret it in the least. Cheers to my last year at AC-now back to the books.


"When I get older..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBD9h0jUq3w




ps. On top of all the first year excitement- I got my Advanced Open Water Scuba Diving Certification! And I learned how to use a dry suit. All together- a great success

August Period

Although our August Period (the ten days where it is only second years, my co-years) is halfway done, it feels as though everybody just got here. The canteen (our dining hall) is full of familiar faces and I like it. I feel as though my house is slowly but surely coming together. Powys is such a good place to be and we just got our new dorm mates and our new first years!
This year I will be rooming with:
Nicole (Malaysia- I roomed with her last year)
Eeva (Estonia)
Hangwei (China).
It seems as though it will be a dorm with a comfortable atmosphere. Having second year dormies won't be so bad after all!

On top of adjusting to life at AC again, we have been dedicating our time to service. Tomorrow MEMS (Marine Environmental Monitoring Service) leaves on a weeklong camping trip with ILB (the inshore life boat service). We will be getting our PADI Advanced Open Water and National Geographic scuba diving certifications. Needless to say, I am very excited. We tried out our dry-suits today and they were more trouble than I was expecting. Wish me luck this coming week!

My second year at AC is already flying by a little too quickly. New friendships are forming in fears and excitement of the incoming first years. But most importantly, I have a very good feeling about this.

Here is a photo from our Powys 2nd Year girls bonding session:

Walton-on-Thames

Thoughts from my 5am walk into Llantwit Major on my way to Walton-on-Thames:

I feel lovely when that
first sliver of sunshine hits my face

the only one to see
my smile is the starling

and together we illuminate the sky




I am staying with my Aunt Chantal, her husband Matthew and her son Benjamin. All together, and incredibly fun and friendly family. I've even been mildly successful in forcing myself to work on things such as homework and college applications. Although nothing eventful is taking place, I am very much at peace with this family, England, and my work.
Best of all, I had a good meal! After eating the canteen food at the castle, any type of food is welcomed with a parade of enthusiasm. School starts up in.. 4 days now.
I think I'm ready.