Travel Blogger Stories: Ariel & Canterbury

Part of travel blogging entails the privilege to share and swap stories with the bloggers you read and the bloggers that follow you. I met Ariel from A Dreamer's Daze on the first day being abroad, and only found out later that we had a common interest: blogging! We decided to share our shared love for Canters in a questionnaire we both compiled. I hope you enjoy a different (but oddly similar) perspective on the little city that I fell in love with. 

Hello Readers!

My name is Ariel! I blog over at A Dreamer's Daze. I studied in Canterbury last semester with the wonderful Hannah Margaret. Through e-mails of story swapping and reminiscing, we decided it would be fun to answer a few questions about our time spent across the pond. Just writing this is making me all nostalgic. I still can't get it out of my mind that I won't be going back to England for this upcoming semester. I guess it's safe to say, England kind of stole my heart.

1. What made you want to study abroad in Canters?

I'm a double major in English and Political Science at the University of Vermont.The English department at UVM had a study abroad program already established with Kent that works with English majors and guarantees classes will transfer. It was the only program I could do and still make sure I fulfilled all requirements for both majors. When I decided to study abroad, I didn't look at any other programs besides the one in Canterbury, but it worked out well! I ended up studying abroad with some of my best friends from school. We made it a group adventure.

 

2. What was your favorite part of English culture? Least favorite?

I love the way of life. It's slower- more peaceful. I guess you could say that about European cultures, in general, but I just loved how I was able to slow down and really appreciate the experience. For dislike- they call salad dressing, salad cream. cream. That is #1 on my list of words that gross me out. I can't even.

3. What was your favorite thing to do or place to go?

Definitely afternoon tea at Tiny Tim's. It was the absolute cutest place with the best tea and scones. The ladies in there knew me by name after a while. It was a great place to get tea and study or catch up with friends.

4. What did you learn from the experience as a whole?

I learned more about who I am and what I want out of life. I have always been fairly adventurous, but this was my first time in Europe alone. I met so many wonderful and unique individuals, and really began to focus on and appreciate those unique attributes that set people apart. It opened my eyes to further accepting and appreciating myself. I fell in love with this idea that the things that make us different, also make us beautiful.

5. Where else did your travels lead, and which place was your favorite?

I traveled around England a bit, but did mostly day trips- Bath, London, Dover, Whitstable. I also got to travel to seven other countries while abroad: Ireland, Scotland, Austria, Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark, and France. Each place was beyond gorgeous and amazing in different ways. I had favorite things about each city. The Nyhavn Harbor in Copenhagen, Denmark. The beautiful architecture and friendliness of Edinburgh, Scotland. The quietness of Salzburg, Austria.  My overall favorites, however, were Scotland, Austria, Denmark, and Ireland. How's that for narrowing it down? ha. 

6. Funniest Moment:

Oh my. There are so many funny moments from my adventures. I'll share 3. :)

I was in Austria visiting a dear friend when The Hunger Games came out. As huge Hunger Games nerds, we decided we absolutely had to see it on opening night. We got to the movie theatre and accidentally snuck into the theatre before we were allowed to be in there. Then I sat through two hours of The Hunger Games in German. Do I speak or understand German? Nope. But Peeta's pretty, so it was fine. ha!

In Scotland, the girls I and I went on a pub crawl. I ended up starting a dance party in a pub to Thriller with a friend. We got almost everyone dancing and singing along. It was amazing! That night will forever be a highlight of my time abroad.

I was at the airport in Denmark, leaving for Amsterdam. One of the men working the security line told me I could leave my boots on when walking through the airport security scanner. I walked through and the lady on the other side told me to step up onto a stool. I stepped up and was, at that point, standing in front of everyone. She then proceeded to pat me down. Problem? I am extremely ticklish. I was trying so hard to just hold still and get it over with, but it wasn't really happening. I was literally crying, I was laughing so hard. And of course people in the security lines were watching and laughing at  with me. SO embarrassing!

7. Best meal:

I'd have to see the best meal was had on our second night in Canterbury. A small group of us went to The Bishop's Finger- a lovely pub downtown. We stopped in for dinner after our first day of really exploring Canterbury and the adorable shops on High Street. We all ordered fish n' chips and a beer and just hung out for a while. It was the perfect introduction to England.

8. Favorite regular spot in town:

The Old Butter Market, which is a more traditional pub. It had the most delicious drinks and the men working there were always so friendly and chatty. And they weren't hard on the eyes, either, which was a plus. It was the perfect place to just unwind and have a nice conversation with friends.

9. Favorite drink:

Kopparberg mixed berry cider. Or any hard cider, really. So. Good. 

10. What do you miss most?

I miss the people. I miss traveling across Europe with some of my very best friends. I miss the bunnies that seemed to be everywhere on campus and waking up to the sun and the birds chirping. I miss the view of the river walking down High Street. I miss the cafes and the accents and the traveling by train. It was such a poetic way of life, even if for such a short time. It was a dream.

xoxo, Ariel

Ariel, you are so wonderful! Thanks for sharing a little bit of the place that we clearly both know and love. It was such a treat swapping stories. And FYI, I answered the same questions on her blog here. And I've got some more teen tips in an article over at Popcosmo!