I Miss Iowa

Today someone started the truly original argument that fraternity members always roofie girls. Especially at Iowa. I may not be Miss Greek, but I have a fair amount of respect for the members of chapters everywhere, especially at Iowa. We compose only 10% of the entire campus, and most people seem to be okay with that, but once and again you meet that know-all individual who is not Greek yet seems to know all the ins and outs of Greek life. But only the bad parts. According to this individual (who goes to Iowa, mind you), only the richest students are picked to be in sororities and fraternities. First we pay for our fiends, then the roofieing begins, apparently. What's next? We drink beers (gasp), we live in a house together (Oh my), we have fun (No, not that!)

Also, someone in my class made the compelling argument that Iowa has no big cities. Wow. Good one. I feel that I am constantly defending the state and university - which is fine - but I'm so confused as to why it's an issue in the first place. Yes, genius, Iowa is not New York City, but it's what millions call home and love it dearly. To badmouth someone's home state or school after knowing them for an entire two weeks (or less or more) is bad form - unless you go to Iowa State which in that case it is entirely acceptable.

It's especially frustrating when my school/sorority/Greek life in general is bad mouthed in front of the British kids, which is what happened tonight. Don't they get enough negative portrayls from television, movies, etc? No, they need someone who has never stepped foot inside a Greek house to Tell It Like It Is. Thanks, all knowing and clever Univesity of Iowa student! You have really made my night.

The day the frat boys dressed up as pretty ladies

A boy on my floor convinced the Americans that Thursdays are drag queen night at a bar in town. What he failed to mention was that usually it's just the DJ that dresses up. Luckily we didn't know this until we got there, so I present to you...

Pictures That Shall Never Get Old



































































The evening was a success, except for those poor boys. I haven't laughed that hard in ages.

I'm Hungry

I have arrived in Lancaster, where I will be spending the next six months of my life! My dorm is mostly first year students, but there are a handful of us international kids infiltrating their space.

I start classes tomorrow! I'm excited - I think I got some good ones. I'm taking :

Poetry Writing
Fiction Writing
Film Cultures
Science Fiction in Film and Literature.

I'm a little confused about when and where they meet, but I figure I'd get lost no matter how organized I try to be.

We (all of the international kids) took a day trip to the Lake District today. It was very cold, rainy, and touristy, so I definitely want to head back before I leave, perhaps on a nicer day. I think this blog post is extremely boring, so I will end it and think of something better to post next time.

Enjoy the snow! (Muahahaha)

-Rachel

Offically in the UK!

Hi! I can't believe I'm here!

I would like to first say that in the first three hours upon my arrival, I got separated from my group and had to have someone give me directions over the phone (fail) and then come meet me somewhere in London to take me to the restaurant everyone was at. Yikes.

There are 39 of us from all over the country at orientation over the next couple days, and there will be four or five of us going to Lancaster.

I just bought a hair straightener and a blow dryer this morning so I'm thinking my life will resume without panic asap. Because my hair without those things is worse than being alone cold and scared in London. Just kidding. Kind of.

The first day of orientation is about to begin so I will say goodbye, but I will write soon soon soon.

-Rachel

PS Happy birthday Haley yay yay yay. :)