Summer of books and blue blue water.

I am writing this post at Maldives, about 40 minutes from its capital – Male.

I hope you’re all having a great summer, just like me. 

The highlight of this summer is not my vacation on the paradise island, but a book that has been published this month – Breaking dawn.

2nd if august was the day all of the Twilight fans have been waiting for, including myself. I’m srry to say that due to my vacation I didn’t have a chance to buy the book, so I had to download it from the internet. However, I’ll surely buy it as soon as I come back to some civilized place. I’d like to remind you that Stephenie Meyer deserves her money for the book and therefore you should buy it, instead of just downloading it. 

SPOILER WARNING!

Now to the book itself… Like I’ve already mentioned before, at some other site, there are two parts of me now – one liking the book very much for having a typical happy ending, another disliking it for being too predictable at some points (Bella’s pregnancy, Jacob imprinting on her daughter and more). The only point that I haven’t predicted was the happy ending, really. No sacrifice, no battle, no… nothing. I just really hope there will be another book after this, perhaps with some more action. I’d love to see that coming.

However, the part of me which loves the book is stronger than this other, critical part. Perhaps It’s because I’m such a sucker for Edward – who knows? Plus I was infinitely happy for Bella – it is easy to get swept away by her happiness in this book. I got… carried away.

No matter how much I’d hate to see anyone (even minor characters) dying, It would have made the series more serious, I suppose. But then again, perhaps it’s supposed to be this way – cheerful, easy reading, letting us to relate to the characters and see them living… forever.

 

Have a nice summer,

Ana

College.

The day of my arrival to Boston is slowly approaching (53 days to go, to be exact), summer break is passing by without any major adventures and I’ve got a lot of time for thinking.

Thinking about my future after college, choosing the right university and the right course, money matters and so on. I like this part of my life a lot, even though I generally dislike decision making, being very indecisive-almost to the point of having some kind of a disability.

Anyway, I was also thinking about reviewing some UK colleges for international students, as I have applied for several of them this year. I got to know many members of international offices and learned a few useful tips for prospective college students. People should know about advantages and disadvantages of studying overseas and also about the system in the UK from an average person’s point of view (that would be me).

I’ve come up with a list of several colleges and a description of their services, fees, accommodation and more. Here we go…

 

I thought I’d start with the Boston college, as it’s the one I’m headed to : )

Boston is located in Lincolnshire, East Midlands, UK. I’ve chosen this place of all because of its pleasant weather conditions (not too hot, not too cold – just about right) and a peaceful area. The town itself is rather small, with about 50 000 inhabitants. To cut it short, it’s not a busy area, which gives students more opportunities to concentrate on their studies, rather than partying (but, hey, partying is a great part of a college life and I’m not saying it’s impossible in Boston : P You just have to know the right people, I believe).

The college offers a great range of various A level subjects and it’s not centred around just one area. You can choose up to 4 subjects and submit an online application, which is easy to complete. Here comes the time for a useful tip. Normally, international students would be required to provide some language test result – IELTS. The test is quite hard to pass, but it’s the best one available (you can request it at your local British council office). However, if you choose to apply through some student agency, you will be given a very easy english test, which you can mostly pass sitting at home (it’s up to you whether you’ll cheat or not, but the test is very, very easy).

The advantage of applying on your own is that you can save the agency fees and you’re the one who’s got the control over the process. You don’t have to rely on other people and you also communicate with the international office by yourself. The only problem might be the visa application process. Students who opt for applying on their own might have some problems with the entry clearance, as the visa offices tend to be very strict about the paperwork. You’d have to provide any document that comes to your mind to make sure you get your visa on time.

Agencies can provide you with a special paper that would make it all a bit easier. 

 

Back to the process… Once you submit your application (whichever way you choose) you have to wait for them to reply. They will let you know whether they need anything else from you, or not. Mostly they will need a copy of your ID, passport, your parents’ documents and copies of any language certificates you can provide. Copies of your school reports from past 3 years are required, too.

Once you’ve provided that, you have to wait for your acceptance letter, which you’ll need for your visa application.

On the behalf of Boston college I have to say that their staff is very easy to get along with, they’re very helpful and patient. I’m a very chaotic person and it takes me ages to get organized. I’m very thankful for their support – special thanks to Margaret. 

If you’re interested in studying at the Boston college, please visit their website. 

 

john Leggott college was my first choice, to tell the truth. Like Boston, they have a little bit different fees, lower than most of other colleges, but they still provide students with a wide range of courses and activities. The college is located in North Lincolnshire, not so far from big cities like Manchester and Liverpool. For more information, visit college’s website  - this link will take you directly to the international section.

Since I’ve explained the process above (yes, the process is pretty much the same, since they also have on online application) all I have to say is that it’s one of the best colleges in the area, especially when it comes to international students who don’t want to pay a fortune or get into a great debt. Surely it’s much more lovely in Oxford or Cambridge, but the expenses would be enormous.

These two colleges I’ve been talking about above have a friendly atmosphere, are internationally recognized and can lead you to top universities (I think it’s better to save some money while you’re at a college, so you can spend some more at university, right).

They both provide satisfactory accommodation either at the halls of residence, or in a homestay. I’ve been talking to some people who go there and they’re very happy with their choices – so am I.

 

I think that’s all for now – I will write more later.

-Ana

Oddness

This is a very odd period of my life. Everything is changing and I’m not entirely sure whether it’s what I want, whether it’s what I like.

On one hand, I’m glad to have my future a bit clearer, knowing where I’m going to spend (at least) next year of my life. But on the other hand, it means leaving my friends behind for a great amount of time and I have no idea how am I going to handle it. It’s surely going to be a lonely period from the beginning, knowing that I won’t get to see them for a year, or so. Yet, I’m looking forward to it, because there’s a lot of mess I’m about to leave behind (unsolved relationships, forming relationships and those relationships I’d rather forget about all together).

Anyway, what I’m trying to say is, that yesterday I got to taste the first part of my goodbyes. Two of my friends (one of whom I used to like more than a friend) left Bratislava and headed to London, where they’re going to spend this summer, trying to find a job. This means that I’m not going to see them for the rest of summer, because my visa is only valid from 27th August and also that I’m not going to see them for the rest of the year. This is not a pleasant thought, you know.

I’ve cried my eyes out, but I do hope it’s all for the best. I mean, there surely must be some greater good, right? Nothing happens without a reason. And if this is meant to make me stronger – in a way, then I might as well clinch my fists and carry on…

One more thing which is quite scary is that I might get engaged very soon. Early marriage is not exactly on my to-do list. In fact, I’d rather avoid getting married at any age (well, maybe when I’m in my very late 20’s…). I suppose it’s because I can clearly see how much damage can be done by this act, which is supposed to be an ultimate act of love. It’s disappointing and clearly disencouraging. 

What do I do now? I have no idea. I’d rather skip the whole summer chapter of this shitty novel and open the book somewhere in the middle, or at least a few pages after this ridiculously slow summer chapter…

A long break

It’s been a while since the last post, so I think it’s about the right time to let the world outside know what’s going on in my own little universe.

Finally, I’m done with my finals, except for the last 2 – English oral examination and a History vocabulary test. These should be quite OK, I think. After those two, I will be officially finished and therefore able to find a proper job to make my summer pass quickly.

(Yes, I am really looking forward to the new school year – it’s going to be more exciting than the ones before, I think. From the beginning at least)

I was rather surprised today, when during a Geography lesson my teacher told me she’s decided to give me B as a final mark. It’s not that I am all that bad at geography, it’s just that I am lazy to study when forced. I’m a major procrastinator, you see, so studying for exams is not exactly my cup of tea. 

However, she though it would be quite nice with me leaving this school behind for good and I’m very, very thankful for that. It has nothing to do with me feeling good, but somehow my mother is still very concerned about my finals marks; I guess it has something to do with parental pride.

Either way I’m happy about that : )

And I’m also happy because I’ve got a room at the halls of residence confirmed at last! Oh, and I’ve also received my visa, which was probably the most important part of me going to the UK, haha.

 

Anyway, here is a list of thins I should do this summer…

-Somehow manage to live through this summer – preferably working;

-Enjoy this summer, while not working;

-Throw a goodbye party for those wishing to say goodbye;

-Double check that I’ve packed enough warm clothes this time (l o l);

-Buy some normal suitcase – the one I already have weights about 5 kg without clothes in it

 

That should be about right…

 

Now I’m off for a walk, I need some fresh air.

Anastasia x

Claire de Lune

Yes, I am listening to Debussy while writing this. It’s soothing…

 

Mmm.

Obviously, I’ve finished reading the (for now) last book of the series, so I’m not going to get back to it – just like I’d said; I’m not going to change my opinion. Now I just have to carry on living until August 2nd, I guess. Ahaha. 

Until then, I’m going to try to have a life of my own. For example yesterday, I’ve attended my best friend’s party (her name is Romana, just in case you’re reading this and you don’t know me quite well, or at all). And it was good. Really good. Despite the fact that I wasn’t planning on going there at all, I have to admit I’ve had fun. Lots of it, actually.

PAst few months I’ve been feeling like I was trying to make my friends forget my existence, like I was avoiding them. It’s a bad thing, avoiding people you like. On the other hand, it’s for the best. I am not made of iron, nor ice. Leaving them behind might be easier if I stop seeing them now, while I’m still here. Same goes for them (even though I’m not sure if anyone would miss me as much as I’ll be missing them, but it still doesn’t change my point).

Even though I’ve come to realize I wasn’t in love with any of the guys I’d been seeing, I’m not going to tempt myself. The last thing I need now is falling for someone. Childish? Maybe… But I’m not going to take that risk. I might very well spend my summer break working – I do need some money for the first semester at least. 

First of all, though, I’d have to try to survive this week. It’s going to be full of examinations and I don’t feel like undergoing any of it. It’s hard focusing on something when the only thing you desire is leaving the place you’re at (this, and Edward Cullen, of course. OK, OK, enough : D ).

While procrastinating (as usually), I’ve started stalking some of the former students from the Boston college, just to find out something more about the place I’m heading to… And it looks like they’ve all loved it. It does make me curious… Really curious. Is it a better life I’m about to start? Or is my mind weird enough to spoil it all for me? Honestly,I don’t know. I’d have to wait and see. And hope for the best, too.

Claire de lune is the synonym for the world ‘calmness’ indeed.

Ana

Deep in the world of books

I have been avoiding the outer world as much as possible these days, sticking my nose into the twilight series so hard, I’d forgotten how to raise my sight back up again.

I have to admit it’s one of the best escapes I’ve ever experienced. Ever. I became so deeply absorbed in the strange atmosphere of suicidal love theme, that I forgot about my own world altogether. I guess it’s a good thing – it helps me to spend the days I’d otherwise spend biting my nails in a more efficient way (at least my nails are still more or less present. Whoo!)

Anyway, I feel I ought to say something about the series. I haven’t finished reading The Eclipse yet (although I have finished The New moon in one day – staying up until 1:30 am – go me!), but I already have a formed opinion, which is not very likely to change (since I won’t get a chance to read the Breaking dawn any soon).

 

The books is highly addictive, especially if you are overly sensitive and romantic, like myself. I’m amazed by the authors commitment to the relationship of the main characters – my heart was breaking along with Bella’s, when Edward went missing. There are a few corny moments and the word ‘hyperventilation’ is probably second most used after either blood or vampires, but it still hasn’t spoiled the final effect for me.

I’d like to point out this is just my opinion, of course, and I can still understand how some people don’t like it. But at the same time I’d also like to point out that most of them are just prejudiced. I’ve come across people who’d judge the books by it’s cover – in an utterly wrong way. Surely, putting together words like vampire, human, love and eternity doesn’t sound tempting to the most of readers who take reading seriously, but it takes a right mood to fully appreciate the writing of this kind.

I’m not a fan of sentiment – you won’t catch me sitting through the entire Titanic movie without making sick noises. But this is not the case. I’m fascinated by the way Stephenie Meyer describes Isabella’s feelings an her odd attachment to the mythical creatures. I find nothing wrong about an only natural human desire to run away from this world and get lost in an imaginary one, full of vampires and werewolves (ha, I’ve never been sure how to write the word before!).

So, yes, while I enjoy reading serious novels of a different kind, starting from Jane Austen to  Ian McEwan or Thomas Hardy, I can still find a horror romance charming, too. I like getting lost thinking about Edward Cullen, even though it provides me with unreal expectations (Let’s face it, Edward is the way he is because his character was created by a female. She wanted him to be perfect. A beautiful, gentle saviour, with a hint of danger to provide us with the much needed adrenaline… This is not going to happen in real life, but it still feels good reading about it, right?)

 

All in all, I love the series. They’ve made my waiting for a visa much more bearable. I’m thankful for that.

 

Ana

Dam da ra dum

No, the headline has no meaning at all, trust me. I just didn’t know what to put there. My creativity is at the 0 point, maybe even below that.

It’s still very hot outside, the rain was weak yesterday and it didn’t help at all. It has only encouraged mosquitos to bite more. 

The big tests have already started, I’m already done with Sociology and Biology for this year – hooray! I’m not really concerned about the results, mainly because I’m not planning on studying those subjects in Boston. I am, however, concerned about my History, Sociology and English grades. I have to work a bit on those. The rest of it just doesn’t matter all that much (doesn’t mean I’m going to fail the exams completely, even though the thought is rather tempting).

What has brightened my day was a decision to buy my own copy of the Twilight book, by Stephenie Meyers. I’ve seen a trailer of a movie coming out sometime soon and I loved it (especially because of Robert Pattinson being in it, plus I like vampire stories very much indeed). I was thrilled when I found the book at the local book shop – there’s not a great choice of english books around here. I’ve already started reading it and it’s amazing. I can pretty much relate to Bella, she’s a good character. Not to mention my girly side has cheered up a lot at the first mention of Edward Cullen, ahah. I’m such a fangirl about Robert… Oh well.

 

I’m off to read some more – the book is like a drug! A good one, not a bad one. 

 

Farewell!

 

Ana

The new beginning

Hello world.

To tell the truth, I have no idea why I have started yet another blog, especially since I know I’m absolutely unable to keep the posts coming.

But I thought I ought to, because I’m undergoing major changes and it’s interesting to watch it all happening. Something like an analysis of my personality and my mind. Creepy!

 

I’m not going to write any introduction – this blog is mostly for myself and I’m not planning on re-distributing the link whatsoever. If you find it via google, too bad for you : )

Feel free to read, though. I do that quite often (I mean reading blogs, not reading as a such).

That would be all for now, I guess.

 

Anastasia