Thank You

Hey everyone,

So I have been home about a week, and I have started to get back in the swing of things here back in the states. I have started work, got a new phone, and are getting ready to move into my apartment back up at my University here in the states. But this time has allowed me to think about the year that I have spent in the UK. The friendships I made, the experiences I had, and the places I saw have turned me into the person I am today, and I am so thankful for that. So right now looking back I wanted to put into words what this trip met to me and I thank those who I had the pleasure to meet.

Dad and Beth, thank you for supporting the idea that I wanted to study abroad, and making me do all the work to get me there. Because of that I feel I have grown more independent, which makes me a better human being. I know you guys didn't have much, but the fact that you both tried so hard to try to get me here was more than enough. The constant Skype calls, and messages made the adjustment easier believe me. Beth it was great seeing you in Germany, and Dad I look forward to seeing you when you get back. So thank you again for your support and I can't wait to see you both when you come state side once again. Love you guys!

Thomas Janis, most of the readers really don't realize that you were the one sending and receiving everything I needed in order to come here. You were the ultimate study abroad middle man. I'm sorry if I seemed overbearing at times when I came to getting information, I was just a little too excited. But thank you for your guidance and help getting me to the UK, working with both Uni's for classes and making sure I was alright. I look forward to catching up with you when I get back to campus in the fall. And Laura thank you for meeting with me when I was deciding where to study. If it wasn't for your input I don't know if I would of ended up in Plymouth, but I am so glad I did. And to be quite honest I couldn't think of a better British city to spend my year!

Haley, I think there might be a little bit too much to thank you for to write it all down in this post, but I'll give it my best shot. First thanks for not disappearing on me well I was away. I know many people that would have just thrown in the towel a month or two in, but for some reason you didn't and that means more than you can imagine. Thanks for listening to me on nights I was over stressed or just plain homesick. It was amazing to see you when you came over here for the winter break. That was some of the best traveling I got to do when I was there, and I can't wait to adventure some more when I'm home. I know that you know hate Skype and in all honestly I don't plan to use it anytime in near future to talk to you! But above all thank you for being the amazing person that I have come to know, and know I am not going anywhere.

Mama Liz, and Ed, ok little bit of real talk here. If it wasn't for you I won't have taken this trip in the first place. In my hour of need, you and Ed backed me on my loan to make this crazy dream, well a crazy reality. I can't thank you enough for this opportunity of a lifetime that you have given me. And thank you for giving up your Christmas stateside just to come hang out with me in London. I can say that I will never forget that Christmas. And every Sunday like clockwork on Skype gave me something to look forward, so I look forward to continuing that when I get back home. Thank you for everything you've done so far and for your support over the years. I love you both!

Ok now for all the people that I have met in Plymouth and or have asked for a shoutout in this blog (UPFC Sparrows...) here's to you.

My flatmates, Tom, Ellie, Rob, Sophie, Katie, and Rose, thank you all for an amazing year. Thanks for helping me adjust and deal with all the cultural differences. I will miss the conversations we had at dinner, and Tom's constant banter about how crazy us American's are and how we suck at grammar. But above all I will always remember both your hospitality, grace, and welcoming spirit of me, the exchange student of the group, over the past year. Thank you all and I wish you all luck during the rest of your time at uni. Enjoy it, because it goes by fast.

Enactus Plymouth, Ant, Tom S, Laura Morgan, Laura Merchant, Alex, Katie, Hannah, Tom D, Lenni, Fabin, and the rest of the Enactus crew. First off, thank you for allowing me to become one of family if only for a year. By working with you all I have grown as a person, and as a business leader. I look forward to taking those skills back and putting them to good use wherever I end up. I know every single one of you have the skill set and the drive to get you where you want in your life. It was a pleasure to work as the Recreo team leader and I look forward to seeing how it grows. Thank you all,  but I know I'll see you all again!

OK UPFC Sparrows here is your moment. Boys it's been an amazing time playing football with you lot. Like I said in a previous post, thanks for letting me be that token American that plays nothing like Clint Dempsey. Although we may not have won a title the wins that we did get we're very well deserved. Adam thank you for being a solid captain this year and letting me join the team later in the season. Ismael thank you for being over the top and 100% the whole season! I look forward to hearing about how next season goes! Seb, it's been a long year going from Pilgrim Halls FC to playing together as Sparrows. I wish your Newcastle all the best to go back up next season. Scott keep that back line together next year and Jesse keep scoring screamers from right back. PK work on not missing your sitters and you'll be world class...well for Plymouth Uni. Lucien keep calling for the ball it will eventually get to you. Morgan thank you for giving me the chance to play CDM it was an honor, but don't be afraid to switch the play every now and again. Will keep making those runs and the goals will start coming! Darro boss the midfield next year just like you did this season. Karl I wish you the best next season and kill it in varsity next year! And for anyone I missed again it's been a pleasure and I can't wait to see what you all do in the future!

For everyone else I met or worked on a project with. Don't think you've gone unnoticed. It was a pleasure getting to know you this year and I hope to see you all again at some point in life. If it wasn't for your hard work and understanding I would not have enjoyed Plymouth Uni as much as I have.

So as my pilgrimage from Plymouth to Plymouth has come to an end. However, the memories and friends I have made there will last a lifetime. I never thought how much I would get attached to the city of Plymouth, but at this point I wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you to all who have supported me and have read this blog. You all made me want to write this and I never thought it would grow into something that people wanted to read. I'm glad you got to see my journey through my eyes. Plymouth was hard to leave but when I stepped on my flight to fly back home I was able to have a smile on my face from what I accomplished this year, and learned. Now Although this story has run its course, I am happy I got a chance to experience it. Experiences like this have to begin, be enjoyed, and end at some point and that point is now. But this was my experience, so thank you all for making this experience what it was.

Thank you,
Tucker Moss 

The Italian Job: Rome and Venice

Hey everyone,

This post is all about my time in Italy when I visited Rome, and then Venice. I thought that since I spent such a short time in Venice I would combine this to make this whole post about my time in Italy. I had such a great time there, and there are so many things that I think if you get a chance to see either of these cities in your lifetime to go and due. Well first things first Rome.

So I woke up early took a shower and got breakfast before checking out of the Hostel. If you're ever looking for a hostel in Madrid I highly recommend The Hat, great staff, great people and overall a great time. But I took the metro over to the airport to catch my flight to the City of Rome. Getting to my gate was a breeze, but in normal Ryanair fashion they had to either delay the flight or change gate right before we were suppose to board. They did both. After a quick run around the airport I hopped on my flight to Rome. 

I slept most of the flight; I did however see Ibiza from the sky, which was really amazing. But the best part about that flight is that in order to land in Ciampino airport (the other Rome airport) you have to fly right over the city. I saw the Vatican, and the Colosseum from the sky, and to have that happen to kick off my time in Rome was a bonus. It took me about an hour and fifteen to get into the city, since people don’t know how to drive in the city. My shuttle driver was going to get out of the bus and kill someone if he had to drive in that mess any longer. It was a 5-minute walk from the bus stop to the hostel, and then it was checking in.

I only spent a short time in the room, because I was starving and I needed to get some Italian food in my life. I saved in France to spend here in Italy, so I found a nice place right next to my hostel, and sat down with a glass of white wine and the best carbonara I have ever had in my life, and don’t even get me started on tiramisu I had. That was one of the best meals that I have had on this trip. I wanted to lick the plate clean to be honest.

Then after dinner I ended up at the bar for the night, and I met a lot of amazing people, a graduate who is on a similar trip to me, and a BC grad that was telling me how to get into BC Law School. Then I met both Sean and is friend who were traveling together around Italy. They were both really great guys, and I wish them the best on the rest of their trip.

So after a slow morning, since I knew my tour didn’t start until 12:30 I decided to sleep in a bit. I grabbed some pizza, and it filled me right up and I was ready to see were this tour would take me. We meet at reception and then hopped on one of the two metro lines that go through the city of Rome. (Side note since there are only two lines in the city don’t take it early in the morning, or from like 3:30 to 7 in the evening, unless you like feeling like a sardine.) We started at some amazing Roman Ruins called Circo Massimo, after that we walked up this hill and saw the first orange garden in Rome. I have to say the view from the top of it was amazing, so for you photographers go there. After which we walked down and saw some buildings from Ancient Roman, and some buildings from Italy’s Fascist era. I saw the only building left in the city to have Mussolini’s name still on it. From there we walked into the Jewish Ghetto, and learned all about the gold bricks in front of some of the homes in the area. They were there for the Jews that were taken by the Germans, and it states whether or not the person survived the Holocaust or not. That for some reason really hit me and made me think about how the actions of a radical politician can cause so much pain. All I can hope is that it will never happen ever again.

But after that historical and somber walk around the ghetto, our tour guide took us to a cheap pizza place for lunch, which happens to be one of the best pizza spots I have ever been to. Watch out Cristy’s these guys are making a case for best pizza I’ve ever had. This place was known for a Pumpkin, Bacon, and Provolone Cheese pie, so I thought I would give it a try. That pizza was one of the best. I would have never thought of Pumpkin on a pizza!

After filling up on Pizza we headed out again, and saw several churches before seeing the Pantheon. The Pantheon was amazing and it is one of the few round churches in the city. There was just so much history there. Then after the Pantheon, we made our way to a few more churches than, to get some amazing gelato. That was the best gelato I think I have ever had. When in Rome just get the Pistachio, and Vanilla gelato.

Then we walked for what seemed like ages, I think it was good after all the food that we ate. But we then saw the building that Mussolini gave all of his speeches from, and right next to it was the Tomb of the Unknown soldier. It was amazing monument to this soldier. Then it was only a short walk to see most iconic monuments in Rome, the Colosseum.

I had wanted to see the Colosseum for ages and then I finally got a chance to see it in all if its glory. It made me realize that there was so many people that came before me and I need to learn from them in order to learn from their mistakes. But in that moment I stood in bewilderment looking at what the might of the Roman Empire was like.

That was the end of the tour, but I managed to find my way over to the Trevi Fountain. I just wanted a picture and to throw a coin in the fountain, but I soon learned that it was one of the biggest tourist traps in the city. People were like seven or eight people deep to try and get a picture. Yeah I squeezed in and made my way to the front, got my photo, threw my two coins and made my wish, and booked it to the closest metro station. 

I got back to the Hostel in one piece and grabbed dinner with Sean. Half way through an amazing dinner, I looked over at a table across from mine and recognized someone. It was someone I had gone to Elementary school with and I hadn’t seen in years. Briana I hope the rest of your trip went will! Just goes to show how small the world really is. After dinner it turned into another night out, and met some more amazing people, and then called it a night.

Now it was the same story as the morning before, since I hadn’t slept in in such a long time. Then once I was ready for the day I made my way to the Vatican. Some of you know that I am not the most religious person in the world but I need to see the home of the Pope, and of the Christian church. It was amazing, and I wish I could have taken even more time then I had in the Vatican, but my time there made me think about life in a new light, as a lot of things on this trip have made me do. But then it was back to the Hostel for a quiet one, because the Vatican took the full day.

 The next day was a travel day, and I was traveling to Venice.

I left Rome early, and it felt really bittersweet because I loved Rome. I did however manage to lose my sunglasses the morning I left or someone grabbed them the evening before. I really wasn’t gutted about the glasses; I was gutted about the Camp Lincoln Chums that were on them. If anyone knows if camp is making more or has any left from last year let me know because I loved those.

Ok back to the adventure. I ended up at Termini shortly after getting new shades, and after another short wait I was on a train headed to Venice. I fell asleep for most of the four-hour train ride to the city. But when I awoke I was on the way into the “City of Water”. The city really should be called the City of spending all of your money. For anyone that is going to the city be prepared to spend way too much money for simple things in other cities. To get to where my hostel was it was almost 30 euros, and the boat ride took more than a half an hour.

But besides how expensive the city was, the city really was a living work of art. I guess if you get caught doing any form of graffiti in the city the punishment is huge. But I was there to enjoy the city that was basically built on water. It is amazing how this city with all its beauty hasn’t sunk. I went through St Mark's Square, and just soaked it in. Honestly if you're ever in the city just walk around the city is just so beautiful.

I did feel however it really is a HUGE tourist trap. Like Venice is something that everyone needs to see in their life and I totally recommend that you do, but please don’t be like the ignorant tourists that I ran into everywhere in the city. It really makes other travelers times a lot less enjoyable.

I woke up early the next morning know it was going to take a while to get to the airport because of these boats, and the bus to get me to the airport. But I was glad to be out of the city. I really can't describe my time in the city, because at certain times I was stuck just looking at the city, and realizing it’s beauty, and what it took to create. Although my time was short here, I found myself wanted to come back. But if I was to come back it would be with someone else so it wouldn’t be weird to take a gondola ride alone, and that we could just enjoy the beauty of the city together. But that is all for now, next stop Germany! But remember to stay safe and have fun!


-Tucker 

Exploring Saint-Malo and Bayeux

Hey Everyone,

So I've been wanted to write a post for a while, but since I have been studying for my final exam at Plymouth Uni I haven't really thought about it. But now that it's all over I managed to make it through my year of study in Plymouth. But my time here in Europe isn't over yet. It's time for my Eurotrip! So since my flight was booked to come back to the United States wasn't till July, I made a point to go to explore all the things in Europe that I had only seen in textbooks.

So first off I didn't book with a travel company, I wanted this trip to be raw and getting the locals perspective of Europe, and that is exactly what I did. Although I will be on my own for this month of travel I relish the challenge of figuring out the culture, language and directions. So over the next month you'll be getting updates about my travels around Europe.

So the first step was to figure out where to start this journey I was to embark on. After thinking it over and talking to my flatmates I made the decision to start my trip in Saint-Malo, France. Tom suggested I take a ferry over to France from Portsmouth. So on the last saturday in May I got on my train and headed to Portsmouth to get that ferry.

Portsmouth it is an amazing city from the small portion I got to see of it. However I do plan to see the city again, the next time I make my way back to Europe. The Ferry Port was a bit out of the way from the actual city, so I began to walk there after I go done with my walkabout around the city. I managed to get there and get on my ferry. The ferry took me across the Channel at night so I had to sleep on the boat. Needless to say sleeping on a ferry is no fun.

When I awoke from my three hour snooze I found myself off the coast of France, and as the boat was docking I got my first glimpses of the walled city of Saint-Malo. Seeing something that was older than my own country, and how it was still in such incredible condition amazed me. After getting off the boat, I went through customs and got my France stamp, then I proceeded to see what the old city actually looked like.

The streets were narrow, but were filled with the smells of fresh bread, and pastries. The walled wrapped right around these beautiful buildings shielding them from the weather and making sure the occupants of each building were safe. I walked around for a bit then made my way to my hotel because I just needed to sleep. But upon arrival I found out that I could not get into my room until three in the afternoon.

So with that news I managed to walk around around explore the city once more. I first walked on the beach outside of the walls of the city. The beach itself was amazing and so beautiful, and it went right up to the walls surrounding the city. I then made my way back into the city. Without wifi, and not knowing a lot of French I found myself sitting on a bench in the middle of the city just people watching. I still had my head on a swivel to make sure no pickpocket would take advantage. But after moving from that bench and wandering the streets of Saint-Malo I managed to get this amazing sweet, called Beignets Masion. I can't describe how good it was, just if you ever get a chance to get one, just ask to get Nutella in it. After managing to enjoy Saint-Malo enough, I made it back to my hotel to get some must needed rest, but not without getting some french bread for dinner.

After over sleeping my alarm the next morning I managed to get up and see what I didn't see of Saint-Malo the day before. I walked over to the other side of the of the city to explore a medieval tower that managed to make it through WW2. Mentioning WW2 I saw several bunkers that were only about a half a mile from the city. They had holes in them that I can only imagine were from American ships. It was a moment for me that made me realize that the conflict that took over this continent was so deadly. It was the first monument to the war I have seen in person and not in a text book. I then made my way back to the walled city. I managed to get some great food, and sit on the wall itself and take in the views.


After that journey I walked into a Supermarket and had a conversation (in French, which I speak very little of. VERY little.) with a lovely woman. She wished me the best on my journey and after I got my french bread I went back to the hotel to get ready for my first train ride of the journey. The day before I had gone to the train station to make sure that I had all of my tickets in the right order, and to know that I could just hop on my train. I was all set for the next morning.

I woke up early to caught my 7:48 train to get me to Bayeux. I had one change at a small station called Dol de Bretagne. It was a lovely station but I wasn't there long, as I caught my train to get me Bayeux. It was sunny in Saint-Malo, and down pouring in Bayeux when I got there. I made a point to come to this small Normandy town for one reason, the D-Day Beaches. But seeing the Tapestry of Bayeux was a total bonus.

The beaches are something that I have always wanted to see because of my fascination with World War 2 and how it was such a global conflict. I had booked a half-day tour to see La Pointe du Hoc (where the Rangers scaled cliffs to take out German guns on the coast.), Omaha Beach, and the American Cemetery. At La Pointe du Hoc I saw craters that were caused by US bombs, and stood in a German bunker, the whole point really put into perspective what the war was and how so many people lost their lives. We then made our way to Omaha beach. I stood on the beach that so many gave up their lives to secure freedom for so many. I was humbled and speechless standing there, and that continued when I made my way to the American Cemetery. It was as powerful as Arlington National Cemetery, and words can't describe the feeling that I had walking around the Cemetery.

But shortly after the cemetery I got dropped off in Bayeux. I had a train shortly after I was dropped off so I went to the bakery my tour guide recommended. I ment a few Americans there, and they were nice enough to buy my croissant. John from Western Colorado, if you're reading this thank you. But shortly after getting that croissant I then made my way to the station, where I hopped on a train that would get me to my next stop, Paris!

So that is my Eurotrip so far I hope to be updating you all as I go along my trip. I will be posting on Instagram quite a bit so if you want to follow some of the pictures of my journey check out my Instagram: tucker_moss. But other than that remember to stay safe and enjoy the day!


-Tucker  

Tucker and Beth Take on Stuttgart

Hey everyone,

So this past weekend (and into the beginning of the week), I caught a flight to see my Step-Mother Beth. She started work over in German about a month ago, so I though I would go and visit her this weekend. We ended up going all over the map, and almost crossing into Austria thanks to our GPS. It was a great adventure and I hope you enjoy reading about it as much as we enjoyed doing it.

Well my journey to Stuttgart started with a red eye sleeper train from Plymouth up to London to caught my flight early Saturday morning. My train left Plymouth at almost midnight, and I don’t think that I will be traveling by night train anytime in the near future. I didn’t sleep at all and my train got me to London at 5:12 am so yeah it was a long train. When I got to Paddington I realized that the tubes wouldn’t get me to Heathrow on time so I managed to get an (expensive) ticket on the Heathrow express that would get me to the airport well before my flight.

After another quick train journey I ended up at the airport and since I already had my boarding pass I made my way straight through security. Once on the other side I found the closest stop to my gate and waited for my gate number to be announced. Then after it was announced and a transit ride to the gate I was on my way to Stuttgart. And yes I slept the whole way there. My ears didn’t like me when I woke up.

When I landed in Stuttgart it was a lovely day, and I managed to get through passport control with ease. Then it was through the gate and Beth was right there waiting for me. It was great to see her since it will be one of the last times I see her before I head back to the States. So after getting a quick bite to eat and trying to get some Wi-Fi, (free Wi-Fi in Germany is really hard to come by) we made our way out of the airport walking by car rental places and of course an adult store in the airport. Who knew right? So we got back to Beth’s apartment, and as we were there I had to turn her phone into a hotspot to make sure one my paper was in which it was. Two to make sure my last post was up. And three to let people know I was here and made it from my flight. After that and a quick change of shirt, Beth gave me a quick tour of her area of Stuttgart.

The area around where she lives is really nice and to my surprise really quiet for being in a city, and so close to all the stores she needs. So she showed me all the stores that she was close to and this little local market that happens every Saturday, which was really nice. I was so glad she lived in this little area, and that she was happy there.

After Beth’s guided tour of the area we wanted to do something more because there was still daylight to do things. So we made a plan to see Birkenkopf or Rubble Hill. The backstory to this place is that after WW2 ended Stuttgart was mostly untouched, however of what was destroyed the people of Stuttgart piled all the rubble on to this one hill and this was it. At the top you can still see pieces of the rubble that was created from the conflict that ravaged the continent for so long.

So after our history lesson we made our way over to see two things that I was jealous of Beth for being able to do, which were the Mercedes-Benz Museum, and the Mercedes-Benz Arena. The Museum itself was amazing! The amount of cars that they had in the museum, which ranged from the first car ever made to some of the iconic Benz models throughout the ages. I was so glad I got a chance to see it! Then it was a quick little run down to see the Mercedes-Benz Arena, which is where VFB Stuttgart play. Unfortunately they were relegated from the Bundesliga this season so the arena will be hosting 2.Bundesliga football next year, but I still hope Beth goes and catches a match there.

After our afternoon journey we made it back to the apartment where I got to meet Beth’s landlords. They are lovely people who make Beth feel at home which makes me really happy.

So after Beth changed and a quick call to Dad we went off to find dinner. We went to this little Irish Pub which was close to Beth’s and got some food. There I got my first taste of German Hefeweizen, and I think that I will miss Beer in Europe quite a bit to be honest. We sat there eating, drinking, and watching both the FA final, and the DFB Pokal Cup final, so needless to say it was a good dinner.

So after a good night's sleep we managed to get up and get moving around 10am (Thanks to me sleeping in. I still blame the sleeper train.), and headed off on our journey into the Black Forest. The Black Forest is an area that spans south from Stuttgart as far down as Freiberg, and is this beautiful forest area. Beth wanted to see this shopping center in the black forest, but after not being able to find it we managed to get to Nationalpark Schwarzwald. The park itself is amazing and I wish I could go back some day. However we managed to get to the top of the mountain it sits on by ski lift, and then take a hike around the top.

On the top of this mountain we managed to find a beer garden called Darmstadter Hutte. Although they didn’t speak any English, but both Beth and I managed to get our food and drink. I will say that after that hike the food tasted better because we earned it! After we made our way down and then went on another adventure to the Black Forest Museum. 

It took us a bit to get there due to the long and winding roads in the German mountains, as well as the fact that bikes pass whenever they want on German roads. But when we got there we got there with an hour left, and we thought that we didn’t wanna rush it so we got some food instead. I managed to get a beer and the glass it came in for 5 euros, which I thought was a great deal. Got the glass I wanted to get well I was here so all worked out. We managed to make it back to the house in one piece, and have a home cooked meal. I had really missed that so it was nice to share a meal like that with Beth. Then it was to bed early so we could get up early to make it a castle that both Beth and I had wanted to see.

So up around 8, and out the door by 10 we put in the directions to the Schloss Neuschwanstein, and we were away. For those of you who don’t know what the Schloss Neuschwanstein is I’ll try and summarize it really quick for you. Neuschwanstein was a castle that was commissioned by the German King Ludwig the 2^nd, which sits high in the mountains overlooking Bavaria on the border with Austria. Some say it is the castle that gave Walt Disney the inspiration for Cinderella’s castle.

But the drive there was long, but the both of us wanted to see the castle so we didn’t really mind. However as we got close to the castle the GPS had us going into Austria then back into Germany to get to the castle. I had to do some navigation to make sure we stayed in Germany, and got to the castle. We managed to stay and Germany and get to the castle in one piece.

After we parked both Beth and I looked up to the top of the mountain’s and we saw the castle that we had come here to see. We made it to the ticket center and fought the line to get our reserved tickets, and then hopped on a shuttle that would take us to the castle. We got there about 20 minutes before our tickets would let us into the castle for our tour.  So after the wait in the rain we got in and got an English tour. Unfortunately, we were unable to take pictures inside the castle, but I got one with a great view on one of the castles balconies.

After our tour we went back into town and got some food. After a quick meal we made our way to see one of the mountain feed likes that are all around the region. The water was crystal clear, and made the lake even more beautiful. But after braving the rain for far too long we got back to the car to head back to Stuttgart.

I have to admit that I slept most of the car ride back to the city, and once we were back I studied for most of the night. I did get enough sleep tonight to make sure that I was able to function this morning to get on my flight. There was nothing really of note to mention this morning minus going to a Starbucks. But now I’m waiting for my flight to get me back to the UK for my exam this Friday.

But I wanted to take this time to thank Beth for her hospitality, and for being a tourist with me. I hope you had as much fun as I did. I know that you're going to be working there for a bit, but let me know if there is anything I can do when I get home to make the adjustment there easier. There will be some Dunkin Donuts coffee in your future I can tell you that. You have been amazing helping me through the whole study abroad process and one of my biggest cheerleaders when I need it. So thank you for being there well I have been studying abroad, and know that I will be there for you for anything you need well you're in Germany. Love you!

But that’s it for my adventures for the week. There will be some more adventures in the coming weeks you don’t want to miss, so stay tuned for those. But other than that remember to stay safe and enjoy the day!

P.S. Thank you for 2000 views I never thought I would get that many!


-Tucker                 

Newquay: Britain's Surf City

Hey Everyone,

So last weekend to celebrate my 21^st birthday I went to Newquay. I had wanted to get out of Plymouth for a bit to just hang out on the beach, and from what I was told Newquay was the spot to go. So I booked a hostel a few weeks back, and got a 9-pound train ticket and went. This is a quick rundown of what it was like at Britain’s Surf city.

So I got out of my Friday lecture early and with my bag filled with my stuff, and I went down to the train station to catch a train. The first train I went on was your normal train headed down to Penzance, but when I got off at Par to try and get on the train that would take me to Newquay, I realized it was a one-carriage train. But it was the perfect size for the rail journey ahead. It was a short trip from Par, but a scenic one and it kept it up all the way to Newquay.

The second I got off the train I weirdly felt at home because Newquay gave off a Hampton Beach type of vibe. Just a walk thought some of the small; tightly packed streets you could see the beaches and the reason that I had come here. I stood and looked at the beach closest to my hostel, not knowing my hostel would over look the beach, and just took it all in.

But after a bit of just relaxing and thinking wow I cant believe I’m here, I managed to find my hostel. The place was already packed, and I waited in a queue for a good solid 15 minutes. As I stood in the queue ,the place gave off an entirely different vibe to what I though hostel was. The place was covered in surfing magazine covers, and drink deals were on almost every wall you looked at. You could tell the people who stayed here liked to have a good time, and that was my plan. It took me seconds to check in go to my room. I dropped my bag and went down to the bar to get some food.

It was when I was down stairs eating and having a drink did I really notice the view my hostel had. After enjoying that view I went and explored the city for a bit. I eventually made my way over to Fistral Beach. I didn’t stay to long because I knew I would be going back the next day. After getting back to the hostel I had another drink and then just called it an early night. I got a chance to meet all of my roommates who seemed really nice, and they all invited me out with them, but after falling asleep trying to work on a paper there was no way I was able to go out. So shortly after that I managed to fall sleep, and I slept so well for a hostel bed.

The next morning came and after getting showered and dressed I grabbed my daypack and when on an adventure of the city. I had a great breakfast at a restaurant named Ohana, then managed to walk over to see some lovely beaches and cliffs. I feel like I must have walked a few miles to see all the beaches. But the walk was well worth it to see the clear blue water crash up against the rocks creating some of the best beaches I had ever seen. 

I then made my way back to Fistral Beach, which is said to be the home of British surfing. It was such a nice beach but unfortunately the surf was really small, so I didn’t really fell like getting a surfing lesson that day. But as I was walking along the beach there was a ton of boat racing going on. It was really interesting to watch. But after walking for what seemed like miles I made it back to the hostel to work on some more course work and start booking hostels and seat reservations on trains for my journey across Europe.

I managed to get a quick bite to eat, but then I meet up with my roommates Will, Lisa, Emma, Sam, and Anastasiya, and we all meet up at this place called Whiskers to get a drink. We all came from different walks of life so it was amazing to get to meet them all, and enjoy a night out with them. But after some dancing I needed to hit the hay for my early train the next morning.

The next morning I checked out and got a quick breakfast, and waited for a train that never came. It broke down on the tracks. So they sent a bus to grab us and take us to Plymouth. And a short hour later I was back in Britain’s Ocean City. So that was my weekend in Newquay, and I know that I will be back at some point in my life, I’m not sure when but I’ll be back!

So I had more pictures that I wanted to share with you all but due to a computer crash I only could save the two that I have posted on here for you all. But I can’t recommend going to Newquay enough, so I will link my hostel down below so you can have the same experience I had in Britain’s Surf City! But remember to stay safe and enjoy the day!

-Tucker     

It's Almost Closing Time

Hey Everyone,

So it's almost been a month since I last wrote so I figured it was time for a bit of an update for you all in my travels and studies around england! So for those who read this for the travel aspect this post might be a little dry however if you want something a little more travel centered stay tuned later this week, and the upcoming weeks!

We'll after getting back from Nationals in London things started to gear up for deadline time. I had two papers, a few quizzes, and a sales video. Shout out to the boys I worked on the video with for putting up with me filming my part as I only had a few hours of sleep that morning. But even though the deadlines seemed endless I got through them all and I am moving to get my last two done as well.

Things with Enactus are slowing down as I take a step back from Recreo. I'm glad I'm leaving now so they can focus on the ideas that were built on this year and take it even further. I can't wait to see what the program will look like in the following months, and I will be the first international buyer of our product! From my time here I look forward to seeing what I can do to see what I can accomplish back with Enactus Plymouth State, it will be a lot of hard work starting a project from the ground up again, but I relish the challenge once again.

I did make the journey with a few of the Enactus crew up to Exeter to watch some horse racing. It was something I will remember for the rest of my life! I think I might have made some money I'm not sure, but I did pick one winner. I will always remember the Gone To Far for being the first horse I had win for me! It was a great time out with the gang and I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.

                                          Photo Credit: Hannah Yarr, @hannahyarr

Then about a week after that I celebrated my 21st birthday. I can finally drink a legal beer in the States! However since I've been following the english laws for the past year it's going to be nothing new to me when I get home. But it was the first birthday in a long time that I got to celebrate it with people. My flat surprised me with a cake, and so did my Enactus team in our meeting. Then there was a crew that went out on a Tuesday with me. Needless to say it was a great time and thank you to everyone that came out to celebrate, and making it a birthday I will never forget!

Quick side note, thanks to committee having the last Enactus Social after my birthday. Even though I was dragging it was great to go out with the Enactus crew at least one more time.

So besides my birthday I also got to play my final games as a member of UPFC Sparrows. I know most of the boys wanted a shout out in this blog, because of all the banter I get from them. So boys here is your moment. I want to thank you all for letting the token American play the sport your country had created. I know I wasn't a Tim Howard or Clint Dempsey but I did my best to try and play the position you asked of me. Seb, I wish you and Newcastle the best of luck in getting back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. Ismael, you keep up with that touch on the ball, and yes the Plymouth 2 Plymouth banter was good. Scott, keep that backline in check and Lucien keep calling for the ball on the wing you'll get Morgan to switch the play at some point. And for the rest of the team, especially Adam, and Will it was a pleasure to play with everyone of you, and I wish you luck on whatever team you get to play for next season, and I hope I get to see you on my side of the pound at some point.

On the topic of Football I did attend my final English Football match on the 7th of May. Argyle took on Hartlepool United winning 5-0. It was a perfect way to end my English Football experience. I am going to miss how inexpensive tickets are, and how close to the park I was. But above all I will miss the amount of heart that is showcased every sunday on both the pitch and stands. Plymouth has turned me into a green, so up the Argyle boys and get the win at Wembley to get to League one. I'll be supporting wherever I am.

But I think that is it for right now. I have one more final deadline and then I have an exam next week and then my England adventure is coming to an end. I still have a ton of travel plans that I will be telling you all about so keep on the lookout for that. I hope you're having a good day well you're reading this and remember be safe and enjoy the moment.



-Tucker