Dancing and mall strolling

So I ended last night with some dancing. I really needed it, as I found out some disappointing news on Facebook (AKA boy that I really liked this summer is now in a relationship). ANYWAY! So I went dancing--and it was AWESOME! I loved it a lot. The thing about Europe is that everyone dances exactly how they feel; there is no holding back. In the states, my dancing doesn't really fit in with most people since there's almost always a layer of self-consciousness buzzing in everyone. However, in Europe I fit in perfectly because I don't care, they don't care and we all smile at each other and dance our hearts out.

Today I woke up and hung around the hostel until I went to meet Robin, my "Bridging Cultures Program" leader. Her and I hopped on a bus and we to a mall nearby, meeting some of the students who are studying at the University of Manchester. Manchester itself, as I've been told, has the largest student population of any European country, so that gives the city a great feel!

We ended up wandering the mall a little bit and then dropping on by an activities center, which included indoor skiing, indoor skydiving, sledding, golf, etc...

Indoor skiing!

 It was really fun to watch the skiing, and I was temped; however, it is extremely pricey, so I'll stick to waiting until getting home. I'd rather spend my money on traveling, anyway.

Sky diving: the last dive. All the other dives had an instructor with a student, showing them the ropes. It was very fun to watch, although it made a few of us lightheaded

 The other students then left, so Robin and I went back into the mall for a bathroom break as well as to pick up some dinner. It was a beautiful mall, and funnily enough, the food court was modeled after a cruise ship!

I will admit, the cruise-like atmosphere made me miss cruises. However, nothing could beat the experience I'm getting right now!

 They also had a section that was super fancy, which kind of reminded me of Vegas

Example #1

They still had TGI Fridays, however

 Robin and I then grabbed some dinner, myself eating my inaugural fish and chips. It was delicious! Although, I would not have minded if I had more mayo for it. I am definitely appreciating being back in a country where it is acceptable to eat everything with mayonnaise on it :)

YUMMY!

We then hopping back on the bus and I made my way back to the hostel. I had a quick Skype chat with my mom, which worked out nicely as I got to see her pickled peaches straight from the hot water pot! It was around 9PM. I then went out to a club with a guy who works at the hostel (originally from Vancouver, BC) and two other guys who are studying at Uni of Manchester (from Italy and Germany). We went out to a very awesome dance club, and got in for free with some coupons. It was absolutely amazing. The music selection was perfect, the dancing got hot and it was really fun dancing with the guys! The DJ started the night with some excellent music that I didn't know, but all very dancable songs. Then, as the night progressed he threw in some more American songs, including "Stacy's Mom" (bringin back 7th grade, baby...!), some Kings of Leon, Katy Perry (could have done without, but still singable), etc. There honestly wasn't a single song that I wished would have ended sooner--everything was wonderful! Then, as I was getting tired, they played "Song 2" by Blur, so I told Ben, the Canadian, that we could go right after it. We danced hardcore, then started to leave. At that moment they segwayed into the song "Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand, which is a personal favorite. Couldn't leave. Song then blends into "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes. DEFINITELY couldn't leave! Danced and sang. Surely, this was the last song. WRONG. Stomp stomp clap, stomp stomp clap...WE WILL WE WILL ROCK YOU! Really DJ? You put on Queen when I'm really trying to leave? Of course I can't go now! I sort of started giving up on my attempt to leave, especially when the song "Little Lion Man" by Mumford and Songs started right after. However, we made our exit during it, and got to hear the end as we grabbed some water for the walk back.

Anyway, it was altogether absolutely lovely. My theory is that if you go out dancing, your jet lag will be killed almost instantly. Not only are you getting the physical exercise, but it also helps you to stay awake until the time that you should begin sleeping.

Keep this in mind.

Loves! <3
Lynette