Week 5: Gap Year

Week 5: Gap Year

Uig

Five days into my first stay on the Isle of Lewis and it has provided a much needed time-out from work, responsibility, and much needed time with the family before heading back down south where the Goethe Institute awaits me in London. Stornoway, the only town on the island, is originally quite interesting, but flags after about an hour, a bit too small and not a lot of shops, but then again that is what I like about Lewis. What my cousin Hannah would call "A rip-off version of Iceland, the Isle of Lewis has several features similar to an Icelandic landscape. An impassable labyrinth of sharp, granite, metamorphic, gniss rocks. Weaving, long stretches of road that made us all wonder whether or not Top Gear could put on their show here, the only issue being that ballsy sheep inhabit the roads, they don't shift for many people. Blustering and powerful winds on occasion, this is an environment where nature controls man, but there is something about the island which does make it appealing. 

The sun finally decided to come out on an unexpectedly consistent basis this evening, however since arrival the sunshine has been brief. The cloud has not damped the spirit of the break on this strangely entertaining wilderness island, the one blip in the entire being that I had completely forgotten to order my robes for graduation to pick up the degree; a classic error on my part. Nevertheless the issue has been resolved with some early morning phone calls. The beaches on this island have varied from unending stretches of sand to small but charming beaches in very secluded environments that made me wonder, if these beaches had been in the Mediterranean they would be crowded with people. However if that had been the case people would have certainly undermined the landscape and particularly rendered the water less bright a sight to behold than the beaches situated in Lewis. I have never seen water so clear and light blue in the United Kingdom than on the beaches of the Isle of Lewis. Certainly the beaches here have entered my top three beaches I have seen in my lifetime so far. Nevertheless paddling has been the furthest I could commit to the freezing temperatures of the Atlantic, although perhaps later this week I may risk the dingy the family have brought up. Although usually when I end up losing something this time someone else in the family decided to take the heat off me when Auntie Katrina dropped the keys on perhaps the largest beach on the whole island. What ensued was a crisis of unfathomable proportions, three cars one of which would have had to have been abandoned in remote place on a remote island. Dad, Uncle, Aunt and myself searched for an hour, however I figured if the keys had been dropped on the beach that would have been picked up by someone else. I found them underneath some seaweed near the shore, a needle in the haystack and another triumph to add to quite a week. I was on a role, hundreds of pounds saved and a whole lot of hassle apparently! The 'Miracle of Seilebost' will evidently go down in history....

That was the first day, and to add to the chaotic first day we were all wondering whether it was viable for me to run on a Sunday, my Uncle wondering whether the fanatical religious population would convict me of heresy for such a crime. The population on the Isle of Lewis prides itself on maintaining religious traditions (Protestant), with many of the members still able to speak Gaelic. The playground we passed today had the following reading:

"Sunday Usage: It would be appreciated if members of the public would respect the wishes of the community by refraining from using the playpark on the Lord's Day."

That moment arrives when someone tells you not to do something and you just want to piss that particular person off nearly arrived, but I refrained from engaging in using the playground. Seriously though, this Island has destroyed one or two childhoods. Despite this though the playgrounds put the ones down south to shame and we were not pursued by the zealous population for heresy for running.  The Yorkshire man who had previously drilled in Gabon thought otherwise to the island's traditions in his Inn where we dropped for some monkfish, tea, coffee and beer.

The hamlet of Uig provided some mild entertainment, (pronounced like you would Ug) where the Lewis chess-pieces well-renowned in the chess world were discovered in the 12th century carved out of walrus ivory probably in Scandinavia. They may constitute some of the few complete, surviving medieval chess sets imported most likely by marauding Viking raiders pillaging slaves, lifestock, and fish. Coffee and cake followed by two bacon sandwiches, with a glimpse of sunshine. We also managed to get a look at some pre-historic ruins the standing stones of Callanish near the house which were fairly impressive, although their purpose apparently isn't know, worshiping the most likely or an ancient playground.

Yesterday we got the chance to visit the Harris Tweed factory, which turned out to be quite entertaining. The last time I visited a factory was back in 2002, the coffee factory in Stuttgart and Mercedes Benz car factory. This little factory turned out to be quite a globalized business  kept afloat at times by none other than the Japanese on the other side of the world. The factory employs about one-hundred and seventy people, possessing the look of a traditional cottage industry (one computer) but thoroughly up to date with the economic shift from the West to East Asia in recent years and demands necessary to adapt, impressive given this it is quite an isolated island. The process was very industrialized, however it was a bit too loud to understand to hear how it was all done, as they were not used to giving tours. Dad may have enjoyed it, he used to wear a tweed jacket until the office told him for presentable purposes to replace it with a suit.

Today, was a walk along the Butt of Lewis on the northern tip of the island, about 3-4 miles along some cliffs with black and jagged faces, but will plenty of wildlife, oyster catchers, gannets that dive bomb into the water, sheep (naturally) and even a couple of seals with their heads poking out of the water glistening in the sunshine, which by-enlarge was a welcome replacement to cloud this afternoon. Highland cows were also spotted.  Lunch by the cliffs and lots of good opportunities for photographs of the landscape, although having Arctic terns dive-bomb you when you approach isn't an ideal situation to place yourself in. Oafish prance.

Three runs so far have convinced me that this place pushes you as a runner and cyclist. This should be marked down as a great place to cycle for various reasons. There are few cars, numerous hills to give the average cyclist a challenge and smooth roads and you get clean, sea/countryside air.. You may not get your cycling tan, but it is replaced by breathtaking  views of traditional Scottish highlands and rewarding cycles along the coastline of the island. I have marked it down as a possible future place to test myself. However without the road bike it has been replaced by some challenging cross-country running in boggy, heavy terrain which is like running in sponge at times, exhausting and sweaty, but you get quite a view when you reach the summit of even the medium sized hill. You look one way you see Stornoway down the valley, the other the intimidating highlands and a few perplexed sheep. 

Wildlife spotted by family:

• Arctic Terns
• Red Deer
• Whale
• Dolphins
• Seals
• Ravens
• Gannets
• Oyster Catchers
• Sheep
• Highland Cows
• Geese
• Five Rabbits
• Spencer Matthews on his way to Inverness.

A barbecue to round off today as well!

Matthew Williams

Week 4: Gap Year

Week 4: Gap Year

Graduation Ball was phenomenal fun, except the fact that our group got conned out of £60 when we didn’t receive a round table, but cooped up with maybe three hundred other unlucky bastards along straight tables down in some sort of basement. The table plans were thrown out of the window briefly and brutally to our dismay. One bottle of wine each and an average meal later, the moment of the night arrived. James’ Cuban cigars in our DJs, it was one of the more ideal moments in life, the Cocktail Society Ball was nearly, nearly the equivalent of a Great Gatsby event. Plenty of glittering, well-dressed women, a dark underground atmosphere that comes with a Prohibition ball and the obvious variety in dinner jackets among all the men; black, black, black and one kilt worn by a very un-Scottish Scot. The dwarves with guns and the crumpled photo found in my pocket a day later recovering in humid heat of Nottingham’s city centre summed it all up as well as the burns on my hand and Tom’s cheek from James flinging his arms around us with the cigar in his hands.

Prohibition Ball: Cigars

The Tuesday evening presented an opportunity to see the newly released Man of Steel, albeit scrounging for coins and dinner being comprised of mayonnaise and chips and a one pound box of sushi from Sainsbury’s. The movie itself was good, but too many trailers had given away much of what to expect from film and reading criticism of the film. Partly I am to blame because I watched the trailers too many times, but Hans Zimmer still remains the master of movie soundtracks! Nevertheless after watching Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy again after watching Man of Steel I came to the conclusion that the trilogy remains in a league of its own, despite the interesting messages portrayed by the film.

Exams results were received, albeit in very unexpected circumstances. I walked to the building to support Lucy for her upcoming nerve wracking receiving of results after being told by Humanities that I would receive results the next day. After many celebrations and hugs all round I continued to stare in interest at the results only to realize after some minutes of staring through bloodshot eyes (courtesy of Rock City) at one particular piece paper that my name was in-fact on the list. I just said ‘Oh I got a 2:1’ followed by a simple hooray, queue a breakdown in laughter. Not many people take 15 minutes to realise they in-fact HAVE received their results. Some nice results which culminated in a solid 2:1 with a 67% average left me stunned when my tutor handed them over the next day. If second year had been slightly better it could have resulted in a first. Family is pleased and the results have opened promising doors to a Masters and even the dreaded PHD. Nevertheless the latter is an opportunity to mull over in the future should I complete a Masters. That however is easier said then done, with networking started and some work experience for the Times or the Daily Mail secured between the 17^th September and October 17^th in Scotland which is pretty cool. That will keep me busy immediately when the U.S trip is finished during the preparation stage for Uganda. The number one warning from everyone is frequently the threat of malaria, the variety of tablets apparently is quite substantial.

One house party later, packed up and stuck on a train on the 21^st. Sat down shattered and found myself in an engaging conversation with two ladies on a trip to Northern Italy by train which would take them through England, France and over the Alps to Venice. They were even kind enough to purchase me a bottle of water, Coca Cola and a Kit-Kat. The older one had been places I want to go; Singapore, India, South America, the list was endless but she claimed to say that seeing such a vast array of culture was very rewarding, that it made England look repetitive, down-beat and very dull indeed. I can’t say I disagreed with her.  It is funny how talking to complete strangers is often more rewarding than many conversations on University campus . They noted jokingly that if in ten years I had become a famous explorer or writer, they could claim they had changed my life with a simple Kit-Kat. We’ll obviously have to monitor that claim for some time. The conversation was certainly better than having to deal with a stop-start train, rowdy locals from Lecister and a ruthless train conductor shouting at everyone.

The rise at 6:30 in the morning was bleary, rainy (nothing new) and driver Tony reminiscing over firstly his cats followed by his trips to Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the toughening up the experience will probably give me. I was slightly perplexed by the story of some guy with a white mansion being murdered there, but I think he may have been associated with the wrong groups.  I am currently sitting in the epic wilderness that is the Scottish highlands with barely one bar of Internet connection. Civilization has well and truly disappeared and it was the much needed break I have needed from the same-old city lifestyle that has absorbed all my efforts this past year. A two and a half hour flight, compared to my parents six hour flight to the Isle of Lewis, the message of the day is simple; don’t fly on British Airways.  The Indiana Jones style plane ride in a minuscule plane into the mist surrounding Lewis was particularly intriguing. Dark, jagged cliffs and rolling highland hills that typify the unique paradise that is northern Scotland, what is not to like? No people, scenes that very much typified how Skyfall was probably filmed. Lots of lakes, hills and impressions of William Wallace from Braveheart on the first day near some pre-historic ruins. Although the parents and family didn’t appreciate me comparing Stornoway and the surrounding island enveloped by low lying cloud and rain as a scene similar to one from Shutter Island (a film about a mental institution on an island).  The wildlife that has been recorded by the family;

•   One whale,
•  Several dolphins, 
•   Shetland cows
•   One furtive rabbit.
•  Spencer Matthews (an agonizing celebrity spot hungover and on his way to Inverness??)

On a brighter note first attempt at surfing tomorrow. Cannot wait!

Matthew Williams

Week 3: Gap Year

Week 3: Gap Year

The final details to my packing are finally complete for the final journey home from Nottingham University, minus the fact that I'll be back up for the Cocktail Society Ball. This night promises to be the most memorable for all of us leaving University. The night of the DJ is always my particular favorite  as supposed to cutting a swathe through crowds in Rock City and Ocean. Two more nights at Rock City and then up to Scotland to possibly the furthermost point away from civilization one could possibly be in the United Kingdom; the Isle of Lewis. First time in goodness knows how long the family trip has involved the entire family. Last time I went up to Scotland I remembered my revision, toiletries, but the rest of my packing was none existent, that particular realization dawned on me just as we reached the River Medway, too far away from Canterbury to turn back. That was a typical 'me' moment. But it will be nice to catch up with the grandparents and cousins. Finding out the results of your finals when you're on a plane to Inverness will be a nerve wracking experience. 

The last week has been a mixed bag, not a huge amount to talk about, a trip down to London and visiting London Zoo after a harrowing Friday at Ocean Night Club, a massive walk home included in the package for what can only be called a disastrous night. However sitting on the train on the way home and reflecting made me realize more clearly through the bleary eyes of the worst hangover in quite sometime, that journalism, travel, photography and international development/relations are firmly the place where I belong in the future. Relief is the one word I would use to describe that moment when you figure out more clearly what you want from yourself in life. It involved reflections, positive things people have said to you, and at the end of the day what you really want. Certainly sitting behind a desk doing data, business, clubbing and hitting bars for the rest of my life is the last thing I want to do right now. Sure everyone has to sit behind a desk at some point in their life, certainly a journalist or anyone working in these sort of fields. Nevertheless the first thing I need to do is see the world and travel, before I have to encounter the possibility of living in the United Kingdom. This be fair, after living in Germany for so long, and the country having such a big impact on how I have come to see things, is a  unfathomably tough prospect at this moment in time. English culture and me have never really established a good relationship since coming home in 2004.

Time Out: Isle of Lewis 

Will my attitude change during this gap year? Who knows? I may find Africa might not be what I want, that journalism isn't my cup of tea. It works both ways, if the CV is right and you have the right connections and people hint that you might have a talent for a certain thing, you might as well go for it. Experience is the key, building a network. What of University? Have these last two and half years really changed me as an individual, in certain ways yes, in other ways no. Lots of students I imagine leave university thinking that they haven't changed much as an individual. Certainly without doubt it is a life experience and I have no regrets of signing up for the University of Nottingham, but for me personally, even if I get decent results (fingers-crossed) which will ultimately shape future employment and that university sport has made me fitter and more healthier person, and that I have made some amazing, life-long friends in the process; this experience is not the defining moment in life for me. That was a myth I believed before I came to university. However it would be foolish to dismiss the opportunities provided to me by the university that will  ultimately construct the foundations for an interesting future. I certainly will miss the FIFA sessions with Tom Bowden! 

Scotland, German in Cambridge, back to Nackington for the last time until we rent it out, and then the promise land of the U.S.A with childhood friends (once we have booked the domestic flights). Busy times are ahead and free of education for the first time since Nursery School. What is not to like?

Matthew Williams

Week 2: Gap Year

Week 2: Gap Year

Three celebratory nights out of four, seven in total since exams have finished, several careers meetings  and several cycles later and the re-establishment of a much needed routine. The possibility of following through the ambitions of journalism were re-visited at a careers meeting, the first meeting suggested several pointers. Having decent weather in the UK for a change is a great relief and chilling and playing football in the park with friends is welcome relaxation to both the late nights and de-stressing after a horrendous couple of months!

- That I don't belong behind a desk all the time necessarily. 

- Constant activity.

- The question of journalism. 

- The gap year is the crucial time out for gaining experience in relatively different job spheres

- The weeks following exams are a time of reflection on the qualities you may have for a job, what makes you function on a day to day basis and essentially what you are good at the end of the day I found more about what I want to do.

The Bwindi Region: South-West Uganda :D

Trips in planning mode (possibly conceding some of the trips organization to Charlie), lots of medical injections for the trip to Uganda for rabies, hepatitis A + B, typhoid, yellow fever, meningococcal meningitis and of course malaria tablets. Malaria tablets I will have to triple check after that incident in which an employee of Tullow (The company Dad works for) died of malaria in Uganda last year. I don't want to take any chances on that obviously. Flights for both Uganda and the domestic have to be sorted quite soon to keep the price down. I still can't wait for the trip though despite some concerns, so much history in Uganda and such opportunity to learn things that I don't know. All we hear about is Idi Amin and Uganda's role in Africa's World War which emerged out of the back-drop of the Rwandan genocide. The volunteering projects are based in the Bwindi region of south-western Uganda, so a fair distance away from the conflict-ridden northern regions of the country. It is quite close to the borders of the notorious Democratic Republic of Congo though. Apparently Bwindi is a beautiful rural area around 300 miles from Kampala, the capital. That is the equivalent of getting off a plane in Stuttgart and doing one of our classic family drives all the way back to Canterbury. Long hours but so much to see on the way there and the equator to stand on. I can ask the people how they are doing in the southern hemisphere come 17th October and then the northern hemisphere on the way back.The nearest town on the tourist map is Rukungiri. It is a mountainous zone, 6,000 feet above sea level. The altitude keeps the temperature comfortable by African standards, an average of 18-28 degrees centigrade so not too bad in terms of heat. Exercise will be interesting at this altitude no doubt. Volunteer Uganda will be good fun, but the remoteness makes life a real challenge for the villagers in the region, far from facilities which we take for granted, including electricity and water, with a bonus for the kids having to run three or four miles to school. So a big challenge personally and with a great organization firmly established in this particular region, with a great hands on approach. Can't wait! 

But before that the U.S.A which draws ever closer and the special Golden Gate Bridge moment that me, Charlie, Rupert and Ollie have all been looking forward to. It will be epic. Festival of Colors was great shout this week as well, invited by Greer and we are seriously missing out on the Festivals happening in India. Colored powder everywhere, it is safe to say I have come out this with a more colorful personality and a slightly hulk-ish colored chest beneath the once white-shirt. Getting the powder in the eyes, mouth and nose isn't the most ideal thing and my Morocco expeditions bag looks a bit more pink and girly than it used to. Green, yellow, red, pink, violet, blue there were lots of different ones, that  my walk back perplexing passers-by as I strolled home and even stopped by humanities to the dissulsion of some professors. Alas poor Greer had to get the bus with her beloved friend Gordon. I seriously recommend more people go next year. It was a fantastic and colorful mess on the Downs among 150 +  people who attended. Thank you Hindu society! That is something on the bucket list: go to a festival of colors in India at some point!

Nottingham University's Festival of Colors

Matthew Williams

Week 1

People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it. George Bernard Shaw

As I presently sit here over a week after finals have finished, you sit, reflect and wonder about numerous things. In one week alone the emotions have varied from tiredness, excitement, sheer elation,  sense of calm to even one of potential disaster, anger and disappointment.. Since finishing I have come to find a number things:

• You may need a gap year after university more than before university.
• Take a break for a week or two, maybe three or four, possibly six.
• My parents are moving out of the old house.
• One should  find a job they enjoy, neither basing it upon salary or status.
• Experience = the solution to finding out what you really want.
• The elation of finals can quickly turn to panic and potential despair if you are not careful, but naturally that is just normal after exams if you are used to routine.
• Hangovers are annoying.
• London is expensive.
• I have always remained in love with my experience of living in Germany.
• I still hate the people on 'Made in Chelsea'.
• Life goes quickly, be there now.
• Revisiting the past is entertaining.
• The first week requires a great deal of reflection on achievements, values, strengths and even the acknowledgement of weaknesses.
• Planning and Organization is my partner in crime to succeed and make a life for myself and exploit perhaps the one of the most important years of my life. Finding out what I want  to do and to find my qualities.
• On the latter point. University has taught me far less than I expected upon arrival about myself. Certainly a few useful pointers that will set me in good stead
• I don't want to go into a job and sit behind an office desk for my entire life.
• Blogging is a distracting business.
• No one will read this.
• Routine is everything for some people.
• Shouting out 'F**k the  Educational System' was not as rewarding as I envisaged.
• According to the Job Prospects online I  belong in the Army?!?
• Always keep active, there is always one more thing that you can do, particularly after finishing university.

and finally... 

I have actually learnt the art of time wasting for the first time since I was five years old, now that I am free from the bonds of the educational system.  Looking and reflecting on the first week of the Gap Year, it is looking to be a tough, but rewarding year. Bring on the U.S.A, Uganda, Cycle Trip to Barcelona and more!

Matthew Williams