We were asked to go to one of the villages that make up London and I chose to go to Wimbledon. Yes, the one with the tennis courts.
However, I didn't want to go because of the sport, I wanted to go for the Buddhist Temple. Wimbledon is home of the only Thai Buddhist Temple in Europe. It is actually ran by the Thai government itself and has five monks living there. The temple was absolutely beautiful. There was a garden surrounding it with flower blooming all over and a zen pond to bring even more peace to the area. The temple itself was white with accents of reds and golds. It was breath taking due to the fact that it is placed in a residential area in what still seems to be the middle of London.
Our next stop was the Tennis club but after seeing that it really was just a bunch of tennis courts we turned away and noticed the golf course across the street instead. Now we can say that we have been there but didn't pay an arm and leg to do anything more than that.
We continued on and saw the St. Mary's Church which was suppose to give us an idea of a village church. It did its job. It was beautiful! There was a wide open field in front of the church before meeting up with a cemetery that had head stones so weathered that you couldn't read the names or dates but spring time flowers still laid themselves over the graves. The church itself had a huge blue door and was dark and made of stone with a tall bell tower. The size of it was just right for a small village but big enough to be called a church instead of a chapel. There was no one around except for the squirrels who had decided to inhabit the beautiful cemetery. I loved it. The idea of it being there for all that time and families continuing to visit it through the ages made me smile.
By this time the rain cloud that had been hanging over our heads was not going to wait any longer so we rushed back to the bus stop in the beginning of the storm. I hadn't mentioned the wonderful park that was along this road. It was the first one I had seen that wasn't manicured to perfection. It was a real, honest to God, green area. I really wanted to go play hide-and-seek in it but the rain and mud stopped me from even suggesting it. Oh right, and the fact that I am twenty years old and should be more mature than that. ;)
We got on the bus and rode around to high street, looking at all the cute dress shops that were calling our names but not our pocket books while not getting soaked thanks to London transportation systems.
It was a lovely day of beautiful scenery, temperamental weather and discovering new places.
Sunday 22 April 2012
Reflection Assignment 9
London has been so many things wrapped up all in one. I am so glad I took this trip and took the chance to study abroad. I think everyone should at least do it once in their life or they will be missing out on a experience to grow and become their own person. I would not change a single thing about this trip.
I did not imagine that there would be so many things that I wanted to do or would find fascinating in just this area alone. There is so much history and culture surrounding London that its not shocking for people to spend years just trying to do everything here. I have to say that my favorite part about London is the parks. Every one has a unique feeling to them and when it is sunny and not cold everyone goes and enjoys the wonderful green space that the city of London has so graciously provided in the concrete jungle.
Coming to London has helped me see who I want to be in the future. To be this strong individual who can navigate any city, no matter the language. To not be afraid to go anywhere, to just hop on a train and go without a second thought. My shyness to approach people about directions even if there is a language barrier has completely dissolved and I absolutely love it. There is no need to be afraid of the world around you, it is time that we all embrace it and not fear what we don't know.
Another positive experience is seeing how relationships fair with thousands of miles in between. How well situations can be handled by both people is a good way to open your eyes to what is truly happening.
I also have made friends here that I would have never had the opportunity to make at home. The strong people that I have made bonds with over hours and hours on buses and days in different countries has helped me become closer to people but also to these certain individuals.
This London experience has changed my life dramatically, I will never forget this trip at all for the rest of my life. However, I do plan on continuing my travels and have the chance to compare London to so many other places. There will always be a small part of me in London. I can't wait to be able to share this place with someone I love. To show them the pavements that I have walked over and over, the places I go on a regular basis. The transportation system, or the tube is something that I now have no problem with and can admit when I am lost with a smile instead of embarrassment. All the things that I found to be a little intimidating that no longer even affect me. If it wasn't for the trip I would not get closer to the idea of who I am. All I can say is, Thank you London.
I did not imagine that there would be so many things that I wanted to do or would find fascinating in just this area alone. There is so much history and culture surrounding London that its not shocking for people to spend years just trying to do everything here. I have to say that my favorite part about London is the parks. Every one has a unique feeling to them and when it is sunny and not cold everyone goes and enjoys the wonderful green space that the city of London has so graciously provided in the concrete jungle.
Coming to London has helped me see who I want to be in the future. To be this strong individual who can navigate any city, no matter the language. To not be afraid to go anywhere, to just hop on a train and go without a second thought. My shyness to approach people about directions even if there is a language barrier has completely dissolved and I absolutely love it. There is no need to be afraid of the world around you, it is time that we all embrace it and not fear what we don't know.
Another positive experience is seeing how relationships fair with thousands of miles in between. How well situations can be handled by both people is a good way to open your eyes to what is truly happening.
I also have made friends here that I would have never had the opportunity to make at home. The strong people that I have made bonds with over hours and hours on buses and days in different countries has helped me become closer to people but also to these certain individuals.
This London experience has changed my life dramatically, I will never forget this trip at all for the rest of my life. However, I do plan on continuing my travels and have the chance to compare London to so many other places. There will always be a small part of me in London. I can't wait to be able to share this place with someone I love. To show them the pavements that I have walked over and over, the places I go on a regular basis. The transportation system, or the tube is something that I now have no problem with and can admit when I am lost with a smile instead of embarrassment. All the things that I found to be a little intimidating that no longer even affect me. If it wasn't for the trip I would not get closer to the idea of who I am. All I can say is, Thank you London.
Greenwich and Docklands Assignment 6
This was one of my favorite excursions that we had to do. It all started on a boat down the Thames River on a very cold and dreary day.It didn't help that I had stayed up the night before to finish an advertising paper and the Professor had announced that morning that it could be due on Monday instead. As we trolled down the river we got to see all the different buildings that we had occasionally seen from the street and began to put together where exactly we were on the river in comparison to other places.
When we arrived the group of us walked through the streets of Greenwich and went up to the Royal Greenwich Observatory. When I say up to...I mean we had to climb a huge mountain up to it. We were all gasping for air by the time we made it to the top and everyone had to take a break before realizing that we were where time begins. The Observatory explained that there was a beam of light that shoots out to show the exact like for a long distance that time begins. It was kind of neat to stand on both sides of the Eastern and Western hemispheres. The Museum inside was filled with clocks of all different types that used cogs and wheels from all sorts of life. I loved the view of the city on top of this huge hill more than the museum though, I must admit. You could see so much of the city and it was nice to be able to pick out what buildings are and where they were. It's like we actually know what we are talking about.
After a good walk about in the museum and found that the observatory was closed we headed for the Queens Gallery. While we were walking there, there were groups of children all dressed up in Victorian age costumes as they ran around on the lawn. It was wonderful, I wanted to join them with their pantaloons and laced up dresses. The paintings in the Gallery were all very different from each other, usually there is a theme that is followed but I couldn't put my foot on this one. We continued on to the Maritime Museum, following another group of costumed kids and realized this was much more our style. There were exhibits built to be played with and themes going all through the building, showing the different types of boats and their uses were.
We finished our day by walking through the market, trying on hand produced hats and antique glasses. Some people tried the exotic collection of food that was surrounding the different booths. The smells that came from all different directions were intoxicating but in a very lovely way. All in all it was a wonderful day.
When we arrived the group of us walked through the streets of Greenwich and went up to the Royal Greenwich Observatory. When I say up to...I mean we had to climb a huge mountain up to it. We were all gasping for air by the time we made it to the top and everyone had to take a break before realizing that we were where time begins. The Observatory explained that there was a beam of light that shoots out to show the exact like for a long distance that time begins. It was kind of neat to stand on both sides of the Eastern and Western hemispheres. The Museum inside was filled with clocks of all different types that used cogs and wheels from all sorts of life. I loved the view of the city on top of this huge hill more than the museum though, I must admit. You could see so much of the city and it was nice to be able to pick out what buildings are and where they were. It's like we actually know what we are talking about.
After a good walk about in the museum and found that the observatory was closed we headed for the Queens Gallery. While we were walking there, there were groups of children all dressed up in Victorian age costumes as they ran around on the lawn. It was wonderful, I wanted to join them with their pantaloons and laced up dresses. The paintings in the Gallery were all very different from each other, usually there is a theme that is followed but I couldn't put my foot on this one. We continued on to the Maritime Museum, following another group of costumed kids and realized this was much more our style. There were exhibits built to be played with and themes going all through the building, showing the different types of boats and their uses were.
We finished our day by walking through the market, trying on hand produced hats and antique glasses. Some people tried the exotic collection of food that was surrounding the different booths. The smells that came from all different directions were intoxicating but in a very lovely way. All in all it was a wonderful day.
The East End Assignment 5
One of the assignments was to explore the Bangladeshi community of London. This area is called the East End but is also known as the Brick Lane area. When we first arrived we were told to go to Spital Square and on to Folgate street. The houses there are very close together as you walk down this street but the difference between the newly formed Georgian style and the modern can be only told by the coloring of the houses. We found ourselves soon wondering through cute little shops that were very expensive and a court yard slowly being filled up by vendors to sell things from kids toys to bold pieces of jewelry. One of my favorites had to be the Scrabble board pieces glued onto a ring. As we continued on with our adventure we ran into the Christ Church. This church is absolutely beautiful with its prestigious white surroundings and its clean lines just give it a sense of purity within the church. The feeling of the church is grand and open with little to do about crosses. I had remembered this Church from our Jack the Ripper tour. Now is when the interesting part begins. After turning down to get to Brick Lane the entire environment changed into something new. Every shop began to give off a scent of either curry or incense.
Down the way was a Brewery called the Old Truman's Brewery which has now been transformed into a community centre. From the outside you would never be able to imagine that this was a working Brewery until you see the sign over the walk way. The next stop was the Whitechapel Art Gallery that was actually closed by the time we got there. I was a bit disappointed in that. However, we got to spend more time at the Bell Foundry because of it. When standing outside of this building you would have never imagined that there would be so much history within its walls. As soon as you walk in to the small museum at the front you notice that the frame work for Big Ben is surrounding the front door. That in itself is pretty fantastic. The museum then explains that the Liberty bell was also cast there. We continued on to the back where there were all types of bells, little, big, chimes and even hand bells. A couple of the girls attempted to play Puff the Magic Dragon but failed miserably do the fact the the C was missing. Who wouldn't get a kick out of seeing two girls trying to figure out how to play Puff the Magic Dragon when only one of them knows how to read music. Good Times in the Bell Foundry.
Down the way was a Brewery called the Old Truman's Brewery which has now been transformed into a community centre. From the outside you would never be able to imagine that this was a working Brewery until you see the sign over the walk way. The next stop was the Whitechapel Art Gallery that was actually closed by the time we got there. I was a bit disappointed in that. However, we got to spend more time at the Bell Foundry because of it. When standing outside of this building you would have never imagined that there would be so much history within its walls. As soon as you walk in to the small museum at the front you notice that the frame work for Big Ben is surrounding the front door. That in itself is pretty fantastic. The museum then explains that the Liberty bell was also cast there. We continued on to the back where there were all types of bells, little, big, chimes and even hand bells. A couple of the girls attempted to play Puff the Magic Dragon but failed miserably do the fact the the C was missing. Who wouldn't get a kick out of seeing two girls trying to figure out how to play Puff the Magic Dragon when only one of them knows how to read music. Good Times in the Bell Foundry.
Imperial War Museum Assignment 7
The Imperial War Museum...Where do I even begin?
Upon arrival I was amazed at the huge lawn that was along side the building, it was beautiful. Then the guns came into view and the huge shells surrounded it as a type of cruel decoration. The size of both these items were amazing by the idea of what they were used for already had my stomach in knots.
We walked in and the room was filled with tanks, airplanes and submarines. All used for only one thing. There were people of all ages and nationalities taking pictures of the vast amount of war transportation vehicles. The image of kids playing on all of these items with smiles on their faces and their parents taking pictures of them as if they were sitting in the front seat was one of the most unsettling things I think I have ever seen in my life.
We continued on to the top floor, the holocaust floor. Usually I am very interested in this part of history simply because I didn't think I could ever wrap my mind around the idea of doing such a thing. However, this time was different. I began reading every bit of information that caught my interest but as I got deeper into the exhibit I couldn't take the images that were being shown. The idea of all the horrible things happening seemed so close to me. I don't know how people can take hours just reading about the horrid events. I made it to the turn of the Nazi soldiers rapping the Ukrainian women in the streets and couldn't stand reading anymore information. After rushing through the end of it, the rest of the museum didn't help. We pushed ourselves through the first and second world war and it only made it worse. There was Uniform after uniform of people who didn't make it and those of families didn't make it. It continued on with more pictures of people crying with blood covering them, with a dead body in laying in their arms. I understand being curious in what has happened in the past and only hope that it never repeats itself but putting yourself through living through it yourself is horrific.
After getting out of the building as soon as I could I was talking about how even if I was a survivor I don't think I would be strong enough to live with those images playing in my head for the rest of my life. Also, I will never take my children to a museum like that before they realize what all the machines do. What each bullet can lead to. All in all, I don't think I will be returning there anytime soon.
Upon arrival I was amazed at the huge lawn that was along side the building, it was beautiful. Then the guns came into view and the huge shells surrounded it as a type of cruel decoration. The size of both these items were amazing by the idea of what they were used for already had my stomach in knots.
We walked in and the room was filled with tanks, airplanes and submarines. All used for only one thing. There were people of all ages and nationalities taking pictures of the vast amount of war transportation vehicles. The image of kids playing on all of these items with smiles on their faces and their parents taking pictures of them as if they were sitting in the front seat was one of the most unsettling things I think I have ever seen in my life.
We continued on to the top floor, the holocaust floor. Usually I am very interested in this part of history simply because I didn't think I could ever wrap my mind around the idea of doing such a thing. However, this time was different. I began reading every bit of information that caught my interest but as I got deeper into the exhibit I couldn't take the images that were being shown. The idea of all the horrible things happening seemed so close to me. I don't know how people can take hours just reading about the horrid events. I made it to the turn of the Nazi soldiers rapping the Ukrainian women in the streets and couldn't stand reading anymore information. After rushing through the end of it, the rest of the museum didn't help. We pushed ourselves through the first and second world war and it only made it worse. There was Uniform after uniform of people who didn't make it and those of families didn't make it. It continued on with more pictures of people crying with blood covering them, with a dead body in laying in their arms. I understand being curious in what has happened in the past and only hope that it never repeats itself but putting yourself through living through it yourself is horrific.
After getting out of the building as soon as I could I was talking about how even if I was a survivor I don't think I would be strong enough to live with those images playing in my head for the rest of my life. Also, I will never take my children to a museum like that before they realize what all the machines do. What each bullet can lead to. All in all, I don't think I will be returning there anytime soon.
Join an organisation (Assignment 4)
While in London we were asked to join an organization to bring ourselves closer to people while living here. So a few of the other girls in the program and I joined a dancing class. We would go and learn a few steps to a new dance every day. This let us be embodied with a new group of people but also in a situation where it was all about having fun and it being alright to laugh at each other. The instruction only lasted about thirty minutes and then we would have the instructor at the front of the class to lead us through a couple of songs so we would know when to use the steps. All in all, the class only lasted about an hour.
The first session was the cha cha. Lets just say some of the girls don't exactly know how to move their hips besides in a hula-hoop fashion. When we first arrived we were a little nervous and idly stood in the back, watching the instructor who was at the front of the class. The first couple of steps are always the easiest, usually that have something to do with side stepping and clapping. There were only four steps and when the instructor was done showing us, he would stand in the front of the class and we would follow his lead as he called out the numbers of the steps.
Our Second session was Mambo. The Mambo was sadly exactly like the cha cha and we all followed numbly until I couldn't help but just start dancing like a dork. I was throwing in turns and twists that didn't belong and had to do a few hip bumps with the other girls. Soon I was throwing everyone off but we all got a good laugh at it. This is when we met Carol. Her husband was explained to have two left feet and her son didn't fall far from the tree. She however, loved to dance so here she was.
Our third session was country. I thought this was going to be the most fun but it was a complete let down! Their idea of line dancing was appalling. However, we did have a teacher that was different then our usual. She was not as excited in any way shape or form to be there. We did a few side steps, a couple of cross steps and a boot-scootin boogie boot tap and just went around in a circle with the same motions. It was horrifying.
Our fourth session was my absolutely favorite, it was rock-n-roll time. I was thinking it was going to be Elvis Presley or something along those lines but what do they pull out? Grease Lightening! It was fabulous. I can now do the entire dance to that song and I am proud to say it. The best part though was the pelvic thrust pumping among all the older woman. They started out a bit reserved and then by the end of the class they were thrusting like no bodies business.
I had so much fun in this class and loved the smiles that it put on everyones faces.
The first session was the cha cha. Lets just say some of the girls don't exactly know how to move their hips besides in a hula-hoop fashion. When we first arrived we were a little nervous and idly stood in the back, watching the instructor who was at the front of the class. The first couple of steps are always the easiest, usually that have something to do with side stepping and clapping. There were only four steps and when the instructor was done showing us, he would stand in the front of the class and we would follow his lead as he called out the numbers of the steps.
Our Second session was Mambo. The Mambo was sadly exactly like the cha cha and we all followed numbly until I couldn't help but just start dancing like a dork. I was throwing in turns and twists that didn't belong and had to do a few hip bumps with the other girls. Soon I was throwing everyone off but we all got a good laugh at it. This is when we met Carol. Her husband was explained to have two left feet and her son didn't fall far from the tree. She however, loved to dance so here she was.
Our third session was country. I thought this was going to be the most fun but it was a complete let down! Their idea of line dancing was appalling. However, we did have a teacher that was different then our usual. She was not as excited in any way shape or form to be there. We did a few side steps, a couple of cross steps and a boot-scootin boogie boot tap and just went around in a circle with the same motions. It was horrifying.
Our fourth session was my absolutely favorite, it was rock-n-roll time. I was thinking it was going to be Elvis Presley or something along those lines but what do they pull out? Grease Lightening! It was fabulous. I can now do the entire dance to that song and I am proud to say it. The best part though was the pelvic thrust pumping among all the older woman. They started out a bit reserved and then by the end of the class they were thrusting like no bodies business.
I had so much fun in this class and loved the smiles that it put on everyones faces.
British Interview Assignement 3
As one of the assignments we were meant to interview someone to understand the British society a little bit better. So, I had the opportunity to interview Linda who works at the front desk of our Lovely Vandon House.
Linda has been in London for nine years after leaving her home in Mali, Africa. She is the only one who moved her because of her studies but she expressed how important her family is to her. Family is very important to her which also helps with her following of her Christian faith. She continued to express how important her faith is to her. Every Sunday you can find her at church, bringing herself closer to God. I asked her how she felt about how much marriage meant to her but she didn't really understand the question. So I asked her if two people could live together before getting married. She smiled and stopped to think about it. I could only imagine that she had been asking herself this question for awhile but after a moment to think she responded with the most confident voice she could muster. She explained that because of her beliefs that, no, you should be married before living with someone. She went on to explain that her beliefs are more important to her then anything else. I then moved on from the subject and asked her about her family and why she came to London.
It turns out that she came her to study and received a Bachelors in business administration but came alone. She is the fourth daughter in her family and the first to study abroad like she has. Linda said that she talks to her family all the time and are still very close, even with the distance. The only other relation that has made it to see her was her father.
I moved on to political matters and ask what she thought about the United States. She again smiled and began to try and pick her words carefully before blurting out, "I don't know much about the United States except for the news." Another moment of thinking led her to express that Obama is a good man and is leading the country well and that economically we aren't that bad. She said that the Nation seems to be in a state of improvement in comparison to its last president but she couldn't tell you why she thinks that. That subject didn't last long so on we went to her political in relation to the United Kingdom. She let out a laugh and said she didn't want to get in trouble for saying anything but the Queen is doing "very well." Her exact words were, "She is doing quite fine,doing her job well."Anyone could tell that she was choosing her words the best she could and I'm sure I must of done something to make her feel more comfortable because she began to talk about immigration in the country. The restrictions on the immigrants the come over for both education and work are ridiculous. She explained that you can only work 20 hours a week if you are going to school and for some who have to pay for it all themselves, it is very difficult. Also, with the recession going on there are so many unemployed that it is that much harder to find a job as well. Either way, it is not be handled very well at all, according to Linda.
I ended with asking her about what the differences were between here and her home. The only thing she could think of was the weather. "We don't have snow in Africa."
Linda has been in London for nine years after leaving her home in Mali, Africa. She is the only one who moved her because of her studies but she expressed how important her family is to her. Family is very important to her which also helps with her following of her Christian faith. She continued to express how important her faith is to her. Every Sunday you can find her at church, bringing herself closer to God. I asked her how she felt about how much marriage meant to her but she didn't really understand the question. So I asked her if two people could live together before getting married. She smiled and stopped to think about it. I could only imagine that she had been asking herself this question for awhile but after a moment to think she responded with the most confident voice she could muster. She explained that because of her beliefs that, no, you should be married before living with someone. She went on to explain that her beliefs are more important to her then anything else. I then moved on from the subject and asked her about her family and why she came to London.
It turns out that she came her to study and received a Bachelors in business administration but came alone. She is the fourth daughter in her family and the first to study abroad like she has. Linda said that she talks to her family all the time and are still very close, even with the distance. The only other relation that has made it to see her was her father.
I moved on to political matters and ask what she thought about the United States. She again smiled and began to try and pick her words carefully before blurting out, "I don't know much about the United States except for the news." Another moment of thinking led her to express that Obama is a good man and is leading the country well and that economically we aren't that bad. She said that the Nation seems to be in a state of improvement in comparison to its last president but she couldn't tell you why she thinks that. That subject didn't last long so on we went to her political in relation to the United Kingdom. She let out a laugh and said she didn't want to get in trouble for saying anything but the Queen is doing "very well." Her exact words were, "She is doing quite fine,doing her job well."Anyone could tell that she was choosing her words the best she could and I'm sure I must of done something to make her feel more comfortable because she began to talk about immigration in the country. The restrictions on the immigrants the come over for both education and work are ridiculous. She explained that you can only work 20 hours a week if you are going to school and for some who have to pay for it all themselves, it is very difficult. Also, with the recession going on there are so many unemployed that it is that much harder to find a job as well. Either way, it is not be handled very well at all, according to Linda.
I ended with asking her about what the differences were between here and her home. The only thing she could think of was the weather. "We don't have snow in Africa."
Monday 2 April 2012
Ireland
So...I know this is long over due but it's finally here! Bum.... bumbum buuuuuum! Another blog post.
The list of things I have done sense my last blog entry is astounding but my memory of them all is not so great. However! In my exploration of Europe I found a wonderful place that fills my heart with joy and gives me nothing more than happiness to spread to anyone who is reading.
What is the name of this place, you ask? Ireland...
In response to St. Patrick's Day we decided to go to Ireland simply to say we were there on the Irish holiday. On the night of planning I had not been present due to my much needed beauty sleep and found out later that our hostel arrangements were so far in the middle of no where that it didn't have its own address. Also, the town we needed to get to didn't even have a bus from where the ferry dropped us off and so the adventure began!
After arriving in Ireland and circling the building a couple of times in search of the train station we found out that the only way to go to where we needed was by going to Dublin. Of course! Dublin on St. Patrick's day, that is a yes! So off we went, taking in the gorgeous scene of country side before falling asleep to the rumbling of yet another bus. We had been traveling for a total of 12 hours already and sleep had not come easy except in occasional short naps, like the bus ride to Dublin.
I wish you could have seen it though! Spring was beginning to, well, spring! I have never seen grass so green or flowers so beautiful. Just driving into the country my breath was taken at every turn. After arriving at Dublin we realized we were in the middle of the City. There was a carnival along the river and there was masses of green. No, these were not rolling hills but people already starting their drunken celebration at ten o'clock in the morning. I heard one girl explain the next day that St. Patricks day is a marathon not a sprint when involving drinking. However, the streets were crawling in people dressed in green from head to toe, holding bottles and cans of all different shapes and sizes. We decided to get breakfast and soon discovered that there was the famous, world wide known St. Patty's Day parade! It was crazy, there were people everywhere and the floats were insane. After getting some floss (Uk slang for Cotton Candy) I could have sworn there was some kind of drug in it because the floats that were going through the parade made no sense. I made a joke that I could touch the sound, only to hear one of the people on the floats to say the exact same thing. It was a very trippy experience. I was lost in the most magical way.
Soon it was over and the crowds fled to McDonald's and then disappeared. We had a pint before we left the city but didn't want to celebrate too heavily due to the fact that we had absolutely no idea where we were suppose to go to get to our hostel. So we continue traveling, making a new friend on the train that is way more drunk then should be legal. Before even getting on the train he is standing on the platform, yelling into his cellphone with a plastic bag full of beer. To his knowledge, one of them is open but he sets in the bag and knocks it over as he continues to try to hear whomever was on the phone. As the beer begins to spread across the cement, filling the plastic bag as well a polite police officer walks up. He taps the man on the shoulder and kindly points to the bag and begins to tell him to pick it up. However, the man is so immersed in his conversation that he turns to the policeman and tells him to "Shhhhh!"We were mesmerized by the scene that was happening and continued to be when he sat next to us on the train and explained that it was only eight o'clock and the celebration hadn't begun.
Soon we arrived at our stop and carefully stepped out into the dark main street in search of a cab that could take us to an unknown address with only the name of the place in hand. It was a lot easier than expected and we soon were loaded up into a tiny bus with another couple who were going to the high class resort near by. After twenty minutes of turns and twists in the, now drizzling, dark we began to turn into a promising drive way. We all let out a sigh of remorse when we realized it was the resort with its chandeliers and valet parkers. By this time we had already thought of every possible place that our hostel could be and ended up with creepy old people who would throw us in the freezer until we froze to death, chop us up and eat us because they were really zombies. Another good twenty minutes later we come up slowly to where the hostel was located and to our amazement it looked to be the safest and most friendly place we had seen since we had arrived in Europe.
By morning we were excited to actually see what surrounded us after our horror film bus ride to the middle of no where the night before. We opened the door and there it was...the most gorgeous view that you have ever scene. Rolling mountains with green grass that went on forever, yellow flowers covering every inch of the bushes and sheep roaming the pastures. We instantly dressed to go exploring, soon finding a river that ran through the valley of where we were staying. The fresh air did everyone good and the exercises put a the rose back in our cheeks. I could not have asked for better weather.You know that feeling when you are looking at a view and it is simply too much to take in? Your heart swells and your throat gets tight as you stare off into the beauty of the world, not altered by a human touch. When the tears spring into your eyes and you can't help but smile because you are getting to see this world of beauty, this purely natural beauty. That is what I felt when I stood on that mountain top and looked down over the land that so joyously proved that life is wonderful. I was really sad to go back to London. I must admit a tear or two slipped down my cheek as we drove up to the ferry location to return.
I never once imagined that I would fall in love with the country so much but you never can plan when you are going to fall in love.
With hugs,
Hope
The list of things I have done sense my last blog entry is astounding but my memory of them all is not so great. However! In my exploration of Europe I found a wonderful place that fills my heart with joy and gives me nothing more than happiness to spread to anyone who is reading.
What is the name of this place, you ask? Ireland...
In response to St. Patrick's Day we decided to go to Ireland simply to say we were there on the Irish holiday. On the night of planning I had not been present due to my much needed beauty sleep and found out later that our hostel arrangements were so far in the middle of no where that it didn't have its own address. Also, the town we needed to get to didn't even have a bus from where the ferry dropped us off and so the adventure began!
After arriving in Ireland and circling the building a couple of times in search of the train station we found out that the only way to go to where we needed was by going to Dublin. Of course! Dublin on St. Patrick's day, that is a yes! So off we went, taking in the gorgeous scene of country side before falling asleep to the rumbling of yet another bus. We had been traveling for a total of 12 hours already and sleep had not come easy except in occasional short naps, like the bus ride to Dublin.
I wish you could have seen it though! Spring was beginning to, well, spring! I have never seen grass so green or flowers so beautiful. Just driving into the country my breath was taken at every turn. After arriving at Dublin we realized we were in the middle of the City. There was a carnival along the river and there was masses of green. No, these were not rolling hills but people already starting their drunken celebration at ten o'clock in the morning. I heard one girl explain the next day that St. Patricks day is a marathon not a sprint when involving drinking. However, the streets were crawling in people dressed in green from head to toe, holding bottles and cans of all different shapes and sizes. We decided to get breakfast and soon discovered that there was the famous, world wide known St. Patty's Day parade! It was crazy, there were people everywhere and the floats were insane. After getting some floss (Uk slang for Cotton Candy) I could have sworn there was some kind of drug in it because the floats that were going through the parade made no sense. I made a joke that I could touch the sound, only to hear one of the people on the floats to say the exact same thing. It was a very trippy experience. I was lost in the most magical way.
Soon it was over and the crowds fled to McDonald's and then disappeared. We had a pint before we left the city but didn't want to celebrate too heavily due to the fact that we had absolutely no idea where we were suppose to go to get to our hostel. So we continue traveling, making a new friend on the train that is way more drunk then should be legal. Before even getting on the train he is standing on the platform, yelling into his cellphone with a plastic bag full of beer. To his knowledge, one of them is open but he sets in the bag and knocks it over as he continues to try to hear whomever was on the phone. As the beer begins to spread across the cement, filling the plastic bag as well a polite police officer walks up. He taps the man on the shoulder and kindly points to the bag and begins to tell him to pick it up. However, the man is so immersed in his conversation that he turns to the policeman and tells him to "Shhhhh!"We were mesmerized by the scene that was happening and continued to be when he sat next to us on the train and explained that it was only eight o'clock and the celebration hadn't begun.
Soon we arrived at our stop and carefully stepped out into the dark main street in search of a cab that could take us to an unknown address with only the name of the place in hand. It was a lot easier than expected and we soon were loaded up into a tiny bus with another couple who were going to the high class resort near by. After twenty minutes of turns and twists in the, now drizzling, dark we began to turn into a promising drive way. We all let out a sigh of remorse when we realized it was the resort with its chandeliers and valet parkers. By this time we had already thought of every possible place that our hostel could be and ended up with creepy old people who would throw us in the freezer until we froze to death, chop us up and eat us because they were really zombies. Another good twenty minutes later we come up slowly to where the hostel was located and to our amazement it looked to be the safest and most friendly place we had seen since we had arrived in Europe.
By morning we were excited to actually see what surrounded us after our horror film bus ride to the middle of no where the night before. We opened the door and there it was...the most gorgeous view that you have ever scene. Rolling mountains with green grass that went on forever, yellow flowers covering every inch of the bushes and sheep roaming the pastures. We instantly dressed to go exploring, soon finding a river that ran through the valley of where we were staying. The fresh air did everyone good and the exercises put a the rose back in our cheeks. I could not have asked for better weather.You know that feeling when you are looking at a view and it is simply too much to take in? Your heart swells and your throat gets tight as you stare off into the beauty of the world, not altered by a human touch. When the tears spring into your eyes and you can't help but smile because you are getting to see this world of beauty, this purely natural beauty. That is what I felt when I stood on that mountain top and looked down over the land that so joyously proved that life is wonderful. I was really sad to go back to London. I must admit a tear or two slipped down my cheek as we drove up to the ferry location to return.
I never once imagined that I would fall in love with the country so much but you never can plan when you are going to fall in love.
With hugs,
Hope
Tuesday 21 February 2012
Recently...
Lets see...I left off with Paris. Since then I have been to several different places.
The first of which was Stonehenge. Before even arriving, sense we went with the entire program, we were told to simply remember how old the structures were. By remembering such things we would understand why they were so small and not as gradiose as we always imagined. Upon arrival, in the snow mind you, I was amazed. The landscape was hilly and covered in just an inch or so of white, making the entire place magical in my eyes. The structures were lightly covered in moss,detailed with the lace of the ice and stood high above our heads. There was no need for the introduction that we would be disappointed.
However, due to the fact that it is a "magical"place, our spirits were lifted and we had to take silly pictures in efforts to withstand the cold.
After about an hour of silliness surrounded by beauty we were back on the bus to Bath. If you don't know, back in the time of Jane Austen and her glorious publications the people of London went to Bath for their holidays and rendezvous with their lovers. It was all quite scandalous. However, now it is a beautiful little town that is surrounded by country side and filled with everything possible to do. From shopping to museums to light night clubs. Some of the girls let the history of Bath come alive when it came to having a splendid holiday. Lets just say that someone gave away their first kiss. Not at all reluctantly, I might add.
While in Bath I had the opportunity to see my first rugby match. The sun was shining and it was warm enough to walk around without my jacket on. Then we sat down. Though sitting in the sun, all our toes were freezing off simply because our legs werent getting a peak of sunlight. However, despite getting frost bite (just kidding) the game was so much more interesting then American football. These guys were so incredibly rough. I highly recommend that you watch some rugby yourself.
Oh! I must help you visualize the ghost tour we went on. Imagine a group of college kids, all bundled up in a small town they don't know standing around listening to a lady tell us ghost stories. Got it? Now imagine that she walked around this little town for a good hour and a half, in the freezing cold, telling these ghost stories that haven't happened since the 1980's, NOW! Imagine this same group of kids standing around in a field with their hands up in the air trying to "feel"something. Besides feeling our hands turning blue we felt absolutely nothing and was trying not to start laughing because our guide was WAY to into her job. All in all, no one saw anything and I am absolutely positive that she blamed us for it.
After Bath we made our way to Lacock, which is pronounced lay-cock. This, of course, gave many of the members of our program a laugh. This town has been preserved as it was in the 18th century and is absolutely beautiful. The feel of the place is just filled with charm and history. The gorgeous little town completely filled my heart with the joy of the country and how much I miss it. To smell the air without a bit of exhaust was delightful. The flowers are just beginning to push through the damp dirt and beginning to spread their petals to the sky. There has been many movies filmed here simply because of its upkeep with the history.
After we returned to London and the weekend was over I have just been living the life of a londoner. Going to school, shopping every now and then on Oxford street, going to the theatre and going to the pubs. You know, the average life of any girl from Texas at my age. Oh? Is that right? This isn't normal? Of course its not! My god! Look at me go, I actually feel as if I live in London. I have no idea what I am going to do when I get back and there is no tube to catch to quickly get wherever I want to go. No store to walk to that is just down the street. No weekend holidays to foreign countries. Whatever will I do? I suppose I will just have to wait and find out. Two months and two weeks in counting until I return.
Tata for now,
Hope
The first of which was Stonehenge. Before even arriving, sense we went with the entire program, we were told to simply remember how old the structures were. By remembering such things we would understand why they were so small and not as gradiose as we always imagined. Upon arrival, in the snow mind you, I was amazed. The landscape was hilly and covered in just an inch or so of white, making the entire place magical in my eyes. The structures were lightly covered in moss,detailed with the lace of the ice and stood high above our heads. There was no need for the introduction that we would be disappointed.
While in Bath I had the opportunity to see my first rugby match. The sun was shining and it was warm enough to walk around without my jacket on. Then we sat down. Though sitting in the sun, all our toes were freezing off simply because our legs werent getting a peak of sunlight. However, despite getting frost bite (just kidding) the game was so much more interesting then American football. These guys were so incredibly rough. I highly recommend that you watch some rugby yourself.
Oh! I must help you visualize the ghost tour we went on. Imagine a group of college kids, all bundled up in a small town they don't know standing around listening to a lady tell us ghost stories. Got it? Now imagine that she walked around this little town for a good hour and a half, in the freezing cold, telling these ghost stories that haven't happened since the 1980's, NOW! Imagine this same group of kids standing around in a field with their hands up in the air trying to "feel"something. Besides feeling our hands turning blue we felt absolutely nothing and was trying not to start laughing because our guide was WAY to into her job. All in all, no one saw anything and I am absolutely positive that she blamed us for it.
After Bath we made our way to Lacock, which is pronounced lay-cock. This, of course, gave many of the members of our program a laugh. This town has been preserved as it was in the 18th century and is absolutely beautiful. The feel of the place is just filled with charm and history. The gorgeous little town completely filled my heart with the joy of the country and how much I miss it. To smell the air without a bit of exhaust was delightful. The flowers are just beginning to push through the damp dirt and beginning to spread their petals to the sky. There has been many movies filmed here simply because of its upkeep with the history.
After we returned to London and the weekend was over I have just been living the life of a londoner. Going to school, shopping every now and then on Oxford street, going to the theatre and going to the pubs. You know, the average life of any girl from Texas at my age. Oh? Is that right? This isn't normal? Of course its not! My god! Look at me go, I actually feel as if I live in London. I have no idea what I am going to do when I get back and there is no tube to catch to quickly get wherever I want to go. No store to walk to that is just down the street. No weekend holidays to foreign countries. Whatever will I do? I suppose I will just have to wait and find out. Two months and two weeks in counting until I return.
Tata for now,
Hope
Wednesday 8 February 2012
Three hats, two scarfs and a some bruises.
Paris.
Alright, grab a water and something to eat if you really want to sit down and read this one because its going to be long! Good luck!
It all started with five other girls and me arriving at Victoria station an hour early to obtain our tickets for the bus. However, before even leaving the city, we got lost in the station.We were looking for the buses instead of the coach station. So! After asking some very polite worker and them pointing and explaining that we were meant to be down the street at the COACH station, we followed directions.We got our tickets and were seated comfortable on our coach,not bus, coach before turning into hopeless romantics at the sight of a couple leaving each other. We watched from our window as the woman cried at the parting of her love. He kissed her, held her and stroked her hair. We imagined he was whispering sweet nothings and explaining that they would see each other again soon enough and that there was no need to cry. All in all, our imaginations ran off and we were close to tears ourselves at how utterly romantic it was. After the woman got on the bus reluctantly the man soon followed, simply to get a few more kisses and I love you's in before they had to go different paths. As soon as he was asked to get off the bus he walked to the window where she could see him and watched his love ride off into the night. It was terribly romantic and the fact that we were on our way to Paris, the city of love, just made it oh so much better.
So we were off to a good start! The bus was comfortable, new and no where near as bad as I thought. The bus driver on the other hand was not as much. Before we even left, he had yelled at atleast two passengers simply because he didnt speak english and they didnt understand each other. As we began our trip and before even leaving the city he began smoking, on a non-smoking bus. We were not the only ones who were shocked. His driving was just as rude as his character. He turned so quickly that no one could sleep comfortably when we were actually in any city, cars honked at him getting in their lane and I swear we almost had three accidents before we left London. However, once we got on the highway, it was much easier to attempt to sleep. The reasoning for us getting such a late bus, we left at 9:30, was so we could sleep on the bus and not waste our money on another night at a hostel. There were a few stops made that didnt affect anyone, picking up people here and there but once we got to the france border check-in it all went wrong.
By this time it was, I believe, midnight and we werent actually aware that this was going to happen. We all had to get out of the bus, take everything with us, wait in line for a guard to give our passport a two second glance before stamping it and then making us wait for our bus driver to pull up so we could all load back on. Sleepily, we did so. There were a few mumbles but once we got on the warm bus,we were fine until we realized we would be getting on the ferry soon. Because of this we didn't go back to sleep in excitement. However, after an hour of waiting in line for this ferry and the cars were finally boarding, our bus driver had fallen asleep! We stayed parked for a good fifteen minutes before someone got up and went to him and asked very rudely, "Are we going to go?" He grumbled and drove on and we all had to get off again and sit upstairs on this ferry. So we tiredly get on the ferry and wait until we pull away from the dock but what do you know? Something else goes wrong! The captain comes on and askes if there is a doctor on the ship because one of the passengers got sick. We wait for another thirty minutes before they announce that they care calling an ambulance. Two hours later, it is announced that because we were waiting they found that there was a problem with the hydrolics and they couldn't shut the doors. THREE HOURS LATER, we leave. The doors are fixed, two people are now sick and staying behind and we are just now leaving. It is now three o'clock in the morning. Can you imagine how excited we are at this point? Through sleep deprived laughter we made it though. A couple of hours later we make it to Paris, its probably around nine o'clock in the morning now and we have barely had any decent sleep and our food involved candy, water and cookies. You can imagine how happy our little group was at this point. Now, we had to find where our hostel was...in the cold...while we are starving...and sleep deprived. Despite all that was against us, we found it in a decent amount of time with our huge backpacks that made us look like turtles.
Upon arrival we found out we couldnt check in till three, so we sadly dropped off our bags in the luggage storing room and went off to try and find something to do for the next five hours that didn't involve a nice warm bed. Food was what came to mind. After finding that the cafes were a bit too pricey and some werent even serving food at this time, we made due with a sandwich shop. I, personally, am not a fan at all of sandwiches. So, I was going to sit down and let some of the other girls eat and eat at a later time. Sounds resonable right? Oh no! The owner comes out yelling in french and the only thing I pick up is ,"This is not a picnic!" We ALL had to buy something to stay...So what did we do after being treated so rudely? We stayed...I had to buy a crossiant for a whole Euro. Oh! I must explain the transportation system. In France, it is called the Metro. This is the equivalent to the tube if the tube was soaked in urine, dunked in a garbage disposal and set to dry in a dump with a side of BO and drug deals.
Moving on! We decided to go to the Louvre after the wonderful bakery that was so very friendly. It was amazing but as the hours went on the paintings began to blur, the statues all looked the same and the Mona Lisa was not as amazing as I hoped. I don't know why but for some reason they put the Mona Lisa, which isn't a huge painting, in this gallery with wall to floor length paintings. It all seemed very off. Anyway, I wish I had had more energy for this wonderful opportunity but my feet were dragging, my stomach was growling and I needed a nap. Oh! Had I mentioned that I was slowly getting sicker and sicker as the day past? Yup! After we all decided that we simply couldn't walk anymore and our senses were WAY overloaded we tried to get out of the Louvre. This was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life! The signs for the way to leave this place were ridiculous and we spent a good thirty minutes just trying to get out. At one point, I remember tapping on the glass of the window, saying "Help us!"
Eventually we found our way out, made our way back to the hostel and checked in. How was the hostel, you ask? Well let me tell you. It was wonderful, actually. It was clean and the atmosphere was very friendly. There were people of all different nationalities lounging about, families with kids and students, just like us. The only major problem was that there were six floors and no elevator. I'm sure you are thinking, well that isn't so bad...Well you are wrong! The stair case was an old, wooden, spiral staircase that had definetly had its day. What floor were we on, you ask? The sixth! Naturally. After climbing the mountain with our bags, we sat and had our cold peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that we had made the night before for this adventure. At this point, I was very happy. Naps were a must after our little lunch but we couldn't sleep all night so we got up for dinner and went to the Arc de Triomphe for pictures. At this point, I could finally say, "Hey Look! We are in Paris!" Everything was so much better after our naps. Though it was cold, we walked down the Champs Elysees and enjoyed the shops and the people and the fact that we were in France. We stopped and ate at a French hamburger place, which was interesting, and continued on until it started to snow! The girls that I was with are all from places in which this happens every year but this girl from Texas was amazed! I was standing in Paris and it was snowing. I was in france and there were flurries on my coat. They laughed at my childlike wonderment but I couldn't help it! It was gorgeous. It didn't last very long, just enough to coat everything in a fine layer of white but it was marvelous. We continued walking until we saw the eiffel tower. It really is as magically as I hoped. This ended our night and we went back to the hostel.
I told you this was a long one!
Continuing! The next day we went to the Notre Dome, as all tourists should do and then do you know what we did? I'm sure you can't guess...We went ice skating! In Paris!! I was not as light on my feet as the two other girls who went with me but I still did it. No broken bones, no twisted ankles and no bruises. It was so much fun to just be in the situation. After my sad attempts at learning to ice skate, we got cotton candy and the oddest thing happened. As one of the girls explained, " The only pick pocketers we had a problem with was with our cotton candy." There was a lady, trying to get us to sign something that followed us around and kept picking bits of our cotton candy off! She would ask and we would say no and then she would just take it! It was so strange! We rushed off and found the lane of pet shops. It was a horrible idea but we went in every single one and Awed at every single puppy and kitten. We found that the french are very proud of their animals and the cheapest puppy was atleast 600 euros. This was probably a blessing in disguise.We went to Moulin Rouge, had dinner and made one of the girls very uncomfortable by going into a European sex shop for that reason exactly.
We headed back and actually had the chance to listen to a three guy band from Argentina that were playing in the hostel for a gig. They were gorgeous, of course. However, because I am madly in love with my boyfriend they didn't have a chance at all. Though I must admit, I believe that they did wish to try because I am simply that gorgeous. ;) Anyway! We stayed downstairs and played table tennis and met a couple of other travelers. It was so much fun. There was a sing along involved, need I say more?
Sunday we planned on going to Versailles and as I was heading down the stairs for breakfast, I fell down those horrid stairs...This is where the bruises came from. I now have a lovely set of bruises on my arm and on the top of my bottom. Thank you, sixth floor. We made it to the Palace later on and at this point, all the wonderful palaces/castles/apartments that are in these rather large estates are beginning to blur together. I'm sure it was gorgeous and the accidents were extrodinary, so on and so forth but I had one major problem that was keeping me from enjoying the palace. I had finally gotten my cold. I was sneezing, coughing, sniffiling, aching...dying but did I give up! No Sir or Madam! After returning back to the city, we went to the Paris Opera house and it was gorgeous. Despite my bad state, it was so very pretty. After that, I could not walk any farther and we just headed back to the bus station. The ride back was a lot better and so much less time then the ride before until we got to the UK border. It, honestly, is harder to get into the UK then it is to get into the US. They asked all sorts of questions, I was the lucky one. I only was asked questions for about ten minutes. Some of the other girls were not so lucky. There was even a man who had to do the walk of shame and was not let in. We arrived back in London at 4:30 and had to walk back because the tube wasn't open yet. We had not planned on being early on the way back since we were so late arriving to Paris. However, it was so and we walked back and sickly, I crawled into bed and haven't crawled out until now.
All in all, I think it was a pretty adventurous trip. I had a blast and I'm glad I got to go with the girls that I did go with. Next, is Bath.
Au revoir,
Hope
Alright, grab a water and something to eat if you really want to sit down and read this one because its going to be long! Good luck!
It all started with five other girls and me arriving at Victoria station an hour early to obtain our tickets for the bus. However, before even leaving the city, we got lost in the station.We were looking for the buses instead of the coach station. So! After asking some very polite worker and them pointing and explaining that we were meant to be down the street at the COACH station, we followed directions.We got our tickets and were seated comfortable on our coach,not bus, coach before turning into hopeless romantics at the sight of a couple leaving each other. We watched from our window as the woman cried at the parting of her love. He kissed her, held her and stroked her hair. We imagined he was whispering sweet nothings and explaining that they would see each other again soon enough and that there was no need to cry. All in all, our imaginations ran off and we were close to tears ourselves at how utterly romantic it was. After the woman got on the bus reluctantly the man soon followed, simply to get a few more kisses and I love you's in before they had to go different paths. As soon as he was asked to get off the bus he walked to the window where she could see him and watched his love ride off into the night. It was terribly romantic and the fact that we were on our way to Paris, the city of love, just made it oh so much better.
So we were off to a good start! The bus was comfortable, new and no where near as bad as I thought. The bus driver on the other hand was not as much. Before we even left, he had yelled at atleast two passengers simply because he didnt speak english and they didnt understand each other. As we began our trip and before even leaving the city he began smoking, on a non-smoking bus. We were not the only ones who were shocked. His driving was just as rude as his character. He turned so quickly that no one could sleep comfortably when we were actually in any city, cars honked at him getting in their lane and I swear we almost had three accidents before we left London. However, once we got on the highway, it was much easier to attempt to sleep. The reasoning for us getting such a late bus, we left at 9:30, was so we could sleep on the bus and not waste our money on another night at a hostel. There were a few stops made that didnt affect anyone, picking up people here and there but once we got to the france border check-in it all went wrong.
By this time it was, I believe, midnight and we werent actually aware that this was going to happen. We all had to get out of the bus, take everything with us, wait in line for a guard to give our passport a two second glance before stamping it and then making us wait for our bus driver to pull up so we could all load back on. Sleepily, we did so. There were a few mumbles but once we got on the warm bus,we were fine until we realized we would be getting on the ferry soon. Because of this we didn't go back to sleep in excitement. However, after an hour of waiting in line for this ferry and the cars were finally boarding, our bus driver had fallen asleep! We stayed parked for a good fifteen minutes before someone got up and went to him and asked very rudely, "Are we going to go?" He grumbled and drove on and we all had to get off again and sit upstairs on this ferry. So we tiredly get on the ferry and wait until we pull away from the dock but what do you know? Something else goes wrong! The captain comes on and askes if there is a doctor on the ship because one of the passengers got sick. We wait for another thirty minutes before they announce that they care calling an ambulance. Two hours later, it is announced that because we were waiting they found that there was a problem with the hydrolics and they couldn't shut the doors. THREE HOURS LATER, we leave. The doors are fixed, two people are now sick and staying behind and we are just now leaving. It is now three o'clock in the morning. Can you imagine how excited we are at this point? Through sleep deprived laughter we made it though. A couple of hours later we make it to Paris, its probably around nine o'clock in the morning now and we have barely had any decent sleep and our food involved candy, water and cookies. You can imagine how happy our little group was at this point. Now, we had to find where our hostel was...in the cold...while we are starving...and sleep deprived. Despite all that was against us, we found it in a decent amount of time with our huge backpacks that made us look like turtles.
Upon arrival we found out we couldnt check in till three, so we sadly dropped off our bags in the luggage storing room and went off to try and find something to do for the next five hours that didn't involve a nice warm bed. Food was what came to mind. After finding that the cafes were a bit too pricey and some werent even serving food at this time, we made due with a sandwich shop. I, personally, am not a fan at all of sandwiches. So, I was going to sit down and let some of the other girls eat and eat at a later time. Sounds resonable right? Oh no! The owner comes out yelling in french and the only thing I pick up is ,"This is not a picnic!" We ALL had to buy something to stay...So what did we do after being treated so rudely? We stayed...I had to buy a crossiant for a whole Euro. Oh! I must explain the transportation system. In France, it is called the Metro. This is the equivalent to the tube if the tube was soaked in urine, dunked in a garbage disposal and set to dry in a dump with a side of BO and drug deals.
Moving on! We decided to go to the Louvre after the wonderful bakery that was so very friendly. It was amazing but as the hours went on the paintings began to blur, the statues all looked the same and the Mona Lisa was not as amazing as I hoped. I don't know why but for some reason they put the Mona Lisa, which isn't a huge painting, in this gallery with wall to floor length paintings. It all seemed very off. Anyway, I wish I had had more energy for this wonderful opportunity but my feet were dragging, my stomach was growling and I needed a nap. Oh! Had I mentioned that I was slowly getting sicker and sicker as the day past? Yup! After we all decided that we simply couldn't walk anymore and our senses were WAY overloaded we tried to get out of the Louvre. This was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life! The signs for the way to leave this place were ridiculous and we spent a good thirty minutes just trying to get out. At one point, I remember tapping on the glass of the window, saying "Help us!"
Eventually we found our way out, made our way back to the hostel and checked in. How was the hostel, you ask? Well let me tell you. It was wonderful, actually. It was clean and the atmosphere was very friendly. There were people of all different nationalities lounging about, families with kids and students, just like us. The only major problem was that there were six floors and no elevator. I'm sure you are thinking, well that isn't so bad...Well you are wrong! The stair case was an old, wooden, spiral staircase that had definetly had its day. What floor were we on, you ask? The sixth! Naturally. After climbing the mountain with our bags, we sat and had our cold peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that we had made the night before for this adventure. At this point, I was very happy. Naps were a must after our little lunch but we couldn't sleep all night so we got up for dinner and went to the Arc de Triomphe for pictures. At this point, I could finally say, "Hey Look! We are in Paris!" Everything was so much better after our naps. Though it was cold, we walked down the Champs Elysees and enjoyed the shops and the people and the fact that we were in France. We stopped and ate at a French hamburger place, which was interesting, and continued on until it started to snow! The girls that I was with are all from places in which this happens every year but this girl from Texas was amazed! I was standing in Paris and it was snowing. I was in france and there were flurries on my coat. They laughed at my childlike wonderment but I couldn't help it! It was gorgeous. It didn't last very long, just enough to coat everything in a fine layer of white but it was marvelous. We continued walking until we saw the eiffel tower. It really is as magically as I hoped. This ended our night and we went back to the hostel.
I told you this was a long one!
Continuing! The next day we went to the Notre Dome, as all tourists should do and then do you know what we did? I'm sure you can't guess...We went ice skating! In Paris!! I was not as light on my feet as the two other girls who went with me but I still did it. No broken bones, no twisted ankles and no bruises. It was so much fun to just be in the situation. After my sad attempts at learning to ice skate, we got cotton candy and the oddest thing happened. As one of the girls explained, " The only pick pocketers we had a problem with was with our cotton candy." There was a lady, trying to get us to sign something that followed us around and kept picking bits of our cotton candy off! She would ask and we would say no and then she would just take it! It was so strange! We rushed off and found the lane of pet shops. It was a horrible idea but we went in every single one and Awed at every single puppy and kitten. We found that the french are very proud of their animals and the cheapest puppy was atleast 600 euros. This was probably a blessing in disguise.We went to Moulin Rouge, had dinner and made one of the girls very uncomfortable by going into a European sex shop for that reason exactly.
We headed back and actually had the chance to listen to a three guy band from Argentina that were playing in the hostel for a gig. They were gorgeous, of course. However, because I am madly in love with my boyfriend they didn't have a chance at all. Though I must admit, I believe that they did wish to try because I am simply that gorgeous. ;) Anyway! We stayed downstairs and played table tennis and met a couple of other travelers. It was so much fun. There was a sing along involved, need I say more?
Sunday we planned on going to Versailles and as I was heading down the stairs for breakfast, I fell down those horrid stairs...This is where the bruises came from. I now have a lovely set of bruises on my arm and on the top of my bottom. Thank you, sixth floor. We made it to the Palace later on and at this point, all the wonderful palaces/castles/apartments that are in these rather large estates are beginning to blur together. I'm sure it was gorgeous and the accidents were extrodinary, so on and so forth but I had one major problem that was keeping me from enjoying the palace. I had finally gotten my cold. I was sneezing, coughing, sniffiling, aching...dying but did I give up! No Sir or Madam! After returning back to the city, we went to the Paris Opera house and it was gorgeous. Despite my bad state, it was so very pretty. After that, I could not walk any farther and we just headed back to the bus station. The ride back was a lot better and so much less time then the ride before until we got to the UK border. It, honestly, is harder to get into the UK then it is to get into the US. They asked all sorts of questions, I was the lucky one. I only was asked questions for about ten minutes. Some of the other girls were not so lucky. There was even a man who had to do the walk of shame and was not let in. We arrived back in London at 4:30 and had to walk back because the tube wasn't open yet. We had not planned on being early on the way back since we were so late arriving to Paris. However, it was so and we walked back and sickly, I crawled into bed and haven't crawled out until now.
All in all, I think it was a pretty adventurous trip. I had a blast and I'm glad I got to go with the girls that I did go with. Next, is Bath.
Au revoir,
Hope
Tuesday 31 January 2012
Lately...
Phew!
Thanks to my wonderful luck and my froogle ways I have no computer at the moment. It turns out that my laptop decided to break at one of the most inconvient places, where it charges, and it will cost almost as much as the computer did when it was brand new. With this new item to be charged to my traveling money, I simply can't bring myself to do it. At the moment I am looking to see if I should just buy a new computer instead of fussing with shopping around for cheaper places to fix this part.
The guy at the first shop I went to rudely explained that, "This is a girl problem. Girls just don't understand how to take care of a computer!"
Thank you so much, Mister. I will be sure never to come to your shop again. :D
However! Besides this small bump in the road I have been very busy. I have seen one musical and one play already since the last time I have spoken with you and they were equally amazing. I saw Les Miserables which was wonderful! The singers were top knotch and the setting was very creative in its ways of turning and twisting to be several different settings instead of just using props. The play I atteneded was called The Charity that begins at home. This venue was much smaller. I was basically in the lap of these actors who were giving this production in a round. I loved this play more than Les Miserables but that is simply a matter of taste and opinion.
Over the weekend we took a day trip to Windsor to see the castle in which the Queen spends most of her weekends.I wanted to go simply to get out of the city and see these rolling hills that I have heard so much. After having a 45 minute train ride and realizing that there was no country to be seen because of the ever growing suburbs of London, I was a bit upset until we actually saw the castle. This place was absolutely beautiful.From the castle to the tiny town that surrounded with shops and tourist prices, I loved it. Despite the high price for simply walking into the gates, I was incredibly happy with going to see it. The history of all the reigns that lived there jumped out at every moment. This castle withstood so much and is still there today with so much presence. I wouldn't dare to live there but to visit is a must if you are anywhere in this area.Inside was even better, from Queen Mary's doll house to the treasures that have been collected through the years of both war and treaty to the portraits of so many influential people of the past. One of the most incredible things was the guards room. This room was covered in weapons but in the most decorative way. Using these symbols of fear to be beautiful peices of art in different patterns. Also, I had never seen such beautiful swords in all my life. I only wish that swords were more of a custom instead of guns these days.
The people that were visiting were another story though. It was shocking to see how many asian people were at this castle. None of them spoke english and most of them were under the age of 12. They were rude, loud and completely inconsiderate when it came to respecting the history of the place. It got to the point that I had to leave certain rooms simply because I could not enjoy the elegance and beauty that surrounded me. By the end of the tour and the people surrounded the guard, with his tall black, furry hat, it got worse. I have the utmost respect for those men. They are simply doing their duty yet they must deal with people taking their picture constantly. It must get rather dull. At this point, one of the asian girls that had been fluttering around us for the past two hours in a very indecent manner asked in broken english,
"Can I get picture?" I, of course, smiled and said yes. Assuming that she meant for me to take a picture of her and her friend she began to pull me and one of the others girls I was with together for the photo. We were what she wanted a picture of. I haven't decided if this was because she hasn't been around a lot of Americans, thought we were British or we are simply that gorgeous. I'm voting for the last.
After coming back we hit the pubs, the rest of the story you will have to ask me in person. :)
On Sunday, I chickened out and didn't go to the Chinese New Year parade because it was cold and gross outside and my bed simply needed more time to bond with me. However, I did make it to the fireworks. Was it worth it? Were they amazing? Would I do it again? In short, no. After standing in Trafalager square for twenty minutes, not being able to see anything because for some reason tall guys have to pick up their little brothers so they can been at least three feet taller, and noticing it was about to rain the show was horrid! As said by Anna, " I can see better fireworks at a baseball game!"
I visited the Tate Modern yesterday in hopes of exposing my artistic side to a new perspective and broading my horizons, I learned something about myself. I don't like modern art to much. I fear that the term modern art is becoming an excuse for people who had a bad past to not actually do anything with themselves. I mean to paint a splotch of white on an off white wall and call it emotional or video taping a man kicking a bucket for ten minutes and calling this art...Many of the featured peices could have been done by a first grader or even me. Simply because you don't understand a peice does not make it genius. Again, its merely opinion.
On a positive note! Before going to play last night we off handly decided, "why not go to Paris for the weekend?" How positively wonderful is that? Hopefully it will actually happen.
By the way, everyone who is reading this is not being very sweet! I haven't gotten a single parcel! No letters, no postcards. Shame on you! ;)
Just in case you feel so kind as to make me feel loved, here is the address:
Hope Moon
Vandon House
1 Vandon Street
London SW1H 0AH
United Kingdom
Tata for now,
Hope
Thanks to my wonderful luck and my froogle ways I have no computer at the moment. It turns out that my laptop decided to break at one of the most inconvient places, where it charges, and it will cost almost as much as the computer did when it was brand new. With this new item to be charged to my traveling money, I simply can't bring myself to do it. At the moment I am looking to see if I should just buy a new computer instead of fussing with shopping around for cheaper places to fix this part.
The guy at the first shop I went to rudely explained that, "This is a girl problem. Girls just don't understand how to take care of a computer!"
Thank you so much, Mister. I will be sure never to come to your shop again. :D
However! Besides this small bump in the road I have been very busy. I have seen one musical and one play already since the last time I have spoken with you and they were equally amazing. I saw Les Miserables which was wonderful! The singers were top knotch and the setting was very creative in its ways of turning and twisting to be several different settings instead of just using props. The play I atteneded was called The Charity that begins at home. This venue was much smaller. I was basically in the lap of these actors who were giving this production in a round. I loved this play more than Les Miserables but that is simply a matter of taste and opinion.
Over the weekend we took a day trip to Windsor to see the castle in which the Queen spends most of her weekends.I wanted to go simply to get out of the city and see these rolling hills that I have heard so much. After having a 45 minute train ride and realizing that there was no country to be seen because of the ever growing suburbs of London, I was a bit upset until we actually saw the castle. This place was absolutely beautiful.From the castle to the tiny town that surrounded with shops and tourist prices, I loved it. Despite the high price for simply walking into the gates, I was incredibly happy with going to see it. The history of all the reigns that lived there jumped out at every moment. This castle withstood so much and is still there today with so much presence. I wouldn't dare to live there but to visit is a must if you are anywhere in this area.Inside was even better, from Queen Mary's doll house to the treasures that have been collected through the years of both war and treaty to the portraits of so many influential people of the past. One of the most incredible things was the guards room. This room was covered in weapons but in the most decorative way. Using these symbols of fear to be beautiful peices of art in different patterns. Also, I had never seen such beautiful swords in all my life. I only wish that swords were more of a custom instead of guns these days.
The people that were visiting were another story though. It was shocking to see how many asian people were at this castle. None of them spoke english and most of them were under the age of 12. They were rude, loud and completely inconsiderate when it came to respecting the history of the place. It got to the point that I had to leave certain rooms simply because I could not enjoy the elegance and beauty that surrounded me. By the end of the tour and the people surrounded the guard, with his tall black, furry hat, it got worse. I have the utmost respect for those men. They are simply doing their duty yet they must deal with people taking their picture constantly. It must get rather dull. At this point, one of the asian girls that had been fluttering around us for the past two hours in a very indecent manner asked in broken english,
"Can I get picture?" I, of course, smiled and said yes. Assuming that she meant for me to take a picture of her and her friend she began to pull me and one of the others girls I was with together for the photo. We were what she wanted a picture of. I haven't decided if this was because she hasn't been around a lot of Americans, thought we were British or we are simply that gorgeous. I'm voting for the last.
After coming back we hit the pubs, the rest of the story you will have to ask me in person. :)
On Sunday, I chickened out and didn't go to the Chinese New Year parade because it was cold and gross outside and my bed simply needed more time to bond with me. However, I did make it to the fireworks. Was it worth it? Were they amazing? Would I do it again? In short, no. After standing in Trafalager square for twenty minutes, not being able to see anything because for some reason tall guys have to pick up their little brothers so they can been at least three feet taller, and noticing it was about to rain the show was horrid! As said by Anna, " I can see better fireworks at a baseball game!"
I visited the Tate Modern yesterday in hopes of exposing my artistic side to a new perspective and broading my horizons, I learned something about myself. I don't like modern art to much. I fear that the term modern art is becoming an excuse for people who had a bad past to not actually do anything with themselves. I mean to paint a splotch of white on an off white wall and call it emotional or video taping a man kicking a bucket for ten minutes and calling this art...Many of the featured peices could have been done by a first grader or even me. Simply because you don't understand a peice does not make it genius. Again, its merely opinion.
On a positive note! Before going to play last night we off handly decided, "why not go to Paris for the weekend?" How positively wonderful is that? Hopefully it will actually happen.
By the way, everyone who is reading this is not being very sweet! I haven't gotten a single parcel! No letters, no postcards. Shame on you! ;)
Just in case you feel so kind as to make me feel loved, here is the address:
Hope Moon
Vandon House
1 Vandon Street
London SW1H 0AH
United Kingdom
Tata for now,
Hope
Tuesday 24 January 2012
Assignment 2.
Museum of London
After collecting a group of girls and deciding to go to the Museum of London we left in hopes to be wowed by our destination. Being a lover of museums, I adored the Museum of London. I never expected it to be as hands on and interactive as it had been. After arriving with a group of other members I found that I was one of the slow museum goers in comparison to all the other girls. It took me three hours to get through the whole thing while it only took the others girls two. I suppose I feel the need to read most of the plaques instead of just looking at the pieces. From the beginning I was amazed at the extravagance of how evolved the weapons were in the earliest of years as well as how many spearheads and points were found. The skulls were so well preserved that it was shocking that everyone wasn’t amazed by the almost full mouth of teeth that was still intact. As the museum made its way down the years and began to introduce the fashion of the times, my girlish side showed its head and I could not help but get excited to see how jewelry evolved as well as the clothing choices through out the times. At the beginning I was very shocked at how many children were there but as I went on to see the wonderful hands on stations that the museum had for children I was very impressed. Besides one crying baby, every child I saw was seriously learning and the parents were helping them read what was being shown and talking to them about what they were looking at. I was amazed at how well behaved these children were. There was no screaming, no tantrums and not a single pouting child about how much their feet hurt or how hungry they were. In the states this would have never been the case. It made me take a double look at the parenting styles in Britain. This actually made me enjoy that the children were there and enhanced my visit so much more. The interactive technology of this museum was mind blowing. There were many stations that were being projected from the ceiling and you actually could touch the map or picture or whatever it might be and it would give you more information or ask you questions. I had never seen this before and it was mind blowing. I must admit that I am a button pusher so this was a wonderful experience. My favorite part was the garden walk. It was only a room but there were mannequins standing around in the garden “socializing” with the clothing styles of the time. On one wall was a constant film of servants setting up tables in the garden for dinner at a later time. It was just gorgeous. The only falter of the visit was that the seemed to jump from the 1700’s to the 1900’s very quickly and there was nothing said about the colonies and only one written statement about the world wars. However, all in all it was wonderful and I am glad I went. It jump started my desire to visit even more museums and left me only a taste for my hunger of history.
After collecting a group of girls and deciding to go to the Museum of London we left in hopes to be wowed by our destination. Being a lover of museums, I adored the Museum of London. I never expected it to be as hands on and interactive as it had been. After arriving with a group of other members I found that I was one of the slow museum goers in comparison to all the other girls. It took me three hours to get through the whole thing while it only took the others girls two. I suppose I feel the need to read most of the plaques instead of just looking at the pieces. From the beginning I was amazed at the extravagance of how evolved the weapons were in the earliest of years as well as how many spearheads and points were found. The skulls were so well preserved that it was shocking that everyone wasn’t amazed by the almost full mouth of teeth that was still intact. As the museum made its way down the years and began to introduce the fashion of the times, my girlish side showed its head and I could not help but get excited to see how jewelry evolved as well as the clothing choices through out the times. At the beginning I was very shocked at how many children were there but as I went on to see the wonderful hands on stations that the museum had for children I was very impressed. Besides one crying baby, every child I saw was seriously learning and the parents were helping them read what was being shown and talking to them about what they were looking at. I was amazed at how well behaved these children were. There was no screaming, no tantrums and not a single pouting child about how much their feet hurt or how hungry they were. In the states this would have never been the case. It made me take a double look at the parenting styles in Britain. This actually made me enjoy that the children were there and enhanced my visit so much more. The interactive technology of this museum was mind blowing. There were many stations that were being projected from the ceiling and you actually could touch the map or picture or whatever it might be and it would give you more information or ask you questions. I had never seen this before and it was mind blowing. I must admit that I am a button pusher so this was a wonderful experience. My favorite part was the garden walk. It was only a room but there were mannequins standing around in the garden “socializing” with the clothing styles of the time. On one wall was a constant film of servants setting up tables in the garden for dinner at a later time. It was just gorgeous. The only falter of the visit was that the seemed to jump from the 1700’s to the 1900’s very quickly and there was nothing said about the colonies and only one written statement about the world wars. However, all in all it was wonderful and I am glad I went. It jump started my desire to visit even more museums and left me only a taste for my hunger of history.
Assignment 1.
Disclaimer: On this blog I will be doing some of my British Seminar assignments.
Assignment 1/street life:
After a week of figuring out the transportation in London and exploring the prices of what is cheap and what is expensive, I have found that markets are my favorite shopping experience in London. I had the opportunity to go with many of the others in my program to Borough Market which is right across from what is known to have been Shakespeare‘s church. First of all, I adore the area that this market is in. The history that surrounds this market is extravagant and makes me feel as if I have stepped back into the past and am having the chance to follow the steps of many before me. The feeling of the market is that everyone is in high spirits with a hint of precaution due to the pick pockets that could be around any corner. Despite the hesitation to let your guard down it does not stop everyone from enjoying themselves. Everywhere there were booths of fresh foods, home-made baked goods and gourmet foods. In every direction there was a different aroma of some savory food that you only wish you had enough time to explore every single one of them. This market was so exciting to experience simply because of all the people watching. There were people from every class, every age and every type, trying infused cheeses and tasting free samples. The Borough market, though, seemed to be on the richest side of any market I have had the opportunity to go to. The only way I can describe the type of market it was is a high class Mexican market mixed with a Californian market.
My second market was Brixton market which eased itself into the kinds of markets that are more common in my experiences. As soon as you walk into the area there are guys trying to get your attention with, “Hey Sexy” and other comments of a provocative nature. Some of the other girls that we ran into were uneasy about this way of grabbing someone’s attention but I found it refreshing in a way. I simply think this is because I am use to such things from Mexican markets and it is just a ploy to pull you towards their booth, they mean no harm, they are just having a bit of fun with the tourist. This market is filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, hanging meats of all kinds and clothes. The clothes booths had everything from shoes, scarves and hats to ski masks and make-up, all of the cheapest kind. I believe this market was a lot cheaper because of the area and not as upper class in comparison with the Borough market but I enjoyed it just as much. There were not as many people at this market in the morning of a Monday which caused the booth owners to try and grab every person walking by in anyway. Because of this, bargaining could occur here and if you didn’t like the price you just moved on down to the next fruit stand.
Both of these markets helped me to understand that, despite the British way of being reserved and not having open conversations, there are places that this way is relaxed. Whether it be on a weekend on the rich end or during the week on the cheap end. Everyone was so nice and friendly in the ways of how they held themselves, sellers and buyers alike.
Assignment 1/street life:
After a week of figuring out the transportation in London and exploring the prices of what is cheap and what is expensive, I have found that markets are my favorite shopping experience in London. I had the opportunity to go with many of the others in my program to Borough Market which is right across from what is known to have been Shakespeare‘s church. First of all, I adore the area that this market is in. The history that surrounds this market is extravagant and makes me feel as if I have stepped back into the past and am having the chance to follow the steps of many before me. The feeling of the market is that everyone is in high spirits with a hint of precaution due to the pick pockets that could be around any corner. Despite the hesitation to let your guard down it does not stop everyone from enjoying themselves. Everywhere there were booths of fresh foods, home-made baked goods and gourmet foods. In every direction there was a different aroma of some savory food that you only wish you had enough time to explore every single one of them. This market was so exciting to experience simply because of all the people watching. There were people from every class, every age and every type, trying infused cheeses and tasting free samples. The Borough market, though, seemed to be on the richest side of any market I have had the opportunity to go to. The only way I can describe the type of market it was is a high class Mexican market mixed with a Californian market.
My second market was Brixton market which eased itself into the kinds of markets that are more common in my experiences. As soon as you walk into the area there are guys trying to get your attention with, “Hey Sexy” and other comments of a provocative nature. Some of the other girls that we ran into were uneasy about this way of grabbing someone’s attention but I found it refreshing in a way. I simply think this is because I am use to such things from Mexican markets and it is just a ploy to pull you towards their booth, they mean no harm, they are just having a bit of fun with the tourist. This market is filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, hanging meats of all kinds and clothes. The clothes booths had everything from shoes, scarves and hats to ski masks and make-up, all of the cheapest kind. I believe this market was a lot cheaper because of the area and not as upper class in comparison with the Borough market but I enjoyed it just as much. There were not as many people at this market in the morning of a Monday which caused the booth owners to try and grab every person walking by in anyway. Because of this, bargaining could occur here and if you didn’t like the price you just moved on down to the next fruit stand.
Both of these markets helped me to understand that, despite the British way of being reserved and not having open conversations, there are places that this way is relaxed. Whether it be on a weekend on the rich end or during the week on the cheap end. Everyone was so nice and friendly in the ways of how they held themselves, sellers and buyers alike.
Sunday 22 January 2012
Walking like a Londoner.
My Feet Falling Off
Alright...So It's been a couple of days since I last posted but I have a wonderful reason.
I was tired.
Since I last left off we had scavanger hunt to do that was meant to help us get use to using the public transportation. This idea was fabulous, but once it was announced that the winner would recieve cash as the prize it all went to hell in a hand basket. The whole lot of us were seperated into groups of threes and sent off to travel all over London in hopes of finding what was on the list. Some examples of what was asked of us were take a picture from aboard a double decker bys, buy something from Hamley's Toy Shop, buy some fruit from Strutton Ground, get a picture with a policeman (bonus if you get to wear their hat) and so on. Sounds pretty simple, right ? Wrong! The amount of points you could obtain was 15 out of the ten things that were asked. We only had three hours to get all of these things accomplished and for the record,London is huge! What did I learn on this exhausting escapade? Two things. Never rely on the transportation because it will let you down and you will have to walk for the next twenty minutes to get anywhere close to where you THINK you are going and learn how to walk...fast. Londoners do not stroll, mosey or go on joints of any kind. They speed walk like there is no tomorrow. You will be pushed to the side if you are not walking fast enough, elders are a nusiance when its rush hour and are completely ignored in efforts to get to their destination that whole two minutes early. It makes perfect sense that they are all fit and have no problem with obesity in these parts. With the movement of the city as well as the cash thrown into our competitive side, we took off. I ended up coming in second place... with four blisters.
So what do I do?
Join a couple of other girls to a pub for a drink to relax from the days activities, of course!
What happens after the other girls have a couple of ciders and finally feel resonable?
We decide to go dancing, what else?
There were there were seven of us in total that ended up going to Picadilly Institute. We had heard about it from another student studying abroad here and learned that there were six rooms with all different themes and music. As soon as we got off the tube we were approached by a man explaining how beautiful we were and that we only had to pay five pounds to get in instead of the twenty. I must admit, we were pressured but it turned out, it really was a deal. The club was packed with people, before we even got in we saw a cat fight at the door. Once the brisk air left our surroundings the pounding of music embrassed our bodies and we couldn't hear each other unless we were an inch away. We paid and looked around, first lost and then the music hit. Our first room was decent and we knew the first couple of songs until the DJ decided to go a euro route and we lost the groove. So...to the next room we went! This is when the fun began. This room was packed with people of all different backgrounds, ages and dress. You couldn't even begin to imagine that it was near cold outside with everyone in the room was sweating. The smell of sweat, vomit and strong alcohol took over your senses only for a moment until the music took control. We knew EVERY song in this room and we took advantage of that. You can never go wrong with dancing. Once that beat hits, there is no turning back. We found a place to sit and keep our stuff safe and dance at the same time but there was only one problem with our location. The guys. We were surrounded by mostly Indian older men, atleast in there thirties that could not get enough of us. You really learn who people are in a club...I turned into Mother hen and kept an eye on my chickadees with every guy they were dancing with. Everyone had fun but it seemed that some of the girls were a little crazier than I had anticapated. Lets just say...the quiet ones are always the loosest. The night started with a guy drunkingly gashing his head open with a wine glass on accident and ended with two guys choking each other before ending up on the ground in a fight. All in all, by twelve thirty we were ready to make our way back, happily. It was a blast.
The next day we had to wake up at nine because we had a walking tour around Shakespears part of London.Yes, even more walking. Please do remember that I still have four blisters. Despite that, I must say that I was rather disappointed when it came to the area. There were many places that were pointed out that use to be theatres or influential locations that are now office buildings and pricey flats. For instance, where there use to be bear baiting was now paved over and only fenced off because it was right next to a parking area. I was really excited to see The Globe, despite how wondeful the idea is that it has been redone, it just...didn't have the feeling as I hoped. It simply was too clean and put together. Perhaps it just seemed fake to me.
This is a picture of the new globe and do you know what is in the place of where the globe should be?
This map of what London was back then. Behind this is apartments that can not be torn down due to some city code. This breaks my heart a bit but I suppose everything can not be saved or we would never have progress. We also walked by St. Paul's cathederal that is, at the moment, surrounded by tents and protesters that have the same basis of our occupies.
St. Paul's is amazing. It is HUGE. One of the stories that our tour guide explained was that it was one of the most protected buildings during the World War II.
We ended up in a market that was busying with people, free samples and semi-cheap food. It was placed right next to the church that Shakespeare would have gone to. Well, atleast, historians can estimate.
The market that is directly in front of this church is called Borough Market. When I say market, I mean handmade foods of gourmet taste, hanging animals for sale and baked goods from all over Europe. In relation to the markets I have been to in my past I must say it was a cross between a Mexican market and a Californian one.
Today we went to the Museum of London which I found completely wonderful. Many of the other girls did not agree so much. The artifacts that were found were marvelous! I couldn't believe what was created so early in comparison to the south american area. Also, I am a sucker for the victorian era. I just know that I was born in the wrong time. I hope there are more museums to come but I can't wait to go to the art museums either. Although, I am ready to get out of the city and see some rolling hills. I need to see beautiful country side. What have I learned about myself? I don't feel the need to live in the heart of the city in my life time, I love nature way to much and I am not a fan of watching cement grow...
Toodles for now,
Hope
P.S.
Who doesn't love these?;)
Alright...So It's been a couple of days since I last posted but I have a wonderful reason.
I was tired.
Since I last left off we had scavanger hunt to do that was meant to help us get use to using the public transportation. This idea was fabulous, but once it was announced that the winner would recieve cash as the prize it all went to hell in a hand basket. The whole lot of us were seperated into groups of threes and sent off to travel all over London in hopes of finding what was on the list. Some examples of what was asked of us were take a picture from aboard a double decker bys, buy something from Hamley's Toy Shop, buy some fruit from Strutton Ground, get a picture with a policeman (bonus if you get to wear their hat) and so on. Sounds pretty simple, right ? Wrong! The amount of points you could obtain was 15 out of the ten things that were asked. We only had three hours to get all of these things accomplished and for the record,London is huge! What did I learn on this exhausting escapade? Two things. Never rely on the transportation because it will let you down and you will have to walk for the next twenty minutes to get anywhere close to where you THINK you are going and learn how to walk...fast. Londoners do not stroll, mosey or go on joints of any kind. They speed walk like there is no tomorrow. You will be pushed to the side if you are not walking fast enough, elders are a nusiance when its rush hour and are completely ignored in efforts to get to their destination that whole two minutes early. It makes perfect sense that they are all fit and have no problem with obesity in these parts. With the movement of the city as well as the cash thrown into our competitive side, we took off. I ended up coming in second place... with four blisters.
So what do I do?
Join a couple of other girls to a pub for a drink to relax from the days activities, of course!
What happens after the other girls have a couple of ciders and finally feel resonable?
We decide to go dancing, what else?
There were there were seven of us in total that ended up going to Picadilly Institute. We had heard about it from another student studying abroad here and learned that there were six rooms with all different themes and music. As soon as we got off the tube we were approached by a man explaining how beautiful we were and that we only had to pay five pounds to get in instead of the twenty. I must admit, we were pressured but it turned out, it really was a deal. The club was packed with people, before we even got in we saw a cat fight at the door. Once the brisk air left our surroundings the pounding of music embrassed our bodies and we couldn't hear each other unless we were an inch away. We paid and looked around, first lost and then the music hit. Our first room was decent and we knew the first couple of songs until the DJ decided to go a euro route and we lost the groove. So...to the next room we went! This is when the fun began. This room was packed with people of all different backgrounds, ages and dress. You couldn't even begin to imagine that it was near cold outside with everyone in the room was sweating. The smell of sweat, vomit and strong alcohol took over your senses only for a moment until the music took control. We knew EVERY song in this room and we took advantage of that. You can never go wrong with dancing. Once that beat hits, there is no turning back. We found a place to sit and keep our stuff safe and dance at the same time but there was only one problem with our location. The guys. We were surrounded by mostly Indian older men, atleast in there thirties that could not get enough of us. You really learn who people are in a club...I turned into Mother hen and kept an eye on my chickadees with every guy they were dancing with. Everyone had fun but it seemed that some of the girls were a little crazier than I had anticapated. Lets just say...the quiet ones are always the loosest. The night started with a guy drunkingly gashing his head open with a wine glass on accident and ended with two guys choking each other before ending up on the ground in a fight. All in all, by twelve thirty we were ready to make our way back, happily. It was a blast.
The next day we had to wake up at nine because we had a walking tour around Shakespears part of London.Yes, even more walking. Please do remember that I still have four blisters. Despite that, I must say that I was rather disappointed when it came to the area. There were many places that were pointed out that use to be theatres or influential locations that are now office buildings and pricey flats. For instance, where there use to be bear baiting was now paved over and only fenced off because it was right next to a parking area. I was really excited to see The Globe, despite how wondeful the idea is that it has been redone, it just...didn't have the feeling as I hoped. It simply was too clean and put together. Perhaps it just seemed fake to me.
This is a picture of the new globe and do you know what is in the place of where the globe should be?
This map of what London was back then. Behind this is apartments that can not be torn down due to some city code. This breaks my heart a bit but I suppose everything can not be saved or we would never have progress. We also walked by St. Paul's cathederal that is, at the moment, surrounded by tents and protesters that have the same basis of our occupies.
St. Paul's is amazing. It is HUGE. One of the stories that our tour guide explained was that it was one of the most protected buildings during the World War II.
We ended up in a market that was busying with people, free samples and semi-cheap food. It was placed right next to the church that Shakespeare would have gone to. Well, atleast, historians can estimate.
The market that is directly in front of this church is called Borough Market. When I say market, I mean handmade foods of gourmet taste, hanging animals for sale and baked goods from all over Europe. In relation to the markets I have been to in my past I must say it was a cross between a Mexican market and a Californian one.
Today we went to the Museum of London which I found completely wonderful. Many of the other girls did not agree so much. The artifacts that were found were marvelous! I couldn't believe what was created so early in comparison to the south american area. Also, I am a sucker for the victorian era. I just know that I was born in the wrong time. I hope there are more museums to come but I can't wait to go to the art museums either. Although, I am ready to get out of the city and see some rolling hills. I need to see beautiful country side. What have I learned about myself? I don't feel the need to live in the heart of the city in my life time, I love nature way to much and I am not a fan of watching cement grow...
Toodles for now,
Hope
P.S.
Who doesn't love these?;)Thursday 19 January 2012
Fashion Fiasco
Shopping on Oxford St.
Today we decided to get on the tube and make our way to Oxford St, where all the shopping seems to be done.
As we stepped out into the open air, the first thing you see is hoards of people stampeding down the street with their fancy shoes. The streets are still strung with hanging christmas lights that actually are formed to make umbrellas, christmas presents, stars and snowflakes. Despite how well they are designed that is the last thing your eye catches as you lead your way down the pavements.
I must explain the fashion of London. Whoever said that blue jeans were an American thing was sadly mistaken. The major different is the fit. Ever bluejean is very well fitted. There is not a single pair of boxers showing or a bell bottom to be found. Straight leg for the men and skinny for the women. The reasoning, I assume, for this is because anything else would be dragging on the "dirty" street and would constantly get wet. Also, baggy pants don't fit in the fashionable boot of the season for the women. These people dress to be seen constantly. Everyone is making a fashion statement in the highest quality. I have never seen so many suits, leather loafers, fur coats and high heals in my life.
The exit for Oxford St is called Oxford Circus and whoever came up with the name, wasn't kidding. It is just covered in fast walkers, slow walkers, people of all ages as well as shops from department store size to shoe box size. From old buildings to new but we had to eat before we started this escapade. The choices? Pizza Hut or KFC...Come on London! Give us something better to work with...nope, not a chance. Pizza Hut it was! It was pretty ritzy for what it being a Pizza Hut and it seems that here, buffet style can be anyway you like. The couple next to us took their same plates back everytime so...being American tourists, we asked the waiter if that was common practice. He kind of chuckled and explained that everyone does it differently, it doesn't really matter. You can take one plate or twenty. Thank you Mr. Waiter man for your friendly explanation. We ate our fill and began again on this shopping extravaganza, which it definetly was.
Primark was said to be affordably cheap yet incredibly busy. So that is where we went. I'm beginning to actually trust everything that is said because this place was a mad house. The line for the dressing room was so long that girls and woman alike were trying things on in the isles. It seems that you dress to go to this place, camisoles are a must and preferably tights as to not waste time in this shopping hunt. Compared to all the other shops that we glided through such as, Forever 21, H&M and a huge department store, it was cheap. I've learned now that cheap here is pretty expensive for my taste. When you first glance at the price you think "oh Wow! That isn't so bad" then you take a second, remember you are in London, and have to almost double it due to our dollar situation. We ran into some other girls from our program and then got lost and seperated from everyone continuely, until we left the building.
I can proudly say, I didn't buy anything even in the pressure to grab the not-so-much sale.
As it began to get dark, which starts around 4:30, we made our way back down the other side of the street. Randomly entering shoe stores and then running out because of the prices. But, here is where the adventurous side of me comes out!
So there I am, walking down the street and BAM! There are these adorable 50's style dresses with petticoats included! Can you imagine? I insisted that we must go in and off we went. The store was run by some Indian men and was two stores crammed into this little area. There were shoes, bags, I love London stuff, leather coats, coffee mugs, luggage, and in the back were a whole section devoted to these dresses. I was pretty much going crazy over how attractive they were and how adorable I would look in them. With hope in my eyes and a desire to re-live one of my past lives of a 50's housewive, I looked at the price. 49.99 Pounds. My heart sank and I just adored them for a bit longer before I knew I had to leave them behind in this tiny little shop with loud foreign music. Anna insisted that I haggle. Growing up with my family, traveling Mexico and being as frugal as I am, you would think I would be great at this. Well, you are wrong! I slowly asked him how much and he said in broken english, " you try it on and I make better price." Sounds pratical. See if I like it, maybe I will love it and can never take it off, so I agree! He announces for me to follow him and the girls follow as well until we begin going behind the counter and down the stairs to the basement. Sounds a bit off, right? The other girls weren't behind me anymore and I decended into the basement that was filled from bottom to top with boxes and two other Indian men standing around drinking coffee...now that I think about it, I bet it was tea. The man led me through the jungle of mess, pardoning ever so often and showed me the three, very hidden, changing rooms. Who wouldn't be uncomfortable in this situation? A young, American girl in a basement, changing with three other men just waiting outside the door? It was a little awkward. Despite that, I tried the dress on, it was as adorable as I had hoped...fit perfectly, no problems with the zipper but the situation completely through me off and all I could do was hurry to get out of the basement. Nothing happened, I probably was safer down there with those men who had been working this shop all day for years then on the streets of London. But it was just strange, to say the least. The man who took me down stayed there, waiting against a couple of boxes and asked if it fit, did I like it and for us to go back up stairs. Anna met me and we had made a plan early to make it seem as if we had seen this dress before, LOADS cheaper. It seemed like it would work. We got him down to 35.00 pounds, which was "a price just for you" but I couldn't do it. Somewhere, there is the perfect dress that I won't be able to let it go but this was not it. Next time!
We made it back with no problems besides an occasional checking of the tube map to see if we are going the right way, usually we arent, but we always catch it before its too late and with team work and someone carrying a teeny tiny map in their purse, we made it safely home.
By the way,I lied. No pictures today. I'm trying this "fitting in" business and having a huge camera around my neck and having to hand it off to someone else everytime I try something on, just wouldn't do.
However! Next time! I swear!
Toodles,
Hope
Today we decided to get on the tube and make our way to Oxford St, where all the shopping seems to be done.
As we stepped out into the open air, the first thing you see is hoards of people stampeding down the street with their fancy shoes. The streets are still strung with hanging christmas lights that actually are formed to make umbrellas, christmas presents, stars and snowflakes. Despite how well they are designed that is the last thing your eye catches as you lead your way down the pavements.
I must explain the fashion of London. Whoever said that blue jeans were an American thing was sadly mistaken. The major different is the fit. Ever bluejean is very well fitted. There is not a single pair of boxers showing or a bell bottom to be found. Straight leg for the men and skinny for the women. The reasoning, I assume, for this is because anything else would be dragging on the "dirty" street and would constantly get wet. Also, baggy pants don't fit in the fashionable boot of the season for the women. These people dress to be seen constantly. Everyone is making a fashion statement in the highest quality. I have never seen so many suits, leather loafers, fur coats and high heals in my life.
The exit for Oxford St is called Oxford Circus and whoever came up with the name, wasn't kidding. It is just covered in fast walkers, slow walkers, people of all ages as well as shops from department store size to shoe box size. From old buildings to new but we had to eat before we started this escapade. The choices? Pizza Hut or KFC...Come on London! Give us something better to work with...nope, not a chance. Pizza Hut it was! It was pretty ritzy for what it being a Pizza Hut and it seems that here, buffet style can be anyway you like. The couple next to us took their same plates back everytime so...being American tourists, we asked the waiter if that was common practice. He kind of chuckled and explained that everyone does it differently, it doesn't really matter. You can take one plate or twenty. Thank you Mr. Waiter man for your friendly explanation. We ate our fill and began again on this shopping extravaganza, which it definetly was.
Primark was said to be affordably cheap yet incredibly busy. So that is where we went. I'm beginning to actually trust everything that is said because this place was a mad house. The line for the dressing room was so long that girls and woman alike were trying things on in the isles. It seems that you dress to go to this place, camisoles are a must and preferably tights as to not waste time in this shopping hunt. Compared to all the other shops that we glided through such as, Forever 21, H&M and a huge department store, it was cheap. I've learned now that cheap here is pretty expensive for my taste. When you first glance at the price you think "oh Wow! That isn't so bad" then you take a second, remember you are in London, and have to almost double it due to our dollar situation. We ran into some other girls from our program and then got lost and seperated from everyone continuely, until we left the building.
I can proudly say, I didn't buy anything even in the pressure to grab the not-so-much sale.
As it began to get dark, which starts around 4:30, we made our way back down the other side of the street. Randomly entering shoe stores and then running out because of the prices. But, here is where the adventurous side of me comes out!
So there I am, walking down the street and BAM! There are these adorable 50's style dresses with petticoats included! Can you imagine? I insisted that we must go in and off we went. The store was run by some Indian men and was two stores crammed into this little area. There were shoes, bags, I love London stuff, leather coats, coffee mugs, luggage, and in the back were a whole section devoted to these dresses. I was pretty much going crazy over how attractive they were and how adorable I would look in them. With hope in my eyes and a desire to re-live one of my past lives of a 50's housewive, I looked at the price. 49.99 Pounds. My heart sank and I just adored them for a bit longer before I knew I had to leave them behind in this tiny little shop with loud foreign music. Anna insisted that I haggle. Growing up with my family, traveling Mexico and being as frugal as I am, you would think I would be great at this. Well, you are wrong! I slowly asked him how much and he said in broken english, " you try it on and I make better price." Sounds pratical. See if I like it, maybe I will love it and can never take it off, so I agree! He announces for me to follow him and the girls follow as well until we begin going behind the counter and down the stairs to the basement. Sounds a bit off, right? The other girls weren't behind me anymore and I decended into the basement that was filled from bottom to top with boxes and two other Indian men standing around drinking coffee...now that I think about it, I bet it was tea. The man led me through the jungle of mess, pardoning ever so often and showed me the three, very hidden, changing rooms. Who wouldn't be uncomfortable in this situation? A young, American girl in a basement, changing with three other men just waiting outside the door? It was a little awkward. Despite that, I tried the dress on, it was as adorable as I had hoped...fit perfectly, no problems with the zipper but the situation completely through me off and all I could do was hurry to get out of the basement. Nothing happened, I probably was safer down there with those men who had been working this shop all day for years then on the streets of London. But it was just strange, to say the least. The man who took me down stayed there, waiting against a couple of boxes and asked if it fit, did I like it and for us to go back up stairs. Anna met me and we had made a plan early to make it seem as if we had seen this dress before, LOADS cheaper. It seemed like it would work. We got him down to 35.00 pounds, which was "a price just for you" but I couldn't do it. Somewhere, there is the perfect dress that I won't be able to let it go but this was not it. Next time!
We made it back with no problems besides an occasional checking of the tube map to see if we are going the right way, usually we arent, but we always catch it before its too late and with team work and someone carrying a teeny tiny map in their purse, we made it safely home.
By the way,I lied. No pictures today. I'm trying this "fitting in" business and having a huge camera around my neck and having to hand it off to someone else everytime I try something on, just wouldn't do.
However! Next time! I swear!
Toodles,
Hope
Wednesday 18 January 2012
Arriving in London
The Start of my Adventures Across the Pond.
It all began with some sad goodbyes and a hurrying up to wait in an empty airport. Corpus Christi does not have the highest population of people who travel by plane or can even afford to think about it. Due to this horrid fact, there were a total of twelve people on my plane to Dallas. Despite this, it still was late to the Dallas airport and I had to rush to catch my next plane. Then I had the chance to sit in it for thirty minutes before we actually left. The next eight hours were about as comfortable as a coffin covered with protruding nails. However, once I arrived at Heathrow and realized I was in London it all seemed to fall in place. My bags weren't lost, the taxi was right outside the door and the first animal I saw was a seagull...
The taxi ride went something like this...
"What kind of music do you like?"
"Well I right songs that are mostly folky."
"Where are you from?"
"Texas"
"Oh! Then you must love Wille Nelson!"
The rest involved him relating everything he thought he knew about Texas to me, including Bush.
Anyway! I arrived at Vandon House Hotel with all my luggage, all my instruments (my guitar in my backpack and my ukuklele in my huge bag) and half my money due to the expensive taxi.
Vandon House is wonderful. The rooms are cozy but spacious, the shower in tiny but always has hot water and it is in a very swanky neighborhood. All the students share a kitchen and we make our own lunches and dinners. I unpacked as slow as possible to try and make it till four for our first meeting yet I couldn't help it but end up taking a nap. If you know me, that is no surprise. The day ended with the group getting together and going to our first pub called Feathers that was just around the corner. We all recieved free fish and chips, bangers and our choice of an alcoholic beverage. Being ambitious( and thanks to my new friend Lindsey), I went for the cider because I had never had it before. You know what? It was fantastic!
The next few days have been mostly getting to know the area, the rest of the group and getting comfortable with the tube system. If you don't know what the tube is, it is the underground subway that is one of the most amusing things of the British culture that I have found so far. There is no talking, no smiling and no eye contact. During rush hours everyone is pushed into the cars like sardines yet not a peep is made. It's absolutely unlike anything I have ever seen. I have decided that it is my duty as the friendly Texan that I am that I must "Change the tube, one smile at a time!"
Everyone in my study abroad program has found their group they fit in with. Everyone is friendly to one another and we all get along pretty well when pushed into group events like bowling. We help each other and try not to let anyone get lost in such situations.
Tonight, the four of us (Anna, Lindsey,Shelby and I) went on an escapade to see the Buckingham Palace. We didn't realize it was only five minutes away, we continued on towards the eye and then turned abruptly after seeing Big Ben and made our way towards Trafalger Square. It all was so beautiful at night. After passing The Sherlock Holmes pub and walking across the Thames River simply because we couldn't find the next underground entrance we made it back with aching feet but confidence in our traveling capabilities.
I will start taking pictures of all the places I go and all the things I see. There will be much more detail, I'm sure, of certain things instead of a broad idea of what has been happening. Also! Art shots! Who doesn't love a good pigeon sitting on top of a statue in yet another park?
Tata for now,
Hope
It all began with some sad goodbyes and a hurrying up to wait in an empty airport. Corpus Christi does not have the highest population of people who travel by plane or can even afford to think about it. Due to this horrid fact, there were a total of twelve people on my plane to Dallas. Despite this, it still was late to the Dallas airport and I had to rush to catch my next plane. Then I had the chance to sit in it for thirty minutes before we actually left. The next eight hours were about as comfortable as a coffin covered with protruding nails. However, once I arrived at Heathrow and realized I was in London it all seemed to fall in place. My bags weren't lost, the taxi was right outside the door and the first animal I saw was a seagull...
The taxi ride went something like this...
"What kind of music do you like?"
"Well I right songs that are mostly folky."
"Where are you from?"
"Texas"
"Oh! Then you must love Wille Nelson!"
The rest involved him relating everything he thought he knew about Texas to me, including Bush.
Anyway! I arrived at Vandon House Hotel with all my luggage, all my instruments (my guitar in my backpack and my ukuklele in my huge bag) and half my money due to the expensive taxi.
Vandon House is wonderful. The rooms are cozy but spacious, the shower in tiny but always has hot water and it is in a very swanky neighborhood. All the students share a kitchen and we make our own lunches and dinners. I unpacked as slow as possible to try and make it till four for our first meeting yet I couldn't help it but end up taking a nap. If you know me, that is no surprise. The day ended with the group getting together and going to our first pub called Feathers that was just around the corner. We all recieved free fish and chips, bangers and our choice of an alcoholic beverage. Being ambitious( and thanks to my new friend Lindsey), I went for the cider because I had never had it before. You know what? It was fantastic!
The next few days have been mostly getting to know the area, the rest of the group and getting comfortable with the tube system. If you don't know what the tube is, it is the underground subway that is one of the most amusing things of the British culture that I have found so far. There is no talking, no smiling and no eye contact. During rush hours everyone is pushed into the cars like sardines yet not a peep is made. It's absolutely unlike anything I have ever seen. I have decided that it is my duty as the friendly Texan that I am that I must "Change the tube, one smile at a time!"
Everyone in my study abroad program has found their group they fit in with. Everyone is friendly to one another and we all get along pretty well when pushed into group events like bowling. We help each other and try not to let anyone get lost in such situations.
Tonight, the four of us (Anna, Lindsey,Shelby and I) went on an escapade to see the Buckingham Palace. We didn't realize it was only five minutes away, we continued on towards the eye and then turned abruptly after seeing Big Ben and made our way towards Trafalger Square. It all was so beautiful at night. After passing The Sherlock Holmes pub and walking across the Thames River simply because we couldn't find the next underground entrance we made it back with aching feet but confidence in our traveling capabilities.
I will start taking pictures of all the places I go and all the things I see. There will be much more detail, I'm sure, of certain things instead of a broad idea of what has been happening. Also! Art shots! Who doesn't love a good pigeon sitting on top of a statue in yet another park?
Tata for now,
Hope
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)