Same breakfast as always! And if you’ve forgotten what that is for me, it consists of one croissant, 2 mini blueberry muffins, a small cup of orange juice, and one or two cups of tea depending on what I feel. After finishing before everyone else, as always, I headed out on my morning routine, also, as always. I met the group at the station like normal and we headed out for the Tate museum. I wasn’t looking forward to yet another museum, and didn’t really see anything that I really liked. We were given two hours or so to check out the museum and I was done and had seen everything I’d wanted to after half an hour. So I sat in the café and had some tea and watched a video about the sculptor that they had an exhibition for. After an hour and a half, we left to have lunch before going to the Tate modern museum. We took a bus boat across the river to a stop near the Tate modern. This was THE MOST incredible boat ride I’ve ever taken in my life. Why you ask? Simple. That’s because we passed underneath the bridge (I forget what it’s called) that’s seen in the beginning of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince- the footbridge that the death eaters attack whilst muggles are walking across it. I had someone take a photo of me with it in the background, of course. That was just really awesome to see. First Hogwarts at the Lacock Abbey, then the Great Hall at Christ’s Church in Oxford, then the famous footbridge magically torn apart by the death eaters in London. Harry Potter world scavenger hunt- complete. I can die happy.
We ate at a pizza place and got some delicious gelato afterwards that we ate while we walked to the Tate modern. Once in the museum, I definitely enjoyed myself. This was without a doubt my favorite museum from the entire trip. I saw They had an entire wing dedicated to Surrealism. I saw two Salvador Dali paintings, a Picasso, some Man Ray pieces, and other various infamous surrealists. On the floor just above the surrealism wing, there was a special exhibition entitled ‘Exposed’. It was extra to get in, but TOTALLY worth it. It was an entire Photography exhibition about surveillance and street photography snapshot types of photography. Absolutely up my alley. I saw so many photographs that I love and many pieces by photographers that I admire. I saw work by Henri Carter-Bresson, Robert Frank, Weegee, Friedlander, Paul Strand, and other famous photos by photographers I can’t think of. It was an incredible collection, and later I found out that the Exposed Exhibition is the first entirely Photography display that the Tate modern has ever had. Again, excellent timing! (I’m pretty sure Armon, my Photography instructor in charge of this trip, knew about this exhibition. There’s no way we just happened to be there in the time frame that it is being shown. Ha) I lost track of time in this exhibition- now that’s saying something. Usually I fly through museums. I looked at the time when I entered, and when I looked at it again a little more than half way through I realized it was time for us to be regrouping downstairs. (Well that doesn’t say anything about where my passions lie at all.) After leaving, I bought a book on the way out at the little shop. I bought a Street Photography book that really goes into depth about what makes a photograph a ‘Street Photography’ photograph and what not. I’m saving it for the plane ride(s) back and can’t wait to read it. After leaving the museum I sat outside for awhile (Armon told everyone they can have an extra hour in the museum and I had already walked out so I didn’t want to go back in.) and enjoyed the time in the sun under the uncanny blue skies and sunshine. I love people watching, and if you love people watching, you should travel to a different country, because the people watching in a different country is significantly better than the people watching in your home country. 1) you will never recognize anyone or see anyone you know and thus will never be interrupted. 2) you sometimes can’t understand the languages being used by the people you are watching, and are given the opportunity to guess and translate their words however you want- this can be quite funny, and definitely squeezes a chuckle or two out of me when I participate (as if that’s a rare thing). 3) Also along the lines of not understanding the country’s language and that being spoken, you are given absolute entire freedom of interpretation; it’s like a guessing game or charades. Very fun to try and figure out what people are having conversations about when you can’t speak the language they’re using. (Yes, they speak English in England, but it’s completely normal to hear at least two other languages other than English throughout the course of the day. When I was sitting alone outside the museum, there was a group of old ladies behind me speaking in German, and a middle-aged couple at the table next to me mumbling in Russian. I love hearing Russian.)
We got back to the hotel, and I hung out in the room with the television like I do every night. I watched the France vs. Mexico game (good job Mexico, France played like crap) and curled my hair with a straightener (an incredible feat, especially with a tiny travel-sized straightener only meant for straightening). After some time, everyone else, like always, went out to the bars and what not. While everyone was getting all spiffed and dressed up (which I don’t understand why it’s even necessary to get dressed up and wear nice clothes when you risk a stranger or even yourself spilling some sort of nasty drink on your good clothing) I got on the interwebz. I had the computer for awhile, seeing as everyone else was not going to be back for quite some time, and was able to skype my Ma, Pa, kid sis (and her new ukulele), and even Mister Strider Pants Man. I miss that cat and I can’t wait to chase him around the house again when I get home. While skyping my fam, I got the wonderful news of our family summer trip plan for this summer. We will be traveling to the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter and what not in Orlando Florida at the end of July. I am STOKED. It’s also going to be extra fun because it’s just the family this summer. No significant others (sorry zach hahah, but you’re not the biggest HP fan anyways. Plus you smell. Just kidding. I don’t even think you read this blog.) It’s going to be the first time in a few years that it’s solely our family traveling, and that alone is something that I’m extremely excited about. It also could have a lot to do with having been traveling around for an entire month with a bunch of strangers and longing to just travel with my family or people I know again. Ha. After a long, good skyping, I returned the computer, and got ready for bed. I found the Sixth Sense on tv- a classic in my heart, and the first official scary movie that I ever saw. My mom and I rented it when I was 13 or 14, and thus inspired my love for scary movies. (I guess my obsession with horror films is your fault mom, so good job. JK LOL) I could seriously quote that entire movie. I was watching it in the room alone saying the lines before the actors said them. If you know any movies where you can do that, try it, because it’s incredibly amusing. Just make sure no one else is in the room with you, because then you just become an annoying arrogant loser person.
My ipod headphones are kind of broken. The wires are kind of breaking and they’re really testy and it sucks. Nonetheless I got them to function just fine for me and went to bed listening to Sufjan Steven’s Seven Swans album, my favourite of his, and it put me right to sleep. (In a good way, not the boring way.)
Oh- one last thing. When I was coming back to the hotel on the subway (we kind of got separated as a group, but it didn’t matter because we all knew where we were going and how to get there), I witnessed a classic fun-loving English person conversation. It went like this: Oh, and try to imagine this in English accents- that’s what really makes it. (duh)
(Lady sitting next to an open seat offering it to the woman standing next to her)
Woman 1: “Oh- would you like to sit?!”
Woman 2: “Ah, nah, that’s quite alright.”
Woman 1: “Oh sure.”
Woman 2: (after pondering the offer some more) “You know I had a big milkshake with my lunch… got to burn off all of those calories after that! But thanks anyways, Cheers!”
(laughter)
I love English people. There always just so cheery (no pun intended) and kind and happy. They’re always watching out for one another, and I really adore that. They’re just always having a jolly-good life.
Friday, June 18
June 16, Day 25
Normal breakfast, as always. Today was another free day. I never really have a plan of what I want to do on free days (I think that’s been pretty clear). After breakfast, I took the subway alone one stop west to the street that houses Caffe Nero. I’m going to miss the tube so much. It wasn’t until today that I finally really figured out how the system actually works; I figured out that the trains come from different direction depending on where you’re headed and I found out how to tell which side of the actual train will be opening to get off of the train, and I also figured out how the platforms work and which side you need to be on in order to head to whatever direction. Maybe that sounds simple, but it’s something I had never really paid attention to when I was with everyone else. I definitely prefer to be alone, because I’m honestly more aware of what’s going on around me, and I think that’s true for anyone really. So I got coffee. I always order a grande vanilla latte with half the amount of vanilla. At Caffe Nero, their sizes are small, regular, and grande. So I get a large. For a large, they will fill a shot glass entirely with the syrup you ordered to put in your drink. That is way too much for me, so eventually I decided to be brave and be picky about my drink (like you mom HAHA JKJK) and ask for specifics. One thing that kind of makes me sad about Caffe Nero is that though they do dose freshly ground espresso before pulling shots, there is no tamping involved with the baristas. It’s all done in their machine apparently. A little sad, but whatevz. Also, another thing about coffee in England, actually in Europe as a whole, is that when you want your coffee to go, you don’t ever say ‘to go’. In Europe, you order it for ‘take away’. I think it’s really funny, and feel very European ordering by saying, ‘grande vanilla latte with half a shot of vanilla for take away, please,’ minus my American accent. So I got coffee, hit up the Cornish bakery for a delicious pain au chocolat, and stood and waited at the station for the group to show up.
We headed out to Birmingham Palace to see the changing of the guards. I didn’t really have any idea what that was, I just knew that it was free and was something for me to do and see while I’m here in London; thus, I tagged along. (By the way, I’d like to mention that the weather was exceptionally beautiful this day, much like it had been the past few days. Sunshine and saturated blue skies with large white fluffy clouds is an absolute rarity for a place like London, and the weather had been just that on this day and quite a few others. We had great timing coming to London.) We arrived at the gates to what I would assume were to the palace, but I’ll never be sure because it was SO crowded- an excellent opportunity for some street photography. I mostly took photos of other people taking photos, always fun. It was also the first time in awhile I had my camera on me, so it was nice to be in my element shooting again. I eventually went though another roll of film, and that marks 8 rolls I’ve gone through so far on this entire trip. That honestly doesn’t seem like a lot compared to my fellow classmates’ over 3,000 digital pictures. 8 rolls at 36 exposures is 288 photos, which for film is A TON. Also, that’s 288 photos of what I have planned for my photographic series from this trip, with the exception of a handful or so, not 20 photos that may work for my project than the rest just touristy things. It’s been quite relaxing to leave all of the cliché touristy shots up to everyone else throughout the trip. I don’t have to waste my time on them because everyone else is taking them for me. Hah. We didn’t stay there too long, mostly because we couldn’t really see anything that was going on, but we did occasionally see a big band cross the street then an entire group of horses and guards all decked out in their british garb.
I headed back to the hotel alone, because from there the majority of the group departed for Stonehenge, and two others planned on going out and about with each other as they usually do. On my way back I was informed that apparently we bought a weeks worth of internet, but no one was really supposed to know and they were keeping it on the down low so that it wouldn’t be abused. So while everyone was gone, I had some internet time. I caught my blog all up and got to skype for awhile with Ma and Pa. Other than that I just hung out and watched tv and ate chocolate. Kind of lame to spend my time in London alone, but sometimes it’s nice to just sit in one place and veg in front of the tv for a few hours.
After some time people trickled back to the hotel, and eventually we went out and ate at Zizzi’s again, the itialian restaurant some of us had gone to a few days ago. Definitely the worst dinner ever- I got the ‘risotto verde’. The colours and textures of the meal were great, but it was SO bland. I honestly think they forgot a crucial ingredient in the dish. It was just risotto with peas and green beans and zuccini and lima beans and a lemon wedge… absolutely no falvour. I was disappointed. Oh well. I went back to the hotel and got some more alone time. I found the Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift on tv and watched the entire thing in honor of the boyfriend. He likes movies like that, and that one specifically. It was kind of sad watching it though, I admit. I’m sure it will be nice once Im back in Kansas to know that he’s only 3 hours away from me in Wichita rather than being an entire day or something away across seas on a different continent.
It was a nice relaxing day for me. I got a lot of rest and individual time and was prepared for another museum day and a day full of being around the group. I also can’t really believe that I’m going home in 3 days. This trip is nearly over. Psycho.
We headed out to Birmingham Palace to see the changing of the guards. I didn’t really have any idea what that was, I just knew that it was free and was something for me to do and see while I’m here in London; thus, I tagged along. (By the way, I’d like to mention that the weather was exceptionally beautiful this day, much like it had been the past few days. Sunshine and saturated blue skies with large white fluffy clouds is an absolute rarity for a place like London, and the weather had been just that on this day and quite a few others. We had great timing coming to London.) We arrived at the gates to what I would assume were to the palace, but I’ll never be sure because it was SO crowded- an excellent opportunity for some street photography. I mostly took photos of other people taking photos, always fun. It was also the first time in awhile I had my camera on me, so it was nice to be in my element shooting again. I eventually went though another roll of film, and that marks 8 rolls I’ve gone through so far on this entire trip. That honestly doesn’t seem like a lot compared to my fellow classmates’ over 3,000 digital pictures. 8 rolls at 36 exposures is 288 photos, which for film is A TON. Also, that’s 288 photos of what I have planned for my photographic series from this trip, with the exception of a handful or so, not 20 photos that may work for my project than the rest just touristy things. It’s been quite relaxing to leave all of the cliché touristy shots up to everyone else throughout the trip. I don’t have to waste my time on them because everyone else is taking them for me. Hah. We didn’t stay there too long, mostly because we couldn’t really see anything that was going on, but we did occasionally see a big band cross the street then an entire group of horses and guards all decked out in their british garb.
I headed back to the hotel alone, because from there the majority of the group departed for Stonehenge, and two others planned on going out and about with each other as they usually do. On my way back I was informed that apparently we bought a weeks worth of internet, but no one was really supposed to know and they were keeping it on the down low so that it wouldn’t be abused. So while everyone was gone, I had some internet time. I caught my blog all up and got to skype for awhile with Ma and Pa. Other than that I just hung out and watched tv and ate chocolate. Kind of lame to spend my time in London alone, but sometimes it’s nice to just sit in one place and veg in front of the tv for a few hours.
After some time people trickled back to the hotel, and eventually we went out and ate at Zizzi’s again, the itialian restaurant some of us had gone to a few days ago. Definitely the worst dinner ever- I got the ‘risotto verde’. The colours and textures of the meal were great, but it was SO bland. I honestly think they forgot a crucial ingredient in the dish. It was just risotto with peas and green beans and zuccini and lima beans and a lemon wedge… absolutely no falvour. I was disappointed. Oh well. I went back to the hotel and got some more alone time. I found the Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift on tv and watched the entire thing in honor of the boyfriend. He likes movies like that, and that one specifically. It was kind of sad watching it though, I admit. I’m sure it will be nice once Im back in Kansas to know that he’s only 3 hours away from me in Wichita rather than being an entire day or something away across seas on a different continent.
It was a nice relaxing day for me. I got a lot of rest and individual time and was prepared for another museum day and a day full of being around the group. I also can’t really believe that I’m going home in 3 days. This trip is nearly over. Psycho.
Wednesday, June 16
June 15, Day 24
Same breakfast as always. Funny story though- a few days ago one of the girls came down to eat in her pajamas, to which the hostess said, "Do you really find it appropriate to come to a restaurant in your pajamas?" She had no choice but to go back upstairs and change. The hostess wasn't being mean or anything, it's just completely inappropriate and along the lines of offensive to those who live here in Europe. Over my time here, that's one thing I've really enjoyed about being here- people care about their appearance. Though they may not have a blinding white smile with perfect teeth, they really take time to be presentable any time they leave their home. I love it. Europe is so high class compared to America- even when it comes to the food. Though, America wins when it comes to luxury, namely bathrooms and hotels.
My new roommate and I headed out before the rest of the group to hit up Caffe Nero before heading out. For the sake of time, we took the subway west one stop to put us right on the street that the coffee shop is on. I needed a good coffee in the morning.. I knew it was going to be a long day. After meeting the rest of the group we headed out to our first gallery stop- the Saatchii Gallery. There were a few interesting things here, there was an installment in a room that looked like a pool of water when you looked down over a balcony, but I later found out that it was oil. that was kind of odd. There was a room full of hundreds of speakers all connected to a self-playing programmed piano- sound art. That was interesting to watch. Then there was an installment of a bunch of fake people gathered in a corner. That was really funny, because at first I thought 'what are they looking at' and 'why are they all crowded around that's stupid because no one else can see'. Then I found out that they weren't real. Ha. I took a photo of it. I'll get that up sometime if I remember. We went to some other museum that I can't remember so clearly I saw nothing interesting. We went to a famous museum called the White Cube, which was literally a white cube building in the midst of the city scape. There were a few boring sculptures in there and then downstairs there was a huge dark room with an enormous wooden cubism installment. The entire thing was painted with glow-in-the-dark paint. Pretty trippy actually. You could walk through the sculpture. It was fun. Randomly they turned on these like spotlights and it blinded everyone in the room. They had to recharge the paint though. Funny. After that we were only given half an hour for lunch at picadilly circus (picadilly circus = times square in NYC)... I just had a quick sandwich and tea at a little corner store. We went to a couple other tiny random galleries that I didn't really care much for, and eventually we stopped at anther White Cube location. There were sculptures here and some wall pieces. Unfortunately I hated everything they had at this location. I don't understand why some people get involved in art only for the sake of making people gasp or question whether what they've done is art or not. (The sculptures on display were entirely inappropriate and no where near art, unless you consider the process of sculpting them the art aspect of the work). Anytime there is a sign that warns that there is explicit sexual content and viewers must be at least eighteen years to see the work, my interest is absolutely lost and replaced with despise. I despise anyone who finds it necessary and even the slightest bit honorable and worthy to create anything pertaining to porn-like subjects and tag them with the title of 'art'. It does nothing but remind me how disgusting the human race really can be every now and then. And what's even worse is some people agree with the artist and consider whatever they've done art, and even enjoy looking at it. How repulsive.
Enough ranting. We got back to the hotel and I just hung out alone for awhile. I actually completely emptied out my suitcase and reorganized and repacked everything while watching the Brazil vs. N. Korea game. I just waited to hear back from everyone about dinner. A few people wanted to get like.. turkish food. Turkish, indian, greek food... Not really my thing at all, so a few other and myself just got subway. We all headed back to eat at the hotel. Just hung out and watched tv, and eventually I left to shower and get to bed because i was bored and wanted some alone time. Hah.
At this point I am seriously desperate for quality conversation. I mean sure every now and then I'll participate in the infamous 'that's what she said' jokes and what not, but honestly the dirty raunchy humour and conversations are really starting to get on my nerves. Also I'm tired of hearing 'fail' used in every single context imaginable. Whoever started the trend of using that word as an adjective to describe a situation or event that has occurred should be shot. I hated hearing that all the time before this trip, and I know I have had a status or two on facebook about how tired I've gotten of hearing 'epic fail' all the time. I've also heard an occasional 'I know, right!?' which bothers me just as much unfortunately. Some insecure idiot started that phrase. When people say 'I know, right?' in response to something someone has said, they are first agreeing with whatever was just said, then questioning their agreeably and looking for the acceptance of the other person; therefore, they are insecure in their own opinion and need to have someone else be on the same page as them and need that confirmation that their opinion is acceptable. Pathetic.
More ranting, sorry. It's gets hard being surrounded by one's pet peeves for so long, not to mention also being surrounded by strangers overseas in an unfamiliar country. It's nice to know that in four days I'll be home, surrounded by people I know and trust, will have unlimited internet access on my own computer, will have ice and air conditioning at my leisure, and will get a room to myself and will not be woken up throughout the night.
I look forward to going home, but I am still having an enjoyable time here as well. It's bittersweet, really.
My new roommate and I headed out before the rest of the group to hit up Caffe Nero before heading out. For the sake of time, we took the subway west one stop to put us right on the street that the coffee shop is on. I needed a good coffee in the morning.. I knew it was going to be a long day. After meeting the rest of the group we headed out to our first gallery stop- the Saatchii Gallery. There were a few interesting things here, there was an installment in a room that looked like a pool of water when you looked down over a balcony, but I later found out that it was oil. that was kind of odd. There was a room full of hundreds of speakers all connected to a self-playing programmed piano- sound art. That was interesting to watch. Then there was an installment of a bunch of fake people gathered in a corner. That was really funny, because at first I thought 'what are they looking at' and 'why are they all crowded around that's stupid because no one else can see'. Then I found out that they weren't real. Ha. I took a photo of it. I'll get that up sometime if I remember. We went to some other museum that I can't remember so clearly I saw nothing interesting. We went to a famous museum called the White Cube, which was literally a white cube building in the midst of the city scape. There were a few boring sculptures in there and then downstairs there was a huge dark room with an enormous wooden cubism installment. The entire thing was painted with glow-in-the-dark paint. Pretty trippy actually. You could walk through the sculpture. It was fun. Randomly they turned on these like spotlights and it blinded everyone in the room. They had to recharge the paint though. Funny. After that we were only given half an hour for lunch at picadilly circus (picadilly circus = times square in NYC)... I just had a quick sandwich and tea at a little corner store. We went to a couple other tiny random galleries that I didn't really care much for, and eventually we stopped at anther White Cube location. There were sculptures here and some wall pieces. Unfortunately I hated everything they had at this location. I don't understand why some people get involved in art only for the sake of making people gasp or question whether what they've done is art or not. (The sculptures on display were entirely inappropriate and no where near art, unless you consider the process of sculpting them the art aspect of the work). Anytime there is a sign that warns that there is explicit sexual content and viewers must be at least eighteen years to see the work, my interest is absolutely lost and replaced with despise. I despise anyone who finds it necessary and even the slightest bit honorable and worthy to create anything pertaining to porn-like subjects and tag them with the title of 'art'. It does nothing but remind me how disgusting the human race really can be every now and then. And what's even worse is some people agree with the artist and consider whatever they've done art, and even enjoy looking at it. How repulsive.
Enough ranting. We got back to the hotel and I just hung out alone for awhile. I actually completely emptied out my suitcase and reorganized and repacked everything while watching the Brazil vs. N. Korea game. I just waited to hear back from everyone about dinner. A few people wanted to get like.. turkish food. Turkish, indian, greek food... Not really my thing at all, so a few other and myself just got subway. We all headed back to eat at the hotel. Just hung out and watched tv, and eventually I left to shower and get to bed because i was bored and wanted some alone time. Hah.
At this point I am seriously desperate for quality conversation. I mean sure every now and then I'll participate in the infamous 'that's what she said' jokes and what not, but honestly the dirty raunchy humour and conversations are really starting to get on my nerves. Also I'm tired of hearing 'fail' used in every single context imaginable. Whoever started the trend of using that word as an adjective to describe a situation or event that has occurred should be shot. I hated hearing that all the time before this trip, and I know I have had a status or two on facebook about how tired I've gotten of hearing 'epic fail' all the time. I've also heard an occasional 'I know, right!?' which bothers me just as much unfortunately. Some insecure idiot started that phrase. When people say 'I know, right?' in response to something someone has said, they are first agreeing with whatever was just said, then questioning their agreeably and looking for the acceptance of the other person; therefore, they are insecure in their own opinion and need to have someone else be on the same page as them and need that confirmation that their opinion is acceptable. Pathetic.
More ranting, sorry. It's gets hard being surrounded by one's pet peeves for so long, not to mention also being surrounded by strangers overseas in an unfamiliar country. It's nice to know that in four days I'll be home, surrounded by people I know and trust, will have unlimited internet access on my own computer, will have ice and air conditioning at my leisure, and will get a room to myself and will not be woken up throughout the night.
I look forward to going home, but I am still having an enjoyable time here as well. It's bittersweet, really.
June 14, Day 23
I feel like my hair has gotten really long. That's something I've noticed over the month of being overseas. It's been fun to watch my hair grow. It probably helps that I don't have curly hair anymore.. so with my hair being straight all the time no matter what I do definitely makes it look longer than it may have looked in the past.
I slept so well. I was so happy. So glad to be in a new room. I don't really have a problem with snoring as long as I can find somewhere else to sleep. What really bothers me is when you ask if someone snores, and they say no, then you end up in a room at night with them and they snore like crazy. I'm pretty sure if I snored I'd let people know up front. This is one instance where I don't really like surprises. Doesn't matter. I fixed the problem.
We had a normal breakfast then headed out to the British Museum, which was the destination for the day. Even though I've gotten entirely tired of museums, I still enjoyed myself at this one. (I've come to find that going around museums alone works best for me, because I get tired of waiting on other people to move on). I saw a HUGE Michelangelo drawing, only one of two that exist now. that was pretty incredibly. I don't love Italian Renaissance paintings and drawings or whatever, well I guess I do after thinking about it, but it is pretty powerful and a neat experience being in the presence of a piece of work created by an artist who is considered a master. I also saw a lot of chinese woodcut prints and what not. Those were interesting. Lots of beautiful chinese landscapes and trees and things. One of my favourite things that I saw was the ancient egyptian mummy displays. They had a mummified person, and all of these bones and decaying things. They had all of the tools and such used in the process of mummification on display. Pretty cool stuff. Seeing all of the bones and things reminded me of how much I enjoyed Physical Anthropology, well the lab at least. I'm looking forward to dominating the lecture section of that class this fall. Just sayin. There was another room in the museum called the 'clocks and watches' room. It was siiiick. It was just full of every single kind of clock or watch ever created. They had a lot of clocks taken apart so you could see how they work and everything. The entire room ticked and tocked and rang. Very cool.
We grabbed a quick lunch at a pub and after eating I headed to a Caffe Nero I had spotted earlier and sat and waited there for two others to meet me to just venture around for hte rest of the day. I just sat outside and enjoyed my delicious latte. Once I met up with the other two and we headed out. I had no idea where we were going, but I tagged along nonetheless. After arriving in Liverpool, I eventually found out that we were looking for a Photo Gallery that we were going to be going to the next day... so I said 'see ya' and headed back to the hotel. I don't want to go to a gallery twice. That's stupid. So I rode the subway back alone. too bad my ipod died, but I realized how much I love the subway. it's just so fun and fast moving and everything. It also made me realize how polite the people here are. Everyone watches out for everyone else on the subway. I saw a middle-aged woman give her seat up to an old lady. Men always come back down stairs to help a woman they passed with a stroller, and will carry it down the stairs for them. Boys won't take a seat unless the train has started moving and they've asked the women around them if they want the seat. It's awesome. I love the people here. Once I was back I had some chill kacie time. My favourite.
We went out to dinner at a Thai restaurant which I was nervous about at first, but ended up being quite good. After eating I walked to the Caffe nero a few blocks west from our hotel only to find out that they were closed. Everything closes early here, and by early I mean shops close around 7pm, and coffee places close generally at 9pm. Restaurants usually close a bit later because people eat late here (which is nothing new to me, my family has always had late meals) and pubs and bars close even later, but that's normal everywhere. Even though Caffe Nero was closed, I had a nice peaceful evening walk in a nice part of town. (The area where we're staying seems to be quite nice and seemingly expensive).
Overall, it was a pretty easy-going day, even though I went to yet another museum. I had to prepare though.. there are about seven museums on the schedule for tomorrow, so I made sure to get to bed at a decent time.
((SIDE NOTE: Justin Beiber music video on the telly. That's for you, Katrina.))
I love my new room. It's quiet, spacious, clean, and organized. I can't believe I go home in less than a week. I'm just finally starting to get used to being abroad and in London. Though, I do look forward to free refills, iced tea, iced drinks, large clean bathrooms, air conditioning, etc. (And family of course)
I miss church so much. Not having one that I really like in Manhattan sucks, and having been abroad for a month, I haven't been able to go. That's something I can't wait to get back into once I get home. I miss Sunday mornings at heartland with my family soooooo much.
Speaking of church, after reading a verse marked by my mom before bed I just kind of opened the bible to a random place and found this verse:
"Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." -Acts 18:9-10
Not that I've been afraid of being harmed or attacked or anything.. I just found that verse unique to my situation. Comforting for lack of a better word. I just loved how perfectly it fit in with everything. Kind of made me realize that closing off to the people I've been with isn't necessarily a good thing. Just because I don't want to really associate with them 24/7 doesn't mean that I can't havve a decent conversation even now and then.
I slept so well. I was so happy. So glad to be in a new room. I don't really have a problem with snoring as long as I can find somewhere else to sleep. What really bothers me is when you ask if someone snores, and they say no, then you end up in a room at night with them and they snore like crazy. I'm pretty sure if I snored I'd let people know up front. This is one instance where I don't really like surprises. Doesn't matter. I fixed the problem.
We had a normal breakfast then headed out to the British Museum, which was the destination for the day. Even though I've gotten entirely tired of museums, I still enjoyed myself at this one. (I've come to find that going around museums alone works best for me, because I get tired of waiting on other people to move on). I saw a HUGE Michelangelo drawing, only one of two that exist now. that was pretty incredibly. I don't love Italian Renaissance paintings and drawings or whatever, well I guess I do after thinking about it, but it is pretty powerful and a neat experience being in the presence of a piece of work created by an artist who is considered a master. I also saw a lot of chinese woodcut prints and what not. Those were interesting. Lots of beautiful chinese landscapes and trees and things. One of my favourite things that I saw was the ancient egyptian mummy displays. They had a mummified person, and all of these bones and decaying things. They had all of the tools and such used in the process of mummification on display. Pretty cool stuff. Seeing all of the bones and things reminded me of how much I enjoyed Physical Anthropology, well the lab at least. I'm looking forward to dominating the lecture section of that class this fall. Just sayin. There was another room in the museum called the 'clocks and watches' room. It was siiiick. It was just full of every single kind of clock or watch ever created. They had a lot of clocks taken apart so you could see how they work and everything. The entire room ticked and tocked and rang. Very cool.
We grabbed a quick lunch at a pub and after eating I headed to a Caffe Nero I had spotted earlier and sat and waited there for two others to meet me to just venture around for hte rest of the day. I just sat outside and enjoyed my delicious latte. Once I met up with the other two and we headed out. I had no idea where we were going, but I tagged along nonetheless. After arriving in Liverpool, I eventually found out that we were looking for a Photo Gallery that we were going to be going to the next day... so I said 'see ya' and headed back to the hotel. I don't want to go to a gallery twice. That's stupid. So I rode the subway back alone. too bad my ipod died, but I realized how much I love the subway. it's just so fun and fast moving and everything. It also made me realize how polite the people here are. Everyone watches out for everyone else on the subway. I saw a middle-aged woman give her seat up to an old lady. Men always come back down stairs to help a woman they passed with a stroller, and will carry it down the stairs for them. Boys won't take a seat unless the train has started moving and they've asked the women around them if they want the seat. It's awesome. I love the people here. Once I was back I had some chill kacie time. My favourite.
We went out to dinner at a Thai restaurant which I was nervous about at first, but ended up being quite good. After eating I walked to the Caffe nero a few blocks west from our hotel only to find out that they were closed. Everything closes early here, and by early I mean shops close around 7pm, and coffee places close generally at 9pm. Restaurants usually close a bit later because people eat late here (which is nothing new to me, my family has always had late meals) and pubs and bars close even later, but that's normal everywhere. Even though Caffe Nero was closed, I had a nice peaceful evening walk in a nice part of town. (The area where we're staying seems to be quite nice and seemingly expensive).
Overall, it was a pretty easy-going day, even though I went to yet another museum. I had to prepare though.. there are about seven museums on the schedule for tomorrow, so I made sure to get to bed at a decent time.
((SIDE NOTE: Justin Beiber music video on the telly. That's for you, Katrina.))
I love my new room. It's quiet, spacious, clean, and organized. I can't believe I go home in less than a week. I'm just finally starting to get used to being abroad and in London. Though, I do look forward to free refills, iced tea, iced drinks, large clean bathrooms, air conditioning, etc. (And family of course)
I miss church so much. Not having one that I really like in Manhattan sucks, and having been abroad for a month, I haven't been able to go. That's something I can't wait to get back into once I get home. I miss Sunday mornings at heartland with my family soooooo much.
Speaking of church, after reading a verse marked by my mom before bed I just kind of opened the bible to a random place and found this verse:
"Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." -Acts 18:9-10
Not that I've been afraid of being harmed or attacked or anything.. I just found that verse unique to my situation. Comforting for lack of a better word. I just loved how perfectly it fit in with everything. Kind of made me realize that closing off to the people I've been with isn't necessarily a good thing. Just because I don't want to really associate with them 24/7 doesn't mean that I can't havve a decent conversation even now and then.
June 13, Day 22
Today was an open day, so I had a relaxing normal breakfast, then spent all morning allowing everyone else to decide what they wanted to do. While they were doing so, I traded rooms! I officially am in the only non-snoring room where my roommate and myself are the only girls on the entire trip who don't snore. Finally, I'll have a nice sleep-filled night.
Everyone was deciding between going to Stonehenge and Oxford, or both, and eventually decided on Oxford- which made me excited because that meant I could tag along. Also, I knew that Oxford meant HOGWARTS!
We took a train to Oxford, then took a fun double decker tour bus to wherever we wanted. The top level didn't have a roof, and I took a 6 minute or something long video of just driving around from up there... I probably won't get that up until I get back home (sorry). Anyways, the only stop I really cared about was Christ's Church, which is where the Great Hall from the Harry Potter films exists. I've already uploaded some photos from that on facebook. That was a pretty fun experience being in the Great Hall and everything. I will say though, it did feel considerably smaller than tey make it seem in the films. That could just be the fact that in the films there are four large tables with benches for the four houses of Hogwarts, and the normal set up church dining hall consists of six or so large tables with a billion chairs and lamps and sets of silverware and what not. Plus, there was a huge line of people circulating through the room, so I'm sure that added to the tininess. Hah. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful church, and really awesome to be in the room that they've filmed Harry Potter. Hah. After touring the church, we walked a bit down the street and hit up a shop that Alice Lidell, Lewis Carroll's obsession, and inspiration for his infamous story Alice in Wonderland, would often visit as a girl to get sweets and candy and whatever else. The store has since then been converted into an Alice in Wonderland little shop with classic souvenirs for sale. I bought a little teacup and saucer, and I'm praying that I can get it back to the states in one piece. We rode the bus a bit longer after that, just around, then we stopped at a little downtown / shop-infested Oxford area and did some shopping. I sat at an outside cafe and enjoyed some traditional english tea and waited for everyone else to get done with shopping before we headed back. I really wish tehre were more cafes back home. That's something I'm going to really miss. I love just sitting outside with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoying myself; everyone loves doing that here, and I feel that we don't have places like that back in the US because people are so concerned about time and money and what not. Things are just so much more nonchalant and relaxed here in Europe, and I could really get used to it. Though, don't get me wrong, I do love my fair share of fast paced lifestyles- I mean, I do work at a coffee shop. Ha.
Our train back was incredibly crowded- more people got on it than seats available. Thankfully I sat in the first open seat I saw and didn't have to stand in the aisles like many on the hour and a half ride back to London. Once we got back to South Kensington, I went with two others to enjoy some fine London dining for the first time on the trip. I had a steak. It took forever to get out food, so you know it must have been a good steakhouse. It was delicious, and I miss good steaks and mashed potatoes. After we got back to the room I hung out and played the waiting game for the internet. I chilled and had 4 cups of tea and what not. (I don't understand how people can skype for more than half an hour. I run out of things to talk about, and honestly get tired of it after awhile. Kind of like the way I feel when talking on the phone.) Eventually I got a computer, and was able to at least skype Zach for a bit (my family was busy with church things, so I guess they're excused). After ten minutes not either of us had much to say. Hah. Typical really. I was excited to go to bed having a new clean room and a new quiet sleeping roommate. No more community room!
Everyone was deciding between going to Stonehenge and Oxford, or both, and eventually decided on Oxford- which made me excited because that meant I could tag along. Also, I knew that Oxford meant HOGWARTS!
We took a train to Oxford, then took a fun double decker tour bus to wherever we wanted. The top level didn't have a roof, and I took a 6 minute or something long video of just driving around from up there... I probably won't get that up until I get back home (sorry). Anyways, the only stop I really cared about was Christ's Church, which is where the Great Hall from the Harry Potter films exists. I've already uploaded some photos from that on facebook. That was a pretty fun experience being in the Great Hall and everything. I will say though, it did feel considerably smaller than tey make it seem in the films. That could just be the fact that in the films there are four large tables with benches for the four houses of Hogwarts, and the normal set up church dining hall consists of six or so large tables with a billion chairs and lamps and sets of silverware and what not. Plus, there was a huge line of people circulating through the room, so I'm sure that added to the tininess. Hah. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful church, and really awesome to be in the room that they've filmed Harry Potter. Hah. After touring the church, we walked a bit down the street and hit up a shop that Alice Lidell, Lewis Carroll's obsession, and inspiration for his infamous story Alice in Wonderland, would often visit as a girl to get sweets and candy and whatever else. The store has since then been converted into an Alice in Wonderland little shop with classic souvenirs for sale. I bought a little teacup and saucer, and I'm praying that I can get it back to the states in one piece. We rode the bus a bit longer after that, just around, then we stopped at a little downtown / shop-infested Oxford area and did some shopping. I sat at an outside cafe and enjoyed some traditional english tea and waited for everyone else to get done with shopping before we headed back. I really wish tehre were more cafes back home. That's something I'm going to really miss. I love just sitting outside with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoying myself; everyone loves doing that here, and I feel that we don't have places like that back in the US because people are so concerned about time and money and what not. Things are just so much more nonchalant and relaxed here in Europe, and I could really get used to it. Though, don't get me wrong, I do love my fair share of fast paced lifestyles- I mean, I do work at a coffee shop. Ha.
Our train back was incredibly crowded- more people got on it than seats available. Thankfully I sat in the first open seat I saw and didn't have to stand in the aisles like many on the hour and a half ride back to London. Once we got back to South Kensington, I went with two others to enjoy some fine London dining for the first time on the trip. I had a steak. It took forever to get out food, so you know it must have been a good steakhouse. It was delicious, and I miss good steaks and mashed potatoes. After we got back to the room I hung out and played the waiting game for the internet. I chilled and had 4 cups of tea and what not. (I don't understand how people can skype for more than half an hour. I run out of things to talk about, and honestly get tired of it after awhile. Kind of like the way I feel when talking on the phone.) Eventually I got a computer, and was able to at least skype Zach for a bit (my family was busy with church things, so I guess they're excused). After ten minutes not either of us had much to say. Hah. Typical really. I was excited to go to bed having a new clean room and a new quiet sleeping roommate. No more community room!
Monday, June 14
June 12, Day 21
We had to be up early early early and I hated it. Especially because I slept terribly. Apparently now there are only two girls on the trip who don’t snore, them being myself and another girl who I’m not rooming with. (Don’t worry, I asked to swap rooms to be with Dani, and I’m so excited because this means no more community room for me, and I get peaceful nights, and nights of undisturbed sleep.) We headed out to the subway station at 7:45am to catch our train at 9am. Me with no food, coffee or tea = bad news bears. I was quite grumpy. Once at the train station though we had 15 minutes to find something before we boarded the train. I spotted someone with A Caffe Nero cup and went in the direction from which they came, determined to start the day right with a fabulous latte. I found it within minutes and ordered a vanilla latte and a pain au chocolat. (I was so afraid leaving France that pain au chocolat would be nonexistent everywhere else… I was wrong. For all I know it’s something you can easily find back in the states, I just never discovered it until I went to France.) After a short wait for an incredible latte the barista handed it to me, and I said ‘thank you very much,’ to which he responded ‘yeah, cheers!’ Oh, I love the friendly English people. I got on the train and sat in a different coach from the rest of my group and enjoyed a peaceful trip for an hour and a half, just sitting alone listening to music and playing solitaire on my ipod. (By the way, no one in Europe has an ipod. I think it has something to do with it being a huge American thing and the Europeans want nothing to do with it. Ha.) So we arrived at the harbour, I forget which one, then we took a ferry across the bay, I think it was the atlantic ocean, to the Isle of Wright, where the Julia Margaret Cameron museum / house is located. Once arriving on the island and walking for some time to a bus stop, we took the bus to a different stop, then took another 45 minute bus ride to our final stop. The museum was in a little town called Freshwater I think, and it reminded me a lot of when my family took a trip to Seaside, Florida one summer. Same small town, same sort of look and vibe, but just add on a bunch of pastures and sheep and cows and large hills and white cliffs, and that’s what Freshwater was like. It was a lovely town to say the least, and we ate at an even more lovely little quaint Tea Room located in the Julia Margaret Museum. It reminded me exactly of the British Home Shop that my Mom used to take me to when we lived in Colorado Springs. I had some excellent traditional English tea, an entire pot to myself, some little sandwiches cut in triangles, and then some homemade lemon sponge cake to top it all off. It was a nice way to sit and relax after having spent around 6 hours or something traveling. After lunch we were free to explore the museum / house and outside until we had to be back at the bus stop. It wasn’t that amazing, it was just full of framed re-prints, only one original, and we had actually seen two of Julia Margaret Cameron’s originals back at the National Medium Museum when we also saw originals from Talbot. They had a nice timeline all set up and what not though, plus it was cool to be in the house of the first female photographer who really established herself as an artist and was really able to make a name for herself. After going through the museum and what not and wandering around outside, not to mention playing and running around in the ocean, we got back on the bus and headed back to another bus, then got on the ferry, then the train, then the subway, and were finally back. We didn’t get back until 9:30pm or so, which sucked BIG time because it means that we missed the soccer game (USA vs. England last night by the way if you didn’t know, and also if you didn’t hear it turned out to be a 1-1 tie). We stopped by subway and got sandwiches and went back to the room to eat. Everyone hung out and watched The Italian Job on tv and ate. (Kinda made me miss the boyfriend… he likes that movie, and my parents gave it to him when we went on our annual summer trip to Aspen Colorado last summer.) I spent most of my time typing up these past few blogs in a document so it’d be easy to just transfer them once we got the internet again. After I was done everyone was still in the room, and it was past 11:30pm. I was tired, but couldn’t go to bed. Story of my life. Someone next door even came over and knocked on our door because everyone was being too loud. I’m ecstatic to get out of this room. Nothing against those I’m staying with… I just prefer not to be loud and crazy all the time 24/7. Buh. After some time people eventually began to trickle out and I went to bed, only to be woken up numerous times by those I’m in a room with talking, and both of them snoring. Again. Meh.
June 11, Day 20
Twenty days overseas! That’s crazy. This morning started just like the previous- relaxed chill morning with the same breakfast in the hotel as always. Today was a free day, so anything was game. Me being me, I could care less how I spent my time, and would just tag along with everyone else once they made a decision on what they wanted to do. Most everyone, like me, is entirely indecisive, and no one decided on one thing to do until after noon or so. I just hung out with my ipod and played solitaire and let everyone else do the planning. We left at 1pm to head to the London Eye, a large famous ferris wheel not far from Big Ben himself. On the way there, we stopped at a little noodle bar for lunch. It was so good. I guess I love Chinese food. You never really realize how much you love something until it’s gone. Isn’t that a famous saying or something? Whatever. We ate, and it was great. Then we set off to experience the London Eye. The ticket was entirely overpriced, and I just wanted to see it, not necessarily go up it. (No, not afraid of heights. That’s stupid. As I said, the ticket was way overpriced. Nearly 18 pounds to stand in a ferris wheel for half an hour- ridiculous.) Though, for the sake of not having to stand alone for half an hour in a foreign country, I spend the money and went on the wheel. I took a few photos, even though being up there and the photos I got have nothing to do with my series aim from this trip. After getting off, we had a few hours until we were going to meet everyone else for our Ghost Tour. So we walked around and did nothing. I hated it. When I know I have something to do or somewhere to be, I can’t really enjoy my time unless I know I’m near my destination or have done what I have to do. It’s kind of like having long breaks between classes at school- I can’t enjoy the time, because I know I still have a class later on. Plus I hated everyone stopping every two seconds to all take twenty photos of the exact same thing. Honestly though, that’s what happens when you have a digital camera and are a tourist. We finally made our way to the underground stop we were supposed to meet at, and while waiting above ground, I spotted a coffee shop, so naturally, I had to grab a latte. So I ventured into this little place called Caffe Nero, having been excited by their signs on the doors that said ‘iced summer drinks’. (If I haven’t made it clear before, iced is like shunned in Europe. More so in France than England though, but I still hate it just as much.) I ordered an iced vanilla latte, typical, and the lady told me that if I could go grab one of the premixed vanilla shakes out of the fridge then she could add ice to it. Once she said that, I said ‘okay I’ll have a regular vanilla latte then. A hot one.’ I didn’t want any of that premixed crap- plus by now I’ve learned that Europeans don’t even come close to understanding how to make an iced drink. Not even the European baristas at the starbucks’ scattered around the country. It’s sad. So blah blah long story short I got my latte (and a pain au chocolat) and went to sit back down with everyone outside.
I sat, I sipped, and I sank. It was incredible. The first latte I had had since the morning I left from KCI, and the first true satisfaction with European coffee since I’d been here. I basically found heaven. I felt like I was home again. Actually, their lattes taste just like those made in the small coffee shop in Aspen, Colorado called ink!. So that’s not exactly home, but it’s in the US. Caffe Nero apparently is the best coffee shop chain in Europe, so if you’re heading to Europe soon and want an excellent latte, I highly recommend Caffe Nero. The employees are kind, decently trained, and fairly consistent in their drink making. MMMM!
Enough about coffee, onto our Ghost Tour. Basically what we did was got shown around the streets of London and were shown famous ghost spots and sightings and stories or whatever. It was entertaining to say the least. Our tour guide was a nice man all dressed up and incredibly knowledgeable- he has been doing all of the research for over ten years now I think he said. It was like a historical ghost lesson tour thing. He showed us where a bunch of people were buried and where certain ghosts haunt and why and where certain people were executed and what not. I actually saw the location of where Sir William Wallace was executed, and got a photo in front of his memorial. (I texted my brother about it immediately.) Also, at one point our tour guide was telling a story about how people were burned at the stake in the olden days, and he was telling us about how, and I quote, they put ‘whicker baskets of small, furry, cuddly, kittens’ at the base of the stake to burn too. When he said kittens, I let out a humungous ‘BAHAHAH!!!’, and quickly covered my mouth realizing that no one else was laughing. Everyone turned and gawked at me, to which I responded by quickly saying ‘sorry, that’s not funny..’. Then, my entire group started laughing at me, and a few other from the tour joined, and our tour guide after that could not continue on with his act because he was laughing so much at my reaction. To explain myself, I thought he was setting up a joke and was going to say something like ‘cute small cuddly RATS!’ or something along those lines. So, when he said ‘kittens’ I died laughing. First, because I was expecting a joke and there was no joke and it was funny, and second, because it really is hilarious that they put kittens in a basket at the base of the victim’s stake. I mean, really? Who’s idea was that. It’s like someone though ‘okay how can we make this even more morbid and intense than burning someone alive?’ ‘I dunno, oh wait we can burn a basket of kittens too.’ Come on. The idea of the thought process is hilarious. And, to add to the humor, later on in the tour some guy got pooped on by a pigeon, which is something that out tour guide warned us of. HAHAHAH!!!
After the tour we ate at a delicious pizza place. I got a genius pizza- they cut out the middle and replaced it with a mini salad! It was so good. And I was proud of myself because I ate my meal in an entirely European fashion: I kept my fork and knife each in one hand throughout the entire meal. Yes, that means I ate my pizza with a fork and knife. It was so difficult, but I had to at least try it being in Europe. Europeans are so funny and proper when they eat. They eat French fries with a fork- they spear the fry, then dip it in ketchup or mayonnaise, and then eat it. They also eat hamburgers with a fork and knife. Now I tried this the previous night at the burger restaurant we ate at, but failed miserably and had to give up. I think the Europeans are afraid of touching food or something. I dunno. They’re weird.
When we got back to the hotel I showered and did laundry in the bathtub, quite a fun feat, and watched some of Hot Rod which was on tv! That definitely made me miss home… no one else here has seen Hot Rod, and didn’t really understand the humor. I miss my family and our humor, because we’re da best. The end.
P.S. Something you will indefinitely hear if you come to London: “Mind the gap!” This is what people announce, and even the subway and train robots announce while you step from a platform onto some sort of transportation device. And it is necessary, because there is usually a good 2.5 to 4 inch gap between the two, and if you’re not paying attention, you could easily seriously injure yourself.
I sat, I sipped, and I sank. It was incredible. The first latte I had had since the morning I left from KCI, and the first true satisfaction with European coffee since I’d been here. I basically found heaven. I felt like I was home again. Actually, their lattes taste just like those made in the small coffee shop in Aspen, Colorado called ink!. So that’s not exactly home, but it’s in the US. Caffe Nero apparently is the best coffee shop chain in Europe, so if you’re heading to Europe soon and want an excellent latte, I highly recommend Caffe Nero. The employees are kind, decently trained, and fairly consistent in their drink making. MMMM!
Enough about coffee, onto our Ghost Tour. Basically what we did was got shown around the streets of London and were shown famous ghost spots and sightings and stories or whatever. It was entertaining to say the least. Our tour guide was a nice man all dressed up and incredibly knowledgeable- he has been doing all of the research for over ten years now I think he said. It was like a historical ghost lesson tour thing. He showed us where a bunch of people were buried and where certain ghosts haunt and why and where certain people were executed and what not. I actually saw the location of where Sir William Wallace was executed, and got a photo in front of his memorial. (I texted my brother about it immediately.) Also, at one point our tour guide was telling a story about how people were burned at the stake in the olden days, and he was telling us about how, and I quote, they put ‘whicker baskets of small, furry, cuddly, kittens’ at the base of the stake to burn too. When he said kittens, I let out a humungous ‘BAHAHAH!!!’, and quickly covered my mouth realizing that no one else was laughing. Everyone turned and gawked at me, to which I responded by quickly saying ‘sorry, that’s not funny..’. Then, my entire group started laughing at me, and a few other from the tour joined, and our tour guide after that could not continue on with his act because he was laughing so much at my reaction. To explain myself, I thought he was setting up a joke and was going to say something like ‘cute small cuddly RATS!’ or something along those lines. So, when he said ‘kittens’ I died laughing. First, because I was expecting a joke and there was no joke and it was funny, and second, because it really is hilarious that they put kittens in a basket at the base of the victim’s stake. I mean, really? Who’s idea was that. It’s like someone though ‘okay how can we make this even more morbid and intense than burning someone alive?’ ‘I dunno, oh wait we can burn a basket of kittens too.’ Come on. The idea of the thought process is hilarious. And, to add to the humor, later on in the tour some guy got pooped on by a pigeon, which is something that out tour guide warned us of. HAHAHAH!!!
After the tour we ate at a delicious pizza place. I got a genius pizza- they cut out the middle and replaced it with a mini salad! It was so good. And I was proud of myself because I ate my meal in an entirely European fashion: I kept my fork and knife each in one hand throughout the entire meal. Yes, that means I ate my pizza with a fork and knife. It was so difficult, but I had to at least try it being in Europe. Europeans are so funny and proper when they eat. They eat French fries with a fork- they spear the fry, then dip it in ketchup or mayonnaise, and then eat it. They also eat hamburgers with a fork and knife. Now I tried this the previous night at the burger restaurant we ate at, but failed miserably and had to give up. I think the Europeans are afraid of touching food or something. I dunno. They’re weird.
When we got back to the hotel I showered and did laundry in the bathtub, quite a fun feat, and watched some of Hot Rod which was on tv! That definitely made me miss home… no one else here has seen Hot Rod, and didn’t really understand the humor. I miss my family and our humor, because we’re da best. The end.
P.S. Something you will indefinitely hear if you come to London: “Mind the gap!” This is what people announce, and even the subway and train robots announce while you step from a platform onto some sort of transportation device. And it is necessary, because there is usually a good 2.5 to 4 inch gap between the two, and if you’re not paying attention, you could easily seriously injure yourself.
June 10, Day 19
Relaxing morning. Breakfast in the hotel. (I got the same as always: croissant, 2 mini blue berry muffins, a box of frosted flakes for later, and went through two cups of tea.) Today was pretty much a free day; technically though, a ‘history lesson day’. Basically we were just going to spend some time after breakfast in a continuation lecture on the history of Photography. So we spent an hour learning about the early documentation in Photography from 1839-1890. Sometimes the history lessons really suck because I took a course last semester entitled ‘History of Photography’, so I generally have already gone over everything that is told to us. I guess reminders and hearing things over and over are what make them stick though, yeah? After our little history lesson, we were free to enjoy the day and do whatever we want. A lot of people wanted to go shopping. That was their focus of the day, and visiting westminster abbey. I had no interest in shopping, mostly because I knew that if I went I’d spend money on things I could just as easily buy for cheaper in the states, so I didn’t go. Plus I didn’t really care to pay money to go to the Westminster abbey.. I still don’t really know what it is other than it’s supposedly pretty. Woopee. So I literally spend all afternoon alone in the hotel room, and let me tell you, it was absolutely splendid. I needed some good solid individual time away from everyone. Fortunately, we had bought 24 hour internet on a computer the previous night, so I was able to completely catch up on the blog, (sorry for posting so much at once… I don’t really know how else to do it), check email, facebook, facebook chat, and was free for a good four hours to skype, but too bad no one else was available. Hah. Also in my time, I finished a book, had loads of tea, pistachios, frosted flakes, and chocolate. It was delightful. Oh- one thing I love about the UK is Mr. Bean. I watched a good hour of Mr. Bean on tv when I was alone and I laughed and laughed. That guy is hilarious. Once everyone got back from shopping and such, (apparently it turned out that they had to pay 12 pounds or so to even enter the abbey so they just stood at its boundaries and took photos), we all set out for dinner, and I tagged along seeing as my lunch consisted of not lunch-type foods (which is actually a typical meal at college for me). Three other and I ate at a place called the Gourmet Burger Kitchen that’s just a block away from our hotel, and it was one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. I’m usually not one to order burgers in places or really want to go to a burger place, but this was delicious. AND, for the first time since I’ve been in Europe, the thought ‘Zach would really like this.’ Crossed my mind for the first time. That’s a pretty big deal. Hahah. After dinner everyone wanted to head back to the hotel and hangout- which I was totally game for. They decided to get a little mini party thing going, and I played some odd card game with them for awhile whilst enjoying some earl grey tea, but after a bit things started to get loud, and a little too obnoxious for my taste; thus, I left to enjoy some time alone in a quiet room journaling before bed.
Overall, it was a nice, relaxing day for me, which is something I really needed and never really noticed how crucial it is that I get some individual time to myself. I like my space. I cannot reiterate that enough. Though I don’t spend much of my free time venturing out onto the streets of London alone, I’m still finding myself to be incredibly independent from the entire group. Being around them, (and nothing against them really), tends to start to stress me out or weird me out or something and I often find myself trying to put distance in between me and everyone else without sacrificing visibility of each other seeing as I’m in London for the first time and would rather not resort to navigating all on my own.
Nonetheless, I was stoked to go to bed in peace. I always read one of the many marked bible verses out of the little New Testament Bible my mom gave me before I left before bed, and the one I read before closing my eyes this night was Psalm 4:8- a perfect way to end a night, especially after having looked forward to a peaceful, quiet sleep. Things have been lining up like that day after day, and it’s been beyond comforting.
Overall, it was a nice, relaxing day for me, which is something I really needed and never really noticed how crucial it is that I get some individual time to myself. I like my space. I cannot reiterate that enough. Though I don’t spend much of my free time venturing out onto the streets of London alone, I’m still finding myself to be incredibly independent from the entire group. Being around them, (and nothing against them really), tends to start to stress me out or weird me out or something and I often find myself trying to put distance in between me and everyone else without sacrificing visibility of each other seeing as I’m in London for the first time and would rather not resort to navigating all on my own.
Nonetheless, I was stoked to go to bed in peace. I always read one of the many marked bible verses out of the little New Testament Bible my mom gave me before I left before bed, and the one I read before closing my eyes this night was Psalm 4:8- a perfect way to end a night, especially after having looked forward to a peaceful, quiet sleep. Things have been lining up like that day after day, and it’s been beyond comforting.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
