FYI

New Photos are up on flikr! Go check it out. We have Edinburgh (the castle, Arthur's Seat), and soon, Greenwich. I'll put up as many as possible, but I'm about out of space.(And the internet is not working at all, so there are only three pictures from Greenwich. Sorry.)

Enjoy!

This picture is of me with Admiral Nelson, outside of the Trafalgar Pub. We enjoyed a few pints on the Thames, I tried Wlesh Rarebit(tasty!) and then checked out the National Maritime Museum. They have Nelson's outfit worn on the day he died, bullet hole and bloody stockings included! It was crazy!

The Best City in the World

So on Thursday morning, we went to Edinburgh, Scotland. It turned out to be amazing. At this point in the trip, most of us are annoyed with each other, and in particular, I think the four girls in my room are about at the end of their ropes. That's the problem with only each other for company. So, understandably, we were all a bit apprehensive about the trip. We got in at about 2, and went to the Whiskey Experience. What a way to start our time in the land of Whiskey. We learned how they make whiskey (though we didn't get to tour a brewery) and then learned how to taste it. It was pretty intense. I learned that I like whiskey from the Lowlands a lot more than everyone else, who prefers it from the Highlands. But, coincidentally, the underlying taste from Highland whiskey is the same smell that gives me migraines, so that's out, due to bad associations. Then we went to dinner at a pub called Deacon Brodie's. Apparently, Robert Lewis Stevenson got his idea for Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde from this Deacon, who was a good guy during the day, and a robber at night. There was tons of drama! at dinner, and we separated for the evening, in an effort to cool everyone down. 

Friday, we had a bus tour of the city and then toured Edinburgh castle. It was not as dressed up as Windsor, but it was good enough for me. We saw where James VI was born (he later became James I of England), and where Mary, Queen of Scots lived. We also saw a map grossly mislabeled. In the city of Edinburgh, home of smart people like Walter Scott, Adam Smith, and David Hume, as well as a massive university, they apparently cannot tell where on the map Edinburgh is. Who ever made this map, labeled Edinburgh where Glasgow is. Hmm. not the brightest.

Then we had Dim Sum. I always want to try new things, and we have a girl who is Chinese, and always wants to go to Dim Sum. Unfortunately, there's never anything I can eat there. I suppose I like American Chinese because they usually have veggie options, and the real stuff doesn't. 

after lunch, I laid on the grass for about 45 minutes, just in enjoying the sun. It was great. Then I did some homework, and we went to dinner at a french place for dinner. It was another situation of few veggie options. But I got a good goat cheese on bread thing. 

The next day, though, was the best! We woke up super early and climbed Arthur's Seat, which is the highest point in the surrounding area. We could see all the way to the Firth of Forth, which is the best geographical term ever! It was a group of about 8, and we  started off seeing the ruins of the Abbey of St. Andrew, and then hiked up further to the top. It was once a volcano, so it was rocky and I felt like a mountain goat. At the top you could see so much! It was just 360 degrees and super windy. We walked to another hill top and then walked back down. The whole time, Molly, Parasa and I did a stunning rendition of the Sound of Music, with a grand finale of Edleweiss. It was great, believe you me. We included spinning 'round and everything. 

Then we went to the the cafe where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter. The Elephant House hasn't given into the press, and doesn't really mention it. But it has amazing food which is really cheap. I had a brie, apple, and red current baugette, with a cranberry smoothie. Tasty! I felt so relaxed after that hike. We walked along the Royal mile, and then I took a nap. Then we had a pint and went to a Mexican place for dinner and drinks. It was so good! I had some tasty nachos. Every one was really impressed, because no one expected to ever find good Mexican here. 

Today we're on our way home. It will take us six hours, two trains and a coach. Ugh. We got up early to enjoy our last day in the city, but everything was closed! It was shocking and a bummer. But now we're on the train, and I'm taking a break from writing my essay.

And now I'm home! Isn't it amazing how the internet works that way? We just had the craziest journey home. Right after I wrote the above, our train suddenly terminated in the middle of no where. But of course, we couldn't hear the conductor tell us that, so we sat around stupidly for a few minutes, and then followed a mass exodus to another train. We lost our seats, of course. Then we had to get off the train two stops later and take replacement coach services for an hour, and then get back onto another train to travel 25 minutes into King's Cross. I nearly got cut in two as we raced to jump on the train just as it left. Then, I got stuck in between two cars as I was trying to go to the loo. Scariest moment of my life, but thankfully there was a man on the other side who helpfully pushed the "Door Open" button a few times... 

Then we hoped on the Piccadilly line, then caught the bus to the Royal Albert Hall so we had a five minute walk instead of 20. Long night. 

Some pictures are uploaded to flikr. There's a video, too! I won't have time to tag it, so I'll let you know that it's a 360 of the top of Arthur's Seat. Pretty neat. I was balanced precariously on the top of a jagged rock, so I apologise for the shakiness. 

Ok, so just a warning. I smashed my middle finger on my right hand two nights ago. So any typos involving the letters j,u,i,o,k,l,n,m, or the comma and period? Not my fault! It just hurts to type properly, though I am trying. Any other typos, I will take full responsibility for. Grammar? Now that's out the window, because I refuse to fix the above dangling preposition. Ok... I will take full responsibility for any other typos. Happy?
And photos on flikr are being turned as we...erm. type. Hoxton is done and I'll get to Cambridge in a minute.

So where was I? Somewhere in the Cotswolds, it was pouring down, Dad and I were bickering. Right

So the next day(Thursday?), we stayed in the same area. We saw a huge iron bridge. Apparently, it was built by a Quaker, so he stipulated that the Royal Family would always have to pay a toll, just like everyone else. There's a picture of Prince Charles in about 1970 paying a half penny to cross. Pretty amusing. I'm sure that there's some think about the wonders of the Industrial Revolution, blah blah blah. Me? I'm concerned with the juicy stuff. We then moved on up to Coventry, where we saw the cathedral, which is a modern building. The church, St. Micheal's, was bombed during the war, and they didn't rebuild. So this is one of the newest cathedrals I've ever seen. Right as we got there, three police (they were really community support officers) had to escort a man out. As he was leaving he said "you're not going to arrest me, are you?" which was amusing. But no, they promised they wouldn't if he went with them. Then we found a place to stay for the night. The lady at the desk directed us to a thai place "up the slip road, past the barrier that isn't really a barrier because it's broke, across the highway, and up the road." And let me tell you. Best Thai ever. Really. Even better than TV. Dad said so, too. It was like walking right into Thailand. I'm still having cravings for it. And it was in the middle of nowhere!
Friday, we headed to Norfolk, with a brief stop in Cambridge. It was a really nice day, and we saw King's College and Trinity college. We took pictures of all the flowers and pretty architecture. Then we went to Norfolk and met up with our friends Alan and Sarah. They are super nice. If you'll all recall, I went up to see them a couple weekends ago. It's not as worrisome when your parents are there, too. We went for a drive along the coast, and I showed off my amazing memory. Every time we go up, Alan askes us similar questions, and I got them all right. Bam! I am so good! Even Mom said so.
On Saturday, there was a steam gala in the area. Yup. A steam gala. Care to ask me about steam engines? Because this weekend, I went to the steam museum in kew. So I've been immersed in steam for an entire week. The original steam engines pumped water out of mines because England has a high water table, so it's hard to keep everythign dry. The original pumps had an efficiency of about .5%. Then James Watt came along.... never mind.
The steam gala was a ton of steam trains. If you're really interested, ask my dad. He likes that stuff, and will talk your ear off. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Saturday afternoon, mom and I left dad and ventured out with a friend. I took a nap in the car. Then we went to her house and made dinner. I read a book. Can you tell I had reached my socialibily quota for the week? No? Well, then.
Sunday, we headed back for London. The Transport Museum has a repository of all their additional vechicals and stuff in Acton, and it's only open once or twice a year. And guess what? This just happened to be the weekend! So we went and looked at old tube cars and buses and stuff. And then a hurricane swept through, and mom and I thought it would be a good time to leave. Turns out that half an hour later, the curator of the museum gave a talk on the posters of the Underground. Which is what I'm doing for my research paper. Wow. Talk about bad timing. Or Karma. I'm still wondering what I did wrong.
So that was Spring Break! Everyone else went to Amserdam, which was wet and not fun. So I ended up having a better time, I think.
This last week in class, we went to Hoxton, which is an artsy area. As you might guess from the pictures. It was nice to walk around. I love our Global City class because so far, we've only been in the class room three times. It's a good way to see the city and go places we wouldn't usually go. Tomorrow, we're going to a mosque, and all the girls have to cover their hair. Apparently when the group went last year, it turned into a rant about the evils of western culture. So we'll see how this goes. I'm afraid that my professor doesn't go out of her way to focus on positive Islam, instead she feeds into the stereotypes of fundamentalism. It's a bit worrying. I'd rather just talk about the Sufis. Good old Sufis.
Anyway! My laundry is almost done, so I'm off. Go enjoy my pictures!

Plus!

And now there are photos on flikr. I'm thinking about moving photosites because I can't have more than 200 photos, but for now, that's where they are. Sorry they're not turned yet. In a few days, they will be, but right now, I'm snuggling up with the HMs Indefagitable and one Lieutenant Horatio Hornblower. Most excellent!

Also! That last post was dedicated to Ms Mary Mac, who got me off my butt and on to updating. 

Thanks, cous!

Spring Break Part One!

Well, it's certainly been a long time, hasn't it? Well, I did go on Spring Break with the parentals last week. I'll recap that just briefly. 

So mom and dad arrived on Friday. It was the warmest day since I've been here. So I walked around Hyde Park for the better part of two hours. It was nice to see so many people out! The last time the park was so full was the snow day. I'm sure there's some epic connection to be drawn from that about Londoners and their weather, but I'm not feeling up to it. And then I made myself the best sandwich ever, and just as I take my first bite, there's a really annoying knock at the door. I think about ignoring it in favor of my cucumber/red pepper/two cheese and mayo on wheat, but think better of it, because it will just keep happening. And guess who it is! My parents. So then we go walk around Kensington Gardens, then retire to their place (up five flights) for hot coco and birthday present. Best conversation ever. Thanks for the salt seester! We went to dinner somewhere, I'm sure. But I can't remember.

On Saturday, we followed a William Morris trail across London. Morris was the founder of the English Arts and Crafts movement, which was a backlash to the Industrial Revolution, and the deskilling of labour. We started off at the Victoria and Albert Museum, in the tea room decked out in full A&C style. Then we went upstairs to the design section, which was quite difficult due to various works and repairs. You would think that they wanted to trap us! We then went to All Saints on St. Margaret Street, off of Oxford Circus (where I got my shoes!). It is a Catholic Church in an A&C style. It was almost entirely tiled, top to bottom, walls included. Mom and I played Name Your Saints. It's funny how you absorb a popular memory of random things. So we could name St Catherine because she has a wheel (I think she was martyred on one..wait..yes, wikipedia supports me), and there's a British firecracker called St.Catherine's Wheel. And I read about it in Harry Potter when Fred and George leave Hogwarts in the fifth book. Funny how these things stay with you, eh? So then we went to Morris's house where his printing press still is. We watched some one make a print, and looked through books of fabric designed by Morris and his daughter, Jane. After that, we went down past Tooting Bec (yes, I got a photo!) to Merton Abbey Mills, an old mill sight that was the the location of a few A&C mills and factories. I got a giant bowl. I hope it survived the trip home. 

Then we had dinner with Paul Havelka.  Yeah, I know! I've now seen him more here in London than in all my memory. We went to a tasty Thai place. 

Sunday, we went to Kew Gardens. It was very pretty, if a bit cold. The coolest part was the hot house with more orchids than I've ever seen in my life.  Then we went to the transport museum. I've been there once before, but I'm doing a project on the art of the Underground, so I was happy to have mom pay my entrance fee to take notes. We left dad after about an hour to try and see Twelfth Night. But apparently, they were sold out for the next two weeks. I guess they make a pretty good business selling over-priced tickets to poor, desperate tourists who are willing to wait in line forever. The lady told us tickets would be £32.50, and using all our pocket change and one piece of lint that looked like 50p, mom and I managed to make it up. Turns out the tickets were £32.50 each. Oh. So instead, I bought mom some tea in the crypt at St.Martin of the Fields. It's been spiffed up since the last time I was there. Which is very bizarre, if you think about it. A crypt. Spiffed up with a circular elevator and everything.  Then we went to the National Portrait Gallery and sat in front of the Seurat (The Bathers) for about 15 minutes. Then Van Gogh. The Monet. Can you tell our feet were tired?

Then dad was late. Of course. I think I was the most timely of the bunch, this go around. 

Monday we left London. My description will now get increasingly less descriptive. 

Monday, we went to Devon. It was pretty, if a bit wet. Dad met a business contact in BFE. 

But it was prettier than that. We saw some moors and stayed the night at a pub where the dog was allowed up on the seat with you. It was the old court house, and they had a coat of arms from Charles II, and a Tudor frieze from before that. Just chillin' in a room. Hey there, history. Oh hey there, Becca. 'Sup? (This will become some what of a theme of this trip.)

So Tuesday was similar. But add in gale force winds, more moors, and buckets of rain. I think I can honestly say it was pissing down rain when we arrived in the Cotswolds, and not feel bad. Mainly because it was. We ate at the Mermaid, because it was the only reasonable place in town. Mom, dad and I had tasty, tasty cider. Dad and I bickered (see the subject of 'themes' a few lines up).

I'll leave the scene set at pouring rain, because it will be the last time we see it for the trip. 

Now, I'll go fix the colors of the blog because some people apparently can't handle it. 

Try and comment will you? Hey Grandma! Will you comment, too, so I can see if it still works for at least one person?

To be continued....

 

To tide you over

I'm off on Spring Break with the parents this week. Not only am I behind a week on blogging, but I might not have chance to catch up for a while. But if you'd like to see pictures of Bath and the City of London, here ya go: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/midgetwithasword/AnAmericanStudentInLondon

Bath was my birthday weekend, and The City was during school last week. Yeah, that's right. We walk around the city for class. This place rocks.

P.S. I still can't figure out the comments. The only person they work for is my grandma. Go figure.