The storm that should have hit yesterday came into Dublin this morning. It’s gray, dark, windy, and rainy-a true winter storm. I slept in till 10am (to recover from yesterday). I went to a local mall to look around all the shops. This isn’t really a great day to do anything but prepare for my trip home tomorrow. I did buy a new book and I’ve been reading it (All the President’s Men). The reading’s going slowly, but at least I have time to figure out who’s who. I started packing as I got dressed. The more I do earlier, the less I have to do later. I’m about halfway done (at 5pm). I have to pack my carry on stuff, eat dinner, take a shower, and get to bed no later than 10pm. The taxi’s coming at 6:15am.
Epilogue:
As much as I’ve enjoyed my time in the UK, I can’t wait to get home. I’ve been reasonably isolated and I miss hanging out with people in the evenings. I also miss school and work. Being away from home has made me appreciate my life and what I have. I would consider doing something like this again. While it’s good to get away for a while, Judy Garland as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, said it best: “there’s no place like home!”
Thursday, December 25, 2008
7/8/08 Tuesday
Today, I took the Limmerick/Galway tour. It was conducted by the same company who did the Cork tour.
I was at the train station by 6:30am for the 7am departure. I slept during most of the train ride; we got to Limmerick by 9:20am. A coach met the group and Frank (the driver and tour guide) took us to our first destination: Bunratty Castle. According to Frank, Bunratty Castle was named after the river that runs along side it. The river, called the Ratty, is linked to the Bun, which is a part of the river next to the mouth. Frank took us into the castle, and there, we went into 2 rooms (meeting and dining I think) to listen to a 20-minute presentation by a curator. Afterwards, we were free to take a self-guided tour of the castle’s interior.
In order to get up into the dining room, I had to climb a circular and narrow staircase, which contained the wedge shaped steps. The staircase was not unlike the one in Blarney Castle. As I climbed the 35 steps, I started to feel the way I did climbing Blarney Castle. I wandered around the room for a few minutes, shot some video, but decided not to complete the self guided tour (which involved climbing those circular staircases).
When I was outside the castle, I shot some more video. A couple stopped me and asked me to take their picture and I obliged. I composed the picture and took it for them; I think it looked visually interesting. The woman offered to record me in front of the castle and I accepted her offer. She couldn’t understand how to use the zoom mechanism on my camcorder, so she “manually” zoomed in by walking towards me. I have yet to find this video clip, but I’m sure it’s quite shaky.
Bunratty Castle is coupled with the folk park/town. It was a village with buildings that showed how the residents lived in the 19c. I toured many of the buildings including: the blacksmith’s shop, a non-landowner’s living quarters, and a landowner’s house. Inside the house, a woman was making scones as a demonstration of how women did it in the 19c. As I walked further away from the castle and the living facilities, I came upon the town area.
In the town there was a grocery store, textile store (selling woven clothing to the visitors), a post office, a pub, a “hotel,” and so on. I was given 1.2 hours to look around the castle and the folk park; I really wish I had at least 2 hours because there was so much to see. I spent so much time in the castle and residential area of the folk park that I really didn’t get to visit the town part of the park. Such a shame-I’ll have to visit here again if I come back!
The next stop on the tour was a pub in Doolin. It must have taken 40-50 minutes to get to Doolin, but we were moving closer and closer to the coast, so much so that the Atlantic was getting bigger and bigger! Doolin is a small village with a sparse number of homes, and a main street with a few businesses. As we drove up the hills, the view of the Atlantic was spectacular! So there I was, in the coach, listening to Irish music, looking at wonderful views of the ocean with little puff ball clouds in the sky…can you picture it?
At the pub, I ordered and paid for my food first, and then it was brought to my table. I swear, after 2 minutes, my salad and fries were served; it was really, really quick-I was impressed! It was a highly substantial salad: lettuce, tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, pineapple wedges, and honey mustard dressing. The bowl must have been 8” in diameter filled with all that good food. It was a great value for the money I spent. It was absolutely fabulous!
After lunch, we loaded up into the coach and off to the Cliffs of Mohr. When we got there, Frank advised us to stay behind the guardrails and not walk out to the edge of the cliff-well duh! He said that 8 people fell to their deaths-some were unintentional (they were blown off) others were intentional (suicides).
Frank told us the west coast was supposed to be hit by a significant storm today. Happily, that didn’t happen. It was a wonderfully bright, sunny, and breezy day with puffball clouds in the sky. None of the pesky misty ocean fog was hovering around the cliffs; it was brilliantly crystal clear today. I couldn’t ask for a better day.
After parking in the car park, I walked over to the observation point for the Cliffs. The stair climb was 150 steps-I actually counted! The climb was definitely worth it! I wandered around shooting video for about an hour and then the tour was back on the road again.
We were on our way to the Burren. The Burren looks like either scabby or scaly skin or like rocky warts on the green fields of grass. It is an all-natural occurring phenomenon. It made for some interesting landscapes, which I recorded.
Half an hour came and went before we hit the road again. Now were on our way to Galway. Frank stopped for about 15 minutes so we could take pictures of Galway Bay; he even pointed out where Connemara was (home to Stephen Walsh’s Connemara marble quarry) because it was so clear and the hills were visible. He “advertised” the Connemara tour; damn, if I had known about it, I would have taken that tour as well. Well, it’s on the list for thing to do next time (and the Waterford tour as well).
The Cliffs of Mohr were so amazing! The sun was warm and the wind was strong enough to keep me cool. The landscape was exactly like it was in Stephen Walsh’s Ireland DVD tour. It was so peaceful there; so relaxing. I’ve never seen the Atlantic Ocean from the eastern side before. “Just think,” I thought, “just 2800 miles to swim and I’ll get to North America!” The Cliffs is the perfect place to take a blanket, a picnic basket, a kite, and a book so I can just take a day off. Just to read, eat, and sleep a little; it would be perfection (sigh).
We got to Galway by 5pm. We were given 45 minutes to look around the local mall. I needed to use the bathroom, and when I found them, I was stunned that it cost .30 euros to use it. This is something that I won’t miss: having to pay to use a toilet in a public area like a mall. Fortunately, a woman held the door to the bathroom open to let in as many women as she could. About eight of us made it in without paying (which is just fine with me because you shouldn’t have to pay to pee!)
I looked around the mall for about 20 minutes, but there wasn’t anything of interest. I decided to head to the train station. By 6pm, I was on the train back to Dublin. I sat with a woman named Kay and her grandson Jordan. It was nice to have someone to talk to; it made time go by much quicker. We talked about everything: cars (she’s getting a new one), school (I talked about SJSU and Jordan talked about his school in NY-he’s a hotel/restaurant management major), politics, Florida (their family lives there), and so on. Jordan showed some of the pictures he took from today’s adventure and wow, they were great. He has an excellent camera. I showed them some of the video I shot from Cork and Cobh, because that was somewhere they wanted to visit. I also showed them the video clip of the storm that rolled into Cobh on the 5th. At 8:30pm, I was feeling restless and was glad that the trip was almost over. By 9:30, I was in my room, ordering room service, grateful the day was finally over.
I was at the train station by 6:30am for the 7am departure. I slept during most of the train ride; we got to Limmerick by 9:20am. A coach met the group and Frank (the driver and tour guide) took us to our first destination: Bunratty Castle. According to Frank, Bunratty Castle was named after the river that runs along side it. The river, called the Ratty, is linked to the Bun, which is a part of the river next to the mouth. Frank took us into the castle, and there, we went into 2 rooms (meeting and dining I think) to listen to a 20-minute presentation by a curator. Afterwards, we were free to take a self-guided tour of the castle’s interior.
In order to get up into the dining room, I had to climb a circular and narrow staircase, which contained the wedge shaped steps. The staircase was not unlike the one in Blarney Castle. As I climbed the 35 steps, I started to feel the way I did climbing Blarney Castle. I wandered around the room for a few minutes, shot some video, but decided not to complete the self guided tour (which involved climbing those circular staircases).
When I was outside the castle, I shot some more video. A couple stopped me and asked me to take their picture and I obliged. I composed the picture and took it for them; I think it looked visually interesting. The woman offered to record me in front of the castle and I accepted her offer. She couldn’t understand how to use the zoom mechanism on my camcorder, so she “manually” zoomed in by walking towards me. I have yet to find this video clip, but I’m sure it’s quite shaky.
Bunratty Castle is coupled with the folk park/town. It was a village with buildings that showed how the residents lived in the 19c. I toured many of the buildings including: the blacksmith’s shop, a non-landowner’s living quarters, and a landowner’s house. Inside the house, a woman was making scones as a demonstration of how women did it in the 19c. As I walked further away from the castle and the living facilities, I came upon the town area.
In the town there was a grocery store, textile store (selling woven clothing to the visitors), a post office, a pub, a “hotel,” and so on. I was given 1.2 hours to look around the castle and the folk park; I really wish I had at least 2 hours because there was so much to see. I spent so much time in the castle and residential area of the folk park that I really didn’t get to visit the town part of the park. Such a shame-I’ll have to visit here again if I come back!
The next stop on the tour was a pub in Doolin. It must have taken 40-50 minutes to get to Doolin, but we were moving closer and closer to the coast, so much so that the Atlantic was getting bigger and bigger! Doolin is a small village with a sparse number of homes, and a main street with a few businesses. As we drove up the hills, the view of the Atlantic was spectacular! So there I was, in the coach, listening to Irish music, looking at wonderful views of the ocean with little puff ball clouds in the sky…can you picture it?
At the pub, I ordered and paid for my food first, and then it was brought to my table. I swear, after 2 minutes, my salad and fries were served; it was really, really quick-I was impressed! It was a highly substantial salad: lettuce, tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, pineapple wedges, and honey mustard dressing. The bowl must have been 8” in diameter filled with all that good food. It was a great value for the money I spent. It was absolutely fabulous!
After lunch, we loaded up into the coach and off to the Cliffs of Mohr. When we got there, Frank advised us to stay behind the guardrails and not walk out to the edge of the cliff-well duh! He said that 8 people fell to their deaths-some were unintentional (they were blown off) others were intentional (suicides).
Frank told us the west coast was supposed to be hit by a significant storm today. Happily, that didn’t happen. It was a wonderfully bright, sunny, and breezy day with puffball clouds in the sky. None of the pesky misty ocean fog was hovering around the cliffs; it was brilliantly crystal clear today. I couldn’t ask for a better day.
After parking in the car park, I walked over to the observation point for the Cliffs. The stair climb was 150 steps-I actually counted! The climb was definitely worth it! I wandered around shooting video for about an hour and then the tour was back on the road again.
We were on our way to the Burren. The Burren looks like either scabby or scaly skin or like rocky warts on the green fields of grass. It is an all-natural occurring phenomenon. It made for some interesting landscapes, which I recorded.
Half an hour came and went before we hit the road again. Now were on our way to Galway. Frank stopped for about 15 minutes so we could take pictures of Galway Bay; he even pointed out where Connemara was (home to Stephen Walsh’s Connemara marble quarry) because it was so clear and the hills were visible. He “advertised” the Connemara tour; damn, if I had known about it, I would have taken that tour as well. Well, it’s on the list for thing to do next time (and the Waterford tour as well).
The Cliffs of Mohr were so amazing! The sun was warm and the wind was strong enough to keep me cool. The landscape was exactly like it was in Stephen Walsh’s Ireland DVD tour. It was so peaceful there; so relaxing. I’ve never seen the Atlantic Ocean from the eastern side before. “Just think,” I thought, “just 2800 miles to swim and I’ll get to North America!” The Cliffs is the perfect place to take a blanket, a picnic basket, a kite, and a book so I can just take a day off. Just to read, eat, and sleep a little; it would be perfection (sigh).
We got to Galway by 5pm. We were given 45 minutes to look around the local mall. I needed to use the bathroom, and when I found them, I was stunned that it cost .30 euros to use it. This is something that I won’t miss: having to pay to use a toilet in a public area like a mall. Fortunately, a woman held the door to the bathroom open to let in as many women as she could. About eight of us made it in without paying (which is just fine with me because you shouldn’t have to pay to pee!)
I looked around the mall for about 20 minutes, but there wasn’t anything of interest. I decided to head to the train station. By 6pm, I was on the train back to Dublin. I sat with a woman named Kay and her grandson Jordan. It was nice to have someone to talk to; it made time go by much quicker. We talked about everything: cars (she’s getting a new one), school (I talked about SJSU and Jordan talked about his school in NY-he’s a hotel/restaurant management major), politics, Florida (their family lives there), and so on. Jordan showed some of the pictures he took from today’s adventure and wow, they were great. He has an excellent camera. I showed them some of the video I shot from Cork and Cobh, because that was somewhere they wanted to visit. I also showed them the video clip of the storm that rolled into Cobh on the 5th. At 8:30pm, I was feeling restless and was glad that the trip was almost over. By 9:30, I was in my room, ordering room service, grateful the day was finally over.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
6/26/08 Thursday-Oops...I left this one out!
On the 25th, I wrote that the class was off to Lacock. I skipped a page in my diary and didn't notice I left this entry out...so here it is. My bad...
We actually visited three places today: Stonehenge, Avebury, and Lacock Abby. We went to Stonehenge first; it's out in the middle of nowhere just off the motorway. Everything is all flat and green, so my eye was easily caught by the structure. Bob (our coach driver for the whole trip) let us off in the parking lot and Dennis took us over to the ticket counter. He had bought a tour group package on behalf of our class and presented it to the ticket seller. Unfortunately, Stonehenge didn't honor the package he bought. Dennis told us that if any of us wanted to see Stonehenge, he'd pay for our admission (the assumption is that he'd get reimbursed by SJSU). All of wanted to see the structure up close, so Dennis paid for everyone except himself, Jill, and Karla (they've seen it before). There is now a path that visitors follow around the rocks; visitors are no longer allowed to move among the structure itself. We spent 30 minutes following the path and listening to the audio tour and learning about the history. As soon as we returned our radios and got on the coach we were on our way to Amesbury.
Amesbury is similar to Stonehenge because there is a stone structure in the shape of a circle surrounding a small village. The stones are smaller than the famous Stonehenge, and are arraigned in a circle around the village. The legend is that this circle structure will help the aliens to know where to land their spaceships (in the fields surrounding this area were several crop circles-alien related?) We stopped in Amesbury for 2 hours to have lunch, look at the stone structure, and to look around the village. Then we were on our way to Lacock.
Lacock is known for its Abbey because scenes for Harry Potter were filmed there (although I'm sure in England, Lacock Abby has a different meaning for its citizens). I toured the house first out of respect; the house belongs to one of the first photographers in England and his family. Then I entered the Abbey and poked around for a while. Onward I went moving to the Cloisters; I was outside looking through a doorway and into a courtyard. From where I was, I could instantly tell this was the courtyard for the HP movies. Awesome!!! I walked through the door and hallway, and I was able to see the whole courtyard. OMG-this is Hogwarts' courtyard!!! I've finally made it to Hogwarts!!! The Curator showed me where one of the HP classrooms was. I stepped inside and although I recognized from the movies, it took me a few minutes to realize which classroom. After walking around it for a couple of minutes, I realized which one it was...Snape's dungeon (oops-I mean Professor Snape's dungeon) from HP 1. I've actually been in an "HP classroom...This is sacred and hallowed ground!!! This was a religious experience. All Potter freaks need to see these "sets". The actors were actually here filming the movies-Dan, Rupert, Emma, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith...all of them. Alas, I saw no witches, warlocks, or wands-what a bummer!
After we left the Abbey, the others toured the small village that was next to the grounds. I sat down for a while because (if you remember) my knee was aching. I wrote up my contract for the paper I decided (finally) to write so I wouldn't get just a C in the class. Dennis approved my contract after I added a few other things to the contract. I'm going to compare/contrast a reputable and tabloid newspaper form the US and UK to determine which country's papers is more formal.
A really strong storm blew in tonight. I sat on my bed looking out the window, and for an hour I just listened and watched it. My window was open so the storm sounded stronger than it would have if my window had been closed. The wind, the rain, the thunder and lightening; it was very peaceful and relaxing to just listen and watch nature; a great end to a great day!
We actually visited three places today: Stonehenge, Avebury, and Lacock Abby. We went to Stonehenge first; it's out in the middle of nowhere just off the motorway. Everything is all flat and green, so my eye was easily caught by the structure. Bob (our coach driver for the whole trip) let us off in the parking lot and Dennis took us over to the ticket counter. He had bought a tour group package on behalf of our class and presented it to the ticket seller. Unfortunately, Stonehenge didn't honor the package he bought. Dennis told us that if any of us wanted to see Stonehenge, he'd pay for our admission (the assumption is that he'd get reimbursed by SJSU). All of wanted to see the structure up close, so Dennis paid for everyone except himself, Jill, and Karla (they've seen it before). There is now a path that visitors follow around the rocks; visitors are no longer allowed to move among the structure itself. We spent 30 minutes following the path and listening to the audio tour and learning about the history. As soon as we returned our radios and got on the coach we were on our way to Amesbury.
Amesbury is similar to Stonehenge because there is a stone structure in the shape of a circle surrounding a small village. The stones are smaller than the famous Stonehenge, and are arraigned in a circle around the village. The legend is that this circle structure will help the aliens to know where to land their spaceships (in the fields surrounding this area were several crop circles-alien related?) We stopped in Amesbury for 2 hours to have lunch, look at the stone structure, and to look around the village. Then we were on our way to Lacock.
Lacock is known for its Abbey because scenes for Harry Potter were filmed there (although I'm sure in England, Lacock Abby has a different meaning for its citizens). I toured the house first out of respect; the house belongs to one of the first photographers in England and his family. Then I entered the Abbey and poked around for a while. Onward I went moving to the Cloisters; I was outside looking through a doorway and into a courtyard. From where I was, I could instantly tell this was the courtyard for the HP movies. Awesome!!! I walked through the door and hallway, and I was able to see the whole courtyard. OMG-this is Hogwarts' courtyard!!! I've finally made it to Hogwarts!!! The Curator showed me where one of the HP classrooms was. I stepped inside and although I recognized from the movies, it took me a few minutes to realize which classroom. After walking around it for a couple of minutes, I realized which one it was...Snape's dungeon (oops-I mean Professor Snape's dungeon) from HP 1. I've actually been in an "HP classroom...This is sacred and hallowed ground!!! This was a religious experience. All Potter freaks need to see these "sets". The actors were actually here filming the movies-Dan, Rupert, Emma, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith...all of them. Alas, I saw no witches, warlocks, or wands-what a bummer!
After we left the Abbey, the others toured the small village that was next to the grounds. I sat down for a while because (if you remember) my knee was aching. I wrote up my contract for the paper I decided (finally) to write so I wouldn't get just a C in the class. Dennis approved my contract after I added a few other things to the contract. I'm going to compare/contrast a reputable and tabloid newspaper form the US and UK to determine which country's papers is more formal.
A really strong storm blew in tonight. I sat on my bed looking out the window, and for an hour I just listened and watched it. My window was open so the storm sounded stronger than it would have if my window had been closed. The wind, the rain, the thunder and lightening; it was very peaceful and relaxing to just listen and watch nature; a great end to a great day!
7/7/08 Monday
Again, I didn't do too much today...that's the beauty of being on summer vacation.
I bought a ticket for another day trip to Limmerick and Galway. I was really torn apart about which trip to choose: the Galway trip or the Waterford. But I finally reasoned that while I could tell Mom all about Waterford and get video of the area and perhaps buy a little souvenir, taking the tour would just be for her and not for me. I heard her in my head telling me that I should take the trip that interests me; it is after all my vacation and I should do what I want to. So I bought my ticket for tomorrow's tour and I'm off. Yeech-another 7 am departure time...
I watched a DVD by Stephen and Sean Walsh (both Irish) to help me write a paper for a SJSU class in fall 07. Ever since I watched that DVD, I wanted to see the rugged west coast of Ireland. The picturesque scenes on the DVD were so peaceful...I could picture myself on one of the cliffs with a blanket spread out on the ground, a picnic basket, a picnic umbrella, a book, and a kite and spend the afternoon there. It was such a clear, sunny, blue, windy, and peaceful place...and now I have the opportunity to see it in person! But that will be tomorrow...
I explored the northern part of Dublin by foot. It was a 2-hour walk, at leisure’s pace, looking around the buildings in awe. On the map, it looks like I walked pretty far-maybe 2 miles. And this was in the drizzly, rainy, windy, and gray weather. In the afternoon, I went to the larger theater I found the day before to see Gone Baby Gone. This was a good movie with a lot of plot twists that kept me engaged throughout. It was less bloody than Wanted, but I could've done with less profanity but I suppose the profanity helped to establish the living conditions of the neighborhoods. Gone Baby Gone was much better than Wanted.
I'm turning in early tonight...I have to be up at 5 am for my adventure tomorrow!
I bought a ticket for another day trip to Limmerick and Galway. I was really torn apart about which trip to choose: the Galway trip or the Waterford. But I finally reasoned that while I could tell Mom all about Waterford and get video of the area and perhaps buy a little souvenir, taking the tour would just be for her and not for me. I heard her in my head telling me that I should take the trip that interests me; it is after all my vacation and I should do what I want to. So I bought my ticket for tomorrow's tour and I'm off. Yeech-another 7 am departure time...
I watched a DVD by Stephen and Sean Walsh (both Irish) to help me write a paper for a SJSU class in fall 07. Ever since I watched that DVD, I wanted to see the rugged west coast of Ireland. The picturesque scenes on the DVD were so peaceful...I could picture myself on one of the cliffs with a blanket spread out on the ground, a picnic basket, a picnic umbrella, a book, and a kite and spend the afternoon there. It was such a clear, sunny, blue, windy, and peaceful place...and now I have the opportunity to see it in person! But that will be tomorrow...
I explored the northern part of Dublin by foot. It was a 2-hour walk, at leisure’s pace, looking around the buildings in awe. On the map, it looks like I walked pretty far-maybe 2 miles. And this was in the drizzly, rainy, windy, and gray weather. In the afternoon, I went to the larger theater I found the day before to see Gone Baby Gone. This was a good movie with a lot of plot twists that kept me engaged throughout. It was less bloody than Wanted, but I could've done with less profanity but I suppose the profanity helped to establish the living conditions of the neighborhoods. Gone Baby Gone was much better than Wanted.
I'm turning in early tonight...I have to be up at 5 am for my adventure tomorrow!
7/6/08 Sunday
"Happy f***in' birthday Bush; thank God it's your last one in office!" This was my first thought when I woke up at 11 am. Really, I got up at 8:30 am, but after I used the bathroom and turned on CNN, I fell back asleep until 11 am. I was up yesterday for 18 hours straight. I needed to recover. I didn't do much today, and it sure felt good!
I checked my email; Robbie was the only one who sent me birthday greetings. What's up with that?! I expected him to forget or be too busy to remember. But Mom, how could you forget? Maybe she's got something planned for when I get back...we'll see...
I went to Marks & Spencer (retail, clothing, and food) to buy some fruits and vegetables. I'm tired of the minimal salads, fries, and chips that I find here. I found some real pre-cut pineapple, cherries, melon cup (honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon), and lettuce. I just finished the pineapple and half of the lettuce. I'm going to save the rest for dinner--yum--fresh produce for dinner!
I went to the Savoy again to watch Wanted. Apparently, the movie had gone 10 minutes before I realized that it had actually started. At first, I thought a movie preview was being shown starring James McAvoy, but it was really Wanted itself. They didn't show any previews at all! The movie was ok-it had a lot of bloody scenes and a lot of twists to it. It kind of confused me at the end. Mom would have liked it-she's not as grossed out as I am by blood.
I took another walk around the area. I made it to the Jervis area (a section of the city). There, I found a much bigger cinema with movies I've seen or that I haven't heard of or don't care about. There was also a bookstore next door. I spent about an hour there looking around; most of the time was spent to reading a children's pop up book about the Titanic. It was written in the format of a 12-year-old male passenger's journal-very interesting. I bought a new book, All the President's Men. I needed something different to read-I can read HP6 only so many times!
Now, I'm back in my room, eating my fruit and veggie dinner, writing this journal, and watching A League of Their Own (probably my favorite baseball movie). I'm really enjoying my time in Ireland.
I checked my email; Robbie was the only one who sent me birthday greetings. What's up with that?! I expected him to forget or be too busy to remember. But Mom, how could you forget? Maybe she's got something planned for when I get back...we'll see...
I went to Marks & Spencer (retail, clothing, and food) to buy some fruits and vegetables. I'm tired of the minimal salads, fries, and chips that I find here. I found some real pre-cut pineapple, cherries, melon cup (honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon), and lettuce. I just finished the pineapple and half of the lettuce. I'm going to save the rest for dinner--yum--fresh produce for dinner!
I went to the Savoy again to watch Wanted. Apparently, the movie had gone 10 minutes before I realized that it had actually started. At first, I thought a movie preview was being shown starring James McAvoy, but it was really Wanted itself. They didn't show any previews at all! The movie was ok-it had a lot of bloody scenes and a lot of twists to it. It kind of confused me at the end. Mom would have liked it-she's not as grossed out as I am by blood.
I took another walk around the area. I made it to the Jervis area (a section of the city). There, I found a much bigger cinema with movies I've seen or that I haven't heard of or don't care about. There was also a bookstore next door. I spent about an hour there looking around; most of the time was spent to reading a children's pop up book about the Titanic. It was written in the format of a 12-year-old male passenger's journal-very interesting. I bought a new book, All the President's Men. I needed something different to read-I can read HP6 only so many times!
Now, I'm back in my room, eating my fruit and veggie dinner, writing this journal, and watching A League of Their Own (probably my favorite baseball movie). I'm really enjoying my time in Ireland.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
7/5/08 Saturday...Happy Birthday to Me!!!
Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday dear EJ, happy birthday to me!!! Thanks Robbie for emailing me birthday greetings...you're the only one who remembered! (You know I have to guilt you all...)
The first thing I heard when I woke up this morning was rain! I'm so happy--it has finally rained on my b-day! This is the first time in as long as I can remember that it has rained on July 5th--and I only had to leave the country for it to happen.
I'm on my way to Cork and Cobh. It’s about a three-hour train ride, so the tour group left at 7am. I love the size of Ireland because it's small enough that it can be crossed in three hours; really all costal destinations are three hours or less by train. I walked down to the light rail train station, took the train to the train station and boy was I soaked and drenched! The train ride to Cork was rather boring; just a bunch of green countryside to look at--I was glad I brought my Ipod.
When we got to the Cork train station, we transferred to a motor coach that drove us around. Liam was our tour guide; Steven was our driver. We started of by going to Blarney Castle. There, Liam gave us three hours to conduct a self-guided tour. We got there 1/2 an hour earlier than the public, so it was easier for us to get up to the castle and Blarney Stone.
The Blarney Stone-that was an adventure! I followed the signs up into the castle and they led to the top. I squeezed through a small opening that led to the spiral stairway that led upwards. One look at the passageway and the wedge shaped stairs, and I decided I wouldn't climb to the top where the Stone is. I moved into a side room and had a conversation with an English woman. While she waited for her daughter, we talk. She went to SF last summer and wants to go to Vegas sometime soon. We talked about our gambling experiences in Vegas-how unsuccessful we were. After a while, she heard her daughter call her so she went on her way.
This woman had some mobility problems, which is why she didn't go up to the top of the castle but her daughter kissed the Stone. I looked at the professional picture that was taken of her kissing the Stone--you really do have to lie on your back and hang off the edge to kiss the Stone!!! After 10 minutes of debating "should I or shouldn't I," I worked up the courage to climb up to the top. I found the staircase and had to get in line. The line had grown so much that I could only climb up one step at a time. I got up about 1/3 of the way up and then I began to feel strange.
All my life, when I've had a choice between taking an elevator or an escalator, I’ve always chosen the escalator. It's open and makes me feel more comfortable because I can see all around me. In an elevator, I feel enclosed and trapped. I felt that closed and trapped feeling on the staircase. Maybe I'm somewhat claustrophobic?
After climbing the stairway 1/3 of the way up, I felt panicky. I looked above me and below me looking for a way out. There was none, however, because there were other visitors in front and behind me and there was no room to maneuver in. As my left shoulder was brushing its way along the left wall, my right shoulder was brushing its way along the right wall; it was very enclosed. I t was fairly dark except for where lights had been installed.
Each of us on the stairs would climb a stair and then wait 20 seconds and then climb the next and so on. It was like this the whole up. Just as that panicky feeling was growing and getting more intense, I came to a "doorway" in the left hand wall. I stopped there for a minute because my panicky feeling caused in my heartbeat to absolutely race and in I was panting like I'd just ran a five minute mile, and I was gulping in breaths of air. I either was having a claustrophobic attack or a panic attack. Nobody else seemed to have a problem with the passage. But I had to keep climbing in order to get to the exit. Each time I came to a "doorway," I had to stop and calm myself down. My calming technique was to just stare at the feet of the people above me. I eventually got to the top, and the relief just crashed over me like the ocean's waves.
You know I don't have a head for heights, so at the top of the castle I was getting really, really dizzy. There were two men assisting the visitors with kissing the Blarney Stone. One of them told us told us to either get down or to move on so they could keep the line moving. I decided to move on and not kiss the Stone because killing myself today would not be cool. Besides, my head just wasn't feeling right since having my claustrophobic panic attack.
The stairway down had the same steep wedge shaped steps as the way up, but there was more indirect sunlight in the passage and the passage was somewhat wider so my shoulders weren't touching the walls. Outside the castle, I had to walk down the path to get to the bottom, which included several groups of four-step steps. I can't believe how shaky I felt. This, to me, was one of the most terrifying I've ever experienced.
I used my next 1.5 hours eating lunch and then browsing through a shop at the Blarney Wollen Mills Hotel and Restaurant and Blarney Wollen Mills Shopping Center, respectively. I bought a pair of Kelly green St. Patrick’s Day type of socks.
When our three hours were up, Steven drove us to Cobh, while Liam narrated the trip. We stopped at a cathedral and were allotted 10 minutes to take pictures. To end the tour, we went to a museum to learn about the "Queensbury Story." Cobh was the last stop before ships sailed on the North America.
The first thing I heard when I woke up this morning was rain! I'm so happy--it has finally rained on my b-day! This is the first time in as long as I can remember that it has rained on July 5th--and I only had to leave the country for it to happen.
I'm on my way to Cork and Cobh. It’s about a three-hour train ride, so the tour group left at 7am. I love the size of Ireland because it's small enough that it can be crossed in three hours; really all costal destinations are three hours or less by train. I walked down to the light rail train station, took the train to the train station and boy was I soaked and drenched! The train ride to Cork was rather boring; just a bunch of green countryside to look at--I was glad I brought my Ipod.
When we got to the Cork train station, we transferred to a motor coach that drove us around. Liam was our tour guide; Steven was our driver. We started of by going to Blarney Castle. There, Liam gave us three hours to conduct a self-guided tour. We got there 1/2 an hour earlier than the public, so it was easier for us to get up to the castle and Blarney Stone.
The Blarney Stone-that was an adventure! I followed the signs up into the castle and they led to the top. I squeezed through a small opening that led to the spiral stairway that led upwards. One look at the passageway and the wedge shaped stairs, and I decided I wouldn't climb to the top where the Stone is. I moved into a side room and had a conversation with an English woman. While she waited for her daughter, we talk. She went to SF last summer and wants to go to Vegas sometime soon. We talked about our gambling experiences in Vegas-how unsuccessful we were. After a while, she heard her daughter call her so she went on her way.
This woman had some mobility problems, which is why she didn't go up to the top of the castle but her daughter kissed the Stone. I looked at the professional picture that was taken of her kissing the Stone--you really do have to lie on your back and hang off the edge to kiss the Stone!!! After 10 minutes of debating "should I or shouldn't I," I worked up the courage to climb up to the top. I found the staircase and had to get in line. The line had grown so much that I could only climb up one step at a time. I got up about 1/3 of the way up and then I began to feel strange.
All my life, when I've had a choice between taking an elevator or an escalator, I’ve always chosen the escalator. It's open and makes me feel more comfortable because I can see all around me. In an elevator, I feel enclosed and trapped. I felt that closed and trapped feeling on the staircase. Maybe I'm somewhat claustrophobic?
After climbing the stairway 1/3 of the way up, I felt panicky. I looked above me and below me looking for a way out. There was none, however, because there were other visitors in front and behind me and there was no room to maneuver in. As my left shoulder was brushing its way along the left wall, my right shoulder was brushing its way along the right wall; it was very enclosed. I t was fairly dark except for where lights had been installed.
Each of us on the stairs would climb a stair and then wait 20 seconds and then climb the next and so on. It was like this the whole up. Just as that panicky feeling was growing and getting more intense, I came to a "doorway" in the left hand wall. I stopped there for a minute because my panicky feeling caused in my heartbeat to absolutely race and in I was panting like I'd just ran a five minute mile, and I was gulping in breaths of air. I either was having a claustrophobic attack or a panic attack. Nobody else seemed to have a problem with the passage. But I had to keep climbing in order to get to the exit. Each time I came to a "doorway," I had to stop and calm myself down. My calming technique was to just stare at the feet of the people above me. I eventually got to the top, and the relief just crashed over me like the ocean's waves.
You know I don't have a head for heights, so at the top of the castle I was getting really, really dizzy. There were two men assisting the visitors with kissing the Blarney Stone. One of them told us told us to either get down or to move on so they could keep the line moving. I decided to move on and not kiss the Stone because killing myself today would not be cool. Besides, my head just wasn't feeling right since having my claustrophobic panic attack.
The stairway down had the same steep wedge shaped steps as the way up, but there was more indirect sunlight in the passage and the passage was somewhat wider so my shoulders weren't touching the walls. Outside the castle, I had to walk down the path to get to the bottom, which included several groups of four-step steps. I can't believe how shaky I felt. This, to me, was one of the most terrifying I've ever experienced.
I used my next 1.5 hours eating lunch and then browsing through a shop at the Blarney Wollen Mills Hotel and Restaurant and Blarney Wollen Mills Shopping Center, respectively. I bought a pair of Kelly green St. Patrick’s Day type of socks.
When our three hours were up, Steven drove us to Cobh, while Liam narrated the trip. We stopped at a cathedral and were allotted 10 minutes to take pictures. To end the tour, we went to a museum to learn about the "Queensbury Story." Cobh was the last stop before ships sailed on the North America.
7/4/08 Friday
Happy Fourth of July! I was surprised at how many times news programs made reference to the Fourth in the US. Really, the holiday doesn't affect anyone who isn't American so why mention it? I woke up quite a bit earlier this morning and was out the door by 10am. I took a much longer and extensive tour of Connolly Street to get a more expansive look of the area. There are four statutes along the 'the strip' of people and things representative of Ireland. I also found a little garden area with a memorial statute dedicated to those Irish soldiers who lost their lives securing freedom (I think it honored soldiers as far back as the 1800s), a tavern serving American food and beer very cheaply because of Independence day, a children's hospital that looks more like an apartment building from the outside, and a cross street with a ton of shops (the street is closed off to traffic so shoppers can safely walk up and down it). There was an Irish souvenir shop, which had two American Flags in the doors. I asked the assistant why the US flags, and he told me it was because of the Fourth of July. How strange I thought; this is Ireland not the US, but maybe it's a sign of respect...
This afternoon, I took a hop-on hop-off tour of the Dublin. It was a very extensive tour covering the city in 2 hours. I was bale to record the whole tour on my video recorder. Some of the stops included Trinity College, the train station, Guinness Brewery, and the 'Ribs' bridge (the designer wanted the bridge to look similar to a person's ribcage...he did a fairly respectable job of it). I sat in the front row of the upper part of the bus...right next to the speaker. What a great spot. I didn't actually hop-off; I wanted to get a general idea of the city. The tour ended right in front of the bus authority station.
When I got off, I decided I needed to give myself a birthday present. At the Authority I bought myself a tour package that visits Cork and Cobh (pronounced "cove"--it's Gaelic). It's an early call; train leaves at 7am, so I have to be there at 6:40am to check in.
I spoke with the Barbara at the front desk getting advice about how to get to the train station from the hotel. She was really helpful. She got me a map, highlighted the route of the light rail train, and told me I wanted the Tallght direction. After talking with Barbara, I actually walked the route to the light rail stop so I will know where to find it. It wasn't so bad; it was across the street from Eason's (the bookstore, like Borders or Barnes and Noble, where I continued to buy my Guardians and Suns for my written paper).
I brought dinner into my room from an outside restaurant and went to bed early; gotta get up at 5am!
This afternoon, I took a hop-on hop-off tour of the Dublin. It was a very extensive tour covering the city in 2 hours. I was bale to record the whole tour on my video recorder. Some of the stops included Trinity College, the train station, Guinness Brewery, and the 'Ribs' bridge (the designer wanted the bridge to look similar to a person's ribcage...he did a fairly respectable job of it). I sat in the front row of the upper part of the bus...right next to the speaker. What a great spot. I didn't actually hop-off; I wanted to get a general idea of the city. The tour ended right in front of the bus authority station.
When I got off, I decided I needed to give myself a birthday present. At the Authority I bought myself a tour package that visits Cork and Cobh (pronounced "cove"--it's Gaelic). It's an early call; train leaves at 7am, so I have to be there at 6:40am to check in.
I spoke with the Barbara at the front desk getting advice about how to get to the train station from the hotel. She was really helpful. She got me a map, highlighted the route of the light rail train, and told me I wanted the Tallght direction. After talking with Barbara, I actually walked the route to the light rail stop so I will know where to find it. It wasn't so bad; it was across the street from Eason's (the bookstore, like Borders or Barnes and Noble, where I continued to buy my Guardians and Suns for my written paper).
I brought dinner into my room from an outside restaurant and went to bed early; gotta get up at 5am!
7/3/08 Thursday My Vacation in Ireland
I slept in till 11am. I'm trying to catch up on three weeks of lost sleep. I took today easy. I went to the Savoy Theater and caught a few movies (I love my student ID; I saved a few Euros). Dollars are worth more Euros than Pounds so the movies were less expensive here. I wandered up and down Connolly Street ('the main strip') just looking around and finding where things were. I also spent time watching Irish programming and attempting sudoku (although sudoku is so f***ing frustrating). It was a chill kind of day.
7/2/08 Wednesday
It's a shame class is over...I had to make my way down to the coach park via the bus (Stephanie was unable to take me there). It was fairly easy to do; there was plenty of space on the bus because I left at 6:45am. I didn't get the chance to thank and say goodbye to Stephanie, but I did leave a note thanking her for everything and wishing her and her family the best. At least I didn't feel like I sneaked out of the house without saying bye.
We left the coach park after getting more pictures with everyone including Mari and Oscar (they came to see us off). Bob (our driver during the last three weeks) got us to Heathrow really, really early. Cynthia had the first flight at 1:50pm, then the Jaehnes at 2:10pm, and then Shanti and I left 3:30pm. Everyone else stayed in London. The Jaehnes were leaving from terminal 3 and Shanti and I (since we were flying BMI to our respective destinations) walked through the tunnels to get to terminal 1. We tried to check in at 11am, but were unable to do so until two hours before our flights. Surprisingly, the Jaehnes found us in terminal 1; they wanted to make sure we found the terminal ok and that we were good to go. I appreciated that considering the walk they had to take. So there we were (Shanti and I) waiting in the terminal waiting for the flights to take off. It is so damn boring waiting in the airport with nothing to do...
My flight took off and I eventually made it to Ireland. I got a cab to my hotel, checked in and got comfortable, and decided to walk around Connolly Street a little bit. The weather was rainy and I didn't have my umbrella, but it felt good to get out, stretch and walk, and get use to the area around me. I walked down to the post office and then turned around when it began to rain really hard. I did stop by a little grocery convenience shop and bought a few things. When I asked for a bag, the cashier told me I'd have to pay for it...who would have thought! It wasn't right, but I was in not in the mood to debate it. But I did save it so I could reuse it and not get charged again. When I was back in my room, I was so tired, ordered room service (OMG the sautéed mushrooms were TO DIE FOR-they were WONDERFUL) and went to bed by 10pm.
We left the coach park after getting more pictures with everyone including Mari and Oscar (they came to see us off). Bob (our driver during the last three weeks) got us to Heathrow really, really early. Cynthia had the first flight at 1:50pm, then the Jaehnes at 2:10pm, and then Shanti and I left 3:30pm. Everyone else stayed in London. The Jaehnes were leaving from terminal 3 and Shanti and I (since we were flying BMI to our respective destinations) walked through the tunnels to get to terminal 1. We tried to check in at 11am, but were unable to do so until two hours before our flights. Surprisingly, the Jaehnes found us in terminal 1; they wanted to make sure we found the terminal ok and that we were good to go. I appreciated that considering the walk they had to take. So there we were (Shanti and I) waiting in the terminal waiting for the flights to take off. It is so damn boring waiting in the airport with nothing to do...
My flight took off and I eventually made it to Ireland. I got a cab to my hotel, checked in and got comfortable, and decided to walk around Connolly Street a little bit. The weather was rainy and I didn't have my umbrella, but it felt good to get out, stretch and walk, and get use to the area around me. I walked down to the post office and then turned around when it began to rain really hard. I did stop by a little grocery convenience shop and bought a few things. When I asked for a bag, the cashier told me I'd have to pay for it...who would have thought! It wasn't right, but I was in not in the mood to debate it. But I did save it so I could reuse it and not get charged again. When I was back in my room, I was so tired, ordered room service (OMG the sautéed mushrooms were TO DIE FOR-they were WONDERFUL) and went to bed by 10pm.
7/1/08 Tuesday
Today was the last day of class-how sad. We finished up discussing the book. By 12:30pm, the Jaehnes took us all out to lunch at a Chinese Buffet Restaurant. The Jaehnes are really generous in this way-at least 11 of us. The food was really delicious but the Jell-O (or what passed for Jell-O) sucked-it was way too sweet and had practically no flavor. We returned to their flat by 2pm to continue class. The "final" was to draw a map of our mental maps of the city to compare it to the first one we did earlier in the trip. My second map was more filled in than my first but not as substantially as everyone else's. I just didn't do as much touring of the city either in a group or on my own (but I have no regrets). I noticed that as I drew my "final" map, that I was able to draw the streets around certain landmarks in Bath (for example the Hobgoblin Pub, The Odeon, or The Podium shopping center). It's easier for me to learn my way around based on where landmarks are and not just by where the streets are.
At 3:30pm, class was dismissed so I went over to Sainsbury (similar to Safeway) to but the Guardian and the Sun. This is for preparation for my paper that's due when I get back from Europe. I tell you, I had the hardest time deciding if I was going to write it or not. I didn't turn in my contract until three days before class ended...that's because of all the trouble I had in deciding if I would write the thing or not. Everyone else had submitted a contract, so I finally decided to write the paper.
Dennis introduced the concept of learning and what it means and how it applies to class five days into the trip. He wanted contracts from us stating what we were going to write in our papers. I want to do a compare/contrast of media newsprint in the US and England. In order to do this, I collected the UK papers, and mom collected the US papers (during the hottest heat wave of the summer--thanks mom!) By the time I got home (the US), I had a week's worth of four different papers.
I got back to Stephanie's by 4:30pm and did my packing. I just have a few more things to add, but I'm essentially done. Stephanie's daughter Jessie and Jessie's friends Kate and Sam came over for dinner. Actually, they made dinner-all the food was great. One of the things I wasn't used to was when Sam asked me what I wanted to drink with dinner. All the beverages had some measure of alcohol in it...wine, beer, etc. I just chalked it up to 'it's a British culture thing!' Jessie did most of the talking, but she had such a strong accent that I couldn't understand much of what she was saying. I just sat there and quietly listened to all the stories. Apparently they were funny, because everyone laughed a lot. I remember thinking that this was the type of interaction I was hoping for during my visit--too bad it finally happened on the last night here.
It’s so unreal that this experience is over!
At 3:30pm, class was dismissed so I went over to Sainsbury (similar to Safeway) to but the Guardian and the Sun. This is for preparation for my paper that's due when I get back from Europe. I tell you, I had the hardest time deciding if I was going to write it or not. I didn't turn in my contract until three days before class ended...that's because of all the trouble I had in deciding if I would write the thing or not. Everyone else had submitted a contract, so I finally decided to write the paper.
Dennis introduced the concept of learning and what it means and how it applies to class five days into the trip. He wanted contracts from us stating what we were going to write in our papers. I want to do a compare/contrast of media newsprint in the US and England. In order to do this, I collected the UK papers, and mom collected the US papers (during the hottest heat wave of the summer--thanks mom!) By the time I got home (the US), I had a week's worth of four different papers.
I got back to Stephanie's by 4:30pm and did my packing. I just have a few more things to add, but I'm essentially done. Stephanie's daughter Jessie and Jessie's friends Kate and Sam came over for dinner. Actually, they made dinner-all the food was great. One of the things I wasn't used to was when Sam asked me what I wanted to drink with dinner. All the beverages had some measure of alcohol in it...wine, beer, etc. I just chalked it up to 'it's a British culture thing!' Jessie did most of the talking, but she had such a strong accent that I couldn't understand much of what she was saying. I just sat there and quietly listened to all the stories. Apparently they were funny, because everyone laughed a lot. I remember thinking that this was the type of interaction I was hoping for during my visit--too bad it finally happened on the last night here.
It’s so unreal that this experience is over!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
6/30/08 Monday
There was no class today. Kevin, Karla, and Diane went to Glasgow; Matt, Suzi, and Cynthia went to Paris; Jon and Shanti went to Dublin; Victoria and I stayed in Bath. None of them were scheduled to return until today, so Dennis cancelled class.
I started today by sleeping in til 10 am. Boy did it feel good to sleep in! We've been really busy these last 2.5 weeks. By 11 am, I was on my way into Bath. I decided I wanted to visit the Herschel Astronomy Museum. I walked from the bus station to the street it was located on, but at first, I couldn't locate it. It turns out that the museum was in the floor level of a flat. The street was completely residential...no businesses at all. Once I found the flat (#19), I rang the bell. A woman answered the door so I told her I was looking for the museum. She told me I was too early and pointed out the plaque next to the door. Oops...I was an hour and a half too early so I apologized and left. I never got back to tour the museum...
I went back to the post office to mail something then went to buy another movie ticket. I ate lunch before the movie, and after the movie was over, I went home to get the region 2 DVD player I bought. I went back into town to Mailboxes Etc. to ship it home. It wasn't cheap, but to have the peace of mind that it would get home safely and not have to carry it on board the plane was worth the money.
When I got back home, I watched the last half hour of the Men's Wimbledon quarterfinal as I made dinner. Andy Murray came back from 2 sets down to win. (Andre Aggassi won the Wimbledon Men's Final on July 5, 1992.)
I started today by sleeping in til 10 am. Boy did it feel good to sleep in! We've been really busy these last 2.5 weeks. By 11 am, I was on my way into Bath. I decided I wanted to visit the Herschel Astronomy Museum. I walked from the bus station to the street it was located on, but at first, I couldn't locate it. It turns out that the museum was in the floor level of a flat. The street was completely residential...no businesses at all. Once I found the flat (#19), I rang the bell. A woman answered the door so I told her I was looking for the museum. She told me I was too early and pointed out the plaque next to the door. Oops...I was an hour and a half too early so I apologized and left. I never got back to tour the museum...
I went back to the post office to mail something then went to buy another movie ticket. I ate lunch before the movie, and after the movie was over, I went home to get the region 2 DVD player I bought. I went back into town to Mailboxes Etc. to ship it home. It wasn't cheap, but to have the peace of mind that it would get home safely and not have to carry it on board the plane was worth the money.
When I got back home, I watched the last half hour of the Men's Wimbledon quarterfinal as I made dinner. Andy Murray came back from 2 sets down to win. (Andre Aggassi won the Wimbledon Men's Final on July 5, 1992.)
6/29/08 Sunday
One of the goals I wanted to accomplish while in England was to see a real cricket match. I went to see a cricket game today in Taunton. Somerset was playing the team from South Africa. I was interested in buying a ticket from Stephanie's dad (a huge fan) to attend the game. He had bought two tickets at one time, and apparently, they can only be sold as a pair and not individually. The reason why still remains unclear to me. But Stephanie assured me that I could buy a ticket directly from the stadium. She basically told me how to get to the stadium via the train (as opposed the Dennis' suggestion of using the bus). I purchased my train tickets yesterday, so I'm all ready to go.
Oops...one problem still remains. How to get to the train station from the house? My train left at 949am, but the buses didn't start running until 930am. Panic! I can't get to the train station via the bus in 10 minutes! I had no car, I couldn't walk...what to do? I realized the taxi would be my only option. I looked around Stephanie's office, located a phone book, and called a taxi service. The company I selected from the ad offered 10% off to students. I called the number, and after about 15 minutes, I had my cab ride to the station booked; it cost about 6 pounds.
I got to the bus station by 8 am, so I had a lot of time to kill. I wandered around the city and looked into the windows of all the shops. The town was completely closed up; the only business that was open at that time was McDonald's. After an hour and a half, I went to the station and up to the platform. 949 came and went...959 came and went...at 1009 the train pulled into the station. There was some sort of issue with the tracks, which caused the delay. I figured I had 5 minutes to find the stadium when I got into Taunton. I was in first class (very comfortable-leather seats and tables). We first pulled into Bristol Temple Meads. The conductor announced that, for whatever reason (the tracks, I think), the train was terminating at Bristol Temple. Damn, what am I going to do? I'm in the country, a foreigner, and have no idea what to do next...
We were told to disembark the train, so I did, and just milled around the platform contemplating my next move. The doors slid open 10 minutes later, and everyone reboarded the train. It was never explained why, but the train continued on its way. I am going to be soooo late...
I got to Taunton by 1130 am and asked for directions to the stadium. The walk took about 10 minutes, but it was obvious which structure was the field. I bought my ticket at the gate (it cost a little more buying on game day), and I was in. Yippee-a real cricket game! The seats are not assigned; as long as I stayed in my assigned area, I could sit in any available seat. I was in the second row, about five seats in. I was right next to the field. How exciting!
I went to this game without understanding any of the rules of the game except that one team needs to score more "runs" than the other one. There are pitchers (bowlers), batters, catchers, and "the fielders". The basic rules are: the bowler pitches the ball, the batter hits it, and the batter (and other teammate) run back and forth the length of the pitch (multiple times if possible). I didn't understand the scoring, how outs affected the game, or any of the strategies of cricket. The most perplexing thing about the match was that all the players on the field (and the batters) were all dressed in their whites. Where were the South African players? I know that none of the South African players were on the field because three of them, dressed in green and gold, came out to the field during an intermission to mug for the audience. One of them bowled the ball, the second hit the ball, and the third shagged the "hit". They were definitely mugging for us. The batter hit 2-3 balls "out of the park" over our heads, while we all cheered. For the 5 hours I was there, I never saw the South African Players on the field (except for those that entertained us).
I soaked up the atmosphere, literally and figuratively. I got a pretty nice sunburn (I was in pain for a couple of days) and I also got to experience what it was like to be a fan. It seems to me that being there in the stands and interacting with everyone else was more important that the match itself. People go to the games for the social interactions. From time to time, the crowd would applaud a play on the field, but most of the time was spent chatting with others. All the fans in my area must have been coworkers judging by their conversations. It's a chance to get together, talk, laugh, eat, and drink. Fans were able to purchase 4 cans at a time; that's more than someone can buy at Pac Bell Park or any ballpark. The fans behind me must have consumed 20 or so ciders (24 oz. cans I think). I know that drinking is part of the British social culture, but never seen that many ciders/beers consumed between five or six people. At least they didn't act drunk...
By 430 pm, I left. The match was still going and I was really sunburned. It was cloudy most of the game, but the sun broke through and I was in direct sunlight for an hour. I took the train back to Bath and grabbed a cab back home. I walked through the front door about 8 pm. Stephanie was in London helping her daughter move house and Miki was at her boyfriend’s son I was on my own again. I got some dinner and then went to bed.
Oops...one problem still remains. How to get to the train station from the house? My train left at 949am, but the buses didn't start running until 930am. Panic! I can't get to the train station via the bus in 10 minutes! I had no car, I couldn't walk...what to do? I realized the taxi would be my only option. I looked around Stephanie's office, located a phone book, and called a taxi service. The company I selected from the ad offered 10% off to students. I called the number, and after about 15 minutes, I had my cab ride to the station booked; it cost about 6 pounds.
I got to the bus station by 8 am, so I had a lot of time to kill. I wandered around the city and looked into the windows of all the shops. The town was completely closed up; the only business that was open at that time was McDonald's. After an hour and a half, I went to the station and up to the platform. 949 came and went...959 came and went...at 1009 the train pulled into the station. There was some sort of issue with the tracks, which caused the delay. I figured I had 5 minutes to find the stadium when I got into Taunton. I was in first class (very comfortable-leather seats and tables). We first pulled into Bristol Temple Meads. The conductor announced that, for whatever reason (the tracks, I think), the train was terminating at Bristol Temple. Damn, what am I going to do? I'm in the country, a foreigner, and have no idea what to do next...
We were told to disembark the train, so I did, and just milled around the platform contemplating my next move. The doors slid open 10 minutes later, and everyone reboarded the train. It was never explained why, but the train continued on its way. I am going to be soooo late...
I got to Taunton by 1130 am and asked for directions to the stadium. The walk took about 10 minutes, but it was obvious which structure was the field. I bought my ticket at the gate (it cost a little more buying on game day), and I was in. Yippee-a real cricket game! The seats are not assigned; as long as I stayed in my assigned area, I could sit in any available seat. I was in the second row, about five seats in. I was right next to the field. How exciting!
I went to this game without understanding any of the rules of the game except that one team needs to score more "runs" than the other one. There are pitchers (bowlers), batters, catchers, and "the fielders". The basic rules are: the bowler pitches the ball, the batter hits it, and the batter (and other teammate) run back and forth the length of the pitch (multiple times if possible). I didn't understand the scoring, how outs affected the game, or any of the strategies of cricket. The most perplexing thing about the match was that all the players on the field (and the batters) were all dressed in their whites. Where were the South African players? I know that none of the South African players were on the field because three of them, dressed in green and gold, came out to the field during an intermission to mug for the audience. One of them bowled the ball, the second hit the ball, and the third shagged the "hit". They were definitely mugging for us. The batter hit 2-3 balls "out of the park" over our heads, while we all cheered. For the 5 hours I was there, I never saw the South African Players on the field (except for those that entertained us).
I soaked up the atmosphere, literally and figuratively. I got a pretty nice sunburn (I was in pain for a couple of days) and I also got to experience what it was like to be a fan. It seems to me that being there in the stands and interacting with everyone else was more important that the match itself. People go to the games for the social interactions. From time to time, the crowd would applaud a play on the field, but most of the time was spent chatting with others. All the fans in my area must have been coworkers judging by their conversations. It's a chance to get together, talk, laugh, eat, and drink. Fans were able to purchase 4 cans at a time; that's more than someone can buy at Pac Bell Park or any ballpark. The fans behind me must have consumed 20 or so ciders (24 oz. cans I think). I know that drinking is part of the British social culture, but never seen that many ciders/beers consumed between five or six people. At least they didn't act drunk...
By 430 pm, I left. The match was still going and I was really sunburned. It was cloudy most of the game, but the sun broke through and I was in direct sunlight for an hour. I took the train back to Bath and grabbed a cab back home. I walked through the front door about 8 pm. Stephanie was in London helping her daughter move house and Miki was at her boyfriend’s son I was on my own again. I got some dinner and then went to bed.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
6/28/08 Saturday
I did my laundry today; if I didn't, I'd have no clothes to wear! Got everything washed and hung up to dry by 1130 am. Before leaving for Bath, Stephanie reminded me that she'd be in London helping her daughter move house; she'll be back on Tuesday.
I went to the library to check my email; it cost 1.20 pounds for twenty minutes. I got Mom's message about Emigrant Direct's concern about suspected activity. Damn, I have to call Emigrant in New York from here?! No way! I left the library and went to the post office to send Dad's Christmas present (Diana-I sent it to your attention in Brooklyn-if you could wrap it for me, I'd appreciate it)-whew...I got that off my list.
From a call box, I dialed 155 for the international operator. He connected my collect call to Emigrant Direct, and they accepted the call. I got everything straightened out-that's off my list of things to do. I went to the Odeon to buy a ticke to "Kung Fu Panda". Got a regular seat and was fairly comfortable; there was no one around me in the right hand wing of seats. The Odeon allows patrons to bring food or beverages into the theater, unlike the US. I liked the theater well enough-hated the movie. I had to conciously tell myself to forget who was the lead voice (Jack Black); how in the world they got Dustin Hoffman to do this movie, I'll never know.
After I got home, I brought in my clothes. As I carried them in a basket up the circular staircase, I tripped on the last step. I actually tripped upstairs (I couldn't see the last step, the basket blocked my view)! I slammed my left patella (the healing knee) into the edge of the stair and my chest into the corner of the desk. I absolutely HOWLED in pain. I was hobbling in pain, and cursing the fuk*** stairs in the house; "I hate these fuc**** stairs!!! I just want to go home!!!" My chest was throbbing, but my focus was on the pain in my knee. My knee swelled up; it felt like fluid built up in between the skin and bone and felt liquidy and was soft and spongy. I definitely will not miss narrow stairs and staircases.
Did you realize I had the same injury twice in less than a week? i am not a klutz...
I went to the library to check my email; it cost 1.20 pounds for twenty minutes. I got Mom's message about Emigrant Direct's concern about suspected activity. Damn, I have to call Emigrant in New York from here?! No way! I left the library and went to the post office to send Dad's Christmas present (Diana-I sent it to your attention in Brooklyn-if you could wrap it for me, I'd appreciate it)-whew...I got that off my list.
From a call box, I dialed 155 for the international operator. He connected my collect call to Emigrant Direct, and they accepted the call. I got everything straightened out-that's off my list of things to do. I went to the Odeon to buy a ticke to "Kung Fu Panda". Got a regular seat and was fairly comfortable; there was no one around me in the right hand wing of seats. The Odeon allows patrons to bring food or beverages into the theater, unlike the US. I liked the theater well enough-hated the movie. I had to conciously tell myself to forget who was the lead voice (Jack Black); how in the world they got Dustin Hoffman to do this movie, I'll never know.
After I got home, I brought in my clothes. As I carried them in a basket up the circular staircase, I tripped on the last step. I actually tripped upstairs (I couldn't see the last step, the basket blocked my view)! I slammed my left patella (the healing knee) into the edge of the stair and my chest into the corner of the desk. I absolutely HOWLED in pain. I was hobbling in pain, and cursing the fuk*** stairs in the house; "I hate these fuc**** stairs!!! I just want to go home!!!" My chest was throbbing, but my focus was on the pain in my knee. My knee swelled up; it felt like fluid built up in between the skin and bone and felt liquidy and was soft and spongy. I definitely will not miss narrow stairs and staircases.
Did you realize I had the same injury twice in less than a week? i am not a klutz...
6/27/08 Friday
I woke up late this morning, took a shower, and was off by 1045 am. I went into town to the post office to send some of my souvinors back home early. After conducting my business, I walked around the Abby areafor an hour.
Prince Caspian opened yesterday (5.5 weeks after opening in the US).I wanted to see a movie here, because it's a different experience than back home. In England, movie seats are reserved; kinda like reserving a seat for a baseball game. I had my choice between a regular seat and a "premire" seat. Not knowing the difference, I asked the seller what the differences were. The seats were slightly wider, upholstered in a nicer fabric, and in the center of the theater. That sounded good enough, so I bought the premire seat for an extra pound (but I got a student discount). I bought the ticket 1.5 hours early, but I didn't have to worry about getting a bad seat...or so I thought. I was assigned to row J, seat 7.
The seat was disappointing. It didn't feel like it was wider, actually, it made me feel scrunched. The seat was also in the middle of the seating area. I prefer to sit in the back row, in the corner, either the left or right side. The Odeon is not a free-for-all in seat selection; my seat was half way up and right on the aisle. My biggest complaint was there was no leg room; my kneecaps were less that one inch away from the back of the seat in front of me. With my left kneecap still healing, I couldn't extend my leg. The AMC in Vallco is much nicer; there is quite a lot leg room. Prince Caspian is such a great movie; I want it when it comes out.
I walked around town for another 45 minutes and after waiting another 30 minutes for the bus, I got home by 615 pm. A woman on the bus, unintentionally ran into my knee andit started to sting. I put my leg up for awhile when I got back.
Prince Caspian opened yesterday (5.5 weeks after opening in the US).I wanted to see a movie here, because it's a different experience than back home. In England, movie seats are reserved; kinda like reserving a seat for a baseball game. I had my choice between a regular seat and a "premire" seat. Not knowing the difference, I asked the seller what the differences were. The seats were slightly wider, upholstered in a nicer fabric, and in the center of the theater. That sounded good enough, so I bought the premire seat for an extra pound (but I got a student discount). I bought the ticket 1.5 hours early, but I didn't have to worry about getting a bad seat...or so I thought. I was assigned to row J, seat 7.
The seat was disappointing. It didn't feel like it was wider, actually, it made me feel scrunched. The seat was also in the middle of the seating area. I prefer to sit in the back row, in the corner, either the left or right side. The Odeon is not a free-for-all in seat selection; my seat was half way up and right on the aisle. My biggest complaint was there was no leg room; my kneecaps were less that one inch away from the back of the seat in front of me. With my left kneecap still healing, I couldn't extend my leg. The AMC in Vallco is much nicer; there is quite a lot leg room. Prince Caspian is such a great movie; I want it when it comes out.
I walked around town for another 45 minutes and after waiting another 30 minutes for the bus, I got home by 615 pm. A woman on the bus, unintentionally ran into my knee andit started to sting. I put my leg up for awhile when I got back.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
6/25/08 Wednesday
On short notice, Mari was able to assemble a trip to Oxford for us. She was able to pull it off. We got a group discount rate as long as we travelled in groups of four. That was the only restriction-travel in groups of four. It was a good thing there were 12 people in the class; all of us got on the train as a group, but when we came home four people had to go at a time. We had to take two trains to get there, but over all, I thought it was worth it.
From the train station, we walked down to where the main church hall was. The sign in front informed us that the hall wouldn't open until 230 pm and it was 1030 am. Dennis and Jill took us on a tour of the grounds around the hall; we walked around a huge, green field. It was probably used for some kind of sporting activity. We exited the grounds and walked around the surronding city and visited the other houses. Mari (she and Oscar joined us) told us how the school worked-colleges and so forth-it's very similar to Yale (well duh!). My other classmates weren't grasping the idea of the different colleges; they tried to parallel it to what SJSU is like but it really has to be parallelled to Yale and I've experienced what Yale is like (thanks Robbie).
Oscar's goal is to attend Oxford when he graduates high school. He was walking around with us, looking around, and getting use to the area. I let him take my camcorder and record whatever he wanted from his perspective. I hope to collect his clips and put them onto a disc for him. He collected information about the admission process for 2009 and bought a polo shirt. I really hope that he will be accepted into Oxford in six years or so.
Some of Harry Potter was filmed at Oxford. The church's main dining hall was the inspiration for the Hogwarts Great Hall. Walking inside, the actual hall has three long tables positioned vertically and one table ran horizontally at the opposite end of the hall. The seating appeared more comfortable because they were actually chairs; in Harry Potter, they're only benches. All the tables were set, ready for a meal. I don't remember seeing a fireplace in the actual hall, unlike the Great Hall in Hogwarts.
In order to access the church's dining hall, I had to climb a two level staircase. The staircase was wide and a golden-yellow color. I didn't realize it at first, but this was the staircase that was used in Harry Potter 1, when the first years approached the Great Hall for the first time. It's where Neville found Trevor (his lost toad). Oh my god, I walked on hallowed ground. I am so privliged to visit this place.
We visited the shops in town and the last one was the Alice in Wonderland shop. It was very whimisical and very crowded. By 330 pm, Dennis, Jill, Diane, and I headed off to the train station. Dennis and Jill needed to leave early so Diane and I joined them.
Tomorrow, we're off to Stonehenge and Lacock (more HP filiming sites!)
From the train station, we walked down to where the main church hall was. The sign in front informed us that the hall wouldn't open until 230 pm and it was 1030 am. Dennis and Jill took us on a tour of the grounds around the hall; we walked around a huge, green field. It was probably used for some kind of sporting activity. We exited the grounds and walked around the surronding city and visited the other houses. Mari (she and Oscar joined us) told us how the school worked-colleges and so forth-it's very similar to Yale (well duh!). My other classmates weren't grasping the idea of the different colleges; they tried to parallel it to what SJSU is like but it really has to be parallelled to Yale and I've experienced what Yale is like (thanks Robbie).
Oscar's goal is to attend Oxford when he graduates high school. He was walking around with us, looking around, and getting use to the area. I let him take my camcorder and record whatever he wanted from his perspective. I hope to collect his clips and put them onto a disc for him. He collected information about the admission process for 2009 and bought a polo shirt. I really hope that he will be accepted into Oxford in six years or so.
Some of Harry Potter was filmed at Oxford. The church's main dining hall was the inspiration for the Hogwarts Great Hall. Walking inside, the actual hall has three long tables positioned vertically and one table ran horizontally at the opposite end of the hall. The seating appeared more comfortable because they were actually chairs; in Harry Potter, they're only benches. All the tables were set, ready for a meal. I don't remember seeing a fireplace in the actual hall, unlike the Great Hall in Hogwarts.
In order to access the church's dining hall, I had to climb a two level staircase. The staircase was wide and a golden-yellow color. I didn't realize it at first, but this was the staircase that was used in Harry Potter 1, when the first years approached the Great Hall for the first time. It's where Neville found Trevor (his lost toad). Oh my god, I walked on hallowed ground. I am so privliged to visit this place.
We visited the shops in town and the last one was the Alice in Wonderland shop. It was very whimisical and very crowded. By 330 pm, Dennis, Jill, Diane, and I headed off to the train station. Dennis and Jill needed to leave early so Diane and I joined them.
Tomorrow, we're off to Stonehenge and Lacock (more HP filiming sites!)
6/24/08 Tuesday
We spent all of today "in class" at Dennis's flat. Ok...so I'm a klutz (although I don't believe I am). As I crossed the bridge, I tripped on the uneven walkway. The front of my right shoe caught the lip and I went flying foward. I landed hard on my left patella (knee) and chest. When I hit the ground, my only thought was are my glasses ok? They came down my nose somewhat, but they weren't damaged. 2 men helped me up and checked to see if I was ok. I had a few scrapes on both elbows, I didn't draw any blood, my chest was pulsating a little, and my knee was stinging and pulsating a lot. I could feel that my patella was feeling spongy when I gingerly pressed on it. And there was a purple bruise forming about the size of a fifty cent piece. I told the men I was fine and we went our separate ways. As I hobbled and limped my way to Dennis's flat, I was thinking "well Jill, misery loves company, so I've joined you-we can be misrable together [she earlier injured herself during the trip]). Matt, Diane, and another classmate were following me and Matt caught up to me and asked if I was ok. I told him my chest hurt and my knee was stinging and pulsating, but that I was really ok. I also mentioned that I was more embarassed than anything. He walked the rest of the way to the flat with me. I asked Jill if she had any ice. I told her about my fall and how misery loved company, and she gave me a frozen loaf of bread (it's all she had). I iced my knee for half an hour and that made the purple bruise go away.
Oscar came over with Mari to the flat to do his presentation about a 12 year old's perspective of growing up English. He was very well composed and did an excellent job. He even gave us a quiz; we all passed and each got a Dr Who sticker each. He talked about school, his interests, and hobbies. He's really into saving the enviroment and he's put together some fundraisers at his school to do just that; he's also intrigued by politics and acting. I see him eventually doing big things wether it be in protecting the enviroment, participating in politics (I see him as the Prime Minister), or a combination of both (a lawyer practicing enviromental law perhaps).
During his presentation I pointed out that JK Rowling's protrayal of Hogwarts, the houses, students, and tests accurately reflected everyday English (private) schools. Both Oscar and Mari agreed. I recorded 10 minutes of Oscar's presentation (till my battery died), and I passed his quiz and earned my sticker. I don't think I've ever been so proud about the results of a quiz more than Oscar's quiz. Oscar is involved in the community, passionate about improving and protecting the enviroment, into politics, and he seemed to enjoy using my camera. I gave him my email address; I really hope he writes to me. I'd like to have an email (pen) pal.
After Oscar and Mari left (he was late for school), the rest of the class was to catch up on things we fell behind on. Mostly chapter discussions; each one of us picked a chapter, had to read it, and lead the class in a discussion about the ideas in it and tie it into our practical experiences in society (it was assumed that we had already read the book in its entirety).
Tomorrow it's off to Oxford!
Oscar came over with Mari to the flat to do his presentation about a 12 year old's perspective of growing up English. He was very well composed and did an excellent job. He even gave us a quiz; we all passed and each got a Dr Who sticker each. He talked about school, his interests, and hobbies. He's really into saving the enviroment and he's put together some fundraisers at his school to do just that; he's also intrigued by politics and acting. I see him eventually doing big things wether it be in protecting the enviroment, participating in politics (I see him as the Prime Minister), or a combination of both (a lawyer practicing enviromental law perhaps).
During his presentation I pointed out that JK Rowling's protrayal of Hogwarts, the houses, students, and tests accurately reflected everyday English (private) schools. Both Oscar and Mari agreed. I recorded 10 minutes of Oscar's presentation (till my battery died), and I passed his quiz and earned my sticker. I don't think I've ever been so proud about the results of a quiz more than Oscar's quiz. Oscar is involved in the community, passionate about improving and protecting the enviroment, into politics, and he seemed to enjoy using my camera. I gave him my email address; I really hope he writes to me. I'd like to have an email (pen) pal.
After Oscar and Mari left (he was late for school), the rest of the class was to catch up on things we fell behind on. Mostly chapter discussions; each one of us picked a chapter, had to read it, and lead the class in a discussion about the ideas in it and tie it into our practical experiences in society (it was assumed that we had already read the book in its entirety).
Tomorrow it's off to Oxford!
6/23/08 Monday
Went to Glostenbury Abby today. It was a long and tedious bus ride...I'm getting so sick and tired of buses; especially sitting on bus seats-my butt is so flat, it hurts! We went into the grounds and the first thing that happened was Jill took us over to the "kitchen". The Father (I'm sure he was an actor judging from his speil) gave his presentation. Afterwords, we all broke up and explored the grounds at our own pace. it was mostly ruins; there was a throne and each one of us took turns sitting on it and getting pictures taken. I waved my hand the way Queen Elizabeth does. My name, my throne...
After being there 45 minutes, Shanti, Victoria, Suzi, Diane and I left to explore the surrounding town. Victoria noted how much the shops reminded her of the shops in Santa Cruz. They were artsy, crafty, and psyhcadelic. Lots of colors and crystals. There was nothing to do, but I did mail a couple of postcards from the post office.
Out of all the destinations we visited, this was not worth it. We were at the Abby for 45 minutes and explored the town for an hour, but we had to endure that bus ride. It just wasn't worth it.
After being there 45 minutes, Shanti, Victoria, Suzi, Diane and I left to explore the surrounding town. Victoria noted how much the shops reminded her of the shops in Santa Cruz. They were artsy, crafty, and psyhcadelic. Lots of colors and crystals. There was nothing to do, but I did mail a couple of postcards from the post office.
Out of all the destinations we visited, this was not worth it. We were at the Abby for 45 minutes and explored the town for an hour, but we had to endure that bus ride. It just wasn't worth it.
6/22/08 Sunday
My day to relax; I didn't do much. Read the textbook, read HP6, did laundry and mild house work. Stephanie repainted the bathroom.
6/21/08 Saturday
Day 2 of my London adventure. All night long the woman in my upper bunk kept tossing and turning, which caused the bed to groan, creak, and vibrate all night. I woke up each time she rolled over and this went on during the whole night! Needless to say, I didn't get a lot of good sleep. This problem was also coupled with the fact another traveller was preparing to leave at 5 am and his noise woke and kept me up. I must be a light sleeper. By 515 am, he had left, but it was useless for me to try to get back to sleep. I got up, got dressed, and packed as quietly as I could and then I laid down on my bunk and waited for Cynthia to wake up. By 730 am, we were up, dressed, packed, and out the door. The hostel stored or stuff for us until we were ready to leave later this afternoon.
We went to the Tower of London first because it was the farthest distance to travel. As I tried to navigate us to the correct platform, somehow each time I would get us on the platform, it would be the platform for the train going in the opposite direction that we needed to go. My navigation skills really suck...no, they don't exist! I don't know what it is about navigating in an underground subway system. It must be there are no visual clues for me to use to sense direction. I use sun position and time of day to figure out which direction I'm going. Also, being in a foreign country, I'm disoriented about which way is N, S, E, W (but that's not saying much...I get confused about N, S, E, W in Bellevue while standing in front of Grandma and Grandpa's house. What I think is N is really E). By 1230 pm, I was so frustrated with navigation that I just let Cynthia do it; she was better at it than I was and she also employeed the technique of asking people for directions if we were lost. We really did talk to a lot of the residents in London.
We got to the Tower of London about half an hour before it opened. So, to kill time, we walked around the facility taking pictures. The morning was gray and drizzely, and at times, rainy. I didn't bring a jacket or umbrella, so when it did rain, I had to borrow her umbrella. She was a little concerned about the style of it-very pink and very best friends forever and very girlie. I didn't care, it was an umbrella and it would keep me dry-I didn't care about design only its function (and it worked quite well)!
We wandered through the Tower of London for 3 hours. We learned about the reputation of the Tower, King Henry's excutions of his wives, and the public and private area for excutions. The Jewel House was the most impressive part. Cameras and recording devices were not allowed in the Jewel House. After walking in, visitors are greeted with a huge wall of video screens showing Queen Elizabeth's coronation. I would have liked to watch the whloe video (it was set on a loop), but Cynthia was antsy to keep moving, and not wanting to get separated, I kept going. In the next room were plaques on the walls and on each plaque was the name of all the kings or queens of England. Moving on, we walked into the jewel room. There were moving walkways that ran down the length of the room. The displays were in between the moving walkways. There were all sorts of crowns, the orb, sceptor, the spoon. Queen Victoria's miniature crown was probably no bigger than 2" in diameter-it was so tiny and covered in clear stone that it appeared white. Some of the crowns had regal reds and others had regal purples. If you visit London, I encourage you to see the Jewel House at the Tower.
The other part that I enjoyed was seeing the ravens. They wandered around the grass lawn and bumped into each other (2) from time to time. They must have had their wings clipped because they never tried to take off. Just watching them, I felt like I went back in time to my childhood. I remembered Mom reading Robbie and me Paddington Bear stories, and the story about Paddington losing his marmalade sandwiches and the ravens following him and eating them popped into my mind. It was peaceful standing there watching the ravens.
We walked inside different buildings, up and down battlements, and through the gift shop. We decided to get lunch and then headed back to the tube station on our way to Westminster station. Cynthia wanted to tour Westminster Abby but I didn't want to, so I suggested that we split up and she went to the Abby. I went to Downing St; I wanted to walk past #10. I walked up Parliment St (there are WWII monuments there of the soliders and political leaders), but when I got up to Trifalger Square, I realized I walked way beyond Downing St. So I crossed the street and walked down the opposite side. I noticed as I walked back, I was on Whitehall St. That was incorrect because Downing St comes off Parliment St. I eventually found Downing St; It was before the "Women in WWII" memorial. I realized I had seen Downing while walking up Parliment; the porblem was I couldn't see it was because the police had it blocked off by 2 sets of gates and some officers were patrolling the area. At the gates I looked down Downing and saw 2 or 3 official black cars about half way down; I assumed that where the cars were was where the front door was. I don't understand why the gates were closed; Prime Minister Brown had left the day before for the Middle East. Oh well, at least I can say I know where #10 Downing St is.
I met up with Cynthia by 230 pm. She told me she didn't go inside the Abby because it cost 9 pounds and she felt that cost too much (at least 18 USD). The Bath Abby is free, so she thought 9 quid was too much. As long as she wasn't disappointed...We left for Paddington station and got there at 430 pm. I bought myself a little Paddington Bear plush toy (I couln't resist), got on the train, and was back in Bath 8 pm. Navigating our way through Paddington station was easier than yesterday because we had already done it.
We went to the Tower of London first because it was the farthest distance to travel. As I tried to navigate us to the correct platform, somehow each time I would get us on the platform, it would be the platform for the train going in the opposite direction that we needed to go. My navigation skills really suck...no, they don't exist! I don't know what it is about navigating in an underground subway system. It must be there are no visual clues for me to use to sense direction. I use sun position and time of day to figure out which direction I'm going. Also, being in a foreign country, I'm disoriented about which way is N, S, E, W (but that's not saying much...I get confused about N, S, E, W in Bellevue while standing in front of Grandma and Grandpa's house. What I think is N is really E). By 1230 pm, I was so frustrated with navigation that I just let Cynthia do it; she was better at it than I was and she also employeed the technique of asking people for directions if we were lost. We really did talk to a lot of the residents in London.
We got to the Tower of London about half an hour before it opened. So, to kill time, we walked around the facility taking pictures. The morning was gray and drizzely, and at times, rainy. I didn't bring a jacket or umbrella, so when it did rain, I had to borrow her umbrella. She was a little concerned about the style of it-very pink and very best friends forever and very girlie. I didn't care, it was an umbrella and it would keep me dry-I didn't care about design only its function (and it worked quite well)!
We wandered through the Tower of London for 3 hours. We learned about the reputation of the Tower, King Henry's excutions of his wives, and the public and private area for excutions. The Jewel House was the most impressive part. Cameras and recording devices were not allowed in the Jewel House. After walking in, visitors are greeted with a huge wall of video screens showing Queen Elizabeth's coronation. I would have liked to watch the whloe video (it was set on a loop), but Cynthia was antsy to keep moving, and not wanting to get separated, I kept going. In the next room were plaques on the walls and on each plaque was the name of all the kings or queens of England. Moving on, we walked into the jewel room. There were moving walkways that ran down the length of the room. The displays were in between the moving walkways. There were all sorts of crowns, the orb, sceptor, the spoon. Queen Victoria's miniature crown was probably no bigger than 2" in diameter-it was so tiny and covered in clear stone that it appeared white. Some of the crowns had regal reds and others had regal purples. If you visit London, I encourage you to see the Jewel House at the Tower.
The other part that I enjoyed was seeing the ravens. They wandered around the grass lawn and bumped into each other (2) from time to time. They must have had their wings clipped because they never tried to take off. Just watching them, I felt like I went back in time to my childhood. I remembered Mom reading Robbie and me Paddington Bear stories, and the story about Paddington losing his marmalade sandwiches and the ravens following him and eating them popped into my mind. It was peaceful standing there watching the ravens.
We walked inside different buildings, up and down battlements, and through the gift shop. We decided to get lunch and then headed back to the tube station on our way to Westminster station. Cynthia wanted to tour Westminster Abby but I didn't want to, so I suggested that we split up and she went to the Abby. I went to Downing St; I wanted to walk past #10. I walked up Parliment St (there are WWII monuments there of the soliders and political leaders), but when I got up to Trifalger Square, I realized I walked way beyond Downing St. So I crossed the street and walked down the opposite side. I noticed as I walked back, I was on Whitehall St. That was incorrect because Downing St comes off Parliment St. I eventually found Downing St; It was before the "Women in WWII" memorial. I realized I had seen Downing while walking up Parliment; the porblem was I couldn't see it was because the police had it blocked off by 2 sets of gates and some officers were patrolling the area. At the gates I looked down Downing and saw 2 or 3 official black cars about half way down; I assumed that where the cars were was where the front door was. I don't understand why the gates were closed; Prime Minister Brown had left the day before for the Middle East. Oh well, at least I can say I know where #10 Downing St is.
I met up with Cynthia by 230 pm. She told me she didn't go inside the Abby because it cost 9 pounds and she felt that cost too much (at least 18 USD). The Bath Abby is free, so she thought 9 quid was too much. As long as she wasn't disappointed...We left for Paddington station and got there at 430 pm. I bought myself a little Paddington Bear plush toy (I couln't resist), got on the train, and was back in Bath 8 pm. Navigating our way through Paddington station was easier than yesterday because we had already done it.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
6/20/08 Friday
This 3 day weekend starting today is free time to do anything we want. Cynthia wanted to go to London to see Big Ben, Westminster Abby, and the Tower of London. I wanted to see Big Ben, Parliment, #10 Downing St, and the Tower of London. So we left together at 1230 pm on the train and got into London about 215 pm. From Paddington Station (where the trip terminated) we took the tube to the Waterloo Station. Wow...what horrible flashbacks to the NY subway system...so many stairs! From Waterloo we walked to the youth hostel we had reserved. This must have been 2mi at least. We made it to the hostel (Journey's Eye), dropped off our stuff, and then hit the streets again. By now, it was 4pm.
We headed down to Big Ben and the Thames. In person, Big Ben isn't as tall as it appears in pictures and video. That was slightly disappointing, but the grandeour and splendor of the clock and tower definitely made up for it. So we walked around Big Ben and the Houses of Parliment, taking pictures and video along the way. It hit me that this is where government happens-it has the same feeling as visiting the House and Senate at Capitol Hill. Then with the help of a bobby (police officer) we found Westminster Abby. It was after 5 pm and the Abby and Parliment was closed, so we explored the outside of the buildings.
Afterwords, Cynthia suggested we go visit Chinatown this evening, so we hopped the tube and got off at Leicester Square. From there, we found Chinatown and I took pictures of Cynthia at each of the three gates. We got dinner next at a Chinese restaurant and after the tasty dinner, we explored Chinatown and all of its little shops. Chinatown seemed small to me; it was just six blocks all within a rectangular perimeter. Cynthia stopped by a vendor who was making a Chinese candy, which looked like a whole bunch of white dental floss. As she bought her candy, I took video of the man who was making it. We were ready to leave, and we thought we had memorized the route back to Leicester Square station, but we got lost. Cynthia stopped an elderly man and asked for directions, "How do we get to the tube station?" The man asked if we wanted Piccadilly, but at the time it didn't make any sense to us so Cynthia repreted the question. He resopnded if asking if we wanted Piccadilly, and after a moment he said,"here's how you get to Piccadilly" and he gave us instructions. At the time, we didn't realize Piccadilly was the name of a tube station; my light bulb turned on when I saw the sign over the tube stairs that said "Piccadilly". I finally realized what the man meant. A dim bulb brightens...
We hopped on the tube back to the Westminster station. I suggested that we hang out at Big Ben in order to get pictures and video of Big Ben and Parliment at night with the lights on. I didn't bring a jacket with emand it was really windy. I froze my butt off it was so cold. We waited until 915pm, but then I was shivering so we started to take our pictures even though it wasn't 100% dark out yet. It was dark enough though and the buildings had a wonderful orangie-goldish glow. I could picture the flying scenes from the Harry Potter 5 movie in front of the Parliment buildings. It was really wonderful there at the Thames and Big Ben.
The 148 bus took us to the North Lambath tube station and from there we walked back to the hostel. The problem was I got us onto Kennington Road for 20 minutes before Cynthia realized we were on the wrong road. I swear I have no nagivation skills!!! They never developed! Cynthia stopped a couple of women, asked if they were familiar with the area, and they instructed us how to get back to the hostel. By this time, it was 930 pm but we made it back to the hostel in 20 minutes. It was as dark as nighttime.
So far, in this adventure, we talked to a Bobby, an elder gentleman, and two women; this was the common theme of our trip. We relied on the locals to guide us to where we wanted to go. So we did interact with the locals, using their language and guidence.
At the hostel, as we got ready for bed, (Cynthia was in the shower) I started up a conversation with a traveller staying in our room. The room consisted of four sets of bunk beds, and they were all occupied. The traveller was a middle aged woman and she answered all my questions about the newsprint media (I figured that this was a good time to complete my class assignment). She categorized the papers for me, explained what type each title was, and the effects of the papers and the internet. Somehow we moved into politics. Cynthia had come back from her shower and listened to our conversation. We discussed the Presidential primaries; she told me she was disappointed that Hillary didn't get the nomination. She felt that Obama doesn't have enough political experience and needs at least another four years to gain enough experience. Hillary's experiences as first lady and as a senator has made Hillary ready to be president. By 11, Cynthia and I were asleep.
We headed down to Big Ben and the Thames. In person, Big Ben isn't as tall as it appears in pictures and video. That was slightly disappointing, but the grandeour and splendor of the clock and tower definitely made up for it. So we walked around Big Ben and the Houses of Parliment, taking pictures and video along the way. It hit me that this is where government happens-it has the same feeling as visiting the House and Senate at Capitol Hill. Then with the help of a bobby (police officer) we found Westminster Abby. It was after 5 pm and the Abby and Parliment was closed, so we explored the outside of the buildings.
Afterwords, Cynthia suggested we go visit Chinatown this evening, so we hopped the tube and got off at Leicester Square. From there, we found Chinatown and I took pictures of Cynthia at each of the three gates. We got dinner next at a Chinese restaurant and after the tasty dinner, we explored Chinatown and all of its little shops. Chinatown seemed small to me; it was just six blocks all within a rectangular perimeter. Cynthia stopped by a vendor who was making a Chinese candy, which looked like a whole bunch of white dental floss. As she bought her candy, I took video of the man who was making it. We were ready to leave, and we thought we had memorized the route back to Leicester Square station, but we got lost. Cynthia stopped an elderly man and asked for directions, "How do we get to the tube station?" The man asked if we wanted Piccadilly, but at the time it didn't make any sense to us so Cynthia repreted the question. He resopnded if asking if we wanted Piccadilly, and after a moment he said,"here's how you get to Piccadilly" and he gave us instructions. At the time, we didn't realize Piccadilly was the name of a tube station; my light bulb turned on when I saw the sign over the tube stairs that said "Piccadilly". I finally realized what the man meant. A dim bulb brightens...
We hopped on the tube back to the Westminster station. I suggested that we hang out at Big Ben in order to get pictures and video of Big Ben and Parliment at night with the lights on. I didn't bring a jacket with emand it was really windy. I froze my butt off it was so cold. We waited until 915pm, but then I was shivering so we started to take our pictures even though it wasn't 100% dark out yet. It was dark enough though and the buildings had a wonderful orangie-goldish glow. I could picture the flying scenes from the Harry Potter 5 movie in front of the Parliment buildings. It was really wonderful there at the Thames and Big Ben.
The 148 bus took us to the North Lambath tube station and from there we walked back to the hostel. The problem was I got us onto Kennington Road for 20 minutes before Cynthia realized we were on the wrong road. I swear I have no nagivation skills!!! They never developed! Cynthia stopped a couple of women, asked if they were familiar with the area, and they instructed us how to get back to the hostel. By this time, it was 930 pm but we made it back to the hostel in 20 minutes. It was as dark as nighttime.
So far, in this adventure, we talked to a Bobby, an elder gentleman, and two women; this was the common theme of our trip. We relied on the locals to guide us to where we wanted to go. So we did interact with the locals, using their language and guidence.
At the hostel, as we got ready for bed, (Cynthia was in the shower) I started up a conversation with a traveller staying in our room. The room consisted of four sets of bunk beds, and they were all occupied. The traveller was a middle aged woman and she answered all my questions about the newsprint media (I figured that this was a good time to complete my class assignment). She categorized the papers for me, explained what type each title was, and the effects of the papers and the internet. Somehow we moved into politics. Cynthia had come back from her shower and listened to our conversation. We discussed the Presidential primaries; she told me she was disappointed that Hillary didn't get the nomination. She felt that Obama doesn't have enough political experience and needs at least another four years to gain enough experience. Hillary's experiences as first lady and as a senator has made Hillary ready to be president. By 11, Cynthia and I were asleep.
6/19/08 Thursday
Today's destination was to Wales to see Caerphilly Castle and The Welsh Natural History Museum. The castle was more impressive from the outside; the inside was kinda boring. We toured the ruins on our own. It was mostly stone walls and battlements. There was a well, covered by a grate, inside the castle grounds that attracted a lot of attention inculding my own. Several people stood on top of it, including myself, to look down into it. There were Several Euro coins at the bottom of it. It was a dry well, but I imagine it served to provide water for the castle. I wandered around the castle, taking video, and was a bit bored waiting for everyone else. I did get some pictureesque video of the surrounding town. It was clear, bright, and sunny; the puffball clouds were suspended in the blueness of the sky. Dennis said something about a museum inside the castle, but I didn't have time to look through it.
Dennis, Jill, Karla, and I left early to go visit the surrounding town. We were in search of a grocery store to buy some lunch. Inside the market, all of the signs had two languages on it; English and Welsh. Judging by how Welsh words are spelled, I assume Welsh is a hard language to learn to speak and read. I took out my camera to record some of the Welsh words and I only focused on the signs hanging from the ceiling and the ceiling itself. The assistant manger questioned me about what I was doing, so I explained to her about the novelty of the Welsh and English signs and that we don't have anything like this in the US. She informed me that I was breaking the law by recording without permission. I apologized and promptly put my camera away. I was surprised that I actually broke the law; as far as I know, there are no laws like that here in the US. Oh well, I guess I learned a valuable lesson...
By 1230 pm, we met back at the coach and were off to The Welsh Natural History Museum. We had lunch at the museum and then we were off exploring it. It's an open air facility of living quarters designed to show how the Wesh people lived over time and what the culture and homes looked like.
My favorite part of the museum was the long building that was broken up into five living quarters and each quarter represented what a home looked like in 1825, 1855, 1905, 1955, and 1985. Across from the front door of the homes, was a small garden designed like what gardens would have looked like during the time period. I assume the first three time periods' homes accurately represented homes from those eras. I don't have any experience with those time periods, so I take it on faith that they're accurate.
The house from 1955, was the most intriguing and amazing to see; it was like stepping into a time machine and being transported back in time. This house had a decorative fixture of three ducks flying upwards on an upward angle with their wings extended; my Grandma and Grandpa Jahn had the exact fixture on the wall in their living room. Crossing over the threshold of the 1955 home instantly took me to my grandparents' living room. The Welsh 1955 home had the 1950s tv, radio, telephone, and furnishings. All the fixtures in that Welsh home triggered my imagination to visualize what it was like for my dad and his two sisters to grow up in a room that was similar to the one I was standing in at that moment. I have more experiences with the decor of a 1950s home through tv shows, movies, and books and the 1955 Welsh home's fixtures and decor had meaning for me.
The next house I entered was the 1985 house. All of the fixtures and decor coinside with my memories of what homes looked like in the 80s. But because I lived through the 80s and had all my memories, I didn't feel all the excitment and intrigue that I felt in the 50s home. The 50s home was somewhat foreign to me because it was before my time; the 80s home felt comfortable because of what I remembered from growing up. The 80s home had a tv, VCR, phone, sofa, and decor. Oscar joined me in the 80s home and he asked me about some of the fixtures like the bathtub in the kitchen. After Oscar and I left the 80s home, Oscar took more video for me while I went back to the 50s home. I liked that feeling of time travel and visualizing what life was like for my parents in the 50s.
This is a bit off topic, but one of the things that intrigues me is the concept of time travel. That's why I love Quantum Leap so much; it dealt with time travel and history. If I could travel in time I'd go back to the 60s to experience the turbulance and upheaval of the decade. But I would also travel to the future. I suppose this is because I watch Enterprise, Voyager, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. What does the future hold? How does what tv portray the future as actually compare to what life will be like in the 2150s, 2430s, and the 3100s? Will we live on other planets; is there other intellegent life out there; will society, technology, and life advance or will it regress to earlier times; who wins the world series in 3101? Well you can probably see some of the influences of Star Trek on me, but one of the things I'll never see is how our civilization will change over time....Interesting to ponder, but I digress...
Oscar is a new friend I made over in Bath. He's 12 and is in year 6 (probably equivalant to sixth grade), is gingered (red) haired (a real bright orange color), LOVES Dr Who, and is a really charming fellow. He took Dennis, Jill, me, Diane, and Cynthia on a tour of the museum. He was here last year and again this year. He told me that he was missing school. His mom, Mari, told me she had to write a lettter to his Headmaster to ask permission to remove Oscar from school for the day. The Headmaster granted that permission-what better learning experiecne was there than visiting a history museum and talking and learning from a group of twelve foreign exchange students? Mari is the Bath Program's coordinatior in Bath-she arraigned the home stays and processes all the activities we do. I hope we see Oscar and Mari again. (When Mari puts her hair up in a ponytail, she looks identical to Diana (DHY) from the back. It must be the blondish-white hair...)
Dennis, Jill, Karla, and I left early to go visit the surrounding town. We were in search of a grocery store to buy some lunch. Inside the market, all of the signs had two languages on it; English and Welsh. Judging by how Welsh words are spelled, I assume Welsh is a hard language to learn to speak and read. I took out my camera to record some of the Welsh words and I only focused on the signs hanging from the ceiling and the ceiling itself. The assistant manger questioned me about what I was doing, so I explained to her about the novelty of the Welsh and English signs and that we don't have anything like this in the US. She informed me that I was breaking the law by recording without permission. I apologized and promptly put my camera away. I was surprised that I actually broke the law; as far as I know, there are no laws like that here in the US. Oh well, I guess I learned a valuable lesson...
By 1230 pm, we met back at the coach and were off to The Welsh Natural History Museum. We had lunch at the museum and then we were off exploring it. It's an open air facility of living quarters designed to show how the Wesh people lived over time and what the culture and homes looked like.
My favorite part of the museum was the long building that was broken up into five living quarters and each quarter represented what a home looked like in 1825, 1855, 1905, 1955, and 1985. Across from the front door of the homes, was a small garden designed like what gardens would have looked like during the time period. I assume the first three time periods' homes accurately represented homes from those eras. I don't have any experience with those time periods, so I take it on faith that they're accurate.
The house from 1955, was the most intriguing and amazing to see; it was like stepping into a time machine and being transported back in time. This house had a decorative fixture of three ducks flying upwards on an upward angle with their wings extended; my Grandma and Grandpa Jahn had the exact fixture on the wall in their living room. Crossing over the threshold of the 1955 home instantly took me to my grandparents' living room. The Welsh 1955 home had the 1950s tv, radio, telephone, and furnishings. All the fixtures in that Welsh home triggered my imagination to visualize what it was like for my dad and his two sisters to grow up in a room that was similar to the one I was standing in at that moment. I have more experiences with the decor of a 1950s home through tv shows, movies, and books and the 1955 Welsh home's fixtures and decor had meaning for me.
The next house I entered was the 1985 house. All of the fixtures and decor coinside with my memories of what homes looked like in the 80s. But because I lived through the 80s and had all my memories, I didn't feel all the excitment and intrigue that I felt in the 50s home. The 50s home was somewhat foreign to me because it was before my time; the 80s home felt comfortable because of what I remembered from growing up. The 80s home had a tv, VCR, phone, sofa, and decor. Oscar joined me in the 80s home and he asked me about some of the fixtures like the bathtub in the kitchen. After Oscar and I left the 80s home, Oscar took more video for me while I went back to the 50s home. I liked that feeling of time travel and visualizing what life was like for my parents in the 50s.
This is a bit off topic, but one of the things that intrigues me is the concept of time travel. That's why I love Quantum Leap so much; it dealt with time travel and history. If I could travel in time I'd go back to the 60s to experience the turbulance and upheaval of the decade. But I would also travel to the future. I suppose this is because I watch Enterprise, Voyager, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. What does the future hold? How does what tv portray the future as actually compare to what life will be like in the 2150s, 2430s, and the 3100s? Will we live on other planets; is there other intellegent life out there; will society, technology, and life advance or will it regress to earlier times; who wins the world series in 3101? Well you can probably see some of the influences of Star Trek on me, but one of the things I'll never see is how our civilization will change over time....Interesting to ponder, but I digress...
Oscar is a new friend I made over in Bath. He's 12 and is in year 6 (probably equivalant to sixth grade), is gingered (red) haired (a real bright orange color), LOVES Dr Who, and is a really charming fellow. He took Dennis, Jill, me, Diane, and Cynthia on a tour of the museum. He was here last year and again this year. He told me that he was missing school. His mom, Mari, told me she had to write a lettter to his Headmaster to ask permission to remove Oscar from school for the day. The Headmaster granted that permission-what better learning experiecne was there than visiting a history museum and talking and learning from a group of twelve foreign exchange students? Mari is the Bath Program's coordinatior in Bath-she arraigned the home stays and processes all the activities we do. I hope we see Oscar and Mari again. (When Mari puts her hair up in a ponytail, she looks identical to Diana (DHY) from the back. It must be the blondish-white hair...)
6/18/08 Wednesday
We started off by having our customary class. We discussed what learning was and how to measure it (learning). This was to get us thinking about our contracts for Dennis, if we wanted to get a "B" or "A" in the class. Right now, we all have "C"s because we're here and participating in this overseas activity. I saw this trip mostly as a partial class, partial vacation, UK experience. I don't want to propose a contract, yet I don't want a "C" to kill my average...what to do?
The group went to an Indian restaurant, so I went too. Lunch took 1.5 hours so we were late to the organ recital at the Bath Abby. We only heard one song much to Diane's dissapointment. These organ recitals are conducted each Wednesday, so there's still a chance to attend the next one.
Afterwords, we split up, so I was on my own. Jill told me where I could get a city map, not realizing I didn't have one (I was sick when everyone else got theirs). I spent time walking around with my map and marked the bus stops I use (6 and 7). Then I went to the Podium (a small mall) to look around. There's a Crabtree and Evelyn there and that's the first place I went. I went to see it in Mom's honor (it's one of her favorite places). It was fairly similar to those at home. The only difference is the one in Bath carries a skin care product line for men. I went to a grocery store to look around and to buy some some snacks for tomorrow's trip (Wales, I think). I left the Podium and walked down Walcot St to the Aqua Glass Museum and back; it wasn't as far as I thought it was or as it appeared on the map.
Stephanie came back today, so we all had dinner together. I met her mom and dad; they came over to visit her...As I sit here and write this, there's either a storm coming in or we are between a High pressure and Low pressure. I say this because it's really cold and windy-I would guess the wind is blowing 40-50mph. The trees are blowing back and forth violently. I bet we'll get rain tonight like we did this morning. Today the only day so far where the weather has been poor.
Time to go to bed. We have a long coach trip tomorrow. Don't want to miss anything.
The group went to an Indian restaurant, so I went too. Lunch took 1.5 hours so we were late to the organ recital at the Bath Abby. We only heard one song much to Diane's dissapointment. These organ recitals are conducted each Wednesday, so there's still a chance to attend the next one.
Afterwords, we split up, so I was on my own. Jill told me where I could get a city map, not realizing I didn't have one (I was sick when everyone else got theirs). I spent time walking around with my map and marked the bus stops I use (6 and 7). Then I went to the Podium (a small mall) to look around. There's a Crabtree and Evelyn there and that's the first place I went. I went to see it in Mom's honor (it's one of her favorite places). It was fairly similar to those at home. The only difference is the one in Bath carries a skin care product line for men. I went to a grocery store to look around and to buy some some snacks for tomorrow's trip (Wales, I think). I left the Podium and walked down Walcot St to the Aqua Glass Museum and back; it wasn't as far as I thought it was or as it appeared on the map.
Stephanie came back today, so we all had dinner together. I met her mom and dad; they came over to visit her...As I sit here and write this, there's either a storm coming in or we are between a High pressure and Low pressure. I say this because it's really cold and windy-I would guess the wind is blowing 40-50mph. The trees are blowing back and forth violently. I bet we'll get rain tonight like we did this morning. Today the only day so far where the weather has been poor.
Time to go to bed. We have a long coach trip tomorrow. Don't want to miss anything.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
6/17/08 Tuesday
Class went on longer today; about 4 hours instead of 2. We were killing time until we took our field trip to meet the Mayor of Bath. We stayed with Dennis and Jill at their flat (this is also where class is held daily), discussing cultural communication and the textbook. At 12 pm, they fed us lunch and by 1 pm, we were off.
We followed the Avon River along the path that former Mayors have taken in the past to get to the office. We stopped to help a couple open a loch (lock), and it turns out the couple were old friends of Dennis' and Jill's. They haven't seen each other for 10 years. Once the loch (gate) was open, water filled the canal. Really cool.
We had a audience with the Mayor at 230 pm. He, his wife, and administrative assistant met us and gave us a brief history about the mayorship. Mayors serve one year terms. They asked all of us to sign their visitor's book, and inside it was Queen Elizabeth's signature from when she visited back in the 50s. (She also signed the book as Princess ahen she was there in the 40s.)
We followed the Avon River along the path that former Mayors have taken in the past to get to the office. We stopped to help a couple open a loch (lock), and it turns out the couple were old friends of Dennis' and Jill's. They haven't seen each other for 10 years. Once the loch (gate) was open, water filled the canal. Really cool.
We had a audience with the Mayor at 230 pm. He, his wife, and administrative assistant met us and gave us a brief history about the mayorship. Mayors serve one year terms. They asked all of us to sign their visitor's book, and inside it was Queen Elizabeth's signature from when she visited back in the 50s. (She also signed the book as Princess ahen she was there in the 40s.)
6/16/08 Monday
The Cribbs Causeway was today's destination. I was on the bus 3 hours to and from. The Cribbs Causeway is almost like a mall here in the US. It rivals Valley Fair (SJ). Dennis wanted us to see how a mall in England is similar or different to one in the US. I forgot my slippers, so I bought a new pair. Shoe sizing is different...in the US, I wear an 11, but in England my slipper size is 8.5. I bought the size 7, which was the largest size they had...I was looking for a reigon 2 DVD player and I found what I wanted. I bought it and an adapter. All I have to do now is find a power converter. ANY IDEAS WHERE I CAN FIND ONE (BRITISH POWER TO US POWER.)?
Cynthia and I are planning a trip to London for this weekend. Were going to (try to) see Westminster Abby, the Tower of London, Chinatown, #10 Downing St, Big Ben, and a river tour of the Thames. We made arraignments to stay at a youth hostel (Journey's Eye). I also took advantage of Cynthia's internet connection and checked my email, paid my credit card bill, and checked my finances. ( I was not allowed to use Stephanie's internet or phone.) I got home at 830 pm. I'm on my own again. Stephanie's still in Spain and Miki's staying with her boyfriend at his place. I'm watching M*A*S*H, but I'd really like to have someone to talk to...
We also had 2 hours of class this morning. It was mostly discussions of our experiences so far. We also started discussions about the concepts in the textbook, Watching the English.
Cynthia and I are planning a trip to London for this weekend. Were going to (try to) see Westminster Abby, the Tower of London, Chinatown, #10 Downing St, Big Ben, and a river tour of the Thames. We made arraignments to stay at a youth hostel (Journey's Eye). I also took advantage of Cynthia's internet connection and checked my email, paid my credit card bill, and checked my finances. ( I was not allowed to use Stephanie's internet or phone.) I got home at 830 pm. I'm on my own again. Stephanie's still in Spain and Miki's staying with her boyfriend at his place. I'm watching M*A*S*H, but I'd really like to have someone to talk to...
We also had 2 hours of class this morning. It was mostly discussions of our experiences so far. We also started discussions about the concepts in the textbook, Watching the English.
6/15/08 Sunday
I found my Euros...all 70 of them.
Today was this week's day off. I slept in, watched The Nanny for awhile, and read my textbook. It was a pretty slow day.
I feel kinda alone. In this house, we are 3 individuals living under the same roof. Stephanie is in Barcelona til Wednesday, and Miki bars herself in her room. I'm left to ...I don't know...do whatever.
I also feel isolated from my classmates. Except for Diane, they are all in their early 20s and they have bonded well. I haven't done any evening activities, but it appears everyone else has. I just wish I had a detailed road map of and the city center, then I'd be more likely to venture out at night. It's something we should've been given on the first day of class.
The others in the class are staying with families who have kids. The kids are actually spending time with my classmates. It seems like I'm missing out...somehow. Shanti spent 2.5 hours with the 10 year old daughter of her 26 year old house brother. The father (the 26 year old) tends to ignore his daughter and the daughter was feeling alone. She knocked on Shanti's door and Shanti felt sorry for her, so they hung out talking, watching Big Brother, and made beaded jewelry.
Right now, I'm sitting here, writing in my journal, staring out my window, and listening to the birds chirp...it's really peaceful right now. It's 930 pm and it's still quite light. The sun sets later the farther north you go.
Everyone got the detailed road map the afternoon I was sick and sleeping. I didn't get my map until Wednesday 6/18/08.
Today was this week's day off. I slept in, watched The Nanny for awhile, and read my textbook. It was a pretty slow day.
I feel kinda alone. In this house, we are 3 individuals living under the same roof. Stephanie is in Barcelona til Wednesday, and Miki bars herself in her room. I'm left to ...I don't know...do whatever.
I also feel isolated from my classmates. Except for Diane, they are all in their early 20s and they have bonded well. I haven't done any evening activities, but it appears everyone else has. I just wish I had a detailed road map of and the city center, then I'd be more likely to venture out at night. It's something we should've been given on the first day of class.
The others in the class are staying with families who have kids. The kids are actually spending time with my classmates. It seems like I'm missing out...somehow. Shanti spent 2.5 hours with the 10 year old daughter of her 26 year old house brother. The father (the 26 year old) tends to ignore his daughter and the daughter was feeling alone. She knocked on Shanti's door and Shanti felt sorry for her, so they hung out talking, watching Big Brother, and made beaded jewelry.
Right now, I'm sitting here, writing in my journal, staring out my window, and listening to the birds chirp...it's really peaceful right now. It's 930 pm and it's still quite light. The sun sets later the farther north you go.
Everyone got the detailed road map the afternoon I was sick and sleeping. I didn't get my map until Wednesday 6/18/08.
6/14/08 Saturday
The class was at the bus station by 10 am so Dennis changed our schedule. He cancelled the market day tour in Bath so we could catch the 1005 am bus to Wells. It took 1.5 hours to get there so he wanted to maximize out time there by starting early.
We got there and headed for the Wells Cathedral. Jill (Dennis' wife) handed out brochures on the Cathedral and asked us to read them. Everyone wasn't happy that it cost 3 pounds to buy a photography permit; everything inside the Cathedral is copyright protected. The solution was everyone chipped in 30 pence and Kevin bought the permit and took all the pictures when we were inside. He swore and promised to send everyone copies. I had my video camera so I bought my own pass; if I can make copies for everyone else, it's a bonus for them. If not, there no disappointment, because Kevin took a lot of pictures.
We visited the Vicar's and Choir's quarters first. There was this crazy dog who would jump up walls at the strangest times. Eventually, the dog started to follow Suzi, so we told her to the opposite wall and then run back and forth a few times. The dog followed her and when she (the dog) reached the wall, she (the dog) would jump. This went on for a few minutes.
We toured the Cathedral and its library. This took about an hour. Then we parted ways to eat lunch and then went on to do whatever we wanted to do with the time. Kevin found the West Cornwall Pasties place. Everyone ate there; I think Kevin actually fell in love with the pasties. He claims he wants to open a branch in San Jose. During the rest of the time in Bath, he searched out for this place for his lunches. Anyway, after my lunch, I went back to the Cathedral for the dancing festival. There's a huge lawn in front of the Cathedral which was ideal for this festival.
All of the dancers were kids from all the local primary schools performed in the dancing festival. They were probably as young as six. They all had really bright and cheerful costumes. There were a ton of of kids; maybe 20-30 schools were represented there? Anyway, they performed basic and simple dances to the caller's directions (like square dancing). I recorded as much of the dances as I could in half an hour, because it was getting close to leaving time (and besides my camera battery died!) After 2 hours on 2 buses, I was home.
Stephanie's parents came over tonight, so she made my dinner early tonight (645 pm-although I offered to make it myself). So I spent the rest of the evening in my room and I watched DVDs and read HP 6. And then tomorrow, Stephanie is off to Barcelona. Miki and I will be on our own for 4 days.
I think I lost my Euros. I think I had 30-40 Euros and I can't really afford to lose them. I can't find them at all....I found the Euros tomorrow later in the corner cabinet over my bed with the stain-glass rose window.
We got there and headed for the Wells Cathedral. Jill (Dennis' wife) handed out brochures on the Cathedral and asked us to read them. Everyone wasn't happy that it cost 3 pounds to buy a photography permit; everything inside the Cathedral is copyright protected. The solution was everyone chipped in 30 pence and Kevin bought the permit and took all the pictures when we were inside. He swore and promised to send everyone copies. I had my video camera so I bought my own pass; if I can make copies for everyone else, it's a bonus for them. If not, there no disappointment, because Kevin took a lot of pictures.
We visited the Vicar's and Choir's quarters first. There was this crazy dog who would jump up walls at the strangest times. Eventually, the dog started to follow Suzi, so we told her to the opposite wall and then run back and forth a few times. The dog followed her and when she (the dog) reached the wall, she (the dog) would jump. This went on for a few minutes.
We toured the Cathedral and its library. This took about an hour. Then we parted ways to eat lunch and then went on to do whatever we wanted to do with the time. Kevin found the West Cornwall Pasties place. Everyone ate there; I think Kevin actually fell in love with the pasties. He claims he wants to open a branch in San Jose. During the rest of the time in Bath, he searched out for this place for his lunches. Anyway, after my lunch, I went back to the Cathedral for the dancing festival. There's a huge lawn in front of the Cathedral which was ideal for this festival.
All of the dancers were kids from all the local primary schools performed in the dancing festival. They were probably as young as six. They all had really bright and cheerful costumes. There were a ton of of kids; maybe 20-30 schools were represented there? Anyway, they performed basic and simple dances to the caller's directions (like square dancing). I recorded as much of the dances as I could in half an hour, because it was getting close to leaving time (and besides my camera battery died!) After 2 hours on 2 buses, I was home.
Stephanie's parents came over tonight, so she made my dinner early tonight (645 pm-although I offered to make it myself). So I spent the rest of the evening in my room and I watched DVDs and read HP 6. And then tomorrow, Stephanie is off to Barcelona. Miki and I will be on our own for 4 days.
I think I lost my Euros. I think I had 30-40 Euros and I can't really afford to lose them. I can't find them at all....I found the Euros tomorrow later in the corner cabinet over my bed with the stain-glass rose window.
6/13/08 Friday
I feel so much better today! Stephanie observed that my color (in my face) looked better. To be safe, I ate more soda crackers for breakfast. My class went to Bristol to take a walking tour. It started out sunny, but it quickly clouded over. When we got there, the group decided to get lunch. Shanti, Jon, Victoria, and I decided to go to the Chicago Rock Cafe.
Shanti, Jon, and Victoria are all considerably younger than me, so during most conversations I sat, listened, and mostly just shook my head in exasperation. These conversations were...I don't know...were just crass; for example, Jon brushing up against Shanti's and Victoria's "tits" (their word, not mine) and stuff like that. Those three did all the stuff during the lunch conversations that give the rest of us Americans a bad name, hence, the Ugly American. They talked too loud, laughed too loud, used crass and profane words and so on. It's no wonder why the middle-aged ladies, sitting in the booth next to us, wanted to kill us. If looks could kill, Shanti, Jon, and Victoria would have been dead and buried. They're British though, and the British were not secure enough to confront us to tell us to shut up. I could really sympathize with those ladies...
Our waiter was a riot though. First off, he had the best British accent I've heard. Secondly, he gaged our personalities well. The other three were boistrous, loud, laughing, and joking so he adjusted himself to fit in with their behavior. When he addressed me, he responded to my reservedness and he adjusted well to that as well; "What can I get for you, love?" Wow, I know that "love" is just a common everyday expression that is used (just like how Stephanie refers to me as "darling"), but it's the first time I've heard it used in reference to me. It's British culture shock!
He was definitely flirting with Victoria. He purposely used the wrong name when talking to her (he called her Catherine multiple times), and when she asked for more tortillas (Brits call them pancakes), underneath the last one he slipped her a note that said "Enjoy Catherine." Victoria and Shanti cooed at the gesture; I thought the note was him giving her his phone number. Victoria kept the note like it was a trophy.
I paid my share of the bill early (5 pounds compared to their 40 pounds) and gave the waiter a 2 pound tip telling him thanks for the floor show (I never had so much fun during a meal-and it was mostly his responses to the group's silliness). I left to go over to our designated meeting spot. It was a festival with several booths that had food samples and a few had games. I got a video of me doing the fishing game, Victoria doing the knock down game, there was a rope toss game, and a pie eating contest; the winners got to take home a plant, while the winner of the pie eating contest won 1000 pounds.
The pie eating contest was a hoot. Matt was brave enough to represent us. The goal: eat a one-quarter slice of pie in the fastest time. I also got it on video (although I can't get it off the camcorder yet). Matt started off quickly out of the blocks, but then slowed up towards the end. Oh well...
Afterwords, Mari (the home stay and outing activities coodinator) took us on a walking tour of the city. She gave us whatever knowledge she knew, but it wasn't much (she's not an official tour guide and this activity was informal). By the time we got back to Bath, it was 530 pm (we left at 10 am), and we went back to our respective homes.
Tomorrow, we go to Wells for an all day event.
Shanti, Jon, and Victoria are all considerably younger than me, so during most conversations I sat, listened, and mostly just shook my head in exasperation. These conversations were...I don't know...were just crass; for example, Jon brushing up against Shanti's and Victoria's "tits" (their word, not mine) and stuff like that. Those three did all the stuff during the lunch conversations that give the rest of us Americans a bad name, hence, the Ugly American. They talked too loud, laughed too loud, used crass and profane words and so on. It's no wonder why the middle-aged ladies, sitting in the booth next to us, wanted to kill us. If looks could kill, Shanti, Jon, and Victoria would have been dead and buried. They're British though, and the British were not secure enough to confront us to tell us to shut up. I could really sympathize with those ladies...
Our waiter was a riot though. First off, he had the best British accent I've heard. Secondly, he gaged our personalities well. The other three were boistrous, loud, laughing, and joking so he adjusted himself to fit in with their behavior. When he addressed me, he responded to my reservedness and he adjusted well to that as well; "What can I get for you, love?" Wow, I know that "love" is just a common everyday expression that is used (just like how Stephanie refers to me as "darling"), but it's the first time I've heard it used in reference to me. It's British culture shock!
He was definitely flirting with Victoria. He purposely used the wrong name when talking to her (he called her Catherine multiple times), and when she asked for more tortillas (Brits call them pancakes), underneath the last one he slipped her a note that said "Enjoy Catherine." Victoria and Shanti cooed at the gesture; I thought the note was him giving her his phone number. Victoria kept the note like it was a trophy.
I paid my share of the bill early (5 pounds compared to their 40 pounds) and gave the waiter a 2 pound tip telling him thanks for the floor show (I never had so much fun during a meal-and it was mostly his responses to the group's silliness). I left to go over to our designated meeting spot. It was a festival with several booths that had food samples and a few had games. I got a video of me doing the fishing game, Victoria doing the knock down game, there was a rope toss game, and a pie eating contest; the winners got to take home a plant, while the winner of the pie eating contest won 1000 pounds.
The pie eating contest was a hoot. Matt was brave enough to represent us. The goal: eat a one-quarter slice of pie in the fastest time. I also got it on video (although I can't get it off the camcorder yet). Matt started off quickly out of the blocks, but then slowed up towards the end. Oh well...
Afterwords, Mari (the home stay and outing activities coodinator) took us on a walking tour of the city. She gave us whatever knowledge she knew, but it wasn't much (she's not an official tour guide and this activity was informal). By the time we got back to Bath, it was 530 pm (we left at 10 am), and we went back to our respective homes.
Tomorrow, we go to Wells for an all day event.
Monday, July 14, 2008
6/12/08 Thursday
I was as sick as a dog today! At 4 am, I had a really bad case of the trots; 6 times in 4 hours. When I got up a 8 am, I was really queasy. I was focusing on my breathing to try to calm my queasiness. I didn't want to go to class, but I had no way to contact Dennis, so I got ready to head off to the bus shelter (we relied on public transportation to get around Bath). I told Miki as I left, if I didn't throw up today, it would be a good day. That was wishful thinking...
I had been at the bus shelter for 2 minutes and then I threw up (for about 10 minutes). It was my first full day in a foreign country and I was misrable. I was alone, everything was unfamiliar, and I wanted my mommy. I went back home to brush my teeth and caught the bus to town 15 minutes later.
I was half an hour late, but I was not the only one; Kevin got on the wrong bus and actually took an unintended tour of the city. Dennis waited for us; when we showed up at the same time, Dennis walked us over to the Baths. I felt much better after I threw up, but I felt kinda tired. From 10 am-12 pm we were taken on a walking tour of Bath. The tour guide, Angela, is such a storyteller! Telling us about the stories of the Baths, the history of the architecture, and the other stories facinated some of us but not the others. I suppose if I didn't feel so tired, I would have enjoyed the tour more. Mom would have enjoyed the stories and information in the tour but not the stationary standing. By 1230 pm, the tour was still be conducted and I had lost my focus. I took Dennis up on his offer to go home and get some sleep.
I took the bus home and when I got back, I slept for 6 more hours. After eating some soda crackers and ginger ale, I read some of my textbook, and went to bed by 10 pm.
I missed the Roman Baths tour, but Dennis assured me I can get a ticket so I can go later. It's an audio, self-guided tour...7/6/08...I never got the chance to tour the Roman Baths. The times I asked to do it, Dennis and Jill (Dennis' wife) didn't have the pounds to pay for the ticket. I'm not too disappointed. I didn't really want to do it.
I had been at the bus shelter for 2 minutes and then I threw up (for about 10 minutes). It was my first full day in a foreign country and I was misrable. I was alone, everything was unfamiliar, and I wanted my mommy. I went back home to brush my teeth and caught the bus to town 15 minutes later.
I was half an hour late, but I was not the only one; Kevin got on the wrong bus and actually took an unintended tour of the city. Dennis waited for us; when we showed up at the same time, Dennis walked us over to the Baths. I felt much better after I threw up, but I felt kinda tired. From 10 am-12 pm we were taken on a walking tour of Bath. The tour guide, Angela, is such a storyteller! Telling us about the stories of the Baths, the history of the architecture, and the other stories facinated some of us but not the others. I suppose if I didn't feel so tired, I would have enjoyed the tour more. Mom would have enjoyed the stories and information in the tour but not the stationary standing. By 1230 pm, the tour was still be conducted and I had lost my focus. I took Dennis up on his offer to go home and get some sleep.
I took the bus home and when I got back, I slept for 6 more hours. After eating some soda crackers and ginger ale, I read some of my textbook, and went to bed by 10 pm.
I missed the Roman Baths tour, but Dennis assured me I can get a ticket so I can go later. It's an audio, self-guided tour...7/6/08...I never got the chance to tour the Roman Baths. The times I asked to do it, Dennis and Jill (Dennis' wife) didn't have the pounds to pay for the ticket. I'm not too disappointed. I didn't really want to do it.
6/11/08 Wednesday
So today I moved over to Bath and into my host's home. Stephanie has a great, but small home. She's the only one here and has 2 extra bedrooms. In addition to hosting me, she's hosting Miki, a Japanese student, attending the University of Bath. Miki's here to practice her English. Stephanie likes that we are both older students (more adult -like) rather than having to "babysit" the younger students.
After day 1, Stephanie is really easy to get along with. She asked questions about me (general data), so I spent most of the time talking. She took me on a very brief motor tour of the neighborhood. Later this evening, I walked it, retracing her route while videotaping it. Stephanie lives in the hills above Bath, and boy, are those hills steep! While I was returning to the house (very slowly), it started to rain. I got fairly wet ( and sweaty from all the climbing). One thing I've noticed about the buildings is that they are overly heated, so I'm sleeping with the window open (it pulls in the cool evening breezes). Stephanie has some really great views!
I was the the last one to show up at Heathrow to meet the group. There was a delay in taking off from Dublin; about 45 minutes. Dennis found me wandering around terminal 3 looking for everyone else...As we drove out of London, we passed Windsor Castle on the M4. The flag on Windsor Castle was flying, so the Queen was in residency there. "This is as close as we'll get to the Royal Family during this trip" Dennis told us.
Tomorrow, we're taking a walking tour of Bath and in the afternoon we're going to visit the Roman Baths. I'm going to be busy tomorrrow, so I'm going to bed now (it's 10pm).
After day 1, Stephanie is really easy to get along with. She asked questions about me (general data), so I spent most of the time talking. She took me on a very brief motor tour of the neighborhood. Later this evening, I walked it, retracing her route while videotaping it. Stephanie lives in the hills above Bath, and boy, are those hills steep! While I was returning to the house (very slowly), it started to rain. I got fairly wet ( and sweaty from all the climbing). One thing I've noticed about the buildings is that they are overly heated, so I'm sleeping with the window open (it pulls in the cool evening breezes). Stephanie has some really great views!
I was the the last one to show up at Heathrow to meet the group. There was a delay in taking off from Dublin; about 45 minutes. Dennis found me wandering around terminal 3 looking for everyone else...As we drove out of London, we passed Windsor Castle on the M4. The flag on Windsor Castle was flying, so the Queen was in residency there. "This is as close as we'll get to the Royal Family during this trip" Dennis told us.
Tomorrow, we're taking a walking tour of Bath and in the afternoon we're going to visit the Roman Baths. I'm going to be busy tomorrrow, so I'm going to bed now (it's 10pm).
The trip...June 9th and 10th. The flight and more...
I knew this day would not go off without a hitch. The plane ride was great! Even though the flight was 9.5 hours without any sleep. I took off at 730 pm and by 1130 pm PDT, everyone in my section had fallen asleep (this was business class and everyone stretched out). I can never get comfortable on plane flights and as a result, I can never sleep on a plane for more than 20 minutes. I entertained myself by reading Harry Potter 6 (HP6), watching MASH on my DVD player, and listening to my IPod. Take off was especially smooth...I didn't feel any shimmies or shakes. It was the best take off I ever experienced. The flight was very comfortable.
The problem I encountered was UK Immigration. I was questioned for 20 minutes about my reasons for going over to Dublin (Ireland) just for the night and then returning to England and staying for 3 weeks. I answered all sorts of questions: about my class, specific activities, what I'll do on a daily basis, textbook title, class location, the SJSU travel abroad program, and so forth. I came over for a 3 week summer school class through SJSU. The class focused on intercultural communication; we were to observe people in a different culture and during class discussions, we will talk about those differences and talk about the textbook. When she (the agent) asked me my purpose in England, I told her I was a tourist even though I'm only here for 3 weeks. Additional questions included how much was the fees I paid for this class and who paid my airfare to England and Ireland. She scribbled many notes. I showed her the only email I had from Dr. Jaehne (Dennis) which advised us to say we were "tourists" and not "students" in order to prevent confusion. I had to wait another 10 minutes while she consulted with her supervisor about my situation.
I eventually got the necessary stamps I needed, however, she informed me that the email encouraged fraud (saying we were tourists and not students). She also told me if there were others with the same email I had, they could be questioned and denied entry and sent back to the States. I'm not sure if I did the right thing; I might have said something out of turn. The agent told me, for her purposes, I did the right thing. I hope I didn't get anyone in trouble. But I did as Dennis advised in the email.
I was getting nervous because I only had a two hour layover at Heathrow before I took off for Dublin. The agent used up about 30 minutes of my time. I landed in terminal 3 and had to take the shuttle over to terminal 1 to catch BMI. I think I had 15 minutes to spare before I boarded. I got to the hotel about 2 hours later. The stay was adequate; it was a place to sleep, but I had to sleep on top of my bed and with the window open because the room was really hot. At least I made it over here ok!
The problem I encountered was UK Immigration. I was questioned for 20 minutes about my reasons for going over to Dublin (Ireland) just for the night and then returning to England and staying for 3 weeks. I answered all sorts of questions: about my class, specific activities, what I'll do on a daily basis, textbook title, class location, the SJSU travel abroad program, and so forth. I came over for a 3 week summer school class through SJSU. The class focused on intercultural communication; we were to observe people in a different culture and during class discussions, we will talk about those differences and talk about the textbook. When she (the agent) asked me my purpose in England, I told her I was a tourist even though I'm only here for 3 weeks. Additional questions included how much was the fees I paid for this class and who paid my airfare to England and Ireland. She scribbled many notes. I showed her the only email I had from Dr. Jaehne (Dennis) which advised us to say we were "tourists" and not "students" in order to prevent confusion. I had to wait another 10 minutes while she consulted with her supervisor about my situation.
I eventually got the necessary stamps I needed, however, she informed me that the email encouraged fraud (saying we were tourists and not students). She also told me if there were others with the same email I had, they could be questioned and denied entry and sent back to the States. I'm not sure if I did the right thing; I might have said something out of turn. The agent told me, for her purposes, I did the right thing. I hope I didn't get anyone in trouble. But I did as Dennis advised in the email.
I was getting nervous because I only had a two hour layover at Heathrow before I took off for Dublin. The agent used up about 30 minutes of my time. I landed in terminal 3 and had to take the shuttle over to terminal 1 to catch BMI. I think I had 15 minutes to spare before I boarded. I got to the hotel about 2 hours later. The stay was adequate; it was a place to sleep, but I had to sleep on top of my bed and with the window open because the room was really hot. At least I made it over here ok!
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