All I can say is that contrary to my prior post about pumpkin carving and my doubts of the British pride in Halloween celebrations...Ummm...They like Halloween over here.
Shall I start from the beginning? (Use Somebody - Kings of Leon) Yesterday Kemper and I decided that we wanted to go to Brighton...so this morning we hopped on a train and made our way over. :)
But guess what? I actually got up this morning and went running. Let's think about this. Saturday morning. I got up at eight and was out by eight thirty running the quiet Saturday morning streets of London. It was thrilling and I felt like the city was all my own. I reveled in the sight of St. Paul's Cathedral and Big Ben next to Parliament. Seriously. I felt like someone had put all the buildings up according to my very specific running route. It was absolutely LOVELY.
After that I took a shower and went to Kemper's so we could trek to Victoria Station for a Brighton send-off. On the way over I read that Buddha of Suburbia book that I have to read by Tuesday. We both read like studious ladies on our way over there. When we finally alighted off the train we were delighted to note that the skies were mostly clear and blue with a nice massage of the October sunshine down our backs.
We found ourselves in the midst of an overgrown (and more rustic) Little Rock's Farmer's Market. (Imagine - John Lennon) There were booths and stalls filled with antiques (junk) silver and pewter, old fashioned suitcases, random shoes, and oversized sweaters surrounding stalls filled with fresh bread, tea, coffee, meat, and jam. I bought a loaf of bread. What can I say - apparently this is a tradition that I have when I go to Brighton? Haha. It's Garlic, Herbs, and Cheese, and it smells heavenly. :)
Anyway - let me stay focused here. We got to Brighton around noon-ish (possibly a little later) and so we decided it was time for lunch. On our way to the various cafes and eateries, we beheld the random market. We walked through very slowly and looked in every direction to take it all in. (Keeper - Yellowcard.)
We ended up at this Mexican restaurant mostly because I wanted quesadillas. :) I ordered some of those and some tacos and I will just say that they are a little confused when it comes to Mexican food over here...They seemed to want to mix Chinese food in with the Mexican ideal. The tacos were like egg rolls in form and there was rice - but it was quite like Chinese steamed rice. BUT - the quesadillas were lovely and the beans were nice as well. (Too bad this isn't a restaurant review blog, or a 'how-to' cook blog because all I do is talk about food.)
Anywho. We ate and then we made our way to the lovely rocky beach. I don't know what it is, exactly, but there is something totally magical about the beach at Brighton (and no, I don't think it's just because The Who mentions it in a song...) (Don't Panic - Coldplay)
We went to the pier first, however, to get milkshakes from Moo Moos. Mom and Dad will remember the glory of the marshmello-y Wimbledon Womble...and so we had to go for round two. I got a personalized milkshake with oreos, nutella, and whipped cream, while Kemper tried the Womble. Armed with our shakes we headed to the beach.
We got to the rocks to be hit by winds that forced me to adorn my sweatshirt. Kemper was immediately off to touch the water and the shoreline. I plopped down atop of a hill of rocks and continued reading my book for class. Kemper's enthusiasm for the ocean water reminds me of Jess. I swear, Jess would swim in anything and Kemper had her shoes off and bare feet in the water today. While it wasn't necessarily that cold, it was windy and definitely not the Florida temperature that I am used to...
Anwyho. I read for a long time whilst Kemper frolicked among the rocks. She came to join me atop my rocky hill at one point and we both just chilled. It was a great view, the thrashing waves of the sea, the busy pier, the sun peaking through the dusty clouds...all accompanied with the cry of the gulls and the faint music from the pier. :) It was heaven. It was literally a breath of fresh air compared to the stifling qualities of London...
(I Need You - Lynrd Skynrd) After most of our afternoon was swallowed in beach time (and I started to get a bit more chilly than is comfortable) we decided to go on a walk along the boardwalk. We could still see the swells and smell the tinge of salt in the air...
This is when the Halloween fun/scare began. We were minding our own business, walking in the direction of what looked like a marina, when we noticed a gaggle of teenagers dressed like Zombies. No big deal, right? Tomorrow is literally Halloween, and seeing that most people do not have four day weekends like I do, the logical thing would be to celebrate on a Saturday evening/night. Well...the problem was that as we finally decided to turn around...we noticed that...
EVERYONE WAS A ZOMBIE. Quite literally. There was a snow white zombie, a zombie bride, punk zombies, guerilla war far zombies, zombie doctors, children zombies, baby zombies, princess zombies...The list goes on indefinitely. I seriously had adrenaline in my stomach because I couldn't figure out if we were about to become the protagonists of a low budgeted Halloween film or not. Some of the zombie patrons even walked strangely as they moaned down the streets and boardwalk. We experienced these Zombies for the rest of our evening in Brighton and on the way to the train station.
The strangest thing was that we didn't know what was going on at all. I felt like someone had decided to hold a political election without telling me and everyone was campaigning for issues that I knew nothing about. I felt like my professor had asked me to answer a question when I had been dosing off in class. I just felt disconnected and left out of fake blood and baby powdered faces...
Well. We managed to get on a train and get a nice comfortable set of seats in which we both read some more. The zombies seemed to leave our calmed minds and become something of the relative past. (If Work Permits - The Format) Kemper was sharing a lovely bag of candy with me. On the way through the windy streets of Brighton we discovered a lovely sweets shop. It was a pretty good price to mix and max all the crazy flavors of jellies and chocolates - so we went a little crazy since we're too old to trick or treat...
We shared some candy and read and we were at Victoria station before we knew it. Well...the tube was a storm of pushy Londoners. Kemper needed to top-up so we figured out an alternative route to Russell Sqaure, because the Victoria line was experiencing delays...
We finally got on a District line train to South Kensington. From there we switched to the Piccadilly line...only to be so close to other people that I seriously developed a very lethal case of claustrophobia. I have never been so hot, so squished, and so uncomfortable in my entire life.
(Marching On - OneRepublic) AND to make matters worse there were four zombie beings behind me. They were shouting at each other to have a conversation over the rattling of the train. I got really upset when one of them said, "I think I'm going to be sick..." That one was really close to my left arm, which was extended holding on to the bright blue railing for dear life.
We finally alighted off of the train and managed to take to our streets. The streets we know and recognize. I convinced Kemper to go grocery shopping with me and I picked up a nice week's worth of groceries. :)
After that I made some pasta in her flat for dinner and then we watched some episodes of tv programs that she brought with her from home. We then just chilled for a bit before we both admitted an intense tiredness that we had. I could barely keep my eyes open - I mean - I went running this morning early! I'm exhausted! Anywho...
That's the story of what adventures I faced today. I miss you guys and hope you're having an amazing weekend.
Cheers!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Chinatown - take two!
(Sympathy for the Devil - The Stones) Well hey there!
Today was Friday (which is my Saturday of sorts.) I was moving really slowly for some reason though and didn't wake up until eleven. I had originally planned on getting up around eight and going for a run, however, that one completely failed. We'll see how tomorrow works out.
I went on a lovely run by Big Ben today (as always) and I noticed how many people have strained facial expressions when they run...I really hope I don't look like I'm constipated or anything...Hmmm.
Alright let's see. After the run (which was nice because Kemper made me a running playlist and I liked having some different music to run to. :p) I took a shower and had a nice lunch consisting of grilled cheese and cheez-its.
Then, Kemper and I went to the library and battled the computer until we finally booked our Scotland trip. So, guess what? I'm going to Scotland next weekend, no big deal. Apparently Edinburgh is the most haunted city in the world...so get ready for some ghostie stories. :P I'm really excited - we booked a Bed and Breakfast and Edinburgh sounds really cool.
But after that we had to sit down and sort of plan all the important day trips we're going to take the rest of the time we're here. Literally it's only about a month left - and so we put Liverpool and Oxford on the list. We also penciled in Chicago and a couple of other productions at the national theatre. I'm excited!
After that - which took a while - sheesh - we went to Candid and did some homework. I do love that we've walked there so often that the walk is kind of like driving home to Little Rock from Conway or something. It's a regularity - a familiarity that we have formed with our tiny environment of London. Haha. It makes London more bearable - but not quite home because I'm still sure that home has a lot to do with the people in it...
Anyway - we read a book for Susie's class for a bit. It's Buddha of Suburbia by Hanif Kureishi. I like it so far way better than I like Riddley Walker - blah! (Crystal Ball - Keane) I read a good portion of it whilst sipping my lovely mocha.
After we both got to a stopping point we left. The cafe today was a bit stuffy and less comfortable than it usually is for some reason. When we got outside lo and behold it was raining! Ugh. Stupid London weather that is now actually behaving like London weather. :( It rains a lot. (In My Life - The Beatles) It's ok, I've learned to always have my umbrella with me. Kemper and I whipped those things out and we trudged through the windy rain all the way to China Town.
Now I shall backtrack. Today earlier in the day I mentioned to Kemper how I would really like to eat some chinese food...so...Haha. She caught my subtle hint and we made a huge trek all the way over to China town. I know that I said originally it stinks (and it really kind of does smell really funny) but I really wanted some sweet and sour chicken. Mom knows. She eats Chinese food with me sometimes. :P
Anywho - we couldn't really find any vegetarian options that sounded safe so we also went to Subway. Then we went back to Kemper's flat and ate really good food. :) Man, I'm not kidding. I haven't had Chinese food this whole time (and although it's not my favourite restaurant in Little Rock) it was still pretty awesome. (Nothing Better - The Postal Service)
AND now I feel like Kemper and I can call ourselves Londoners. I mean, we trudged through the windy, cold-ish rain to get 'take-away' food for dinner. HA! I will conquer you yet London. Just bring it on!
We then watched an AMAZING chick type movie. I mean, personally I'm a huge fan of Melissa Joan Hart. Anyway - I really do love getting to be inside our flat (well Kemeper's flat) and just sort of having a night in. It's comforting to have somewhere to be when it's raining, even if the walls are bright white like an insane asylum...We just have to persevere through it...
I then returned to my own flat to update this thing and then go to bed. I'm off tomorrow to Brighton one more time. Kemper and I are sick of the city. We need a breath of fresh air. I know you're thinking - well she's been there a million times - but I. Love. Brighton. It's absolutely amazing. So. We shall venture forth.
I did get a lovely piece of pumpkin pie. Claire made a home-made pumpkin pie from a pumpkin. I have no idea how she did it but it was amazing. It made me realize how much I'm going to miss Thanksgiving at home though. :( I know someone who can make the best pecan pie in the world (Jess) and the best mashed potatoes (Gramner...)
Miss you guys! (Wild Horses - The Rolling Stones)
Cheers.
<3
Today was Friday (which is my Saturday of sorts.) I was moving really slowly for some reason though and didn't wake up until eleven. I had originally planned on getting up around eight and going for a run, however, that one completely failed. We'll see how tomorrow works out.
I went on a lovely run by Big Ben today (as always) and I noticed how many people have strained facial expressions when they run...I really hope I don't look like I'm constipated or anything...Hmmm.
Alright let's see. After the run (which was nice because Kemper made me a running playlist and I liked having some different music to run to. :p) I took a shower and had a nice lunch consisting of grilled cheese and cheez-its.
Then, Kemper and I went to the library and battled the computer until we finally booked our Scotland trip. So, guess what? I'm going to Scotland next weekend, no big deal. Apparently Edinburgh is the most haunted city in the world...so get ready for some ghostie stories. :P I'm really excited - we booked a Bed and Breakfast and Edinburgh sounds really cool.
But after that we had to sit down and sort of plan all the important day trips we're going to take the rest of the time we're here. Literally it's only about a month left - and so we put Liverpool and Oxford on the list. We also penciled in Chicago and a couple of other productions at the national theatre. I'm excited!
After that - which took a while - sheesh - we went to Candid and did some homework. I do love that we've walked there so often that the walk is kind of like driving home to Little Rock from Conway or something. It's a regularity - a familiarity that we have formed with our tiny environment of London. Haha. It makes London more bearable - but not quite home because I'm still sure that home has a lot to do with the people in it...
Anyway - we read a book for Susie's class for a bit. It's Buddha of Suburbia by Hanif Kureishi. I like it so far way better than I like Riddley Walker - blah! (Crystal Ball - Keane) I read a good portion of it whilst sipping my lovely mocha.
After we both got to a stopping point we left. The cafe today was a bit stuffy and less comfortable than it usually is for some reason. When we got outside lo and behold it was raining! Ugh. Stupid London weather that is now actually behaving like London weather. :( It rains a lot. (In My Life - The Beatles) It's ok, I've learned to always have my umbrella with me. Kemper and I whipped those things out and we trudged through the windy rain all the way to China Town.
Now I shall backtrack. Today earlier in the day I mentioned to Kemper how I would really like to eat some chinese food...so...Haha. She caught my subtle hint and we made a huge trek all the way over to China town. I know that I said originally it stinks (and it really kind of does smell really funny) but I really wanted some sweet and sour chicken. Mom knows. She eats Chinese food with me sometimes. :P
Anywho - we couldn't really find any vegetarian options that sounded safe so we also went to Subway. Then we went back to Kemper's flat and ate really good food. :) Man, I'm not kidding. I haven't had Chinese food this whole time (and although it's not my favourite restaurant in Little Rock) it was still pretty awesome. (Nothing Better - The Postal Service)
AND now I feel like Kemper and I can call ourselves Londoners. I mean, we trudged through the windy, cold-ish rain to get 'take-away' food for dinner. HA! I will conquer you yet London. Just bring it on!
We then watched an AMAZING chick type movie. I mean, personally I'm a huge fan of Melissa Joan Hart. Anyway - I really do love getting to be inside our flat (well Kemeper's flat) and just sort of having a night in. It's comforting to have somewhere to be when it's raining, even if the walls are bright white like an insane asylum...We just have to persevere through it...
I then returned to my own flat to update this thing and then go to bed. I'm off tomorrow to Brighton one more time. Kemper and I are sick of the city. We need a breath of fresh air. I know you're thinking - well she's been there a million times - but I. Love. Brighton. It's absolutely amazing. So. We shall venture forth.
I did get a lovely piece of pumpkin pie. Claire made a home-made pumpkin pie from a pumpkin. I have no idea how she did it but it was amazing. It made me realize how much I'm going to miss Thanksgiving at home though. :( I know someone who can make the best pecan pie in the world (Jess) and the best mashed potatoes (Gramner...)
Miss you guys! (Wild Horses - The Rolling Stones)
Cheers.
<3
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Pumpkin Carving, Roasting, and Girl's Night In!!
Well hello there! Sorry about my lack of updating yesterday! I was in a bit of a pickle yesterday relating to my homework...(And due to some feedback I'll keep you updated on my music. Because - The Beatles.)
So let's go back to Wednesday - Yesterday. Let's see. I went to Hampstead Suburbs for Art and Architecture. We finally started looking at more modern houses and such. I think I'm a fan of gothic architecture, which makes me wonder about myself. Barnaby said something in class the other day about how gothic architecture focuses on ornamentation whilst modern architecture aims to be more practical. Ugh...I hope this doesn't mean I'm vain or anything...I just enjoy the way that buildings with gothic style architecture appear...usually staring at them for long periods of time reveals more subtleties that you missed in the first once-over.
Anywho. After that class we took the bus (Paper Walls - Yellowcard.) back to Russell Square and rushed to our flat for a quick bite of lunch before we headed off to Shakespeare. I know I have no room to complain (long weekend) but it's just intense to have two three hours classes back to back with little time for lunch in between. To be fair, the professors usually give us a break in there somewhere. We discussed the production of Hamlet we saw on Monday, and I enjoyed the class.
After that I had to go meet with Dr. King to discuss my first essay. All I will say on that note is - UGH. And continuing with that class - I had a major freak out session Wednesday night because I had a presentation on Thursday over a chapter in Riddley Walker...and...I just don't know how Riddley Walker is working for me right now. I literally had to read the passage that I was presenting at least four times. I don't even know how I'm going to struggle through the whole book - I'm sure I will persevere though. I'm sure...
I finally passed out around four am or something like that which brings me to Thursday...(Teenage Dream - Katy Perry - hey don't judge. Haha...it's catchy...)
Anywho today was much better than yesterday. I suffered through my presentation in class (it was much better than I thought, and I probably could have gone to bed way sooner than I thought.) Sheesh - but that's me, I suppose.
After class I went on a six mile run. I'm finally getting a nice pattern and rhythm when I go running...as in...I don't feel the need to stop in the middle of (London - Third Eye Blind) so that's a plus. After that I took a shower and popped over to Kemper's flat to eat some amazing pasta that she made. Hillary and I and Kemper tried to sort some annoying Hendrix details out and then we were off.
We went to soho to find the old sweet shop that I went to with my parents because I thought that they would have caramel. We are going to make caramel apples. :) (They probably won't be as good as the ones Mom and I get in Florida and Memphis - but we'll do our best!) Anywho after that we went to Waitrose to get a pumpkin.
Ok - and so the pumpkin story begins! I bought a huge pumpkin - a nice size one like I always have. They have to be big to carve the faces correctly, right? (Good Life - OneRepublic) Well, Kemper and Hillary got cute little pumpkins. Waitrose is about five or more blocks from our flat...
So. How does Becca get huge pumpkin from Waitrose to the flat? I have to carry it of course, which is not a problem...at first. But three lovely ladies waltzing down the street with two small pumpkins and one huge pumpkin are apparently a spectacle to Londoners. I was so annoyed with everyone by the time we got back to the flat. Even the man standing outside of the Russell Hotel fundraising for a charity looked at me and said, "What's wrong here? You've got a huge, round, orange thing..." I wanted to shout at him, "HAVEN'T YOU EVER SEEN A PUMPKIN BEFORE?!"
Everyone was staring at us like they didn't know what you do with pumpkins. Apart from lovely pies and bread, you get to carve them! I know they know what Halloween is, I mean, all the shops are decorated and such with stickers and ghoulies and witches! Another passerby literally pointed at me and said, "Pumpkin!" in a giddy voice. Unfortunately the passerby was not a child, in which case I might find it in my kind soul to let the incident slide. Sheesh.
I did carve a really cute pumpkin, though. I bet if I were carving with Jess and Johnny again this year though, both of their designs would make mine look below average haha. My pumpkin (Hamilton) is smiling and has lots of teeth. Hillary's pumpkin (Herbert) has one tooth and a full mouth shaped in the O of surprise. Kemper's pumpkin says "BOO!" and has a cute little pac man ghostie on the side. I think they're all adorable and it made me happy to do something that's so like home. When I think about it, I've been carving pumpkins all my life. I'll probably still be carving them twenty years from now. :P
We ate dinner at Benito's hat. I really love a good burrito the size of my face, it's good every time, even if they don't know what 'Mexican' food is over here.
After that we played some interesting card games and watched some movies. We were going to watch a Halloween scary movie - but Kemper and I both dislike scary movies. Poor Hillary. She was outnumbered this time.
I almost forgot to mention that we roasting our pumpkin seeds. We seasoned them and such and they are absolutely lovely. I didn't know how great they would be since I've never done that before. :)
Now I'm chilling in the living room all by myself. (Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles) And I can say - I'm really glad I'm here. I'm growing up in strange ways, ways that I both appreciate and yet...I can't wait to go home and be a kid for the couple of years I have left to hold onto that.
I miss my family like crazy! Sheesh. Hope you guys are well and you enjoy your Fayetteville game this weekend. (Don't worry Johnny Gately - I'm still NOT a Razorback fan. :P)
Until next time - Cheers!
<3
So let's go back to Wednesday - Yesterday. Let's see. I went to Hampstead Suburbs for Art and Architecture. We finally started looking at more modern houses and such. I think I'm a fan of gothic architecture, which makes me wonder about myself. Barnaby said something in class the other day about how gothic architecture focuses on ornamentation whilst modern architecture aims to be more practical. Ugh...I hope this doesn't mean I'm vain or anything...I just enjoy the way that buildings with gothic style architecture appear...usually staring at them for long periods of time reveals more subtleties that you missed in the first once-over.
Anywho. After that class we took the bus (Paper Walls - Yellowcard.) back to Russell Square and rushed to our flat for a quick bite of lunch before we headed off to Shakespeare. I know I have no room to complain (long weekend) but it's just intense to have two three hours classes back to back with little time for lunch in between. To be fair, the professors usually give us a break in there somewhere. We discussed the production of Hamlet we saw on Monday, and I enjoyed the class.
After that I had to go meet with Dr. King to discuss my first essay. All I will say on that note is - UGH. And continuing with that class - I had a major freak out session Wednesday night because I had a presentation on Thursday over a chapter in Riddley Walker...and...I just don't know how Riddley Walker is working for me right now. I literally had to read the passage that I was presenting at least four times. I don't even know how I'm going to struggle through the whole book - I'm sure I will persevere though. I'm sure...
I finally passed out around four am or something like that which brings me to Thursday...(Teenage Dream - Katy Perry - hey don't judge. Haha...it's catchy...)
Anywho today was much better than yesterday. I suffered through my presentation in class (it was much better than I thought, and I probably could have gone to bed way sooner than I thought.) Sheesh - but that's me, I suppose.
After class I went on a six mile run. I'm finally getting a nice pattern and rhythm when I go running...as in...I don't feel the need to stop in the middle of (London - Third Eye Blind) so that's a plus. After that I took a shower and popped over to Kemper's flat to eat some amazing pasta that she made. Hillary and I and Kemper tried to sort some annoying Hendrix details out and then we were off.
We went to soho to find the old sweet shop that I went to with my parents because I thought that they would have caramel. We are going to make caramel apples. :) (They probably won't be as good as the ones Mom and I get in Florida and Memphis - but we'll do our best!) Anywho after that we went to Waitrose to get a pumpkin.
Ok - and so the pumpkin story begins! I bought a huge pumpkin - a nice size one like I always have. They have to be big to carve the faces correctly, right? (Good Life - OneRepublic) Well, Kemper and Hillary got cute little pumpkins. Waitrose is about five or more blocks from our flat...
So. How does Becca get huge pumpkin from Waitrose to the flat? I have to carry it of course, which is not a problem...at first. But three lovely ladies waltzing down the street with two small pumpkins and one huge pumpkin are apparently a spectacle to Londoners. I was so annoyed with everyone by the time we got back to the flat. Even the man standing outside of the Russell Hotel fundraising for a charity looked at me and said, "What's wrong here? You've got a huge, round, orange thing..." I wanted to shout at him, "HAVEN'T YOU EVER SEEN A PUMPKIN BEFORE?!"
Everyone was staring at us like they didn't know what you do with pumpkins. Apart from lovely pies and bread, you get to carve them! I know they know what Halloween is, I mean, all the shops are decorated and such with stickers and ghoulies and witches! Another passerby literally pointed at me and said, "Pumpkin!" in a giddy voice. Unfortunately the passerby was not a child, in which case I might find it in my kind soul to let the incident slide. Sheesh.
I did carve a really cute pumpkin, though. I bet if I were carving with Jess and Johnny again this year though, both of their designs would make mine look below average haha. My pumpkin (Hamilton) is smiling and has lots of teeth. Hillary's pumpkin (Herbert) has one tooth and a full mouth shaped in the O of surprise. Kemper's pumpkin says "BOO!" and has a cute little pac man ghostie on the side. I think they're all adorable and it made me happy to do something that's so like home. When I think about it, I've been carving pumpkins all my life. I'll probably still be carving them twenty years from now. :P
We ate dinner at Benito's hat. I really love a good burrito the size of my face, it's good every time, even if they don't know what 'Mexican' food is over here.
After that we played some interesting card games and watched some movies. We were going to watch a Halloween scary movie - but Kemper and I both dislike scary movies. Poor Hillary. She was outnumbered this time.
I almost forgot to mention that we roasting our pumpkin seeds. We seasoned them and such and they are absolutely lovely. I didn't know how great they would be since I've never done that before. :)
Now I'm chilling in the living room all by myself. (Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles) And I can say - I'm really glad I'm here. I'm growing up in strange ways, ways that I both appreciate and yet...I can't wait to go home and be a kid for the couple of years I have left to hold onto that.
I miss my family like crazy! Sheesh. Hope you guys are well and you enjoy your Fayetteville game this weekend. (Don't worry Johnny Gately - I'm still NOT a Razorback fan. :P)
Until next time - Cheers!
<3
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
To update or not to update that is the question...;)
I'm going to try this new thing. I'm going to let you know what song I'm listening to as I update this blog. This should give some people a laugh, and hopefully make a couple smile. :P You know who you are. ;)
I'm starting this blog off with "Such Great Heights" by The Postal Service. So...yep. Let me take you back to Friday, the day we began our weekend long trek off into the beautiful West Country of England. (Oh so beautiful by the way!)
Friday - 10/22/10
I got up really early to go sit on a lovely coach bus for two hours. (As you'll see - I hate those things. Ugh) We made our way to Bath which is about two hours away from London. I went there with Mom and Dad, but it is such a gorgeous town. It is built in an Italian style of Architecture, and I enjoyed getting to spend some more time in the city. We went to see the actual Roman Baths again, which was alright since I didn't really enjoy it much the first time.
After that we went on a tour of the city and I loved getting to see everything. Our guide was pretty nice and she told us little facts and pointed out places where Jane Austen's characters where supposed to have walked. Yeah. No big deal, haha. Before all this, Kemper, Mandi, Hillary, and I went to this lovely little tea room for lunch. Kemper and I tried a new tea - Russian or something like that. We got a cute little tea pot and I spilled milk everywhere. Why can't they just make life simple and put honey in their tea? I suppose honey is sticky and milk is not. Oh well.
After that we found an old fashioned sweets shop and we all bought something. I got 'sweet tobacco' which was basically chocolate flavoured (I Miss You - Blink 182) coconut stuff. Kemper got a nice old fashioned rainbow swirled lollipop and Hillary got some jaw breakers. It was a neat shop After the tour I also got some post cards - so...yeah. :)
Then it was time for our whole group to find our bed and breakfast, which turned out to be a Holiday Inn Express. Haha. Funny. Kemper and I were roommates, but Hillary's room (which was a single) opened right into ours. SO the three of us were chilling when we decided that we needed dinner. I honestly think that's the worst part of traveling...the food part. We searched the city for at least thirty minutes before we could find anything open. What do English people do at night? No one goes out to eat, because nothing is ever open!
Sheesh. We finally ended up at "The Lettuce and Slug" and I got to try 'sausage and mash.' Luckily, Dad, they cooked the sausages all the way, thank goodness. The mashed potatoes were pretty delicious, but no where near as good as Gramner's or Jess's. Just saying. (Gotta keep you updated on the food, you know.) (Now it's She Came in Through the Bathroom Window - The Beatles)
After that we went back to the 'b &b' and we chilled with the door open and such. I was really tired though, so after a shower I passed out. And that brings us to:
Saturday - 10/23/10
On Saturday we got on the bus once again, after an interesting breakfast of powdered scrambled eggs. Ew. Anywho - we were on our way to Exeter for the day. We made a couple of stops along the way however.
After only being on the bus (Happy Together - The Turtles) for a little while, Dr. King gave us the option of walking a mile outside somewhere. I'm sorry, but I can't remember where we stopped exactly. We all stumbled out of the bus into the bipolar English weather. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Gramner and Mom for this wonderful rain coat that was left in my possession. If I had not worn this thing all weekend, I would have been soaked. The sun was out, but it would pour cats and dogs every other five minutes and I didn't bring my umbrella...
So. We walked. The trees were fall - as in they were gold, red, orange, and of course, green. Most of the trees were golden, but I have yet to see my favourite tree - the Gingko yet. :( Oh well. I bet the one in Conway, Little Rock, and Notre Dame have almost already shed all their leaves at once by now.
We saw the moor off in the distance and horses just roaming around and such. It was such a nature filled walk, and it was enjoyable - except for the sporadic rain. GAH! (Going Mobile - The Who).
After that we walked back and hopped back on the bus. It was at this point, I believe that I got really frustrated with the huge coach on the tiny, windy streets of Western England. The roundabouts were everywhere and I felt like most of the 'lanes' (not roads) were made for single file traffic. ALSO - the coach bus (which is huge) is a standard! So the driver, who wasn't all that bad, kept stopping rapidly and we would all fly forward. It probably didn't help that I was in the back of the bus...but at this point my sea-sickness began...
(The Only Exception - Paramore) Anywho - we got to stop in a little small town for lunch. I don't remember the town's name again, I just remember that I needed to use the restroom really badly. Kemper and Hillary and I and Mandi were rushing through the town trying to find somewhere where I could use the facilities. We, strangely enough, found an American Style diner where we alighted. We only had forty-five minutes for lunch and so we were incredibly rushed. This is the only place in England so far that I've gotten normal 'french-fries' that weren't all chunky like 'chips.'
I got a hazlenut milkshake to go, and we left. We were the last ones on the bus somehow. The server that we had at the diner ran after us because she thought we hadn't paid, even though we left the money on the table. Apparently, that's not exceptable some places? We were just in such a hurry.
After that we got back on the bus and headed to Dartmoor. The moor was absolutely gorgeous. We got there and I saw the brightest rainbow I think I've ever seen in my life. I took some pictures of it. There were sheep, horses, and cows everywhere. It was absolutely ridiculous (you could see their huge poos everywhere too!) Hillary and Kemper and I took some interesting 'jumping' photos. It was oh so windy - half the pictures I have from the moor have my hair eating my face in them.
(Caribbean Queen - Billy Ocean) A group of us climbed two huge boulders on the moor. It put Pinnacle to shame because we were all up their with the beautiful background of the moor behind us, like someone had just painted it. I can't even describe it in words it was so amazing.
When we finally alighted from boulder number 2 - the moon was out. I took a really neat picture of it. Then we hopped on the bus and drove to our B & B in Exeter called the "Great Western Railway." The Great Western Railway was a bit sketchy - as in there was probably rusty mold-ish stuff in our bathroom and we only had 1/16 of a roll of toilet paper left. Ew.
However, HIllary, Kemper, and I managed to all be roommates. After we all washed our faces and settled in and such we walked into the city centre (a good fifteen minute walk) and then we searched for a place to eat. We spent about thirty minutes walking around (You Can't Always Get What You Want - The Stones) we found this weird west meets east restaurant. They had noodles and stir fry on one side of the menu and american grilled stuff on the other - ribs? I ordered the fajitas, which turned out to be quite nice actually. I also had a foster's for dinner. :) Woot.
After dinner (which was kind of weird, because we didn't have a reservation they stuck us upstairs, literally all by ourselves and kind of forgot about us) we went back to the B & B. The rest of group was in the pub which was attached to the B & B (which I thought was weird that their was a pub attached.) Anywho we joined in the crowd and eventually even joined in on this game. You had to put a card up to your forehead and all the other people read of the name of a famous person and then you had to guess who you were by asking yes or no questions. I got Sean Connery. Woot. Haha.
After that it was bed time and I showered and managed to pass out quite nicely. I tried calling home that night and got to talk to Gramner and Jess - apparently there was a dinner party I missed out on. :(
Which brings us onwards to :
Sunday 10/24/10
We went to the COAST! (Disclaimer - I still think that the Irish Coast is way more gorgeous than the English Coast for some reason! :P) Anywho we stopped at this little English village called Padstow (I kept trying to call it pasta, haha.) We walked down on the sand (mind you, in our raincoats and warm woolen socks) for about two - three hours. It was so gorgeous. The sun was out and it was so clear. We had a fun photo shoot of sorts with the sail boats in the background.
(Pyscho Killer - Talking Heads) Kemper even got in the water. Kind of like Jess would do, haha. It was so cold I don't know how she did that. Hillary and I just watched open mouthed. After that though, we decided it was time for lunch so we wandered around the very small town. We finally ended up at this Victorian Tea Room and we all got a light lunch. I feel like our two great aunts served us lunch. You wouldn't believe this tea room - it was pretty legit. Kemper and I got two pots of tea, mostly because I think the great aunt who took our order didn't quite understand us. Or perhaps you naturally get one complementary pot of tea and then we just happened to order another one...who knows?
Anywho - we enjoyed looking at all the ceramics and all the plates (all that blue stuff that Gramner collects) and such. There were tiny little flags from all over the world lining the top of the room on this shelf - however - I didn't see a US flag...hmmm...
After that we went to this old fashioned sweet shop (do you see a pattern here, haha?) and I got some Cornish Fudge. (We were in Cornwall) and also some other strawberry stuff. I shared too, you would be so proud. Hillary also got some fudge and Kemper got these chocolate mice. They are flavoured strawberry and vanilla and I happen to think that they are amazing. But then again, you know how I feel about chocolate.
(Turn! Turn! Turn! - Bryds) Anywho after that we got on the bus and went to Tintagle castle which is also in Cornwall. It is supposed to be the ruins of this castle where King Arthur was thought to be born. We went out into this little tiny Island cliff thing and we climbed about. I loved it so much. Unfortunately my camera died here - BUT - Kemper let me take pictures with her camera. We found a spot to sit on the cliffs in the whispering grass and we just layed there and watched the sun go down. (Well sort of go down - we wanted enough light to be able to get back down all those uneven stone steps.)
I sat there and wrote a poem. I have almost never seen anything so beautiful (except for the Irish Coast) and I just loved it so much. After that we battled the heights and stairs and made our way back to the bus. We finally got back to our B & B kind of late that night (the coast was about two hours away from the great western railway) and then we ended up going to Subway for dinner.
However, I got a stomach problem that night. I didn't even get to enjoy my fosters that I bought, because I got really horrible cramps in my tummy coupled with a horrible burning sensation. I took a shower and layed down and went to sleep hoping that it would be better in the morning.
SO -
Monday 10/25/10
I got on the bus at seven am, only to discover that I was sea sick and nauseous on that thing. All the roundabouts and spindly roads were making me horribly uncomfortable. (Hey Soul Sister - Train) We stopped at Bradbury on Avon, a nice little town at around ten thirty. We found a nice little coffee place (that looked older than history itself) and I got a hot chocolate thinking that would hellp...uh...
I luckily also bought a water and some gum. We got back on the bus and I thought I was going to die. Kemper looked at me a couple of times and mentioned later that I was really pale with clenched white knuckles and such. So...it was not ok until we finally got on a legit highway without those stupid roundabout things. We got into London around two-forty five.
I didn't write last night because we then had to turn around and go see Hamlet a three and a half hour long play at the National Theatre. I will say, however, that I thought it was absolutely phenomenal. I loved it so much. (And we got to sit, no standing! Yes!)
After that I passed out - so tired from sitting on a bus all day long.
Tuesday 10/26/10
Ah, today. We had British Life and Culture this morning and we got to do a backstage of the National Theatre which is a huge building and houses three theatres in London. (The Lime Tree - Trevor Hall). I really, really wanted to write a play this morning. I don't know what overtook me, but I totally felt like I could just write something, you know? Maybe not. But I totally felt capable and able. Who knows. Maybe in my spare time I'll write something down...:)
After that we came back from class and I went on an epic 6 mile run without stopping - in the rain. Don't get excited the rain over here is ridiculous. It wasn't raining hard at all, and it falls really slowly, kind of like snow in Little Rock. So, I didn't get all that wet and it felt good when I started getting hot. The only thing that was upsetting was the wind. Why is Chicago the Windy City? London should be so named...
Anywho - after that I took a shower, ate lunch and then went and got some more postcards. You guys should be expecting some...just saying. :) Then Kemper and I went to Candid to do some Riddly Walker reading. I'll let you know what I think of that book, so far it's intense. I agree with Kemper, I don't know why you have to invent a whole language to write your book in. If you're talented enough, can't you just get your point across in plain English? Is that so difficult? Anywho - I'm struggling through that as we speak.
(Learning to Fly - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) Wow. I'm tired now. You can't believe how much it took out of me to put all that in a post. I hope you enjoy the trip through my eyes as I much as I enjoyed it. I would have appreciated a lot less Coach time, however. Oh well, beggars can't be chosers.
Miss you guys. (How's this Johnny Gately for an update?)
<3
Cheers!
I'm starting this blog off with "Such Great Heights" by The Postal Service. So...yep. Let me take you back to Friday, the day we began our weekend long trek off into the beautiful West Country of England. (Oh so beautiful by the way!)
Friday - 10/22/10
I got up really early to go sit on a lovely coach bus for two hours. (As you'll see - I hate those things. Ugh) We made our way to Bath which is about two hours away from London. I went there with Mom and Dad, but it is such a gorgeous town. It is built in an Italian style of Architecture, and I enjoyed getting to spend some more time in the city. We went to see the actual Roman Baths again, which was alright since I didn't really enjoy it much the first time.
After that we went on a tour of the city and I loved getting to see everything. Our guide was pretty nice and she told us little facts and pointed out places where Jane Austen's characters where supposed to have walked. Yeah. No big deal, haha. Before all this, Kemper, Mandi, Hillary, and I went to this lovely little tea room for lunch. Kemper and I tried a new tea - Russian or something like that. We got a cute little tea pot and I spilled milk everywhere. Why can't they just make life simple and put honey in their tea? I suppose honey is sticky and milk is not. Oh well.
After that we found an old fashioned sweets shop and we all bought something. I got 'sweet tobacco' which was basically chocolate flavoured (I Miss You - Blink 182) coconut stuff. Kemper got a nice old fashioned rainbow swirled lollipop and Hillary got some jaw breakers. It was a neat shop After the tour I also got some post cards - so...yeah. :)
Then it was time for our whole group to find our bed and breakfast, which turned out to be a Holiday Inn Express. Haha. Funny. Kemper and I were roommates, but Hillary's room (which was a single) opened right into ours. SO the three of us were chilling when we decided that we needed dinner. I honestly think that's the worst part of traveling...the food part. We searched the city for at least thirty minutes before we could find anything open. What do English people do at night? No one goes out to eat, because nothing is ever open!
Sheesh. We finally ended up at "The Lettuce and Slug" and I got to try 'sausage and mash.' Luckily, Dad, they cooked the sausages all the way, thank goodness. The mashed potatoes were pretty delicious, but no where near as good as Gramner's or Jess's. Just saying. (Gotta keep you updated on the food, you know.) (Now it's She Came in Through the Bathroom Window - The Beatles)
After that we went back to the 'b &b' and we chilled with the door open and such. I was really tired though, so after a shower I passed out. And that brings us to:
Saturday - 10/23/10
On Saturday we got on the bus once again, after an interesting breakfast of powdered scrambled eggs. Ew. Anywho - we were on our way to Exeter for the day. We made a couple of stops along the way however.
After only being on the bus (Happy Together - The Turtles) for a little while, Dr. King gave us the option of walking a mile outside somewhere. I'm sorry, but I can't remember where we stopped exactly. We all stumbled out of the bus into the bipolar English weather. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Gramner and Mom for this wonderful rain coat that was left in my possession. If I had not worn this thing all weekend, I would have been soaked. The sun was out, but it would pour cats and dogs every other five minutes and I didn't bring my umbrella...
So. We walked. The trees were fall - as in they were gold, red, orange, and of course, green. Most of the trees were golden, but I have yet to see my favourite tree - the Gingko yet. :( Oh well. I bet the one in Conway, Little Rock, and Notre Dame have almost already shed all their leaves at once by now.
We saw the moor off in the distance and horses just roaming around and such. It was such a nature filled walk, and it was enjoyable - except for the sporadic rain. GAH! (Going Mobile - The Who).
After that we walked back and hopped back on the bus. It was at this point, I believe that I got really frustrated with the huge coach on the tiny, windy streets of Western England. The roundabouts were everywhere and I felt like most of the 'lanes' (not roads) were made for single file traffic. ALSO - the coach bus (which is huge) is a standard! So the driver, who wasn't all that bad, kept stopping rapidly and we would all fly forward. It probably didn't help that I was in the back of the bus...but at this point my sea-sickness began...
(The Only Exception - Paramore) Anywho - we got to stop in a little small town for lunch. I don't remember the town's name again, I just remember that I needed to use the restroom really badly. Kemper and Hillary and I and Mandi were rushing through the town trying to find somewhere where I could use the facilities. We, strangely enough, found an American Style diner where we alighted. We only had forty-five minutes for lunch and so we were incredibly rushed. This is the only place in England so far that I've gotten normal 'french-fries' that weren't all chunky like 'chips.'
I got a hazlenut milkshake to go, and we left. We were the last ones on the bus somehow. The server that we had at the diner ran after us because she thought we hadn't paid, even though we left the money on the table. Apparently, that's not exceptable some places? We were just in such a hurry.
After that we got back on the bus and headed to Dartmoor. The moor was absolutely gorgeous. We got there and I saw the brightest rainbow I think I've ever seen in my life. I took some pictures of it. There were sheep, horses, and cows everywhere. It was absolutely ridiculous (you could see their huge poos everywhere too!) Hillary and Kemper and I took some interesting 'jumping' photos. It was oh so windy - half the pictures I have from the moor have my hair eating my face in them.
(Caribbean Queen - Billy Ocean) A group of us climbed two huge boulders on the moor. It put Pinnacle to shame because we were all up their with the beautiful background of the moor behind us, like someone had just painted it. I can't even describe it in words it was so amazing.
When we finally alighted from boulder number 2 - the moon was out. I took a really neat picture of it. Then we hopped on the bus and drove to our B & B in Exeter called the "Great Western Railway." The Great Western Railway was a bit sketchy - as in there was probably rusty mold-ish stuff in our bathroom and we only had 1/16 of a roll of toilet paper left. Ew.
However, HIllary, Kemper, and I managed to all be roommates. After we all washed our faces and settled in and such we walked into the city centre (a good fifteen minute walk) and then we searched for a place to eat. We spent about thirty minutes walking around (You Can't Always Get What You Want - The Stones) we found this weird west meets east restaurant. They had noodles and stir fry on one side of the menu and american grilled stuff on the other - ribs? I ordered the fajitas, which turned out to be quite nice actually. I also had a foster's for dinner. :) Woot.
After dinner (which was kind of weird, because we didn't have a reservation they stuck us upstairs, literally all by ourselves and kind of forgot about us) we went back to the B & B. The rest of group was in the pub which was attached to the B & B (which I thought was weird that their was a pub attached.) Anywho we joined in the crowd and eventually even joined in on this game. You had to put a card up to your forehead and all the other people read of the name of a famous person and then you had to guess who you were by asking yes or no questions. I got Sean Connery. Woot. Haha.
After that it was bed time and I showered and managed to pass out quite nicely. I tried calling home that night and got to talk to Gramner and Jess - apparently there was a dinner party I missed out on. :(
Which brings us onwards to :
Sunday 10/24/10
We went to the COAST! (Disclaimer - I still think that the Irish Coast is way more gorgeous than the English Coast for some reason! :P) Anywho we stopped at this little English village called Padstow (I kept trying to call it pasta, haha.) We walked down on the sand (mind you, in our raincoats and warm woolen socks) for about two - three hours. It was so gorgeous. The sun was out and it was so clear. We had a fun photo shoot of sorts with the sail boats in the background.
(Pyscho Killer - Talking Heads) Kemper even got in the water. Kind of like Jess would do, haha. It was so cold I don't know how she did that. Hillary and I just watched open mouthed. After that though, we decided it was time for lunch so we wandered around the very small town. We finally ended up at this Victorian Tea Room and we all got a light lunch. I feel like our two great aunts served us lunch. You wouldn't believe this tea room - it was pretty legit. Kemper and I got two pots of tea, mostly because I think the great aunt who took our order didn't quite understand us. Or perhaps you naturally get one complementary pot of tea and then we just happened to order another one...who knows?
Anywho - we enjoyed looking at all the ceramics and all the plates (all that blue stuff that Gramner collects) and such. There were tiny little flags from all over the world lining the top of the room on this shelf - however - I didn't see a US flag...hmmm...
After that we went to this old fashioned sweet shop (do you see a pattern here, haha?) and I got some Cornish Fudge. (We were in Cornwall) and also some other strawberry stuff. I shared too, you would be so proud. Hillary also got some fudge and Kemper got these chocolate mice. They are flavoured strawberry and vanilla and I happen to think that they are amazing. But then again, you know how I feel about chocolate.
(Turn! Turn! Turn! - Bryds) Anywho after that we got on the bus and went to Tintagle castle which is also in Cornwall. It is supposed to be the ruins of this castle where King Arthur was thought to be born. We went out into this little tiny Island cliff thing and we climbed about. I loved it so much. Unfortunately my camera died here - BUT - Kemper let me take pictures with her camera. We found a spot to sit on the cliffs in the whispering grass and we just layed there and watched the sun go down. (Well sort of go down - we wanted enough light to be able to get back down all those uneven stone steps.)
I sat there and wrote a poem. I have almost never seen anything so beautiful (except for the Irish Coast) and I just loved it so much. After that we battled the heights and stairs and made our way back to the bus. We finally got back to our B & B kind of late that night (the coast was about two hours away from the great western railway) and then we ended up going to Subway for dinner.
However, I got a stomach problem that night. I didn't even get to enjoy my fosters that I bought, because I got really horrible cramps in my tummy coupled with a horrible burning sensation. I took a shower and layed down and went to sleep hoping that it would be better in the morning.
SO -
Monday 10/25/10
I got on the bus at seven am, only to discover that I was sea sick and nauseous on that thing. All the roundabouts and spindly roads were making me horribly uncomfortable. (Hey Soul Sister - Train) We stopped at Bradbury on Avon, a nice little town at around ten thirty. We found a nice little coffee place (that looked older than history itself) and I got a hot chocolate thinking that would hellp...uh...
I luckily also bought a water and some gum. We got back on the bus and I thought I was going to die. Kemper looked at me a couple of times and mentioned later that I was really pale with clenched white knuckles and such. So...it was not ok until we finally got on a legit highway without those stupid roundabout things. We got into London around two-forty five.
I didn't write last night because we then had to turn around and go see Hamlet a three and a half hour long play at the National Theatre. I will say, however, that I thought it was absolutely phenomenal. I loved it so much. (And we got to sit, no standing! Yes!)
After that I passed out - so tired from sitting on a bus all day long.
Tuesday 10/26/10
Ah, today. We had British Life and Culture this morning and we got to do a backstage of the National Theatre which is a huge building and houses three theatres in London. (The Lime Tree - Trevor Hall). I really, really wanted to write a play this morning. I don't know what overtook me, but I totally felt like I could just write something, you know? Maybe not. But I totally felt capable and able. Who knows. Maybe in my spare time I'll write something down...:)
After that we came back from class and I went on an epic 6 mile run without stopping - in the rain. Don't get excited the rain over here is ridiculous. It wasn't raining hard at all, and it falls really slowly, kind of like snow in Little Rock. So, I didn't get all that wet and it felt good when I started getting hot. The only thing that was upsetting was the wind. Why is Chicago the Windy City? London should be so named...
Anywho - after that I took a shower, ate lunch and then went and got some more postcards. You guys should be expecting some...just saying. :) Then Kemper and I went to Candid to do some Riddly Walker reading. I'll let you know what I think of that book, so far it's intense. I agree with Kemper, I don't know why you have to invent a whole language to write your book in. If you're talented enough, can't you just get your point across in plain English? Is that so difficult? Anywho - I'm struggling through that as we speak.
(Learning to Fly - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) Wow. I'm tired now. You can't believe how much it took out of me to put all that in a post. I hope you enjoy the trip through my eyes as I much as I enjoyed it. I would have appreciated a lot less Coach time, however. Oh well, beggars can't be chosers.
Miss you guys. (How's this Johnny Gately for an update?)
<3
Cheers!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
I'm in the background...
Well hello there! Sorry for no posting last night - by the time I got around to bed I didn't feel like writing a post - so I didn't. WOA. I'm living on the wild side - skipping a post and all.
Well I have one thing to say for today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESS!!! You're 18!!! (Seems like just yesterday you were six and sitting on my pillow refusing to give up your space on my bed! Crazy little sister of mine! I miss you!) Sorry I can't be there for your birthday but I've been thinking about you all day. I love you.
Ok. Now that that important message is out of the way - I shall take you back to yesterday.
Wednesday was nice because I got to sleep in till about eleven thirty. I was up until four the night before - one of my aimless, sleepless nights. After I woke up Kemper and I went to the little cafe in Russell Square. I got a pistachio ice cream/gelato thing in a cone. It was quite delicious actually. We decided that we needed to come back sometime because they had good looking food for cheap! That's a nice change of pace for London. haha.
After that we went to Shakespeare and muddled through some of Hamlet. I don't know if I mentioned this, but we had a 'midterm/test/quiz' thing yesterday. I think it went pretty well we shall see.
After class I went running and got caught in a protesting parade. What is it with me getting caught in places? I mean there was that one time when I ran into the Papal procession and the Pope himself, and yesterday I went and ran into a parade! They were protesting the budget cuts - and personally - I don't blame them. BUT they were blocking my path to the river - so I cut my run short.
After running I took a shower and made a quick dinner before I popped over to Kemper's flat. Hillary had decided that we were all going to go to the College Arms for the pub quiz trivia night. It was so much fun! The whole group pretty much went. Me, Kemper, Hillary, Mandi, and Erin were on a team. We were called team "Turtles!" and we failed miserably. Haha. I did contribute though, I knew that the Volkswagen is the people's car...mostly because I would give anything in the world to own a little green bug...well not ANYTHING, but still.
After that we came back and I did some laundry. You see - tomorrow - which is Friday - we are going on a trip all weekend to Bath and then Exeter in the West Country. Apparently we're going to Dartmoor and a coastal town. I'm really excited. We get to stay in B & Bs and such, and well, hopefully the breakfast is good. So - I did laundry to get ready for that. You guys be ready - I won't have my computer with me so I probably won't update until Monday or Tuesday night. When we get back on Monday night we then have to go see a production of Hamlet - so I don't know how ambitious I'll be feeling after one of Shakespeare's longest plays! Sheesh!
NOW - onwards to today. Today I woke up and went to Politics. We got to watch V for Vendetta in class - which I've seen before. I liked it the first time and I liked it this time as well. I think it's a good, entertaining movie, but I don't think it's a great one to have political discussions about. It was weird to see London in the background and think, "I've been there!" So that was kind of neat - but I wasn't really into the discussion all that much.
After that I went for a nice long intense run. You may think I'm getting obsessive with the running but - two things. 1 - it's getting cold and I don't know if I'll be able to handle running outside in November. 2 - I'm about to be traveling all weekend and on a bus - so I'll feel like a caged animal at times (even if that is a dramatic simile to throw out there.) It was a nice run - the sun was out even though it was freezing and I completely enjoyed running along the river path. My reward is getting to see Big Ben for my halfway mark. :)
After that I showered, cleaned up, and made lunch. Then, Kemper and I went off to H & M to buy some gloves for our trip this weekend. Dr. King said it may rain on saturday - AND I'm tired of having cold hands so we took care of that. I also bought a skirt - you'll see when I get home. Jess will probably think it's too short. H & M is a neat store - it's cheaper and you have to be careful that you don't completely cheap out - but some of their stuff is really cute! I wish we had these things.
Anywho - (my gloves are dark purple :P) after that Kemper and I walked back and then we frequented our little cafe again tonight. I knitted and am finally finished with scarf number one. I got some nice peppermint tea and Kemper got some divine cherry cheesecake! I can't believe how good it was - next time I'll get some - but at the time I was still pretty full from lunch.
We stayed there for a long time just being silly and chatting and people watching the other cafe goers...then we wealked back and I made dinner and packed for the trip this weekend. I'm pretty much waiting for my little familial unit to get on skype - so I thought I'd write a quick little update. I don't know what to do about posting pictures anymore - my blog is full of memory because apparently I take too many. I don't know we'll see. I miss you all - wish Jess a very happy birthday for me. :)
Love you guys.
Cheers!
Well I have one thing to say for today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESS!!! You're 18!!! (Seems like just yesterday you were six and sitting on my pillow refusing to give up your space on my bed! Crazy little sister of mine! I miss you!) Sorry I can't be there for your birthday but I've been thinking about you all day. I love you.
Ok. Now that that important message is out of the way - I shall take you back to yesterday.
Wednesday was nice because I got to sleep in till about eleven thirty. I was up until four the night before - one of my aimless, sleepless nights. After I woke up Kemper and I went to the little cafe in Russell Square. I got a pistachio ice cream/gelato thing in a cone. It was quite delicious actually. We decided that we needed to come back sometime because they had good looking food for cheap! That's a nice change of pace for London. haha.
After that we went to Shakespeare and muddled through some of Hamlet. I don't know if I mentioned this, but we had a 'midterm/test/quiz' thing yesterday. I think it went pretty well we shall see.
After class I went running and got caught in a protesting parade. What is it with me getting caught in places? I mean there was that one time when I ran into the Papal procession and the Pope himself, and yesterday I went and ran into a parade! They were protesting the budget cuts - and personally - I don't blame them. BUT they were blocking my path to the river - so I cut my run short.
After running I took a shower and made a quick dinner before I popped over to Kemper's flat. Hillary had decided that we were all going to go to the College Arms for the pub quiz trivia night. It was so much fun! The whole group pretty much went. Me, Kemper, Hillary, Mandi, and Erin were on a team. We were called team "Turtles!" and we failed miserably. Haha. I did contribute though, I knew that the Volkswagen is the people's car...mostly because I would give anything in the world to own a little green bug...well not ANYTHING, but still.
After that we came back and I did some laundry. You see - tomorrow - which is Friday - we are going on a trip all weekend to Bath and then Exeter in the West Country. Apparently we're going to Dartmoor and a coastal town. I'm really excited. We get to stay in B & Bs and such, and well, hopefully the breakfast is good. So - I did laundry to get ready for that. You guys be ready - I won't have my computer with me so I probably won't update until Monday or Tuesday night. When we get back on Monday night we then have to go see a production of Hamlet - so I don't know how ambitious I'll be feeling after one of Shakespeare's longest plays! Sheesh!
NOW - onwards to today. Today I woke up and went to Politics. We got to watch V for Vendetta in class - which I've seen before. I liked it the first time and I liked it this time as well. I think it's a good, entertaining movie, but I don't think it's a great one to have political discussions about. It was weird to see London in the background and think, "I've been there!" So that was kind of neat - but I wasn't really into the discussion all that much.
After that I went for a nice long intense run. You may think I'm getting obsessive with the running but - two things. 1 - it's getting cold and I don't know if I'll be able to handle running outside in November. 2 - I'm about to be traveling all weekend and on a bus - so I'll feel like a caged animal at times (even if that is a dramatic simile to throw out there.) It was a nice run - the sun was out even though it was freezing and I completely enjoyed running along the river path. My reward is getting to see Big Ben for my halfway mark. :)
After that I showered, cleaned up, and made lunch. Then, Kemper and I went off to H & M to buy some gloves for our trip this weekend. Dr. King said it may rain on saturday - AND I'm tired of having cold hands so we took care of that. I also bought a skirt - you'll see when I get home. Jess will probably think it's too short. H & M is a neat store - it's cheaper and you have to be careful that you don't completely cheap out - but some of their stuff is really cute! I wish we had these things.
Anywho - (my gloves are dark purple :P) after that Kemper and I walked back and then we frequented our little cafe again tonight. I knitted and am finally finished with scarf number one. I got some nice peppermint tea and Kemper got some divine cherry cheesecake! I can't believe how good it was - next time I'll get some - but at the time I was still pretty full from lunch.
We stayed there for a long time just being silly and chatting and people watching the other cafe goers...then we wealked back and I made dinner and packed for the trip this weekend. I'm pretty much waiting for my little familial unit to get on skype - so I thought I'd write a quick little update. I don't know what to do about posting pictures anymore - my blog is full of memory because apparently I take too many. I don't know we'll see. I miss you all - wish Jess a very happy birthday for me. :)
Love you guys.
Cheers!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Running in the Rain is not quite the same thing as singing in the rain...
Alright. So apparently I'm back onto the habit of updating this thing quite often.
Today was a nice day. I woke up a bit earlier than normal for some reason. It was quite nice. I don't have Art and Architecture tomorrow because that class was combined with my British Life and Culture class today - so...I'm up late tonight in hopes of talking to that elusive boyfriend of mine. It's worse when he's in Arkansas - six hours really makes a difference.
I started out the morning battling the tube for the stop labeled "Aldgate East." This was complicated to get to, and it was a good thing that Kemper and I gave ourselves plenty of time this morning. There were tube delays due to a malfunctioned train at High Kensington street - sooooo - we were prepared for such things. We managed to find WhiteChapel Art Gallery - which is where we had our second half of class.
First we spent the first half waiting on the rest of the class! Kidding, kidding. BUT - Kemper, Mandi, and I were on time and everyone else was a little late. Ugh. If I can get up early (me! Becca Bona! I HATE mornings!) then they can too.
Anywho - excuse my rant. Back on with the story. We explored the area around WhiteChapel - Brick Lane and Spittalfields market - two places to which Kemper and I have already frequented. It was interesting to learn that this used to be a huge area of immigrants starting with the French, moving on to Jewish communities, and finally today it has become a new district altogether. Sadly, high-end bankers now think it's the edgy thing to move out to Brick Lane - sooooo....
Although it still has it's original markets - it's totally changing. It's being renovated, which is good on the one hand, but on the other it's loosing a bit of it's originality and personality. SO. Susie says if we come back in twenty years it will be filled with Wagamama's (nice restaurant family friendly) and nice coffee shops. That makes me sad...:'( I like the historical immigrant part of it.
We walked by this one building that used to be a school for Jewish children and you could still see the one remnant of it's Jewish past - a small star of David near the top of one of the storm drains. Kemper was the one to quickly spot it - I don't know how - it was incredibly tiny. 'Incredibly tiny' - I feel that's how the history will become relating to this place.
Anywho - we walked by our favourite beigel place. Kemper and I each got a half dozen. :) (That may have been silly because we're going on a trip to Bath this weekend - but maybe we can just take the extra ones with us. Haha - Brick Lane is kind of far away and the biegels are so cheap and so good!)
Alright - right - so the gallery. I don't really know how I felt about it. I'm not sure I got the point of the first exhibit we saw entitled "this is tomorrow" which was basically a cynical look at the fifties consumerism, especially in America. It was mostly exhibited through pop art and such - which is all fine - but I couldn't find a way to be like, "AH! This is art!" I didn't really feel like I was staring at Guernica or anything. Perhaps it just wasn't my thing?
Anywho - after that we went and looked at this exhibit that was all about the Lebanese wars and such dating from 1986 to 2004. There were videos and a lot of photos. Again - this one had me troubled. I didn't feel like the videos were really art so much as it was just information about what happened during the conflict. Maybe I'm just not getting it?
I did really enjoy this one exhibit - there were six huge framed poster size items on the wall that were various shades of blue. Apparently people found them in the rubble and they sent them to a lab for testing...and they extracted original photos of people in black and white. These people were later all accounted for either as drowning victims or other victims of death from the conflicts. How is it, that every single person in every single one of those photos was accounted for - as dead? Maybe that's not a big deal - but I don't think it's just a coincidence and it really had my mind boggled.
I went up and down the hallway thing that that particular exhibit was in and tried to see if the people in the photo were smiling or not. I couldn't help feeling like maybe they were executed or something. How else do you get photos like that - in rubble? In ruins from a conflict?
Is that what art is? Something that makes you think like that or something that's aesthetically pleasing? Why do I have to be so philosophical about it. Why can't it just be pleasant. I guess I'm inclined to think there's more to it than that.
Right. So after that we left and returned to Russell Square to pop into the Post Office. Kemper needed some post card stamps. After that she suggested that I go running. Which actually - is a brilliant idea for around noon time. I went around by Big Ben like I always do - because it's actually become familiar to me. If things over here are familiar does that mean it's a home of sorts? I'm under the impression that people you love make your home your home. Yes - I've heard that your home is your castle - but I think I'm also a firm believer that it's never quite right unless you have those people you love in that castle with you.
What is up with me all philosophical and such this evening/morning/whatever time it is. Ha. Guess it's a good thing I'm a philosophy minor - someone's got to do it.
So I went running and I right before I got back to the flat it happened. I got caught in my first London deluge without an umbrella. Isn't if funny how that goes? I've made it a good almost two months without getting completely soaked in the rain without some kind of diving equipment - but what can you do when you're a lone runner? Ha. Get wet. Luckily I was a stone's throw from the flat. Needless to say that I sprinted the last leg of my run and didn't get to sit and cool down on my little stoop. Oh well - there's always tomorrow.
After my run time, I showered and then I went over to Kemper's flat for a trek to our favourite cafe. We invited Hillary but she was busy Shakespearing it up. She said she couldn't do that without a computer -so we were off! Of course - at the last little leg of that nice two and a half mile walk - we ran into some heavy, heavy rain. THIS time I had my little umbrella (Thanks Mom and Dad for leaving me those things!) so I was prepared. However, I did not dress warmly enough today. It got cold really fast. The wind and rain make it colder than you think it is!
But, we made it to our cafe. I ordered a large mocha and was off to our little spot in the corner. (Well, one of our spots.) I wrote some poems and some postcards. Then, in true Becca fashion, I whipped out my knitting and worked on my scarf. It's almost done! Yay. Then I can move onto the next one since Gramner sent me some more yarn.
We stayed and chatted for a looooonog time. That place is happening, however, and we began to get overwhelmed and I was getting hungry as well...so. We came back (no rain thank goodness!) and I made dinner and such. I watched That Mitchell and Webb look whilst I ate, which is funny. I love those British comedians - thank you Johnny Gately.
Let's see - after that Kemper and Hillary and I had a girls night in with a...GASP...'scary' movie. Haha. It wasn't really scary it was an eighty's bad acting film. We mostly talked and laughed through it. I will admit the end was a little freaky and now I have this weird image in my head...but it'll be ok. I mean, I live with five other people. Hopefully they won't murder me in my sleep and we'll be good. Ha. No worries.
Anyway - I shared some of my goodies and we all had a little juicebox. I felt little again or something. Except that I had the pineapple juice box. It was good - but strange. I mean, do we have pine apple juice boxes in the states? I don't know...
So after that I came back over here and have been here ever since. Writing this thing. I think that's pretty much all. I was going to try and go a Beatles tour tomorrow morning - but seeing as the tour doesn't start until two (and that's when my class starts) I can't go. :(
SO.
I guess I"ll pop over to bed soon? I don't know. Maybe I'll read a book. I'm awake right now - so I'll do awake things. Haha. I miss you guys so much. Hope everything is going well at the homestead.
No worries. (my new thing for cheers for the moment.)
<3
Today was a nice day. I woke up a bit earlier than normal for some reason. It was quite nice. I don't have Art and Architecture tomorrow because that class was combined with my British Life and Culture class today - so...I'm up late tonight in hopes of talking to that elusive boyfriend of mine. It's worse when he's in Arkansas - six hours really makes a difference.
I started out the morning battling the tube for the stop labeled "Aldgate East." This was complicated to get to, and it was a good thing that Kemper and I gave ourselves plenty of time this morning. There were tube delays due to a malfunctioned train at High Kensington street - sooooo - we were prepared for such things. We managed to find WhiteChapel Art Gallery - which is where we had our second half of class.
First we spent the first half waiting on the rest of the class! Kidding, kidding. BUT - Kemper, Mandi, and I were on time and everyone else was a little late. Ugh. If I can get up early (me! Becca Bona! I HATE mornings!) then they can too.
Anywho - excuse my rant. Back on with the story. We explored the area around WhiteChapel - Brick Lane and Spittalfields market - two places to which Kemper and I have already frequented. It was interesting to learn that this used to be a huge area of immigrants starting with the French, moving on to Jewish communities, and finally today it has become a new district altogether. Sadly, high-end bankers now think it's the edgy thing to move out to Brick Lane - sooooo....
Although it still has it's original markets - it's totally changing. It's being renovated, which is good on the one hand, but on the other it's loosing a bit of it's originality and personality. SO. Susie says if we come back in twenty years it will be filled with Wagamama's (nice restaurant family friendly) and nice coffee shops. That makes me sad...:'( I like the historical immigrant part of it.
We walked by this one building that used to be a school for Jewish children and you could still see the one remnant of it's Jewish past - a small star of David near the top of one of the storm drains. Kemper was the one to quickly spot it - I don't know how - it was incredibly tiny. 'Incredibly tiny' - I feel that's how the history will become relating to this place.
Anywho - we walked by our favourite beigel place. Kemper and I each got a half dozen. :) (That may have been silly because we're going on a trip to Bath this weekend - but maybe we can just take the extra ones with us. Haha - Brick Lane is kind of far away and the biegels are so cheap and so good!)
Alright - right - so the gallery. I don't really know how I felt about it. I'm not sure I got the point of the first exhibit we saw entitled "this is tomorrow" which was basically a cynical look at the fifties consumerism, especially in America. It was mostly exhibited through pop art and such - which is all fine - but I couldn't find a way to be like, "AH! This is art!" I didn't really feel like I was staring at Guernica or anything. Perhaps it just wasn't my thing?
Anywho - after that we went and looked at this exhibit that was all about the Lebanese wars and such dating from 1986 to 2004. There were videos and a lot of photos. Again - this one had me troubled. I didn't feel like the videos were really art so much as it was just information about what happened during the conflict. Maybe I'm just not getting it?
I did really enjoy this one exhibit - there were six huge framed poster size items on the wall that were various shades of blue. Apparently people found them in the rubble and they sent them to a lab for testing...and they extracted original photos of people in black and white. These people were later all accounted for either as drowning victims or other victims of death from the conflicts. How is it, that every single person in every single one of those photos was accounted for - as dead? Maybe that's not a big deal - but I don't think it's just a coincidence and it really had my mind boggled.
I went up and down the hallway thing that that particular exhibit was in and tried to see if the people in the photo were smiling or not. I couldn't help feeling like maybe they were executed or something. How else do you get photos like that - in rubble? In ruins from a conflict?
Is that what art is? Something that makes you think like that or something that's aesthetically pleasing? Why do I have to be so philosophical about it. Why can't it just be pleasant. I guess I'm inclined to think there's more to it than that.
Right. So after that we left and returned to Russell Square to pop into the Post Office. Kemper needed some post card stamps. After that she suggested that I go running. Which actually - is a brilliant idea for around noon time. I went around by Big Ben like I always do - because it's actually become familiar to me. If things over here are familiar does that mean it's a home of sorts? I'm under the impression that people you love make your home your home. Yes - I've heard that your home is your castle - but I think I'm also a firm believer that it's never quite right unless you have those people you love in that castle with you.
What is up with me all philosophical and such this evening/morning/whatever time it is. Ha. Guess it's a good thing I'm a philosophy minor - someone's got to do it.
So I went running and I right before I got back to the flat it happened. I got caught in my first London deluge without an umbrella. Isn't if funny how that goes? I've made it a good almost two months without getting completely soaked in the rain without some kind of diving equipment - but what can you do when you're a lone runner? Ha. Get wet. Luckily I was a stone's throw from the flat. Needless to say that I sprinted the last leg of my run and didn't get to sit and cool down on my little stoop. Oh well - there's always tomorrow.
After my run time, I showered and then I went over to Kemper's flat for a trek to our favourite cafe. We invited Hillary but she was busy Shakespearing it up. She said she couldn't do that without a computer -so we were off! Of course - at the last little leg of that nice two and a half mile walk - we ran into some heavy, heavy rain. THIS time I had my little umbrella (Thanks Mom and Dad for leaving me those things!) so I was prepared. However, I did not dress warmly enough today. It got cold really fast. The wind and rain make it colder than you think it is!
But, we made it to our cafe. I ordered a large mocha and was off to our little spot in the corner. (Well, one of our spots.) I wrote some poems and some postcards. Then, in true Becca fashion, I whipped out my knitting and worked on my scarf. It's almost done! Yay. Then I can move onto the next one since Gramner sent me some more yarn.
We stayed and chatted for a looooonog time. That place is happening, however, and we began to get overwhelmed and I was getting hungry as well...so. We came back (no rain thank goodness!) and I made dinner and such. I watched That Mitchell and Webb look whilst I ate, which is funny. I love those British comedians - thank you Johnny Gately.
Let's see - after that Kemper and Hillary and I had a girls night in with a...GASP...'scary' movie. Haha. It wasn't really scary it was an eighty's bad acting film. We mostly talked and laughed through it. I will admit the end was a little freaky and now I have this weird image in my head...but it'll be ok. I mean, I live with five other people. Hopefully they won't murder me in my sleep and we'll be good. Ha. No worries.
Anyway - I shared some of my goodies and we all had a little juicebox. I felt little again or something. Except that I had the pineapple juice box. It was good - but strange. I mean, do we have pine apple juice boxes in the states? I don't know...
So after that I came back over here and have been here ever since. Writing this thing. I think that's pretty much all. I was going to try and go a Beatles tour tomorrow morning - but seeing as the tour doesn't start until two (and that's when my class starts) I can't go. :(
SO.
I guess I"ll pop over to bed soon? I don't know. Maybe I'll read a book. I'm awake right now - so I'll do awake things. Haha. I miss you guys so much. Hope everything is going well at the homestead.
No worries. (my new thing for cheers for the moment.)
<3
Monday, October 18, 2010
The first time I've ever been in a Rock Gospel Choir...
Well hello there.
What happened to all my comments? Is it because I got them all bunched up at once so now I don't get any anymore? Awwww...I miss you guys! Now I will quit complaining and delve into today's events.
I woke up around ten-thirty this morning and I decided to mail some things. ;) I had a bunch of things to send round to people and well, I battled the post office (where they just aren't very nice at all) and I managed to get all seven items sent. I'd be more specific, but then you'd know what I sent..Hm. No fun if there isn't a little element of surprise now is there?
Alrighty, so - after that I went and attacked Kemper. She and I decided to spend the day looking at what we had to do for the rest of the semester. We tried to plan our Scotland trip along with Liverpool and Oxford. I'll keep you updated on when those things are happening. :) This coming weekend is the group trip to Bath (Haha - Bath Round Two) and Exeter - the West Country. I have no idea what we're going to do in Exeter, but I'm excited. We'll be in B&B's and such, so that should be nice.
Kemper and I walked around for a long time this morning/lunchtime/early afternoon trying to find a comfortable coffee shop with free wifi. We ended up in soho and I bought another chocolate peanut butter milkshake. I just don't know how that keeps happening. :P
We failed and ended up back at my flat, because I have the better internet connection. We managed to be pretty successful, and have thus far contacted some B&B's in Edinburgh. I'm excited!! I will definitely be utilizing Gramner's birthday gift for when we venture up north - I think it'll have to be in November!! SHEESH - it's going to be cold.
After that - it was around three thirty - I went for a nice run. I have a nice little route that takes me by Big Ben figured out and it's about four and half miles round trip. Maybe a little more. However, I think it may be time to change my scenery. I might have to get a route that makes me able to run through Green Park (my favourite one that reminds me of Notre Dame.)
Anyway, after that I took a shower and made dinner. I had a nice sandwich with Cheez-its and some grapes. Got to get my fruit in there - no worries Mumsy! :P
After that I worked on some Hamlet-type things because we have a test on Wednesday...THEN I um...I well...
Well - I put myself outside of and inside of my own box at the exact same time. What did I do -you may ask? Well I went to the London Revelation Rock Gospel Choir's rehearsal. SOOOOOOOOOO I got to SING!!! YES! IT was absolutely BEAUTiful!!!
But, I've never been in a gospel choir before. They really do sway and dance and such when they sing. I just sort of faked it. Yes, we did sing Kum-by-yah (or however you spell it) but the harmonies on it were gorgeous. I want to go back as many times as I can just simply for the singing. The people in the group were mostly nice as well.
I met this one girl who is in her third year of University here in London and she and I seemed to get on really nicely. She wants to get a cup of coffee sometime or maybe do something really touristy in London, simply because she's never done it and this would be her last chance (she's almost ready to graduate!) She had beautiful curly hair like Marie Britt has. It was also her first rehearsal and so we just sort of talked and laughed (at some of the not so great singing) together.
Now. I must backtrack. If it hadn't been for Kemper I probably wouldn't have gone. I hope one day I overcome my stupid self-consciousness...but I'll probably live with it longer than I should. I got all nervous, because I wasn't going to know anyone and all that. You know, the same old 'shy' story.
But Kemper helped me put together a very London-ish outfit and essentially gave me a pep-talk haha! I mean, when I found the right room in the Union I stood there for five minutes leaning up against the wall trying to be suave and cool. SHEESH. I was so nervous - luckily this strange older lady (who was one of the conductors) managed to talk me into the room for choir. I have no idea what she was wearing, but I remember being shocked by her weird, huge purply outfit. BUT - she was so nice. And if it wasn't for her - I probably would have just sat outside the room and listened to the choir. Haha.
Also - as I was walking up I could hear the London Union's orchestra practicing - or maybe it was a jazz band? They sounded great! I might have to go to one of their shoes sometime whilst I'm here. They sounded really, really good. It was neat to hear that sort of brassy, jazz sounding through the streets. I felt sort of like I was in New Orleans. HEY! New Orleans is way closer to Little Rock than London is. Just saying.
Anywho I have class tomorrow in WhiteChapel Art Gallery and I need to go to sleep to be up early enough to catch the right tube. I am beginning to hate the tube even more now - simply because it controls my sleeping pattern sometimes. EW.
Alright well I hope all is well on the home front. You guys should comment - because I'm not writing this just for myself (although it is quite funny to go back and read. Goodness!)
Ok. Well I miss you tons! I'll pop in tomorrow with an update. Goodnight!
Cheers!!
What happened to all my comments? Is it because I got them all bunched up at once so now I don't get any anymore? Awwww...I miss you guys! Now I will quit complaining and delve into today's events.
I woke up around ten-thirty this morning and I decided to mail some things. ;) I had a bunch of things to send round to people and well, I battled the post office (where they just aren't very nice at all) and I managed to get all seven items sent. I'd be more specific, but then you'd know what I sent..Hm. No fun if there isn't a little element of surprise now is there?
Alrighty, so - after that I went and attacked Kemper. She and I decided to spend the day looking at what we had to do for the rest of the semester. We tried to plan our Scotland trip along with Liverpool and Oxford. I'll keep you updated on when those things are happening. :) This coming weekend is the group trip to Bath (Haha - Bath Round Two) and Exeter - the West Country. I have no idea what we're going to do in Exeter, but I'm excited. We'll be in B&B's and such, so that should be nice.
Kemper and I walked around for a long time this morning/lunchtime/early afternoon trying to find a comfortable coffee shop with free wifi. We ended up in soho and I bought another chocolate peanut butter milkshake. I just don't know how that keeps happening. :P
We failed and ended up back at my flat, because I have the better internet connection. We managed to be pretty successful, and have thus far contacted some B&B's in Edinburgh. I'm excited!! I will definitely be utilizing Gramner's birthday gift for when we venture up north - I think it'll have to be in November!! SHEESH - it's going to be cold.
After that - it was around three thirty - I went for a nice run. I have a nice little route that takes me by Big Ben figured out and it's about four and half miles round trip. Maybe a little more. However, I think it may be time to change my scenery. I might have to get a route that makes me able to run through Green Park (my favourite one that reminds me of Notre Dame.)
Anyway, after that I took a shower and made dinner. I had a nice sandwich with Cheez-its and some grapes. Got to get my fruit in there - no worries Mumsy! :P
After that I worked on some Hamlet-type things because we have a test on Wednesday...THEN I um...I well...
Well - I put myself outside of and inside of my own box at the exact same time. What did I do -you may ask? Well I went to the London Revelation Rock Gospel Choir's rehearsal. SOOOOOOOOOO I got to SING!!! YES! IT was absolutely BEAUTiful!!!
But, I've never been in a gospel choir before. They really do sway and dance and such when they sing. I just sort of faked it. Yes, we did sing Kum-by-yah (or however you spell it) but the harmonies on it were gorgeous. I want to go back as many times as I can just simply for the singing. The people in the group were mostly nice as well.
I met this one girl who is in her third year of University here in London and she and I seemed to get on really nicely. She wants to get a cup of coffee sometime or maybe do something really touristy in London, simply because she's never done it and this would be her last chance (she's almost ready to graduate!) She had beautiful curly hair like Marie Britt has. It was also her first rehearsal and so we just sort of talked and laughed (at some of the not so great singing) together.
Now. I must backtrack. If it hadn't been for Kemper I probably wouldn't have gone. I hope one day I overcome my stupid self-consciousness...but I'll probably live with it longer than I should. I got all nervous, because I wasn't going to know anyone and all that. You know, the same old 'shy' story.
But Kemper helped me put together a very London-ish outfit and essentially gave me a pep-talk haha! I mean, when I found the right room in the Union I stood there for five minutes leaning up against the wall trying to be suave and cool. SHEESH. I was so nervous - luckily this strange older lady (who was one of the conductors) managed to talk me into the room for choir. I have no idea what she was wearing, but I remember being shocked by her weird, huge purply outfit. BUT - she was so nice. And if it wasn't for her - I probably would have just sat outside the room and listened to the choir. Haha.
Also - as I was walking up I could hear the London Union's orchestra practicing - or maybe it was a jazz band? They sounded great! I might have to go to one of their shoes sometime whilst I'm here. They sounded really, really good. It was neat to hear that sort of brassy, jazz sounding through the streets. I felt sort of like I was in New Orleans. HEY! New Orleans is way closer to Little Rock than London is. Just saying.
Anywho I have class tomorrow in WhiteChapel Art Gallery and I need to go to sleep to be up early enough to catch the right tube. I am beginning to hate the tube even more now - simply because it controls my sleeping pattern sometimes. EW.
Alright well I hope all is well on the home front. You guys should comment - because I'm not writing this just for myself (although it is quite funny to go back and read. Goodness!)
Ok. Well I miss you tons! I'll pop in tomorrow with an update. Goodnight!
Cheers!!
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