Hello All!
It's Thursday and today we went for a day trip to Cambridge. I got my brother a hat that has the British flag on it. It was funny, the Cambridge tour guide mentioned the rivalry with Oxford, but the Oxford one did not mention it at all, almost as if it was beneath them, ha! Tomorrow we shall go to Harrods, class, lunch with class, and then shopping for both family souvenirs and things for me. I'm actually not sure whether I'll have enough room.
On Saturday, we head off to Edinburgh and we have yet to actually organize that. I think we're figuring out accommodations tonight.
See ya,
Allie
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
5/26/09
Allie here,
It's too late for me to come up with a clever title for the post. It's around midnight and we are back in London, after a four hour bus ride. The bus smelled and I fear for the 8 hours we shall be in for on the way to London. I really did like Wales and Hannah spelled ciao wrong, aha! Caerphilly Caastle was awesome, it was just too bad that Castle Coch was undergoing renovations. The castle that was in Cardiff was super expensive and too modern, so we didn't go there. During the day before we left, I think Sunday, we went to St. Fagan's Castle and Museum. It wasn't so much of a castle as it had ruins, but I would not consider it a true castle. Before that, we went to Cardiff Bay and that was just gorgeous. Hannah got overcharge for a "luxury" flavor ice-cream, hilarious . . . I think it was chocolate chip too.
After St. Fagan's, we dropped off someone at the bus stop, and then went back to the bay. Let me tell you, from Cardiff to Cardiff Bay, that is one heck of a walk. If you ever go, you should be less cheap and just take the bus/train. There looked like there was some sort of fair being set up, but it started Monday and we were too lazy to walk back on Monday. Sunday night was so funny. Hannah and I talked to a drunk gay guy at Burger King. He kept saying "Homos aren't served in Burger King" and "They hate me" in a cute British in a cute British accent. Then, I think Welsh businessmen hit on us, weird.
And now that I have access to a computer, I shall be more regular in postings.
Allie Out!
It's too late for me to come up with a clever title for the post. It's around midnight and we are back in London, after a four hour bus ride. The bus smelled and I fear for the 8 hours we shall be in for on the way to London. I really did like Wales and Hannah spelled ciao wrong, aha! Caerphilly Caastle was awesome, it was just too bad that Castle Coch was undergoing renovations. The castle that was in Cardiff was super expensive and too modern, so we didn't go there. During the day before we left, I think Sunday, we went to St. Fagan's Castle and Museum. It wasn't so much of a castle as it had ruins, but I would not consider it a true castle. Before that, we went to Cardiff Bay and that was just gorgeous. Hannah got overcharge for a "luxury" flavor ice-cream, hilarious . . . I think it was chocolate chip too.
After St. Fagan's, we dropped off someone at the bus stop, and then went back to the bay. Let me tell you, from Cardiff to Cardiff Bay, that is one heck of a walk. If you ever go, you should be less cheap and just take the bus/train. There looked like there was some sort of fair being set up, but it started Monday and we were too lazy to walk back on Monday. Sunday night was so funny. Hannah and I talked to a drunk gay guy at Burger King. He kept saying "Homos aren't served in Burger King" and "They hate me" in a cute British in a cute British accent. Then, I think Welsh businessmen hit on us, weird.
And now that I have access to a computer, I shall be more regular in postings.
Allie Out!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
I forgot what day it was
It's 8 am and I just forgot what day it was. Luckily the nice British man sitting on the couch next to the computer was kind enough to remind me. Sunday. Last day before we go back to London. Of course, we don't leave tomorrow until late, so I suppose you could count that as another day. Yesterday was an amazing day in wonderful Wales (catch that alliteration?). We visited Caerphilly Castle. A 100% real, fantastic, stone, moat surrounded castle. Allie and I picnicked on the stone surrounding wall overlooking the moat and the acres of land stretching away. There were hills and tiny little village houses and lots of dogs gallivanting. Best of all? People were fishing in the moat. Can you imagine? Living so closely and casually by a freakin' castle that you just go over and fish in a moat? I can't. Then again, I live in America, and we've gotten rid of most of our history that goes back more than about 400 years. No castles for us, but perhaps its better that way. Who knows.
We also checked out the National History museum. There was this haunting exhibit about the Romans invading Wales. Druids apparently tried psychological warfare and dressed up like hags and witches to scare the Romans off. Didn't work. Surprise. But it was cool to see. An artist had made a sort of video and the art work was stunning, especially when combined with the hauntingly rough music. You know that primeval feeling you get when you enter a forest? There's fog and animal calls. The air is cold and damp, and you don't know where you are. Are those shadows moving? Was that a rustle in the trees? Can you feel the heavy beat of the woods? Imagine that in music that wasn't quite music. No wonder I got so disoriented in that place.
Then to cap it all off, a great night at the pub! I got my Guinness but then we also got a lovely treat of free pear cider! Not just a taste, either, but a full half pint. The music for the night was great, too. It was this old guy with arm tattoos, a pot belly, and a long white beard. He was hysterical. These two guys were drunk off their asses, too, but not so much that they couldn't do jigs and funny dances. He even played an Irish drinking song that I could sing along to! My favorite, though, was "There's no one as Irish as Barack Obama!" Now, to get the full effect of that song you have to say our president's name with an Irish accent. There you go, you've got it now. We sang along to tons of songs and when he asked if anyone was from America, I of course shouted YEAH! and started to wave my hands like a loon. He said he liked old Jersey better than my beloved state, though. Mildly offensive, but all in good fun! I'm telling you, this guy was great. All in all an excellent night. Free booze, good entertainment; sounds like heaven.
Alright. I've been monopolizing this computer for too long now. Peace out, homes. May your lives be long and your cups overfloweth with plenty.
-H
PS: Allie where are you? Have you disappeared? Need I send out the virtual search party? I'll do it, you know I will. Sheesh.
We also checked out the National History museum. There was this haunting exhibit about the Romans invading Wales. Druids apparently tried psychological warfare and dressed up like hags and witches to scare the Romans off. Didn't work. Surprise. But it was cool to see. An artist had made a sort of video and the art work was stunning, especially when combined with the hauntingly rough music. You know that primeval feeling you get when you enter a forest? There's fog and animal calls. The air is cold and damp, and you don't know where you are. Are those shadows moving? Was that a rustle in the trees? Can you feel the heavy beat of the woods? Imagine that in music that wasn't quite music. No wonder I got so disoriented in that place.
Then to cap it all off, a great night at the pub! I got my Guinness but then we also got a lovely treat of free pear cider! Not just a taste, either, but a full half pint. The music for the night was great, too. It was this old guy with arm tattoos, a pot belly, and a long white beard. He was hysterical. These two guys were drunk off their asses, too, but not so much that they couldn't do jigs and funny dances. He even played an Irish drinking song that I could sing along to! My favorite, though, was "There's no one as Irish as Barack Obama!" Now, to get the full effect of that song you have to say our president's name with an Irish accent. There you go, you've got it now. We sang along to tons of songs and when he asked if anyone was from America, I of course shouted YEAH! and started to wave my hands like a loon. He said he liked old Jersey better than my beloved state, though. Mildly offensive, but all in good fun! I'm telling you, this guy was great. All in all an excellent night. Free booze, good entertainment; sounds like heaven.
Alright. I've been monopolizing this computer for too long now. Peace out, homes. May your lives be long and your cups overfloweth with plenty.
-H
PS: Allie where are you? Have you disappeared? Need I send out the virtual search party? I'll do it, you know I will. Sheesh.
Friday, May 22, 2009
7 AM and I am feelin' fine
Hey, all. So right now it's a bit past 7. I'm sitting in a little hostel in Cardiff, Wales. The sun is shining and the seagulls are calling and I am feeling fine. Sometimes you just can't believe how lucky you are. This is one of those times.
So, to report on hostel life: Let me start out in a very AA style. Hi, my name is Hannah, and I am a hostel virgin. There. I've said it. There is no judging in this safe space! *ahem* so this hostel looks like a piece of shit from the outside. My first thought in seeing it? Fuck. Graffiti on the building outside, shitty looking parking lot, row of government produced housing projects, trash, etc. Of course, under that there was a charming quaintness. The inside, however, is just lovely. There's a pool table and everything seems very clean, and our room is kind of charming, actually, even though the beds squeak when you just think about them and I walked into a bit of a flood in the bathroom down the hall. The painting is cheery, though, and the sun shines in and provides a wonderful light. Breakfast is free, and so is tea and coffee. I'm actually having the time of my life.
And Cardiff has much to do with that. I freaking love this place. It has all the old-world charm I was looking for- For christ's sake, it's got a castle in the middle of it!- yet enough modern stuff to make it a bit industrial. Its an interesting contrast. The grounds around the castle are something else. You walk into them and its like you've entered a fairy tale. Narnia is just behind that tree. Fairies ought to come build a mound any moment. There's a stone circle and the most beautiful, lazy river, and the green has a certain magical quality to it that sort of feeds you. I feel better and more whole than I have in a while. Just wait until we go and see the castles today! Caerphilly and Coch, I believe, are on the agenda.
Best of all? Fun pub life. Last night we popped into O'neils for a pint and some live music. The musician was very cute. Especially his derriere. Sorry, male readers, just had to share.
Hey, those last two sentences rhymed!
The Guinness was good (duh) and so was Allie's pear cider. Had a lovely time. This Scottish ex-air force guy somehow wound up talking to us. He actually defended George W for his decision to go into war! I was shocked to hear that from a foreigner (not sure how I feel about W myself. Honestly, probably don't know enough to make up my mind). He had seen some horrible things in war. But he was also very charming and funny, especially when we told him we were going up to Edinburgh in a week's time. Turns out that's where he's from! Then when he left Allie and I got a kiss on the cheek. All in all, it was a great night. God bless the pub. Did I mention the cute musician also played Johnny Cash and had a voice that could wake the dead? Yeah, he was good.
What adventures await us today? Who knows. I am looking forward and up.
Life is good.
-H
PS: Allie, get your ass back on here! We are due for one of your posts, yo.
So, to report on hostel life: Let me start out in a very AA style. Hi, my name is Hannah, and I am a hostel virgin. There. I've said it. There is no judging in this safe space! *ahem* so this hostel looks like a piece of shit from the outside. My first thought in seeing it? Fuck. Graffiti on the building outside, shitty looking parking lot, row of government produced housing projects, trash, etc. Of course, under that there was a charming quaintness. The inside, however, is just lovely. There's a pool table and everything seems very clean, and our room is kind of charming, actually, even though the beds squeak when you just think about them and I walked into a bit of a flood in the bathroom down the hall. The painting is cheery, though, and the sun shines in and provides a wonderful light. Breakfast is free, and so is tea and coffee. I'm actually having the time of my life.
And Cardiff has much to do with that. I freaking love this place. It has all the old-world charm I was looking for- For christ's sake, it's got a castle in the middle of it!- yet enough modern stuff to make it a bit industrial. Its an interesting contrast. The grounds around the castle are something else. You walk into them and its like you've entered a fairy tale. Narnia is just behind that tree. Fairies ought to come build a mound any moment. There's a stone circle and the most beautiful, lazy river, and the green has a certain magical quality to it that sort of feeds you. I feel better and more whole than I have in a while. Just wait until we go and see the castles today! Caerphilly and Coch, I believe, are on the agenda.
Best of all? Fun pub life. Last night we popped into O'neils for a pint and some live music. The musician was very cute. Especially his derriere. Sorry, male readers, just had to share.
Hey, those last two sentences rhymed!
The Guinness was good (duh) and so was Allie's pear cider. Had a lovely time. This Scottish ex-air force guy somehow wound up talking to us. He actually defended George W for his decision to go into war! I was shocked to hear that from a foreigner (not sure how I feel about W myself. Honestly, probably don't know enough to make up my mind). He had seen some horrible things in war. But he was also very charming and funny, especially when we told him we were going up to Edinburgh in a week's time. Turns out that's where he's from! Then when he left Allie and I got a kiss on the cheek. All in all, it was a great night. God bless the pub. Did I mention the cute musician also played Johnny Cash and had a voice that could wake the dead? Yeah, he was good.
What adventures await us today? Who knows. I am looking forward and up.
Life is good.
-H
PS: Allie, get your ass back on here! We are due for one of your posts, yo.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Food
K hi again. So real quick, I feel the need to make you jealous over what I ate for dinner last night. Because it was good. Angels singing the Hallelujah chorus good. Five-alarm fireman calender good. We skipped out on the concert we had originally been planning to go to (sold out, probably? Or are we just incredibly lazy? You decide.) and went out to dinner with Ter's mom. And Auntie Pat, of course. I really like that woman. It was a tiny little French restaurant tucked away behind the main streets where you'd never think to go. It was too noisy but the ambience was nice and they wait staff was all, surprise! French. Real, open candles, too. I'm surprised we didn't set anything on fire, honestly. Anyways. We get there and we order and then proceed to wait about an hour for the food. Its okay, though, because they have in the meantime plied us with the most delectable crusty bread that you could imagine. Then the food comes. I've ordered the veal and feel a twinge upon my concious for that, but once I taste it, holy Jesus God. I'm biting into it and I think "boy I'm sorry you were killed as a baby in inhumane conditions but DAMN how tasty." Then my brain stops functioning as I enter an ecstasy of taste which basically kills all conversation at the table. When I emerge from the fog we're all sitting around with in a happy stupor. I didn't remember what day it was or what time, there was only the mmmmmmmm. I wonder if that's how opium addicts feel?
Something to research for later. Chao, bellas.
H
Something to research for later. Chao, bellas.
H
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Procrastination, another word for paradise?
Hello once again from this lovely Isle. I hope you all out there are having wonderful times in your very own spheres of influence. Britain's doing great, the weather's a bit nippy but that, my friends, is why God stretched out his huge, powerful...hand and invented the scarf. By the way I just saw that we have two whole followers! So shout out to Robinson Sensei and Annie B. Love you guys!
Today we had a gander at the Churchill/cabinet war rooms. And all I can say is, wow. They preserved them just about exactly as they were left, and re created everything that had been changed. It was an incredible look into World War II. Just imagine lying deep below layers upon layers of concrete and steel, hearing the bombs pounding overhead as you tried to sleep through the tobacco smoke and rush of panicked government officials. Like I said, incredible. The Churchill museum was also top notch. Favorites included the huge depictions of political cartoons of the day and the vast supply of Churchill quotes. He gave one heck of a speech.
That's about all we did today. There was a valient attempt to find a proper English breakfast, but unfortunately the effort failed and all we got was bad tea and overpriced tourist pastries. Oh, well. Live to fight another day. Yesterday was the House of Lords. And Holy Shit (caps intended), we got to sit in the House of Lords and hear a debate. I haven't even been in Congress. The Queen's seat was right next to where I was sitting in the upper eaves, too, so I got a close up look. Its guilded in twisting gold and of course covered in intricate, expensive and ancient designs. The smoldering red velvet and variety of candlesticks (electric) blanketing the chamber wasn't half bad, either. Also, you gotta love the Lords. Half of them were asleep and none seemed to be younger than geriatric. One guy had this massive white beard. It was spectacular, and very clean! The house also seemed to be quite genial, with a lot of jokes and much general laughter. All together, wow.
Just freakin' wow.
Peace out, stateside homies. You too, Julie.
Today we had a gander at the Churchill/cabinet war rooms. And all I can say is, wow. They preserved them just about exactly as they were left, and re created everything that had been changed. It was an incredible look into World War II. Just imagine lying deep below layers upon layers of concrete and steel, hearing the bombs pounding overhead as you tried to sleep through the tobacco smoke and rush of panicked government officials. Like I said, incredible. The Churchill museum was also top notch. Favorites included the huge depictions of political cartoons of the day and the vast supply of Churchill quotes. He gave one heck of a speech.
That's about all we did today. There was a valient attempt to find a proper English breakfast, but unfortunately the effort failed and all we got was bad tea and overpriced tourist pastries. Oh, well. Live to fight another day. Yesterday was the House of Lords. And Holy Shit (caps intended), we got to sit in the House of Lords and hear a debate. I haven't even been in Congress. The Queen's seat was right next to where I was sitting in the upper eaves, too, so I got a close up look. Its guilded in twisting gold and of course covered in intricate, expensive and ancient designs. The smoldering red velvet and variety of candlesticks (electric) blanketing the chamber wasn't half bad, either. Also, you gotta love the Lords. Half of them were asleep and none seemed to be younger than geriatric. One guy had this massive white beard. It was spectacular, and very clean! The house also seemed to be quite genial, with a lot of jokes and much general laughter. All together, wow.
Just freakin' wow.
Peace out, stateside homies. You too, Julie.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tuesday, May 19
Allie Here!
I know! You're so excited! Today was amazing . . . we went to Westminster and it was awesome! We got to go inside to the House of Lords' chamber and hear them speak. We met Lord Alton, who seemed really nice, and then Lembit Opik, who was quite interesting. "Interesting" . . . right. We had to go through security and got these nifty passes, for mine it took it as I realized a piece of hair was weird and captured me in a moment of shocked fear. I look really scared. We are going to Wales this Friday and Ben said he was coming with us. Awesome! We also got a BritXplorer pass which means we can use National Express Coach anywhere. I'm losing momentum, though truthfully, I didn't really have it here.
Allie Out
I know! You're so excited! Today was amazing . . . we went to Westminster and it was awesome! We got to go inside to the House of Lords' chamber and hear them speak. We met Lord Alton, who seemed really nice, and then Lembit Opik, who was quite interesting. "Interesting" . . . right. We had to go through security and got these nifty passes, for mine it took it as I realized a piece of hair was weird and captured me in a moment of shocked fear. I look really scared. We are going to Wales this Friday and Ben said he was coming with us. Awesome! We also got a BritXplorer pass which means we can use National Express Coach anywhere. I'm losing momentum, though truthfully, I didn't really have it here.
Allie Out
Monday, May 18, 2009
What?
Hey, y'all. Wuzzup. Been a while. Last time I wrote was, um. Actually I don't remember. I think it was Thursday? We'll go with that. So its Monday now and a lot has happened. Unfortunately tonight I've also had my first taste of Irish Coffee. Yummy, a good time, but I'm a little tipsy and a little nauseous so this post may be un peu petite, as they say across the channel. Went to Oxford today and then Blenheim palace afterwards. Brought back a lot of great memories. I love Oxford; it may be one of my favorite places on earth. It's just so old! You touch the stone and you know that so many really smart incredible people have touched it before you. There's a holiness there that puts learning on the same awe inspiring level as holy relics, cathedrals, etc. But its also casual at the same time. Slow moving. Free thinking. Theres an old scholar walking next to some raggedy, style confused hippy riding a bike and wearing two toned pants. God, that was an ugly hippy. Dirty, dirty commies. I bet he smelled, too. So yeah, I love Oxford. Cheesy as it is to say it has a very peaceful effect on my soul (I did say it was cheesy. But if we don't own up to the cheesy things sometimes then we aren't really being honest, now are we? No we are not!)
Um Blenheim palace was sweet. Go dukes of Marlboro. Specially that first Churchill who won all those battles in the war of Spanish succession. Good job, you kicked Louis' ass. You certainly thought so. I think I now hate tapestries, seriously! They are not that attractive and most of the really good one's you can't even look at for fear of further fading. I guess if we lived in a society where textiles had actual value then maybe my opinion would be different. But as it stands I could run down to the corner and buy a shitty tee shirt that insults both your mother and my intelligence for a few bucks, excuse me, pounds, so screw that. And fuck your mother!
I'm just kidding about your mother, by the way. If you're reading this then odds are I probably know and like your mother, in a completely non sexual way.
So yeah. This weekend was good. Got me a leather jacket for cheap and some sweet, sweet pastries. Terrence's mom took us to Hampton court, which was pretty kewl. They preserved the kitchens and set up a display showing what they would have looked like, which I thought was super cool! Like totally wow ROFL! No it actually was. I was very excited. The mini-church in there was nice too. They had choir music playing and I got to see where Henry VIII sat and contemplated how to justify killing another one of his wives or, you know, completely risking excommunication and forming his own freakin' church. Cool shit like that, yeah? Yeah. Don't fuck with the Henrys or they'll fuck you up. Literally. The boat over there was cool too, for the first hour. The next two and a half were spent between extreme boredom and the crazed hilarity that only comes from being stuck in a small enclosed space with your buddies for too long. Re: good times.
I'm going to bed now. Tired as a mofo. I love whipped cream, but not so much Irish coffee.
Also bartenders. Mmm, bartenders. Only the young one's get the mmm, though.
Cheers.
-H
Um Blenheim palace was sweet. Go dukes of Marlboro. Specially that first Churchill who won all those battles in the war of Spanish succession. Good job, you kicked Louis' ass. You certainly thought so. I think I now hate tapestries, seriously! They are not that attractive and most of the really good one's you can't even look at for fear of further fading. I guess if we lived in a society where textiles had actual value then maybe my opinion would be different. But as it stands I could run down to the corner and buy a shitty tee shirt that insults both your mother and my intelligence for a few bucks, excuse me, pounds, so screw that. And fuck your mother!
I'm just kidding about your mother, by the way. If you're reading this then odds are I probably know and like your mother, in a completely non sexual way.
So yeah. This weekend was good. Got me a leather jacket for cheap and some sweet, sweet pastries. Terrence's mom took us to Hampton court, which was pretty kewl. They preserved the kitchens and set up a display showing what they would have looked like, which I thought was super cool! Like totally wow ROFL! No it actually was. I was very excited. The mini-church in there was nice too. They had choir music playing and I got to see where Henry VIII sat and contemplated how to justify killing another one of his wives or, you know, completely risking excommunication and forming his own freakin' church. Cool shit like that, yeah? Yeah. Don't fuck with the Henrys or they'll fuck you up. Literally. The boat over there was cool too, for the first hour. The next two and a half were spent between extreme boredom and the crazed hilarity that only comes from being stuck in a small enclosed space with your buddies for too long. Re: good times.
I'm going to bed now. Tired as a mofo. I love whipped cream, but not so much Irish coffee.
Also bartenders. Mmm, bartenders. Only the young one's get the mmm, though.
Cheers.
-H
Todays
Hello!
It's been a while, yeah? We went to Oxford today and then Blenheim Palace. The Palace was absolutely wonderful! It was absolutely awesome! Hannah and I were stuck in the rain and we were absolutely soaking! It was awesome. I'm super tired now. Definitely add more later.
Allie Out
It's been a while, yeah? We went to Oxford today and then Blenheim Palace. The Palace was absolutely wonderful! It was absolutely awesome! Hannah and I were stuck in the rain and we were absolutely soaking! It was awesome. I'm super tired now. Definitely add more later.
Allie Out
Thursday, May 14, 2009
'Ello chaps!
Hey all! okay. So can I tell you what an odd yet titillating experiance it is to drink with your professors? As in, finish six bottles of wine with them? It's a bit like the first time you're old enough to go to town by yourself. Forbidden, but excitingly so! Because that is what we did the first night we were here. Then Tuesday we went out to a pub for a birthday amongst us, which was quieter but lots of fun still. And last night was pub night, in which we (again) drank with our professors and alumni on Prof's tab. Yes, I ate on it as well. The joys of being a poor student! Allie and I have been doing well on spending as little as possible, which means we've probably been eating pretty poorly. But small portions of bad food? Better than endless portions of bad food (re: D Hall).
So yeah. I am absolutely having the time of my life. Last night Allie and I walked the Millenium bridge at twilight. It was absolutely magical. The view of St. Pauls' from across the bridge, with London's lights just begininning to show up, was incredible. The Thames is definitly one of the prettiest rivers I've ever seen. Not the water, I'm sure that's polluted. Really, really polluted. But the view! And its a very serene place, in that in between time when day time tourists are gone and the real locals havent started to come out yet. We also wandered along the banks a bit, came across the Globe of all things! And some lovely cobblestoned streets and old buildings.
Then we stumbled into an alley with a man pissing in the corner and another muttering drunkenly to himself across the way. An interesting site, to be sure, but somewhat off putting and proved to be the end of our explorations. There was another tunnel with some sort of art along the walls, with quotes about the Thames carved into it. Lovely, lovely, lovely! Also we got this Naan bread yesterday which was filled with meat. Scrumptious, I tell you! I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Today we saw Platform 9 and 3/4s, aka half a shopping cart shoved into a brick wall. Of course we loved it. Don't fret, I have wonderfully touristy photos now of me pretending to be Harry Potter. Good times, people!
*phew*
Ta ta for now, duckies. See you eventually. Give my love to the homestead.
H
So yeah. I am absolutely having the time of my life. Last night Allie and I walked the Millenium bridge at twilight. It was absolutely magical. The view of St. Pauls' from across the bridge, with London's lights just begininning to show up, was incredible. The Thames is definitly one of the prettiest rivers I've ever seen. Not the water, I'm sure that's polluted. Really, really polluted. But the view! And its a very serene place, in that in between time when day time tourists are gone and the real locals havent started to come out yet. We also wandered along the banks a bit, came across the Globe of all things! And some lovely cobblestoned streets and old buildings.
Then we stumbled into an alley with a man pissing in the corner and another muttering drunkenly to himself across the way. An interesting site, to be sure, but somewhat off putting and proved to be the end of our explorations. There was another tunnel with some sort of art along the walls, with quotes about the Thames carved into it. Lovely, lovely, lovely! Also we got this Naan bread yesterday which was filled with meat. Scrumptious, I tell you! I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Today we saw Platform 9 and 3/4s, aka half a shopping cart shoved into a brick wall. Of course we loved it. Don't fret, I have wonderfully touristy photos now of me pretending to be Harry Potter. Good times, people!
*phew*
Ta ta for now, duckies. See you eventually. Give my love to the homestead.
H
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Summary of Day 1
Hi All!
Yesterday was our first in London and it was amazing. We went to an Italian restaurant where we ordered wine! Surprisingly enough, it just felt normal. After dinner, the professor and wife went back home and the rest of us went to a bar and I ordered a Guinness. I think I'm going to stick to the girly drinks from now on. One of the girl's cider thing was really good though.
English boys are totally hot. The boys have been trying to find hot English girls, but I feel that finding the males are far easier. Fun times! Today is another girl's 21st birthday! How awesome, right? Except it would have been more awesome to turn 21 in the states. Here they've been able to drink since 18. We went on a bus tour of London, except me + soothing rhythm of bus = Allie taking a nap, even though the guide was amazing and absolutely hilarious. I was a sleep for most of it. Ooh, I had a cornish pasty that was quite scrumptious. High tea in the parlour makes the ladies holler!
Allie Out
Monday, May 11, 2009
I
Second that emotion, Allie. Fo shizzle indeed. London is pretty baller. I saw Harrods! I love Harrods! Last time I was there we had afternoon tea. Scones and creme, nothing beats it, I swear to God.
Shit gotta go before the professor tears me a new one for being late. You should have seen what he did to our friend who kept him waiting for *GASP* 4 minutes!
Peace out, stateside homies.
Shit gotta go before the professor tears me a new one for being late. You should have seen what he did to our friend who kept him waiting for *GASP* 4 minutes!
Peace out, stateside homies.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Its not my fault
K I lack a computer, it is difficult to keep up with the blog! With that out of the way. First, what the hell does "Hannah will be apples" mean? Also. I am so sick of packing. Seriously. And cleaning. So so so so so tired :O
Oh boo hoo hoo, I have to pack for a month in the UK. I am in reality quite pumped, which I must remember not to say in England. Apparently it implies that one is nursing. Could be awkward in a social situation, such as meeting a hot man in a bar or discussing the news with an elderly woman. Spaz is also off limits, it means retard in the worst possible sense. Fag, however, is okay! referring to the deadly yet socially acceptable cigarette. As opposed to in America, where it describes the often quite lively! yet socially outcast gay man.
We dropped all our stuff off at the house today, and let me tell you, it was a piece of luck that dad came down to help. I don't know where the hell we had all that crap hidden. I need to be less of a pack rat. Things just all have sentimental value! On a higher note, I packed everything I needed into my one backpack. My compression method of packing (re: putting clothes in Ziploc bags then squeezing the air out) has been quite the success. I've managed to drag along more clothes than Allie, who has a whole duffel bag suitcase thing! I site my pack rat nature. God knows what I'll come back with.
Last night we had a sleepover to say goodbye, it was super fun. (Side note: must try special brownies). I'll be on a plane in less than 24 hours. I think we'll pick our ten day vacation by bibliomancy, the art of divination through (in this case) travel books. Yay mysticism! Speaking of which, we were supposed to play with an ouija board tonight. Actually it is probably good that fell through, I have the feeling we might have been cursed and the plane fallen out of the sky or some such thing. Knock on Wood.
Ta ta for now,
Hannah
Tomorrow's the Big Day
Allie here,
I know! Hannah is so neglectful. I am so tired, so so so tired. Our rooms are all packed up, we're just waiting for Hannah's dad so we can move everything to the house we're living in next year. Hannah already brough her stuff to her house after Spring Break. I, however, living on totally different coasts, am putting my life into storage. Things, hardly the important stuff anyways. We are prepared for Wales, mostly, but we've decided to get train passes and just travel for the lasat 10 days, nothing specific. Which is what I like :) So tired. We had a fun sleepover yesterday night and it was an absolute blast! The best way to say goodbye, after fun. I have to go, be right back!
Allie Out
I know! Hannah is so neglectful. I am so tired, so so so tired. Our rooms are all packed up, we're just waiting for Hannah's dad so we can move everything to the house we're living in next year. Hannah already brough her stuff to her house after Spring Break. I, however, living on totally different coasts, am putting my life into storage. Things, hardly the important stuff anyways. We are prepared for Wales, mostly, but we've decided to get train passes and just travel for the lasat 10 days, nothing specific. Which is what I like :) So tired. We had a fun sleepover yesterday night and it was an absolute blast! The best way to say goodbye, after fun. I have to go, be right back!
Allie Out
Thursday, May 7, 2009
T-3 days and Counting
Allie here,
Sometimes I count the day that we are already on, sometimes I don't. Math sucks anyways. It is currently Thursday and we leave on Sunday. We finally figured out the Wales details of the 4-day vacation during our trip to the UK. We will stay in two different hostels and it'll be a blast. I'm hoping for a beach trip as well, but we'll see. It'll probably be cold, but as a native Californian, I need the beach. We are having some trouble with figuring out our 10-day trip after the three weeks in London. We were originally going to Ireland, but the ferry-train trip is a bit complicated. I'm for going to Scotland. Ten days in Edinburgh sounds absolutely amazing, maybe 5 days there and then 5 days somewhere else in Scotland. Either way, I am so excited. Hannah's a little planned ouot for the time, but she'll be apples!
We still have a few things to do: pack, I have to figure out how to register for fall classes while technically being on a Spring Term Abroad trip, making photocopies of important documents, pack room stuff, etc. This is a lot more diffifcult than I'd originally though. Oh, well. I have faith that Our Lord Jesus Christ will be with us. Ha! I am so going to Hell.
Allie Out!
Sometimes I count the day that we are already on, sometimes I don't. Math sucks anyways. It is currently Thursday and we leave on Sunday. We finally figured out the Wales details of the 4-day vacation during our trip to the UK. We will stay in two different hostels and it'll be a blast. I'm hoping for a beach trip as well, but we'll see. It'll probably be cold, but as a native Californian, I need the beach. We are having some trouble with figuring out our 10-day trip after the three weeks in London. We were originally going to Ireland, but the ferry-train trip is a bit complicated. I'm for going to Scotland. Ten days in Edinburgh sounds absolutely amazing, maybe 5 days there and then 5 days somewhere else in Scotland. Either way, I am so excited. Hannah's a little planned ouot for the time, but she'll be apples!
We still have a few things to do: pack, I have to figure out how to register for fall classes while technically being on a Spring Term Abroad trip, making photocopies of important documents, pack room stuff, etc. This is a lot more diffifcult than I'd originally though. Oh, well. I have faith that Our Lord Jesus Christ will be with us. Ha! I am so going to Hell.
Allie Out!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
T-6 Days and Counting
Hey,
It's Allie. It's Tuesday and we both have papers to write. We have rough plans about going to Wales from the 21st to 25th. We'll stay at hostels and that's all we've got so far. This'll be fun. I had a slight existential crisis yesterday and didn't want to plan, so my fault :( Today we'll finalize Wales, then maybe tomorrow we'll figure out Ireland.
Allie Out
It's Allie. It's Tuesday and we both have papers to write. We have rough plans about going to Wales from the 21st to 25th. We'll stay at hostels and that's all we've got so far. This'll be fun. I had a slight existential crisis yesterday and didn't want to plan, so my fault :( Today we'll finalize Wales, then maybe tomorrow we'll figure out Ireland.
Allie Out
Sunday, May 3, 2009
How Not to Plan a Trip (or, How to Get Sold into White Slavery)
H: First off, Allie is going to object to the name of this entry.
A: Dear Lord! I am not white . . .
H: Whatever, slavery. Point is, well, that title just about sums up the trip we're about to take.
A: Silly, just because we are ill-prepared. We can figure it out. We still have a week before we head off to London. Plenty of time.
H: Sure. We'll just throw together some plans for how we'll spend 10 as-of-yet undetermined days in Ireland? Oh gee, maybe we could also go find rainbows and leprechauns and magic, flying puppy dogs.
A: Cool! How freaking awesome would that be? Alright then, let's get down to business. This is the amazing blog of Allie and Hannah! I'm between names right now, so we'll call me Allie/Nazli, whichever you prefer ;) I know, aren't emoticons sooooooo cute? Just makes you want to vomit, right? We have a week till we are off and aren't really ready. This is the way to plan, waiting till the last minute. It's when the best plans are found!
H: I find that to be true, actually, despite my grumbling. Or rather, a lack of planning leads to the best stories. That's the point of this blog, unless we get distracted: to record all the fabulously improbable yet improbably dangerous and absolutely ridiculous things that we are going to do. Did I mention England's drinking age? Tell 'em, Allie.
A: Sadly, I don't quite know. All that really matters is that I can booze it up! Woo-hoo! This whole blog thing is a bit new to me, so I'm just gonna wing it. I'm not much of a talker, that's the drunkard who wrote above me. So far, all that's figured out is that we're going to be the obnoxious Americans with hot pink and neon yellow umbrellas. Ooh, and we're going to meet up with Hannah's friends Terrence in London! And booze . . . no pot, sadly. Amsterdam's too far away.
H: I'm a drunkard, am I? At least I'm not an ignoramus! It's 18 (If I'm wrong I will feel much shame). I really hate that umbrella. It's brighter than sunshine through a hangover. But anyways, yeah! Not sure what else there is to say, actually. We leave next sunday. We have yet to pack. We have yet to plan our extra vacation days. We have yet to even tell our RA (thats Resident Advisor, for those not in the know) that we are leaving. I'll drink to that!
A: Most definitely. If only we had beer. Unfortunately, in this sad excuse for a country that we live in, drinking is only possible if we are 21. Even more unfortunate, we are 19, two fucking years till legal drinking and not running away in fear from LexPo (our much beloved police system, dear lord, get a fucking life and try to get actual criminals). Currently, this is the extent of our planning. We want to have a fun blog to record our experiences.
H: GOOD GOD don't get me started on that. I could go for days on our shit-tastic drinking age, as you know, Allie darling. So, to conclude: Wish us luck! We'll need it. I really hope we don't get sold into slavery of any kind.
A: I would also like to meet mermaids and smoke pot. The two instances would probably go together . . .
A: Dear Lord! I am not white . . .
H: Whatever, slavery. Point is, well, that title just about sums up the trip we're about to take.
A: Silly, just because we are ill-prepared. We can figure it out. We still have a week before we head off to London. Plenty of time.
H: Sure. We'll just throw together some plans for how we'll spend 10 as-of-yet undetermined days in Ireland? Oh gee, maybe we could also go find rainbows and leprechauns and magic, flying puppy dogs.
A: Cool! How freaking awesome would that be? Alright then, let's get down to business. This is the amazing blog of Allie and Hannah! I'm between names right now, so we'll call me Allie/Nazli, whichever you prefer ;) I know, aren't emoticons sooooooo cute? Just makes you want to vomit, right? We have a week till we are off and aren't really ready. This is the way to plan, waiting till the last minute. It's when the best plans are found!
H: I find that to be true, actually, despite my grumbling. Or rather, a lack of planning leads to the best stories. That's the point of this blog, unless we get distracted: to record all the fabulously improbable yet improbably dangerous and absolutely ridiculous things that we are going to do. Did I mention England's drinking age? Tell 'em, Allie.
A: Sadly, I don't quite know. All that really matters is that I can booze it up! Woo-hoo! This whole blog thing is a bit new to me, so I'm just gonna wing it. I'm not much of a talker, that's the drunkard who wrote above me. So far, all that's figured out is that we're going to be the obnoxious Americans with hot pink and neon yellow umbrellas. Ooh, and we're going to meet up with Hannah's friends Terrence in London! And booze . . . no pot, sadly. Amsterdam's too far away.
H: I'm a drunkard, am I? At least I'm not an ignoramus! It's 18 (If I'm wrong I will feel much shame). I really hate that umbrella. It's brighter than sunshine through a hangover. But anyways, yeah! Not sure what else there is to say, actually. We leave next sunday. We have yet to pack. We have yet to plan our extra vacation days. We have yet to even tell our RA (thats Resident Advisor, for those not in the know) that we are leaving. I'll drink to that!
A: Most definitely. If only we had beer. Unfortunately, in this sad excuse for a country that we live in, drinking is only possible if we are 21. Even more unfortunate, we are 19, two fucking years till legal drinking and not running away in fear from LexPo (our much beloved police system, dear lord, get a fucking life and try to get actual criminals). Currently, this is the extent of our planning. We want to have a fun blog to record our experiences.
H: GOOD GOD don't get me started on that. I could go for days on our shit-tastic drinking age, as you know, Allie darling. So, to conclude: Wish us luck! We'll need it. I really hope we don't get sold into slavery of any kind.
A: I would also like to meet mermaids and smoke pot. The two instances would probably go together . . .
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