My Canterbury Tale

The lack of blog posting has left me overwhelmed with too many things to write about and a lack of details. But I will do my best!

On Sunday the 22st, Kat and I went woke up early (in my case) after the game and went to Gloucester Road Tube stop to be picked up by our tour bus. Kat didn't get to sleep that night and was also incredibly hungover, poor girl. Anyhow, we made the best of our circumstances and pushed onward to Dover. There were about 8 of us in total on the Mercedes Mini Coach, with one bizarre tour guide. She was quite a character and wonderfully informed. Hailing from Ecuador, she spoke Spanish as her first language, while looking and dressing very English. We stopped at a rest stop on the Motor way to get some breakfast items. I was on the hunt for anything with an egg in it. I found a 'free range egg, and mushroom English muffin'. I was disturbed by the mushrooms but pleased to find out that it was not as gnarly as I had expected.

Our arrival in Dover was fascinating as we passed a huge steep hill covered in Sheep that are specific to Dover alone. I love sheep. We all know I love them. Dover Castle was a shock to me as I had not known about all of it's history. I knew it was a Castle built my William I, and that's about it. Come to find out it has much more significant history all the way up WWII.

We started our tour at the oldest part of the area within the castle walls: The Roman Lighthouse. It truly was an old Roman lighthouse! Partially crumbling and made up of rocks that are found all over the beaches of England, the lighthouse still prevails. Next to the lighthouse is an old Anglo Saxon Church! There was a baptism going on inside, so we didn't enter.

Moving forward in time, we entered the Keep that Henry II built for himself to live in. This is the king that had Thomas Becket murdered in Canterbury Cathedral. The Pope supposedly made Henry II crawl to Canterbury and pay respects, or be excommunicated from the Catholic Church. So he did it, and that was the start of the pilgrimages to Canterbury (and the stories from the Canterbury Tales) originated. Anyhow, the Keep was huge, square and tall! Walking up the many spiral staircases was no feat for the faint of breath. I searched most of the floors (that I could find) and saw them beautiful recreated to period decor. After the keep we had a light lunch/snack and moved on to the gift shop. I tried Honey Mead, Celtic Mead and spiced Mead and let me tell you, it was the most bizarre thing I had ever tasted. I told Kat she should try it and she was disgusted by the idea (probably due to the hangover). It should have gotten a bottle, but I didn't want to carry it around all day. Maybe I will next time I see a bottle of it.


Keeping on a timeline, apparently there is a Medieval Tunnel system under the Keep, but we didn't have time to make it over there, nor did we even know about it until it was too late. So we are skipping that.

We are now transported to the 1800s where there stands a large building which was used as military officer's quarters. It is now hollowed out completely and waiting for restoration funds. The outside of the building is fantastic! (Regular soldiers barracks are located some ways away on the hill, and are now comprised of a restaurant, and other touristy things)

During the second World War, Dover played an important role! Since the entire castle area is built on a huge hill, with the rest of the things I mentioned surrounding it, more stuff is at the bottom of this hill. There is an entrance to a series of tunnels that functioned during WWII as a military safe base complete with barracks, a hospital, offices, and much more. The tunnels are multiple layers and were used a lot during the war. We toured the hospital since the complete tour would have taken over an hour. This was amazingly creepy. I can only imagine actually having to work down here when the land above is being bombed. Dover is the closest point to the French mainland, the enemies had guns on the other side that could reach Dover. The castle went without harm, but everything else was targeted. How 'respectful'? Anyhow, the tunnels were a fascinating surprise.

We carried on to the Admirals lookout which was from WWII, and got great views of the ocean and the distinct white cliffs of Dover. PS: the rocks here are rather crazy distinct as well, I snatched a couple to bring home... oops.

After we conquered the Castle we got back on the bus and headed down to Dover Marina and spend some time by the water taking pictures and enjoying the view.

On our way to Canterbury, we both caught a wink. Our mission once we were there was food. Our guide told us about a pub that has been there since the 14th century that was straight down the street, so naturally the historian in me wanted to go there. We got there, and it smelled old, so Kat didn't want to eat there (or anywhere without wifi)... Oh well. We had fish and chips at a little place up the street. It was really good though!

The town of Canterbury was extremely adorable. I could have stayed there for an extended period of time. It was so cute! I loved it! The shops were great: ranging from sweet shops to clothing to anything you can think of.


The Cathedral was magnificent. With it's towering Gothic ceiling and vast nave, it was truly a Holy place. Upon my entrance to the nave, a fat calico cat was wandering around. Cathedral cat and I spent a couple minutes together as I pet her and took her picture. She then went on her way, and I went on mine. I wandered through the giant Cathedral wondering where the shrine to Thomas Becket was until I came upon it's location and realized that Henry VIII would have destroyed it during the Reformation. Of course he did, the tard. Anyhow, there is a candle burning in it's location and it is pretty interesting. The actual location of Becket's death is marked clearly on the left side of the Nave.

The crypt underneath the Cathedral was a whole other experience. It was dark and somber there with little mini chapels all over. There were some creepy unique things lurking in it. I didn't really enjoy the feeling down there, but I lite a candle, said a pray and went on my way.


The bus home from Canterbury went quite quickly since I slept the entire time. Although once we entered London the traffic was horrendous. I finally got home, and awaited the return of my roommates whom have been in Paris for the weekend.


PS: If you click on pictures, it enlarges them.

The Premier League

My friend Katharine (kat) has graciously invited me to go to the Chelsea Vs. Fulham Premier League game with her! Tickets to these games are rare to the common non member, but with a few connections she managed to get them.

Chelsea's stadium, Stamford Bridge, is on Fulham Street, so you can imagine the closeness of the teams and the rivalry that comes with their location. A few hours before the game starts we head to Fulham Broadway  on the tube and find ourselves at a pub: The Rose. We met Kat's friends there who are exceptionally friendly and welcoming, buying us a round of Amsteds (Delicious Lager). We sit and chat about the game, where we are from, why we are in London, why we like Chelsea, and why we like football in general, since we are Americans after-all.

After an hour or more, slightly intoxicated, we make our way to Stamford Bridge to watch the match. This game was much better than the last! The teams played well, and Chelsea won 2-0! A victorious match. At halftime we ran out to use the toilets, and get another beer. Unfortunately this time, the beer tasted like horse urine, so I was hesitant to finish mine.

We returned to the game in the nick of time, finished watching the second half, drunkenly sprinted to the gift shop, bought a 40 pound jersey, and walked back to the pub.I love my jersey to this day, but I know I wouldn't have bought it if Chelsea would have lost, and if I wasn't drunk. But I will cherish it even more!

Unfortunately all the rest of this seasons' games are sold out! Hopefully we can worm our way into a match before we leave.

Chelsea and the Lack of Class

The title to this post has a double meaning. Firstly, Chelsea FC has lacks 'class' (which I will explain more in a moment) and secondly, I had class this week, but somehow I missed some? Oops!

Monday morning, I woke up to my alarm at 7:45, for my 9:00 class. I decided I was going to skip breakfast, and sleep a bit more because I felt dreadful. I woke back up at 8:30, sat up, looked around to my roommate who is also in the same class, and told her I am not going, I feel like dying, and I fell back asleep. Please remember at this point in the week, I still had absolutely no voice. So I slept until about 12. I made it up for my next class and scurried along in jeans and a tshirt, looking like a bum in South Kensington. Sometimes I feel like the bums dress nicer than me in this area.

Katharine Emily and I went about to get some Chelsea gear for the game later in the day on Monday. I picked up the tickets, and we went to the stadium to get our scarves and jerseys. (I didn't get a jersey as I am poor). I don't remember which day we went to Primark, I just remember going. This place was a sight to behold. It was the most amazing shop I had ever been to! If I was British and got paid in pounds, I would shop here for eternity! (the exchange rate kills, so buying anything anywhere is retarded). But at any rate, this was amazing. I got a sweater, a long sleeve blue shirt for the Chelsea game, and two scarves for 25 pounds! Horay! I will not freeze.

Tuesday I bummed again and slept, not missing any classes though. Wednesday I did not miss any classes nor did I miss breakfast! For my History of London class we were supposed to meet at Tower Hill (by the tower of London) but I thought we were to meet at St. James Square. I was wrong. But my friend Emma was also late, so she missed the tour as well. We were both so bewildered but I met her at Tower Hill (thinking I could grab the next group's tour and go with them, but they met at the end of the first one...). We had tea and cakes at a Costa next to the Tower and watched the Ravens flutter around and do their thing. Then we went back to the statue of Emperor Trajan and the original Roman wall of Londinum, and took a few pictures!

Wednesday night was the Chelsea vs Basel game. The game was in Chelsea's favor as Basel is not a very good team. After finding out they do not serve beer at Champions League games, Emily and Katharine were quite disappointing. Emma and I didn't really mind, as I don't think she really drinks, and I am on antibiotics.The first half of the game was pretty good. Basel's team seemed to be quite pathetic because every time a Chelsea player would touch them, they fell to the grass and held themselves like they were dying. It was really pathetically annoying. At one point the crowed started chanting "pranker" because the guy acted like he broke his ankle, hobbled off the field, then started jogging on it like he was fine. So lame. Anyhow, Chelsea scored with about 30 seconds remaining in the first half.

The second half was not in their favor. Basel scored in 10 minutes, putting Chelsea in shock. Towards the end of their game, after Basel had scored on them a second time, they decided to quit trying. There has over 35 minutes left in the game when I noticed a total lack of esteem. They truly are the spoiled brats of the UK football team! I was so disappointing to see their lack of enthusiasm during their game. Although it is early in the season and they can afford a lose in the Champions league, I am sure Jose (Their new/old Manager) will flog them for their actions. They were scored on twice by Basel, not due to the attentiveness of their goalie, Petr Cech, but because the defenders where no where to been seen and if they were seen, they were not playing, but rather walking around like little girls in peewee football. By the end of the game I noticed the only one to be still attentive was actually Cech. At any rate the game was a good time and a great experience. Katharine, Emily, Emma and I really enjoyed going!

Leaving the game was a total catastrophe. It was the biggest crowd of people ever. We decided to not even bother trying to get on the tube. We walked home instead and we found that it was quite a short walk! (well, not short perhaps, but doable.) We stopped at BK to get some chow before we went home. Not even 30 minutes after eating that, I wanted to die. So I am not making that mistake again. BK sucks.

So overall this week has been a success. Look for my next post about the Chelsea Vs. Fulham Premier League game on Saturday, and the White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle, and Canterbury Cathedral Sunday.

Cheers!

The Healing Waters of Bath

Emily and I woke early and chugged along the street to the bus stop where the coach would pick us up to take us to Stonehenge and Bath for the day. We got a breakfast baguette sandwich and a tea and smashed it before we got on the bus.

The bus was about 20 minutes late and came on the opposite side of the street which was not a problem, because it ended up closer to us, so we were the first to board. We got on the double decker coach and scored the front seat with a big window in front of us. It was so wild to see how close the bus got to other cars; the view was amazing. It didn't take long to exit London, and before we knew it we were rolling along next to green fields filled with sheep. It did not take long for me to fall asleep.

I was awoken by the tour guide coming on over the speakers to tell us a bit about Stonehenge and it's "origins"... Even though no one really knows about its origins at all, so that is slightly irritating... I do not like mysteries.

Upon our arrival to Stonehenge I was very awake, and we scurried out into the rain (as usual) and into the que. We didn't have to que long, but it was windy and Emily and I were froze. Luckily I had brought my rather large dome umbrella which served as a shield for our faces from the offensive elements.

Stonehenge itself was rather interesting, and exceptionally crowded. It is quite amazing how so many people gather around every single day to see a bunch of rocks all stacked up next to each other in a sheep field... I mean, it was cool to see this "Wonder of the World", but I just don't understand the pile of rocks. WHY THE HELL ARE THEY THERE?! Ill never know, and I think that is irritating to me. It is a piece of information I will never receive. So, at the least, I got to see this irritating mystery for myself, with about a thousand other people.

After Stonehenge we piled back on the bus and started our journey to Bath. On the way, since we had front row seats, we got such an amazing view of the English country side. At one interval I saw a peculiar sign that made the whispering wonder burst out a terrifyingly ugly laugh. "Tank Crossing". What in the 7 hells is that sign doing out here in the middle of nowhere?! I found it so funny, I was doubled over in my seat laughing. Not very long after that though, we passed a military base which is obviously where there was a "tank crossing" sign down the road. The base was small and there were soldiers walking around carrying large rut-sacks going about their day as our large coach passed by. The base made my mind wander back to my Sailor on his base in the US. I miss him!

Our arrival to Bath was swift. I enjoyed the ride since being on the road makes me happy (gypsy). Bath was just as I remembered it. Cute, Compact and lively. This time however, I actually go to adventure into the great Roman Baths. It was fantastic to see such an old place. There were many different sections for different baths. Hot baths, cold baths, in the middle baths... I learned quite a lot from this little adventure to Rome. At the end of the tour, I got to drink the spring water, which is said to have 'healing powers'... "We will just see about that" says the whispering wonder. And presto! What do you know, 2 days later I am speaking again! I claim it was the healing water and nothing to do with the antibiotics ;)


After the baths, Emily and I went to find some lunch as we were about to fall over dead from famine. We decided to get off of the main streets and find a place that was A: not as crowded, and B: cheaper. And we did just that! We found a pub called Molloy's where we got two burgers with chips for 8 pounds! (together!) That costed as much as our breakfast sandwiches in Kensington. See, I could live in Bath without breaking the bank, but DANG, Kensington is expensive. (Donations are welcome and appreciated). After lunch we did a spot of shopping around. This is where I found the dreaded PASTY company that sold me the pasty of death 5 years ago. No no pasty company, you shall not poison me this time!

Before we left we grabbed a sweet treat from a place by the baths. I got a brownie that was sent from heaven that made the ride home less painful. The way home it rained, so the coach was much less enjoyable. Our wonderful vista out the front window was disrupted by a thick layer of fog that could not be tamed. So I decided to nap instead. I threw my coat around my neck as one of those travel pillows and that did quite nice for a while, then it was just impossible to sleep any longer. 24 miles to London, so I remained awake.

We passed Fuller's Brewery, where they brew London's Pride Ale. This brewery has been in operation since it brewed for Hampton Court Palace for Henry VIII's court. Tour? Yes please. Its on the list now.

The Whispering Wonder

Saturday morning I awoke late morning. I couldn't speak. Not a single word could vibrate through my vocal chords. I also felt like I got hit by a train.

I decided to get a shower and go to the doctor since I am so over being sick. Today marks the 7th day of my sickness. So I get a hold of my Resident Director and ask her where I should go. She said to go to the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for the A&E Urgent Care. I sit there and think, what in the world is A&E? Isn't that a TV channel? It stands for accident and emergency. I tossed on my Lennon shirt for some company and left.

Coco Mono was my choice for breakfast today and it was by far the most delicious breakfast I have ever had. Ordering it was an experience, since I could not speak. I whisper. Eggs, bacon, toast and tea. I never thought eggs, bacon, toast and tea could taste that good! It was amazing and all perfectly cooked. It was a peaceful breakfast in the nice restaurant where customers can bring in their small dogs. They were all so well behaved, like they did it all the time... which they probably did. I carried on to Boots to talk to the pharmacist before I went and waited at the British ER for hours. She advised me to see the doctor since my lymph nodes were swollen.

A nice woman drove my cab to the A&E, which was not very far away. I checked in, and sat down across from a young girl and her mother. Those two were such a delight to sit next to. I was shocked at how much I laughed and snickered with these two. The girl reminded me of my niece, Rylie, but with a British accent. She was a hoot. Next to us were two old men who also butt in once in a while with something funny. While we were there we saw many weird things. A boy came in about 14 or 15 with a stabbed arm. His clothes were soaked in blood as he told us how his friend had jumped him for not letting him borrow 50 pounds. Yikes. I also saw a woman who was guided in by a man, she couldn't see anything so something must have been wrong with her eyes, obviously. The other weird thing I saw was a girl not much older than I, with a big bandage around her head. The blood soak was near her right eyebrow so I wonder what happened to her! It was a wild time at the A&E. The time past quickly with the giggles and writing of post cards.

I got called to see the doctor, who was about 25 maybe, and rather handsome. So the whispering wonder attempts to explain to this young doctor what is wrong. I couldn't even say "ahhh" when he looked at the back of my mouth. My chords seriously did NOT work. Not a bit. At any rate, he gave me a script for antibiotics and said to take it to any chemist. So out I go, and I walk over to boots and who do I see but the girl and her mother! Whispering, I say hello and how funny it was to see them again". Then we carried on our own ways. I trugged back home after grabbing some food for the rest of the day. I napped, and went to bed late because of the nap. My sleeping schedule is still messed from that stupid nap and it is Monday! (I still dont have a voice, BUT I was able to talk for about 30 minutes after we had dinner..)

Sunday is Bath and Stonehenge Trip, which will be my next post!

The King Summons an Audience

On the morning of Friday the 13th of September, I awoke early to fulfill a dream. I am going to Hampton Court Palace, home of Henry VIII and his infamous wives. If you know me, you know that I am obsessed with the Tudor Dynasty and it's 100 year rule over the beautiful country of England. I am not the biggest fan of Henry VIII himself, as he was quite an ass, but hey, we all have our faults.

Margie and I leave Gloucester Road Station by 10, after I had gotten some medicine since I am still sick, and seeing no hope of getting better. The menthol cough syrup created a hot yet pleasant burn down my throat when I drank it. We got off at Wimbledon Station, to get on the National Rail service. We asked where to get to Hampton Court and were directed to Platform 8. In our haste to see the home of Henry, we jumped on the first train that came, not paying attention to it's destination, which was, in fact, definitely not Hampton Court. Alas, after jumping on a couple of different trains, we made our way to our stop.

As you walk away from the station, you approach a bridge crossing the river Thames, (this river is everywhere, I swear) and across the river you see Hampton Court Palace in all its red brick glory. It felt like Christmas! The joy was overwhelming.

We chose to get lunch before embarking on the Palace. We ate at the Palace's touristy cafe, which was amazing. I loved the Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew over rice. It was probably one of the best meals I have had since I have been in England. Thank you Henry for the delicious food out of your kitchens ( wait until I tell you about Henry's kitchens!). Walking from the cafe to the Palace, we pranced through a small garden full of various roses. It was so beautiful. There were roses growing all over the place, on walls, the ground, alone, in bunches, you name the color. Purple roses? Yes.

The Hampton Court Palace allows you to get the full Tudor effect by borrowing a velvet robe to sport around. Mine was a deep green and matched my eyes nicely. We got audio guides which were awesome because now I don't have to interact with anyone. Hermit.

We started in the great kitchens. Henry's court was 600 people strong, and needed a kitchen staff of 200 to feed the court twice a day. So you can only imagine the size of this kitchen factory. There were 16 fireplaces for roasting. Roasting is a very special form of cooking, and only the wealthiest can enjoy it. Eating meat was also very expensive. Henry's diet was 70% meat. From Oxen to deer, the Royal Court devoured thousands a year. The wine cellar was also quite large and was refilled every week! We finished the kitchen tour off at the gift shop (of course). It was such a cool shop though. Bronze cookery and cute recipe books!

After the kitchens, we went to Chapel Court to watch a 'skit'. We waited outside in Henry's gardens by the Chapel for quite sometime when George Boleyn came scurrying about and told us its far to wet outside to have this meeting with the king. His Majesty requests an audience in his chambers. We are all ordered to follow George to the King's Apartments. He hurries us along and urges us to walk faster as the king is waiting. Once we arrive, the king pops out of his bedroom and starts talking to George about the Lady Anne (None of the names are obvious, but I know who they are from context clues of course). They speak of getting Anne a title, chambers, no more letters or gifts from Katharine of Aragon, and some presents. It was a really good skit and the actors were great!

After that we were really close to the Royal Bedchambers Exhibition so we decided to pop in there. It was really interesting to learn how monarchs in the 17th century ruled from their bed. They were extravagant beds, but they were rarely ever slept in. As we entered the exhibition, there was a large room with a bunch of old time mattresses on the floor. I was so confused. We figured out that you are supposed to lay on them and watch the show that is projected onto the ceiling. It was awesome and the beds were like heaven! We almost fell asleep! We walked through the exhibit and were not permitted to take pictures, so sorry for that. We got to see a couple royal chamber pots, a shaving kit, 4 big beds, and much more!

After the Bedchamber exhibition we went to the Georgian side of the palace that was obviously built during the Georgian era, not Henry's Era. From the windows of the Georgian side, you can see a magnificent garden that sprawls out into the horizon. What a fantastic view waking up every morning. I am not much into the Georgian period (yet) so I didn't pay AS close of attention as I did to the Henry parts. Probably because I was getting overwhelmed by the vastness of this Palace.

We moved back to Henry's side of the Palace and got to see the Great Hall where all the balls, masquerades, feasts, and meals were held. Wow. Just wow. Henry and Anne designed the Hall together, and some of their "remembrances" are still left there today, although most were stricken from the room after Anne's beheading. The waiting room for Henry (where the skit took place) was outside his bedroom and was a room where people would come and wait and wait and wait for his presence. They would come from all over to get to speak to the King on any sort of petition. Sometimes the king did not emerge from his room for days at a time. There was a bathroom connected to the waiting room so guests could relieve themselves without having to travel far. Henry was rather ornery.  Connecting his waiting room to the Privy Chamber (where the Privy Council would do all their meetings) was a hallway that was recently (2009) decorated in red drapes and new portraits of the king. This hallway is said to be haunted by the late 'Queen' Katherine Howard. I agree that this hallway was haunted, as my gypsy senses told me to GTFO. There have been numerous reports of people having difficulty in this hallway until 2009 when the red drapes went up. So hopefully they do not take them down, as I am sure the visitors do not want to be punched in the stomach by Katherine Howard. The Privy Chamber was fantastic. Henry's chair (or a remake rather) was seated in the center and the others formed around it in a circle. I recall reading about so many council meetings and such. It was crazy to actually be in that VERY room! It still overwhelms me.

The gardens are another magnificent part of this Palace that we were unable to see due to the lovely English weather. We made our way back home (a quick 20 minute ride to Wimbledon, then 30 on the tube) after we spent a few pounds in the gift shop. Naturally I purchased a Tudor Rose pin to pin on my backpack with all of my other pins I have been collecting, a cheap little quick Monarch guide to the British Isles, and a "Christmas ornament" of a velvet Tudor rose, which I am hanging on my tack board at the moment.

After our return, I went to a club with my roommate and a couple of friends. To say the least, I was so irritated because we got there at 10:30 (to avoid the cover charge) so nothing was going on except some casual people chilling. That was lame, and all the girls wanted to do was take pictures of each other. No, that isn't a good 'night out' to me, so that was lame. I finally got a glass of wine after Nicole and I waited for 15 minutes probably. So, I tried to be chill and have a good time, but I decided that after I finish my wine, I am going to go on home and hit the hay since I was sleepy anyhow. I set my glass down on the counter.

Apparently I am the Hulk because I crushed the glass under my hand and a shard of the stem sliced open my pinky finger in two places. I screamed and some people around me freaked out, and we stared at my finger until it started bleeding, and once it started it was like a fountain of blood! I haven't cut myself in so long that it was insane. Someone told a member of staff and they drug me to the backroom where a nice Italian man bandaged me up. He was really funny, making jokes about how it is like wrapping a burrito up. Then he said he has never really wrapped a burrito, which isn't shocking since he is Italian. I think he was the owner or something. The manager woman ran in as well to make sure I was ok. We all laughed a bit, and she said I need a shot of tequila for the pain. I didn't argue. She left and returned with a shot for me, and for herself. *Cheers* and my night began.

Eventually the bandage fell off somehow, so I had to get a new one, which called for another shot. Then I saw the Italian guy somewhere in the club and he asked if I wanted another, and before I knew it, I was dancing the time away with my friends. The people I came with decided they wanted to leave around 12, and I was NOT leaving now that I was having fun, so I stayed with Haily and we had a good time.

I got home and went to sleep.

You Know Bede, Right?

The first week of class has come to a stunning finish. I am thankful for ending on British Fantasy Writing to give me good vibes to think on for the weekend. Since I am waiting until 3 days after the week is finished, this is going to be very vague and generic... sorry :(

All of my professors are great, but the classes are not as I anticipated them. They are by no means bad, just different. There are only 3 grades the entire semester. Two papers and a final for most classes. That is cool! History of London is the history of London through many many different perspectives.

I laughed when I read the first page of my history of London book. It explains how London is not like other cities; it is very unique. Cities like Manhattan and Chicago are a grid of numbers, where as London is made up of small villages clustered together with crooked streets with many names. That is the most accurate description ever. This place is a zoo to navigate (although I do it quite well).

Monday morning is omelet morning in the Caf, so I got myself a nice omelet for breakfast, and made my way to Travel Writing. My prof (or Tutor, as they like to say here) is really a classic literary artist. Irish born and Utah raise, he is the ideal poet with a lofty voice and curly dirty blonde hair. We are going over Hikus at the moment and how to write creatively... Obviously I can use this class to spice up my dull writing techniques.

I moved on to the History of London which I have already explained a bit. I have this tutor for another class as well (History of History). She is a petite little french born Canadian with a particular accent. Shes very knowledgeable but has a modern approach to class (which isn't really my favorite) I am the nerd that wants timelines and dates of events. I did not take History of London to learn about modern fashion in London and how it came to be. But, one class I shall learn that. I will be very well rounded in my academics this semester.

Tuesday I proceeded to go to the History of Propaganda class. This professor is an extremely straightforward British man from Yorkshire. He speaks quickly and deliberately yet, enjoys a good laugh. This will be an interesting course. One of my new found friends, Marlene, from Austria, is in it so that will make it all the better. Thursdays class we went to the British Library where I got my reading pass (after an attempted fail on Monday). We went to a Propaganda and Power exhibition at the Library, which was really interesting!



Myths and Monsters, History of History is the title of my other class, and I thought, wrongly, that it would be about British myths and monsters.... not history of history... lol, what is this? To give you an idea, I am going to give a presentation on Bede. Bede, you know, the first English historian.

The last class I am in is British Fantasy Writing, which, of course, we are going to learn about Beowulf, Gawain the Green Knight, Shakespeare's weird stuff, Alice in Wonderland, and most importantly LORD OF THE RINGS and HARRY POTTER. YES. Enough said!

PS: the entire week, I've been really sick, so it has not been much fun. But milk, cookies and lemurs make it OK.

Live from the British Broadcasting Center

Harrod's was on the to-do list so after I posted my last blog, Elena, Kathrine, Emily and I popped in a cab, and zipped down the street to Harrod's. By this time we were all starved, so we ate at Cafe Concerto, which was delicious but lame service. Kathrine asked for more water from three different servers and they took forever getting it, and the place was not very busy, but that's what you get in Europe. American servers are up your butt, but not here.

Harrods was as expected, big, crowded and expensive. We charged straight up to the top floor to see some dogs that were behind glass, sleeping. I hate when animals are caged and cost 2,000 pounds, so I didn't linger long. This whole section was dedicated to pets and their toys, food, and comfort. I wanted to get something for my savage dog, but Im poor, and she is a savage so she will destroy it anyways.

The other floors were various things, like toys, Christmas world (which was fantastic), food, perfume, purses, you know. I wanted to get a chocolate but the group blasted through too quickly. We left, got some drinks, and took a cab home.

Ambassador room B02 was getting ready for the Boat Cruise while listening to music, and drinking wine. We had a good time, looked like babes, but got discouraged as soon as we found the student group to go with. The people in our group are not all the nicest people, so us 4 clung together for the first part.

The boat left port at Temple Station with over 100 students on board. The bar and DJ were working hard, jams were getting sweeter as the alcohol set in on the crowd. After the sun set and people were done playing with their cameras, the boat got wild. Dancing, singing, laughing, dancing, drinking, going, going, gone.

After being a little more intoxicated than I planned, Kathrine, Nicole, Olivia and I got on the tube after we docked, made our way back to Gloucester Road, smashed on some Burger King, and came home. I took a shower, and called Frank. My other roommates made it back much later than I as they decided to go out to another bar after the boat.

I didn't feel very awful the next day since I drank a lot of water before I went to bed, but I was still sluggish.

The Chelsea Stadium Tour was today at 9:30. I made it there, by myself, as my roommates and friends did not want to go. So I was a lone wolf in a crowd of annoying sheep. (Yes they are the sheep because I wanted to kill them all), not really all, just some of them. They're rude people.

The stadium was awesome! I think I am a Man U fan, but the Chelsea stadium was awesome, and we ARE in London after all... Manchester is a bit out of the way. We are going to a Chelsea vs Basel game on the 18th. Anyway, we got to roam all around the stadium, like in the press room, changing rooms, and dugouts.

After that, I came back home by myself, as I couldn't stand being in that group any longer, got Emily and we went to lunch as a Thai place on Gloucester. It was really good, and we saved our leftovers for dinner! Together, her and I adventured to the station, and to a store there that was awesome. It was a big grocery store that was inexpensive. So we got left by the group that was going to the BBC Tour. Everyone just leaves everyone here so it is easier to just travel alone.

We got to Oxford Circus and found our way to the BBC where everyone was waiting in line anyway. Hurry to wait, it is just like the military! (with a few differences, I am sure... lol) Once we got in, past security, the tour was fantastic. We got to see the the heart of the BBC, how it works, news rooms, theatres, studios, and all the works. Our guides were fantastic! Tours are open to the public, so I highly recommend going to this if you are ever in London. I got to broadcast the 'news' from a mock studio with another girl from the group which was really quite fun. Its hard to look at the camera constantly, and not people 'off set' and to actually sound excited about things like a giant wave of foam in Australia and the Royal family riding on the tube.

After the BBC tour, Emily and I split from the group, went to Starbucks as we were both really really tired. I got an espresso drink and the cashier asked me if I wanted to featured espresso from Etheopia, which was chocolate flavored. Of course I did, and it was fantastic. We got on the subject of me being from Ohio. He was so excited that I was from Ohio of all places, and that he had heard it is the sunniest, nicest place in the US. I thought he was pulling my leg, because we all know how Ohio is... Gross, cold, overcast, dark... He said he has always wanted to go to the City of Cleveland as it was supposed to be amazing. I felt bad telling him that Ohio is cold, snowy, and overcast mostly every day of the year. I told him Cleveland is similar to Liverpool in the fact that it is an old steel town. He looked like I just murdered his child in front of him. The poor lad was probably no older than 20, with his dreams of Ohio crushed right in front of him. I told him it was all that bad, but it is not one of the BEST places to visit in America. I felt bad...

After crushing the poor Londoner's dreams, we went to Hemley's Toy Shop. This was a sight for the inner child of everyone. 7 floors of toys, games, electronics, and princess clothes. I bought a Logo game, but it is all about the UK. What makes Britain, British? We will soon find out.


We jumped on the Piccadilly Line and found ourselves back to Gloucester. I smashed my leftovers, and loafed in bed for a while, then Emily and I went back out, and to that Middle Easter place to get some take out for her dinner, as the Thai food didn't sound good to her. I got a piece of Baklava, which was WAY to saturated in... I dont even know what so that was a bust. Emily got a Baklava sample tray for Tesco, and that was amazing, so I bought one of those today because I am a cow.

I watched Anastasia on my laptop before I went to bed. I crashed hard.

I woke up at 8:30 and felt like I had been run over by a train. I felt so awful. The Harry Potter Tour was in an hour, and I couldn't miss it because HP is my boi. Unfortunately, even after taking a shower, and having a spot of tea, I felt like ass. I went back to sleep, missing HP. I woke up a few hours later, not feeling AS bad, but still not good. I threw on a maxi dress and hat, and made my way to Boots to get some cough drops as my throat felt like it had razor blades in it. I also went to Tesco to get some food stuffs for the rest of the day. Bread, milk, yogurt, soup, OJ, Baklava, you know, the essentials. I feel like crap because I keep spending money, but if I was at home, I would have already had all these essentials, so I guess this is what happens when you move to another country and take one suitcase with you.

My glasses are really messed up, its hard to see out of them, so I hope my parents can get a hold of my prescription so I can order some new ones :(

Emily and I met up with Kathrine on Kensington High Street and took a cab over to the London Eye. Since it was rainy and cold, and I am sick, we chose the cab. We got there and the amount of people crowding the area was unbelievable. Although, it is a Sunday, so its tourists, plus anyone else who is off work. Remind me to not go to attractions on the weekend.

The Eye was interesting, I had to pee the whole time since I had just drank a litre of water, go figure. The views were cool. There are so many cranes, for construction, messing up the skylines but that's what happens when the world never stops growing! London is not a tall city like New York or Chicago but it sprawls out far. The Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) looks glorious as did Westminster behind it. I got a better sense of direction as to where I live, in comparison to Westminster and all that classic London hubbub.

After we toured the Eye, we went hopped in a cab and went to The Muffin Man for afternoon tea, again, since it was so lovely the first time. Once again we all had the Traditional tea, sammiches without crust, and cakes. I had the Passion Carrot Cake this time while Emily and Kathrine had Lemon Cake.

We have returned home now, and I am going to get snuggley in my bed and watch a movie.

Thanks for tuning into The Piccadilly Line, see you for my next post! Cheers!