Cardiff. Was. Awesome.

There's really no other way to put it.

First off, it was great to finally see some scenery other than the mind-numbing flatness of the English countryside. Mountains and valleys as soon as we crossed into Wales. And then we came to Cardiff. I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting, but that was not it. At some point, Cardiff seems to have become a thoroughly modern city. Of all the places I've been, I think I can best compare it with Toronto.

Still, we were in the U.K., and that means castles everywhere. We toured the medieval Cardiff Castle, which was until 50 years ago a private residence. It's built on the site of an old Roman fort from nearly 2000 years ago. We got some stunning views of the city and the countryside from the top of the castle keep.

We did some shopping on a high street, although I as usual didn't buy anything. Then we walked through a lovely park/arboretum by the Taiff river. I made sure to carve AEPi into some wet cement, leave my mark on the city. We mastered public transportation and took a bus down to the harbor, which is the coolest part of the city. It's all been built in the last few years - shopping, restaurants, public squares, an opera house, sculptures, fountains, etc...

It was the best day, weatherwise, since I left the states. It must've been in the high 80s at least, with a sun strong enough to give me some color and burn Deanna. It's funny - in Amsterdam, it was hot and sunny when I went, in Cardiff it was hot and sunny. But London remains miserable and cloudy. Next weekend is Paris, so I can only assume it'll be hot and sunny.

We took a boat ride around the bay, which was nice and refreshing. Then we took the bus back to the city centre, and had a nice dinner. I had planned to get some Welsh food, but since I don't actually know what that is, I had fish and chips. Then it was back to London. It's a three hour bus ride each way, and I can't sleep on buses, so I'm utterly exhausted. Tomorrow, for the first time in weeks, I have nothing planned. So it's time to sleep the hell in.

Who's that with the audio guide around his neck? It's Super-Tourist

It's the weekend, and you know what that means - time to explore. Today we woke up bright and early to catch our coach which took us to the city of Bath. We got a guided tour of the city from the bus, and then it was down into the ancient Roman baths. I've been there before, but it was still awesome to see how well preserved some of the site is. I wish the baths were still operating, because a nice hot dip would've hit the spot. I haven't had one day of relaxation since I've been here.

After the baths we had some free time in the city to shop. You know me, that's not my thing, but it really is a gorgeous city and it was a great day to walk around outside. I'd almost forgotten what the sun looks like.

Then it was off to Stonehenge. Again, I've been there previously, but that doesn't detract from the sense of wonder one feels when they look at the stones. It really is indescribable - if you ever find yourself in this part of the world, make sure you see Stonehenge. I was there with Deanna and Liz, and to see how in awe they were viewing the circle for the first time, it really made me smile.

As if that wasn't enough (with a 2 hour bus ride each way), when we got back I decided to do another haunted London walk, this time in the historic City of London. So now that I'm scurred out of my mind, I'm going to go to bed. Our bus for Cardiff leaves at 8, so I'll be up at the asscrack of dawn.

"I puked and shat my pants at the same time"

Nice story, Alissa. 

Today was one of the busier days since I've been here, and it's only going to get busier from here on out.  This morning we dragged ourselves out of bed way too early to catch a 10:00 "flight" on the London Eye, the world's largest ferris wheel.  The views were amazing - each capsule holds about 30 people, and it's completely glass so you've got a 360 degree view.  The whole ride lasts for a half hour.

Then Deanna and I went to the Tower of London, which I'd been too before, but I'm so glad I went back.  After we rode past the Crown Jewels on the people mover for the second time, Deanna's eyes glazed over and she said in a monotone, "I wanna go again."

After class (which sucked as usual), I took a nap then grabbed some dinner.  Then D and I went out again, to take a walking tour called "Apparitions, alleyways and ales."  We saw some atmospheric hidden alleys, learned some history, stopped in a pub for the strongest cider I've ever had, nearly lost the group, and heard some killer ghost stories (including the one about Gyro, the German ambassador's dead dog whose ghost caused traffic accidents during the blackout).

Early morning tomorrow, and a full day.  I ought to get a good night's sleep, but I wouldn't bet on it.

We've reached the halfway point :-(

Pictures

 
So my triple is down to a double - my roomate Alan has come down with Shingles.  I know I'm no med student, but I still feel kind of stupid for not knowing what shingles actually are.  Either way, he's been moved into his own room, so it's just me and Christian.  But we're going to put up a sign-up sheet so people can come and spend the night in our empty bed.  Who doesn't like sleepovers?

Last night a small group of us went out to the Black Widow, a local pub.  It's somewhat scary-themed in decor, but the best part were the themed drinks.  "Test tubes" are only a pound, and they're about as strong as straight shots.  Good times, good times.  There was even a machine where you grip two metal handholds, and it sends an increasingly high electric current through you, and the game ends when you let go and break the circuit.  Deanna and I held hands and played at the low voltage, but only Courtney was willing to try the highest power level with me.  She took it like a man!

Today we got a guided tour of Parliament, which was actually pretty interesting.  It's the most ornate building I've ever seen, and the two houses (lords and commons) were so much smaller than I expected.  All in all, it was very...British.  If that makes sense.  Tonight all the girls went out to a gay bar, so I passed on that.  I know, I'm no fun.

Yankee game is on, I'm watching it on my computer.  It's wonderful to be able to keep up with the team when I'm thousands of miles from home.  God bless technology.

A fun couple of days are coming up.  Tomorrow we're going on the London Eye, friday I'm going to Bath and Stonehenge, and Saturday I'm going up to Cardiff for the day.  But Monday is our midterm, so I guess Sunday will have to involve some studying.  If I must.

There's boobies in the newspapers!

Not a lot going on, but thought I'd update since the internet's been down for a couple days and doesn't appear to be coming back anytime soon.  SO I'm over at Metrogate on their computer.

No BBC for us yesterday, because Temple doesn't have their shit together.  Even the backup tour, of the Guardian, failed cause TEmple doesn't know what it's doing.  So yesterday would ahve been a complete waste, but I decided to go on a photo safari - I walked from Knaresborough to the Tate Modern, which took me all evening, but it was lovely out and I got some great pictures.

Today we toured the British museum (second time for me), and tomorrow we're going to Parliament.  So hopefully this week will be better than it started off.

Notting Hill was a sucky movie

Not that I need to see it to pass judgment, you understand.

So last night Deanna and I were the only ones who went out, because everyone else had to wake up early today for a day trip to Bath. So we went to Leicester Square to check out a jazz club we read about, but it looked to be a real dive, so we tubed over to Notting Hill and found a local pub for dinner and drinks.

Today I slept in while Deanna went to a museum, and in the afternoon we met up and went to the National Portrait Gallery. My British history must be a little rusty, because I can honestly say I've never heard of 75% of the people features. The more modern sections were pretty neat though.

After that we caught a nice late lunch/early dinner at a fish and chips place about a mile from our flat. A big meal like that (we both got full English breakfasts) and we needed a nap. So now we've just woken up and people have started to come back into the city from their weekends away. As to what tonight holds, I don't know, but I do know tomorrow we're checking out the BBC, so I'm very excited about that.

Watch my brain explode

Because this is the last weekend I have here when I'm not traveling, I decided to hit all the museums I wanted to see in the city.  Let me tell you, there's something to be said for culture binges - my feet are blistered, my legs are constantly sore, my brain feels like it can't handle any more...but somehow, I feel like a better human being for having seen so much.

Friday the few people who are around this weekend went over to the Natural History museum, which was great but I didn't see close to all of it, so I'll be going back.  Then Deanna and I walked through Hyde Park.  The Diana memorial fountain was all fenced off, because apparently a lot of people have been slipping and hurting themselves.  Stupid British children ruining things for the rest of us.  We made our way to Speaker's Corner, which at that time consisted of two guys on soapboxes, not talking because there was no one paying attention.  Then we hopped a bus back and took a nap.

In the evening I went by myself to the Tate Modern gallery, which I think was the best museum I've seen in my life.  I spent hours there, and because it's open until 10 on fridays, watched a gorgeous sunset from the river walk.  I then walked to Covent Garden to meet up with the other Templers, where we chilled at a nice pub.  In that area, the thing to do is get a drink, then mill around outside meeting people from all the other pubs in the area, which is a great idea.  No open container laws in this country!

Today the group went to see a preseason football match, but I passed on that and went to the Tate Britain museum.  That was a little underwhelming, but I suppose I'm just not a fan of the British School.  I took the Tube over to the Museum of London, which was infinitely more fascinating.  I can't imagine living in a city that has so much history - and the frightening thought is that there are places in Europe who's pasts stretch back even further.

Tonight, who knows?

Witty title here

 
Pictures

 
Wednesday was a much needed day off.  Not literally, but it was my first chance to take it easy in a long while.  We didn't have class until 2 o'clock, and even though I told myself I would wake up early and do something worthwhile, but I slept in of course.  Class was some boring lady with bad teeth and a horrible accent telling about British "cinemaaa".  After that, we watched "Secrets and Lies," which was a compelling watch, if a little long.
That night, I was more than content to just stay around inside and watch TV and read.

Today was a busy but great day.  The class trip was optional, but I woke up at 9 to go to the offices of the Voice, London's top black newspaper.  Only about 8 of us went, but the others will be jealous.  We spent 3 hours there, and it was the most interesting time I've spent here.  They actually gave us caribbean food for lunch, and gave us awesome goodie bags with some cool stuff.
In the afternoon I went on my own to the National Gallery - it's hard doing art museums with other people, no one goes at the same pace.  I spent a few hours there, but since it's free I'll definitely be going back.

Then this evening a small group of us went out to the Black Widow, a local bar.  Alan, Deanna and myself were brave enough to go for the monster burger, because everyone is having hardcore meat cravings.  I even tried frog legs for the first time in my life - good, not great.

And, it looks like I'll be going to Paris August 6-8.  It hurts to spend money, but I can't take the risk that I'll never have another chance.

"Drink and drink and drink and drink and drink and drink and fight!"

Monday night went more or less as you'd expect.  We all went out to a local pub to celebrate Alan's Birthday, and a good time was had by all.  I learned a lesson, however.  When you're challenged by two sorority girls to a 2-on-1 pitcher kill, DON'T accept.
 
Tuesday I was hurting pretty bad in the morning, but thankfully class was canceled.  So I slept in, and in the afternoon went off to explore the British Museum.  The collection is absolutely amazing - my mind was blown by just the Egyptian section alone.
Like many museums, they seem to give short shrift to Asian, African and American wings, but I suppose those areas simply aren't as interesting.  Give the people what they want, and the people want mummies.

Back out last night to Tatershall (my floating bar), where I made a new friend.  As always seems the case, when in a foreign country you have a tendency to meet fellow Americans, or in my case a Canadian.  So the tally so far is: three phone numbers given to me, and me without a phone to make use of them.  C'est la vie.

Back Holdin it Down in tha RBKC

Again, that's the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to you.

Pictures Here!




I'm now an official (temporary) member of the borough libraries. I've found plenty of time to read when I'm here, and have finished Portnoy's Complaint which I brought from Philly, so I figured I ought to get a library card. If anything, it's a nice souvenir.

So, we made it back from Amsterdam in one piece, although about as exhausted as you might expect. It was about a ten hour trip door to door each way, and Sunday morning we had to do stuff with the group, so we really only had Saturday to ourselves. We explored the city central, but it was the hottest day since we've been in Europe, so every couple of blocks we took a brief rest. We checked out the Sex Museum, which was more attraction than museum, but for two Euros fifty you can't go wrong. We did a canal cruise, toured the Heineken Experience (admission includes three free beers and a glass to take home). The best part was a ride in which it simulated being a bottle of beer by shaking the floor.

Amsterdam is a beautiful city. The vast majority of the buildings date to the 17th century - that's amazing, the Dutch were first colonizing New York around that time. The canals are gorgeous, but the water is rather dirty, which is kind of disturbing. Also, people throw their trash everywhere, unlike London, which is one of the cleanest cities I've ever seen.

Everyone was a tourist. We heard little to no Dutch on the entire trip, and I can imagine natives hate it. I could never live in Amsterdam - I honestly can't stand tourists. But, of course, that's what I am.

Today a group of us went to St. Paul's church and climbed to the very top of the dome. It had what so far is the best views of the city, although we are riding the London Eye later on in the trip.

Tonight's my roomate's birthday, so we'll be hitting the pubs. Back to the daily grind, I guess.

Once a college student, always a college student

Being on a budget means one thing - you will do whatever it takes to find a buffet.  Tonight, after a disappointing walk to our local Pizza Hut and finding their buffet is only for lunch, we hopped the tube to Leicester Square and went to an Italian buffet - only 5.49.  Well, with guys, everything becomes a contest, so with echoes of Kobayashi ringing in my ears, me and my roomate Christian (we found out he's got a twin named Hans!) decided to see who could down more slices of pizza.  After 8, I was nearly delirious and had trouble sitting up.  But he roared back and tied me, and went up to get the winning slice.  I couldn't let that pass, so I choked down one more to tie him.  Everyone went home happy and hurting.
 
That doesn't mean I was about to stay in tonight.  I again headed out to a place I'm becoming quite familiar with, Tatershall Castle, a floating bar in sight of Big Ben.  When I go there, I usually go alone.  Why?  Well, one of the great things about being on vacation is being around people you don't know and who have no preconceptions of you.  I'm pretty close with the people on my trip, and Deanna's here, so that's not so easy if I go out clubbing or pubbing with them.  But on my own, I get a chance to meet the natives, to make friends, to make first impressions.  It's not often I get a chance to make a first impression anymore, because as school goes on, it's harder to meet new people.
 
So, another fun night.  I had to leave before I wanted, to catch the last train shortly after midnight.  London's a wonderful city, but it's not a 24-hour city.  Great place to live, but it's no New York.

New perspectives

The play last night was enjoyable. It was certainly aimed at a younger demographic, so it wasn't particularly subtle or thought-provoking. But it was a nice night nonetheless - and the fact that we got home after 11 meant it was the first time since we've been here that we didn't go out partying.

This morning we went to what I think was the most interesting place we've been. Westferry Printers are responsible for the vast majority of the newspapers in this country, and we got to tour the plant. I've never actually seen the process in action, and it was amazing to see how efficient it is. Westferry has to be, because they print 12 million papers a day. We got to take some new papers home as souvenirs, I chose the Star, possibly because there's a girl in a bikini on the front page. It's amazing what passes for news around here sometimes.

In the afternoon, we were spoken to by Abdel Bari Atwan, a writer for Al Quds, a major arabic newspaper. He's one of the few journalists to have interviewed Osama bin Laden, and at one point he made a reference to receiving an e-mail from bin Laden, which raised a couple of eyebrows.
His perspective was one you'd never hear in America. Compared to him, Michael Moore looks like Bill O'Reilly.
Much of the class found him offensive, even racist at points. But the point of this whole trip is to be exposed to viewpoints and perspectives that we might never see at home, and it's certainly an eye-opening experience.

The weekend is here! It's been a real long week, as far as class and activities go, but now we're free. Tonight, I'm sure everybody will be going out to celebrate, but the real fun starts tomorrow. Me, Deanna and four others are leaving in the afternoon for Amsterdam! We'll be back late Sunday, but I'll be sure to take plenty of pictures for ya.

Who says I ain't kulcherd?

We just got back from the Victoria and Albert Museum, which was pretty impressive. Major sections were closed for renovations, but what we say was great. I still can't get over how all the museums are free - I would kill to have that back in the States.
I guess it's no wonder why Brits think us Americans are uncultured. To them, museums are free and theater is cheap. But our government doesn't subsidize them, so most people can't afford to go. I think it's not that we don't have culture, it's that we don't value what British consider culture. We value other things, not necessarily inferior, just different. Still, it's nice that education takes such a high priority here.

Last night we were all taken out to dinner at a local pub, which was real nice. The drinks were on them too. I ordered Welsh Rarebit as an appetized, which I assumed meant rabbit, but it was actually cheese on toast. Still good. Salmon on mash for dinner, which was even better. And a nice bottle of Australian Chardonnay - see, it's not all binge drinking arond here.

Well, we've got class in an hour, and tongiht we're going to see a play called Blood Brothers. Til then, check out my photo album: Here!

Bury me in Yankee Stadium

I suppose this class thing isn't going to be so bad. Yesteday our speaker was an actor/director with the Royal Shakespearean Company, and it really was a fascinating lecture. Theatre here is different than it is in the states - it's for all classes, all types of people. We're going to see a couple shows while we're here, but I'd like to catch some on my own. Maybe even Jerry Springer: The Opera. No, I'm not making that one up.

After class, 10-15 of us went out for happy hour to celebrate D's birthday, and then I took her out to a nice Italian place for dinner. All in all, a good day.


This morning we went down to Westminster Abbey, which is actually smaller than you might expect. It's still gorgeous inside, but the highlight is seeing the tombs of countless famous people. Dickens, Darwin, Newtown, Byron, Faraday, Caroll, Tennyson, Chaucer, etc...and that's not including all the Kings and Queens.

As I write this, I'm waiting for my laundry to finish. But after that, we have a welcome dinner at a local pub, the important part being that we don't have to pay!

Don't be scurred

Went back to the London Dungeon today for the first time in like 8 years. Definitely not as cool as it was when I went before, but I guess everything's less amazing when you're older.
But it was still a great time because I went with two awesome ladies. Deanna, of course, and Olga (the O.G.). You all know there's nothing for your ego like having two pretty gals clinging to you because they're scared. And they really hit it off, which was great. It's great when your old friends meet your new friends and get along.
We wandered around the city afterwards looking for a place to grab dinner and a pint, but everything's closed on Sundays around here. We ended up at McDonalds, and after walking for a few miles, we were too beat to drink. But tomorrow (today!) is Deanna's birthday, so I'm sure we'll be going out to celebrate.

First day of class tomorrow. It's a bummer, I just know all through the class I'll be thinking of all the cool things I could be doing. But I'll have plenty of time for that.

And it's official - we're going to Amsterdam next weekend!

I'm here

Well, I've been in London for three days now, and I'm already having the time of my life.

Thursday was spent getting settled in and exploring the neighborhood. We're in the RBK&C, which is the richest part of the city. Every second car is a Beemer. I think everyone is going to leave with the impression that the whole city is wealthy.
That night, Deanna and I went down to the river by Big Ben - it's a romantic city, to say the least.

Friday night, though, a group of us went to a pub in a working class neighborhood, and those are more my type of people. Everyone I've met is exceedingly friendly, there's no anti-american sentiment at all. The pub was having karaoke night, and I strongly considered doing it. Those of you who know me know that's out of character, but I figure what the hell. Also, at that point I had 4 Guinesses in me and a couple shots of Courvoisier. I'm the motherfucking P-I-M-P, I guess.
Also at that pub, I managed to get a girl's phone number. Or rather, she gave it to me without my asking. She was cute, but she's 29 and I don't have a phone, so obviously I'm not going to follow up. But it's good for the ego.

Today we had a walking tour of Holland Park and Notting Hill, and went to the markets at Portabello Road. I'm trying to conserve money, but I treated myself to a cigar. No Cuban embargoes here. So tonight I went down to the Thames and sat on the water, smoking it. I met a real nice girl from Belgium and spent a couple hours just talking with her.

Now I'm sittting in my room, drinking a Chocolate Beer. It's...interesting. Tomorrow I'm goign to Trafalgar Square and meeting up with Olga, a girl I haven't seen since High School, so that'll be awesome. NOt sure what we're going to do, but it'll be fun.

Before this trip, I said these 5 weeks are going to determine once and for all if there's any place on this earth other than New York that I could ever live. Well, early returns are in, and I think I could be very happy here.