I am quite enough in love.

Well hello everyone, it’s been quite sometime since I’ve posted on this. In my defence I’ve simply been spoiled with a couple visitors from the states and haven’t had much time to sit and digest everything that’s happened.

Last post I believe I mentioned I was taking a trip to see Jane Austen’s house in Alton, England with my friend Trisha who was visiting from the states. That was an adventure to say the least. We set out from Surbiton station, I had compiled the right direction and was feeling pretty confident on where about we needed to go. We correctly made it to the Alton train station where we were to catch a bus, and thankfully we at least got on the right bus but completely missed our stop. Nervousness started to settle in as we watched the sign for the Jane Austen house come into view as the bus turned the opposite way.  Needless to say we were stuck on the bus for over an hour and ended up in some town way out of the way. Thankfully we purchased a return ticket and hopped back on this time getting off of at the right stop and finding our way. The only upside to being lost was having a nice little tour of the country side, a different scene then what I’m use to.

When we arrived at the Jane Austen house it was a quaint little setting, with lush green grass and a cute little cat to go along with it. Walking the halls of this small house was such an awesome experience. They had some of her personal belongings, as well as her writing desk, which was fantastic to see. When I was looking out of the windows in the house I tried my best to picture what she saw everyday, where she gathered her inspiration. The sight I saw before me, just like hers, was beautiful even if now it faced onto a nice little tea restaurant. I could only imagine what it must have looked back then with the sun shinning along the fields and being able to paint a picture for her. Visiting this house taught me a lot about this great author and was happy to have experienced this.

Unfortunately for me there was no Mr. Darcy lurking about ready to pop out around the corner, so I guess it’s back to the book for me.

While I’ve been abroad I have experienced both Valentines day, completely a hallmark holiday here minus the hallmark and just a bit more flowers &hearts, as well as St.Patrick’s Day. It was strange for me to not see people dressed head to toe in green, stumbling drunks and the smell of disgusting beer. Yes some of the pubs here were holding events, but that was partially because it was the Six Nations Rugby, so the atmosphere was intense and there was no where to sit. Luckily we found a spot in an Irish pub settled in a grabbed some traditional Irish stew. I must say this was pretty fantastic, nothing like what I’m use to on St.Patty’s Day, but it was the next best thing. It was strange to see everyone back home posting things about St.Patty’s day and here was a calm setting with nothing much but a rugby match going on that weekend. It became very clear to me just how much St.Patty’s Day was simply an American holiday.

This past week I’ve also had the chance to visit with my friend Alexis, who came to stay for a bit., it was great to see another familiar face.  We were able to just hang out and explore the city as well. This past Saturday we ventured out of familiar territory so she could get to experience the Doctor Who Shop. which I’m starting to think was the sole reason she came to visit me(HA!), as well as visiting Kensington Gardens, which was very beautiful even with the freezing rain. Stretches of vast green grass, dogs running about, and beautiful fountains to paint the scene.  I was most excited about this trip because I would be able to see Prince Albert’s memorial, but because of my luck, the monument was under construction and was closed. I must say they are very lucky I live here and not just a visitor because I would be very upset had this happened to me under those circumstances. The only benefit to this is now I have an excuse to return when it’s sunny and somewhat warmer, more enjoyable.

Sadly both of my friends have returned home, to normal life with their families and I can’t help but feel a little envious. I’m beginning to miss home, family and the warmth of the sun more so than normal, although now New Jersey is inches in snow. When I start to feel this way I have to stop and tell myself that in less than a week you will be getting ready to venture to Italy, Ireland and Leed’s, you can’t want to go home just yet. This little bit of excitement will be giving me the push I need to pass through this week. So here’s to an amazing Spring Holiday doing what I love to do, exploring new places. Till next time!

Cheers

x   

These great men are never at home

It was about two Saturdays ago, that I took a trip to Oxford and was able to take a tour of all the universities that make up this historic place. A lot of things had taken place in the town but my most favorite moment of the tour was when I found myself in an alley that was believed to have inspired C.S Lewis’ “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe”. It was a cute little alley, a lone lamppost at the end which is said to be the same lamp Lewis was depicting in his book. Along with the post we came upon a door that held a lions head along with a mini version of Mr. Tumnus, these pieces were also said to be inspiration for the characters of this book and you could clearly see the visions of these characters played out in your head.

            Along with C.S Lewis, Tolkien was also a predominate figure in Oxford, both of these authors would gather at a pub called “The Eagle and Child” and would brainstorm/discuss ideas for future creations. Some of the books you may know include: Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Tolkien) as well as Chronicles of Narnia (Lewis). Knowing that some of these great writers created right down the road from where I stood was quite an exciting thing to learn as well as think about, these little facts made the two hour trip  completely worth it.

Last Sunday I hopped on a train in to Central which put me right between Big Ben and the London eye, and I found myself not in awe of what was before me, but severely annoyed with all the tourists that lined that Westminster Bridge. Experiencing this crowd of people was eye opening because it gave me a chance to show that I was a local and could no longer compare myself to a tourist. That may sound a bit odd to some, but once I was put into that mindset it was quite liberating to know I was finally making a home here. Tricia and I even adapted the ways of the locals and slammed our way through the people gathered along the bridge. That may sound harsh but that’s just how things get done around here, they don’t move for you so don’t move for them.

When we were done fighting our way through the crowd, a couple of friends and I decided to try out one of London’s big attractions, The London Dungeon, and I must say I was completely impressed. In this attraction you move to different rooms that depicted certain gruesome aspects of English history. Some included King Henry VIII, the Black Plague, for some humor Sweeny Todd as well as a recreation of the Tin Bells where Jack the Ripper did some of his haunts. There was just the right amount of funny with a proper bit of horror that anyone could enjoy it. So if you ever find yourself in Central London be sure to take the time to check it out. We also got our first taste of a traditional Sunday roast which certainly won't be my last. It was quite yummy and held all the nutritional value I have been lacking since I've arrived here, I truly do believe I will eventually turn into a pizza I've consumed so much. If you ever find yourself here in England on a Sunday make sure to take part in this dish. 

Thursday brought some proper bit of excitement as I found myself making a trek to Heathrow to pick up one of my friends from home. Trish is here for a week and it’s great having her. She and I were once roommates so I must point out this will work well with the current living situation since my room is very small. It’s a pretty awesome experience to be given the chance to see a familiar face from home. It's great having the opportunity to show them everything you’ve learned as well as experienced while you've been abroad.  

Tomorrow we are setting out to Old Spitalfields market; I’ve heard great things about this place, as well as Tin Bells, which has been made famous due to Jack the Ripper. I visited this pub once before and the atmosphere is fantastic. I also found myself being called Doris repeatedly by a 50 something year old man that night, but that’s a story for another time.

Tuesday we will be venturing to Jane Austen’s house so I am completely excited to see where this legend composed some of the best books in history; you can’t tell me you’re not a sucker for Austen novels. Who knows, maybe I can find my Mr. Darcy!
I’m completely kidding, but I had to throw his name in there somewhere right?

Hope all is well wherever you call home.

Cheers