Can I have some Roman bath water?

What better way to put off writing papers, than updating this little blog for everyone? With these weeks winding down of my time abroad I find myself clinging to the last moments, taking in every bit I can and storing these images in my mind to hold me over. My last big adventure, not so big but made me venture out of London, included Stonehenge and Bath with my British Life and Culture class. While Stonehenge was both beautiful and exciting, I found myself over it by the 5th picture I had taken of the same sight, sun shining through the stone & the millionth tourist jumping in my picture. I’m not bashing it by any means, for it was a sight to see and therefore a trip worth taking, I just was thrilled within the first couple minutes and that was it. After we walked the circle around, my friends and I took to trying the famous rock cake in the area. While it was interesting and mildly delicious, it was no American cake that’s for sure. When we were finished up our next stop was Bath, and the minute we pulled up to this beautiful sight I felt as though I had stumbled right into a Jane Austen novel. The houses all looked the same, made out of the same colour stone creating a picturesque back drop for our guided tour. Musicians playing in the courtyards in front of the churches and their high street littered with people who looked as though they were clones of one another with beautiful blonde hair and a face to go along. We took a walking tour of the city, with an adorable old man who was more than willing to talk about anything and everything. We got to see what’s known as the circus, a circle of beautiful homes that cost more than I’d probably ever see in my lifetime. Further down the street we came across a park in which the grass was the greenest I have ever seen, the sky the brightest blue and fluffy clouds to go with. The temperature was perfect and I could not have asked for a better atmosphere. We also had the oppurtunity to visit the Roman baths which was an amazing sight. Although the water was pure green, due to pollution, the architecture and seeing just how old this structure was was pretty brilliant. They were a head of their time, and the layout of this place was fascinating, maybe one of the best parts of the trip. There was also a big rugby match taking place that day, so there were more men in drunken stances, ridiculous costumes, and slurring their words then previously seen. The sight was quite comical and I found myself becoming fascinated. When the coach was pulling away, the house lined in front of us, a beautiful river underneath, I started envying those who lived in Bath, I did not want to leave. Last Thursday I took a trip to the National History Museum, which was running rampant with school children, cute but a lot to handle. I just wanted to enjoy the Dinosaur exhibit in peace but found none, and while the exhibit was decent, and held a mechanical T-Rex, I found myself being spoiled by the Smithsonian and a bit disappointed on what was on display. Although the museum held small dinosaur part, it did hold a giant sized skeleton in the main lobby, which was pretty decent to see. The museum itself was rather large and held a lot of interesting things, but I was there for a research observation and all alone, so I figured I’d rather not test my luck and get out of there as fast as I could. Over this past weekend Tricia and I have seen more of the beautiful city of London, than we have all term. We took to trying out a vintage fair, where I snagged a sweet ring, JFK adorning the top, and tramping through the on again off again rain. At one point Starbuck’s was closing and the weather decided in that moment to downpour. We also stumbled upon a giant food market, that held anything you could think of, and even scored a delicious pulled pork sandwich. There were so many people at this market that it was hard to walk, but I guess they just let their noses direct them because the smells wafting out of everywhere were amazing. We visited a quant little museum that was once the site in which the Clink Prison stood. Many torturous things took place there and I learned a lot about how cruel they really could be. Finding out disturbingly enough that some of the persons died by being placed into a hole, which was filled with water carrying diseases and were forgotten about, their limbs falling off because they had been so waterlogged. I hope that painted as gruesome an image for you as it did for me, because that had to be the scariest thing I read while visiting this space. It was nice to get the chance to visit these places one more time. As this last week has come to a close, I am officially done with classes and now must bunker down with writing a million essays and starting to pack up my flat to travel home. Not something that sounds enjoyable in the least bit, but essay’s are all that’s expected of me for these courses so I can’t complain to much I guess, right? Til next time, Cheers xx

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