Today we visited our old friend Will Shakespeare in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Our flatmates joined us on our adventure and we left this morning for our 2 1/2 hour journey. We first went to see Shakespeare's childhood house in the center of town. I've been once before so I didn't go inside the house this time. Instead we just viewed it from the exterior. The house is dead center in the middle of shops and pubs so we wandered a bit and did some shopping (which I'm never opposed to).
We then headed for Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried. Again, this was a repeat visit, but always a good one. Holy Trinity Church is right on the Avon River, which I think is my favorite part about Stratford. We spent a little time down by the river watching people rowing by and playing in the park on the other side. I've now been there twice and still haven't made it across the river. I really need to come back and stay for a considerable more amount of time.
After the river we made the trek to Anne Hathaway's Cottage (not the actress, but Shakespeare's wife). It's about a mile from the church in a more residential part of Stratford. The walk is lovely and we came across a wonderful cat along the way. She was just sitting in a flower bed and let us take pictures and pat her. It seemed to me that her cute positioning in the flowers was not by accident and more of a tourist trap for getting patted on the head.
When we got to Anne Hathaway's Cottage, we were unable to get into the gardens without buying a pass into the house as well...and since Hank and I have already been in the house we decided to just view it from the outside. Silly us for walking all the way there and then not going inside. Oh well. By this time we were all exhausted and ready to go home. Another 2 1/2 hours back to Nottingham. It's really fun visiting all of these places, but the train rides home are a killer. And now I am back in Nottingham...planning adventures for tomorrow and more train rides!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Whitby
Today the group headed to Whitby, a fishing village north-east of Nottingham (about 3 hours away). Whitby is where Bram Stoker wrote Dracula. In his book, Dracula first arrives in Whitby when he comes to England. I saw a Dracula store from afar, but didn't get a chance to go inside.
I think Whitby is the perfect sea side village, and is known for its fish and chips. I had a potato. There are two sides to Whitby and a river separates the old side from the new side. Unfortunately, the swing bridge was broken so we couldn't walk from one side to the other. Our only way across was by free bus shuttle, boat or cab. The abbey was on the other side so we had to get across somehow!
Whitby Abbey is situated up on a hill overlooking the city and the sea, and all that remains are the outer remnants of what the abbey once was. We decided to take a cab because of the broken bridge, instead of taking the shuttle bus and walking the 199 steps up to the abbey. The cab was a good choice because everyone is still feeling a little ill. Once we were got up there, it was quite an amazing view. The weather was perfect and the sea is always a lovely sight. I loved just sitting in the grass looking at the abbey and the sea. From the abbey, we could see the beach. Unlike in Dover, this was a real beach with sand and waves. I wish we could have spent more time in Whitby because I would have loved to go down and put my feet in the sand.
One part of Whitby that I loved were all the dogs. Everyone had a pooch with them and it seemed like all the restaurants and shops were very dog friendly. I saw 3 little wiener dogs (one just like Max and the other 2 had long hair). I loved them all. I miss my naughty boys.
Unfortunately, we didn't have much time after the abbey because our bus was leaving at 4. We wandered around a few shops, but then grabbed a drink and snack and headed back to the bus. I slept most of the way there and home, which was nice because we'd gotten up too early. On the way to Whitby, Hank came across 2 hairy coos (long haired highland cows). I've wanted to see a hairy coo for quite some time, but I was sleeping when we passed them and Hank couldn't wake me fast enough. On the way home though, I planned to stay awake and see the coos. I waited and waited and no coos, so finally I napped because we thought we'd missed them. Awhile later, Hank woke me quickly and I got a glance of 2 sleepy hairy coos in a field. It was only a little glance from afar so I still haven't seen a proper coo.
I think Whitby has been one of my favorite places I've seen so far. Definitely a place to come back to.
Side note:
On the way to Whitby, we passed this very random large ugly building in the middle of nothing. The bus driver said it was used as a spy station to spy on the Russians. The sign on the road said something about a government building that was off limits. Don't know how true that is, but I thought it was pretty cool.
I think Whitby is the perfect sea side village, and is known for its fish and chips. I had a potato. There are two sides to Whitby and a river separates the old side from the new side. Unfortunately, the swing bridge was broken so we couldn't walk from one side to the other. Our only way across was by free bus shuttle, boat or cab. The abbey was on the other side so we had to get across somehow!
Whitby Abbey is situated up on a hill overlooking the city and the sea, and all that remains are the outer remnants of what the abbey once was. We decided to take a cab because of the broken bridge, instead of taking the shuttle bus and walking the 199 steps up to the abbey. The cab was a good choice because everyone is still feeling a little ill. Once we were got up there, it was quite an amazing view. The weather was perfect and the sea is always a lovely sight. I loved just sitting in the grass looking at the abbey and the sea. From the abbey, we could see the beach. Unlike in Dover, this was a real beach with sand and waves. I wish we could have spent more time in Whitby because I would have loved to go down and put my feet in the sand.
One part of Whitby that I loved were all the dogs. Everyone had a pooch with them and it seemed like all the restaurants and shops were very dog friendly. I saw 3 little wiener dogs (one just like Max and the other 2 had long hair). I loved them all. I miss my naughty boys.
Unfortunately, we didn't have much time after the abbey because our bus was leaving at 4. We wandered around a few shops, but then grabbed a drink and snack and headed back to the bus. I slept most of the way there and home, which was nice because we'd gotten up too early. On the way to Whitby, Hank came across 2 hairy coos (long haired highland cows). I've wanted to see a hairy coo for quite some time, but I was sleeping when we passed them and Hank couldn't wake me fast enough. On the way home though, I planned to stay awake and see the coos. I waited and waited and no coos, so finally I napped because we thought we'd missed them. Awhile later, Hank woke me quickly and I got a glance of 2 sleepy hairy coos in a field. It was only a little glance from afar so I still haven't seen a proper coo.
I think Whitby has been one of my favorite places I've seen so far. Definitely a place to come back to.
Side note:
On the way to Whitby, we passed this very random large ugly building in the middle of nothing. The bus driver said it was used as a spy station to spy on the Russians. The sign on the road said something about a government building that was off limits. Don't know how true that is, but I thought it was pretty cool.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
All Things English
2 Pence Coins
*The English have 2 cent coins that are about the size of a quarter. I think they are worthless as far as money goes and way too big to carry around. On the other hand, I've been collecting them to use at work. They are so different from anything we have back home, I'm going to pretend they are pirate treasure and bury them on the playground. I have about 50 coins so far, but I sent an email out to the group for donations so we'll see how many I can get.
Creamy Mash
*Creamy mash is nothing more than mashed potatoes, but it sounds so much more fun to say, "I'd like the creamy mash please".
Toilets
*Back home if you need to use the bathroom, you'd say "bathroom" or "restroom" or (at work) "potty". They just say "toilet" here. At first it sounded really odd to say "where are the toilets?", but now I've gotten used to it and I'm pretty sure when I come back home I'm going to offend someone by using the word toilet instead of bathroom.
Lemonade or Sprite??
*The English call Sprite "lemonade". But they call lemonade "lemonade". I still don't get it. I never know if I'm ordering a sprite or a lemonade.
Toothbrushes
*I've always used a soft bristled toothbrush, so when I lost mine I thought I could just go buy a new one lickity split. Come to find out, they really don't sell anything less than a medium. There were tons of mediums, firms and extra firms. I'm not talking 20 brushes, this was an entire wall of brushes (hundreds!). I finally found 2 extra soft way at the bottom in the back and I took the last 2. There wasn't even a spot for soft.
The Date
*Probably the thing that has gotten me the most confused has been the date. Here, the day comes first, then the month and year. It helps to realize this when looking at expiration dates on food, and when writing down your birthday. I gave the hospital my wrong birthday. I still haven't quite gotten it down.
Nutella
*For weeks and weeks everyone was talking about Nutella. Nutella crapes in Paris, Nutella for breakfast in England. I know we have Nutella at home, but it's very popular here. Steve, my flatmate, was kind and evil enough to bring me a little packet of it. It is the most delicious thing I've ever had. It's chocolate hazelnutty goodness. I went out and bought a jar. I had to throw the jar away because I kept eating it. I've been 2 days Nutella free and it's been a rough 2 days.
*The English have 2 cent coins that are about the size of a quarter. I think they are worthless as far as money goes and way too big to carry around. On the other hand, I've been collecting them to use at work. They are so different from anything we have back home, I'm going to pretend they are pirate treasure and bury them on the playground. I have about 50 coins so far, but I sent an email out to the group for donations so we'll see how many I can get.
Creamy Mash
*Creamy mash is nothing more than mashed potatoes, but it sounds so much more fun to say, "I'd like the creamy mash please".
Toilets
*Back home if you need to use the bathroom, you'd say "bathroom" or "restroom" or (at work) "potty". They just say "toilet" here. At first it sounded really odd to say "where are the toilets?", but now I've gotten used to it and I'm pretty sure when I come back home I'm going to offend someone by using the word toilet instead of bathroom.
Lemonade or Sprite??
*The English call Sprite "lemonade". But they call lemonade "lemonade". I still don't get it. I never know if I'm ordering a sprite or a lemonade.
Toothbrushes
*I've always used a soft bristled toothbrush, so when I lost mine I thought I could just go buy a new one lickity split. Come to find out, they really don't sell anything less than a medium. There were tons of mediums, firms and extra firms. I'm not talking 20 brushes, this was an entire wall of brushes (hundreds!). I finally found 2 extra soft way at the bottom in the back and I took the last 2. There wasn't even a spot for soft.
The Date
*Probably the thing that has gotten me the most confused has been the date. Here, the day comes first, then the month and year. It helps to realize this when looking at expiration dates on food, and when writing down your birthday. I gave the hospital my wrong birthday. I still haven't quite gotten it down.
Nutella
*For weeks and weeks everyone was talking about Nutella. Nutella crapes in Paris, Nutella for breakfast in England. I know we have Nutella at home, but it's very popular here. Steve, my flatmate, was kind and evil enough to bring me a little packet of it. It is the most delicious thing I've ever had. It's chocolate hazelnutty goodness. I went out and bought a jar. I had to throw the jar away because I kept eating it. I've been 2 days Nutella free and it's been a rough 2 days.
Just Another Day in Nottingham
I can tell that I've been in England for a while now. Today I was out and about, wandering the town, and it started to rain. I didn't realize it was raining either, I just kept walking and letting the rain drizzle on my hair. I've found that carrying an umbrella is useless (and heavy).
Speaking of hair, I am sick of having bad hair. I want so much to blow dry and do my hair. There aren't any outlets in the loos and so all I have to work with is a tiny mirror in my bedroom. No good. So it's pony tails for me!
So anyway, I went out shopping today. I was going crazy staying at the flats all day long. My poor hubby still isn't feeling well, but he was feeling well enough to grade so I took the chance for fresh air and headed out to Old Market Square. I really love the town center here. There's always something going on and it's just so different from anything Phoenix has to offer. This week is beach week. The entire square has been transformed into a beach, complete with pool, sand and carnival attractions. It was really quite wonderful to see the kids playing in the sand and making sand castles. Nottingham really tries to make the town square a place where people want to be. I think the city center is what Tempe Town Lake (swamp) wants to be, but just cant figure it out.
Today was also the last day of school for the group. We had a party type gathering at the Pit & the Pendulum Pub. Hank was feeling well enough to go, which was good...he needed fresh air. I've enjoyed getting to know everyone who's come on the program with us. Even though Hank and I do our own thing most of the time, I've made a some friends that I hope to see in the future.
Speaking of hair, I am sick of having bad hair. I want so much to blow dry and do my hair. There aren't any outlets in the loos and so all I have to work with is a tiny mirror in my bedroom. No good. So it's pony tails for me!
So anyway, I went out shopping today. I was going crazy staying at the flats all day long. My poor hubby still isn't feeling well, but he was feeling well enough to grade so I took the chance for fresh air and headed out to Old Market Square. I really love the town center here. There's always something going on and it's just so different from anything Phoenix has to offer. This week is beach week. The entire square has been transformed into a beach, complete with pool, sand and carnival attractions. It was really quite wonderful to see the kids playing in the sand and making sand castles. Nottingham really tries to make the town square a place where people want to be. I think the city center is what Tempe Town Lake (swamp) wants to be, but just cant figure it out.
Today was also the last day of school for the group. We had a party type gathering at the Pit & the Pendulum Pub. Hank was feeling well enough to go, which was good...he needed fresh air. I've enjoyed getting to know everyone who's come on the program with us. Even though Hank and I do our own thing most of the time, I've made a some friends that I hope to see in the future.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Sickness spreads over the lot
Everyone is getting sick...all but me (thankfully). Hank has been sick for about a week now, but it's been the worst the last 2 days. He hasn't left the flat except twice to go downstairs and watch tv in the basement while I do laundry. Poor boy. I've been keeping him company and we've been watching a lot of UK Deal or No Deal. I've seen about 20 episodes, mainly because its the only entertaining thing I can find to watch on the laptop. Since I'm outside of the US, none of the American sites will let me watch free tv over the internet. Then I got this brilliant idea to order Netflix. So I did and then realized that it too does not work outside of the US. Brilliant!! Back to Deal or No Deal for me.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Its late. I'm awake. I have nothing to read...so I write...
While I've been here, I have had the chance to read several books that I might otherwise not have chosen. I just finished the classic "The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It was a terrific read and I plan to go to the bookstore tomorrow to pick up another adventure of Mr. Sherlock Holmes. While in London I passed Baker Street several times, but never got the chance to visit the Sherlock Holmes museum.
I have also read "The Last Great Dance" by Sandra Gulland. It is a historical fiction about Josephine Bonaparte. I loved this book. It is a compilation of diary entries from Napoleons wife during their time together and after their divorce. I finished the book while in France, which was perfect timing. It was quite amusing to walk around Paris and imagine what life must have been like in the city while Josephine was alive. I'm sure there weren't men selling miniature Eiffel Towers everywhere!
I have also read "The Last Great Dance" by Sandra Gulland. It is a historical fiction about Josephine Bonaparte. I loved this book. It is a compilation of diary entries from Napoleons wife during their time together and after their divorce. I finished the book while in France, which was perfect timing. It was quite amusing to walk around Paris and imagine what life must have been like in the city while Josephine was alive. I'm sure there weren't men selling miniature Eiffel Towers everywhere!
The Clink
Now that I'm back in Nottingham, I can finally talk about the hostel we stayed at in London. It's called The Clink (http://www.clinkhostel.com/en/index.html). I forgot to take pictures of it, but it's an old courthouse. The open internet room is in the courthouse and you can sit in the witness booth or the judges seat. Pretty cool. I was clean and I felt safe there, which doesn't always happen at hostels. The only problem is that I think I'm getting too old for hostels because I was about to throw down with a few of the other guests.
Our room was on the ground floor. Nice enough, and we had our own shower and bathroom...hallelujah! Our next door neighbors consisted of 2 members of our group and on the other side were a group of young Italian boys. They ran up and down the halls banging on doors and screaming all night long. Hank finally stuck his head out the door around 2 am and stared them down until they apologized and were quiet for about 2 minutes. We didn't sleep much.
On Saturday, we were waiting for a cab and a middle eastern guy sat down next to Hank and asked him what his name was. Hank then asked what this guys name was and he responded "My name is the enemy of women". Ok? Then Hank asked him if he was on holiday and the guys said "no, I live here". Ok...creeper. Luckily the cab showed up and we ran away.
Our room was on the ground floor. Nice enough, and we had our own shower and bathroom...hallelujah! Our next door neighbors consisted of 2 members of our group and on the other side were a group of young Italian boys. They ran up and down the halls banging on doors and screaming all night long. Hank finally stuck his head out the door around 2 am and stared them down until they apologized and were quiet for about 2 minutes. We didn't sleep much.
On Saturday, we were waiting for a cab and a middle eastern guy sat down next to Hank and asked him what his name was. Hank then asked what this guys name was and he responded "My name is the enemy of women". Ok? Then Hank asked him if he was on holiday and the guys said "no, I live here". Ok...creeper. Luckily the cab showed up and we ran away.
Platform 9 3/4
Kings Cross Station is home to platform nine and three quarters. As everyone knows, this is the only way to get to the train that goes to Hogwarts. Unfortunately, being a muggle, I was denied access and had to stay in London.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Saturday...a tale of woe and Irish freckles
First, the woe...
We couldn't decide what to do today, so we headed off for the tube station and thought we would decide over breakfast (or lunch seeing that it was 11). For weeks and weeks we've had to decide when and where to eat and travel to, how to travel there, and how long to stay. It's been a lot of thinking and my head was hurting because of it. Sitting at Kings Cross, with all of the noise and people, I was overwhellmed and sick of thinking. We decided to go to Windsor Palace (which I wanted to see), but the thought of taking the tub, changing to another tube, and then taking 2 trains was just too much. I couldn't handle it anymore...thus the woe. I think it all just caught up with me and I'd had too much. NO MORE TUBES AND NO MORE BED CHAMBERS!!
Well, we did make it to Windsor, but not after a long and hard journey with a complete lack of energy to see any more historical and cultural nonsense. I'm telling you, I had completely had it with trains and tubes. Once the travel was over, I was happy to get into some fresh air and see the burial spot of Henry VIII. I was expecting a large and glorious monument, but instead found a headstone on the floor of the chapel.
Ahhh, a little red box just popped up and said I have less than 5 minutes remaining on my internet time! Must get more money....
Ok, 1 more pound has been added to my card and I have internet once again. Yay.
Anyway, where was I...Windsor! The castle was lovely, even though I really was not looking forward to another bed chamber. They all look the same to me. After Windsor we headed back for London. We went to Southwark Cathedral and then ended up at the London Bridge Experience. I wasn't sure what to expect from the London Bridge Experience, but it looked like fun so we joined the tour (free with our London Pass). The tour itself was kinda lame (bad actors), but after the tour we were allowed to go into the tombs. I was very excited, hoping for some scary stuff. It ended up being a really cool haunted house (like you'd find at Halloween), but they made our group walk single file holding on to the shoulders of the person in front of you. I was in the very front and so I had a line of people pulling me back and I was walking so slowly. It would have been cool to go at my own pace and enjoy the creepiness of it all. Somehow the conga line just took away from the whole experience.
After the London Bridge Experience, we headed to Covent Gardens for dinner and shopping. Shops were closed and dinner was ok. Second breakdown happended as we were wondering (again) what on earth to do with our last night in London. Too much thinking...my brain is tired!! I think I'm just overwhellmed with having to be on the go so much. It's been almost 5 weeks of solid travel, almost every meal eaten out, and sleeping in a twin bed alone most nights. I'm suprised I've lasted as long as I have.
Here's where the story gets better...
I saw sparkling lights in the distance so we headed towards them. I've always liked sparkly lights (Vegas, Disneyland, carnivals...). The lights were coming from a few street vendor booths selling random things. One of them was selling art work and I wanted to buy a small little image of a rat (for Moonbeam!). I asked the lady if she had it, and she did not. But she showed me others and then commented on my Irish freckles. I told her I was Finnish, but she said I looked Irish (she was Irish). We got to talking and she told me that she was married to a Russian and had moved to London several years ago after a vacation here. She said she liked my freckles so much that she wanted to give me 3 little pictures just because. I picked out three little pictures by Banksy (a well known graffiti artist) and she put them in a mat for me. Then she kissed my cheek and said that I had freckles just like her husband and she loved them. I know it sounds like a simple jesture, but it really meant a lot to me. It made my day, which hadn't been that great...all because of my freckles. She'll never know how much that meant to me.
We couldn't decide what to do today, so we headed off for the tube station and thought we would decide over breakfast (or lunch seeing that it was 11). For weeks and weeks we've had to decide when and where to eat and travel to, how to travel there, and how long to stay. It's been a lot of thinking and my head was hurting because of it. Sitting at Kings Cross, with all of the noise and people, I was overwhellmed and sick of thinking. We decided to go to Windsor Palace (which I wanted to see), but the thought of taking the tub, changing to another tube, and then taking 2 trains was just too much. I couldn't handle it anymore...thus the woe. I think it all just caught up with me and I'd had too much. NO MORE TUBES AND NO MORE BED CHAMBERS!!
Well, we did make it to Windsor, but not after a long and hard journey with a complete lack of energy to see any more historical and cultural nonsense. I'm telling you, I had completely had it with trains and tubes. Once the travel was over, I was happy to get into some fresh air and see the burial spot of Henry VIII. I was expecting a large and glorious monument, but instead found a headstone on the floor of the chapel.
Ahhh, a little red box just popped up and said I have less than 5 minutes remaining on my internet time! Must get more money....
Ok, 1 more pound has been added to my card and I have internet once again. Yay.
Anyway, where was I...Windsor! The castle was lovely, even though I really was not looking forward to another bed chamber. They all look the same to me. After Windsor we headed back for London. We went to Southwark Cathedral and then ended up at the London Bridge Experience. I wasn't sure what to expect from the London Bridge Experience, but it looked like fun so we joined the tour (free with our London Pass). The tour itself was kinda lame (bad actors), but after the tour we were allowed to go into the tombs. I was very excited, hoping for some scary stuff. It ended up being a really cool haunted house (like you'd find at Halloween), but they made our group walk single file holding on to the shoulders of the person in front of you. I was in the very front and so I had a line of people pulling me back and I was walking so slowly. It would have been cool to go at my own pace and enjoy the creepiness of it all. Somehow the conga line just took away from the whole experience.
After the London Bridge Experience, we headed to Covent Gardens for dinner and shopping. Shops were closed and dinner was ok. Second breakdown happended as we were wondering (again) what on earth to do with our last night in London. Too much thinking...my brain is tired!! I think I'm just overwhellmed with having to be on the go so much. It's been almost 5 weeks of solid travel, almost every meal eaten out, and sleeping in a twin bed alone most nights. I'm suprised I've lasted as long as I have.
Here's where the story gets better...
I saw sparkling lights in the distance so we headed towards them. I've always liked sparkly lights (Vegas, Disneyland, carnivals...). The lights were coming from a few street vendor booths selling random things. One of them was selling art work and I wanted to buy a small little image of a rat (for Moonbeam!). I asked the lady if she had it, and she did not. But she showed me others and then commented on my Irish freckles. I told her I was Finnish, but she said I looked Irish (she was Irish). We got to talking and she told me that she was married to a Russian and had moved to London several years ago after a vacation here. She said she liked my freckles so much that she wanted to give me 3 little pictures just because. I picked out three little pictures by Banksy (a well known graffiti artist) and she put them in a mat for me. Then she kissed my cheek and said that I had freckles just like her husband and she loved them. I know it sounds like a simple jesture, but it really meant a lot to me. It made my day, which hadn't been that great...all because of my freckles. She'll never know how much that meant to me.
Friday, July 23, 2010
London on a Friday
This morning we met up with the group for the Tower of London. I've been before, but it's always a treat to see it. The tower actually has a very creepy and morbit past with multiple beheadings and murders. Wow, I sound really creepy with all these ghost tours and haunted places I like so much. Don't know where it comes from because I can't watch a scary movie without being completely creeped out. Oh well.
So the tower...
Poor Hank hasn't been feeling well lately and today it all caught up with him. We stayed at the tower as long as we could and then left and went back to the hostel. We napped for a few hours. We had all these plans, but a nap seemed in our best interest if we were going to be jolly for our evening plans.
The evening brought us to Shakespeares Globe Theater for 'The Comedy of Errors'. The play was great, but first the cab ride over. We decided that it would be best for Hank if we took a cab instead of walking all over town when he was sick. I asked the girl at the front desk if she would call a cab to take us. When she asked wehre and I told her, she looked completely confused and had no idea what I was talking about. Ok, thats kinda weird because I thought everyone (especially Londoners) would know of the Globe. So then our cabbie came and he was even more clueless what it was and how to get there. I had to show him on a map and give him directions. We ended up on a street behind the Tate Modern and he was trying to tell me that the circular construction behind the tate was the globe because it was round and that we couldn't go in. Whatever, we paid and walked the rest of the way.
The Globe was awesome. We had seats in the middle tier (they really cram you in there). The play was fantastic and very silly. I had never heard of this play, but I read the synopsis beforehand and I was able to follow along. I think this might have been my fav Shakespeare play so far. The actors were amazing. Next time, I'd like to see another play in the standing section.
If you think the cab ride there was fun, the cab home was even more fun. There were 4 of us that tried to get into this one small cab. After a struggle of stern convincing that we would all fit, we climbed in. I've never been so smushed, but enjoyed it non the less. Our cabbie had no idea where we were or where we were going. Again, the map came out and eventually we figured it out. I thought cabbies knew everything, or at least pretended to. I guess it'll be back to the tube for me.
So the tower...
Poor Hank hasn't been feeling well lately and today it all caught up with him. We stayed at the tower as long as we could and then left and went back to the hostel. We napped for a few hours. We had all these plans, but a nap seemed in our best interest if we were going to be jolly for our evening plans.
The evening brought us to Shakespeares Globe Theater for 'The Comedy of Errors'. The play was great, but first the cab ride over. We decided that it would be best for Hank if we took a cab instead of walking all over town when he was sick. I asked the girl at the front desk if she would call a cab to take us. When she asked wehre and I told her, she looked completely confused and had no idea what I was talking about. Ok, thats kinda weird because I thought everyone (especially Londoners) would know of the Globe. So then our cabbie came and he was even more clueless what it was and how to get there. I had to show him on a map and give him directions. We ended up on a street behind the Tate Modern and he was trying to tell me that the circular construction behind the tate was the globe because it was round and that we couldn't go in. Whatever, we paid and walked the rest of the way.
The Globe was awesome. We had seats in the middle tier (they really cram you in there). The play was fantastic and very silly. I had never heard of this play, but I read the synopsis beforehand and I was able to follow along. I think this might have been my fav Shakespeare play so far. The actors were amazing. Next time, I'd like to see another play in the standing section.
If you think the cab ride there was fun, the cab home was even more fun. There were 4 of us that tried to get into this one small cab. After a struggle of stern convincing that we would all fit, we climbed in. I've never been so smushed, but enjoyed it non the less. Our cabbie had no idea where we were or where we were going. Again, the map came out and eventually we figured it out. I thought cabbies knew everything, or at least pretended to. I guess it'll be back to the tube for me.
Back in London
So we're back in London and I'm using the keyboard at the hostel we are staying at. The keyboards here have the keys placed in different spots so I'm sure there will be a few random mistakes about. Anyway, so London. We arrived yesterday via coach (bus). I'm pretty sure our old bus driver was a little drunk and I didn't think we'd actually make it here. Between his sudden stops, near misses of bikers and other cars, and his the Tom Tom navigator, I was sure we were done for. Luckily we made it here safe and sound.
Our first order of buisiness was the every so exciting London Dungeon. I've wanted to do the dungeon ever since my last trip. How do I describe it?? It's got the feeling of a halloween haunted house, with random actors and a few rides. After waiting forever in line, we finally got in and the tour takes you back in time to the horrible places and people of London; the plague, the fire, Sweeney Todd, Jack the Ripper, traitors gate, Bloody Mary and the gallows. I loved it!!! It just gets me excited for Halloween this year and adds to my plans for the best party of the year!!!
After the dungeon, we ate at the greasiest chicken joint ever. It was 5pm and we realized that we hadn't eaten anything yet and this was our best and closest bet. Greasy doesn't even begin to describe it...but it was food...don't judge, you would have done the same thing...
At this point in the trip, I could really do without any more tubes, metros, buses or trains. But alas, that is our only mode of transportation and onto the tube we went. Next was the National Portrait Gallery near Trafalger Square. I enjoyed it. Hank enjoyed it more, until he realized that the portrait of Anne Boleyn wasn't available to see.
We ended our night with the most awesome Ghost Bus Tour. It was more like a show instead of a ghost tour, but it was so funny and wonderful. I'm going to try to explain it, but I'm sure I'm the only one who's going to understand what I'm saying. The tour took place on an old double decker funeral bus that was painted black. The entire group fit on the second story of the bus and we faced a large tv screen. Our guide was a very goofy looking chap that had several cameras placed throughout the bus that he would talk to us through. About half way through we had a creepy visitor join us upstairs and randomly the camera would show the 'foot cam' view and rats would be crawling across our shoes. hahahaha...how bout that Mooney B! The tour took us all over London and showed us all the creepy and horrible spots around. I loved the tour so much and would recommend it to anyone visiting London.
Our first order of buisiness was the every so exciting London Dungeon. I've wanted to do the dungeon ever since my last trip. How do I describe it?? It's got the feeling of a halloween haunted house, with random actors and a few rides. After waiting forever in line, we finally got in and the tour takes you back in time to the horrible places and people of London; the plague, the fire, Sweeney Todd, Jack the Ripper, traitors gate, Bloody Mary and the gallows. I loved it!!! It just gets me excited for Halloween this year and adds to my plans for the best party of the year!!!
After the dungeon, we ate at the greasiest chicken joint ever. It was 5pm and we realized that we hadn't eaten anything yet and this was our best and closest bet. Greasy doesn't even begin to describe it...but it was food...don't judge, you would have done the same thing...
At this point in the trip, I could really do without any more tubes, metros, buses or trains. But alas, that is our only mode of transportation and onto the tube we went. Next was the National Portrait Gallery near Trafalger Square. I enjoyed it. Hank enjoyed it more, until he realized that the portrait of Anne Boleyn wasn't available to see.
We ended our night with the most awesome Ghost Bus Tour. It was more like a show instead of a ghost tour, but it was so funny and wonderful. I'm going to try to explain it, but I'm sure I'm the only one who's going to understand what I'm saying. The tour took place on an old double decker funeral bus that was painted black. The entire group fit on the second story of the bus and we faced a large tv screen. Our guide was a very goofy looking chap that had several cameras placed throughout the bus that he would talk to us through. About half way through we had a creepy visitor join us upstairs and randomly the camera would show the 'foot cam' view and rats would be crawling across our shoes. hahahaha...how bout that Mooney B! The tour took us all over London and showed us all the creepy and horrible spots around. I loved the tour so much and would recommend it to anyone visiting London.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Reflex
Tonight we all hit the 80's dance club called Reflex. I've wanted to go to Reflex since my last trip to Nottingham, and Shelly had a pair of amazing red shoes that needed to be taken out...so we went. It's not too far from where we live; just a short tram ride away. Almost everyone in our group was dressed in 80's attire and fit right in the multi-disco ball tiny club. It was everything an 80's club should be...right down to the spinning circular dance floor. :) It was totally choice!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Oxford
When we woke up today we had all intentions of going to Stratford-Upon-Avon, but the weather forecast called for heavy rain. So instead we decided to go to Oxford. I'm quite sick of train riding at this point, but there's no other way to get around, so off went on a 2 1/2 hour ride. I thought Oxford was the main university, but I now realize it is made up of 13 different colleges that fall under the one name of Oxford...even though they each have their own individual name.
Oxford is also the home of Alice in Wonderland!!! Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) created the story to entertain little Alice Liddell while they were on a picnic at the riverbank in Oxford. There was a little shop called Alice's Store, which had so many wonderful Alice in Wonderland things. Come to find out that the store used to be a candy shop where the real Alice bought sweets. The store is also used in the book (it is the Sheep Shop). I bought the cutest bag and other such wonderlandish items. So excited!
All of the colleges were closed to visitors, so we only got to glance into some of the courtyards. Let me tell you, they look nothing like ASU. We also went to the oldest library in England, a few book stores, saw Einstein's blackboard at a museum, and wandered around the city enjoying its splendor. I really wish we could have spent more time here. I would have loved to take a ride down the river and take a tour of Christ Church (where Dodgson taught). The river was beautiful, with tall trees and grass and ducks. I was half expecting a white rabbit to come hopping about with a waist coat and pocket watch. Sadly, no rabbit.
We ate dinner at M&S. I don't think I've mentioned Marks & Spencers yet. It's a grocery store (sort of) that sells the most wonderful sandwiches and treats for on the go. We love it and ate there almost every day we were in London. Plus, Hank is addicted to the lemonade. Jokingly (but not really) Hank suggested sending a case home with us. It must be good lemonade.
Oxford is also the home of Alice in Wonderland!!! Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) created the story to entertain little Alice Liddell while they were on a picnic at the riverbank in Oxford. There was a little shop called Alice's Store, which had so many wonderful Alice in Wonderland things. Come to find out that the store used to be a candy shop where the real Alice bought sweets. The store is also used in the book (it is the Sheep Shop). I bought the cutest bag and other such wonderlandish items. So excited!
All of the colleges were closed to visitors, so we only got to glance into some of the courtyards. Let me tell you, they look nothing like ASU. We also went to the oldest library in England, a few book stores, saw Einstein's blackboard at a museum, and wandered around the city enjoying its splendor. I really wish we could have spent more time here. I would have loved to take a ride down the river and take a tour of Christ Church (where Dodgson taught). The river was beautiful, with tall trees and grass and ducks. I was half expecting a white rabbit to come hopping about with a waist coat and pocket watch. Sadly, no rabbit.
We ate dinner at M&S. I don't think I've mentioned Marks & Spencers yet. It's a grocery store (sort of) that sells the most wonderful sandwiches and treats for on the go. We love it and ate there almost every day we were in London. Plus, Hank is addicted to the lemonade. Jokingly (but not really) Hank suggested sending a case home with us. It must be good lemonade.
Monday, July 19, 2010
3am Mystery Dish Breaking
Last night about 3am I heard a dish break. I thought it was coming from our kitchen (one of the roommates is often up in the middle of night). I didn't think much of it until I heard a second dish break. Then another and another. After that I was not going to check it out for fear of being pelted with a dish. Then we realized it was coming from outside, but we couldn't see anything in the dark.
Well, this morning I went into our kitchen and looked out the window. Across the street there are tons of broken dishes, food and frying pans laying out on the side walk. Now I'm sad I didn't get up to see what was going on out there last night.
Well, this morning I went into our kitchen and looked out the window. Across the street there are tons of broken dishes, food and frying pans laying out on the side walk. Now I'm sad I didn't get up to see what was going on out there last night.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
The Umbrella Meets a Fateful End
I brought my beloved umbrella with me to Scotland. Since it doesn't fold up into a nice compact size, I had to carry it around with me. This got old. I guess what I'm trying to say is that the umbrella and I broke up. I bought a smaller plaid one and I left the old one behind in Edinburgh. I found a lovely spot for it next to another umbrella at the hotel. It will have a good home and be used often there. I however, wasn't going to carry it around anymore. I like to think that at will be used to shelter a wet little weenie dog from the pouring rain.
Leaving Scotland
We were supposed to take the 12:30 train back to Nottingham, but Hank and I just didn't want to leave Edinburgh so we stayed a little longer. We went to the Holyrood Palace (where the Queen lives sometimes) and took a tour. Mary Queen of Scots had also resided here so we got to see her bedchamber and other things. I was hoping to see the actual rooms of the Queen, but we only got to see the historic part of the house. I'm sure she's got a pink comforter with a big screen TV and watches Britain's Next Top Model every Monday.
I still wasn't ready to leave. I just love Edinburgh and there is so much we never got to do. So far, Scotland has been my favorite part of this trip. It is such a beautiful city and the people are so friendly. It's the one place I've felt completely at home in. Plus, there is just so much great shopping. I bought a canned haggis. I'm going to bring it to work with me and let the kids try it. Should be tasty!
We arrived back in Nottingham just a few hours ago. It's nice to be back with all of my clothes and stuff, but I wish I had more time in Edinburgh. I never even got to see a Hairy Coo (hairy cow). I guess there's always next time!
Oh, forgot to mention that our hotel had a hair dryer and bath tub. Oh, what wonderful things that I have missed!!
I still wasn't ready to leave. I just love Edinburgh and there is so much we never got to do. So far, Scotland has been my favorite part of this trip. It is such a beautiful city and the people are so friendly. It's the one place I've felt completely at home in. Plus, there is just so much great shopping. I bought a canned haggis. I'm going to bring it to work with me and let the kids try it. Should be tasty!
We arrived back in Nottingham just a few hours ago. It's nice to be back with all of my clothes and stuff, but I wish I had more time in Edinburgh. I never even got to see a Hairy Coo (hairy cow). I guess there's always next time!
Oh, forgot to mention that our hotel had a hair dryer and bath tub. Oh, what wonderful things that I have missed!!
A Lovely Saturday in Edinburgh
The weather likes to play games with you in Edinburgh. One minute the sun is shining and it's a bit warm, then all of a sudden the clouds come and the wind picks up, then it starts to rain, and just as you pull out your umbrella...the sun is shining once again! It's exhausting trying to figure out what to wear and bring with you for the day.
On Saturday, we took a hired car to Rosslyn Chapel. The Chapel is famous for having holy grail associations...and it was the Da Vinci Code. Unlike in the movie, there was scaffolding and tarps all over the Chapel so you couldn't get a good look at it. The guide said that the scaffolding has been there for 13 years and that the one you see from a distance in the Da Vinci Code is a replica. The inside was beautiful, but smaller than I remembered. Apparently, there may be Knights Templar treasure buried underneath the flooring, but the won't dig it up. Too bad.
Our driver for the chapel also took us around the city. I saw the cafe(s) that J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter in. He also told us the a story about a woman who was hanged, but didn't die (they thought she was dead) and when she woke up they called her Half Hanged Maggie (which was the inspiration for Rowling's character of Nearly Headless Nick). We also went up Arthur's Seat, a large mountain that overlooks Edinburgh. It was beautiful.
After our tour, Hank and I had lunch at a lovely Italian restaurant. Hank wasn't feeling really well, so he went back to the hotel to sleep and I wandered down the Royal Mile shopping and finally ended up back at the hotel. After a long sleep and some meds, Hank was feeling better just in time to meet up with the group for another ghost tour!!
This ghost tour was called the Ghosts & Ghouls tour. It took us around a few places on Royal Mile and told stories about the nasty past of Edinburgh. We ended up down in the vaults underneath the street where more horror stories were told. There were no ghosts, but our tour guide was awesome and we had so much fun that we all decided to go on a later ghost tour.
Our second tour of the night was called the Ghosthunter. By the time this tour started it was finally dark (10:30 pm). Our new guide was a little more creepy than the first and the stories because a little more graphic and disturbing. Again, the tour ended in the vaults, but this time there was only a candle the guide was holding that we had for light. As we were all standing at least 2 stories underground in the haunted vaults, you could hear these creepy footsteps behind us and what sounded like tables begin drug across the ceiling. Needless to say, we were all a bit nervous being down there the second time. I didn't even stop to take any pictures this time. I didn't want to be away from the group. This tour was my favorite part of the day!
On Saturday, we took a hired car to Rosslyn Chapel. The Chapel is famous for having holy grail associations...and it was the Da Vinci Code. Unlike in the movie, there was scaffolding and tarps all over the Chapel so you couldn't get a good look at it. The guide said that the scaffolding has been there for 13 years and that the one you see from a distance in the Da Vinci Code is a replica. The inside was beautiful, but smaller than I remembered. Apparently, there may be Knights Templar treasure buried underneath the flooring, but the won't dig it up. Too bad.
Our driver for the chapel also took us around the city. I saw the cafe(s) that J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter in. He also told us the a story about a woman who was hanged, but didn't die (they thought she was dead) and when she woke up they called her Half Hanged Maggie (which was the inspiration for Rowling's character of Nearly Headless Nick). We also went up Arthur's Seat, a large mountain that overlooks Edinburgh. It was beautiful.
After our tour, Hank and I had lunch at a lovely Italian restaurant. Hank wasn't feeling really well, so he went back to the hotel to sleep and I wandered down the Royal Mile shopping and finally ended up back at the hotel. After a long sleep and some meds, Hank was feeling better just in time to meet up with the group for another ghost tour!!
This ghost tour was called the Ghosts & Ghouls tour. It took us around a few places on Royal Mile and told stories about the nasty past of Edinburgh. We ended up down in the vaults underneath the street where more horror stories were told. There were no ghosts, but our tour guide was awesome and we had so much fun that we all decided to go on a later ghost tour.
Our second tour of the night was called the Ghosthunter. By the time this tour started it was finally dark (10:30 pm). Our new guide was a little more creepy than the first and the stories because a little more graphic and disturbing. Again, the tour ended in the vaults, but this time there was only a candle the guide was holding that we had for light. As we were all standing at least 2 stories underground in the haunted vaults, you could hear these creepy footsteps behind us and what sounded like tables begin drug across the ceiling. Needless to say, we were all a bit nervous being down there the second time. I didn't even stop to take any pictures this time. I didn't want to be away from the group. This tour was my favorite part of the day!
Edinburgh (Friday)
Friday we left for Edinburgh, Scotland. We left early because it's about a 4 1/2 hour train ride from Nottingham, which isn't too bad because the countryside along the way is beautiful. I slept through most of it though. I was grateful when the train ride was over because it didn't make for a comfy sleep, and plus I was super excited to be back in Scotland. Hank and I had made hotel reservations with Shelly in a lovely place just off the Royal Mile. After settling in, we were off for lunch and a little wandering around the Royal Mile before the ghost tour that night. The Royal Mile is a stretch of road that goes from the Edinburgh Castle downhill to Holyrood Palace and has tons of shopping. Hank ended up at Saint Giles Church and I wandered the shops. There so many shops along Royal Mile...its wonderful! Last time I was in Scotland I spent a bit of time (and $$) here, and this trip was no different.
In the evening we met up with the group for a Ghost Tour. The tour took us underground to Mary Kings Close. The Royal Mile is actually built on top of what used to be housing buildings that stretched as high as 14 stories. Underground, we could see the old houses and closes (narrow alley passages) that were once inhabited by the people of Edinburgh. Some of the homes were no bigger than a 15 x 15 ft space and would be home to as many as 12 people...all with one bucket for waste. The sewage was allowed to be dumped out into the street twice a day. Our guide said that there would have been about 1 inch of human waste on the streets at all times. Imagine walking down the street and having a bucket of nastiness fall on your head!!! Gross. I can't wait to tell the kids at work about that one.
I was expecting Edinburgh to be chilly, but it was freezing outside. Quite the change from Paris. I loved the weather and wore about 5 layers to keep myself warm. Luckily, I brought my gloves with me!
In the evening we met up with the group for a Ghost Tour. The tour took us underground to Mary Kings Close. The Royal Mile is actually built on top of what used to be housing buildings that stretched as high as 14 stories. Underground, we could see the old houses and closes (narrow alley passages) that were once inhabited by the people of Edinburgh. Some of the homes were no bigger than a 15 x 15 ft space and would be home to as many as 12 people...all with one bucket for waste. The sewage was allowed to be dumped out into the street twice a day. Our guide said that there would have been about 1 inch of human waste on the streets at all times. Imagine walking down the street and having a bucket of nastiness fall on your head!!! Gross. I can't wait to tell the kids at work about that one.
I was expecting Edinburgh to be chilly, but it was freezing outside. Quite the change from Paris. I loved the weather and wore about 5 layers to keep myself warm. Luckily, I brought my gloves with me!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The Umbrella
Last time I was in England (3 years ago), I kept seeing these domed clear umbrellas. I just had to have one, but couldn't find one anywhere. Finally, toward the end of our trip I found one at Hampton Court Palace. Oh, it was lovely. Clear with a black trim on the bottom and little black images of the Palace. Of course I immediately purchased said umbrella. Later that evening, a close and dear love of mine (he who shall not be named) left my dear sweet umbrella at a restaurant never to be seen again.
3 Years Later...
I located the umbrella. Not the same one, but a similar version of my lost treasure. This one is clear with black trim and the words "I love rain" written on the side. I got to use it today for a brief time and it was glorious. I don't think it will fit into my suitcase to bring home, but I shall love it while I am here. Oh sweet sweet umbrella!
3 Years Later...
I located the umbrella. Not the same one, but a similar version of my lost treasure. This one is clear with black trim and the words "I love rain" written on the side. I got to use it today for a brief time and it was glorious. I don't think it will fit into my suitcase to bring home, but I shall love it while I am here. Oh sweet sweet umbrella!
Chatsworth
Today the group went to Chatsworth; the stately country home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Going to Chatsworth always makes me think of Hyacinth from Keeping Up Appearances. It seems like a place she would love to be. All that was missing was a large hat and white gloves.
I've been there once before and last time it was pouring down rain. Luckily for us, today there was very little rain and just lovely weather. Hank and I were able to wander through the large gardens and see more of the place than we were able to last time. I love the Chatsworth gardens. They seem to go on forever and are full of ponds, statues and little rock caves. There's even a maze...although if I were to build a maze it would be much more difficult and be full of people jumping out at you. My favorite part about the gardens were the rock caves paths.
The house itself is lovely and very pretty inside. I'm much more of an outdoors person, but I can appreciate the plush velvet sofas and beautiful paintings too. On each of the chairs and sofas there were thistles to discourage people from sitting. Too bad, they looked comfy. Hank loved the library (of course!) and I liked the dress up area...Hank was forced into one of the dress up wigs by Shelly and Mary. I think there's a picture floating around somewhere.
Surrounding Chatsworth are sheep. Thousands of lambs and sheep. I loved how you could look onto the countryside and see white specks of lamb everywhere. I would love a lamb to take home. A little white one with a black nose and black feet. I wonder what Max would think of that!
I've been there once before and last time it was pouring down rain. Luckily for us, today there was very little rain and just lovely weather. Hank and I were able to wander through the large gardens and see more of the place than we were able to last time. I love the Chatsworth gardens. They seem to go on forever and are full of ponds, statues and little rock caves. There's even a maze...although if I were to build a maze it would be much more difficult and be full of people jumping out at you. My favorite part about the gardens were the rock caves paths.
The house itself is lovely and very pretty inside. I'm much more of an outdoors person, but I can appreciate the plush velvet sofas and beautiful paintings too. On each of the chairs and sofas there were thistles to discourage people from sitting. Too bad, they looked comfy. Hank loved the library (of course!) and I liked the dress up area...Hank was forced into one of the dress up wigs by Shelly and Mary. I think there's a picture floating around somewhere.
Surrounding Chatsworth are sheep. Thousands of lambs and sheep. I loved how you could look onto the countryside and see white specks of lamb everywhere. I would love a lamb to take home. A little white one with a black nose and black feet. I wonder what Max would think of that!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
More thoughts on food...
We eat out quite a bit here. We try to eat in, but that requires much more effort and we've seem to run out of food at the flats. I tried to steal some of Steve's Nutella yesterday, yet sadly it was all gone. I've still never tried Nutella but everyone here says it's wonderful.
Anyway, tonight we went to our favorite new spot here in Nottingham...Nando's! We've been about 4 times. Tonight we went with Shelly (who recently bought the most lovely red shoes, I'm jealous). Anyway, I may have mentioned it earlier, but I just love Nando's. It's a chicken place that has free refills. Oh, how can I express the joy of free refills? You never know how wonderful it is until you don't have it. I promised to drink no soda while I was here, but I didn't listen to myself and have been enjoying it.
Another delicious place to eat is called Snack Attack. I first found snack attack on my last trip to Nottingham and was delighted to see that it was still in business. It's a little walk in place that makes food in the morning and when its gone its gone. Luckily we were early enough to get some cottage pie. When I get home I plan to make cottage pie more often. It really is delicious.
I've also made the discovery of the Wispa Bar. A creamy, wonderful chocolate bar that refuses not to be tasty!
Anyway, tonight we went to our favorite new spot here in Nottingham...Nando's! We've been about 4 times. Tonight we went with Shelly (who recently bought the most lovely red shoes, I'm jealous). Anyway, I may have mentioned it earlier, but I just love Nando's. It's a chicken place that has free refills. Oh, how can I express the joy of free refills? You never know how wonderful it is until you don't have it. I promised to drink no soda while I was here, but I didn't listen to myself and have been enjoying it.
Another delicious place to eat is called Snack Attack. I first found snack attack on my last trip to Nottingham and was delighted to see that it was still in business. It's a little walk in place that makes food in the morning and when its gone its gone. Luckily we were early enough to get some cottage pie. When I get home I plan to make cottage pie more often. It really is delicious.
I've also made the discovery of the Wispa Bar. A creamy, wonderful chocolate bar that refuses not to be tasty!
City of Caves
Today we went on a tour of the City of Caves. Underneath Nottingham are a series of man made caves that were carved in the Dark Ages. The caves have been used for shelter during the world wars, places to make leather, homes, and pubs. We got to wander through them at our own pace and listen to an audio tour, all the while wearing hard hats! Although Hank was too tall for most of the caves, I loved it. It would have been a terrific place to play hide and seek. The caves seem to go on forever. In one particular area, there were basins full of water that were used to make leather. Leather making, as I found out, is quite a nasty and smelly process. I can't imagine having to live in a cave next to a basin of poo water. Yuck!!
The wonderful thing about these caves is that the entrance is in the middle of a shopping mall. From the mall, it just looks like another store. This was one of my favorite tours so far in Nottingham.
The wonderful thing about these caves is that the entrance is in the middle of a shopping mall. From the mall, it just looks like another store. This was one of my favorite tours so far in Nottingham.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Rain and Shopping!
It's been raining in Nottingham since we got back yesterday. I love it! Finally a reason to wear a black sweater. Hank had a lot of work to do this morning so I went shopping. Back to Primark for me! Did I mention I love that store. I bought 3 more sweaters. You can't beat a 4 pound sweater. I also made a stop at Pound Land and TK Maxx.
I went to Pound Land (their dollar store) and bought cleaning supplies. Our flat was filthy!! I guess that's what happens when you live with 4 other people and no one wants to empty the trash for 2 weeks. Yuck!! At least now its all clean and lovely.
After my shopping adventure, Hank and I took the bus to a fish store outside of the town center. He enjoyed it. I enjoyed the walk back and the light drizzle of rain. I'm sure it's going to get annoying soon, but for now I'm loving the dark clouds and rain. I could easily be wearing my winter coat right now and be fine. It is a little chilly. I go from too hot to cold in just 1 day. I'll take the cold.
I went to Pound Land (their dollar store) and bought cleaning supplies. Our flat was filthy!! I guess that's what happens when you live with 4 other people and no one wants to empty the trash for 2 weeks. Yuck!! At least now its all clean and lovely.
After my shopping adventure, Hank and I took the bus to a fish store outside of the town center. He enjoyed it. I enjoyed the walk back and the light drizzle of rain. I'm sure it's going to get annoying soon, but for now I'm loving the dark clouds and rain. I could easily be wearing my winter coat right now and be fine. It is a little chilly. I go from too hot to cold in just 1 day. I'll take the cold.
Versailles
Sunday, Hank and I headed for the palace of Versailles. It was hot. HOT!!!! The palace was home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. I enjoyed all of the paintings in the palace, but it was so crowded and hot in there. I think I was dehydrated and got kind of grumpy. Poor Hank. We walked around the gardens and finally found a shady spot under some trees and relaxed for a while. That part I really enjoyed.
Overall, I really enjoyed Paris. It's a beautiful city and there are so many things to do and see. We never made it to Napoleons tomb or Château de Malmaison or the catacombs. You definitely need more than 4 days. I could have done without the heat and the prices though. Paris is very expensive city (12 sprite!). We left Paris on Monday morning and headed back to Nottingham. As we were leaving the clouds turned gray and it started to rain. Of course. :) Just another reason to go back...not in summer!
Overall, I really enjoyed Paris. It's a beautiful city and there are so many things to do and see. We never made it to Napoleons tomb or Château de Malmaison or the catacombs. You definitely need more than 4 days. I could have done without the heat and the prices though. Paris is very expensive city (12 sprite!). We left Paris on Monday morning and headed back to Nottingham. As we were leaving the clouds turned gray and it started to rain. Of course. :) Just another reason to go back...not in summer!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Paris on a Saturday
Finally, some cooler weather! The sun was hidden behind rainy clouds and all was well with the world. We started out our day at the Notre Dame. I didn't see Quasimodo, but it was still a lovely place to visit. My favorite part of the church was the gargoyles looking down at your from the top. From Notre Dame we headed to Cafe Esmeralda for lunch. It was here that I ordered a 12 dollar sprite. Yes, one sprite! Crazy cafe! Or maybe I'm the crazy one for ordering the sprite without looking at the price. Either way, lunch was tasty.
We then set off to the deportation memorial. It was closed, but you could see still the steps that led down to the Seine; the place where the French gave up thousands of Jewish children (and adults) and sent them off to the concentration camps. Very sad.
On a happier note, we set off shopping along the Seine where hundreds of people set up booths with books, maps and other random things. Hank loved it...and so did the money in his wallet because it stayed with the book sellers. He got several books and was happy. The other girls and I found ourselves cruising up and down the souvenir shops.
We ended our afternoon at Saint Sulpice Church, which has earned fame because of the Da Vinci Code. I enjoyed sitting...it had been a long day of walking. At least the weather was nice outside. We even got a few drops of rain.
When we got back to the hotel, I wasn't done shopping. I headed for Monoprix (similar to our Target) which was just down from our hotel. I bought a purse, which I love, a few french snacks, and a tasty jar of rabbit meat for my wall. :) It looks so disgusting.
In the evening, a few of us headed out to see the site of the guillotine. When we got there, it was covered by bleachers for Bastille Day. That sucks. Hank was very sad as he was looking forward to this for quite some time. We did get to see the Arc de Triomphe (from a distance). From the bridge, we could also see the Eiffel Tower. We watched the light display again. It was beautiful!!
We then set off to the deportation memorial. It was closed, but you could see still the steps that led down to the Seine; the place where the French gave up thousands of Jewish children (and adults) and sent them off to the concentration camps. Very sad.
On a happier note, we set off shopping along the Seine where hundreds of people set up booths with books, maps and other random things. Hank loved it...and so did the money in his wallet because it stayed with the book sellers. He got several books and was happy. The other girls and I found ourselves cruising up and down the souvenir shops.
We ended our afternoon at Saint Sulpice Church, which has earned fame because of the Da Vinci Code. I enjoyed sitting...it had been a long day of walking. At least the weather was nice outside. We even got a few drops of rain.
When we got back to the hotel, I wasn't done shopping. I headed for Monoprix (similar to our Target) which was just down from our hotel. I bought a purse, which I love, a few french snacks, and a tasty jar of rabbit meat for my wall. :) It looks so disgusting.
In the evening, a few of us headed out to see the site of the guillotine. When we got there, it was covered by bleachers for Bastille Day. That sucks. Hank was very sad as he was looking forward to this for quite some time. We did get to see the Arc de Triomphe (from a distance). From the bridge, we could also see the Eiffel Tower. We watched the light display again. It was beautiful!!
Friday in Paris
When you think about traveling abroad, what are the biggest 2 worries one might have; ending up in hospital (which happened) and losing ones wallet (also happened).
Friday:
On Friday we went to the Louvre. Everyone always says how big the Louvre is, and they aren't kidding. There is so much to see there! We first set off to see the Mona Lisa. Everyone else seemed to have the same idea because there was a massive crowd around her (you can only get within about 10 feet of the painting, which is behind a big piece of glass). I pushed my way up to the front and got a good look at the old girl. She is pretty amazing. After that we wandered around looking at painting after painting, until I couldn't handle anymore and needed a beverage break. It was sometime during the beverage break that Hanks wallet went missing. We had about 200 euro in cash and 5 credit cards in there. It never did turn up in lost and found, and we had to leave the Louvre to call and have his credit cards canceled. Luckily for us, I had a set of cards and some cash on me so all was well and good. We were only out the cash.
That afternoon we met up with everyone at the Opera house, which is famous for being the setting of the Phantom of the Opera. There was a concert going on, so I didn't get to see the famous chandelier, but the rest of the place was gorgeous. Apparently there are really underground rivers below the Opera.
The rest of the day consisted of the Bastille Monument (which I couldn't get to because of construction) and back to the Louvre. My favorite part of the day was putting my feet in the fountains at the Louvre. There were thousands of people just hanging about enjoying the cool water and the sunset. It doesn't get dark until about 11 in Paris.
Friday:
On Friday we went to the Louvre. Everyone always says how big the Louvre is, and they aren't kidding. There is so much to see there! We first set off to see the Mona Lisa. Everyone else seemed to have the same idea because there was a massive crowd around her (you can only get within about 10 feet of the painting, which is behind a big piece of glass). I pushed my way up to the front and got a good look at the old girl. She is pretty amazing. After that we wandered around looking at painting after painting, until I couldn't handle anymore and needed a beverage break. It was sometime during the beverage break that Hanks wallet went missing. We had about 200 euro in cash and 5 credit cards in there. It never did turn up in lost and found, and we had to leave the Louvre to call and have his credit cards canceled. Luckily for us, I had a set of cards and some cash on me so all was well and good. We were only out the cash.
That afternoon we met up with everyone at the Opera house, which is famous for being the setting of the Phantom of the Opera. There was a concert going on, so I didn't get to see the famous chandelier, but the rest of the place was gorgeous. Apparently there are really underground rivers below the Opera.
The rest of the day consisted of the Bastille Monument (which I couldn't get to because of construction) and back to the Louvre. My favorite part of the day was putting my feet in the fountains at the Louvre. There were thousands of people just hanging about enjoying the cool water and the sunset. It doesn't get dark until about 11 in Paris.
Oh la la...Paris!
Paris was definitely an adventure. My whole life I've wanted to go to Paris, and finally, last Thursday we had arrived.
Thursday:
We arrived in Paris on Thursday around noon. It took us about 6 hours from the time we left Nottingham. One train to London, and then the Euro Star to Paris. My first view of France was lovely. Rolling hills with little chateau's and sheep...very french! Paris reminded me a lot of New York City, only because the architecture of the buildings were very similar to those around Central Park. Once we had dropped our luggage off at the hotel, we headed for the Eiffel Tower. Finally!!! My first glimpse of the tower was spectacular. I couldn't wait to finally touch it and make sure that it was real. Once we were up close, I noticed how industrial looking it was and was not as romanced by it as I thought I would be. Luckily, the more I was able to see it, the more beautiful it became. That evening we went on a river cruise up and down the Seine River. It was a lovely evening in Paris, accordion music and all.
The Weather:
It was bloody hot. Being from Phoenix, I've gotten used to the blazing heat, but this was something totally different. It was about 92*, sunny and humid beyond belief. Since no one has air conditioning and you walk everywhere, you can only imagine how sweaty and disgusting you get. It was almost too miserable to be outside. Luckily, our hotel (our lovely amazing hotel) had air conditioning. Yay!!
The French:
I was really nervous to be around the French people because I had always been told how rude they were to Americans. I found this to be quite untrue. Everywhere I went I met nice, friendly people. I learned how to say "please" and "thank you" and I loved saying "bonjour" to everyone. I think the language is beautiful, but very intimidating if you aren't familiar with it (which I was not). Luckily, it was very easy to find our way around the metro and the city. I think it is an easier city to navigate than London.
Thursday:
We arrived in Paris on Thursday around noon. It took us about 6 hours from the time we left Nottingham. One train to London, and then the Euro Star to Paris. My first view of France was lovely. Rolling hills with little chateau's and sheep...very french! Paris reminded me a lot of New York City, only because the architecture of the buildings were very similar to those around Central Park. Once we had dropped our luggage off at the hotel, we headed for the Eiffel Tower. Finally!!! My first glimpse of the tower was spectacular. I couldn't wait to finally touch it and make sure that it was real. Once we were up close, I noticed how industrial looking it was and was not as romanced by it as I thought I would be. Luckily, the more I was able to see it, the more beautiful it became. That evening we went on a river cruise up and down the Seine River. It was a lovely evening in Paris, accordion music and all.
The Weather:
It was bloody hot. Being from Phoenix, I've gotten used to the blazing heat, but this was something totally different. It was about 92*, sunny and humid beyond belief. Since no one has air conditioning and you walk everywhere, you can only imagine how sweaty and disgusting you get. It was almost too miserable to be outside. Luckily, our hotel (our lovely amazing hotel) had air conditioning. Yay!!
The French:
I was really nervous to be around the French people because I had always been told how rude they were to Americans. I found this to be quite untrue. Everywhere I went I met nice, friendly people. I learned how to say "please" and "thank you" and I loved saying "bonjour" to everyone. I think the language is beautiful, but very intimidating if you aren't familiar with it (which I was not). Luckily, it was very easy to find our way around the metro and the city. I think it is an easier city to navigate than London.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Bill. You'll never believe this!
This morning we received the bill for my hospital stay. England has socialized medicine, so we figured it would be lower than it would be in the USA, but I was shocked when I saw how much we owed (pre-insurance). Well...for a 21 hour hospital stay, anesthesia, surgery, recovery fluids, 4 different medications to take home, and 2 really cool hospital name bands...250 pounds!!! That's about $375 American dollars. TOTAL. That covers everything! I'm amazed and shocked. It cost over 8,000 dollars for my tonsillectomy last year (pre-insurance again, but we still paid about $400 out of pocket). I can now say that I know first hand that socialized medicine is an amazing thing.
I rested a bit today, but I'm feeling great and went out to dinner tonight. I haven't had to take any pain medication since yesterday at the hospital. All is well and good in the world of Megan. :)
I rested a bit today, but I'm feeling great and went out to dinner tonight. I haven't had to take any pain medication since yesterday at the hospital. All is well and good in the world of Megan. :)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Nottingham Hospital Tour
For reasons I'd rather not discuss, I found myself in the hospital yesterday. After 2 urgent care facilities, I was sent directly to the hospital where I spent the next 7 hours. I was in line for a routine, but emergency, surgery. I was, however, at the bottom of the list and unable to eat or drink anything. At 11pm, I was then told that my surgery would be postponed until today. I was allowed to go home, eat, and return promptly at 7am. After a brief sleep (I don't think Hank slept at all), we returned to the hospital where I was shown back to my little hospital bed with a view. I did have a lovely view of the Nottingham Castle. :) I wasn't allowed to eat anything and after hours and hours of waiting and a very painful IV needle, it was finally my turn to be seen in the theater (surgery room). The procedure lasted less than one hour and I was put completely out for it. I woke up with very little pain and after the pain meds were given I was giggly and very happy. I wasn't allowed to go come for another 4 hours. Total hospital time: 21 hours. Overall, it was a long, scary and relatively painless experience. The hospital staff was amazingly kind and sympathetic. They thought it very sad that I was on holiday at the hospital. I also have the most wonderful husband who stayed right by my side the whole time. It was an adventure I hope to never repeat, but at least it's over and I'm all well and good now.
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Middle of the Night
The fire alarm went off in the middle of the night. I remember this happening once when we were here before, but good hell that thing is loud! So we had to get dressed and make our way down into the courtyard. It took the fire department quite some time to come, so we just chatted with some of the English students who are living here. One girl said that it's usually someone who's drunk that sets off the alarm. After about 45 minutes, we were able to go back inside. This time, someone had set it off while cooking. The manager of our flats did not look happy, nor did the firemen. I didn't like being woken up, but it was kinda fun to be standing in pajamas outside in the middle of the night staring at a building that was obviously not on fire.
4th of July
To celebrate the 4th of July, Hank and I headed down to the city center to see whats what on a Sunday in Nottingham. The square was full of food vendors and shopping booths. I think they do this every weekend. Even though the 4th of July is an American thing, I was still able to find and eat a hot dog (well, a spicy German sausage). That was my tribute to the fourth.
We also went to the Galleries of Justice, which is the old courthouse and jail. We went on a tour with about 20 Italian middle school students, one of which was wearing an Arizona State University shirt (how crazy is that). Our tour guide was fantastic and has us reenact a mock scene of the trial of Robin Hood. I got to be the defense and stand at the witness booth and read a blurb about why Robin Hood should go free. Below the courthouse are the original jail cells and artifacts from when the jail was used. They also had parts of the original gallows that were used there. Creepy!
The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering the city and shopping! It got so windy we decided to go inside...and of course, the closest place was Primark!!! I love Primark. It's a department store, but with the best prices around. I bought 3 sweaters and some jewelry. FUN!! Oh, don't worry, I'll be back for socks!
We also went to the Galleries of Justice, which is the old courthouse and jail. We went on a tour with about 20 Italian middle school students, one of which was wearing an Arizona State University shirt (how crazy is that). Our tour guide was fantastic and has us reenact a mock scene of the trial of Robin Hood. I got to be the defense and stand at the witness booth and read a blurb about why Robin Hood should go free. Below the courthouse are the original jail cells and artifacts from when the jail was used. They also had parts of the original gallows that were used there. Creepy!
The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering the city and shopping! It got so windy we decided to go inside...and of course, the closest place was Primark!!! I love Primark. It's a department store, but with the best prices around. I bought 3 sweaters and some jewelry. FUN!! Oh, don't worry, I'll be back for socks!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
The Others
The others were supposed to arrive today. We got an email this morning from Mary saying that they were stuck in Texas because of the hurricane and won't be here until Monday. Too bad, I was looking forward to seeing everyone. 2 more quiet days.
Mmmm...Spotted Dick
Hahahaha. It's such a funny name, and we ate it! Spotted dick is a spongy cake with raisins inside, and we had it topped off with warm custard. Tasty. Mmmmm...warm spotted dick.
Nottingham Ghost Tour
Hank and I love ghost tours and try to go on them where ever we visit. Tonight Hank, Alyssa, Greg, Josh and I went on the Nottingham Ghost tour. I've been on this once before so I was pretty well acquainted with the ghosts already. Our tour guide was dressed the part and led us around recounting grim tales of haunted spots near the castle. At one point during the tour, our guide asked for a volunteer. Josh so kindly volunteered Hank to help out. The guide then demonstrated how Roger Mortimer was hung drawn and quartered using Hank as his model. If you don't know what hung drawn and quartered is, I really don't want to talk about it. Pretty gross. Hank received a louder applause than the tour guide did all night. Even passers by stopped to have a look. Fun tour, but all in all, no ghosts.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Nowhere Near Berlin! (or Nottingham)
If you've ever seen the movie Euro Trip, there's a scene where they are trying to get to Berlin, and accidentally get into a truck headed "nowhere near Berlin". It's not until after they get to Bratislava they realize that they are nowhere near Berlin.
We had a "nowhere near Berlin" moment yesterday on our way back from York. Our train was supposed to depart York at 5:26pm on platform 3, make a change in Sheffield and then arrive in Nottingham by 7:38. We were waiting on platform 3 for the train and around 5:10 a train pulls up and everyone gets on. There are no signs on the train, so we hop on just as we have at every other train station. This train is so full, there are people literally standing in every inch of the train. We find a lovely little spot between two cars and decide we'll just stand until Sheffield. As were about to pull out of the station, a muffled English voice come on and says something about Kings Cross and mentions the time of 2 hours until London. London? Who's going to London? I tried to open the train door to get off, but we were too late. We were going nowhere near Nottingham. After an hour of standing on a crazy train full of people, we arrive in Peterborough and we get off. Thankfully, there's another train headed through Nottingham on its way to Manchester. We would have missed it, but luckily it lost an engine and was running 45 minutes late. About a half hour later, the sign changes and the train is no longer running to Manchester, but is stopping for good in Nottingham. Yay, at least we're still good. But those Manchester football hooligans were not happy. They were "oyeing" and stomping around. At last our train arrives and there are open seats! We were only an hour later than normal, and we had quite the adventure.
We had a "nowhere near Berlin" moment yesterday on our way back from York. Our train was supposed to depart York at 5:26pm on platform 3, make a change in Sheffield and then arrive in Nottingham by 7:38. We were waiting on platform 3 for the train and around 5:10 a train pulls up and everyone gets on. There are no signs on the train, so we hop on just as we have at every other train station. This train is so full, there are people literally standing in every inch of the train. We find a lovely little spot between two cars and decide we'll just stand until Sheffield. As were about to pull out of the station, a muffled English voice come on and says something about Kings Cross and mentions the time of 2 hours until London. London? Who's going to London? I tried to open the train door to get off, but we were too late. We were going nowhere near Nottingham. After an hour of standing on a crazy train full of people, we arrive in Peterborough and we get off. Thankfully, there's another train headed through Nottingham on its way to Manchester. We would have missed it, but luckily it lost an engine and was running 45 minutes late. About a half hour later, the sign changes and the train is no longer running to Manchester, but is stopping for good in Nottingham. Yay, at least we're still good. But those Manchester football hooligans were not happy. They were "oyeing" and stomping around. At last our train arrives and there are open seats! We were only an hour later than normal, and we had quite the adventure.
York
Yesterday we went for a visit to York, which is about 2 hours north of Nottingham. By the time we got to York we really only had a few hours to spend there before our train left. We went to the Cathedral, had a pasty and a browsed few shops. Hank chatted with a local bookseller for quite some time. I bought new eye liner so I was happy. :) York is a beautiful city surrounded by a castle wall. The city wasn't damaged too badly during the war, so the wall still stands and is used as a walking path. I loved walking the wall. No traffic and you've got a terrific view. If we'd had more time, we would have liked to go on a boat cruise down the river. I'm sure we'll be back...Hank saw a few more antique book shops on our way out.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Newstead Abbey
Yesterday we went to Newstead Abbey, home of the poet Lord Byron. Newstead is just a 20 minute bus ride from Nottingham. The bus drops you off at the entrance, but you've got another 1.5 mile walk to the Abbey. You can walk along side the road, or you can venture through the mystical tree caves. I prefer the tree caves. Along the way I was bitten by a thorny bush. Later, Hank was also bitten by such a thorny bush. It appeared to have given off a poison because both our hands were tingly and hurting for quite some time. It went away.
When you arrive at the Abbey, its a lovely site. There's a large lake with geese and peacocks everywhere. You are allowed inside of the house, but it was closed yesterday. We came for the gardens anyway. I've been inside the house many times and I'm sure it hasn't changed much. The gardens here are spectacular. There are rivers and ponds and trees and flowers and ducks and swans and everything a garden should have! We spent several hours just wandering. I almost patted a peacock, but a dog came along and he ran away. Max and Cletus would love it here.
The walk up to the Abbey is lovely, but the walk back somehow always seems twice as long and uphill (even though I swore we went uphill on the way here?). Either way, I'm sure we'll be back soon. The house is haunted so we're trying to find a ghost tour of it.
When you arrive at the Abbey, its a lovely site. There's a large lake with geese and peacocks everywhere. You are allowed inside of the house, but it was closed yesterday. We came for the gardens anyway. I've been inside the house many times and I'm sure it hasn't changed much. The gardens here are spectacular. There are rivers and ponds and trees and flowers and ducks and swans and everything a garden should have! We spent several hours just wandering. I almost patted a peacock, but a dog came along and he ran away. Max and Cletus would love it here.
The walk up to the Abbey is lovely, but the walk back somehow always seems twice as long and uphill (even though I swore we went uphill on the way here?). Either way, I'm sure we'll be back soon. The house is haunted so we're trying to find a ghost tour of it.
You'll Never Believe...
Yesterday we were on our way to Newstead Abbey and I came across something extremely exciting. At first I saw the familiar red block lettering gleaming down upon me from a building near the mall. As I ventured a little closer, a glimmer of hope came over it. It was! It was!! It was a TJ Maxx, only it was called TK Maxx!!! Needless to say I took a stroll inside and it truly was my beloved TJ Maxx. I bought a sweatshirt...only because it was raining and I was chilly, not because I had the urge to shop. I will go back.
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