England, Ireland, and Scotland

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 03:34:10 GMT

So my mom called me out. Yes, I should update.
I'm in Stratford now. That's right - Shakespeare's hometown.
It is the cutest, sleepiest little town ever, a place where you love staying there for two weeks but can envision wanting to jump into the River Avon if you grew up there.

So, since we got here I've pretty much explored the whole town (and love it).
Each day the fifteen students from my college and I go to the Shakespeare Company place, where all these crazy smart people talk to us about all things Shakespeare.
On Monday we went to Shakespeare's childhood home, complete with a re-enactor who played his father (and was so, so good).
Today (Tuesday) we had a makeup artist come in and teach us the tricks of the trade. I gave Laurel a black eye and bleeding bruise with makeup and fake blood - it was awesome. Then we went to Shakespeare's grave at this adorable church, where I'll probably go to on Sunday since I haven't been to church since Dublin.
Right now it's 330am and I am watching the election results and therefore will be terribly tired tomorrow.
Oh well.

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:24:37 GMT

On Wednesday Meredith, Laurel and I went to Hyde Park to find Peter Pan. Unfortunately Becca, I didn't find Jeremy Sumpter, but we did find the nice statue in Kensington Gardens. We posed for a picture where we were flying, and it was cute because after us everyone else taking pictures did the same pose.

On Thursday we went to the Victoria and Albert museum, which was pretty cool. They had a lot of amazing artwork that made me feel pretty inferior. Then we saw a play called "To Be Straight With You" all about homosexuals in Jamaica and England. It was interesting, but I think that it could have been executed better so I was a little disappointed.

Tomorrow half of the class leaves for Spain, but Laurel and I (along with the other Shakespeare people) don't leave for Stratford until Sunday, so I think that we're going to hit up some last minute museums. Today is a packing day and laundry day. I still can't believe that I have to spend approximately $15 to do my laundry. It's ridiculous.

Oh, and mom, you know what would be a nice coming home present? This!

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:59:34 GMT

Did I mention that yesterday I saw Dumbledore on stage? 'Cause I did. With Argus Filtch too. Harry Potter cast members love me. Obviously.

So anyways, today we went to the Victoria and Albert museum and I saw lots of pretty sculptures and amazing paintings, and other things to make me feel like I've accomplished nothing. Then I skyped with my friend (hi, Caroline) and was very angry at my computer. We went to "Creditors" tonight, which is directed by Alan Rickman (as in Snape) and it was fabulous.

When we got out of the theater... IT WAS SNOWING!!! How awesome is that? It's the end of October. Amazing.

Then I talked to another friend (hi, Bethany) and my computer still hated me. I've always been so kind to it too.

Oh well.

Right now I just want a roaring fire and some hot chocolate, but I guess I'll settle with a Diet Coke and poorly made British television.

Love and miss!

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:22:41 GMT

Again, it's been forever.
You can blame my cranky computer.
But anyways... Things that have been going on in my life.
On Thursday we went to Canterbury and saw the cathedral. I love that town. Seriously, I want to spend more time there. It's got all these cute shops and crazy style. Way different than I had expected.
Friday we went to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. I can't get over the whole paying-to-go-to-church thing, but it was beautiful, and historic, so I bit my tongue. We couldn't go into Parliament, but I saw the pretty building and the clock. As Jon Walker would say, his clock is larger than most clocks. Look there, yonder.
Saturday we saw another play called "The Brothers Size", which was a continuation off of "In the Red and Brown Water". It was amazing. Amazing and people actually cried, that's how emotional it was. I didn't cry, but come on, it's me.
Sunday we did nothing. Absolutely nothing. It was glorious.
Today we went to the Tower of London. I'm not going to lie, I didn't like it.
There's something about people oohing and aaahing over where people got beheaded that turns my stomach. LIterally I felt like I was going to pass out. The crown jewels were pretty though.

Another play tonight. One of those abstract ones, oh joy.
I can't believe that I've been in London a whole month and only have 5 more days here. It's crazy.

Update

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:16:02 GMT

I know it's been forever.
Stupid hotel with limited internet.
But anyways, update.
Um, it was fall break last weekend and my friend Meredith's birthday. Her parents were here and we had this adorable cupcake tea on Monday at their hotel. I felt very posh and very British.
Then we all went to see "War Horse", which is based on a children's book and was terrible. I love children's books, I really do. I even worked in a children's library forever, but that book and the play was horrendous.
Yesterday we went to Bournemouth and the Art School there. I loved it. I felt connected. I want to run away to there. We had a lecture on 18th century clothing and then we all got to make the patterns for a corset. Mine wasn't too bad actually. Oh, and I got to see all the counterculture kids that made me want to get a tattoo and dye my hair. It was glorious (and it was a beautiful day by the sea!)
Tomorrow we're going to Canterbury and then we're seeing Ralph Fiennes in Oedipus. Lord, I'm so excited.
Love and miss as usual ♥

October 15

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:21:26 GMT

Had my history final. It's a little bit sad actually. No more history class. *Sigh*
But yesterday I saw the most amazing play ever. (And yeah, I say that a lot, but really).
It was a live action show but it was projected as a movie too. So cool.
Loved it.
Oh, and sad note, I was on the metro yesterday and then was trapped in a tunnel because someone jumped on the tracks.
But now it's fall break and I plan to read and watch tv and do touristy things and be fabulous.

October 13 and 14

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:48:39 GMT

Yesterday we went to the Globe. I know, I know, I've already been there, but this time I went with my theater class and we got to talk to one of the directors.
I'll admit that I was pissy on the way over there (mentally cursing everyone in case I had to pretend to be a tree or something) but it was actually a lot of fun. We read through some scenes like Shakespearian actors would do (with only your part and the three words before you speak for your cue) it was disastrous and hilarious.
Tonight we're going to see a play. It looks depressing, but the guy who played Lockheart in the Harry Potter movies is in it, so I'm excited.
Oh, and tomorrow is my last day of history class! Which unfortunately means a final, but I'm not that worried (I got 100% on my last test. Bragging? Me? Never)
Love and miss you all.
P.S. Someone send me mexican food. And pumpkin bread.

October 11

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:49:33 GMT

Finally!
I went to Abbey Road yesterday with some people. It was glorious.
Watched some guy walk across the cross walk for 10 mins, trying to get a picture.
Read all the fangirl and fanboy notes.
Thought of Ryan Ross and his stupid Beatles t-shirt.

Later we saw a play called "In the Brown and Red Water".
It was amazing. A little pretentious (the stage was actually a very large round basin with about an inch of water in it) but so good. If anyone's in London, go to the Young Vic to see it. Seriously.

I'm tired and have a bunch of work to do.
Plans are falling through and home seems far away.
Tomorrow looks like a day of homework.
Oh joy.

October 8th and 9th

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:42:59 GMT

Yesterday I went with some people to Greenwich, which is about an hour by train outside of central London. I think I just may move there. After spending so much time in the city I forgot how much I miss open space, how much I miss air. But anyways. We went to the British Maritime museum. I got my Papa something because of his navy days and looked at some boats. Then the fire alarm went off and we were all escorted outside. Not going to lie, I automatically thought the worst and internally panicked. It's my way. Then we headed up to the Royal Observatory where I straddled the Meridian Line and saw a bunch of clocks and telescopes. After we got back I ran into my theater teacher at the supermarket.
Me: Hi, where are we seeing the play tonight.
Her: Rambles off some vague directions ending with.....You can't miss it!
Needless to say.... I did. In fact, I went into the wrong theater and sat through the wrong show. At least I wasn't the only one who did this. But still, isn't it amazing that I somehow managed to get into a theater without paying? I just said that my teacher picked up the tickets (which she did to a different show) and bam, I'm sitting watching a terrible adaption of the amazing book/movie "Girl with a Pearl Earring". I guess that was the ick factor.

Today we had a field trip out to Stowe, which is a public(meaning private) school and an English landscape garden. The school was exactly like I expected. Just envision an English private boarding school and there you have it. But the gardens! They were huge! We took a two hour walk around them and didn't see everything. The funny thing about these gardens are the ornaments. Meaning the small Greek temples scattered around. And the Roman grottos. And the Gothic churches. It was ridiculous and I loved it. But now I'm tired and have a quiz tomorrow. Grumble Grumble.

October 6th and 7th

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:53:49 GMT

Monday: Went to Saint Paul's Cathedral with a bunch of people in my class (including my history professor and his adorable son who carried a teddy bear around everywhere). It cost 10 pounds to get in. To a church. Excuse me while my Lutheran roots flair up... But anyways, other than exploiting the public, the church was beautiful. I climbed up the 550 stairs to get to the top of the cathedral. My legs were slightly wobbly afterwards, but it was worth it. Later that night, we saw "The Walworth Farce", which is this crazy play within a play that breaks from the play with 4 people playing like 15 roles. It was hilarious and creepy and disturbing and devastating. Of course, I loved it.

Tuesday: Today we found a good mexican place! Rejoice! Rejoice! And I went to the box office this morning and got really cheap tickets to "Spamalot" so I'm going tonight! Really excited. Then we did laundry and I worked on my Independent Studies project. I think it's going to be harder than I think it will. Most people are writing a research paper, but I'm turning a one page folk tale into a 20,000 word short story. I figured that I'd play to my strengths. Hopefully it'll work.

October 4 and 5

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:26:41 GMT

Went to the Foundling Museum. It's where there used to be a type of orphanage in London, except that people dropped off their kids that they couldn't care for. It was all really sad, but they had some amazing Handel stuff since he was a big supporter of the institution.
I feel like I'm finally getting a hang of London. Metro? Check. Buses? Check. A cheap place for Diet Coke? Not so much a check but I'm still working on it.

Right now is a little intense because I have to register for spring classes back at school and I don't have anything here to help me. Thankfully my counselor emailed me with some suggestions, but still.... It'd be nice not to have to rely on him 100%.

All I want to do is get all of my boring class stuff out of the way and maybe sleep for three weeks. I can do that, right?

October 1-3

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:23:37 GMT

The internet at the hotel has been down again.
I know, it sucks.
But anyways.
Quite update.
I saw two plays on Wednesday night. They were both of the abstract genre and therefore were incredibly insane and awesome and made little sense but complete sense. Yes, I mean what I write.
Then on Thursday we went to see A Mid Summer's Night Dream at the Globe, which was amazing. I don't care how touristy I was being, I loved it. Loved it, loved it, loved it. I got one of the sitting tickets so I didn't have to stand with the mob (which was good).
Also yesterday a couple of my friends and I finally gave in and went searching for some mexican food here in London. I know know my calling. It is to open an El Rodeo in London. They are severely lacking good mexican food. It's quite sad actually.
Today we went to the British Library. Forgive me while I flail a little bit. The British Library is amazing! They have all these old first edition manuscripts on display - Like Dante and Shakespeare and other amazing things. Plus they had an exhibit on The Beatles with a bunch of their original written lyrics. Let me just say that John was a little scatterbrained. It's okay though, I still love them.
Oh! And how could I forget? We also went to platform 9 3/4 (since the British Library is near the King's Cross station) and took pictures pushing the cart. I'm still a Harry Potter fangirl at heart, to be honest.

Tomorrow we're doing the Portrait gallery and I"m going to push for a visit to Abbey Roads!

September 30

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:04:17 GMT

Today my roommate, two other girls, and I went to the British Museum because our teachers told us to. Well alright then.
Actually, the British Museum is pretty amazing, not going to lie. It's humongous, and the second you walk in there, you're just overwhelmed. Most of this is because there are a million and one exhibits. But I had to bypass the ones I wanted to see: Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Minoans (to quote one of my friends - 'Sara, why aren't you a Classics major?' I probably should be) and we headed off to the oh-so-exciting Medieval Europe exhibition, focusing on the Anglo-Saxon Normans. I'm sorry, but I'm way over all that. Where are my majestic buildings of Rome and the culture of Athens?! After that, for my history class, we went to the Enlightenment exhibit which was long and repetitive. It may have fried my brain a little. And then we went back and wrote journals for two hours. I'm overworked and therefore heading out to a club with some people in a couple hours.
But really, I'm looking forward to going back to the British Museum when I have some free time to check out the more interesting exhibits. Like the Hadrian exhibit. He's my third favorite emperor. (Oh, Augustus, how I love you!)

September 29

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:29:06 GMT

Oh look at me being all on time with my entry. It's quite fabulous.
So today we started up classes again. Not too bad actually, plus one of our teachers handed out our weekly theater tickets (We're seeing about 3-4 a week).
Then a couple of us headed down to Buckingham Palace after buying metro passes. Anyone who knows me knows my aversion to public transportation. Don't worry. I'm managing.
But the palace was beautiful. Of course it was, but let's face it, I can be a little cynical. Still, I had to bite my tongue when some of the people I'm over here with started talking about "Happily Ever Afters".
Then I got ready to see a play down across the river. It was called "De Prefundus" or something like that. I can't spell and the ticket is upstairs. Anyways, it was this lone guy sitting on the stage wearing track pants reading a letter. I'm not going to lie. It wasn't that great. The kicker is, at the end, he said that he was Oscar Wilde, who I love, and then I instantly felt that I should have liked it more. I really wish I did. I love Oscar.
Anyways, now I'm trying in vain to download the latest Office. Grrrr. Stupid NBC and their oversea restrictions.

Catching up

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:26:51 GMT

So I'm trying to think back since I haven't had internet for a LONG time.
Hmmm....

Our last day in York we went to a Coal mine, which was actually more fun than I thought it would be. Our tourguide had worked in the mines since he was 16 and was so obviously excited about sharing some of his life story with us. It was actually quite adorable. I don't really remember what we did afterwards, but I'm sure that it was amazing and really cool. Of course.

Then we went to Lincoln, where we saw the Lincoln Cathedral (beautiful) and visited the Jewish Corridor, which was down this insanely steep hill. Why is Europe all hills? Anyways, then we went to the Bishop's home, which was just a bunch of stone rooms, but we got in free, so it's okay. The best part about Lincoln had to be the authentic New York Italian restaurant attached to our hotel that wasn't at all like authentic New York Italian food. Especially since my Diet Coke still had no free refill.

After Lincoln we headed over to Bath. Oh my soul. I love Bath. Love it! We did the Fashion museum there because there's a lot of theater majors on the trip, and it was really interesting to see the different period pieces. Then we went to the Roman Baths. And Lord, after 6 years of Latin class I was so happy. Really, I was flailing (almost as much as when I heard about the Keltie/Ryan breakup, what?!?) The baths were amazing and everything I had learned about and beautiful and calming and I wish I was back there right now. Then, because it was such a nice day, we sat out and ate lunch listening to a violin player, and then we hit up the Abbey. Have I mentioned how much I love Bath? Because I do. Even the night life there is really fun (and yay for Canadian bar tenders!).

After Bath we headed out for London. But of course, we stopped at Stonehenge first. And by the way, I decided to wear a dress because the day before was so nice, so when we stopped at Stonehenge it was all cold and misty. I couldn't complain though because it was Stonehenge and the mist made it so much better! Then we headed on to London! Didn't see much of it yesterday to be honest, but today a couple of us went around the city a little (and did laundry). Read in a park and plotted out where we're traveling on our time off. I'm hitting up Venice, Turin, and Nice! In addition to my cruise :D
Life is good.

September 22

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:58:55 GMT

There was rain today.
First time in three days and oh how I did not miss it.
It was fine though really.
Today we toured York Minster Cathedral, which was lovely and beautiful. Our tour guide was so enthusiastic about it all, so she gave us a really long tour, but it was okay because I loved the cathedral. The best part was that during our tour, the bishop stopped everyone and led everyone in prayer. It was almost haunting in that amazing way, praying in there with the tall tall ceiling and the arches and stained glass.
Then we went to Clifford's Tower where in the 12th century 150 Jews took refuge and then set the tower on fire to kill themselves so that the angry mob wouldn't have the satisfaction. So sad.
Sometimes I wish that I could just gloss over all the unpleasant parts of history.

Tomorrow we're going into a Coal mine, and like my best friend from home asked me today when we skyped "Are you in Pittsburgh?". I know. Why do I need to see a Coal mine? I've seen one. I've seen two. They're not that great.

Oh well. I'll make the best of it.

September 20 and 21

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 20:25:04 GMT

Saturday: So, I finally got to see Durham in its finest. It's actually quite an adorable little town. We went on a tour of the library there and then the Cathedral (of course). All of it was amazing, but the best part was the free time. A couple of people and I wandered around the town. On Saturdays, there's an outdoor market that sells wonderful things like scarves, jewelry, crazy British hair things. Nothing at all like the Amish-esque farmers markets I'm used to, but so much fun. The only bad thing was that we were staying up at Saint Aidans college, which is quite the hike from town (and there are hardcore hills there).

Sunday: We left Durham and headed towards Whitby, where we saw the Capitan Cook museum (unfortunately not Captain Hook) and then hiked up about a million stairs to go to the Whitby Abbey. Cool fun fact, Saint Mary's church up by the Abbey is where Dracula apparently ran up the stairs as a dog or something, so there's a lot of vampire stuff around. My one friend and I even got the ice cream man who was selling ice cream with 'blood' on top to pour some of the raspberry sauce on his hand and look creepy for a picture. When she puts it up, you'll see it. Promise.
Now we're in York, which thankfully has wifi! Thank you Lord!!!

September 19

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 08:15:37 GMT

Yesterday we got up nice and early. Megan and I ate our FREE muffins from the meat shop guy who loved us and gave us an entire bag free of cookies and other desserts. I was sad to leave Edinburgh.
We headed to this place called Holy Island where you can only drive there during low tide or else the bridge becomes submerged. It was amazingly beautiful there and I wish we could have spent more time. There were all these boats around stuck in the mud because the tide was down and it was so haunting and breathtaking. Plus, it was our first sunny day in a while so we all enjoyed the 2 hours outside before we headed out to Bede's World.
That's right, like the historian. And really, there's not a lot to say about it. There was an Anglo Norman wall from the 9th century and some really strange looking goats....
Anyways, last night we got to Durham, where we're staying all of today. We're staying in the college. It's pretty nice, but the central air seems to be on overdrive. Considering it's like 50 degrees outside anyways.....
Well, off to the Cathedral and other touristy things.

September 17 and 18

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:54:51 GMT

Wednesday: We all left early in the morning for a walking tour of Edinburgh. It was a little disappointing because it was difficult for a lot of us to hear the tour guide. So, I didn't really get a lot of it, but it's okay because afterwards we got to head out on our own. I went with a couple of girls (all from the sorority DG, so it was really DG +1... oh, ridiculousness) and hit up Edinburgh castle, which is lovely and expensive to get into. The best part about it was the weapons show, where, of course, the man with the big sharp sword decided to use me as a prop to demonstrate where people would aim to kill their opponents. But, I got to hold the sword! Afterwards, we found a meat pie shop and I braved a beef and potato one that was really good. And really cheap. I was exhausted and watched Witness with my roommate and was outraged by how they showed the Amish. And it made me miss home.

Thursday: Today I got to sleep in! That's right - 10 AM, my dears!! Then a couple of us gathered together and went to the Queen's residence here in Edinburgh and her galleries. They had a bunch of Italian Renaissance works up that were beautiful and then we got to tour the Queen's home when she lives here. Oh! And we also saw the Scottish Parliament building which is made to look like a falling tree but really just looks like a crazy glass and wood disaster. Then I went shopping. And yes, bought all three Panic at the Disco pins I found in one of the stores (Em and Caroline, you each get one!) and a present for someone. Today is one of the girls' birthday and we're going out later. I think that means that right about now I should lay around a watch television. Or possibly write journal reports like I should. Or watch television.

Love and miss as always ♥

September 14-16

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:06:02 GMT

Ok, ok, I'm terrible, I know! But I didn't have any internet access.
Believe me, it was terrible! But don't worry! I have it now (for how long, I do know.)
Let's see.....

Sunday: We went to this place called the Ulster American Folk park that is kind of like Colonial Philadelphia. There are little houses set up that are meant to look like the houses from back in the 1700s and there are people in each one doing fun things like blacksmithing, making yarn, baking bread, good stuff. After going through the part dedicated to the Ulster Scots in Ireland, you go over on a boat to America...to....Pennsylvania! Hello, home! How I've missed you! And wow, you look a little different in Northern Ireland than you do in actuality. It was a little ironic that I ended up in Pennsylvania, but hey, at least I knew the answers to the actors questions. Afterwards, we headed back to Derry to basically just sleep. To cheer up our bus driver (because remember, his window was broken) we all sang the national anthem of Dublin "Molly Malone" about a 'fish seller'. I love this song and constantly have it in my head, but that's okay because it's amazing. Seriously, I'm youtubing that.

Monday: We got up crazy early and headed to the The Giant's Causeway, which is a bunch of really cool rock formations on the coast of Ireland. We walked down, mist soaking our jeans, wind tousling our hair, and climbed up the slippery stones. It was pretty amazing and beautiful. Definitely inspiring. Afterwards, we went on the ferry that took us across to Scotland. Unfortunately, it wasn't the famed ferry from my dream (that told me to come to England in the first place) but it was pretty amazing 'cause I got to watch the pretty ocean. Then we drove to Carlisle and I watched how to make cocaine on television. Good day.

Tuesday: We started off by going to the Rothwell Cross (another high cross, but thankfully this one was inside! and therefore not so cold!). Then we went to Robert Owen's great social experiment/factory New Lanark and I was reminded why communism is a bad idea and so is socialism (but less so, and a little bit admirable if it's Social Capitalism). Then we rolled on into Edinburgh where we're staying for the next two days. Haven't seen much of the city yet, but we walked around a little to find dinner and it looks lovely (pretty pretty castles). Tomorrow we're doing a walking tour and then I'm off on my search to find J.K. Rowling and make her rewrite the last two Harry Potter books.

Love and miss!
As always.

September 13

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 23:32:42 GMT

So imagine this.
I wake up around 8, completely exhausted and lug two very heavy suitcases, one very heavy backpack, and my surprising heavy purse to the bus that for some reason can't pick us up at the front entrance so we have to walk half a mile to it.
All is good. I stare out at the countryside as we leave Dublin (saying goodbye, waving a little as we cross the river) and listen to my iPod.
It's a three hour drive up to where we're going, and it's fascinating to watch the signs change from Derry when we're in Southern Ireland to Londonderry when we cross over the border.
For all of you who don't know about (London)Derry (from now on Derry because it's shorter to type), it's a city in Northern Ireland best known in the last 30 years or so for its IRA conflict and the struggles between the Protestants and Catholics. Mainly, the IRA, a technical terrorist group (depending who you talk to), had been causing a bit of violence to get national attention on the fact that native Irish weren't being allowed to have a voice in their own country. So, little bit of back story for you.
Before we went, our very British history teacher told us this and warned us that Derry is still somewhat in turmoil. But he assured us that it was perfectly safe.
So, we get to Derry and meet our tour guide.
Our tour guide turns out to be a very proud member of the IRA. (And very proud of the fact that he is the only one of his friends to never have gotten thrown in jail). He led us around the town, told us the history, and was upfront with his views, reminding us that he is telling the history from the IRA standpoint.
But really, he was lovely. Nice. Well spoken, and when the tour bus came to pick us back up, he very kindly informed us that we better get our asses back on the bus since apparently a tour bus in the neighborhood we were currently standing in was a bit of a target. Okay then..... Right then, about 30% of the people started freaking out (and I'm pretty sure that everyone sighed a breath of relief when the driver turned on the bus and we didn't explode).
Once we got moving, everyone seemed to calm down a little. So, of course, this is when a rock is thrown at the bus, breaking the window. Of course.
Don't worry.
No one was hurt, just startled.
And, obviously, a little shaken up.
Outraged even.
Really, as Americans, that's our fall back mode.
Suddenly, the IRA, which only minutes earlier seemed completely I wouldn't say reasonable but understandable, because yeah, England was a little oppressive, was terrible. TERRORIST.
We Americans love the word terrorist.
And, to be honest, we love drama. We love being in the middle of some situation that wronged us.
So, yes. A rock was thrown at our bus.
Yes, it sucked.
No, I don't hate Northern Ireland.
No, I'm not going to wear a bullet proof vest tomorrow.
But....I have to admit. It's a hell of a story.

September 11-12

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:53:45 GMT

This is going to be my last Dublin post.
Sad, I know, but tomorrow we're going on a tour of Trinity (something you would think we would do when we first got here considering that I've been living at Trinity for three weeks) and then we're seeing An Ideal Husband before we all go out for one last lovely night of drinking/watching other people drink.
But on to today.
Do you know what the best part about Thursday is?
When I walk to the computer lab around 8 or so I pass a little garden where there are always about 6 or 7 people doing Ti Chi (spelling?) in what appears to be snowsuits. Then I walk down the path that cuts through the two athletic fields. That's right. There's boy's rugby on my left and boy's soccer on my right. Good times.
But anyways, back to Dublin.
I'll really be sad to say goodbye to you, fair city.
You were more fun than I had expected, and tomorrow I'm going to give in and buy a scarf on Grafton street (pretend like you didn't read that, Caroline) and haggle with people until I get a price I want. What can my excuse be this time? Hurricane Ike?
*grumble* Now I have to go study for a quiz on the long British 18th century (which isn't fair btw because it's over 150 years. Lame).

September 10

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:23:27 GMT

First off: Thank you, mom, for the wonderful rain coat that you got me before I left. It is by far the most important item that I own.
Oh, Ireland. You and your rain. Why?

In other news, today I went to the Marsh Library.
If you know me, which most of you do, you will know that Sara+books=happy.
This was no exception. In fact, this may well be the prime example.
This library has thousands of old books. You heard me right, old books.
That means no cheesy photography on the front! All leather and vellum and aged pages and wonderful cases that protect them and roped off sections.
The best part? The reading rooms. Or should I say cages?
When the library opened, many people had a tendency to steal the books and sell them because books were so valuable, so after a while, the owner of the library (whose first name is Narcisscus and I thought that was fabulous) would lock people in a cage with the book they wanted to read so that they wouldn't steal it.
Unfortunately, they wouldn't let me in the cage.
But! I did have a nice long talk with the elderly curator who seemed very confused about American geography, but it was ok, because PA is about the shape of the brochure and I drew dots. Like the cicle is Philly, the star, Harrisburg. Up there by the first edition John Locke is New York City.
All in all, a fabulous day.

September 9

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:05:14 GMT

First thing first:
Happy 17th Birthday, Emily!

Ok, now that that's out of the way...(but really, Em, have a great day) let's get back to what this whole blog thing is about: making sure I don't forget what days go with what sites so I pass my class.

Today we went to Dublin Castle and had a lovely tour. Apparently they film The Tudors there. This is a big deal to some people. Not me. But I think that the cast is coming back this week to start up the new season. There was much excitement.

The castle was beautiful (even though it's not the original, which burnt down in the 1700s) and many people fell from the slick stones. Not me. Thank God.

Afterwards, since I'm still sick, I took a nap and then worked on journals.
What an exciting day, yes?

September 8, 2008

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:50:37 GMT

So, it finally happened.
Yep, all the cold and rain got to me.
I'm sick.

So today I spent a lot of time drinking tea, including the little tea party my class and I had with the Lord Mayor of Dublin (who is a woman). The best part is that her husband is called the Lady Mayoress. Classic. She gave us a little speech about the entire history of Ireland (a little long-winded) and after some photos I had some wonderful tea.
Lord, tea is amazing.

I really didn't do much else, just watched a movie with a couple of people and I'm looking forward to going to bed in about an hour.

Tomorrow we're off to Dublin castle! That is, if it doesn't shut down at the last second as it's known to do.