Merry Christmas.
Today I am in Scotland enjoying the cold, the snow, and in someways the loneliness. Tomorrow my family will be joining me and we will be traveling around the U.K. for a winter experience.
I will blog about these future journeys after they happen.
Until then. Enjoy Christmas and the blissful weather.
Stay Cozy, Chicago.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Recent Events
My apologies to everyone for not blogging in about a month. Over the past few weeks classes have been coming to an end and I had a few papers, labs, and classes that needed my attention. Now, I only have studying to do (and an essay due Monday).
There are two things I wish to tell you about. The first is being published in the The Saint (the student run newspaper at the university) and the second is attending religious events.
The article I wrote for The Saint was originally titled after a song by the Kaiser Chiefs, Love's not a competition (but I'm winning). However, after editing by the newspaper it was changed to Jack Attack. The article was written as a response to a piece written the week of Thanksgiving. In the piece the author, Jack, attacked love and all that it entails. He started off by stating how he was mistreating his girlfriend and then he stated his thesis. He claimed that love is a game and the person who liked the other less was winning and was in control. After thinking it out and seeing what examples I could come up with I wrote a response to this guy stating first how I thought he lacked evidence and support for his argument and second how from what I have experienced love is not a game. If it is, your probably not loving and rather just throwing a title on it that doesn't belong. The Saint published my article. So far I have received nothing but positive responses to my piece. If you personally wish for a copy of my article I will be more than glad to share by private email or facebook only.
The second thing, attending religious events, is much more complex.
Before I left Chicago I knew when I arrived here I would be conflicted with my religious beliefs and would look into finding the 'answer' for me. So far, I have none. I just know I am Jewish and have constantly identified myself as thus.
Within the past month I have attended a wide range of religious events and have had a wide range of religious conversations with my friends.
Last Saturday I attend Shabbat services hosted by the Jewish Society. The service was small, eight people, but the communal feeling was still there. After the service we had two discussions. The first discussion was about the Torah portion, Vayigdash. We discussion Joseph and Judah and how the two brothers interacted. Then we branched the discussion back to Cane and Abel. Eventually I concluded that through all the major male figures in the bible their is a hierarchy of brotherhood being presented.
1) Cane and Abel were the worst example of brotherhood as Abel's life was ended by his brother.
2) Then came Jacob and Asof. The two started off on the wrong foot as a birthright was stolen. However, at the end, the two were said to hug though Jacob was still weary of his brother.
3) Joseph and Judah follow. Each had their errors yet in Egypt they rejoined and forgave, establishing a homeland together
4) Aaron and Moses were the best example of brotherhood as the two worked as a team.
After services on Saturday I went to Sunday mass at a local church. It was quite the experience. The building was old and built of huge stones. The chapel was dark and massive. I felt as if I had reentered the 1500s.
The services proceeded with a choir, a celebrated priest and a bishop. Multiple readings from the bible were presented and incense was swung as the priest made his way up and down the aisle in procession. I can't fully describe the service to you, but I can tell you that Jesus was a recurring theme and so was the theme of patience. The bishop gave a beautiful sermon. I felt as if I was listening to a rabbi.
The last event I was privileged to experience was the University of St. Andrew's carol service. I want to say around two thousand students crammed into yet another old church. This time every one sang with readings in between each song. I have never heard so many people in unison at once with such focus.
All these religious experiences have landed me in numerous conversations about God and religion. One important thing I learned is the Jesus isn't necessarily seen as a man. When some Christians say Jesus they mean one part of God. As if God did a test trial on earth in the form of a man.
A wise idea, but I'm sorry this plan fell through (some sarcasm and seriousness here).
More to come as I think things through and my ideas develop.
There are two things I wish to tell you about. The first is being published in the The Saint (the student run newspaper at the university) and the second is attending religious events.
The article I wrote for The Saint was originally titled after a song by the Kaiser Chiefs, Love's not a competition (but I'm winning). However, after editing by the newspaper it was changed to Jack Attack. The article was written as a response to a piece written the week of Thanksgiving. In the piece the author, Jack, attacked love and all that it entails. He started off by stating how he was mistreating his girlfriend and then he stated his thesis. He claimed that love is a game and the person who liked the other less was winning and was in control. After thinking it out and seeing what examples I could come up with I wrote a response to this guy stating first how I thought he lacked evidence and support for his argument and second how from what I have experienced love is not a game. If it is, your probably not loving and rather just throwing a title on it that doesn't belong. The Saint published my article. So far I have received nothing but positive responses to my piece. If you personally wish for a copy of my article I will be more than glad to share by private email or facebook only.
The second thing, attending religious events, is much more complex.
Before I left Chicago I knew when I arrived here I would be conflicted with my religious beliefs and would look into finding the 'answer' for me. So far, I have none. I just know I am Jewish and have constantly identified myself as thus.
Within the past month I have attended a wide range of religious events and have had a wide range of religious conversations with my friends.
Last Saturday I attend Shabbat services hosted by the Jewish Society. The service was small, eight people, but the communal feeling was still there. After the service we had two discussions. The first discussion was about the Torah portion, Vayigdash. We discussion Joseph and Judah and how the two brothers interacted. Then we branched the discussion back to Cane and Abel. Eventually I concluded that through all the major male figures in the bible their is a hierarchy of brotherhood being presented.
1) Cane and Abel were the worst example of brotherhood as Abel's life was ended by his brother.
2) Then came Jacob and Asof. The two started off on the wrong foot as a birthright was stolen. However, at the end, the two were said to hug though Jacob was still weary of his brother.
3) Joseph and Judah follow. Each had their errors yet in Egypt they rejoined and forgave, establishing a homeland together
4) Aaron and Moses were the best example of brotherhood as the two worked as a team.
After services on Saturday I went to Sunday mass at a local church. It was quite the experience. The building was old and built of huge stones. The chapel was dark and massive. I felt as if I had reentered the 1500s.
The services proceeded with a choir, a celebrated priest and a bishop. Multiple readings from the bible were presented and incense was swung as the priest made his way up and down the aisle in procession. I can't fully describe the service to you, but I can tell you that Jesus was a recurring theme and so was the theme of patience. The bishop gave a beautiful sermon. I felt as if I was listening to a rabbi.
The last event I was privileged to experience was the University of St. Andrew's carol service. I want to say around two thousand students crammed into yet another old church. This time every one sang with readings in between each song. I have never heard so many people in unison at once with such focus.
All these religious experiences have landed me in numerous conversations about God and religion. One important thing I learned is the Jesus isn't necessarily seen as a man. When some Christians say Jesus they mean one part of God. As if God did a test trial on earth in the form of a man.
A wise idea, but I'm sorry this plan fell through (some sarcasm and seriousness here).
More to come as I think things through and my ideas develop.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thanksgiving in the UK
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving back in the USA. I thought I'd let you in on what happened in the UK.
I took part in two Thanksgivings. One I attened at my friend's flat and the other I hosted.
The one I attended was a pot luck Thanksgiving. Before the guests arrived I helped my friend prepare the last few dishes. While doing so I carried out a family tradition from back home. I played Alice's Restaurant by Arlo Guthrie. When the guests arrived the music changed to a variety of Lion King, jazz and modern pop music. Around 15 Americans and five Britians came and shared delicious foods. There were mounds of potataoes, numerous amounts of biscuits, tons of stuffing and around seven desserts! So much food that while only 20 attended, there had been enough food for 30 or 40. We all sat and enjoyed the meal with good cider and wine while praising our hosts for their wonderful creations and good company.
My own Thanksgiving was not on such a large scale. As I was in charged I picked some of my favorite dishes to be prepared. I chose baked apples with butter and sugar, pumpkin pie, corn chowder, vegan stuffing, cider and baked beans with cheese. I had five su chefs who were all very helpful and were delighted to help me. The meal took an hour and half to make. An excellent time I'd say as we ended up feeding nine people. We sat down once the food was ready and went around in a circle each sharing something that we were thankful for. It wasn't as serious as back home, but it still had a warm feeling.
Happy Turkey Day y'all. If you have any stories you would like to share from your own Thanksgiving please comment! Don't be shy.
I took part in two Thanksgivings. One I attened at my friend's flat and the other I hosted.
The one I attended was a pot luck Thanksgiving. Before the guests arrived I helped my friend prepare the last few dishes. While doing so I carried out a family tradition from back home. I played Alice's Restaurant by Arlo Guthrie. When the guests arrived the music changed to a variety of Lion King, jazz and modern pop music. Around 15 Americans and five Britians came and shared delicious foods. There were mounds of potataoes, numerous amounts of biscuits, tons of stuffing and around seven desserts! So much food that while only 20 attended, there had been enough food for 30 or 40. We all sat and enjoyed the meal with good cider and wine while praising our hosts for their wonderful creations and good company.
My own Thanksgiving was not on such a large scale. As I was in charged I picked some of my favorite dishes to be prepared. I chose baked apples with butter and sugar, pumpkin pie, corn chowder, vegan stuffing, cider and baked beans with cheese. I had five su chefs who were all very helpful and were delighted to help me. The meal took an hour and half to make. An excellent time I'd say as we ended up feeding nine people. We sat down once the food was ready and went around in a circle each sharing something that we were thankful for. It wasn't as serious as back home, but it still had a warm feeling.
Happy Turkey Day y'all. If you have any stories you would like to share from your own Thanksgiving please comment! Don't be shy.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Raisin Weekend
Raisin Weekend is a weekend at the University of St. Andrews that takes place a few weeks into the academic year.
At the Unvieristy of St. Andrews first year students, during their couple of weeks on campus, find academic parents. Academic parents' are third or fourth year students who take you under their wing. It is their job to help you get accustomed to life at the University. They'll take you around town and introduce you to many students. Many parents host movie nights or do lunches out with their academic families.
You find your parents by looking for people with similiar interests as you or who you can relate to. For example, my academic father is a world traveler and photographer. He's also just a chill guy. My friend found her academic mother at an orchestra event. There are many ways to find your parents.
Beginning Sunday morning until Monday morning academic families do activities together. This often involves a lot of drinking and people passing out. That's only the majority of families. There are other families, such as my friend's, that do neat activities like scavenger hunts, apple bobbing and egg roulette.
The order of event usually follows this order. Lunch and tea at your academic mothers, then a house party at your fathers, and then back to your mother on Monday morning. Monday morning is when the foam fight takes place. To show gratitude to you for bringing wine, raisins, or whatever gift you brought, you parents dress you up in a costume of their design and choice and present you with a Raisin receipt. A Raisin receipt is any item, usually big (mine was a stroller, but people have had bathtubs or doors before, even cars), that your parent gives you to brign to the foam fight. At the foam fight you present your receipt with your academic family and then run in a quad for a massive foam fight. Everyone is covered in foam. The picture says it all.
The weekend has its positives and negatives. True, there is a lot of drinking and some injuries, but if you are a responsible person you can have the time of your life.
I won't write out all my experiences here on the blog, but you are welcome to ask me about hem and I'd be happy to share. Nothing terribly unique, just what you expect from the description I provided you above.
At the Unvieristy of St. Andrews first year students, during their couple of weeks on campus, find academic parents. Academic parents' are third or fourth year students who take you under their wing. It is their job to help you get accustomed to life at the University. They'll take you around town and introduce you to many students. Many parents host movie nights or do lunches out with their academic families.
You find your parents by looking for people with similiar interests as you or who you can relate to. For example, my academic father is a world traveler and photographer. He's also just a chill guy. My friend found her academic mother at an orchestra event. There are many ways to find your parents.
Beginning Sunday morning until Monday morning academic families do activities together. This often involves a lot of drinking and people passing out. That's only the majority of families. There are other families, such as my friend's, that do neat activities like scavenger hunts, apple bobbing and egg roulette.
The order of event usually follows this order. Lunch and tea at your academic mothers, then a house party at your fathers, and then back to your mother on Monday morning. Monday morning is when the foam fight takes place. To show gratitude to you for bringing wine, raisins, or whatever gift you brought, you parents dress you up in a costume of their design and choice and present you with a Raisin receipt. A Raisin receipt is any item, usually big (mine was a stroller, but people have had bathtubs or doors before, even cars), that your parent gives you to brign to the foam fight. At the foam fight you present your receipt with your academic family and then run in a quad for a massive foam fight. Everyone is covered in foam. The picture says it all.
The weekend has its positives and negatives. True, there is a lot of drinking and some injuries, but if you are a responsible person you can have the time of your life.
I won't write out all my experiences here on the blog, but you are welcome to ask me about hem and I'd be happy to share. Nothing terribly unique, just what you expect from the description I provided you above.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Spring Awakening
Tonight five of my friends and I went to see the new musical Spring Awakening.
I won't give away any endings or spoil anything for you, but I will provide you with a brief description in hopes of capturing your interest.
Spring Awakening is a musical recently created by Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik based on the original play by Frank Wedekind. It takes place in Luthern Germany. The play is about young love and the problems of being a teenager and follows the lives of a few young adults. There are three true main characters. One of them, the protangonist, is the rebel who does not believe in societal restraints and doesn't want to conform. Another one, the rebels friend, is a character who strives to succeed in society, but keeps failing and displeasing his parents. The last one is the protagonists love. She is confused by the secrets her mother has kept from her and also questions the society she lives in.
What's unique about this play is that it's open with the issues it addresses. Sex is not mentioned; rather, it is displayed. Suicide is exposed. Gay relations are witnessed. Language is used as one truly uses language.
The version I saw was put on by univeristy students. They performed beautifuly and truly captured my attention; there was not a single moment where my eyes were not fixed on the stage. The actors' chemistry truly brought the show to life and had the audience holding on to every word and action. Applause came from every person when the cast allowed of time for it to take place.
Yasher Koach to the cast.
I won't give away any endings or spoil anything for you, but I will provide you with a brief description in hopes of capturing your interest.
Spring Awakening is a musical recently created by Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik based on the original play by Frank Wedekind. It takes place in Luthern Germany. The play is about young love and the problems of being a teenager and follows the lives of a few young adults. There are three true main characters. One of them, the protangonist, is the rebel who does not believe in societal restraints and doesn't want to conform. Another one, the rebels friend, is a character who strives to succeed in society, but keeps failing and displeasing his parents. The last one is the protagonists love. She is confused by the secrets her mother has kept from her and also questions the society she lives in.
What's unique about this play is that it's open with the issues it addresses. Sex is not mentioned; rather, it is displayed. Suicide is exposed. Gay relations are witnessed. Language is used as one truly uses language.
The version I saw was put on by univeristy students. They performed beautifuly and truly captured my attention; there was not a single moment where my eyes were not fixed on the stage. The actors' chemistry truly brought the show to life and had the audience holding on to every word and action. Applause came from every person when the cast allowed of time for it to take place.
Yasher Koach to the cast.
An American in England, Part 6 and 7 of 7
Friday and Saturday
My week in England ended on a quiet note. Rachel and I did not leave the house. Liek days before, we worked and we relaxed. On Saturday, more friends of Rachel's came over and we had dinner with them. The two days went by quickly and made me soon realize that over Reading Week, I didn't read much of anything at all.
Sunday
Sunday could be considered part 8 to this story. All we did on Sunday was travel back to St. Andrews aAt this point our friend had rejoined with us and we were due to take trains back to Uni).
We did our part well. We got on the train and had our tickets ready if anyone asked. However, after arriving in Edinburgh, we learned that different routes to our destination were shut down for the time being. This was due to a rain storm. So, we tried to catch another train until they canceled that one. The train company then tried to arrange buses for the passengers to the station. This also did not work out. They finally had us take a train to a diffferent station and then bussed us to our original destination, Leuchers. At Leuchers we paid a taxi driver to take us the extra 6 miles to St. Andrews.
My week in England ended on a quiet note. Rachel and I did not leave the house. Liek days before, we worked and we relaxed. On Saturday, more friends of Rachel's came over and we had dinner with them. The two days went by quickly and made me soon realize that over Reading Week, I didn't read much of anything at all.
Sunday
Sunday could be considered part 8 to this story. All we did on Sunday was travel back to St. Andrews aAt this point our friend had rejoined with us and we were due to take trains back to Uni).
We did our part well. We got on the train and had our tickets ready if anyone asked. However, after arriving in Edinburgh, we learned that different routes to our destination were shut down for the time being. This was due to a rain storm. So, we tried to catch another train until they canceled that one. The train company then tried to arrange buses for the passengers to the station. This also did not work out. They finally had us take a train to a diffferent station and then bussed us to our original destination, Leuchers. At Leuchers we paid a taxi driver to take us the extra 6 miles to St. Andrews.
Friday, November 12, 2010
An American in England, Part 5 of 7
Thursday
London, take two. Rememberance Day. Armistice Day.
After a brekafast of leftovers, Rachel and I departed for London on a 10:30a.m. train. Once in London, we did the following city tour.
St. Paul's Cathedral -> Millenium Bridge -> The Globe -> National Theatre -> Houses of Parliment, -> Fortnum & Mason -> Buckingham Palace -> Barracks -> London Eye -> HQ
St. Paul's Cathedral:
While the current cathedral is not the original one, cathedrals have been at the site, dedicated to St Paul, for over 1400 years. The current cathedral stands around a 100 meters tall and overlooks most of London's skyline. It has survived the bombing of London in World War II (there is a famous picture of the dome surrounded in black smoke) and inside it are many plaques recognizing the U.S. and British soldiers who sacrificed their lives in defence of the cathedral.
The whole place is open. Walking into the main body of the cathedral I was cosumed by the vast space. All arround me I could see giant statues of religious figures, honored soldiers and importnt people. Looking up from the center of the main floor I could all the way to the top of the dome.
We chose to walk the first 257 steps, of the 528 total steps in the building, to the Whispering Gallery. The Whispering Gallery is an indoor balcony that looks over the main floor of the cathedral. Along the wall of the balcony is a thin wooden bench. The Whispering Gallery has been designed sugh that a person can whisper along the wall and his/her whisper can be heard by someone sitting opposite them. We tried to test the effect, but could only achive up to 40 feet because our whispering was interrupted by the loud chatter of newly arriving school children on a field trip.
After this failed attempt, we walked up the next 119 steps to the Stone Gallery. The Stone Gallery is an outdoor balcony. It allowed me to do my first picture taking session of the day. One hundred and fify two steps further was the Golden Gallery; the highest point a person is allowed to climb to. The Golden Glalery is truly astonishing. It is so small that it takes only a few steps to walk in a complete circle. The balcony leaves the person standing in it exposed to the elements. As the wind blew, people walking around the Golden Gallery were seen swaying to its preassure.
Deciding not to try flying for the first time, we climbed down the 528 steps to the main body of the cathedral and walked out quietly, observing the statues as we went.
Millenium Bridge:
As a Harry Potter fan, I had to pay my dues. The bridge isn't as exciting as the movie makes it out to be. The cables don't break and Death Eaters do not fly overhead. Maybe next time.
The Globe:
Shakespeare, Shakespeare, Shakespeare. Before I saw the Globe I had preconceived notions of its size and design. I excepted a giant theatre with a green courtyard and street vendors. The theatre is in fact a nicely sized circular theatre, three floors tall. It is white and has beautiful metal gates with animal designs at its enterance. While entering the brick courtyard you can hear guides talk enthusiastically about the theatre's history and Shakespeare's works.
The National Theatre:
This theatre dwarfs the Globe. The theatre is a large brick building with an open lobby to receive and sit its guests. I did not get to see a show; rather, I only just enjoyed its warmth and shelter for a few minutes. Rachel and I dodged in there when London decided to have 10 minutes of gusts of rain. My jeans were so soaked by the time we entered the theatre that it appeared I had kindly wet myself. My SuperDry jacket became 'SuperWet.'
Houses of Parliment, Buckingham Palace and the Barracks:
After seeing these ginormous, beautiful, well designed and well lit buildings, I believe the U.S.A. could learn a thing or two about how to treat its representitives. That's all I have to say. Enjoy the pictures.
Fortnum & Mason:
Posh. That's the way a lot of English people describe this store and its location. Posh is similiar to the word rich and it can be said as an insult or as a compliment. Walking to Fortnum and Mason I passed designer shops that sold suits, art work and luggage. During this walk I passed the Ritz Hotel. This hotel is a hotspot for tea. Upper class citizens attend the Ritz in good company and in fine dress. A person will not be permited to enter if their outfit is not suitable.
Fortnum & Mason, while posh, provides entertainment. The multi level department store allows oe to do their gift shopping, grocery shopping, lunch and dinner. It is rumored that some of the rich folk send their butlers to shop at F & M for them.
The basement of F & M is the grocery sections. Like most grocery stores you'll find your daily requirements. However, you will also find foods that most people have never hear of. A few examples include roasted wurms, dried turantula and chocolate raisins. Yum... :-p
The ground floor is by the far the best floor in F & M. It is the chocolate and sweets floor. Like whole foods, free samples are all over the place for you to taste the deliciousness prior to your purchase. The chocolate comes in many varieties and there are some combinations that make Heart Attack look like a two year old's creation ( I don't mean to insult the little ones).
Floors one through three of F & M are dedicated to holiday shopping. There was a clothing section, a christmas sections, a book sections and a gentlemen's section (this section sold bar room games and mens clothing). Almost anything you could wish for. One floor sold a $320 teddy bear. It had arms, legs, fake fur and everything! :)
I will never know what is on any floor above floor three. I want to, I really do. I was scared to go past the sign that said, "Inivitation Only."
London Eye:
London Eye was a good end to a long day. Prior to boarding the ferris wheel I was sent to enjoy Merlin Entertainment's 4-D Experience. I use enjoy in the most inenjoyable way I can. The theatre was done like the theatre in the Golan. Fans blew in your face, fog machines produce smelly fog and the light show wasn't all the interesting. To top it all, Merlin Entertainment decided to give its guests 3-D glasses and a fake photo of them standing above London. The real problem with the whole experience is that the during the 4-D experience I was shown all the possiblities that never happened at the London Eye. Examples include a Chinese dance with a dragon costume and Bollywood dancing.
The actual London Eye was wonderful. A few of the people in the waiting que packed into a glass pod. We were then taken around the Eye very slowly. From the pod I got to see a beautifuly lit London. Each building had aditional lights to add a special character to London's night sky.
If any of this comes across negatively, I am sorry. While I may criticize parts of my day trip, you should understand this: without experiencing the good, the bad, the beautiful and the boring I could not have experienced London.
London, take two. Rememberance Day. Armistice Day.
After a brekafast of leftovers, Rachel and I departed for London on a 10:30a.m. train. Once in London, we did the following city tour.
St. Paul's Cathedral -> Millenium Bridge -> The Globe -> National Theatre -> Houses of Parliment, -> Fortnum & Mason -> Buckingham Palace -> Barracks -> London Eye -> HQ
St. Paul's Cathedral:
While the current cathedral is not the original one, cathedrals have been at the site, dedicated to St Paul, for over 1400 years. The current cathedral stands around a 100 meters tall and overlooks most of London's skyline. It has survived the bombing of London in World War II (there is a famous picture of the dome surrounded in black smoke) and inside it are many plaques recognizing the U.S. and British soldiers who sacrificed their lives in defence of the cathedral.
The whole place is open. Walking into the main body of the cathedral I was cosumed by the vast space. All arround me I could see giant statues of religious figures, honored soldiers and importnt people. Looking up from the center of the main floor I could all the way to the top of the dome.
We chose to walk the first 257 steps, of the 528 total steps in the building, to the Whispering Gallery. The Whispering Gallery is an indoor balcony that looks over the main floor of the cathedral. Along the wall of the balcony is a thin wooden bench. The Whispering Gallery has been designed sugh that a person can whisper along the wall and his/her whisper can be heard by someone sitting opposite them. We tried to test the effect, but could only achive up to 40 feet because our whispering was interrupted by the loud chatter of newly arriving school children on a field trip.
After this failed attempt, we walked up the next 119 steps to the Stone Gallery. The Stone Gallery is an outdoor balcony. It allowed me to do my first picture taking session of the day. One hundred and fify two steps further was the Golden Gallery; the highest point a person is allowed to climb to. The Golden Glalery is truly astonishing. It is so small that it takes only a few steps to walk in a complete circle. The balcony leaves the person standing in it exposed to the elements. As the wind blew, people walking around the Golden Gallery were seen swaying to its preassure.
Deciding not to try flying for the first time, we climbed down the 528 steps to the main body of the cathedral and walked out quietly, observing the statues as we went.
Millenium Bridge:
As a Harry Potter fan, I had to pay my dues. The bridge isn't as exciting as the movie makes it out to be. The cables don't break and Death Eaters do not fly overhead. Maybe next time.
The Globe:
Shakespeare, Shakespeare, Shakespeare. Before I saw the Globe I had preconceived notions of its size and design. I excepted a giant theatre with a green courtyard and street vendors. The theatre is in fact a nicely sized circular theatre, three floors tall. It is white and has beautiful metal gates with animal designs at its enterance. While entering the brick courtyard you can hear guides talk enthusiastically about the theatre's history and Shakespeare's works.
The National Theatre:
This theatre dwarfs the Globe. The theatre is a large brick building with an open lobby to receive and sit its guests. I did not get to see a show; rather, I only just enjoyed its warmth and shelter for a few minutes. Rachel and I dodged in there when London decided to have 10 minutes of gusts of rain. My jeans were so soaked by the time we entered the theatre that it appeared I had kindly wet myself. My SuperDry jacket became 'SuperWet.'
Houses of Parliment, Buckingham Palace and the Barracks:
After seeing these ginormous, beautiful, well designed and well lit buildings, I believe the U.S.A. could learn a thing or two about how to treat its representitives. That's all I have to say. Enjoy the pictures.
Fortnum & Mason:
Posh. That's the way a lot of English people describe this store and its location. Posh is similiar to the word rich and it can be said as an insult or as a compliment. Walking to Fortnum and Mason I passed designer shops that sold suits, art work and luggage. During this walk I passed the Ritz Hotel. This hotel is a hotspot for tea. Upper class citizens attend the Ritz in good company and in fine dress. A person will not be permited to enter if their outfit is not suitable.
Fortnum & Mason, while posh, provides entertainment. The multi level department store allows oe to do their gift shopping, grocery shopping, lunch and dinner. It is rumored that some of the rich folk send their butlers to shop at F & M for them.
The basement of F & M is the grocery sections. Like most grocery stores you'll find your daily requirements. However, you will also find foods that most people have never hear of. A few examples include roasted wurms, dried turantula and chocolate raisins. Yum... :-p
The ground floor is by the far the best floor in F & M. It is the chocolate and sweets floor. Like whole foods, free samples are all over the place for you to taste the deliciousness prior to your purchase. The chocolate comes in many varieties and there are some combinations that make Heart Attack look like a two year old's creation ( I don't mean to insult the little ones).
Floors one through three of F & M are dedicated to holiday shopping. There was a clothing section, a christmas sections, a book sections and a gentlemen's section (this section sold bar room games and mens clothing). Almost anything you could wish for. One floor sold a $320 teddy bear. It had arms, legs, fake fur and everything! :)
I will never know what is on any floor above floor three. I want to, I really do. I was scared to go past the sign that said, "Inivitation Only."
London Eye:
London Eye was a good end to a long day. Prior to boarding the ferris wheel I was sent to enjoy Merlin Entertainment's 4-D Experience. I use enjoy in the most inenjoyable way I can. The theatre was done like the theatre in the Golan. Fans blew in your face, fog machines produce smelly fog and the light show wasn't all the interesting. To top it all, Merlin Entertainment decided to give its guests 3-D glasses and a fake photo of them standing above London. The real problem with the whole experience is that the during the 4-D experience I was shown all the possiblities that never happened at the London Eye. Examples include a Chinese dance with a dragon costume and Bollywood dancing.
The actual London Eye was wonderful. A few of the people in the waiting que packed into a glass pod. We were then taken around the Eye very slowly. From the pod I got to see a beautifuly lit London. Each building had aditional lights to add a special character to London's night sky.
If any of this comes across negatively, I am sorry. While I may criticize parts of my day trip, you should understand this: without experiencing the good, the bad, the beautiful and the boring I could not have experienced London.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
An American in England, Part 4 of 7
Wednesday
Rachel's sister's birthday. For the majority of the day Rachel and I worked.
I think I forgot to mention that the only reason I was able to travel down to London was because the University of St. Andrews currently has Reading Week. Reading Week is a time given to students to review class notes and get started on their future papers. It is recommended by the university that students stay on campus, but this isn't mandatory.
So, we read... now and then.
After working it was time to bake for Rachel's sister. During the previous days Rachel and I had gone through a few number of recipes to finalize the menu for the birthday. We decided on Molehill Suprise, brownies, and my new creation titled Heart Attcack.
Molehill Suprise is a sponge cake made with hazel nuts and chocolate chips and topped with a chocolate sauce. Brownies, are brownies. Both delicious.
Heart Attack is a double layer cake that was created from my desire to fashion a double layer chocolate penaut butter cake. First bake a chocolate cake from Peta's cook book. Then take this cake, cut it in half, and separate the two halfs. Nutella hazelnut chocolate spread is then loaded onto one of the halves. The other half of the cake is then put on top of that to make a sort of Nuttela chocolate cake sandwhich. Finally, cover the sandwhich with peanut butter. Make sure to get all sides and try to reach the point where the cake is no longer visible. Add raspberries to garnish. If this doesn't kill you, I don't know what will.
Pictures are on facebook. They'll make your mouth water.
Night y'all.
Rachel's sister's birthday. For the majority of the day Rachel and I worked.
I think I forgot to mention that the only reason I was able to travel down to London was because the University of St. Andrews currently has Reading Week. Reading Week is a time given to students to review class notes and get started on their future papers. It is recommended by the university that students stay on campus, but this isn't mandatory.
So, we read... now and then.
After working it was time to bake for Rachel's sister. During the previous days Rachel and I had gone through a few number of recipes to finalize the menu for the birthday. We decided on Molehill Suprise, brownies, and my new creation titled Heart Attcack.
Molehill Suprise is a sponge cake made with hazel nuts and chocolate chips and topped with a chocolate sauce. Brownies, are brownies. Both delicious.
Heart Attack is a double layer cake that was created from my desire to fashion a double layer chocolate penaut butter cake. First bake a chocolate cake from Peta's cook book. Then take this cake, cut it in half, and separate the two halfs. Nutella hazelnut chocolate spread is then loaded onto one of the halves. The other half of the cake is then put on top of that to make a sort of Nuttela chocolate cake sandwhich. Finally, cover the sandwhich with peanut butter. Make sure to get all sides and try to reach the point where the cake is no longer visible. Add raspberries to garnish. If this doesn't kill you, I don't know what will.
Pictures are on facebook. They'll make your mouth water.
Night y'all.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
An American in England, Part 3 of 7
Tuesday
Tuesday morning was yet another lazy morning. More attempts were made to work and luckily, this time, I actually started a paper.
Tuesday afternoon was more exciting. Rachel, her mum and I went out to lunch in the attic of an antique shop. The shop was an old four story house. The inside has been converted into a showroom floor for old furniture, creative cutlery and books dating back to the early 1800s (a copy of all of William Shakespeare's works).
After lunch we went to a family friend's of Rachel's for tea. I know this is contradictory to my last post, but Rachel promises my readers that tea does not happen every day. Here we talked about the differences between the Scottish, English and American school systems. By the final year of secondary school English students take only three classes that narrow down their focus and what subjects they will take in university. Weird, but this could be a good idea.
By the time tea ended it was 5p.m. Rachel and I were due for a dinner with a friend I shall refer to as Iz. Rachel and I were dropped off at St. Mary's, a fairly sized church in Hitchin, where we waited for Iz. When Iz arrived, she arrived in style: cigarette in hand, blonde hair flowing and walking with deteremination. The three of us went into a PizzaExpress, the best pizza chain in the United Kingdom. After ordering some tasty dishes, we began to talk about Rachel's school.
Rachel, for all of her secondary school years, has attended PHC. PHC had been founded for Princess Helena, the daughter of Queen Victoria. Princess Helena had been, to put this in kind terms, stupid. So, being a queen, Victoria made a school just for her daughter. The school today is a well recognized school for, as their advertisement says, great girls. I approve at least.
After our conversation about the school, Iz took the pleasure of driving Rachel and I back to her home. Riding with Iz was like being back home, but in a car that would make most Americans give a second look. Iz drives a 1969 manual VW Beetle. The front two seats have seat belts, but the passengers in the back are left defenceless. We sped down the country roads of Harpenden. Iz's quriky character can be defined by the fact that she asked me to light her cigarette for her whilst she was driving. Sadly, I didn't know which end to light.
Not a bad night.
Tuesday morning was yet another lazy morning. More attempts were made to work and luckily, this time, I actually started a paper.
Tuesday afternoon was more exciting. Rachel, her mum and I went out to lunch in the attic of an antique shop. The shop was an old four story house. The inside has been converted into a showroom floor for old furniture, creative cutlery and books dating back to the early 1800s (a copy of all of William Shakespeare's works).
After lunch we went to a family friend's of Rachel's for tea. I know this is contradictory to my last post, but Rachel promises my readers that tea does not happen every day. Here we talked about the differences between the Scottish, English and American school systems. By the final year of secondary school English students take only three classes that narrow down their focus and what subjects they will take in university. Weird, but this could be a good idea.
By the time tea ended it was 5p.m. Rachel and I were due for a dinner with a friend I shall refer to as Iz. Rachel and I were dropped off at St. Mary's, a fairly sized church in Hitchin, where we waited for Iz. When Iz arrived, she arrived in style: cigarette in hand, blonde hair flowing and walking with deteremination. The three of us went into a PizzaExpress, the best pizza chain in the United Kingdom. After ordering some tasty dishes, we began to talk about Rachel's school.
Rachel, for all of her secondary school years, has attended PHC. PHC had been founded for Princess Helena, the daughter of Queen Victoria. Princess Helena had been, to put this in kind terms, stupid. So, being a queen, Victoria made a school just for her daughter. The school today is a well recognized school for, as their advertisement says, great girls. I approve at least.
After our conversation about the school, Iz took the pleasure of driving Rachel and I back to her home. Riding with Iz was like being back home, but in a car that would make most Americans give a second look. Iz drives a 1969 manual VW Beetle. The front two seats have seat belts, but the passengers in the back are left defenceless. We sped down the country roads of Harpenden. Iz's quriky character can be defined by the fact that she asked me to light her cigarette for her whilst she was driving. Sadly, I didn't know which end to light.
Not a bad night.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
An American in England, Part 2 of 7
Monday
Today was a relaxing. Rachel and I began the lazy day with a yummy breakfast consisting of yogurt, berries, peanut butter and juice. After breakfast, the two of us worked on our various assignments for modules. Rachel focused on her philosophy notes (some material covered in Modern Jewish Thought) and I read The Double Helix. The Double Helix is Watson's book which details the finding and constructing of the DNA molecule. I must write about his and Crick's discovery for my biology essay this semester.
After taking our time in our pajamas, until 12:00pm, it was time to get our day started. Rachel and I first joined Rachel's mum for some yoga at a local golf club.
The yoga class was an old ladies' yoga class; however, they welcomed Rachel and I with open arms and a few smiles. I won't go into to much detail about the class, but I'll let you know that I enjoyed it very much. The instructor paced the class accordingly and encouraged everyone to perform to their personal best. The class ended with a relaxation time involving a couple of candles, blankets and darkness.
Rachel, her mum, and I went over to a friend of theirs for some tea after yoga. Afternoon tea in England is not as we might wish it to be. People do not gather every day at a certain time to sit down and have tea and cakes. Rather, tea is a pleasant way of visiting someone and hosting a conversation. Rachel's family friends brought out cups of tea, milk, sugar and a small variety of cakes. When everyone was sitting comfortably and conversation had been in session a fire was lit. The extra warmth eased the mood and time flew by with the five of us chatting away.
After tea we returned to Rachel's home. Though we may have had the desire to keep working, I believe we made the right decision to put the textbooks, notes, and undesirable course material and sit down to watch the film Paper Heart. Paper Heart is enjoyable film costarring Michael Cera and Charlyne Yi. The plot is a simple one following the pursuit of Charlyne to answers the question: What is love? I highly recommend the film to anyone with a good bit of awkwardness in them and a big heart. Its filming style is truly unique and the artwork presented in the film is its own definition of awesomeness.
A little spoiler: "Um. I like danger." "You smell like Christmas."
Night y'all.
Today was a relaxing. Rachel and I began the lazy day with a yummy breakfast consisting of yogurt, berries, peanut butter and juice. After breakfast, the two of us worked on our various assignments for modules. Rachel focused on her philosophy notes (some material covered in Modern Jewish Thought) and I read The Double Helix. The Double Helix is Watson's book which details the finding and constructing of the DNA molecule. I must write about his and Crick's discovery for my biology essay this semester.
After taking our time in our pajamas, until 12:00pm, it was time to get our day started. Rachel and I first joined Rachel's mum for some yoga at a local golf club.
The yoga class was an old ladies' yoga class; however, they welcomed Rachel and I with open arms and a few smiles. I won't go into to much detail about the class, but I'll let you know that I enjoyed it very much. The instructor paced the class accordingly and encouraged everyone to perform to their personal best. The class ended with a relaxation time involving a couple of candles, blankets and darkness.
Rachel, her mum, and I went over to a friend of theirs for some tea after yoga. Afternoon tea in England is not as we might wish it to be. People do not gather every day at a certain time to sit down and have tea and cakes. Rather, tea is a pleasant way of visiting someone and hosting a conversation. Rachel's family friends brought out cups of tea, milk, sugar and a small variety of cakes. When everyone was sitting comfortably and conversation had been in session a fire was lit. The extra warmth eased the mood and time flew by with the five of us chatting away.
After tea we returned to Rachel's home. Though we may have had the desire to keep working, I believe we made the right decision to put the textbooks, notes, and undesirable course material and sit down to watch the film Paper Heart. Paper Heart is enjoyable film costarring Michael Cera and Charlyne Yi. The plot is a simple one following the pursuit of Charlyne to answers the question: What is love? I highly recommend the film to anyone with a good bit of awkwardness in them and a big heart. Its filming style is truly unique and the artwork presented in the film is its own definition of awesomeness.
A little spoiler: "Um. I like danger." "You smell like Christmas."
Night y'all.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
An American in England, Part 1 of 7
Yay for reading week (my first break of the few that I have during the Scottish school year)!
Yesterday (Saturday) I left St. Andrews, Scotland, for the first time since my arrival. I took three trains in succession down to Harpenden, England, to spend this week with the Prosser family.
Sunday
Today began with a lovely barefoot tour of the Prosser family garden. The garden is beautifully filled with a variety of trees, great green grass and a gazebo. After the tour breakfast commenced.
Around 11, Rachel and I hopped on a train for one of the two days that will be spent in central London this week.
London. Before you see the beauty of the town you are first immersed in the beauty of England's country side. Fields stretch out over the horizon to either side of the train. Sheep can be seen grazing and sun lights the world in a delightful shade.
The train arrived in a modern train station with white walls and metal railings. From there you can go anywhere you want in London using the underground. Rachel and I chose to go to Kings Cross first.
I expected Kings Cross to be an old, classic train station like Grand Central. To m
y surprise, Kings Cross is stuck
between two eras. The brick gives it a classic feeling, but the rest of the station is under construction and looks like a contractor's battlefield. In Kings Cross Rachel took me to platform 9 and 3/4. This was disappointing. It was a wall cut out with half of a trolley hanging out of it. Still, I gave in to a tourist's temptation and had Rachel take a picture.
Yesterday (Saturday) I left St. Andrews, Scotland, for the first time since my arrival. I took three trains in succession down to Harpenden, England, to spend this week with the Prosser family.
Sunday
Today began with a lovely barefoot tour of the Prosser family garden. The garden is beautifully filled with a variety of trees, great green grass and a gazebo. After the tour breakfast commenced.
Around 11, Rachel and I hopped on a train for one of the two days that will be spent in central London this week.
London. Before you see the beauty of the town you are first immersed in the beauty of England's country side. Fields stretch out over the horizon to either side of the train. Sheep can be seen grazing and sun lights the world in a delightful shade.
The train arrived in a modern train station with white walls and metal railings. From there you can go anywhere you want in London using the underground. Rachel and I chose to go to Kings Cross first.
I expected Kings Cross to be an old, classic train station like Grand Central. To m
y surprise, Kings Cross is stuck
between two eras. The brick gives it a classic feeling, but the rest of the station is under construction and looks like a contractor's battlefield. In Kings Cross Rachel took me to platform 9 and 3/4. This was disappointing. It was a wall cut out with half of a trolley hanging out of it. Still, I gave in to a tourist's temptation and had Rachel take a picture.Next, Rachel took me on a tour of St. Pancras station. St. Pancras is a piece of art. The shops are all brick with gl
ass entrances and dividers. The look was creative, pleasing and magnetic; people were flowing to them. The Eurostar, a train the goes from London to Paris (
and goes under water), leaves from St. Pancras. Rachel ended the quick tour of St. Pancras by showing me two statues. One of them has a base depicting multiple scenes of resistance and power whilst a man and a woman embrace each other despite it all.
ass entrances and dividers. The look was creative, pleasing and magnetic; people were flowing to them. The Eurostar, a train the goes from London to Paris (
and goes under water), leaves from St. Pancras. Rachel ended the quick tour of St. Pancras by showing me two statues. One of them has a base depicting multiple scenes of resistance and power whilst a man and a woman embrace each other despite it all.Then we went to the National Portrait Gallery. Out of all the museums I have been to, this one is my new favorite. The museum displays portraits of different people by a variety of artists. The portraits vary from paintings to photographs, sculptures, drawings and collages. Each piece is a unique take on a certain person. One of the portraits is a sculpture coated in the artist's blood (cool!) (each year he re sculpts it and it is constantly kept frozen). Another is a collage of stuffed crows and mice that creates a silhouette of a person when light is shone on it. I bought six postcards from the museum shop; each postcard has a picture of a portrait.
Finally, Rachel took me to lunch in Trafa
lgar Square. Trafalgar square is a wide open space with a plinth in each corner of it. Three of the statues have always been the same, but one of them changes each year featuring a new artist (this year is a ship in a bottle). In the centre of Trafalgar square there is a giant statue of Nelson (Nelson's column) surrounded by fountains and lion statues. Throughout the square, people walk around and eat lunch, pigeons bob and various street artists perform. On this particular day, protesters appeared with signs protesting the government. Overall, the square is some sweet sauce. Sunny. Open. Populated. Busy.
My day concludes with dinner and a movie. We went to The Stables. Its an old stable turned golf course and restaurant. The food was excellent (fish and chips!) and the waiter/host was kind. Off to watch 'Paper Heart' with Rachel.
Night y'all.
lgar Square. Trafalgar square is a wide open space with a plinth in each corner of it. Three of the statues have always been the same, but one of them changes each year featuring a new artist (this year is a ship in a bottle). In the centre of Trafalgar square there is a giant statue of Nelson (Nelson's column) surrounded by fountains and lion statues. Throughout the square, people walk around and eat lunch, pigeons bob and various street artists perform. On this particular day, protesters appeared with signs protesting the government. Overall, the square is some sweet sauce. Sunny. Open. Populated. Busy.My day concludes with dinner and a movie. We went to The Stables. Its an old stable turned golf course and restaurant. The food was excellent (fish and chips!) and the waiter/host was kind. Off to watch 'Paper Heart' with Rachel.
Night y'all.
Friday, November 5, 2010
An Empty Space
Just a few days ago my room mate moved out of our room. I didn't realize what him leaving meant until he was gone, until I walked into a room that was more than half empty.
Do you remember your first room mate?
I don't know if I ever spent time in a hospital's nursery or not, but as I recall, my first room mate was my brother. Throughout the whole time that my brother and I shared a room I wanted to move out. I used to enjoy the activities we did like playing cards or building with Lego's, but some part of me always wanted a place that I could call my own.
When I finally did get a room, I got what I titled the Jail Cell. I didn't name the room this because it was depressing or a place I was locked in; rather, I named it this way because of its size, seven feet by twelve feet.
The Jail Cell was amazing. I got to do what I wanted to in my own room without disturbance and without someone invading it. While I have always been envious of my siblings bedrooms' sizes, a room of my own is a room of my own.
I thought this feeling would continue in college; I thought I would come to enjoy a room to myself.
Well, it turned out that I was assigned to a suite. When I arrived, I hauled my luggage up to my room and upon opening the door I met my room mate. He was alright, more then I could have hoped for (I excepted some drug addict, nudist, heavy chain smoker, or some other college nightmare). We didn't talk much, and when we did conversation was...light.
Then the paper work was filed. He wanted to switch out for some medical reasons and I was also suggested to switch out. He was the first to move. The university sent him an e-mail kindly asking him to get out by 2p.m. the next day. When I came back from classes his side of the room was empty. Everything was gone.
I can't say I miss him, but I miss the colors and the decorations. A double room with one person in it isn't too exciting. I now await a similar e-mail. I await the command to leave home, to move. :-/
Do you remember your first room mate?
I don't know if I ever spent time in a hospital's nursery or not, but as I recall, my first room mate was my brother. Throughout the whole time that my brother and I shared a room I wanted to move out. I used to enjoy the activities we did like playing cards or building with Lego's, but some part of me always wanted a place that I could call my own.
When I finally did get a room, I got what I titled the Jail Cell. I didn't name the room this because it was depressing or a place I was locked in; rather, I named it this way because of its size, seven feet by twelve feet.
The Jail Cell was amazing. I got to do what I wanted to in my own room without disturbance and without someone invading it. While I have always been envious of my siblings bedrooms' sizes, a room of my own is a room of my own.
I thought this feeling would continue in college; I thought I would come to enjoy a room to myself.
Well, it turned out that I was assigned to a suite. When I arrived, I hauled my luggage up to my room and upon opening the door I met my room mate. He was alright, more then I could have hoped for (I excepted some drug addict, nudist, heavy chain smoker, or some other college nightmare). We didn't talk much, and when we did conversation was...light.
Then the paper work was filed. He wanted to switch out for some medical reasons and I was also suggested to switch out. He was the first to move. The university sent him an e-mail kindly asking him to get out by 2p.m. the next day. When I came back from classes his side of the room was empty. Everything was gone.
I can't say I miss him, but I miss the colors and the decorations. A double room with one person in it isn't too exciting. I now await a similar e-mail. I await the command to leave home, to move. :-/
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The Lingo
Throughout the past month I have interacted with students from numerous countries. Many of the students who I have been in discussion with have been kind enough to share with me local terminology.
1. She's your Mum, not Mom
2. You chunder (Gap Year)in the bushes, not throw up.
3. Trousers or pantaloonies are what you wear, not just pants. Pants refers to your underwear.
4. Remember the 90s? Ya, the days when everyone went around with a fanny pack. I wouldn't say that over here, a fanny would be the female equivalent of 'below the belt'.
5. People write essays, not papers.
6. Trackies, not sweatpants
7. A Toastie is not grilled cheese, though a grilled cheese can be an inferior Toastie.
8. One for the English teacher. They say "em," not "um."
9. Accents aren't too bad. - The English one is especially awesome (Rachel)
10. Lorries, not trucks.
11. Chips are French fries, crisps are chips. Fries are still fries.
12. In the USA we have... Bros, Bras, Dawgs, Cool Cats, Johns, Smiths, Joe the Plumbers, Dudes, Men and Guys. Here in Britain they have... Lads, Chaps, Blokes, Guys and Fellows.
13. They receive post, not mail. Parcels, not packages.
14. Biscuits, not cookies.
15. Tea time, not dinner.
16. Soccer is football, football is now known under the nice nickname of American rugby.
17. Pudding here is not quite like pudding in the USA. Pudding here is any general term for desert (often like a soft, squishy cake). Our pudding is their equivalent of mouse or "mush" (Alex).
18. While we have Jell-o, they have Jelly.
19. Fruit spreads have different titles here. They have marmalades, jams, lemon curd. We have jelly, marmalade, preserves and jam.
20. Class? They say lectures
21. Ice hockey doesn't exist here. People play field hockey (competitive to the max).
22. Clothes go into your cupboard or wardrobe, not your closet.
23. If you need to pee you go to the loo or the toilet, not the bathroom.
24. They say wee instead of pee (Alex).
25. People wear jumpers, not sweaters or sweatshirts. Hoodies are same.
26. People drive on the left side of the road.
27. One for the left-handed folk: the zips are on the left hand side of your hoodie.
28. In addition to a credit card and a debit card you can also get a savings card.
29. If something costs 23 bucks, it instead is priced at 23 quid.
30. Pool here is a smaller version of American 8 ball. The tables are tiny and the sticks are shorter.
31. Bowling refers to bocce ball, not 10-pin.
32. You're off to do your maths homework, not your math homework.
33. Rubbish, not trash.
More words and ideas to come. I let you know about them as I learn them. Hope you enjoyed the starters!
1. She's your Mum, not Mom
2. You chunder (Gap Year)in the bushes, not throw up.
3. Trousers or pantaloonies are what you wear, not just pants. Pants refers to your underwear.
4. Remember the 90s? Ya, the days when everyone went around with a fanny pack. I wouldn't say that over here, a fanny would be the female equivalent of 'below the belt'.
5. People write essays, not papers.
6. Trackies, not sweatpants
7. A Toastie is not grilled cheese, though a grilled cheese can be an inferior Toastie.
8. One for the English teacher. They say "em," not "um."
9. Accents aren't too bad. - The English one is especially awesome (Rachel)
10. Lorries, not trucks.
11. Chips are French fries, crisps are chips. Fries are still fries.
12. In the USA we have... Bros, Bras, Dawgs, Cool Cats, Johns, Smiths, Joe the Plumbers, Dudes, Men and Guys. Here in Britain they have... Lads, Chaps, Blokes, Guys and Fellows.
13. They receive post, not mail. Parcels, not packages.
14. Biscuits, not cookies.
15. Tea time, not dinner.
16. Soccer is football, football is now known under the nice nickname of American rugby.
17. Pudding here is not quite like pudding in the USA. Pudding here is any general term for desert (often like a soft, squishy cake). Our pudding is their equivalent of mouse or "mush" (Alex).
18. While we have Jell-o, they have Jelly.
19. Fruit spreads have different titles here. They have marmalades, jams, lemon curd. We have jelly, marmalade, preserves and jam.
20. Class? They say lectures
21. Ice hockey doesn't exist here. People play field hockey (competitive to the max).
22. Clothes go into your cupboard or wardrobe, not your closet.
23. If you need to pee you go to the loo or the toilet, not the bathroom.
24. They say wee instead of pee (Alex).
25. People wear jumpers, not sweaters or sweatshirts. Hoodies are same.
26. People drive on the left side of the road.
27. One for the left-handed folk: the zips are on the left hand side of your hoodie.
28. In addition to a credit card and a debit card you can also get a savings card.
29. If something costs 23 bucks, it instead is priced at 23 quid.
30. Pool here is a smaller version of American 8 ball. The tables are tiny and the sticks are shorter.
31. Bowling refers to bocce ball, not 10-pin.
32. You're off to do your maths homework, not your math homework.
33. Rubbish, not trash.
More words and ideas to come. I let you know about them as I learn them. Hope you enjoyed the starters!
Friday, October 22, 2010
You Don't Shit the Willow, You Strip It
I don't know whether or not to appologize for the title (still, pardon the language). So, I'll explain it. While walking the other day I mentioned to my friend that my favorite Ceilidh dance is Strip the Willow. She couldn't hear me very well, so, confusingly, she turned to me and said," Sorry. Did you just say you shit a willow?"
-"No, Alex, I didn't! I said I like the dance Strip the Willow, I didn't shat a Willow."
Thus this title came to being.
Anyways...What is a Ceilidh? Ceilidhs are sessions of traditional Scottish dance. Here at Uni Ceilidhs take place once a week and more often if you are part of a traditional dance group or society. Since I attended my first one, I have come to appreciate it and love it. I have also come to love the atmosphere of a Ceilidh. People are warm and welcoming and everyone is happy and full of energy. The dance can be seen as a combination of ballroom dancing, Israeli dancing, and square dancing.
**I forgot to mention this when I originally posted this, but, new information is always good. A gent generally wears a kilt, stockings, shoes, and a nice shirt to a Ceilidh, while girls where a dress (preferably one that twirls well). I am proud to say that at the first Ceilidh I had on a kilt, toe shoes, dress shirt and suit coat.
Below you will find a list of all the dances I have learned at Ceilidhs and their discriptions. Enjoy.
The Gay Gordons:
A partner dance. Couples create a circle in the counter clockwise direction with the gents on the inside and the ladies on the outside. The gent of the couple takes the lady's left hand in his left and places his right arm across the lady's back and takes her right hand in his. The music begins. Together the couples move forward three steps, maintaing the hold, and then turn 180 degrees(maintaining the hold, but switching which arm is on the lady's back) and take three steps backward. Then this movement is repeated.
The gent then spins the lady under his arm for the count of four before taking her in a ballroom hold and polkaing for four (a polka is a quick movement where the couple quickly spins around in a circle).
The movements are repeated indefinetly (until the band decides to stop).
Strip The Willow:
Four couples line up facing each other, gents with the left shoudler facing the band and and ladies opposite them. The top couple, the couple nearest the band, cross hands and spin clockwise for 16 counts. After this, the lady spins the first gent in the line with her right arm and then spins her partner in the left. Then she spins the next gent in the line, and then her partner. She proceeds down the line until she has spun every gent in the gorup of four. At the end of the line, the lady cross hands with her partner and then they spin for 16.
The gent then does the same as his partner did with the ladies in the line, starting with the lady farthest from the band. Once he has spun the ladies, he and his partner spin for 16 and then the two of them spin the opposite gender's line like they did before, but simultaneously. This is done by spinning the first lady and gent and then spinning each other. They move down the line until they have spun everyone and then spin again for last time for 16. As they are spinning for the final time, the next couple begins to spin and the process is repeated for each couple or.
Canadian Barn Dance:
Couples gather in a counter clockwise circles, gents are on the inside and ladies are on the outside. The gent holds his lady's hand. The couples takes three steps forward, hops (a hop is bringing your outside knee up to your waist, a half kick), takes three steps backwards, and hops. The gent and lady then spin away from each other and clap, before spinning back towards each other and taking each others hands, right in right and left in left. They then take two steps to the left, then two steps to the right before taking ballroom hold. They then polka for four counts.
Rinse and Repeat
St. Barnard's Waltz:
Couples form a counter clockwise circle. The gent and lady go into a ballroom hold. The couples move to the counter clockwise three steps then go up-down (up on the balls of the feet and back down). They then move clockwise two steps and then the gent, with the lady following, moves his left leg back and then his right. He then moves forward on his left, the lady still follows, and then forward on his right. He then spins the lady underneath his arm before wlatzing for three counts (Don't ask me how to waltz, I'm still working on it).
Dashing White Seargent:
For this dance a gent needs to findhimself two, preferably attarcive and amable, ladies. The gent, with his ladies, finds another group of three. The groups line up opposite each other making a groups of six, four ladies and two gents. Music begins. Holding hands, the group of six moves left for 8 coutns and then the right for 8 counts. The group then breaks off into two lines, each line being a gent and his two ladies. The gent then sets to the lady on his right (to set someone is to either to do pah-de-bas or do two kicks, one to the right and one to the left), spins with her, sets the lady on his left, spins with her, and then weaves back and forth between his partners twice (spinning them as he goes).
The three, the gent and his two ladies, join hands. They then walk towards the opposite trio for three steps, stomp their feet, walk back three steps, and clap their hands. They then pass over or under, alternating each time the dance is repeated, the opposite trio and joins hands with the next group of three who are approaching them. The new group of six then begins to move left for 8.
Guess what. "What?" Rinse and repeat. "Oh."
Virginia Reel:
Four couples line up facing each other as they did for Strip the Willow. All the ladies hold hands and the men follow suit. They walk twowards each other for four and then walk away from each other for four, repeat. The ladies and gents then drop hands and walk towards their partners. The gents all spin their lady with their right, then back to line, then spin their lady with their left, then back, then with both hands, then back, do-si-do, then back.
The top couple couple take hands, then side step to the right for four counts (kind of like the Yesh dance), and then back to the left for four steps. The couple then drop hands and lead their line (gents follow the gent and ladies follow the lady) back around until they meet together at the back and create a bridge with their hands. Other couples meet behind them, grab hands, and go through the bride they created until the next couple becomes the top couple.
Oh, no! Not again! Wait, you're right, rinse and repeat. :( ...
Military Two Step:
Couples line up counter clockwise. Holding hands the couples take their outside foot and perform two heal-toes. They then walk forward three steps and turn around. They repeat, heal-toe, heal-toe, forward-two-three. They then turn towards each other, hold hands, and do a right jump-kick and then a left jump-kick. The gent the spins his lady and polkas for four.
Getting tired yet? Good. Rinse and Repeat (hopefully, this repeating thing is reminding you of Monty Python's "whick").
Flying Scotsman:
Four couples group and make two lines, one gents and one ladies. The four ladies join hands and then weave amongst the men before reforming their line opposite the men. The men then follow suit, weaving through the ladies and then reforming their line. The top couple joins hands in the middle and side steps as far down in the room as they can go and then rejoin their group of four at the back. All gents from all groups hold hands, as do the ladies, and then both groups quickly side step away from the band towards the back of the room whilst "woohing" like a train. They then move back and the dance begins again within the smaller groups.
Also Rinse and Repeat.
Ocadian Strip the Willow:
Unlike everything else above, the Ocadian Strip the Willos is one large, amazing dance. This is my favorite dance of all and as my friends can tell you, I will be quite the merry person whilst performing it.
To perform Ocadian Strip the Willow all couples must line up, gents in one line and ladies in the other. Everyone claps and stomps. The top couple crosses hands and spins for 16. Then, the lady and gent "strip the willow." The lady spins the men's line while the man spins the women's line. Between each spin with a person, the couple spins each other. They spin the line with their right arm and their partner with their left. At the end they join together, spin, then split to their separate lines.
When the top couple reaches the fourth gent and lady down the line, the next couple begins to spin. This dance is doen until everyone couple has "stripped the willow" at least once. This...Takes...Energy.
Auld Lang Syne.
Everyone holds hands in a very large circle and begins singing Auld Lang Syne (a Robert Burns' poem). On the second verse of the song everyone crosses arms. This typically ends a night of Ceilidhing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpg7Ztxuj6c
There you have it, a list of many awesome dances. Unfortunately, for each song, Scottish bands believe in playing for many minutes. One dance can last up to ten minutes. Not only that, but the bands love to pick up the pace of the music every inute through the song. A Ceilidh requires a 150% of any energy you have left after a long day of lectures, studying, and working.
Thank you to Sarah, Annie, and Nicolle for helping me write this article. The visuals helped along with the singing...
-"No, Alex, I didn't! I said I like the dance Strip the Willow, I didn't shat a Willow."
Thus this title came to being.
Anyways...What is a Ceilidh? Ceilidhs are sessions of traditional Scottish dance. Here at Uni Ceilidhs take place once a week and more often if you are part of a traditional dance group or society. Since I attended my first one, I have come to appreciate it and love it. I have also come to love the atmosphere of a Ceilidh. People are warm and welcoming and everyone is happy and full of energy. The dance can be seen as a combination of ballroom dancing, Israeli dancing, and square dancing.
**I forgot to mention this when I originally posted this, but, new information is always good. A gent generally wears a kilt, stockings, shoes, and a nice shirt to a Ceilidh, while girls where a dress (preferably one that twirls well). I am proud to say that at the first Ceilidh I had on a kilt, toe shoes, dress shirt and suit coat.
Below you will find a list of all the dances I have learned at Ceilidhs and their discriptions. Enjoy.
The Gay Gordons:
A partner dance. Couples create a circle in the counter clockwise direction with the gents on the inside and the ladies on the outside. The gent of the couple takes the lady's left hand in his left and places his right arm across the lady's back and takes her right hand in his. The music begins. Together the couples move forward three steps, maintaing the hold, and then turn 180 degrees(maintaining the hold, but switching which arm is on the lady's back) and take three steps backward. Then this movement is repeated.
The gent then spins the lady under his arm for the count of four before taking her in a ballroom hold and polkaing for four (a polka is a quick movement where the couple quickly spins around in a circle).
The movements are repeated indefinetly (until the band decides to stop).
Strip The Willow:
Four couples line up facing each other, gents with the left shoudler facing the band and and ladies opposite them. The top couple, the couple nearest the band, cross hands and spin clockwise for 16 counts. After this, the lady spins the first gent in the line with her right arm and then spins her partner in the left. Then she spins the next gent in the line, and then her partner. She proceeds down the line until she has spun every gent in the gorup of four. At the end of the line, the lady cross hands with her partner and then they spin for 16.
The gent then does the same as his partner did with the ladies in the line, starting with the lady farthest from the band. Once he has spun the ladies, he and his partner spin for 16 and then the two of them spin the opposite gender's line like they did before, but simultaneously. This is done by spinning the first lady and gent and then spinning each other. They move down the line until they have spun everyone and then spin again for last time for 16. As they are spinning for the final time, the next couple begins to spin and the process is repeated for each couple or.
Canadian Barn Dance:
Couples gather in a counter clockwise circles, gents are on the inside and ladies are on the outside. The gent holds his lady's hand. The couples takes three steps forward, hops (a hop is bringing your outside knee up to your waist, a half kick), takes three steps backwards, and hops. The gent and lady then spin away from each other and clap, before spinning back towards each other and taking each others hands, right in right and left in left. They then take two steps to the left, then two steps to the right before taking ballroom hold. They then polka for four counts.
Rinse and Repeat
St. Barnard's Waltz:
Couples form a counter clockwise circle. The gent and lady go into a ballroom hold. The couples move to the counter clockwise three steps then go up-down (up on the balls of the feet and back down). They then move clockwise two steps and then the gent, with the lady following, moves his left leg back and then his right. He then moves forward on his left, the lady still follows, and then forward on his right. He then spins the lady underneath his arm before wlatzing for three counts (Don't ask me how to waltz, I'm still working on it).
Dashing White Seargent:
For this dance a gent needs to findhimself two, preferably attarcive and amable, ladies. The gent, with his ladies, finds another group of three. The groups line up opposite each other making a groups of six, four ladies and two gents. Music begins. Holding hands, the group of six moves left for 8 coutns and then the right for 8 counts. The group then breaks off into two lines, each line being a gent and his two ladies. The gent then sets to the lady on his right (to set someone is to either to do pah-de-bas or do two kicks, one to the right and one to the left), spins with her, sets the lady on his left, spins with her, and then weaves back and forth between his partners twice (spinning them as he goes).
The three, the gent and his two ladies, join hands. They then walk towards the opposite trio for three steps, stomp their feet, walk back three steps, and clap their hands. They then pass over or under, alternating each time the dance is repeated, the opposite trio and joins hands with the next group of three who are approaching them. The new group of six then begins to move left for 8.
Guess what. "What?" Rinse and repeat. "Oh."
Virginia Reel:
Four couples line up facing each other as they did for Strip the Willow. All the ladies hold hands and the men follow suit. They walk twowards each other for four and then walk away from each other for four, repeat. The ladies and gents then drop hands and walk towards their partners. The gents all spin their lady with their right, then back to line, then spin their lady with their left, then back, then with both hands, then back, do-si-do, then back.
The top couple couple take hands, then side step to the right for four counts (kind of like the Yesh dance), and then back to the left for four steps. The couple then drop hands and lead their line (gents follow the gent and ladies follow the lady) back around until they meet together at the back and create a bridge with their hands. Other couples meet behind them, grab hands, and go through the bride they created until the next couple becomes the top couple.
Oh, no! Not again! Wait, you're right, rinse and repeat. :( ...
Military Two Step:
Couples line up counter clockwise. Holding hands the couples take their outside foot and perform two heal-toes. They then walk forward three steps and turn around. They repeat, heal-toe, heal-toe, forward-two-three. They then turn towards each other, hold hands, and do a right jump-kick and then a left jump-kick. The gent the spins his lady and polkas for four.
Getting tired yet? Good. Rinse and Repeat (hopefully, this repeating thing is reminding you of Monty Python's "whick").
Flying Scotsman:
Four couples group and make two lines, one gents and one ladies. The four ladies join hands and then weave amongst the men before reforming their line opposite the men. The men then follow suit, weaving through the ladies and then reforming their line. The top couple joins hands in the middle and side steps as far down in the room as they can go and then rejoin their group of four at the back. All gents from all groups hold hands, as do the ladies, and then both groups quickly side step away from the band towards the back of the room whilst "woohing" like a train. They then move back and the dance begins again within the smaller groups.
Also Rinse and Repeat.
Ocadian Strip the Willow:
Unlike everything else above, the Ocadian Strip the Willos is one large, amazing dance. This is my favorite dance of all and as my friends can tell you, I will be quite the merry person whilst performing it.
To perform Ocadian Strip the Willow all couples must line up, gents in one line and ladies in the other. Everyone claps and stomps. The top couple crosses hands and spins for 16. Then, the lady and gent "strip the willow." The lady spins the men's line while the man spins the women's line. Between each spin with a person, the couple spins each other. They spin the line with their right arm and their partner with their left. At the end they join together, spin, then split to their separate lines.
When the top couple reaches the fourth gent and lady down the line, the next couple begins to spin. This dance is doen until everyone couple has "stripped the willow" at least once. This...Takes...Energy.
Auld Lang Syne.
Everyone holds hands in a very large circle and begins singing Auld Lang Syne (a Robert Burns' poem). On the second verse of the song everyone crosses arms. This typically ends a night of Ceilidhing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpg7Ztxuj6c
There you have it, a list of many awesome dances. Unfortunately, for each song, Scottish bands believe in playing for many minutes. One dance can last up to ten minutes. Not only that, but the bands love to pick up the pace of the music every inute through the song. A Ceilidh requires a 150% of any energy you have left after a long day of lectures, studying, and working.
Thank you to Sarah, Annie, and Nicolle for helping me write this article. The visuals helped along with the singing...
Sunday, October 17, 2010
"Where Ever You Go There's Always Someone Jewish, You're Never Alone When You Say You're a Jew"
I recall now a concern of the CJHS community that was expressed to me when I announced I would be attending the University of St. Andrews. A common question was: "What about Jewish life?" Well, let me me tell you one story.
Before even coming to St. Andrews, I was in dialogue with a local in hopes of spending Yom Kippur in Edinburgh. My correspondent was very helpful and arranged for me to spend the holiday. Unfortunately, due to some mistakes in my visa application, I was unable to make it. Judaism was put on hold.
Then things went a bit smoother and I finally arrived in St. Andrews. I spent the first week wandering around trying to find a group and place where I could belong. One day there was a student fair. At this fair different societies (clubs) and sports teams were present. One of these societies was JSoc - the Jewish Society. I joined immediately and paid my dues.
One Friday JSoc held a Shabbat dinner in a small room of the chaplaincy. The room did not have your typical Shabbat atmosphere. Thirty people were in an odd array of clothing, a T.v. hung on the wall and hardly anyone said the familiar words: "Good Shabbas." Some time went by, more people came and the room filled. A set of candles and a challah were set in place on a small table at the back of the room.
Then a whisper was heard, a man in the front of the room with a small kippah began to speak in a soft voice: "Welcome everyone, we are now going to begin. If you can please pick up your prayer books, then we will start." He started to sing:
Lekhah, Dodi, Lekhah Dodi Liqrat kallah, p'nei Shabbat neqabelah, lekhah dodi liqrat kallah, p'nei Shabbat neqabelah.
At first, his voice alone filled the room. Gradually, we all joined in. If a person knew the song then they sung, if not, they read, hummed or listened. Everyone was tuned in.
The songs ended and we were left to chat again amongst ourselves. Within seconds, six degrees of Jewish separation kicked in. The man to my left was a Jew from Chicago who grew up just 15 minutes away from my home. A woman further along attended the same camp as some of my friends. A united community.
We ate our food, though there wasn't much (Jewish fail). A raffle was also done with tickets throughout the meal. The winner would receive free tasting at a Jewish bake sale or a month supply of homemade challah. The dinner then drew to a close slowly. The chatter died down and people left as they pleased. A total of two and a half hours had past. I almost had forgotten where I was.
Improved by Rachel, who chose to leave her surname out due to conceitedness and the assumption (an ass out of just her, not me) that everyone knows who she is (she even had the guts to edit this line).
Before even coming to St. Andrews, I was in dialogue with a local in hopes of spending Yom Kippur in Edinburgh. My correspondent was very helpful and arranged for me to spend the holiday. Unfortunately, due to some mistakes in my visa application, I was unable to make it. Judaism was put on hold.
Then things went a bit smoother and I finally arrived in St. Andrews. I spent the first week wandering around trying to find a group and place where I could belong. One day there was a student fair. At this fair different societies (clubs) and sports teams were present. One of these societies was JSoc - the Jewish Society. I joined immediately and paid my dues.
One Friday JSoc held a Shabbat dinner in a small room of the chaplaincy. The room did not have your typical Shabbat atmosphere. Thirty people were in an odd array of clothing, a T.v. hung on the wall and hardly anyone said the familiar words: "Good Shabbas." Some time went by, more people came and the room filled. A set of candles and a challah were set in place on a small table at the back of the room.
Then a whisper was heard, a man in the front of the room with a small kippah began to speak in a soft voice: "Welcome everyone, we are now going to begin. If you can please pick up your prayer books, then we will start." He started to sing:
Lekhah, Dodi, Lekhah Dodi Liqrat kallah, p'nei Shabbat neqabelah, lekhah dodi liqrat kallah, p'nei Shabbat neqabelah.
At first, his voice alone filled the room. Gradually, we all joined in. If a person knew the song then they sung, if not, they read, hummed or listened. Everyone was tuned in.
The songs ended and we were left to chat again amongst ourselves. Within seconds, six degrees of Jewish separation kicked in. The man to my left was a Jew from Chicago who grew up just 15 minutes away from my home. A woman further along attended the same camp as some of my friends. A united community.
We ate our food, though there wasn't much (Jewish fail). A raffle was also done with tickets throughout the meal. The winner would receive free tasting at a Jewish bake sale or a month supply of homemade challah. The dinner then drew to a close slowly. The chatter died down and people left as they pleased. A total of two and a half hours had past. I almost had forgotten where I was.
Improved by Rachel, who chose to leave her surname out due to conceitedness and the assumption (an ass out of just her, not me) that everyone knows who she is (she even had the guts to edit this line).
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
I will start with one of my dad’s favorite stories in relation to Scotland.
My father’s friend returned from a trip to Scotland, when asked if it rained during the week he spent there, he responded, “It only rained twice; once for three days, once for four.” Take a moment to chuckle, then continue. :)
I’m happy to testify that Scotland’s weather has yet to live up to this joke. The days’ weather varies, but nothing too out of the ordinary. On the same day, dark clouds will loom over St. Andrews, threatening rain, and then, in almost an instant, the sun will emerge, banishing the clouds and leaving only a clear blue sky to remain.
On a special day, like this past Friday, it had been raining. When the rain stopped and the clouds phased out, a spectacular event occurred. Four rainbows shot out of the northern horizon and arched over the town to the endless rows of small semi detached houses. Four rainbows like you have never seen them, or one, before. Their colors were definite, their bands joining, each one boasting itself in the sky
Beautiful.
Friday, September 24, 2010
10 Creative Ways to Meet People
This is article one of ten that will be a guide on how to meet people in different places at different times. Enjoy (:
1. Bring the Chocolate
A question for anyone whose been on a plane: How many times do you sit next to someone who doesn't want to talk or someone who you're afraid to talk to? A lot, right?
Flights over long distances can be quiet or scary times. That's why I invented the solution, chocolate! Whenever you go to travel bring some chocolate. Here's how it works. . .
You're sitting on a plane, flight duration of 2 hours or more, and you want to talk to someone (we'll pretend you don't want to read, listen to your music, and keep to yourself). It has been about 30 minutes and now you're starting to get bored. INSERT CHOCOLATE HERE.
-You, unwrapping the chocolate, "Hey, sorry, would you like some chocolate? I have a _______ (chocolate bar title)."
-Person, with a surprised look on their face, "Oh, thank you for offering. I'm good, thanks though."
-You, with a smile, "That's a shame, I already opened it and I don't want to eat the whole thing myself. You sure you don't want any?"
-Person, a little bit more comfortable, "Oh, alright, just a little bit."
You then hand them a half the bar of chocolate or more. If they give it back, insist on them having it. Once the chocolate is present in their hands you have them in your control.
-You, while offering a hand shake, "__________'s my name by the way."
-Person, while wiping the chocolate off their hand, "Sorry, I'm ________ (He/She accepts your hand shake). Thank you so much for the chocolate; it's better than the terrible airline food they give you. Remember when they use to give you peanuts?"
Congratulations! You have now broken the ice and can now talk to your neighbor for the next couple of hours.
Caution: If the conversation begins to run dry, take out more chocolate. You can always open another bar and continue sharing with one or more person. My record so far is two aisles on a plane, twelve people chatting together. It took 5 bars of chocolate, but it worked.
Luckily, I have not yet met a person who does not like chocolate (One time I met someone allergic to chocolate, but even she still wanted it). Victory!
1. Bring the Chocolate
A question for anyone whose been on a plane: How many times do you sit next to someone who doesn't want to talk or someone who you're afraid to talk to? A lot, right?
Flights over long distances can be quiet or scary times. That's why I invented the solution, chocolate! Whenever you go to travel bring some chocolate. Here's how it works. . .
You're sitting on a plane, flight duration of 2 hours or more, and you want to talk to someone (we'll pretend you don't want to read, listen to your music, and keep to yourself). It has been about 30 minutes and now you're starting to get bored. INSERT CHOCOLATE HERE.
-You, unwrapping the chocolate, "Hey, sorry, would you like some chocolate? I have a _______ (chocolate bar title)."
-Person, with a surprised look on their face, "Oh, thank you for offering. I'm good, thanks though."
-You, with a smile, "That's a shame, I already opened it and I don't want to eat the whole thing myself. You sure you don't want any?"
-Person, a little bit more comfortable, "Oh, alright, just a little bit."
You then hand them a half the bar of chocolate or more. If they give it back, insist on them having it. Once the chocolate is present in their hands you have them in your control.
-You, while offering a hand shake, "__________'s my name by the way."
-Person, while wiping the chocolate off their hand, "Sorry, I'm ________ (He/She accepts your hand shake). Thank you so much for the chocolate; it's better than the terrible airline food they give you. Remember when they use to give you peanuts?"
Congratulations! You have now broken the ice and can now talk to your neighbor for the next couple of hours.
Caution: If the conversation begins to run dry, take out more chocolate. You can always open another bar and continue sharing with one or more person. My record so far is two aisles on a plane, twelve people chatting together. It took 5 bars of chocolate, but it worked.
Luckily, I have not yet met a person who does not like chocolate (One time I met someone allergic to chocolate, but even she still wanted it). Victory!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Why Scotland? The Decision
It's not every day that a person wakes up one morning, during their Senior year of high school, and says, "I'm going to go to college in Scotland." Well, this didn't happen to me either. The idea to go to school thousands of miles away from home began to form when I was a child.
I grew up in a family that believed in its history and legends. At an early age my parents started to fill me with information about my heritage. I learned that my family was present in America since its founding. Between my mother and father I had anceastors who were Native Americans (Cherokee), present on the Mayflower (John Howland) , and deeply involved in the establishment of the United States as we know it (Alexander Hamilton and Eli Leinhardt to name a few). I also learned that I was a descendant of the Scottish Hamilton Clan. For me, being a Hamilton meant a lot, but it did not mean I would choose to spend four years of life in a foreign country.
Also, my parents have always loved the natural. As a family we would do long road trips (Our record being over 6,000 miles in one, long trip). On these escapades we would go to national parks and other locations to experience the natural. We camped, kayaked, hiked and observed. Due to these experiences, I was determined to do my own adventure. On my 16th birthday I committed to going on my own journey in Alaska. That June I took a plane there to visit and explore for five and a half weeks. For the first three I participated in an International Wilderness Leadership School kayaking leadership program. For the next two I traveled from Anchorage north to Fairbanks, staying a few days in each and also a few in Talkeetna and Denali. During those five and a half weeks I got to learn and partake in Alaskan culture. This experience is like non other I had been through.
Here's how everything came together.
That feeling of letting a culture engulf me stuck. When I was applying to colleges I picked ones far from where I had been before; I wanted to find a new culture. Then it occurred to me when a college counselor of mine suggested I look at the University of St. Andrew: I want to go to Scotland. Scotland would be the perfect place to learn more about m family history and learn a whole new culture. I applied to the school, received my acceptance, and confirmed my place.
My decision was made.
I grew up in a family that believed in its history and legends. At an early age my parents started to fill me with information about my heritage. I learned that my family was present in America since its founding. Between my mother and father I had anceastors who were Native Americans (Cherokee), present on the Mayflower (John Howland) , and deeply involved in the establishment of the United States as we know it (Alexander Hamilton and Eli Leinhardt to name a few). I also learned that I was a descendant of the Scottish Hamilton Clan. For me, being a Hamilton meant a lot, but it did not mean I would choose to spend four years of life in a foreign country.
Also, my parents have always loved the natural. As a family we would do long road trips (Our record being over 6,000 miles in one, long trip). On these escapades we would go to national parks and other locations to experience the natural. We camped, kayaked, hiked and observed. Due to these experiences, I was determined to do my own adventure. On my 16th birthday I committed to going on my own journey in Alaska. That June I took a plane there to visit and explore for five and a half weeks. For the first three I participated in an International Wilderness Leadership School kayaking leadership program. For the next two I traveled from Anchorage north to Fairbanks, staying a few days in each and also a few in Talkeetna and Denali. During those five and a half weeks I got to learn and partake in Alaskan culture. This experience is like non other I had been through.
Here's how everything came together.
That feeling of letting a culture engulf me stuck. When I was applying to colleges I picked ones far from where I had been before; I wanted to find a new culture. Then it occurred to me when a college counselor of mine suggested I look at the University of St. Andrew: I want to go to Scotland. Scotland would be the perfect place to learn more about m family history and learn a whole new culture. I applied to the school, received my acceptance, and confirmed my place.
My decision was made.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)