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.
Monday, November 29, 2010
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. :-/
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