Friday, September 30, 2005

An American in Paris

I had a very good day yesterday. The weather was beautiful and I visited Notre Dame, and the Pompidou Center (which is excellent), ate a terrific banana/nutella crepe, and went on a v. scenic but cold night boat ride on the Seine. I will try to give details later. Valenitine getting ready for an oral presentation she is giving in class today. So I'm trying not to tie up the computer. I'm still deciding what I will do today. Tonight I am supposed to go out with Valentine's best friend, Annabel, who speaks "fluent" English.

Thursday, September 29, 2005

P.S.

I went to KFC yesterday and it was the biggest disappointment of my life. No biscuits, no green beans, no mac and cheese. Just a sad, lonely corn on the cob. I was so upset I didn't even want to eat at Mc Donalds. I got a frommage de chevre panini at a one of the local stands. So depressing.

Day 8

So I didn't actually get around to going to the Pompidou yesterday. Well, I went, but just to the library for a place to sit down and try to plan out the next section of my trip. I think I want to leave early Sunday morning and go to Versailles. I don't know how long I really need there. If its cool as just an actual day day trip I'm going to leave Monday or possibly even overnight Sunday for Madrid. I'm glad I've gotten to spend so much time in London and Paris... but I'm starting to want a faster pace. The thing is that Versailles is closed on Mondays... so I may end up staying in France as long as Wednesday if I can't work it out. The other option is staying most of the day in Paris Sunday (maybe trying the Louvre again--its free and I'm sure crowded the first Sunday of the month)go to Versailles, do nothing (which I have found myself extremely skilled at) on Monday,see all Tuesday and take the overnight Tuesday to Madrid. Hmmmm.
So I actually spent my day doing a Paris shopping round. But not buying of course. I'm not sure what I should get as a "souvenier" from Paris. Maybe just a sweater, I'm practical and it's cold. They have a HUUUUUGE store named BHV where they have EVERYTHING. No, I'm serious: literally everything (except the prementioned not-sold-in-France). Eight gigantic floors. Like Walmart except they make you no "low price" promises. I was particularly taken by the bedroom furniture on top. They had bedsets that you raise the bed in the morning and your living room is underneath. It's very James Bond. Saves space AND yeah, it just looks cool.
Yesterday I tried to make Southern Biscuits for Val. Sort of a test run for dinner. They were brown and heavy and were ok. But only slightly resembled biscuits. I blame the flour and the lack of baking powder. Oh yes, and cup measurements. Ha. Anyway she taught me to make French Vingarette. 4 spoons of olive oil. 2-3 spoons of Balsalmic Vinegar. Half a spoon of dijon mustard. It was good. Then she gave me an introductory course in popular French music. Sinclair, M, Emilie Simon, Ennio Morricone. And I made her listen to Dolly Parton. She had never heard of her! Still it was probably unfair. She wanted to listen to country and I only approve of a sacred few.
I went to see "Broken Flowers" with Bill Murray and French subtitles last night. I haven't really made up my mind about it yet. It was an independent I think... and I'm pretty sure they ran out of money before they could finish it. It was an "I'm sorry...what?" movie. You think its about to get to the climax and it ends. And then you're left bewildered and feeling a little taken in as the credits role. I guess I just don't appreciate an artsy film. Plus I still think Bill Murray's last defining role was in Ghostbusters. But nonetheless I'm glad I went. I'm saving the next cinema trips for The Corpse Bride in October, Harry Potter in November, and The Narnia Series in December. Any suggestions on my Spanish reading?

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Day 7

Yesterday I went to the Musee d'Orsay. I saw lots of Monets and Manets and Degas(s) and Renoirs and VanGoghs. I would recommend it. I stayed there most of the day(taking breaks to sit down and read) then I went in search of Daniel's favorite cafe. But I got impatient because it was starting to rain and I was hungry so I ended up going to the supermarche. As usual. And then McDonalds later. In between I did a lot of window shopping. They have a lot of neat little stores near St.Paul and Pont Nuef. I talked to some American girls who are studying in Paris for a year at a yarn shop -they also knit. Then I headed home... finished reading the last few lines of the DaVinci Code as I was stepping off the Metro. That I would also recommend. I had a dream last night that I was pushing it in peoples faces trying to convince them to read it... so I guess I'm even more enthusiastic than I realized. When I got home I met Valentine's brother, Geoffroy (jeh- fwah), who tells very animated stories though he doesn't speak much English. Today I am eating chocolate cereal (second morning in a row- which happens to be a lifetime record) and when I am done with that I will visit the Centre Pompidou and then maybe the cinema! Oooh! Yesterday in my Babybel (ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-by-bel)cheese I got a prize. A tiny fencing cheese man keychain. It is my pride and joy. Also I am convinced that in France they DO NOT have any of the following: baking powder, crisco, black beans, rotel, cheddar cheese, or correct chinese food. So bring your own from home.
Over and out.

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Day 6

Yesterday I intended to go to the Musee d'Orsay but its closed on Mondays. So I headed over to the Louvre to see what thats about. My guidebook said I could get a discounted price if I went in after 3 and the museum would stay open until 9:45. Unfortunately my guide book was horribly wrong. First of all you don't get the €6 price until 6pm and only on Wednesdays and Fridays. No problem. So I payed full price and went in to the Denon wing. I saw Winged Victory and the Mona Lisa and heaps upon heaps of huge religious paintings... and then they announced that they would "begin to close" (which actually means "absolutely must have everyone out")at 5:45. So I saw ONE floor of ONE wing of the Louvre. Extensively, but still less than a tenth of what is in there. So I sat in the park outside and read for a while. Which in France is apparently a mating call. Four guys (well 3 guys and one old man)came and sat beside me and tried to talk to me in broken English. Claude-Eric gave me his card in case I wanted to go out for a drink. And another boy (who I talked to for a long time but I don't remember his name) tried to ask me out on a date. Don't sit by yourself outside the Louvre unless you're serious.
I might be getting homesick,I've been to McDonalds 3 times since I've been here. I only went once in London. But then I never eat at McDonalds at home... and the ones here are much tastier. And I have every intention of going to a KFC before I leave. I was suprised to find them in London and Paris. I could do with some greenbeans, corn, mac and cheese, and a biscuit. Last night Valentine and I made made croque monsieur: basically a grilled cheese with the bread dipped in milk first with ham, in her case, tomato in mine. We also had vegetables and a delicious molten chocolate dessert. Mmmm. Today I have to get the motivation to move. It's a great day outside and I'm going to hit the museums.

Monday, September 26, 2005

Day 5

Last night Valentine and I made the trip up to Montmartre. It was a very steep climb but at the top there is an amazing veiw of Paris. We were a little late for mass so we just went in for a few minutes. The priest was giving his sermon in French, of course,so I didn't understand. But the hugeness and the echoing of the building made it seem very ominous. Afterwards we split a crêpe with butter and sugar. It was delicious and much better the pre-made ones I tried to make at home. On the way back we stop off on the metro at Pagille for a look around. It's where the Moulin Rouge is and a quite a sight. We didn't stay long... it is a pretty scandelous area and I would have been very nervous if I had been by myself. Then we stopped off at Concorde where we walked down Champs Elysée towards the Arc de Triomphe. It is a very ritzy area with expensive resturaunts and shops. We saw one very famous store, Mont Blanc, that had a ballpoint pen in the window for the bargain price of €600. Probably your dream pen, Mother. We also saw a bunch of wild Greek men waving flags and singing. Greece won their basketball tournament against France I suppose. We watched part of it the other day at Jean Baptiste's apartment. Well I have to get a move on. I have so much to do and the weather is gorgeous. C'est bonne.

Sunday, September 25, 2005

Day 4

Today Valentine had to study so I ventured out on my own. I went to the Eiffel Tower. I want to go to the top... but I didn't have the money or the energy today. Then I wandered my way into this giant National Defense exhibit/festival thing in the Hotel de Invalides. I paid to go into the museum and to see Napoleon's Tomb. Which was overwhelming but not overwhelmingly interesting. The weather cleared up into a really nice day. Starting tomorrow I am buying a week long Metro pass and start my rounds of museums and overcrowded attractions. The DaVinci Code is very exciting... I'm halfway through. And putting it down is difficult. Tonight Valentine and I are going to Montmartre for mass and sightseeing.
P.S. Nothing is open here on Sundays! I might as well be in the South!

Saturday, September 24, 2005

Day 3 Pareee!

Well after two spectacular days of weather (I even read my book in a park with tens of sunbathing seniors) Paris has gone cloudy. But today was actually my best day so far for sightseeing because Valentine had the day off and was able to come be my personal French guide and translater. Unfortunately, I won't be so lucky most of the time because she has class and work. But today I lived as a true Frenchman... well except for the beret, the tiny dog, and all the cigerettes. I'll tell you the real reason French women don't get fat: they are chain smokers from birth. This is the truth and the only French stereotype I support. Today we went to the Pompido Center, the Museum of Modern art is in there (which I plan to go to later) and also a fantastic library with a ridiculous amount of new computers PLUS an area where you can watch TV from ANYWHERE. It's very cool and intend on going back when I can spend more time. We also went to the Hotel de Ville which houses the mayor of Paris. They had an exhibit on Hiroshima which was horrifying, of course. In the building was a statue of Romulus and Remus almost identical to the one in Rome (my Rome, I told Valentine). The exhibit was in French so I mostly looked at the pictures and made an oragami bird for peace. A French man coached me through the entire thing... I didn't understand a word he said. Also a random cartoonist off the street told me I have a "Danish nose". What this means I don't know, but I'm terribly offended none the less. We ate flan. And though it actually tastes quite good, the terrible one Lisette made in high school hit the texture dead on. Good effort, Lisette. There is a Festival of the "jardins" Gardens near Notre Dame. When we got to it the outside band was playing "Georgia on Mind"... I had no idea how universal that song is... also "Sweet Home Alabama". I left them a tip simply for being familiar. We walked most of the rest of the day seeing the outsides of alot of famous places. I had been to most of them... but I was wandering and didn't manage to put the layout of the land together. So it was nice today. Later I had €4 water with Valentine and her friend Maude. Then we went and visited her brother, JeanBaptiste and his roommate,Solenne. We stayed there a long time. Val had to translate for me a lot. Solenne's friend tried to teach me French. C'est la vie. I've eaten heaps of quiche lately and probably will come back very fat. I have FREE internet at Valentine's! Honestly, lodging and internet are no doubt my two biggest expenses. So this is heaven.
Bon Soir!

Friday, September 23, 2005

Day 2 Paris

Much has happened since yesterday morning. And not much in the way of sightseeing (i did stumble across a view of the Eiffel Tower finally). I made a new Parisean friend, Valentine (va-luhn-teen), who has offered to let me stay at her apartment for a few days. She is 23 and worked for a year in New York as Woody Allen's au pair. She is in buisness school here in Paris. I stayed at the hostel last night but pulled out on my next three nights I had booked. I'm glad because it was on the worse end of the hostel spectrum... there was green mold all over the ceiling of the bathroom. Valentine andI are about to go eat dinner and these French keyboards are hard for me to type fast. Bon appetit!

Thursday, September 22, 2005

Day 1 in Paris

For all who were worried I DID find a place to stay last night at the "Young and Happy" hostel . I was, in fact, VERY happy to find it. Boarding the Eurostar at 1:45 for the "2.5 hour ride" (lies) I thought I would have plenty of time to find a room.
Though it was after 6 by the time we got to Paris it was still light outside and I was not worried. It was 8 by the time I got my Metro card and took the Subway to the center of town. When I finally managed to get OFF the Subway it was rapidly getting darker. I went to 3 hotels (all of which were full... well the last one I didn't even go in it was too expensive)and realized I had to get out of the center of town. I stopped at McDonald's (The first one I've been to so far-- I broke down and went to a Starbucks in Oxford) because I was starving to death, plus I had been carrying around my pack all day and it was starting to hurt. I had a small salad, medium potato wedges, and a small bottled water... which somehow came out to at least $7 American. But I have to say it was very satisfying and worth every penny. Euro-money is suspiciously designed almost identically to pounds. Which makes it seem sort of obnoxious that Britian pulled out on the whole euro currecy thing.
Anyway, my goal right now is to find my hostel for the next few nights. I liked the one I stayed in last night (though my room, of course, was on the top floor and I had a top bunk) and I would go back if they had a weekly rate. The neighborhood seems nice. I'm now an hour father away from you all (6 instead of 5). Must dash.

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

En Route to Paris

Back in London for a short bit. Just down the road from Waterloo where I'll be taking Eurostar to Paris in an hour and a half. I think I might have stayed in Oxford another day had I not already had my Eurostar ticket. As of this moment I don't have a place to sleep tonight. But I have one for the four days after that at the Aloha (seems off, huh) Hostel. The good news is: it is RIGHT downtown, it's within budget and I only have to sleep with 3 other people! So I may try to work out a weekly deal after my 4 days are up. I've planned all of my French conversations (spelling, no doubt, seriously wrong):
Bonjour!
Parle vous anglais?
Oui ou non?
Oui!
Merci beaucoup!
Non. Seriously.
Je te aime.

I've posted a couple Oxford pictures as well as some mispaced London ones. So give 'er a look.
Bon voyage.

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Day...13? or 14?

Yes, I believe it is exactly 2 weeks since I left Rome. I found cheap internet in Oxford (I could only use the free one for 15 minutes...boo!). So here I am. I went for a jog this morning. Ended up jogging with an Austrailian girl who is here working for most of it (it didn't last too long-- I'm out of shape). I sped up for her and she slowed down for me. Too bad I couldn't keep up-- might have made a day-friend. She told me to go eat Dan's Cookies (I think that was the name) in the Covered Market because they began in Oxford and are very tasty. So that's on the agenda. Last night I'm not proud to admit I hung out at Borders until it closed. I read half of "Through the Looking Glass" which is funny. I need to decide if I want to try "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" or give "The DaVinci Code" another go for my Paris book. Votes? I'm glad I didn't choose Les Misirables or Sartre-- they're monsterously huge. I'm about to head back to the hostel for a shower and to eat my spaghetti. I actually cooked last night for the first time in hostel. It wasn't too bad. And MUCH cheaper than eating out.
I made up for sleeping like a brick. Last night I couldn't get to sleep-- I think it was mostly not being able to get my mind to shut off.
I made a list of the best things to do in London in my head.
No particular order.
1. Go to all the "temporary" exhibits. They are much more focused and interesting than the ones that are up all the time. My favorites that I saw were "The Redgraves" and "Hans Christian Anderson" and the Environmental one. I sort of wish (now that I have no idea what it would have cost) that I had gone to see some of the pay ones (Most Photographed People...at the National Portrait Gallery; Frieda..at Tate Modern; and Dali...which I think may be up all the time-- I couldn't tell)
2. Go see a show on West End. And choose something particularly British.
3. Go to the Tower of London and take the free 30 minute Yeoman tour (but try to get a student ticket even if you're 45-- it's expensive!)
4. Take a walk down the River Thames.
5. Go to the National Film Theatre (and when they say "concessions?" they mean "are you a student or a senior?" I really thought I was going to get popcorn.)
6. Go to the Comedy Cafe (paricularly on Wednesday night-- when its free. Get cider and nachos and bring friends).
7. Go to Petticoat Lane Market on Sunday for souveniers.
8. Go to Hyde Park Speaker's Corner on Sunday as well.
9. Ride the bus and the Tube.
10. Go to the London Museum but don't stay too long. It smells funny.
If I think of anymore I'll let you know.

Monday, September 19, 2005

Oxford

I've made it to Oxford... but now I'm not so sure what to do. I've bought some very expensive Internet time and coffee and checked into my hostel. Oxford Backpacker's hostel seems nice enough... the room is smaller and there are more people crammed in than before. But there is a very nice kitchen and it is near the bus station. It is cloudy but not as cold here in good ole England. I think I will just wander around a bit. There are lots of little shops here. If you are thinking of going to Oxford my impression so far is: good choice with a current standing of probably-really-cool. I was thinking of renting a bike for a half a second... but I'm a little too scared of being run over. Granted it's not as crowded as London but I still have trouble looking the right way when crossing the street. I need to book a hostel in Paris beintot! (O.K. I had to look that one up... but I did practice a little earlier). I want to find the Harry Potter chapel and the library tonight!
Au revoir.

Sunday, September 18, 2005

Last Day in London

I'm posting a little late today. My new, cheap internet option that I was so proud of is not open on Sundays. Inconvenient. Last night I went to see "A Winter's Tale" at the Globe. First of all, I got a free ticket. I was standing in line and a lady came up to me and asked if I was waiting in line for a ticket and then said she had one I could have for free. So I accepted. Then it was a GREAT production. " A Winter's Tale" is one Shakespeare play I really knew nothing about. So it was neat to figure out the story as I went along. The Thames Festival is really happening. I ate some corn-on-the-cob there this afternoon. And I'm going to go back for the fireworks.
Today I went to Petticoat Lane Market (which was neat-- but I had no intention of buying anything so I browsed and left). Then I went to Hyde Park to hear all the loons speak. It was great. I stayed there for hours. Most of them were in fact total lunatics. I stood and listened to an absolute "anti-feminist" spout crazy for longer than I would care to admit. It was intriguing in a what-baseless-irrational-generalization will he come out with now? way. Also interesting (though actually pretty boring== if he'd actually argued and not just keep repeating himself... it COULD have been interesting) was a Jewish man whose argument to why Jews were the chosen people was Jesus's ressurection... huh? Who elses prophet came back from the dead? What other people have survived as many holocausts? A guy kept asking him if Jesus was God and he wouldn't answer. Another group I listened to were a group that supported so-called hacking. It was an interesting argument. They were all software writers. I've actually gotten kind of computer nerdy since I've been working on this website. Maybe I'll take a class on website making/computer writing when I get back...Everyone who is into that sort of thing swears it is easy. I'm not so sure. So DEFINTELY if you are ever in London on a Sunday go to Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park.
Tomorrow I'm off for Oxford.

Saturday, September 17, 2005

Day 11

Well, it's my last couple of days in London. I found a nearby, cheap (only £1 for an hour) weekend internet option! I have to say I'm ready to move on. It seems like I've been here forever. Last night I was attempting to go see The Storm at the Globe but running late and overshot trying to take a short cut. So I decided to just keep going. The National Film Theatre is always over run with people so I decided to pop in to see what was going on in there. I ended up going to see a tragic Japanese film named "The Precipice". It was about mountain climbers and their affairs and the quality of nylon rope. It was pretty interesting...and melodramtic. But it's what all the kids are doing these days. They actually had some cool sounding movies scheduled but I would have had to plan ahead to see any of those. I would go back.
Bob Dylan is all over the place here. He's artist of the month and they have an exhibit and there is going to be a documentary pre-veiwing the day after I leave London. Oh well.
I'm about to head down to the river... the Mayor's Thames Festival is going on so I need to find out what that's about. There are no home football games today! I may try take the train to go see Chelsea this afternoon. Otherwise I'll just try to catch a girl-match (which are MUCH cheaper) tomorrow at 2pm. Or else I'll just skip the national past time. Depending on my mood. Hmm. Yesterday I made it to both Regent's Park (but it was too freezing to stay) and Hamley's Toys (the best part is the Harry Potter stairs). I've been doing my own thing the past few days which is good... but I wouldn't mind some human contact.The Spaniards who are new to our room seem very nice... but their English is not too good so it's hard to communicate. Maybe I should start practicing my French...

Friday, September 16, 2005

Day 10

I'm in the Mac Store right now!!! You'd love it here Dad. And they let me get online for free --hurrah! So here's the post I wrote this morning but the library's fickle computer would not let me post.
side-note: SIX is my new total! I'm more London than tea!

Beautiful weather in London again thankfully. Yesterday was messy. I went to the Theatre Museum (all the museums smell the same here...creepy). They had an interesting exhibit on the Redgraves. I also went to see The Woman In Black (it was £5 cheaper than White). It was spooky. Just a dramatized ghost story... I don't think it would been quite the same without a bunch of silly girls up front who screamed (honestly, screamed) at anything. I had a cornish pasty yesterday (spicy vegetable). It wasn't particularly spicy... sort of bland but warm and therefore completely acceptable. I like how they have everything marked over here. Even stuff in the grocery has a little "V" on it and says "suitable for vegetarians". It's nice like that. America should try to be a little more vegetarian friendly. The other day I went by a really cool environmental exhibition (earth of the air? was the organization I think). I found Rome on their giant map of the world! We were on there-- and so was Cartersville...
Anyway they had a bunch of amazing oversized pictures on display. I'm thinking of becoming a vegetarian for ethical reasons (might as well). That way I'll have something to be condescending and lecturing about. Sometimes I forget there are such GOOD reasons to eat less/no meat. No more than the equivillent of one Chikfila Chargrilled Sandwich per day, that is the Heart Associations recommendation. I used this example in my persuasive speech last year. And red meat once or twice monthly I believe. Also it takes SO MUCH meal to fatten up animals for fattening up people who most certainly DO NOT need fattening (Americans) where as the countries who are producing the meal are starving. And of course its easier ecologically to grow plants than to grow animals (sort of feeds into the same statistic). Also they brought another point in the exhibit I thought worth a thought. They projected that the only real way to fight terrorism is to educate people (or get them to a state in which education is plausible) so that they might feel confident thinking for themselves and not become easy pawns for extremists(Muslim, Christian, or otherwise). Maybe I will go into the Peace Corps.
Today I am going to Regent's Park and Hamley's Toys.

Thursday, September 15, 2005

Day 9

It's raining today in London. Yesterday I had a walkabout day again... I wanted to go a couple days without a tube-pass but caved and bought one last night. My German mates, Jodi and Barbara, and I went to the "Comedy Cafe" which was lots of fun. There were 9 comics (3 sets of 3) each got 5 minutes and there were random audience member judges. There were 2 Americans amoung the lot and they were terrible but everyone else ranged from mediocre to brilliant. Our favorite guy did not win...but I don't think you actually get anything for winning anyway. Today I am going to make use of my Tube-pass and try to go see:
The National Gallery (I've already seen the Portrait Gallery)
The Theatre Museum (that never seems to actually happen)
Hambley's Toys (Huge toy store)
The Internet Cafe where I can download the rest of my pictures
and Woman in Black/White

And we're off.

P.S. I must be blending in (at least to the tourists) the count is up to FIVE people who have stopped me to ask for directions. So far I've been absolutely no use to any of them:)

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Day 8

I have offically been in London (not just away from home) for a full week.
Mary Poppins was AMAZING. The effects were terrific (Bert dances on the walls and ceiling and there must have been 3 different roofs that dropped ontop of one another). And it did a really good job of making the new songs fit in and changing it enough so that it can work in a live theatre setting and not making you too reminicent for the movie. I, of course, was 10 minutes late and apparently these British folks don't realize how fashionable it is to be late to the theatre and started it without me. I got in but Mary Poppins was already there. The things I missed from the movie were: The earthquake effect and the crazy man with a ship on top of his house, the floating "I love to laugh" part, and the mother's "sister suffragette" part (which there is a possibility I just missed but I dont think so). I was impressed and my "slightly diminished veiw" just meant that I was near the center where a think iron gate rose slightly into my sight line. So it wasn't so bad. The Dick Van Dyke role was done really well and the kids (I think they have 4 for each part) were fantastic. Really everyone was good-- there were no weak actors.
My 7-day Tube pass has expired so I am going to see how long I can make it just walking around. I missed a good chunk of my internet time this morning because I started talking to two girls from Germany, Jodi and Barbara, who I am meeting up with tonight to do something (maybe the comedy club). I also hope to make it to the Theatre Museum today since that was the only thing I didn't make off my agenda yesterday. Also, should I try to go see: The Woman in Black (classic London thriller that's been running for years) or The Woman in White (Andrew Lloyd Webbers new one... a Victorian chiller--strange I haven't heard many reviews)?
Tootles.

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Lotta Lotta Pictures

I spent 1.5 hours today posting those pictures. So look at them, please. I'll try to get the captions up soon! Everyone's yelling because England won their big cricket-playing contest. Good show England. I have a nose-bleed seat for Mary Poppins tonight!

A week in London

The weather is lovely in London again. My new hostel is o.k. I have the only single bed in the room and it is by the window... BUT it is smaller than the bunks and one of the window panes is boarded up. Also their idea of "free continental breakfast" is ONE bowl of cornflakes. When the breakfast girl told me that I almost laughed in her face. But she was serious. So I went to Salisbury grocery and got a banana and bagel for 50p. My hair has gone completely mad. The showers are o.k. but you have to search around to find a decent one that doesn't just dribble when you push the button. Most everyone in our room came after I went to sleep and was gone before I woke up. The only reason I knew they were there at all is I woke to people getting ready, misread my watch, got dressed (because I wouldn't want to miss "breakfast")only to find out it was 7 am and went back to bed.
Today I have a specific schedule as yesterday I did nothing but walk around... A LOT. I went to Hyde Park which was nice and lunched there like everyone else. I went to Speaker's Corner but nobody was speaking... I think you are supposed to go on Saturdays or Sundays to hear the radicals. Then I tried to find my way out of Hyde Park. Wandered around the shops at Covent Garden and Piccadilly. I kept taking the subway but then wandering back to the same station a mile away when I wanted to get back on. Then I met up with Arianna and Brittany (who leave for Berlin this afternoon) to listen to the blues guitarist at the National Theatre. He also played some Irish folk music which was very exciting for some of the audience.
The plan for today is:
1. London Museum
2. Try to get cheap seat (£15) tickets to Mary Poppins.
3. Theatre Museum.
4. Download rest of pictures at Internet Cafe (£1.50 for an hour...quite the bargain around here)
5. Go see Mary Poppins.
Done.

Monday, September 12, 2005

Photos

Hurrah! I found an Internet Cafe (by which it means it serves canned sodas)that allows me to download my pictures to my album. Check that out. There is a link called My Photo Album on your right and the actual address is: branseurotrip.myphotoalbum.com
Unfortunately it is still a very slow process and I'm going to be late for my event if I don't leave soon. Cheers!

Day 6

I checked out of my room at St. Christopher's this morning because I booked a better deal (weekly rate= £70) at a hostel called "Dover Castle" just down the street. My new Canadian friend Linda and I went over there this morning and they are going to try to put us in the same room. Linda is looking for a job and upon finding that an apartment. I expect this one will be a little lower key since it is geared towards longer stays and not connected to a bar. I hope it is nice. We couldn't check in until 11 and I had my internet appointment at 11 so I haven't been into the rooms yet. Last night my UCLA friends, Brittany and Arianna and I went to Pizza Express which was quite posh and not in any hurry. Tonight we are supposed to meet up at the National Theatre for an acoustic blues guitarist. It's a free event connected to the Thames Festival. My plan is to stay here for another week then leave on Monday for Oxford and Wednesday for Paris.
Things I have left to do in Paris:
London Museum
West End Shows
Groundling at the Globe
See a soccer match (Saturday)
The Comedy Store/and or Club -- both are supposed to be good.
Finish reading Mrs. Dalloway (I bought it at a used book table...thought I should try to read something British)
Petticoat Lane Market (Sunday)
Hyde Park Speaker's Corner

Those are top priority. Though I'm sure I won't get around to all of them without some serious effort. Well I need to try to book my Oxford hostel and Eurostar ticket while I still have some of my hour left. End.

Sunday, September 11, 2005

Day 5

Today I decided to go off my own since I hadn't really done that yet and my new friends (so new I don't remember their names) from UCLA wanted to go to the aquarium. But tonight we're meeting up for dinner.
My goals were:
Walk down the river path.
Go the sunday market.
Go to the Museum of London.
Go to the British Library.
Visit a park.
AND find a cheaper internet cafe.

I took my walk and went to the library. Then it was somehow 5 pm and the Hans Christian Anderson exhibit was closing so I headed back. I was proud of myself for navigating about myself I only got myself into one sketchy neighborhood (not so much sketch as under construction and abandoned) due to a wrong turn but I went around the block and found my way out. I am now using the too expensive internet and I need to decide about my hostel situation because this is my last booked night here. I want to go to Oxford for the weekend I think. I can't afford to go anywhere else. Or maybe I'll go early next week. I'm so glad I chose to spend so much time here because I still feel like I haven't seen enough.
A final thought:
Australians say "heaps" instead of "lots".
Over and out.

ahh did it just eat my blog?

The internet service here is EVIL and EXPENSIVE.

Saturday, September 10, 2005

Day 4

Today is the first day its been typical dreary London. I think it is actually beginning to storm now. The reason I came down from the room is because the fire alarm went off (as it did last night at 6 in the morning) and I decided to stay and blog. Monica left this morning so I woke up (too) early to eat breakfest with her. She is the last of my first-day friends.
I spent the day sightseeing with two girls who are traveling together Paula and Paola. Their names are pronounced almost exactly the same and this was the source of much confusion. But other than being chain-smokers they are very nice and convienently on the save-every-penny plan like me. They actually met 2 years ago at an English as a second language school in London and decided to meet up again to travel for a bit. Paula is from Mexico and Paola is from Costa Rica. Being as they just became fluent in English two years ago they continually asked me to talk to people for them if they had a problem or were looking for something and I got to try to figure out things they couldn't remember the English name for. They forgot "key chain" and either "incense", "candle", or "potpouri" I never really figured out which. We visited Trafalger Square and Buckingham Palace and H&M and Harrods. They leave tonight for Berlin. Everyone is going to Berlin... what's going on there? I only have 45 seconds left. So this better be the end. Ciao!

Friday, September 09, 2005

The 3rd Day

I wrote this yesterday but the library would not let me send it. So I am back on the hostel computers. Oh well. The library is still good for longer periods of time.
Yvonne left this morning so we actually woke up early enough to get wheat bread (rather than white) and cornflakes (rather than rice krispies)or at least have the choice from the free hostel breakfast. Erin and I have been sightseeing all day. We went to the British Museum which is HUGE. We just walked around and looked at all of the exibits... well we only got through the Egyptian/mummies and Roman/Greek parts before we had been there for several hours and were very hungry. It's a shame not having Yvonne around because she actually knew where she was going. The Tube is pretty easy but with a pass you can also ride the double decker red buses so we decided to do that. We got on at the museum and the driver didn't even seem that interested in seeing our passes. The we talked to a Spanish couple and got them to take our picture and after about a minute the bus stopped and we said Ciao to them. Then we waited. Then we were confused to here someone yelling. Hmmm. Bus Brawl. OR the bus driver yelling "Last Stop". We gave up on the buses after that. At least on the Tube no one else has to know how stupid you are.
We actually walked back to our original Tube station and ate at a little Italian lunch cafe. Then we just walked about near Big Ben and Westmister and the London Eye. There was some sort of horse-keeping/queen's men thing we ran into but it was beginning to look like it might rain so we decided to come on home.
I'm terribly over budget right now. I've spent almost £150 and it's only been three days. But that includes 5 nights at the hostel and a 7 day tube pass. There is a really nice grocery directly across the street and I'm planning on starting to eat there mostly. It's difficult when you are with people on a shorter trip with a higher budget. Erin leaves tonight. She has to sleep at the airport because her flight leaves so early tomorrow morning. She is going to Berlin next.
The "Ashes" the Aussie/England Cricket tournament/match is a big deal right now. We watched a good bit of it last night. I still have no idea what is going on though a couple of fanatics have tried to explain. I mean, why don't they just play baseball?
Just kidding. But seriously.
We've discovered that we cannot download pictures here at the library even though it has USB capabilities. So I will have to try to find another hub. Tomorrow I will be on my own again. But there are 3 new girls in our room...they were sleeping when Erin and I got in this afternoon. Also there is a girl from China I met this morning who will be here for another 3 weeks.
Anyway, I'm still safe and having a good time. The library internet is booked tomorrow and closed on Sunday so I'll probably be looking out for an internet cafe that will let me download my pictures. Mmmwa!

ouheroauh

this is a test

Thursday, September 08, 2005

Day 1 and 2

Ok, this is my second time trying to post which is frustrating. But the good news is that I'm having a FANTASTIC time and I found free internet at a library just a few blocks away. Unfortunately you have to book a computer about a day in advance and it is the one that lost my previous blog. So I'm on the expensive hostel internet.
I took a 2-3 hour nap yesterday once I got in to the room because I was so exhausted. I've been hanging around with two girls who I am staying with: Erin, who is travelling around a bit before going to study abroad in Northern Ireland (she flew into Gatwich on NW the same day as I did) and Yvonne, who is from Australia and travelling around the world (she's been gone over 2 months and is going home in November). Last night we went out to eat at the oldest pub in Yorke where I had a non-traditional veggie burger (I think it was just mashed up peas/corn/potatos/carrots deep fried). We watched the N.Ireland/England game with a bunch of (afterwards) angry English boys. But they didn't stay too angry. We went to the karoke party at Belushi's (as in John...specifically Blues Brothers that's the only brand of memorabilia at least). Did you know that English boys have no problem dancing? with each other? They also sing, loudly.
Today we went to the Tower of London. We've had perfect weather. It's gorgeous and the temperature is not too hot...except on the Tube. Erin and I visited the Globe later while Yvonne did laundry. I'm going to go see a show later this week. I'm sad that my friends are leaving so soon. Yvonne leaves tomorrow and Erin the day after. So far I have not travelled at all. My time is running out but I believe I will be able to put up some pictures soon. My internet appointment is for 5pm tomorrow. Love!

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

The Landing

I'm in London! Finally, after TWO LONG plane rides. I am safe and sound at my hostel though I can't check in for another hour. The trip was relatively smooth. Though I did have a bit of trouble figuring out how to catch the train from Gatwich. Once I did it was pretty easy to navigate from there. I've spent my allotted £12 for the day. 9.80 on train fare; .29p for some cream cheese to go on the bagel that I stowed away from my vegetarian breakfest on the plane ( i think my vegetarian dinner was much better than the regular one on board... but the breakfast was not as impressive...but i did get my meals before everyone else... because I'm special); and £2 on 40 minutes of internet time. I probably would not have bought so much had I a pound instead of a two pound coin. But it's for the best because I only have 17 minutes remaining. I met two girls on the plane, Tara and Alexa who are travelling alone like me. One is hoping to work in London and the other is just here a few days in transit to India. They are both from Michigan and a bit unfairly lucky to have seats together. I was stuck on my own amoungst at least 10 couples of seniors. I haven't gotten too much sleep. We landed at 10 AM London time which is 5 AM Georgia time. But I feel pretty good and the weather is nice. I think I'll just look through brochures until they let me check in. I'll try to update shortly. Thanks for checking up!

Sunday, September 04, 2005

1 night left on American Soil

It's crunch time folks! And I still have a few things to do before I can leave the good ole U.S. of A.
1. Purchase (British) European converter for phone. And return the Continental one I bought from Radio Shack.
2. Sew sleep-sheet up. I'm trying to enlist the help of my grandmother.
3. Find lost credit card (very, VERY important).
4. Purchase:
Large, hard glasses case.
Nalgene H2O bottle.
xD card (as the one I bought over Amazon will very likely not get here in time)
Playing Cards
Longish soccer shorts that will not appall Mom and Dad
Hometown postcards (to use as thank you notes for people I like).
5. Pack and clean. Pack and clean..... Check. Recheck. Check. Recheck.

You know the drill. This is going to be an adventure.