Have walked more in the past week than probably ever in my life. Local bus service (80/A) shuts down when term is over, which is grand for those that are still here working on papers and need to get to the library. Luckily, traveller extraordinaire Jon took a break from his week in Ireland to see Leicester and didn't mind all the walking (I think).
Weird feeling showing someone around the city that I have been living in for 2+ months. Never had the opportunity to see so many things or drink so many pints in a pub since I've been here. Conveniently used the excuse as hostess to put off working on papers that are looming over me as our five week break began.
The good thing about bus services getting shut down is that you have to walk at least 5 extra miles a day to get to the next closest bus service. Has really been nice to actually look at the gardens of people's homes that we drive by on our daily route to campus and back. Weather was also cooperative (a girl doing her laundry with me on Wednesday mentioned how "hot" it was ... sunny and 53 is "hot"). I've still not been able to get over how green all the grass is. It looks like they spend hours on their lawns picking out weeds by hand and combing the grass, but have been assurred it's just the climate. Dad, Al and the rest of the neighborhood mowers would be green with envy. Ha...haha.
Finally had the opportunity to walk through the Botanic Gardens that are adjacent to Beaumont. They are absolutely fabulous. Hopefully will be coming back for the end of the term (nasty situation with possible early auditions) and I pledge to take pictures of it in the sunshine. It's really beyond beautiful. Having lofty thoughts of what I might be able to do with our little patch of lawn in Chillicothe, although I'm sure Dad would lament the loss of taking 3 hours to mow all the grass.
Note: Will be taking off for Spain on Sunday. Not sure how close I will be to a computer, but will write everything and anything interesting down for a big blog when I get back. Lots of love.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Row, Row, ROW YOUR BOAT. Keep rowing.
Last few hours in London were spent in Regents Park with the lovely Miss Morgan Briggs. Weather beautiful, flowers blooming, children screaming at parents because they were hot/cold/hungry/tired/bored. Spring had definitely arrived.
Made our way to row boat rentals to get a half hour of relaxation on the lake. Half hour cheaper than an hour, and really, how much can you do in a boat for an hour? "Oh my. This bit of lake is vastly different than that last bit. Much wetter." We thought that a pleasant row out to a sweetly drooping willow should take less than 30 minutes.
Problem with movies like Bridget Jones's Diary is that Hugh Grant and Collin Firth make rowing look entirely too easy. For slightly younger women, full of the youth and vigor of life, not to mention undoubtedly stronger and full of more pluck than weak, proper Englishmen, this should be smooth sailing.
Outward voyage to said tree a little difficult, but we made good speed. Only spun round in circles 5 or 6 times. Absolutely certain no one was watching us out in the middle of the lake... hmmm... Can now understand why everyone had convenient lakeside sunning spots. Birdwatching? Poppycock. Probably locals were placing bets on which group of tourists would be able to survive the homeward journey before giving up and using maps to paddle back to shore.
With 15 minutes to cover the same amount of distance, we began our return trip. Blasted wind insisted on blowing in the same direction it had been blowing for the past quarter hour, which was very unpleasant. Eventually surrenderred the oars to Miss Briggs, who was decidedly better at the whole "Slow and steady wins the race" thing. My methodology had been more "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead," but didn't really work out in the end. Served instead as coxswain (don't know what that means? look it up).
Made it to the dock with seconds to spare. No crew on dock as they were busy with other customers, so Morgan hooked us up to the closest rowboat, jumped on dock and I threw our bags out to her, grabbed on to her hand and launched myself out of the boat. Wonderfully exciting adrenaline rush to end our adventure. Left feeling very sure of ourselves, although next time might take on the paddleboats, as tiny English children had out-sailed us in speed and accuracy.
Made our way to row boat rentals to get a half hour of relaxation on the lake. Half hour cheaper than an hour, and really, how much can you do in a boat for an hour? "Oh my. This bit of lake is vastly different than that last bit. Much wetter." We thought that a pleasant row out to a sweetly drooping willow should take less than 30 minutes.
Problem with movies like Bridget Jones's Diary is that Hugh Grant and Collin Firth make rowing look entirely too easy. For slightly younger women, full of the youth and vigor of life, not to mention undoubtedly stronger and full of more pluck than weak, proper Englishmen, this should be smooth sailing.
Outward voyage to said tree a little difficult, but we made good speed. Only spun round in circles 5 or 6 times. Absolutely certain no one was watching us out in the middle of the lake... hmmm... Can now understand why everyone had convenient lakeside sunning spots. Birdwatching? Poppycock. Probably locals were placing bets on which group of tourists would be able to survive the homeward journey before giving up and using maps to paddle back to shore.
With 15 minutes to cover the same amount of distance, we began our return trip. Blasted wind insisted on blowing in the same direction it had been blowing for the past quarter hour, which was very unpleasant. Eventually surrenderred the oars to Miss Briggs, who was decidedly better at the whole "Slow and steady wins the race" thing. My methodology had been more "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead," but didn't really work out in the end. Served instead as coxswain (don't know what that means? look it up).
Made it to the dock with seconds to spare. No crew on dock as they were busy with other customers, so Morgan hooked us up to the closest rowboat, jumped on dock and I threw our bags out to her, grabbed on to her hand and launched myself out of the boat. Wonderfully exciting adrenaline rush to end our adventure. Left feeling very sure of ourselves, although next time might take on the paddleboats, as tiny English children had out-sailed us in speed and accuracy.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Making Headlines
Inappropriate abuse of ducks by American psychopath
Armenian slave trader poses as Columbian birthday boy
Michael Jackson spotted in Oxford: spike in banana sales
Homeless man attacks bypasser with furry hat
Predicted gale force winds inexplicably absent: investigation underway
Violent attempted break-in at Christ Church Meadows
Students suspected of stealing haute cuisine jacket potatoes
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Food Crisis
Have discovered why everyone in England has thighs the size of toothpicks: food is abundant when one has no appetite, and mysteriously difficult to access when hunger strikes. Kyle is becoming increasingly bored with "cafe food," the only type of nourishment available to him while I am off learning grand and glorious facts about art and film. Must be rather difficult for a 6 foot athletic young man to live off of croissants and coffees for most of the day.
Yesterday had an awkward situation trying to figure out how/when to eat dinner, as were meeting Caitlin and James for a movie at the Odeon. Decided to look for food before the film, as pubs generally stop serving around 8pm, exactly when we would be out of "The Gran Torino." (Great movie, by the way... acting horrendous but amusing.) Had to look for food at 4pm--awful time to be hungry. Passed one establishment that served food "Wednesday through Saturday, 12-3pm and 5-8pm." Wonderful.
Kept walking down Welford Road for what seemed like a thousand years to Kyle but was really only about 10 minutes to locate Grimsby Fish and Chips joint, but restaurant closed. Got large hot package of fish and chips to go, wrapped in three layers paper. Made it to a sunny bench and tore into package like two hungry beasts. Best fish ever had.
I'm getting kicked now... lovely boyfriend has only had two cheeses and a banana today. On our way to a Latin restaurant. Let's hope it's open!
Yesterday had an awkward situation trying to figure out how/when to eat dinner, as were meeting Caitlin and James for a movie at the Odeon. Decided to look for food before the film, as pubs generally stop serving around 8pm, exactly when we would be out of "The Gran Torino." (Great movie, by the way... acting horrendous but amusing.) Had to look for food at 4pm--awful time to be hungry. Passed one establishment that served food "Wednesday through Saturday, 12-3pm and 5-8pm." Wonderful.
Kept walking down Welford Road for what seemed like a thousand years to Kyle but was really only about 10 minutes to locate Grimsby Fish and Chips joint, but restaurant closed. Got large hot package of fish and chips to go, wrapped in three layers paper. Made it to a sunny bench and tore into package like two hungry beasts. Best fish ever had.
I'm getting kicked now... lovely boyfriend has only had two cheeses and a banana today. On our way to a Latin restaurant. Let's hope it's open!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Country music
I love it. I miss it. Large parts of my life involve driving fast in the sun with my sister... windows down and radio turned up. In a place where sunshine is rare, people keep to themselves and there are zero country boys, listening to this music has been a life-saver. Recently played songs include:
Country Man - Luke Bryan
Just Got Started Lovin You - James Otto
What Kinda Gone - Chris Cagle
Baptism (with Randy Travis) - Kenny Chesney
Meet in the Middle - Diamond Rio
This is making writing about German Rococo architecture a little difficult. Oh well. : )
Country Man - Luke Bryan
Just Got Started Lovin You - James Otto
What Kinda Gone - Chris Cagle
Baptism (with Randy Travis) - Kenny Chesney
Meet in the Middle - Diamond Rio
This is making writing about German Rococo architecture a little difficult. Oh well. : )
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Biohazard
Have been battling nasty cold for past three days. Beginning to think am like Native Americans brought over to England who perished from inability to cope with European illnesses. Okay, perhaps not, but it's a possibility. Was able to give my presentation in my Art & America class with a very hoarse voice. Fortunately my skills as an actress paid off and I got the class to laugh both at and with me during the presentation, making it a paramount success.
Desperately need to wash my sheets, air out the room and take a boiling hot shower before Morgan arrives tomorrow. Poor girl thinks she will be able to brave my germi-ness for the sake of making our spring break travel plans. By the by, have I mentioned my spring break is five weeks long? (Sigh.) We are planning on spending a couple weeks somewhere warm in an attempt to thaw out from this perpetual English chill.
Lovely boyfriend made wonderful comparison between beauty of a flower and sunset tonight... refuse to quote it directly because I'm being selfish and keeping it all to myself. Suffice to say, there's nothing like dating a poet. If presented with the opportunity, I highly request dating one. Just not mine.
Desperately need to wash my sheets, air out the room and take a boiling hot shower before Morgan arrives tomorrow. Poor girl thinks she will be able to brave my germi-ness for the sake of making our spring break travel plans. By the by, have I mentioned my spring break is five weeks long? (Sigh.) We are planning on spending a couple weeks somewhere warm in an attempt to thaw out from this perpetual English chill.
Lovely boyfriend made wonderful comparison between beauty of a flower and sunset tonight... refuse to quote it directly because I'm being selfish and keeping it all to myself. Suffice to say, there's nothing like dating a poet. If presented with the opportunity, I highly request dating one. Just not mine.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
A Taste of Home
Morgan visited this weekend, taking a few days off from the blustery north winds of Sunderland. Arrival was melodramatic, running towards one another in coach station with many approving lookers-on. First time I've seen someone from home.
Deposited bags, told lots of stories, and made our way back to City Centre for dinner at Latin restaurant called La Iguana. Wonnnnderful atmosphere. Decided to take advantage of their 2-for-1 cocktails and ordered margaritas... whoa. Probably 90% tequila, but worth it once food arrived. Morgan had left to use toilets so was only person at the table when tapas were delivered... taquitos, a quesadilla looking thing and then some meaty dish with a sort of pink grass looking garnish sticking out at odd angles.
When Morgan returned, we started on the garnish pile of unknown, but only took me 5 seconds to realize that what she pulled off the plate was in fact a shrimp. Head, eyes, legs, antenna. All intact. Am convinced will never look at shrimp the same way again. Only got through the dismemberment of one of four, and relinquised my second to Morgan. Ohh the tiny little legs... oooh. Not fun. Took a walk for an hour and went back to Iguana for banana dessert. Mmmm. Much better. Highly recommend the restaurant, perhaps not the shrimp for the squeamish diner.
Rest of the weekend consisted of a movie at The Phoenix with Caitlin (Vicky Christina Barcelona-- apathetic), high speed shopping at Primark (of course), a birthday party for Morgan's "twin" cousin in Coventry complete with bracing English walk in country-side, take-out kabobs on Saturday night, sharing the same computer screen to catch up with boyfriends and a movie on my laptop last night (Stage Beauty--loved it). Was just dropped off back home after meeting Morgan's dad at the bus station, and am planning on gym visit as have not been in three days.
Have massive scary presentation on Tuesday... wish me luck!
Deposited bags, told lots of stories, and made our way back to City Centre for dinner at Latin restaurant called La Iguana. Wonnnnderful atmosphere. Decided to take advantage of their 2-for-1 cocktails and ordered margaritas... whoa. Probably 90% tequila, but worth it once food arrived. Morgan had left to use toilets so was only person at the table when tapas were delivered... taquitos, a quesadilla looking thing and then some meaty dish with a sort of pink grass looking garnish sticking out at odd angles.
When Morgan returned, we started on the garnish pile of unknown, but only took me 5 seconds to realize that what she pulled off the plate was in fact a shrimp. Head, eyes, legs, antenna. All intact. Am convinced will never look at shrimp the same way again. Only got through the dismemberment of one of four, and relinquised my second to Morgan. Ohh the tiny little legs... oooh. Not fun. Took a walk for an hour and went back to Iguana for banana dessert. Mmmm. Much better. Highly recommend the restaurant, perhaps not the shrimp for the squeamish diner.
Rest of the weekend consisted of a movie at The Phoenix with Caitlin (Vicky Christina Barcelona-- apathetic), high speed shopping at Primark (of course), a birthday party for Morgan's "twin" cousin in Coventry complete with bracing English walk in country-side, take-out kabobs on Saturday night, sharing the same computer screen to catch up with boyfriends and a movie on my laptop last night (Stage Beauty--loved it). Was just dropped off back home after meeting Morgan's dad at the bus station, and am planning on gym visit as have not been in three days.
Have massive scary presentation on Tuesday... wish me luck!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Special Request
I know it's been a while and I should have lots of stories to tell about spending Valentine's Day in a monastery, but tonight I am putting that aside.
This weekend a girl on my floor, named Thea, died in a car accident. Please pray for her family and friends.
"The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, 'The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!' The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. For the Lord does not abandon anyone forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion according to the greatness of his unfailing love." Lamentations 3:22-26; 31-32
Love to everyone at home.
This weekend a girl on my floor, named Thea, died in a car accident. Please pray for her family and friends.
"The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, 'The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!' The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. For the Lord does not abandon anyone forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion according to the greatness of his unfailing love." Lamentations 3:22-26; 31-32
Love to everyone at home.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Last Supper
Father Peter asked all of the international students at CSA (Catholic Student Association) to please bring dishes from our home countries to share at the International Dinner last Sunday. Wonderful. America is, definitively, a melting pot of cultures. No real ethnic food belongs specifically to America besides McDonalds, meatloaf and mac'n'cheese. Not particularly culinary masterpieces.
What to do, what to do.... ah! English breakfast, although magnificent in presentation, has some flaws. Shall cook glorious French (urgh) toast served with maple syrup, American (hoorah) bacon--cripsy, not how the English do it with meat still in a recognizable form--and a berry crumble dessert. Sensible, yet elegant. Right.
Searching for provisions at local ASDA proved more difficult than anticipated. Tiny bottles of maple syrup hiding between rows of jams, cinnamon not in the baking aisle, but rather mixed in with spices, no frozen berries so substituted with canned and to top it all off, the bacon did not look promising. Still, the two American pioneers sailed off into the north with packages to arrive at Chaplaincy extraordinarily early. Lucky us, set ourselves to cleaning the kitchen in order to make it a useful environment.
Despite best efforts to plan enough time for baking and frying, ran into massive problems when confronted with gas stove. Hmm... matches. Ah. Wet matches. Ummm... right, there we are. Oooh--well, not hot enough for bacon. OH! Too hot! Smoke! BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP.... &c.
Hungry students came pouring in spot on 15 minutes before we were ready. International dinner seemed doomed to be a burnt American dinner. Only had 8 pieces of French toast and bacon enough for probably 4 hungry lumberjacks. I became, for a moment, our Lord multiplying loaves. Slice, slice, slice... Like magic, 16 steaming pieces of toast appeared on my plate. I applauded my own ingenuity. Unfortunately Father Peter not quite so impressed, for in my panic I had neglected to flip over the piece of toast, whose smoke he regarded with some concern.
Eventually more food arrived and everyone was well-fed. Thank heavens for international cooperation.
What to do, what to do.... ah! English breakfast, although magnificent in presentation, has some flaws. Shall cook glorious French (urgh) toast served with maple syrup, American (hoorah) bacon--cripsy, not how the English do it with meat still in a recognizable form--and a berry crumble dessert. Sensible, yet elegant. Right.
Searching for provisions at local ASDA proved more difficult than anticipated. Tiny bottles of maple syrup hiding between rows of jams, cinnamon not in the baking aisle, but rather mixed in with spices, no frozen berries so substituted with canned and to top it all off, the bacon did not look promising. Still, the two American pioneers sailed off into the north with packages to arrive at Chaplaincy extraordinarily early. Lucky us, set ourselves to cleaning the kitchen in order to make it a useful environment.
Despite best efforts to plan enough time for baking and frying, ran into massive problems when confronted with gas stove. Hmm... matches. Ah. Wet matches. Ummm... right, there we are. Oooh--well, not hot enough for bacon. OH! Too hot! Smoke! BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP.... &c.
Hungry students came pouring in spot on 15 minutes before we were ready. International dinner seemed doomed to be a burnt American dinner. Only had 8 pieces of French toast and bacon enough for probably 4 hungry lumberjacks. I became, for a moment, our Lord multiplying loaves. Slice, slice, slice... Like magic, 16 steaming pieces of toast appeared on my plate. I applauded my own ingenuity. Unfortunately Father Peter not quite so impressed, for in my panic I had neglected to flip over the piece of toast, whose smoke he regarded with some concern.
Eventually more food arrived and everyone was well-fed. Thank heavens for international cooperation.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Poetic Justice
"...well if he wants to play the little poetry reader in a game of basketball and get his ass kicked he is more than welcome..."
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Snow, Superbowl, Sickness
Unlucky enough on our first real weekend here to get a stomach virus. Very unpleasant, up at all hours of the morning on Saturday, couldn't keep anything down. Luckily wonderful, amazing Caitlin looked after me beginning at 4am. Can't do without people like her. Not that she actually did much in the way of actively taking care of me. Instead offered Ibuprofen and sympathy, while trying to keep from dozing off in an upright position. Nice of her though. Have survived on cereal bars and Powerade for the better part of two days until this morning.
Attempted to go to 9:30am mass, which turned out to be impossible. Although Englishmen love running about in skimpy clothes for exercise at 8am, the demand for a bus into town must be low. Buses do not begin routes until 9:36am or something dreadful like that. Stranded at the bus stop for 15 minutes with personal nurse (see above) debating what to do. Had the sense to take first bus that arrived and get breakfast in town before mass. Extremely grateful that we did, as to observe the typical English breakfast: sausage, 1/2 tomato, hashbrowns, toast, eggs, mushroom and beer! Everyone was drinking alcohol! As if it were COFFEE! Ridiculous. Wish I'd had my camera.
Superbowl is tonight, but contagious nasty sickness keeping me from celebrating into the wee hours of the morning. Will heartily cheer on the Cardinals from the confines of my bed and dream of victory. Also, it is snowing. Can't believe it. Flurries of snow, in fact. Beginning to think that family and friends at home are so jealous of our above-freezing temperatures that their feelings have been transported across the ocean in the form of precipitation. Thanks much.
To Morgan, who just arrived in Sunderland last night (hopefully), I love you! Welcome! And Happy Birthday!
Attempted to go to 9:30am mass, which turned out to be impossible. Although Englishmen love running about in skimpy clothes for exercise at 8am, the demand for a bus into town must be low. Buses do not begin routes until 9:36am or something dreadful like that. Stranded at the bus stop for 15 minutes with personal nurse (see above) debating what to do. Had the sense to take first bus that arrived and get breakfast in town before mass. Extremely grateful that we did, as to observe the typical English breakfast: sausage, 1/2 tomato, hashbrowns, toast, eggs, mushroom and beer! Everyone was drinking alcohol! As if it were COFFEE! Ridiculous. Wish I'd had my camera.
Superbowl is tonight, but contagious nasty sickness keeping me from celebrating into the wee hours of the morning. Will heartily cheer on the Cardinals from the confines of my bed and dream of victory. Also, it is snowing. Can't believe it. Flurries of snow, in fact. Beginning to think that family and friends at home are so jealous of our above-freezing temperatures that their feelings have been transported across the ocean in the form of precipitation. Thanks much.
To Morgan, who just arrived in Sunderland last night (hopefully), I love you! Welcome! And Happy Birthday!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Sighting
Approximately 30 young men dressed up as Oompa Loompas walked, stumbled and careened past my window Friday night. Decked out in white pants, white crossed suspenders, orange facepaint and green wigs, they were a merry bunch, undoubtedly intoxicated and (I believe) attempting to "sing."
Monday, January 26, 2009
First Day of Class: A Series of Unfortunate Events
To begin.... I thought I hit the snooze on my alarm but apparently turned it off, which wasn't a big deal because I was leaving lots of time to get ready anyway. Still, it was a sign (#1) that today was just going to be weird. Morning was pretty normal, breakfast, went to gym, got a blister on my right hand from rowing, came home.
(#2) Had to wait for shower because staff was cleaning them at exactly the same time I needed to shower. Upon arrival at campus, I had extra time so I took my book to the cafe in Charles Wilson to read, finished Admirable Crichton, btw it was really good, and started Peter Pan.
Arrived at class early and went to the Seminar Block of Attenborough because it wouldn't make sense to have class in the tower (small rooms, etc.). (#3) Discovered after waiting for 7 minutes that I was probably in the wrong classroom, so took a chance on that tower. Voila! Class. Last person to arrive: me.
After class we needed to purchase readers, which are pre-copied packets of the reading material for class sessions. These could be purchased from the History of Art Department on the 17th floor but (#4) paternoster* was broken, which means all traffic regulated to one tiny elevator or taking the stairs. Took the stairs. Not fun.
Got to 17th floor and everyone there to sign up for a topic, which I'll do later, but one other American also trying to buy a reader. When we finally got the secretary (#5) only one reader left, so I told the other girl to go ahead and buy it. Which meant I had to go to the library to check out book.
Got to library, but discovered (#6) both copies of book were in the reshelving process, so were not in the places they usually are. So had to (#7) go obtain pin from help desk to put a hold on book. Unfortunately (#8) cannot place hold on books that are being reshelved so was directed to reshelving area to (#9) rummage through slightly disorganized books and find book.
Thought I would be a nice classmate and make copies of the pages I needed so others could use the book, but due to trial and error process with copier making large, tiny, sideways and backwards copies of pages (#10-14) I gave up and finally checked the book out, having used up a good part of copy/printing money on my account. Rode home triumphantly with huge book and slight headache.
Welcome to academia.
(#2) Had to wait for shower because staff was cleaning them at exactly the same time I needed to shower. Upon arrival at campus, I had extra time so I took my book to the cafe in Charles Wilson to read, finished Admirable Crichton, btw it was really good, and started Peter Pan.
Arrived at class early and went to the Seminar Block of Attenborough because it wouldn't make sense to have class in the tower (small rooms, etc.). (#3) Discovered after waiting for 7 minutes that I was probably in the wrong classroom, so took a chance on that tower. Voila! Class. Last person to arrive: me.
After class we needed to purchase readers, which are pre-copied packets of the reading material for class sessions. These could be purchased from the History of Art Department on the 17th floor but (#4) paternoster* was broken, which means all traffic regulated to one tiny elevator or taking the stairs. Took the stairs. Not fun.
Got to 17th floor and everyone there to sign up for a topic, which I'll do later, but one other American also trying to buy a reader. When we finally got the secretary (#5) only one reader left, so I told the other girl to go ahead and buy it. Which meant I had to go to the library to check out book.
Got to library, but discovered (#6) both copies of book were in the reshelving process, so were not in the places they usually are. So had to (#7) go obtain pin from help desk to put a hold on book. Unfortunately (#8) cannot place hold on books that are being reshelved so was directed to reshelving area to (#9) rummage through slightly disorganized books and find book.
Thought I would be a nice classmate and make copies of the pages I needed so others could use the book, but due to trial and error process with copier making large, tiny, sideways and backwards copies of pages (#10-14) I gave up and finally checked the book out, having used up a good part of copy/printing money on my account. Rode home triumphantly with huge book and slight headache.
Welcome to academia.
*paternoster: A paternoster or paternoster lift is a passenger elevator which consists of a chain of open compartments (each usually designed for two persons) that move slowly in a loop up and down inside a building without stopping. Passengers can step on or off at any floor they like. See picture below. Compliments of Wikipedia.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Everything's got a moral, if only you can find it
Was logging onto my computer this morning and heard really loud banging on the door into our Block. At first I thought one of the girls accidentally got locked out last night, but there is no spy hole to peep out of. Banging became really ferocious, so refused to answer door in danger of becoming known as the stupid American who invited the crazy serial-killer in. Finally another girl let the person in, and I heard a guy's voice. He was pleasant enough, but they were talking too low to hear anything.
When ancient computer finally uploaded, got a message saying I should expect a package today. Then thought, "OH! maybe that was the mailman!" Opened my door to check the drawer in the kitchen and nearly stepped on my "package." Here is a picture of it taken from a website.
See what I get for trying to stay safe? Stupid American.
When ancient computer finally uploaded, got a message saying I should expect a package today. Then thought, "OH! maybe that was the mailman!" Opened my door to check the drawer in the kitchen and nearly stepped on my "package." Here is a picture of it taken from a website.
See what I get for trying to stay safe? Stupid American.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Oadby
Time difference prompted a 3am wake-up to talk to very important persons overseas. Fortunately no pressing appointments to keep today, so slept in until the sun (or rather, brightly overcast sky) woke me. Birds round here chirp at 5am though, probably hoping that they can force the sun to come up faster. Poor things.
Went on a small trip to Oadby after buying/loaning books at the University. Decided to walk past the ASDA (gasp!) into the actual town of Oadby to see if there was anything worth seeing. Bought two cards at an Oxfam store, which will be mailed Monday if I feel brave enough to use a Post Office. Picked up a box of cherries and ate top layer which exposed an unfortunately fuzzy individual... threw him away in hopes that have saved remaining fruit. Town also boasts confectionary shops, a cafe, and a Free House that looked pretty good. Had some ridiculously long title in the style of "His Master High Excellency Keeper of the Prominent Seal of SomethingOrOther." Very excited to try.
Other than that, it's raining. All the time. Was told this keeps up until March. Awesome.
Went on a small trip to Oadby after buying/loaning books at the University. Decided to walk past the ASDA (gasp!) into the actual town of Oadby to see if there was anything worth seeing. Bought two cards at an Oxfam store, which will be mailed Monday if I feel brave enough to use a Post Office. Picked up a box of cherries and ate top layer which exposed an unfortunately fuzzy individual... threw him away in hopes that have saved remaining fruit. Town also boasts confectionary shops, a cafe, and a Free House that looked pretty good. Had some ridiculously long title in the style of "His Master High Excellency Keeper of the Prominent Seal of SomethingOrOther." Very excited to try.
Other than that, it's raining. All the time. Was told this keeps up until March. Awesome.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Mobile Phone
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhrrrrrrrggggghhhhhhhhh! Absolutely hate hate HATE cell phone. I know Mom, hate is a strong word, I'll stop using it. But it is impossible for any international visitor to set up an account with stupid, terrible, horrible black lump of coal which is currently sitting on my desk next to me. I think this is what the Study Abroad staff were meaning when they talk about the second stage of culture shock. Amusing excerpt from our Pre-Departure handbook reads:
In this case, I wanted to smash little black phone with a hammer, screaming at the kind automated British woman: "You are LYING to me and I DETEST you!" In reality, she probably recorded these messages years ago, and now works with a psychiatric hotline, calming all of the poor souls who tried to set up with the Orange network. Awww... I'll bet her voice occasionally triggers a break-down.... hahaha. In an informal and very unlikely way, I'd like to apologize to said woman for my being so extremely angry. Eventually I was put through to a real person who worked wonders and fixed all of my problems. Whew.
On a personal note, love everyone at home and miss them bucketfulls. Personal PERSONAL note to Gaidos: beep, beep.
"I often tell people that culture shock is walking out the door, being greeted by a neighbor and wanting nothing more than to shout obscenities at them."
In this case, I wanted to smash little black phone with a hammer, screaming at the kind automated British woman: "You are LYING to me and I DETEST you!" In reality, she probably recorded these messages years ago, and now works with a psychiatric hotline, calming all of the poor souls who tried to set up with the Orange network. Awww... I'll bet her voice occasionally triggers a break-down.... hahaha. In an informal and very unlikely way, I'd like to apologize to said woman for my being so extremely angry. Eventually I was put through to a real person who worked wonders and fixed all of my problems. Whew.
On a personal note, love everyone at home and miss them bucketfulls. Personal PERSONAL note to Gaidos: beep, beep.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Orienting London and Leicester
Suspicious country, streets seem to force one in the opposite direction of where one desires to be. Beginning to think the hill in Through the Looking Glass must somewhat represent public toilets in London... head in the opposite direction and you may arrive within half-an-hour. Peace demonstration in front of the National Gallery, which we visited (gallery, not peace demonstration) after walking tour. Saw original paintings by Da Vinci, Michelagelo, Monet, Renoir, and lots of other famous dead guys. Really wonderful painting of the beheading of Lady Jane Grey, pre-chop. Name of the artist has completely vanished from memory. Definitely going back to London as we didn't have much time to do anything else.
City Centre of Leicester equally confusing. Thank heavens tall black signs point with helpful markings, though signs are not always pointing down roads. Occasionally the pedestrian will be directed to walk straight into a wall.
Lovely meal with the Catholic Student Association after mass at Holy Cross. Called "spaghetti and bolognase" but probably more like bolognase on something that used to be a noodle and has disintegrated into a mash. Bit sticky, but filling and tasted nice. Served wine with dinner, which is always acceptable. Came from a box! No ice cubes in it though... Grandma would be disappointed. Found myself pitching in with dishes and getting to know members. Rowdy, fun group. We were two of three Americans there, the other being another female student studying archaeology full-time at the University.
Fun fact learned at dinner: After his death, Richard III's body was in transit through Leceister. During the procession, his head was accidentally smacked against a road post and he was decapitated. Rather nasty but painless.
City Centre of Leicester equally confusing. Thank heavens tall black signs point with helpful markings, though signs are not always pointing down roads. Occasionally the pedestrian will be directed to walk straight into a wall.
Hazard: Contrary to evidence suggesting otherwise in Harry Potter, England does not make walls one can walk through.
Lovely meal with the Catholic Student Association after mass at Holy Cross. Called "spaghetti and bolognase" but probably more like bolognase on something that used to be a noodle and has disintegrated into a mash. Bit sticky, but filling and tasted nice. Served wine with dinner, which is always acceptable. Came from a box! No ice cubes in it though... Grandma would be disappointed. Found myself pitching in with dishes and getting to know members. Rowdy, fun group. We were two of three Americans there, the other being another female student studying archaeology full-time at the University.
Fun fact learned at dinner: After his death, Richard III's body was in transit through Leceister. During the procession, his head was accidentally smacked against a road post and he was decapitated. Rather nasty but painless.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
First incident of British humor
"Please feed the litter bins, provided as the floor is on a diet."
(14 January, interior of shuttle to Leicester)
(14 January, interior of shuttle to Leicester)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Packing
According to official pamphlet from the university, am constrained to taking only one 50lbs-or-less luggage piece in transit from Heathrow to Leicester. Impossible as hair product must weigh at least 20lbs alone due to nasty bird's nest syndrome inherited by unknown ancestor. Lovely, obliging mother put in rare advice for a full speed ahead, torpedos-be-damned attitude and encouraged bringing two suitcases, as former students at informational session called said rule poppycock, balderdash and fiddle faddle. Think some of them have too much of the revolutionary spirit that put us at odds with England in first place.
Will stay the course and instead cram lovely shirts and pants into tiny hot-dog size shapes, as rolling was deemed the best possible solution by thoughtful elder sister. Definitely no revolutionary spirit on her account... experience at Oxford must have had some effect on intellect and respect for strict guidelines.
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