The Search for a Leprechaun is On!

This post is mainly about going to Ireland for the weekend. My game for you is to find the Leprechaun in one of my pictures. If you find him, help yourself to a shot of Jameson.

To my adventures…I started my trip with a great day of tennis on Thanksgiving. I met Graeme and we went to the ATP Men’s Tennis Finals taking place at the O2 arena in London. The top eight players battle it out to see who’s the best at the end of the year.

I was hoping to see Andy Murray, the Brit, play but 1) he pulled out with a pulled groin and 2) he wouldn’t have been playing that day anyway.

The craziest arena I have ever seen--the O2

The O2 was really huge. Not only was there the arena in there, but it was surrounded by restaurants and bars.

A doubles match was first, but then the amazing Roger Federer played the American Mardy Fish. It wasn’t a Happy Thanksgiving for Mardy. Roger is just too good. It was so much fun to watch him again. He makes it all look so effortless. I could see his wife Mirka in the stands. It was funny because she barely ever clapped. I guess, though, if you had seen Roger play that many times and win that many times, you’d get sick of clapping after every point he won.

Roger warming up before the match.

I'm a happy tennis fan!

After the first two matches, we had a little break. But it was soon time for more tennis. There was a pretty great doubles match first.

Doubles Time

Then the real entertainment started. Rafael Nadal versus Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. I was starting to get tired from the long day, so of course the match went on for three amazing sets. Being exhausted by the time I got to my hostel in London was worth it, though. It was the greatest match I’ve ever seen live.

A great point between Nadal and Tsonga

The next day, I explored a London a little more before Sam met with me to go to Ireland.

The Prime Minister lives behind those bars

I finallly made my way to 10 Downing Street–the home of the British Prime Minister. I knew it was behind bars but it was still disappointing when I got there.

Liam Neeson sat on this bench in the movie Love Actually

I found the bench where Liam Neeson has a heart to heart with his stepson in the movie Love Actually. I love finding movie spots if you hadn’t noticed yet.

Sam and I got on a coach Friday night which took us on a ferry to Ireland. It was a looong night and we ended up in Dublin way too early in the morning. We ate breakfast at the only place open…McDonald’s.

After the city woke up, we got tickets for a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus of Dublin. We were able to see quite a bit on Saturday.

We visited the Dublin Castle.

Dublin Castle

And a couple Cathedrals.

St Patrick's Cathedral

Then we went to the Guinness Storehouse. It’s this huge building that the inside is shaped like a Guinness pint glass. You go up the levels and learn about how Guinness is made. There were also sections about advertising and a cafe and pub. It was pretty neat.

Guinness in Dublin!

We then went to a park and saw the Wellington Monument. There’s monuments to him all over the UK. He defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. He was also a Prime Minister–the only Irish one ever.

The Wellington Monument--he was Irish

We came across this sign on a bus stop and it still boggles me. I hope you find it as funny as I did.

Miller Time in the City of Guinness????

We then continued the Irish tradition of drinking anytime of day by hitting up the Jameson Distillery.

Sam and I at the Jameson Distillery

They had a little video about how Jameson first started. Then we went on a tour of what an old Jameson distillery would have looked like and how the whiskey would have been made. After the tour, we were given some Jameson to drink. I had mine with ginger ale and a twist of lime. It wasn’t that bad actually.

For dinner we went to the Hard Rock Cafe. Again we tried the Local Legendary Burger. I don’t know how it was ‘local’ to Dublin or Ireland. It had salsa on it. But it was very, very tasty. Later that night, as we were walking back to our hostel, I found a celebrity!

Ran into the Hoff

The Hoff in Dublin! Who would’ve guessed? It obviously wasn’t really David Hasslehoff but some drunk guy dressed as him. Since it wasn’t Halloween, I’m guessing him and his buddies were dressed up for a bachelor party or something.

The next day we saw some more of Dublin’s sights. One of my favorites was the statue of Molly Malone. She was a fishmonger by day and a well…lady of the night by night. She must have been pretty good to get a statue.

The famous Molly Malone

We went to a few museums and did some shopping before it got dark. Then we enjoyed the Christmas lights and carol concert.

An Irish Xmas

I enjoyed Dublin, but it wasn’t my favorite. I much prefer London. I wish we had more time to get out of the city and really see Ireland. I guess that gives me a reason to go back though.

Playing cards on the ferry back to the UK

Then we were on the coach and ferry home. It was another long night. If I do make it back to Ireland, I’m taking trains and airplanes.

When we got to London the next morning, I enjoyed my last day in London. I cashed in my oyster card–the card to use for the tube. Then I walked around the Westminster area and did my last London shopping. It was bittersweet. I really do love London.

Last day in London 😦

Buckingham Palace was the last big sight I revisited.

Sorry for the delay on the blog posts. I got really caught up in essays and my final weeks that I just didn’t have time. I am home now and had to take time to readjust and enjoy my family. I have at least one more blog post I’ll get up within a week to finish up my adventure abroad. Thanks to all who have been reading.

Oh, did you find the Leprechaun? There’s a leprechaun head in the picture of Molly Malone. Two guys dressed up as cartoon leprechauns by her. One had set his head down behind her and I just captured it.

Wishing you the luck of the Irish,

Jenny

Happy Birthday to Me!

It’s my birthday and I’m in bloody England!!!!!! How cool is that?

I got back to Canterbury after spending Thursday with Nina and Amy. I went out to dinner–my fave place here, Super Noodles–with Sam and Rachel. Rachel told the waitor it was my birthday even though it wasn’t until tomorrow. He said he’d give me a bigger portion and he did. I felt bad because there was no way I could eat it all. And I wasn’t going to carry a take-out container with me all night.

After we were all stuffed, we met up with Jenna, Liam and Calum at the Jolly Sailor where we had Snake Bite–black current alcohol, cider, and beer–and tequilla shots. Unfortunately when it hit midnight and it was officially my birthday, the pub was closing. We quick or as quickly as a bunch of drunks could, went to another bar where we had a round of ciders.

My ragtag group of birthday partiers. L-R Rachel, Calum, Sam, Liam and Me

I had a great night drinking with my new friends from back home and from here. But I paid for it the next day. As I left the bar, I realized I didn’t have my keys. So I crashed at Sam’s. I only got a few hours sleep before I had to wake up, book it home to shower and get ready for the school field trip.

I got a great surprise when I rushed down for breakfast before leaving. My host family had gotten me a present. And Linda, my host mom, brought me out a small birthday cake with a candle to make a wish. I’ve only been with them a little over two months, but I feel like they’re my second family here in my second home of Canterbury.

I don’t know how I did it, but I made it to the bus on time. All the American students headed to Windsor for the day. It’s a good thing I had already visited because I was a little hungover and not in a sightseeing mood.

After we explored the castle, we had a break for lunch. Then we went on a walking tour of Windsor and Eton.

Really? I'm staying on the other side of the street.

It was a nice little town. Nothing super exciting. We did see the Eton school where Princes Harry and Wills had gone to.

Instead of going back to Canterbury with the rest of the students, Sam and I caught a train to London to continue celebrating my birthday. We saw The Phantom of the Opera. The minute the music started, I got chills. I had never seen it live, only the movie, so this was a real treat. What better place to see it than in London. We didn’t have the best seats, but it was still amazing. It was the perfect birthday night out.

The next morning, we went to Madame Toussad’s, the Wax Museum. Luckily since we came by train, we got in 2 for 1. It would have been way too expensive to visit otherwise. It was way cooler than I had anticipated. I couldn’t believe how many wax figures they had. I had so much fun taking pictures and here they are.

Do you think they'd adopt me?

 

Just chillin' in a scene from Breakfast at Tiffany's

 

He's standing as still as a statue!

^This picture was especially for you, Chris!

I could be the fifth member!

 

Standing with the Prime Minister at 10 Downing St

After all that fun, we went to the British Museum, one of the few museums we hadn’t been to yet. I loved all the sculptures they had.

A sculpture at the British Museum

But the real reason to visit the British Museum is for the Rosetta Stone. It was really crowded around it, and I had to wait five minutes before I could squeeze in to get a picture. It’s kind of weird to think that a rock with some inscriptions could be so important.

The Rosetta Stone!

That night we went ice skating! It had been a really long time since I had gone ice skating so I was nervous I’d fall a lot, but it was like riding a bike. I forgot how much I loved to skate. We were in an outside rink next to the Natural History Museum. Everything was all lit up and the weather was perfect. Cold enough to keep the ice frozed but warm enough not to need a hat or gloves.

Skaters on the outside rink at the Natural History Museum

 

Harrods all lit up for Xmas

London is full of Christmas lights now. Many stores, like Harrods, are blinged out.

The next morning, Sam and I made a trip back to the Tate Britain to see more since we only had 20 minutes there the last time. It was a very foggy morning in London.

Fog in London? Who would have thought?

I had the best birthday weekend ever. I got to spend it with my new friends, drinking cider, and all over London. I can’t believe I can say I spent my birthday in London! I missed spending my birthday with my family, but I know I’ll see everyone soon as my time here is quickly coming to a close.

Lots of love,

Jenny

My arse is starting to go numb…

Or Adventures with Amy and Nina part 2.

After enjoying the sights of Edinburgh, the three of us started our busapalooza. We started with a 12 hour tour to the Highlands of Scotland. Haggis Adventures was the name of the tour company. We were on a cute little bus. The tour guide was pretty funny, and he sounded just like Gerard Butler–too bad he wasn’t as good looking.

Our first stop was just at the line where the lowlands meet the highlands. Our tour guide kept telling us we were going to meet a real highlander. His name was Haymitch, and he had long flowing red hair.

…

…

…

Meet Haymitch…he’s the big one in back.

The very cute and adorable highland cows--Haymitch and Honey

Like I said, the tour guide was pretty funny. I think highland cows may have surpassed sheep as what pet I want to bring home. They’re just so cute.

After a few hours, we were in the Highlands. Wow! What amazing scenery. I’m so glad we found the time for this tour because the views may be the best I’ve ever seen.

Standing in front of a gorgeous backdrop

I can’t imagine what it looks like in the spring or summer. We stopped at a few great spots to take pictures.

A master photographer must have took this awesome picture

Some more beautiful scenery in Scotland

As we drove through the highlands, our tour guide had some really great stories. We learned a lot of Scottish history…a lot of which was gruesome. From the over-the-top death of William Wallace to the massacre on Friday the 13th of one of the Scottish clans. William Wallace wasn’t Braveheart by the way…Robert the Bruce was.

The ruins of a castle in Scotland

Our main sight of the day was Loch Ness. We had a free(well included with the tour) that was yummy. I tried the roast veggie sandwich on brown bread and it was fantastic. I followed that with a yummy shortbread cookie.

We then got on a small cruise boat to tour the Loch Ness and look for Nessie.

Amy and I on the Loch Ness cruise boat

The boat was equipped with radar and employees who’ve sworn they’ve seen something monster like and mysterious in the Loch.

So I know you’re all wondering…did you see Nessie?

In fact I did! Nessie and her baby Lil’ Ness.

Take a look–

Here's my proof!

I’m still waiting for my million pound check for getting a photo of her.

Our last stop on the tour was a great hidden waterfall in the woods. I took some amazingly beautiful pictures on this little trip. I love Scotland.

Amy, Nina and I in front of a hidden waterfall.

After returning to Edinburgh, we grabbed our luggage and headed to the bus station where we waited for our next 8 hour bus ride to London. By the time we got there, boy did my arse hurt. And we in a few hours we were on another bus to take a day tour to Warwick Castle and more. What were we thinking?

At Warwick Castle, we found a display I missed the first time filled with more wax figures. I took some fun pictures there.

Trying to get in on a poker game

We went to Stratford-Upon-Avon, and I saw Shakespeare’s birthplace again. We finished our day tour in Oxford. This time I got to go into the school where the dining hall of Hogwarts in Harry Potter was. Well the dining hall inspired the one in the movie. We did walk up the stairs that were in the movie.

On the steps of Hogwarts...I mean Oxford University

By the time I got back to Canterbury, I was exhausted and my butt was thankful to be off public transportation. I spent the next two days being a student before heading back to London to spend one last day with Amy and Nina. We went on a Harry Potter walking tour of London. The tour guide was wearing the sorting hat.

Follow the sorting hat on a Harry Potter tour through London

I had already seen a lot of what we saw but I still had a great time hanging with Amy and Nina–especially outside of a bus. I did see a few new and interesting things.

I love this car!!!

I was skeptical on some the Harry Potter sights we were shown, so when I get home I’ll have to watch the movies and compare my pictures.

The entrance to the Leaky Cauldron--in the movie it was painted black.

Nina and Amy treated me to a yummy lunch for my birthday. Nina and I shared a mini burger platter and fried dill pickles. Mom, you should be jealous because the pickles were really good. They also got me some pink m&m’s from M&M’s World. I’m munching on some right now. Thanks again you two for a great pre-birthday day!

Nina and Amy on the tube

I’m so glad they were able to visit me. I had a great time showing them around and going to Scotland. I was sad to leave them, but I had birthday plans starting that night. My next post will be up sometime early next week and have all my birthday weekend fun.

Highland Cow Love!

Jenny

Adventures with Amy and Nina

My two best friends from home came to visit me! Amy and Nina arrived in London late Sunday night and came to Canterbury for a tour on Monday. I was so happy to see them and to show them my temporary home town. They made me realize how much I’ve come to love Canterbury and how well I actually know my way around.

I took them to the major sights like the ruins of Canterbury Castle…

Nina, Amy and I having a laugh at Canterbury Castle

I feel a little bad about making them walk and walk and walk some more. But there was just so much to show them. After seeing the Cathedral, St. Martin’s Church and the Roman walls we took a break. At Wetherspoon’s we had a pint of cider and gave our legs a rest.

Nina and Amy having a pint at a pub in Canterbury

They stayed in a cute little inn in Canterbury. Tuesday morning I met them at the train station to say goodbye for a few days. I had classes and that’s why I’m here afterall. I met back up with them in London Wednesday night to see Billy Elliot!

The Victoria Theatre--home to Billy Elliot.

The story was a little sadder than I had anticipated but it was still good fun. The boy who played Billy was really great. But the kid who played Michael–a boy who loved to wear tutus–was fantastic. We stayed at a pretty shady B&B in Notting Hill. The hallway had an awful smell and the bathroom was reminiscent of an RV bathroom. But at least I was sharing the room with two friends and not strangers like in the hostels I stayed at.

The next day we took a coach tour with Evan Evans Tours. Our first stop was Windsor Castle. This is technically the Queen’s primary residence. It’s huge and amazing. The state rooms we saw wound around like a maze and were filled with paintings, armour and treasures.

Windsor Castle--the Queen's weekend home

Then we headed to Stonehenge. Those really old famous rocks. I can’t believe I can say I saw it twice!

At Stonehenge

Our next tour stop was Bath. I still love this city. The buildings are very much stuck in time. We didn’t spend too much time here. But while we were waiting to go into the Roman Baths, I found that chip that I had dropped in the drain. I can’t believe it was still there…weeks later.

My chip is still in the drain!

Can you spot the orange chip?

I’m amazed by how much history is in England. There are still so many ruins from Roman times that have been preserved. It really is too bad nobody can experience the baths like they did in Roman times. Communal bathtime anyone?

Lounging next to the bath...no biggie

I finally got to try the spa water at Bath or as I like to call it…the bath water. It didn’t taste awful but the fact that it was warm was off-putting. I also tried the spa lemonade where they added sugar and lemon juice to the water. They only put two ice cubes in it so the warm temperature of the drink kind of ruined it.

Spa Lemonade=sugar, lemons and Bath water. Yummy.

The day tour ended and soon we were back in England. We went to the Sherlock Holmes Pub for dinner. I had a really good traditional roast with roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, yorkshire pudding and a pint of cider to wash it down. Yorkshire pudding is like a roll in taste but in the shape of a bowl. It looks funny but tastes good. We also saw a mouse in the pub. I’m kind of surprised this was the first mouse I saw. London has so many old buildings, you’d think they’d be everywhere.

Early the next morning, we caught(at the very last second) a train to Scotland! The train ride was nice and quiet until a bacholerette party came aboard a third of the way there. The scenery was beautiful though.

We arrived in Edinburgh and went to our hotel–the Abbey Hotel. The owner was very friendly and even though we were early, our room was ready. Nina and Amy were very nice and let me have the biggest bed since I’ve been stuck with small ones my whole time here. The room was spacious and the bathroom was great. But it was early afternoon, so we dropped off our luggage and went to explore the city.

Nina and I on the streets of Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle on the cliff in the background

The three of us on the hop on hop off bus in Edinburgh

We got tickets for the hop-on hop-off buses. They are a really great way to get to know a city. We saw and learned a lot about the major sights of Edinburgh.

After seeing the city, we were hungry. We came across an Italian restaurant that looked nice. We went in only to be sent next door to the cafe part but they were full too so we ended up in a third section. It was really strange.

Amy and I at a completely mediocre Italian joint

Unfortunately, the food and service weren’t that great. The wine was pretty good though.That night I was sleeping in my nice comfy bed and having a nightmare. I don’t remember completely, but I do remember being lost and stuck in a dark alley and I couldn’t get out. I started yelling help and woke up Nina and Amy. It was like in the movies. I heard Nina calling my name from in my nightmare and I woke up. I felt awful for waking everyone up but it was really kind of funny.

The next morning we went to Edinburgh Castle. We saw the Scottish Crown Jewels and the old war prison. We also saw this cannon that shoots 300 lb cannon balls. That could do some damage.

Those cannon balls weigh 300 pounds

After the castle, we went just down the street to the Scotch Whisky experience. We took a barrel ride that showed us how Scotch whisky is made.

Riding a barrel to learn about the making of Scotch Whisky

We got to pick a region of Scotland and try their whisky. I do not like whisky…I think I needed to mix it.

Not a fan of whisky

After the whisky experience, we walked down the Royal Mile for some shopping and people watching. It was crazy walking down the street in Edinburgh with bagpipes playing in the background.

A fully decked out bagpiper

I got myself some early birthday presents. I got a really cute pink plaid bag and a matching kilt skirt.

After our shopping extravaganza, it was time to try the dreaded haggis.

The not quite bad but not quite good haggis

It didn’t taste bad. It had a kind of peppery spicy taste to it. The texture was what put me off. It was too mushy without any contrasting texture. The mashed potatoes and turnips didn’t help either. Paula Deen did not make these butterless mashes. But now I can say I have tried haggis in Scotland. For those unsure what haggis is, I’ll let you google it. Don’t look it up right before eating. Stay tuned for part two of my adventures with Amy and Nina.

Lots of love from Scotland,

Jenny

 

Lots of Sparkly Things

Friday came and it was time for another school field trip with all the American students. Everything was going fine until a lorrie(semi-truck) hit a biker and closed down a street in London. We were stuck on a bus in barely moving traffic for an hour and a half. And of course, I had to pee for the last hour. Finally, a teacher just asked if it would be quicker to walk…duh the bus wasn’t moving so walking would be faster. We walked and made it to the Tower of London an hour and a half later than scheduled.

The Tower Bridge in London

The Tower of London--which is many buildings and not just a tower.

It sucked because we only had an hour and half to visit and there was just so much to see. I went to the Crown Jewel exhibit first because that’s the main reason for going to the Tower. We weren’t allowed to take pictures, but I well tell you everything was sparkly and pretty and expensive and amazing. There were many crowns and golden plates and the coronation robe that weighs twenty pounds. Oh to be a royal.

Next I checked out the White Tower that had an armoury exhibition. It was neat to see how armour evolved over the years.

King Henry VIII's royal armour

It was funny to see how much bigger King Henry VIII’s armour was from when he was first to king to when he was the chubby king most people remember him as.

I swear I'm innocent!

There were some opportunities to take some fun pictures.

Here you go Chris--I took a picture with one.

My brother, Chris, wanted me to take some pictures messing with the guards. I finally got around to at least taking a picture with one.

Next we went to Shakespeare’s Globe. I had already been there, but it is such an interesting place. It’s a time machine to Elizabethan times.

The stage at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Sam, Rachel and I stayed in London to go see some fireworks for Guy Fawkes weekend. We went to Wimbledon Park and it was amazing. There were rides and stalls. We skipped the rides but had some great roast pork baguette sandwiches and Cadbury hot chocolate. So yummy. It might have been the best hot chocolate I had ever had. The bonfire wasn’t very impressive. The fireworks were totally worth the time and money it took to get to them.

On our way out, I just couldn’t resist getting some bunny ears that lit up. I was a little disappointed beause I wanted a pink pair though.

My flashing bunny ears

After we left the park and were walking back to the tube, we passed someone selling pink bunny ears. I was naughty and bought a pink pair. They were only 3 pounds though! Now I have a black pair to give as a gift.

The next day Sam and I went to the famous Portobello Market in Notting Hill. If you’ve ever seen the movie Notting Hill, Hugh Grant walks through it quite a bit.

The famous Portobello Road in Notting Hill

There were stalls packed on both sides of the road and the road went on forever! There were antiques and crafts and food and almost anything you could imagine.

The Portobello Market

We came back to Canterbury just in time for their Bonfire Night. I couldn’t believe I was actually in England on the 5th of November.

‘Remember, remember the 5th of November

The Gunpowder treason and plot

I know of no reason, why the gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot’

All my fellow V for Vendetta fans will be jealous. The bonfire was humungous. The largest one I had ever seen.

We're going to be burned alive!

The fireworks were mediocre so we got the best of both worlds over the two nights.

England knows how to do Bonfire Night

I came home smelling like campfire so I felt like I was back in Pineland Park on the 4th of July with people setting off fireworks all night. I had a lot of fun celebrating with the Brits!

Nothing but coals must mean the night is over

Love,

Jenny

From Ghastly Ghosts to Greener Grass

I wanted a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup shaped like a pumpkin so frackin’ bad! That’s really the only thing I missed about being in England for Halloween weekend. They don’t care much for peanut butter over here, so pb cups or pb m&m’s are non-existant.

 

Anyway, it was Halloween weekend. Sam and I were planning on going to Broadditch Farm Halloween on Sunday night, but the tickets were sold out. We went out to the pub instead. We met up with Rachel and a few other American and British students. I got a little bit drunk and borrowed Calum’s American football pads–I don’t whether I wanted a Halloween costume or protection from drunken stumbles. Calum is from Scotland and is in my Modern Britain class. His accent is as cute as he is.

A night out in Canterbury with Rachel and Calum.

 On Halloween night, Sam and I took a train to some Halloween fun. Broadditch Farm had this great Halloween set up. We missed our bus stop and had to stay on it for 30 minutes until it circled back, but we had a great night. We had splurged and bought the fast pass that let us skip the queues which was fantastic. There were four main haunts. One went through a cornfield. The creepiest moment was stepping onto what I thought was the normal dirt ground but was instead an air-filled tube that my feet sunk into. The best haunted house had these crazy floating masks. I still am not sure how the trick was done but it was slightly hollographic. The actors were great. Fantastic make-up and costumes. And really creepy. Two singled Sam out and got way into her personal space. I was wearing a panda hat and a lot of them commented on it as we went through the haunts. We had a snack of chocolate covered apples–no caramel apples here.

A chocolate apple at Broadditch Farm Halloween with Sam!

I had a couple of low key days in Canterbury with school before going on my much anticipated trip to Wimbledon!!!!!!!!

Welcome to Wimbledon!

 I went with Graeme. He lives near London. His cousin Marie lives at Pineland Park where I’ve worked on and off for the last ten years. He was really nice and I had a great time touring Wimbledon with him.

The grounds at Wimbledon

 It was really weird seeing the grass courts without lines. The main 19 courts used for the tournament only get played on one month a year. We were not allowed to touch the grass.

At Court 19--home to the longest match in tennis history

 As an American, it was really neat to stop by the court where an American made tennis history. On Court 19 two years ago, the American John Isner won the longest match ever. It took place over five days.

Henman Hill: the place to be at Wimbledon.

 Henman Hill looked much smaller in person. Every year on tv, I see it absolutely packed with fans watching a big screen and cheering and having fun. Without any fans it looked tiny.

A major highlight of the tour was being able to go in the press room where all the players give their post match interviews. We were even able to sit at the desk.

Sitting in the press room at Wimbledon. Questions anyone?

 The weather took a turn for the worse, so it was a typical day at Wimbledon–rainy! But we still got to go in the stands at Centre Court. So amazing! This was just a dream as a tennis fan.

Centre Court in the off season

I have to pinch myself to believe that I really went to Wimbledon. I mean I love tennis and this tournament so much I named my dog Wimbledon. I can’t wait until I get to go back when the tournament is going on!

Love may mean nothing in tennis but I do love Wimbledon,

Jenny

The Comedy of Errors Continues…

This England adventure is quickly turning from a Shakespearean comedy to a Shakespearean tragedy. I’m just hoping the curtain closes sooner rather than later. I mean really, England…what did I ever do to you? Is it the Ralph stalking? I’ll stop. I’ll try really hard to stop. I know I’m American, but I really have nothing to do with the economic crises, the war on terror you got dragged into, or the advisor Phil(who came with us) who gives the US all the credit for winning WWII. I’m sorry for whatever wrong I did against you, but enough is enough already. Give me a break. Please, I can’t take much more of this awful luck and continuous hardships.

Let’s start with Thursday night and seeing The Tempest for a third and final time. I know most of you think I’m crazy for seeing it more than once, but seeing play multiple times can have some merit. This night’s Tempest was a little different than the past performances. One of the main supporting characters was played by a different actor. He was good but the previous actor was better. It also seemed like the actor’s were having a little more fun that night. I also learned that it’s worth it to pay a little more to get better seats than in the gallery which is nothing but slightly padded wooden benches. My bum was pretty sore after the three hour play.

Once again, I went to the stage door. It was surrounded by at least 30 people–so much more than last time. I soon realized many were from the 2:30 matinee and came back after my 7:30 show to get autographs. I stayed on the outside of the main crowd. I got Andrew Jarvis’s autograph. He’s an older actor and was very nice. He asked where I was from. He didn’t readily know Wisconsin but he knew of the Green Bay Packers. When Ralph came out, the crowd converged on him. It was a little scary so I stayed back hoping people would leave and get out of the way once they got their autograph. But it didn’t work out. Once I finally got close enough, the stage door attendant said no more autographs. I was bummed but remembered I already had one. I did get one blurry picture of him though.

Still no luck getting a decent picture of him.

 I wasn’t quite ready to head back to the hostel yet, so I stood by the front of the theatre for a little bit. Andrew Jarvis walked by and talked to me for a minute. Then I got another actor’s autograph as he met up with Andrew. They were both very nice and friendly. They said Ralph was still inside and would come out again soon. I was worried he might come from the stage door way, so I waited on the corner. He of course came out the front. I hurried over there, but some girl monopolized his time, so I didn’t even get to say anything to him. But I got another good look at him, so I couldn’t be too dissapointed.

The next day, I was off for Mr. Darcy’s house aka Chatsworth House in the Peak District area. I took a couple buses and made it to the small town nearby. I found a bus that went right to Chatsworth, but I was there a minute after it was supposed to have been at the stop. I waited for five minutes but was pretty sure I missed it. I walked to the map nearby to figure out how to walk to the house. And then of course, the bus comes racing by but because I wasn’t at the stop it went right on by. So I had to walk.

Muddy path to Mr. Darcy's house.

 It was a very scenic walk but muddy. As I was walking, a map fell out of my purse. I also dropped my phone but I put both back in my purse and pocket. I should have paid more attention to this sign because after I was sitting at my afternoon tea at Chatsworth, I realized my phone and chapstick were missing from my pocket. They must have fallen out somewhere along the way. I was sure a sheep was using up my minutes as I sipped my tea.

Which one of you has my cell phone?

 Of course, I freaked out a little. I was on my own in the middle of England and now I was phoneless. I started crying and it only got worse when one of the employees asked if I was okay. Once I start, I have a hard time stopping. But I sat down and took some deep breaths because I hadn’t even seen the house yet. The house was as beautiful and amazing as I had hoped.

The stop-you-in-your-tracks ceiling in Chatsworth House

 The ceiling is just breathtaking. It’s shown in the movie Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley. Many of the best sights of the house were in that movie.

Beautiful sculpture that was also featured in Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley

 

The famous sculpture gallery in Chatsworth

 The sculpture gallery was amazing. I could have stayed in there and stared for hours.

Wishing I was Elizabeth Bennet at Pemberly

 I felt very much like Elizabeth Bennet while there. Especially since I noticed my boots and bottom of my trousers(pants in England means underwear) were covered in mud.

I felt like Elizabeth arriving in Netherfield with my 'hem' covered in mud.

After checking to see if anyone had turned my phone in(no luck), I went to my hotel in Chesterfield. It was really nice to have a room to myself for the night. I mean I have my own room at my homestay, but a hotel room to yourself is just different. I got a really good night’s sleep.

The next morning I was off to Derby(pronounced Darby) to see Kedleston Hall. I was really excited for this place because many scenes in The Duchess were filmed here. I was so excited I spilled my wallet full of change onto the bus floor. I should have known that when that cashier gave me £3 worth of change in 5 pence coins something bad was going to happen.

A room in Kedleston Hall used in the movie The Duchess

 Even without the movie connection, the place was fantastic. It’s like going back in time when I visit these historical and heritage sights.

But of course stepping on the same floor boards that Ralph had stepped on was pretty cool too.

Ralph stood where that roped off table is in a scene from The Duchess.

 

The stunning Kedleston Hall

I think Kedleston Hall has been my favorite place to visit on my England adventure.

My Duchess moment at Kedleston Hall

I had met a girl from Canada while visiting Kedleston. We waited for the bus back to Derby together. I had a train to catch so of course the bus never showed up. After twenty minutes of waiting, a really nice woman employee offered me a ride. But I just missed the train by five minutes. So I had to buy another ticket for the next train. I’m really getting sick of spending money I didn’t need to spend if things went as planned.

So even though, the trip definitely had mishaps galore, I saw some amazingly beautiful places in England. I would do it all over again.

Enjoying my period film houses,

Jenny

His name is Coriolanus

Another day in England. Another day centered around Ralph Fiennes. What can I say, I’m obsessed!

This time I was headed to the London Film Festival to see Ralph’s directorial debut–the Shakespeare play Coriolanus. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I wasn’t going to the main gala night, so I knew there wouldn’t be a red carpet or anything.

The Vue theatre--one of the many to show movies for the London Film Festival.

I'm ready to watch Coriolanus!

But it was just like watching any other movie. Well, it was packed full for a 12:30 movie on a Monday. I had an extra ticket and couldn’t find anyone to come with me. Most of my student friends here had classes or were saving money for Reading week trips. I tried to find a fellow Ralph fan but that fell through. I couldn’t compete with the other people standing outside the theatre selling tickets, so I gave it to an employee to give to someone. I was hoping to get some Karma back on my side. It didn’t work. Ralph didn’t magically appear after the movie ended.

I loved the movie! He put the classic Shakespeare tale in modern times and it worked so well. I do have to say he was pretty sexy in army gear, covered in blood, and speaking Shakespeare lines. I was very impressed with him as a director as well. I know I’ll be dragging my brother Chris to this when it comes out officially in January.

The one odd thing I came across was the popcorn. When I ordered some at the concession stand, I was asked if I wanted salty or sweet. What? We don’t get that option in America. I was so unprepared for this, I just mumbled salty. Some girls in the line next to me ordered a mix of both which I think is probably the way to go.

After the movie, I stopped by the tourist trap that is The Rainforest Cafe. I’d been to a few in America, so I knew I had to go eventually.

I couldn't resist visiting the Rainforest Cafe in London.

It looked just like the ones I had been to. I ordered a Pimms Cocktail to make me feel better about coming to an American restaurant chain. Every year while I watch Wimbledon, I always see people drinking Pimms cocktails and have been meaning to get one ever since I landed in England. It was really refreshing and delicious.

Mmm delicious and refreshing Pimm's Cocktail.

After my yummy meal, I had some time to spare before my bus back to Canterbury. I decided to explore some more of London. I found the perfect street for me to live at when I move here. Don’t worry Mom, I don’t think I can ever afford to live in London.

I think I found the street I should move to in London.

I finally made my way to Westminster Cathedral. It was kind of a letdown. It definitely wasn’t as impressive as Canterbury Cathedral. I thought it was kind of ugly actually.

Westminster Cathedral is not quite as impressive as Canterbury's.

 Reading week started. It’s a week break during the fall term. I think we’re supposed to use it doing schoolwork of some sort, but where’s the fun in that. I was able to take a day trip to the coast. I went to Deal which has a stone beach and nice, long pier.

Enjoying a windy beach day by Deal's pier.

 Then I took a short bus ride and walk to Walmer Castle. It was a cute little castle. The inside had been turned into living quarters. The famous Duke of Wellington died here. The gardens were really beautiful.

Walmer Castle on the southeastern coast of England

 I took a day off from castle exploring and general traveling. I instead stayed in Canterbury and had a nice day reading in the park.

Taking a day off to read in the park

 Pretty soon it was time for round two of the London Film Festival. This time Rachel was able to tag along. We had some time to spare before the movies started, so we stopped by M&M World.

Abbey Road done M&M style at M&M's World in London.

Rachel and I trying to take a bite from the M&M royal guard.

 They had every kind of M&M souvenir imaginable. It was really neat to look at everything though. We debated buying some fun colored M&M’s but it was £5 for a tiny bag.

The first movie we saw was Anonymous. It’s about Shakespeare being a fraud and that the Earl of Oxford really wrote the plays. It was definitely historically inacurate but still an interesting take. Rhys Ifans was great as the Earl. Rafe Spall played a greatly un-Shakespeare Shakespeare. Great comic performance. It was also cool to see Joely Richardson playing the younger version of Queen Elizabeth who was played by her real life mother Vanessa Redgrave. After taking a class about Shakespeare and his contemporaries, I found the movie even more intersting.

Next in honor of the upcoming Halloween, we saw a horror/thriller called The Awakening. It was about a woman who used science to prove that ghosts and such don’t exist. She goes to a boy’s boarding school where a boy had just been scared to death by a ghost. I thought it was a really good take on a ghost story. It didn’t hurt that Dominic West showed off almost all of his incredibly fit body in a scene. And finally I felt like I was at a film festival instead of a regular movie. The director came out before it started to talk a little about it and give his thanks.

Rachel and I enjoying the British Film Institute's London Film Festival

 Rachel went back home to Canterbury. I was staying in London for another day. That night, Ralph was getting awarded a Fellowship award from the BFI. I found the building the award show was taking place at, but I chickened out. I didn’t have the guts to lurk about the red carpet by myself. It was too bad though because Liam Neeson was there to give Ralph the award, so I could have seen their bromance in person.

I can’t believe I can say I’ve been to a film festival and in London no less. This trip has given me so many amazing oppurtunities to experience things I’ve only dreamed of doing.

All my movie love,

Jenny

60 American Students on a Bus

Once upon a time there were 60 or so American students on a coach bus…you can imagine how much fun this will be. About two thirds of said students were probably hungover from partying the night before. Sam and I were going on little sleep ourselves.

But on the coach we were. After a three hour drive–most of the students slept right through it–we arrived in Oxford.

A museum in Oxford--the starting point of our tour.

Our tour guide for the weekend.

 Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, somewhat funny and very reminiscent of a hobbit. He was really short.

We were really lucky because it was matriculation day in Oxford. All the students there were formally registering for the university, so they were in the Oxford uniform. Seeing these students in uniform and the students in Canterbury almost makes me wish I had to wear uniforms growing up. The little kids look so cute dressed all alike.

Oxford Students in their unique uniforms.

The Bodean Library in Oxford.

 We didn’t get to go inside, but we visited the Bodean Library. Some of the rooms inside were used in filming Harry Potter. It was really neat seeing all the famous Oxford places and where many famous literary works were written. Of course being on a tour with so many students, we didn’t have a lot of time to visit Oxford. Soon we were back on the coach and headed to Bourton-on-the-water.

Picturesque Bourton-on-the-water.

 This cute little town is in the Cotswolds. The area got rich off of selling wool. It’s still known as the place for rich Londoner’s to have country houses. It really was a beautiful little village. We were told about the sheep from that area–the Cotswold Lions. They were called that because they had a shaggy hair around their heads like a lion’s mane.

So with our free time, Sam and I tried to leave the main village to find these infamous sheep.

Are there any sheep down there?

 We walked down a path that we thought led to farmlands, but no luck. We ended up at a main road. Some locals asked if they could help us. Sam said we were looking for sheep. I couldn’t believe she told them because I knew what they’re reaction would be and I was right. They couldn’t stop laughing. We told them about the Cotswold Lions but they had never heard of them. Embarassed and mad, we headed back to the village. If only we had thought to pull out the local newspaper The Cotswold Lion we had picked up at visitor info center. We would have showed them.

Eating ice cream on a sunny day in Bourton-on-the-water.

 We may not have found sheep, but we found some ice cream.

Back on the coach and to Bath we went. It was so nice to stay in a hotel instead of a hostel. We went into the ‘downtown’ area but there wasn’t much to see at night. Sam and I wanted to save our money, so instead of eating out, we stopped at a grocery store and got ourselves a hotel picnic.

Our yummy hotel picnic spread.

 We were up early the next morning for breakfast. Then we were given a walking tour of Bath. Since we have so many students, the group was split up and I ended up with the local tour guide. He was great at telling us some really interesting things about the city.

The Gravel Walk in Bath from Persuasion.

 Jane Austen featured Bath in two of her novels, especially Persuasion. We saw a lot of sights she mentioned in it. But I was more interested in seeing sights from the movie The Duchess. Back in her day, Bath was the go to place for rich socialites. They drank, gambled and partied the night away in Bath. One of the most famous places in the movie and Bath is the Royal Crescent.

Standing in front of Bath's famous Royal Crescent.

Sam and I in the middle of the King's Circus in Bath.

 Another famous setting in Bath is the King’s Circus. On our lunch break Sam and I tried to visit the Assembly Rooms with our pass. Once again we were without luck–the rooms were overtaken with a book fair and we would have had to pay to get in. We were able to see the Fashion Museum, though. The wedding dress from The Duchess was there but I didn’t get a very good picture of it.

The Assembly Rooms in Bath that were taken over by a book fair.

It's the middle of October and they already have Xmas decorations up!

 I thought people were crazy putting Xmas decorations up before Thanksgiving, but even before Halloween? They take the Christmas tourist season seriously here.

We ended our tour and with the Roman Baths. The tour guide gave us these little orange chips to get us entry into them. We had to wait outside for a few minutes before our group could enter. There I was spinning the chip and my fingers. I’m sure you can guess what happened next. It happened in slow motion. I fumbled the chip and it fell to the ground. It hopped a little and rolled towards the sewer grate. I could see it happening but there was nothing I could do to stop it from falling in.

That little orange disc was my ticket into the Roman Baths. Oops.

 I’m not sure why Karma seems to be against me lately. Luckily, the tour guide gave me another chip. The Baths were really neat. I can’t believe the Romans could build such an amazing network of baths.

The very green Roman Baths.

 Next we headed to Lacock, a town stuck in medieval times–well the buildings look like they did then. Lacock is a big attraction for filming movies. Harry Potter and Colin Firth’s Pride and Prejudice are two big ones that used the town.

Outside the Red Lion--used for filming Colin Firth's Pride and Prejudice.

The main street of Lacock. Take away the cars and this is the street used in Pride and Prejudice.

Sitting where many a Hogwart's student has sat before us.

The halls of Hogwarts--in reality it's Lacock Abbey.

I can’t believe how many famous movie settings I’ve been able to visit. I can’t wait to watch these movies again and be able to say I’ve been there, I’ve seen that.

Back on the coach and off to Stonehenge. The rocks were even larger in person. It was surreal to see this wondrous and famous sight. We had audio guides but I didn’t like it very much. It’s just a bunch of conjecture on the who/what/when/where/why. You can guess all day long on how or why the stones were put there but it’s better to just take it in.

Sam and I in front of the mysterious rocks of Stonehenge.

 So that was the end of our tour. We got back on the coach and were headed back to Canterbury. We didn’t get to spend a lot of time in any one place, but we were able to see so much.

Wishing you could tour with me,

Jenny

The Comedy of Errors Begins.

So I’m definitely not a princess and I knew this wouldn’t be an English fairy tale, but I didn’t know so many things could and would go wrong. It seems like every trip I take at least one thing goes wrong. My trip to Newcastle with Sam definitely became a comedy of errors.

We had a plan. Not a very good one, but there was one. We’d leave class a little early to catch a train to London. We’d take the tube to Heathrow and get on a plane to Newcastle in Northern England. It was just a few minutes before we were leaving class when I realized the first problem. I didn’t have my passport. So far we’ve mainly traveled by bus and train, so there hadn’t been a need for me to carry it around. I had it safely tucked away in my room at my home stay. But flying on a plane is a little different than a train. There was no way my Wisconsin driver’s license would be enought to get me through security.

So how was I going to fix this. With thirty minutes before the train left, I sped walked from campus to the bus station where taxis like to hang out. I got taken home, got my passport in less than a minute, and got to the train station with ten minutes to spare(but £10 lighter in the wallet). One crisis averted.

Train to London. Realized I had to pee. Didn’t really pass a bathroom as we got onto the tube. Now we were faced with two more problems. The tube to Heathrow was 48 minutes. We only had 30 before we were supposed to check in. And the tube is not equipped with bathrooms. So I had to hold it another hour. We nervously rode out the tube journey.

Once at Heathrow, we rushed and after a few wrong turns found our check-in point. 15 minutes late. And British Airways would not let us on the plane. We were given the option of leaving on a plane in the morning for £200.

Mean British Airways wouldn't let us on the plane.

 My first thought was…I really really have to pee now. So I got that out of the way. After a little freaking out over what to do, we found a bus that could take us to Newcastle overnight. While we were waiting for that to leave, I tried a genuine(as genuine as a franchise stand can be) Cornish pasty. Steak and stout. It wasn’t awful but it wasn’t the best thing I’ve eaten.

After a long and uncomfortable bus ride, we finally arrived in Newcastle. At 6 in the morning. The driver noticed us looking at a map and gave us directions to our hostel. “You see those lights. That’s the street you want. Turn left there.” Every street had lights. So we turned left on the first lights we came to. Wrong street. The guy at the hostel was very nice and we got a few hours of sleep before exploring.

The Newcastle Football Stadium

 As big and important as any American football stadium.

We found a bus to take us a little farther north to a very important castle. Hogwarts Castle! Well, a castle that was used as Hogwarts.

Welcome to Hogwarts!

This castle was a lot of fun to visit. Besides seeing all the famous Harry Potter sights, there were a lot of other fun things to do. I think a lot of it was meant for little kids, but why do they get to have all the fun?

I will defeat the evil knight!

 We got our first taste of Halloween in the Dragon Quest. There were moving skeletons, strobe lights, maze of mirrors, and one of those freaky tunnels with a bridge where you can’t walk straight. It was a lot of scary fun.

Scared while standing in a tunnel of spinning skulls!

I'm ready to learn how to fly a broom!

 One of the most famous Harry Potter sights was where they filmed the first flying lesson. If we would have stayed a little longer, we could have gotten flying lessons! They probably didn’t have adult size brooms, anyway.

Next, we stopped by the ruins of Warkworth Castle. Sometimes the ruins are as neat as the actual castles.

Playing in the ruins of Warkworth Castle.

Sam and I in the ruins of Warkworth Castle.

 Back at Newcastle, Sam and I went to a chinese buffet place. The food was pretty good. But what was really interesting was the signs warning ‘£5 Excessive Waste Fee’. That still didn’t stop me from piling my plate up. There was just more pressure to clear the plate before getting more. I think a table nearby got hit with the fee. They had a plate still full of noodles, but they complained and wanted to talk to the manager. It was pretty funny.

I called it a night a little early. I was starting to come down with a cold and the overnight traveling took a lot out of me. We had a busy day planned again for the next day.

We took an early train to York. Little did I know that when we walked on a bridge over the train tracks in York Station, that we were visiting another Harry Potter sight. That bridge was where Hagrid gave Harry his ticket for the Hogwart’s Express.

The York Minster Abbey

 York Minster was very reminiscent of Canterbury Cathedral. They have a very similar look to them.

Clifford's Tower in York

 Was it really that important to put castles and fortifications on the tops of hills? Because it’s really draining on tourists to climb up so many stairs and hills. The views are usually worth it, though.

The view from Clifford's Tower in York.

 Another bus ride and we got to Harewood House. Well close to it. Being the off-season, a lot of places we visit close by 4 or 5. And most stop letting people in a half hour before closing. We had 5 minutes before Harewood House stopped letting people in. As we passed the entrance sign, all we saw was a looong driveway. Time for some speedwalking. We made it just in time.

Speed walking to Harewood House.

 Harewood House was very impressive. We were able to tour the main rooms full of fine furniture and paintings. Then we were able to tour the servants’ area of the house. A very interesting and new look at these old buildings. But the real reason we went to Harewood House was to see the beautiful garden in the back.

The grand garden and back of Harewood House.

 A beautiful sight to end our trip with. It was time for the long journey home. Unfortunately, going with the cheaper option of the bus means it takes longer to get where you’re going. We got back home after 1 in the morning. Just enough time for a few hours sleep to recharge for the school trip leaving the next morning.

Sending you love(unless you work for British Airways),

Jenny