Rather than go into a long expository on how the journey over the ocean transpired, I'm just going to jump right into what's going on now!
James and I have been walking pretty much non-stop for the past four days. We've visited many places about London. Today we participated in a group tour of the city, the highlight of which (for James) included the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. I say "for James" because I had the opportunity to see this event on my last trip to London. After the tour we walked through Hyde Park. Actually, I sort of limped. I'm doing that a lot lately. I think of myself as pretty heart, a real trooper. But we have been walking for several hours at a time these past four days, and I'm beginning to worry that my right achilles heel might rupture. Well--we didn't purchase travel insurance--so let's hope this doesn't happen!
Back to Hyde Park. I was able to share with James the memorial fountain to Princess Diana and the lovely statue of Peter Pan. Oh the memories; it feels like just yesterday I was photographing Peter. To be honest, Hyde Park is not my favorite. But it was nice to re-visit. Upon exiting the park, we discovered a street vendor selling magnetic pub signs. I don't know that I've ever been so excited to buy a souvenir. What a nifty idea. (And yes, the names on the magnets represent real pubs in England.)
We wandered to the tube next, planning on heading down to Liecester Square. How disppointed we became when we discovered that Spamalot wasn't on tonight. It's a real shame because now we've missed out on the opportunity. The play ends on the 12th, and we won't be returning to London until the 18th. Ah well. We are now hoping to see Agatha Christie's Mousetrap when we return. Cutting down on the details because I've got to get to sleep for an early start tomorrow. Our final stop today was the National Portrait Gallery. What a joy! What a surprise! I hadn't expected to like this gallery and was shocked by how wrong I was. I was delighted to see paintings of the Tudors (Henry VII, Thomas More, that ever-so-famous portrait of Elizabeth I that literature students see on the cover of their English Norton Anthology). Then I found the real treasure (for me) which was the Victorian room. How lovely to see portrait of some of my favorite authors: the Bronte Sisters, Charles Dickens, etc. We did not get to see half of the collection, but I'm satisfied.
One of the best features of London is its free museums. We have also visited the Tate Modern, the National Gallery, the Serpentine Gallery (Hyde Park), and the Natural History Museum. All in just four days! We also walked through Regents Park (my favorite) and viewed the play Jeeves & Wooster.
I should talk about the beautiful flowers, delightful Brits, how glad I am to be back in the U.K., etc., but it's an early morning tomorrow and the time is getting late! Tomorrow I am looking forward to re-visiting two places that are very dear to me in memory: Stonehendge and Bath. I am crossing my fingers that we will have more than an hour to look at the stone circle (which was not the case last time). Then it's off to Cardiff!
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Monday, March 7, 2011
Chassahowitzka River
On November 28th, I traveled to the Chassahowitzka River Lodge with James (my fiance) and Abby (my awesome friend and co-worker). We had decided to go canoeing. This idea originated when Abby shared photos with me in which some of her family were swimming in the springs. The location looked so serene and beautiful that I couldn't resist. A few weeks later we were on our way.
The drive to the Chassahowitzka River Lodge was uneventful and lasted about 90 minutes. Upon arriving, Abby and I paid for the parking while James secured a canoe for our afternoon adventure. Between the three of us, we were sadly inexperienced. I (for one) hadn't set foot in a canoe in ten years!
We received a three person canoe. The weather was beautiful with very little wind; the temperature was mild, in the seventies. I stepped into the canoe first and wobbled. It is quite an unnerving sensation, having water underfoot. I honestly feared that I would topple headfirst into the water. However, with cautious maneuvering (I leaned downward with both arms outstretched for balance) I managed to seat myself at the head of the canoe.
Abby ventured forth next. She stepped forward very gingerly, turned slowly, and lowered herself onto the middle seat. A great feeling of triumph washed over us.
We waited for James to join us. As he prepared to enter the boat, I was so preoccupied with not jeopardizing my situation that I didn't notice how he was faring. All that I can really recall is the fact that one instant he was placing his foot in the canoe, and in the next instant we were teetering precariously in our seats. I briefly entertained the idea of pulling my camera out of my pocket. But before I could even slip my fingers through the material, we had tipped head first into the water!
Before I knew it, I was chin deep in river water. And I was so taken by surprise that I managed to swallow a mouthful of it. All of these months later I can still taste it in my mouth. Though the thought of what might be in the water grossed me out somewhat, the actual act of imbibing it was not distasteful in the least. Cool and clean, it tasted like regular bottled water.
Jumping out of the water, I felt two emotions running rampant through my system. One: Utter humiliation. James had dunked us before our journey had even commenced. And there were witnesses to our disaster! Two: Remorse for my equipment. Novice that I was, I had packed my cell phone in my right pocket and my camera in the left. Though I had vaguely entertained the thought that we might get wet, I convinced myself (quite naively) that this wouldn't happen. The irony, of course, lay in the fact that I had brought Ziploc bags with me... but had simply failed to seal my items.
Needless to say, this bathing incident sidelined our excursion by several minutes. I stood there, dripping wet and humiliated, not sure what to do. Abby also had an expensive mobile phone in her pocket. We disassembled our devices. I attempted to blow dry the batteries. Then we left everything in the car to dry.
For our second push off, we used a two-person canoe. This time the three of us seated ourselves without mishap. However, Abby and I remained quite wet for the duration of our canoeing. I had dressed in a sweater and denim capris; Abby also wore jeans. As the temperature was fine, we at least didn't suffer from the cold. (On a side note: Abby was wearing flip-flops and one of her shoes washed away in the river. Consequently, she remained barefoot for the remainder of the day.)
By the time we had gotten on our way it was nearly 12:30pm. I sat in the front, Abby occupied the center, and James directed us from the rear.
What was canoeing on the Chasshowitzka River like? We probably spent a good quarter of an hour just getting the hang of paddling as a team. After that, the elements themselves presented most of the difficulty.
To be continued...
The drive to the Chassahowitzka River Lodge was uneventful and lasted about 90 minutes. Upon arriving, Abby and I paid for the parking while James secured a canoe for our afternoon adventure. Between the three of us, we were sadly inexperienced. I (for one) hadn't set foot in a canoe in ten years!
We received a three person canoe. The weather was beautiful with very little wind; the temperature was mild, in the seventies. I stepped into the canoe first and wobbled. It is quite an unnerving sensation, having water underfoot. I honestly feared that I would topple headfirst into the water. However, with cautious maneuvering (I leaned downward with both arms outstretched for balance) I managed to seat myself at the head of the canoe.
Abby ventured forth next. She stepped forward very gingerly, turned slowly, and lowered herself onto the middle seat. A great feeling of triumph washed over us.
We waited for James to join us. As he prepared to enter the boat, I was so preoccupied with not jeopardizing my situation that I didn't notice how he was faring. All that I can really recall is the fact that one instant he was placing his foot in the canoe, and in the next instant we were teetering precariously in our seats. I briefly entertained the idea of pulling my camera out of my pocket. But before I could even slip my fingers through the material, we had tipped head first into the water!
Before I knew it, I was chin deep in river water. And I was so taken by surprise that I managed to swallow a mouthful of it. All of these months later I can still taste it in my mouth. Though the thought of what might be in the water grossed me out somewhat, the actual act of imbibing it was not distasteful in the least. Cool and clean, it tasted like regular bottled water.
Jumping out of the water, I felt two emotions running rampant through my system. One: Utter humiliation. James had dunked us before our journey had even commenced. And there were witnesses to our disaster! Two: Remorse for my equipment. Novice that I was, I had packed my cell phone in my right pocket and my camera in the left. Though I had vaguely entertained the thought that we might get wet, I convinced myself (quite naively) that this wouldn't happen. The irony, of course, lay in the fact that I had brought Ziploc bags with me... but had simply failed to seal my items.
Needless to say, this bathing incident sidelined our excursion by several minutes. I stood there, dripping wet and humiliated, not sure what to do. Abby also had an expensive mobile phone in her pocket. We disassembled our devices. I attempted to blow dry the batteries. Then we left everything in the car to dry.
For our second push off, we used a two-person canoe. This time the three of us seated ourselves without mishap. However, Abby and I remained quite wet for the duration of our canoeing. I had dressed in a sweater and denim capris; Abby also wore jeans. As the temperature was fine, we at least didn't suffer from the cold. (On a side note: Abby was wearing flip-flops and one of her shoes washed away in the river. Consequently, she remained barefoot for the remainder of the day.)
By the time we had gotten on our way it was nearly 12:30pm. I sat in the front, Abby occupied the center, and James directed us from the rear.
What was canoeing on the Chasshowitzka River like? We probably spent a good quarter of an hour just getting the hang of paddling as a team. After that, the elements themselves presented most of the difficulty.
To be continued...
Saturday, August 7, 2010
There's no place like home...
Cliched but true!The night before I left London I viewed my final musical in the city that never sleeps--Wicked. What a way to end a wonderful visit! The musical exceeded my expectations; the powerful relationship between Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West moved me to tears. I was also surprised to discover that I enjoyed the dialogue more than the songs (and I am particularly fond of "No One Mourns the Wicked," "Popular," and "Defying Gravity"). Erika: I agree with you one hundred percent!
After three weeks in London though, I have to admit that I was more than ready to return home. Immersing myself in the English culture was an enriching experience, and one that I won't forget! However, as Dorothy states in "The Wizard of Oz," 'there's no place like home.'
It's funny how quickly the human body can adapt to new circumstances. Stepping off the plane in Orlando, I felt a jolt of shock at the hot and humid atmosphere. I miss the cool summer weather of England already!
Time really seemed to retard to a painfully slow crawl on the flight home, and the drive from Orlando to Largo felt like four hours rather than two. Yet here I am, readjusting to U.S. time and spending quality time with my friends, family, and pets. I am so, so happy to finally be home. Yet all the same...
I am already planning my next trip to England!
There is no question of whether or not I will return to England. I can't see myself NOT making the trip back to this exciting country. I definitely want to re-visit some of the places where I felt rushed (e.g. Stonehenge, Salisbury, Bath, etc.). And I most definitely will make another stop at the British Museum--what a fabulous place! With the costs associated with travel, however, I don't know how soon I'll be able to make that excursion. In the mean time, I will simply reflect on my experiences with fondness... and remember how exciting it was to embrace the differences!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
In perspective
Having spent three weeks in London, I've visited many places, seen several sites, and tasted various foods (with heavy emphasis on the goat cheese). Yet despite the fact that I've been here three weeks, I feel as though there is still so much left to do.
As an outsider, I have a great appreciation for the rich cultural life of the city. How could one ever get bored here? But at the same time, I wonder if Englanders take this situation for granted. The first few days I spent in London, for instance, I felt an intense awareness of the architectural diversity throughout the city. I felt particularly drawn towards the older structures with their ancient b
rick walls and ornamented facades. Yet as I became accustomed to the antiquity, and the days wore on, I found myself noticing it less and less. So I wonder... Do the natives realize how good they have it? If I lived here, would I appreciate having a musical theatre right down the street? I'd like to think that I would. But who knows?
As an outsider, I have a great appreciation for the rich cultural life of the city. How could one ever get bored here? But at the same time, I wonder if Englanders take this situation for granted. The first few days I spent in London, for instance, I felt an intense awareness of the architectural diversity throughout the city. I felt particularly drawn towards the older structures with their ancient b
rick walls and ornamented facades. Yet as I became accustomed to the antiquity, and the days wore on, I found myself noticing it less and less. So I wonder... Do the natives realize how good they have it? If I lived here, would I appreciate having a musical theatre right down the street? I'd like to think that I would. But who knows?Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Walking down the street...
I've gotten so used to navigating my way through the London streets that I think I will actually miss them when I get home. I know that I will certainly miss the pedestrian lifestyle.
It took me a while to adapt to the fact that streets are not identified by street signs. Rather steet names are posted on buildings. Now I walk along and instantly glance upwards to see where I am and where I am going. I found myself doing this automatically in France; I hadn't even stopped to wonder if the French labeled their streets the same way, I just naturally continued this process.
It's funny how you find yourself adapting to a new culture without even realizing that you are doing so. I wonder how I will feel upon returning to the U.S. Will I miss not seeing street signs posted along building walls? Will I feel a pinch of disorientation? Will I go through a brief period of time where I have to readjust? It will be interesting to find out!
It took me a while to adapt to the fact that streets are not identified by street signs. Rather steet names are posted on buildings. Now I walk along and instantly glance upwards to see where I am and where I am going. I found myself doing this automatically in France; I hadn't even stopped to wonder if the French labeled their streets the same way, I just naturally continued this process.
It's funny how you find yourself adapting to a new culture without even realizing that you are doing so. I wonder how I will feel upon returning to the U.S. Will I miss not seeing street signs posted along building walls? Will I feel a pinch of disorientation? Will I go through a brief period of time where I have to readjust? It will be interesting to find out!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Money Matters
Why do Europeans use so many coins?
Before coming abroad, I was somewhat apprehensive of using the local currency. I no previous experience outside of the country and I was concerned that I would not understand how to count the money. Thankfully my fears were completely unfounded.
What I don't understand though, is why the Europeans use so many coins.
For the most part, we stick to just four coins in the U.S. : the penny, nickel, dime, and quarter. Yet I have seen nearly twice as many coins in use in England. There is the 1 cent coin, 2 cent coin, 5 cent coin, 10 cent coin, 20 cent coin, 50 cent coin, 1 pound coin, and 2 pound coin. (Did I miss any? If so, I do apologize!) I wonder at the multitude of coins. The 2 cent and 2 pound coins seem superfluous to me. By implementing a 1 pound bill and eradicating the 2 pound coin, one's change purse would feel much lighter. I just don't get it. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining here. I just don't understand the point behind using so many coins. Any thoughts?
Before coming abroad, I was somewhat apprehensive of using the local currency. I no previous experience outside of the country and I was concerned that I would not understand how to count the money. Thankfully my fears were completely unfounded.
What I don't understand though, is why the Europeans use so many coins.
For the most part, we stick to just four coins in the U.S. : the penny, nickel, dime, and quarter. Yet I have seen nearly twice as many coins in use in England. There is the 1 cent coin, 2 cent coin, 5 cent coin, 10 cent coin, 20 cent coin, 50 cent coin, 1 pound coin, and 2 pound coin. (Did I miss any? If so, I do apologize!) I wonder at the multitude of coins. The 2 cent and 2 pound coins seem superfluous to me. By implementing a 1 pound bill and eradicating the 2 pound coin, one's change purse would feel much lighter. I just don't get it. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining here. I just don't understand the point behind using so many coins. Any thoughts?
The Paris Metro
One thing that I've really come to appreciate about London is the ease of transportation. For someone who doesn't own a vehicle, getting around is still relatively easy--whether one hails a cab, rides the tube, or gets on the bus. Public transportation might slow one down a bit, but at least it's convenient.
To be honest, I only rode the bus once in Paris--so I don't really have a firm grasp on that mode of transportation. Using the taxi, however, was cetainly a learing experience. After some difficulty in finding ourselves a taxi on Friday afternoon, my flatmates and I discovered that taxis keep stationed along the side of streets. One merely has to look for a blue sign with the word "Taxi" on it, to find transportation. (Though if all the cabs are in use, a novice might not understand what is going on.) We also learned that one does not stop at any taxi in line, but must request the services of the first taxi in line.
I found the public transportation via the metro (Paris' version of the tube and American's version of the subway) less palatable. Whereas the London tube stations are relatively clean, the Paris metro stations are filthy and often omit noxious odors such as urine and vomit. Furthermore, the metro system reminded me of ancient catacombs with secret passageways and corridors. We often found ourself walking upwards and downwards and upwards again just to get from one line to the next. The seemingly poor planning often left us doubting our location. The signs were often just as confusing so that, at one point, we actually exited the station (rather than catch our train) because the signs (which we followed to the tee) directed us outside! In retrospect this seems rather comical, however, at the time we found this quite frustrating. Unable to get back into the station with our tickets, we had to kill some time before we were able to re-enter.
I also couldn't help but observe that the tube stations in London are much closer together than the metros in Paris. What happens if you are in a hurry to get somewhere and the metro station that you needed to use is unavailable? How far would you have to go to get to another one? I realize that I only spent 3 days in Paris, but I'm much more impressed by the transportation system in London. I was very happy to return and experienced a new appreciation for the tube system. How clean, how efficient, how uncomplicated to use!
To be honest, I only rode the bus once in Paris--so I don't really have a firm grasp on that mode of transportation. Using the taxi, however, was cetainly a learing experience. After some difficulty in finding ourselves a taxi on Friday afternoon, my flatmates and I discovered that taxis keep stationed along the side of streets. One merely has to look for a blue sign with the word "Taxi" on it, to find transportation. (Though if all the cabs are in use, a novice might not understand what is going on.) We also learned that one does not stop at any taxi in line, but must request the services of the first taxi in line.
I found the public transportation via the metro (Paris' version of the tube and American's version of the subway) less palatable. Whereas the London tube stations are relatively clean, the Paris metro stations are filthy and often omit noxious odors such as urine and vomit. Furthermore, the metro system reminded me of ancient catacombs with secret passageways and corridors. We often found ourself walking upwards and downwards and upwards again just to get from one line to the next. The seemingly poor planning often left us doubting our location. The signs were often just as confusing so that, at one point, we actually exited the station (rather than catch our train) because the signs (which we followed to the tee) directed us outside! In retrospect this seems rather comical, however, at the time we found this quite frustrating. Unable to get back into the station with our tickets, we had to kill some time before we were able to re-enter.
I also couldn't help but observe that the tube stations in London are much closer together than the metros in Paris. What happens if you are in a hurry to get somewhere and the metro station that you needed to use is unavailable? How far would you have to go to get to another one? I realize that I only spent 3 days in Paris, but I'm much more impressed by the transportation system in London. I was very happy to return and experienced a new appreciation for the tube system. How clean, how efficient, how uncomplicated to use!
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