Excerpts

Wow, I am not very good at keeping this blog up to date. I have done much better with my journal entries. As such, I think I will just publish a few journal entries to fill everyone in on what I have done for the past month (wow, has it really been that long?). Forgive the length but this is my first entry in a long time and I am killing time until the Olympic closing ceremony which will be 1:30 a.m. in London. Yeah, work should be fun tomorrow morning.

2/13/10
I'm on my way to Wales! First, let me recap. Wednesday I did not make it to Met Tab (Metropolitan Tabernacle, the church that I have started to attend). I got scared of going by myself after dark. It is after all in South London and I would have to walk through a creepy subway where I have seen some homeless people hanging out. I would probably have been fine but, alas. Thursday was the Lion King. AMAZING! I loved it. The costumes were so colorful and neat. My favorites were the camels and the cheetah. The camels were people on stilts that looked convincingly real. The cheetah--she moved like a dance. The actor's own legs were the back legs and she controlled the front legs with sticks. The walking motion was fluid and somehow beautiful. It was a mirage of bright African color and the yellow desert sun. The entire performance flowed like a waltz--the sets, actors, lights, and everything moving together to the wonderful African music of the Lion King. The music is always my favorite. I've missed music. Oh, and young Simba had a delightful British accent.
Ok, now on to Friday. Friday was The Importance of Being Earnest. It was way up on the northern line and then a ten minute walk from the tube station through residential London. Oh. I discovered my first hill here. I walked up it and looked to my left and saw the lights of London continue as far as I could see. I am very glad that Betsy and Sally were with me. I think the walk to the theatre was intimidating enough with them there. We found it straight away though. It was above a pub called the Gatehouse, a lovely tudor pub that looks like authentic London. The theatre composed mostly of the stage with the audience seating practically on the stage--quite different from the huge west-end theatre where the Lion King played. I could see every emotion that passed on the actors' faces and it felt as though I were sitting in the living room with them (I practically was!). Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest is one of my favorites. The humor and wit is positively delicious. The pure absurdity of the situation is delightful. And most of the actors were superb. Jack was perfect--very close to Colin Firth's portrayal. His accent made my heart melt. And Algie--well, Algie wasn't perfect, but the actor nailed the wit and upsurd character of Algernon Montecrief. I was disappointed in Aunt Agusta, but I think part of the reason is that my expectations were too high. How can anyone compare with Judy Dench? This actor simply couldn't grasp Aunt Agusta's absurd and humoursely snotty character. I think she forgot a few lines too. Dudring intermission, they served ice cream. Apparently, this is a British tradition because they served it during the play that Shiloh and Stephanie went to that night as well. It was expensive, but I wanted the full British Fringe Theatre experience (minus the alcohol). Delightful evening--I love plays and literature that poke fun at the stuffiness and absurdity of society, fashion, and class.
Oh, I'm in Wales! Croeso i Amffitheatr Caerllion (Welcome to the Caellion Amphitheater in Welsh). We just stopped to see an old Roman barracks and amphitheater. It is neat to stand somewhere where gladiators fought 2000 years ago. Shiloh and I got "gladiator" photos. Apparently, gladiators weren't as impressive in Wales. They don't have lions in Wales. Instead they had to fight Ox's, deer, and sometimes cows. Not the same. The native Welsh didn't give the Romans any trouble so things were pretty peaceful. Things still are. Three million people and 30 million sheep--that is 10 sheep for every person! And this particular town where we stopped, bells a t the church chimed continuously. They started playing a song, but soon were just clanging away and only paused for a few minutes the entire time we were exploring ancient Roman Wales. We decided that they are training the new bell ringer and although he is immensely enthusiastic, he lacks the musical talent or sense of time. I wonder if it ever stops.
Croeso i Castell Caerffili!
Caerphilly Castle is great. The moat is full of water and there is white wash still on the walls. It was like a giant playground and I literally jumped from rock to rock. They had the machines of war, which I can't remember all of the names. Oh, and Shiloh and I tried Caerphilly cheese. It is their town's own special cheese. It is crumbly like feta crossed with cheese curds. Pretty good actually. Next, some Welsh life museum.
I am a fan of the Welsh Museum. It was just tons of cottages set up like different time periods. Each had a little fire. It felt like stepping back in time. It gave a glimpse of life in Wales during the 1800s and 1900s. Oh, and then we discovered a castle and gardens. The gardens were walled. It made me think of the secret garden. Especially when she first stumbles upon it. Everything was dead, but one could see remnants of its summer glory. There was manicured grounds in the back and a little man made river of sorts. I think it was Faagen Castle. To be honest, the inside was more interesting than Kensington Palace where I payed 11 pounds to tour. I felt as though I was merely wandering through the castle during the time when it was used. Oh, and outside in the gardens, the gates had gold vines interwoven through the iron work. I can't tell you how refreshing it was to walk through a path through the woods and breathe the fresh, crisp, clean air. There were people, but no crowds. Oh, there is a sunset, a real sunset over the countryside. (sigh) I love Wales...Oh, and I bought some Welsh cakes. Yum! They are shaped liked small pancakes and have what I think are raisins and dried currants. They are sweeter and drier than pancakes.
I am enjoying just driving through the countryside so much. I love seeing the green, the sky, and all of the sheep. And the cottages look so at home among the dips and rises of the Welsh countryside. The sunset is growing. I haven't seen such a beautiful sunset in a very long time. London becomes so dreary and tiresome with all of the people, smoke, cars, tubes, and gray skies...and buildings. I am trying to keep my spirit of adventure, but I didn't realize until this moment how much I needed a break, and how much I need the countryside, nature, and fresh air. Now, I am going to enjoy the remainder of this beautiful Welsh sunset and thank God for all of his wonderful creation.
Tonight we are staying in a seaside town called Swansea. Apparently it is the party town. Here is where people go for bachelor and bachelorette parties and dress up. We saw tons of people decked out in honestly very little clothing considering how cold it is. Girls were in halter dresses that were very, very short while guys were in t-shirts. We saw a group of girls all in little black dresses and pink fluffy scarves--bachelorette party. There were also a bunch of guys in rugby jerseys and kilts. Tonight was Scotland vs. Wales. Wales won but the Scots still went out to party.
2/14/10
Happy Valentine's Day! I think Wales is a wonderful place to celebrate Valentine's Day. We began this morning with a lovely never ending breakfast. I will not record all that I ate because it was far too much. Then it was on to Big Pit Mines. The drive there was beautiful. Wales doesn't really have mountains; they have hills and rolling countryside. I have a new appreciation for the term "rolling countryside." The museum was actually very interesting. We doned big hard hats, lamps, and a batter belt and descended to the depths of the coal mine to catch a glimpse of the life of a coal miner. THat must have been a difficult life. Up until the 1980s when Margaret Thatcher closed most of the mines, wales's economy was based on the coal industry. Entire comunities dissapeared when the mines were shut down. As sad as it is to contemplate how these miners' livelihood was destroyed, the conditions in the mines seem worse to me. The constant danger from methane, carbon monoxide, explosion, cave ins, and the black damp..and the tyranny of the mine owners who paid workers in tokens which could only be used in the mine store is horrible. Our guide, who was a minor himself from the age of 15, told us of five-year-old children that were once employed (without wages) to open and shut shaft doors often without candles. At ten they would begin shoveling coal still earning no money. I can't imagine any greed powerful enough to make a man subject mere children to conditions like that for 12 hours a day, six days a week. the horses used before machinery did not fare much better. The inhumanity is incomprehensible. It was neat to walk down the shafts and see remnants of days past and the lives invested into obtaining this strange black rock. Once we surfaced, we walked to the top of the museum and the view was amazing. The sun was shining down on Wales brighter than I have seen in the entire month I've been in Europe. our guide just told us that it has been raining nonstop in London. I am so glad that I am here in sunny Wales instead. do I have to go back?
For lunch Shiloh, Sally, Jo, Greg, and I picnicked by Britain's oldest medieval bridge with a still standing gatehouse in Manmouth. It was so picturesque with ducks and seagulls playing in the water right near the bridge. We sat on a few rocks and threw some of our leftover lunch for the ducks to enjoy. One in particular was exceedingly curious and seemed to know we were the source of food. he kept giving us longing sideways glances. I have fallen head over heels in love with wales! The warm sun has done wonders to warm my spirit. After lunch we drove through the Wye Valley on the way to Tintern Abbey. This was the countryside that inspired William Wordsworth's poetic writings. Oh, and there are some small mountains in Wales. They are just slightly larger than hills. Tintern Abbey was a surreal ruins of a large stone monastery. The superb masonry still visible whispers of what it once was. Tucked on the edge of the Wye Valley far from any metropolis, only a small town intrudes on the mystic and wonder this jagged shell inspires. Greg, Jo, and I went up a small path to another ruined church above the monastery. The view was breathtaking. The sun lit up a field in the distance so the emerald green grass seemed to glow. the monastery in the distance below seemed to belong to a different world, one that I have read of, heard tales of, but is beyond the Earth I know, unattainable like Narnia or Middle Earth. It exists only in one's imagination, stories of old, and Europe. We are back in England again, so no more signs are in Welsh. Welsh looked to me like a language of elves, musical and beautiful. There is something intrinsically magical about it.
2/19/10
Well, I am back in London and back to the old routine. Wednesday, I couldn't believe it, was sunny...very sunny. Monday, I didn't do anything exciting beyond making pizza again. Tuesday...hm, oh, now I remember--the London and the World Wars' test. Totally unfair test (I shall skip the portion where I bemoan my classes and incompetent professors). Last night CAPA had a Curry Night in Brick Lane. Free five course Indian/Bangladeshi meal! It was so good! We ate so much that Stephanie, Shiloh, Denise, and I all had to waddle back to the flat. I'm not sure what any of the appetizers were but they tasted good. I tried lamb. Um, not really a fan. It was rather tough, but the dish itself was good. It was a creamy and mild (coconut milk maybe?) with bananas and some fruit I think called lychees. Now, I am on my way to a stone cutter's to conduct an interview for my internship. I am a little nervous. I got here early in order to find the place. Now, I have about 15 minutes to kill so I am sitting drinking a cinnamon latte at Costa (think Starbucks but better). These coffees are going to be the thing that breaks my budget.
2/21/10
Oh Friday night, Friday night...I titled the Facebook album "Night at the Museum." OF course we were at the V&A (Victorian and Albert Museum). I am still convinced that the V&A is far superior to any other museum (still have to make it to the British Museum though). Well, we went there for a free concert. It ended up being 17th and 18th century lute music. There were a lute player and four vocalists--soprano, alto, tenor, bass. Except the alto was also male. I don't think the male voice is supposed to go up that high. As much as I was impressed (he was REALLY good), his vocal range made me wonder (as did the striped socks). I really enjoyed the performance though. They were all so talented. After the performance Shiloh, Stephanie, Betsy, Brittany, Emma and I decided to explore more of the museum. It was open later on Fridays. There is always so much to discover there. That night we discovered the theatre exhibit...oh, the theatre exhibit (I shall omit the description...just go look at the Facebook album).
Well, here I am at Met Tab waiting for Doctrine class. Brittany came with me this week. We ate lunch with Verity and her friends. It is so nice to have lunch with a church family. Adriana is from Brazil and has only been learning London for 11 months. I sometimes have difficulty understanding her, but she speaks very good English for 11 months. She says that her family is back in Brazil and it is lonely sometimes being in London alone, but now she has her church family. I think that is so true. I feel so much less lonely or homesick when I am surrounded by people who love God. The only thing I can attribute it to is our sisterhood and brotherhood in Christ. It is a special bond which can bring people together immediately. Oh, and next week, I am bringing dessert. I really want to contribute and give back since they have all been so friendly and inviting to me. (Let me see there is Verity and her husband, Lollie and her husband who are from South Africa, Faytima (sp?) from ??, Adriana from Brazil, and a few others).
2/26/10
Well, I never told you about Saturday. Saturday was a football match. Queens Park Rangers against...somebody. It was for our British Life and Culture class. I have to say, it was very entertaining. We won and there was a streaker in a red speedo...ok, so he wasn't a real streaker since he did have the speedo...kinda. He mooned everybody, but the crown jewels were safely covered. Fun times. The rest of this week was pretty noneventfull except for yesterday. Yesterday I explored around Covenant Gardens and discovered London's talented street performers. There were an opera singer, a straight-jacket act, a jigging fiddle group, and a guy balancing a ladder on his head. It was so much fun to just wander around the market window shopping and listening to the performers. I couldn't really afford anything but the free tea sample were delicious. I will have to invest in some tea to bring home. After that was the Alice in Wonderland premiere. my first and most likely premiere. I did get to see Anne Hathaway and Johnny Depp..well, his chin. It was crazy. I don't understand our fascination with celebrities. Still, it is kind of cool to say that I've seen at least part of Johnny Depp in person.
2/27/10
Ah, the sun is shining and am on my way to Oxford! So excited. Poor Maggie missed her train and had to pay more, but she is on the train with Betsy and I toward Oxford so all is well. (omitting unimportant ramblings)
On the road again, or at least the rails. I believe my day in Oxford was a success. We met up with Steph and Sally and explored the downtown. The architecture is beautiful. It seemed as though the city was the University, which it kinda was. It is then made of tons of colleges. I ended up buying an Oxford hat because I was freezing (my hair was braided--plus, I just really wanted it). Oh, and I found boots for 15 pounds!! I know, I shouldn't be shopping when I should be sightseeing, but really...15 pounds! Plus, we were trying to get out of the rain. It was strange how the day alternated between bright sunny, blue skies and rain...even hail once. So, we didn't end up doing the walking tour. Instead I bought a book of Authors and Literature in Oxford. Using it, we found the pub, the Eagle and Child, where J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis and the other Inklings used to meet. Apparently Tolkien read his first draft of the Hobbit to the Inklings in the back room of the pub. We wanted to eat dinner here, but by dinner time it was too crowded. Too bad, I would have loved to eat here these great literary minds brainstormed about Middle Earth and Narnia. Next on the list was some of Tolkien's colleges. I think we saw where he went to school and where he taught. And, we took a picture in front of where he lived three years. The other places he lived were a longer walk. We then went to Christ's Church and got to see some of where Harry Potter was shot. Haven't seen all of Harry Potter, just a few scenes on TV, but even I recognized the great hall, which is the dining hall both in real life and in the world of Hogwarts. To think, Oxford students eat there everyday. I can't imagine going to class surrounded by so much history! It would be a dream to be a student there. We also saw the quad and the cathedral. Inside and orchestra was having practice. I wanted to join the students so much!! I heard a flute solo and once again missed my flute. We also paid to tour the Bodleian Library. Every single copyrighted book in the UK is stored here! In the new building, there are ten stories at just books, a lot of the stories are underground. They even have to store some in a nearby town in an old salt mine and a few other places. No one checks books out, but Oxford students and other academics can read the books. You request what book you want and they have tons of workers that have to find it among the nine million or so. Oh, and they are trying to put all of the books on computer databases. I can't imagine! Well, the part we saw the old, pretty study room which was used for a scene in Harry Potter. We weren't allowed to bring cameras in, which was very disappointing. It was so pretty! After the library we discovered a wonderful bookstore. I had to restrain myself from buying books that I can neither afford nor have a way to bring back home to the U.S. Oh, and I found a Bear Grylls surviv0r book!! That was awesome. Well, like I said before, the Eagle and Child was too busy so we found another pub and I had my first fish and chips meal. Really, it was just fried fish and fries--nothing special. It tasted good though. I was hungry. Oh, and there were mushy peas. I felt very British. And that brings us to now--a slightly grungy train seated by a middle aged couple and their over energetic toddler who is now yelling and repeatedly hitting his father. What a joy! We should be back in London here shortly and non too soon. I am very tired. So much history wears me out.

Phew...that was a lot. Sorry for any typos or poor grammar. This is just stream of consciousness ramblings.