We went to Wales this weekend. Absolutely amazing.
I don't know exactly how to describe everything we saw. Every hill was lush green and white spotted with sheep. TONS and TONS of sheep. Every town was just as quaint as the last and every person had an interesting personality rooted in their pride of being Welsh. For example, our bus driver refused to turn around so instead he backed the bus up a hill. Which reminds me... We had a HUGE bus. There was only 22 of us total and the bus (coach) seated 61. We all pretty much had our own aisle if we wanted it.
I always do this. I start in the middle when I should really start at the beginning. Okay, so. The beginning. We took the train from Paddington Station (London) to Cardiff Central (Wales). We arrived in Wales and were immediately greeted by Welsh and English speaking people. After a 10 minute drive we arrived at the waterfront for a quick break to eat and to admire our surroundings (little did we know that it was only going to get better). Lunch ended and we met at the National Assembly of Wales building. Our tour guide was charming and loves his country. He bragged about how progressive Wales is and how their government works. We got to tour the building and see where they meet and in general admire the splendor of the building. After that we headed to Tintern Abbey. This is an 11th century Abbey. Pulling up was inexplicable. I was so overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the structure and all the small intricacies as well as how massive the whole thing was. It was beautiful. I felt so small in comparison. There was so much history in this country just lying about. It felt odd to stumble upon an ancient ruin after only being 3 minutes out of the nearest village. History was just everywhere there. After the Abbey we made our way to the hostel. The hostel was quaint and in the middle of no where. We got there and found out that we had to walk the remaining 15 minutes because the coach was too big and the road was too small to get there. The owner greeted us when we got there and their property had horses and was gorgeous. Our rooms had bunk beds and they provided us with a 3 course dinner. I, immediately after dinner, felt sick. Like, almost vomiting sick. That was an early night for me. After a few Advil and several hours of sleep I felt much better the next day.
The next day (sorry for the play by play, but its how I can remember it all!) we went to Big Pit. It is the only operating coal mine in Wales. We got to go underground! We put on helmets, head lamps, and belts with battery packs and safety gear and then headed onto the elevator that took us 300 feet below ground. We got to tour through where they mined and learn about the lives of the miners and what it would have been like down there. At one point we all turned off our headlamps and stood in the total darkness. Young boys, around age 6, would be in that darkness for 12 hours a day every day opening and closing the doors for the horses in the mine. Absolutely ridiculous. I cannot imagine living that life. All of the tour guides there are ex-miners and are absolutely hilarious. They have playful banter and kept trying to keep the mood light even though we learned that 246 people had been killed in that specific mine and we learned about the lives of the young children as well as the horses (they were only taken out of the mine for 2 weeks during the summer). Our next destination was Brecon. It was an adorable touristy area where the center of town consisted of a few pubs and an English/Chinese food restaurant. We visited one of the cathedrals and after that enjoyed a pot of Welsh blend tea and a few Welsh cakes (we were feeling Welshy). After that we headed back to the hostel for another night of a 3 course dinner (that luckily didn't make me sick this time). We ended up sitting around and talking and enjoying our last night there.
Our last day was spent visiting an ancient Roman Amphitheatre and bath. We also went and saw the Chepstow Castle. These were also amazing sites. The history, again, is just mind blowing. Nothing in America really even compares.
It would be easy to fall in love with this place. The beauty is astounding and the history is fascinating. The people are friendly, in the countryside, and love their country. Wales made me even more excited for Ireland and Scotland.
I'm enjoying every minute here, but as always... Missing home and UPS.
Cheers!
Kaitlin
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
2 French guys and I went to church.
Ok, so. My life is always interesting. I didn't even have to go to a club all night and get super drunk to have awkward interesting experiences.
Friday I went to see Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square. Super touristy, but fun. It was packed and we took a lot of pictures. All of the walking gets exhausting, but its worth it to see these amazing beautiful ancient buildings. It seems like most of these buildings are older than the United States of America. The highlight of Friday was in the evening. A few of us went a comedy club at the Goat Tavern. We went up a flight of sketchy stairs and popped into a room with about 25 chairs and listened to some fantastic comedians. We also drank cider. mmmmm. Cider is basically beer, but tastier. Mine was pear flavored. I was hoping to expand my beer horizons while here, but I think I might have to just become a pro at cider. Awesome!
Saturday was where the interesting and odd events started. Alyssa and I hopped on the Tube and ended up sitting next to two guys. One of them turned to Alyssa and in broken English attempted to ask us what Wembley Stadium was. With the help of a local (who could see it from where they were sitting) we told them that its where they play sports and have concerts and fun stuff like that. Well, this started a conversation about where they're from (France) and what they're doing here (an apprenticeship studying engineering) and how long they'll be here (4 months) and what they were planning on doing in the city (see Big Ben). We tried to help them find their way on the Tube to their final destination, but chitchat distracted us and they missed their stop. So, they hopped off with us while we tried to explain how they could find their way there. Well, they were hoping to hang out with us. (We were on our way to Camden market). So, they joined us. We walked around Camden for awhile. Tried to converse. and they continued following us around. Alyssa and I were wanting to just spend some time looking and walking around, but with 2 awkward French boys following us it kind of made it difficult to enjoy. Also, trying to help someone with their English and understand them and enjoy conversation got tiring. I'm so spoiled. Oh, also. One of the best parts was that both of their names were Pierre. So, they became Pierre 1 and Pierre 2. Pierre 1 had an addiction to coffee and cigarettes and I'm pretty sure other things. He smoked (and rolled his own cigarettes) several times and then had several cups of coffee. So French. They listen to ABBA, Cher, and Linkin Park. Awesome, right? Well, it was one of those days to remember. Even though I didn't purchase anything I still had an interesting day and managed to see yet another awesome aspect of London.
Sunday (today) I went to church. I went because my host mom asked me to go and because today was their international service where she was speaking and because after mass they had international (free!) food. Okay. So. The church was a Catholic church, very ornate and grand. I've never attended a Catholic mass and probably won't again, but this was an interesting experience. I can understand why people go to church and why it is so important to them. It was a pleasant church where everyone seemed kind and caring. A community in which you know you'll be supported. It is overwhelming how beautiful everything in the church was and it would be easy to love every word they tell you. Its easier to believe what someone tells you to. It is comforting to know the answers. It makes life more comprehensive if we know where we are going when we die, why we are here, and that there is something bigger than us. What was more interesting to me though was watching the other people while everything was going on. Children were fussing and everyone generally seemed to be tired and perhaps dozing off. But it all meant something to these people. I have a better understanding of why people love church, but I still will not be attending. I have my beliefs and somehow I have managed to be a good person without the ten commandments guiding my way.
Now, I must continue reading All's Well that Ends Well and read The Pitmen Painters. Even though I would rather curl up in bed (wait, I'm already there) and fall asleep. Also, DAD! I'm watching an old James Bond movie and missing you.
Cheers!
Kaitlin
Friday I went to see Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square. Super touristy, but fun. It was packed and we took a lot of pictures. All of the walking gets exhausting, but its worth it to see these amazing beautiful ancient buildings. It seems like most of these buildings are older than the United States of America. The highlight of Friday was in the evening. A few of us went a comedy club at the Goat Tavern. We went up a flight of sketchy stairs and popped into a room with about 25 chairs and listened to some fantastic comedians. We also drank cider. mmmmm. Cider is basically beer, but tastier. Mine was pear flavored. I was hoping to expand my beer horizons while here, but I think I might have to just become a pro at cider. Awesome!
Saturday was where the interesting and odd events started. Alyssa and I hopped on the Tube and ended up sitting next to two guys. One of them turned to Alyssa and in broken English attempted to ask us what Wembley Stadium was. With the help of a local (who could see it from where they were sitting) we told them that its where they play sports and have concerts and fun stuff like that. Well, this started a conversation about where they're from (France) and what they're doing here (an apprenticeship studying engineering) and how long they'll be here (4 months) and what they were planning on doing in the city (see Big Ben). We tried to help them find their way on the Tube to their final destination, but chitchat distracted us and they missed their stop. So, they hopped off with us while we tried to explain how they could find their way there. Well, they were hoping to hang out with us. (We were on our way to Camden market). So, they joined us. We walked around Camden for awhile. Tried to converse. and they continued following us around. Alyssa and I were wanting to just spend some time looking and walking around, but with 2 awkward French boys following us it kind of made it difficult to enjoy. Also, trying to help someone with their English and understand them and enjoy conversation got tiring. I'm so spoiled. Oh, also. One of the best parts was that both of their names were Pierre. So, they became Pierre 1 and Pierre 2. Pierre 1 had an addiction to coffee and cigarettes and I'm pretty sure other things. He smoked (and rolled his own cigarettes) several times and then had several cups of coffee. So French. They listen to ABBA, Cher, and Linkin Park. Awesome, right? Well, it was one of those days to remember. Even though I didn't purchase anything I still had an interesting day and managed to see yet another awesome aspect of London.
Sunday (today) I went to church. I went because my host mom asked me to go and because today was their international service where she was speaking and because after mass they had international (free!) food. Okay. So. The church was a Catholic church, very ornate and grand. I've never attended a Catholic mass and probably won't again, but this was an interesting experience. I can understand why people go to church and why it is so important to them. It was a pleasant church where everyone seemed kind and caring. A community in which you know you'll be supported. It is overwhelming how beautiful everything in the church was and it would be easy to love every word they tell you. Its easier to believe what someone tells you to. It is comforting to know the answers. It makes life more comprehensive if we know where we are going when we die, why we are here, and that there is something bigger than us. What was more interesting to me though was watching the other people while everything was going on. Children were fussing and everyone generally seemed to be tired and perhaps dozing off. But it all meant something to these people. I have a better understanding of why people love church, but I still will not be attending. I have my beliefs and somehow I have managed to be a good person without the ten commandments guiding my way.
Now, I must continue reading All's Well that Ends Well and read The Pitmen Painters. Even though I would rather curl up in bed (wait, I'm already there) and fall asleep. Also, DAD! I'm watching an old James Bond movie and missing you.
Cheers!
Kaitlin
Friday, September 18, 2009
homesick.
Things I am excited for back in the States:
1) Lavender and Vanilla laundry softener
2) Laundry dryers and not having to wait for the rain to subside to get dry clothes
3) peanut butter
4) RDG <3 <3
5) My mom, dad, and brother (and sister if she lived in texas)
6) Diversions
7) sarcastic friends that get my sense of humor
8) toilets that aren't confusing to flush
9) being able to eat any where in the house
10) not having to worry about catching the night bus
11) being able to open the fridge and eat anything
12) less money worries
13) warm vanilla sugar body spray. mine exploded in my bag :(
14) minty toothpaste
15) a bigger shower where its actually a pleasant soothing experience
16) Christmas
Things I am excited for while abroad:
1) traveling! (Ireland, Scotland and Paris!)
2) pubs
3) tousled hair (on men)
4) new friendships
5) caffe nero
6) less homework (make that almost NO homework)
7) ease of public transportation
8) London
9) spending time with Jesse (my slice of home)
10) legal drinking age is 18 here
11) SO MANY amazing plays
12) markets
13) spectacular history
14) people watching
15) everything is new.
1) Lavender and Vanilla laundry softener
2) Laundry dryers and not having to wait for the rain to subside to get dry clothes
3) peanut butter
4) RDG <3 <3
5) My mom, dad, and brother (and sister if she lived in texas)
6) Diversions
7) sarcastic friends that get my sense of humor
8) toilets that aren't confusing to flush
9) being able to eat any where in the house
10) not having to worry about catching the night bus
11) being able to open the fridge and eat anything
12) less money worries
13) warm vanilla sugar body spray. mine exploded in my bag :(
14) minty toothpaste
15) a bigger shower where its actually a pleasant soothing experience
16) Christmas
Things I am excited for while abroad:
1) traveling! (Ireland, Scotland and Paris!)
2) pubs
3) tousled hair (on men)
4) new friendships
5) caffe nero
6) less homework (make that almost NO homework)
7) ease of public transportation
8) London
9) spending time with Jesse (my slice of home)
10) legal drinking age is 18 here
11) SO MANY amazing plays
12) markets
13) spectacular history
14) people watching
15) everything is new.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Oh, London <3
Sometimes I forget that I'm actually in London. I'll be in class and I'll realize that I'm getting used to my professor's accent and that everyone around me sounds American. And then... I step outside. BAM. Double decker bus, red telephone booth, pounds - not dollars, perfectly tousled men's haircuts, skinny jeans, and those accents.
Its easy to forget what a huge city I'm in when public transportation is just so easy. However, I was reminded yesterday when my usual hour journey to central London took 2 hours due to rail replacement services. Because they're upgrading and always working on the Tube I was forced to take a replacement bus to the next Tube stop. Well, this sounds simple until you realize that the Tube is underground and therefore goes in straight lines where straight lines do not exist above ground. It does get exhausting - all that public transportation- but it is so much better than having to drive every where or walk every where. This city is massive and I'm almost afraid I won't discover it all. I'm trying though. It is also difficult when I'm so tired after classes and all I want to do is go home and sleep.
I'm seeing two plays this week. The first one is Troilus and Cressida at the Globe and the second one is Mother Courage at the National Theatre. I'm pretty darn excited about both of these.
This past weekend I was more involved in the day life of London and I'm hoping this weekend to explore the nightlife. We'll see how it goes :)
I'm already planning for my mid-term break! I'll be going to Scotland for a few days and then Ireland for a few days. Both of which I am so excited for. Scotland for my family and Ireland for more fun!
Cheers!
Kaitlin
Its easy to forget what a huge city I'm in when public transportation is just so easy. However, I was reminded yesterday when my usual hour journey to central London took 2 hours due to rail replacement services. Because they're upgrading and always working on the Tube I was forced to take a replacement bus to the next Tube stop. Well, this sounds simple until you realize that the Tube is underground and therefore goes in straight lines where straight lines do not exist above ground. It does get exhausting - all that public transportation- but it is so much better than having to drive every where or walk every where. This city is massive and I'm almost afraid I won't discover it all. I'm trying though. It is also difficult when I'm so tired after classes and all I want to do is go home and sleep.
I'm seeing two plays this week. The first one is Troilus and Cressida at the Globe and the second one is Mother Courage at the National Theatre. I'm pretty darn excited about both of these.
This past weekend I was more involved in the day life of London and I'm hoping this weekend to explore the nightlife. We'll see how it goes :)
I'm already planning for my mid-term break! I'll be going to Scotland for a few days and then Ireland for a few days. Both of which I am so excited for. Scotland for my family and Ireland for more fun!
Cheers!
Kaitlin
Friday, September 11, 2009
My first Friday here!
So, here's the thing. I am exhausted!
We have been constantly on the go and walking (SO MUCH) every day for hours at a time. This is going to be quite the trip!
I'm trying to remember what all we've done... hmm... lets see...
Monday we went to the AHA centre for the first time and had to find our way via Tube! What an adventure that was. Melissa and I made it just fine there. Oh, I feel like I should start back at the beginning... WHOOPS.
The flight over to London was great. My amazing father got me a first class ticket there and back! I was so overwhelmed by how spectacular first class was that I almost started to cry... haha I know, super dorky. I got a little motion sick on the plane, but that's okay. I landed in London and met up with my roommate and we got a minicab to our homestay! We met Alice and she is great. She's German and one of those "food = love" type people. Every morning we eat at least 2 pieces of toast, cereal, and tea. Perfect, right?
Well, so. Monday we went to the center and had some orientation. There was a police officer and he taught us about some London safety. London is actually not a violent place, but there does seem to be quite a bit of pickpocketing. Then Tuesday we had a bit of academic orientation. The classes seem fun and quite easy. This will be quite a relaxed semester compared to Puget Sound. I have one Shakespeare class where we see all the Shakespeare plays at the Globe before it closes and then a play writing class where I see another play every week! My two other classes are both history of London/Britain type classes where we go on walks through London and explore this amazing country. The last few days have been so exciting. We've done a lot and we will be doing way more! I think we're going to Buckingham Palace tomorrow and then I'm meeting up with Jesse and we're going out tomorrow night.
I am exhausted and hungry! I think Melissa and I are about to go get some food and then I'm going to a pub for a pint :) (its legal here, don't worry!)
Cheers!
Kaitlin
We have been constantly on the go and walking (SO MUCH) every day for hours at a time. This is going to be quite the trip!
I'm trying to remember what all we've done... hmm... lets see...
Monday we went to the AHA centre for the first time and had to find our way via Tube! What an adventure that was. Melissa and I made it just fine there. Oh, I feel like I should start back at the beginning... WHOOPS.
The flight over to London was great. My amazing father got me a first class ticket there and back! I was so overwhelmed by how spectacular first class was that I almost started to cry... haha I know, super dorky. I got a little motion sick on the plane, but that's okay. I landed in London and met up with my roommate and we got a minicab to our homestay! We met Alice and she is great. She's German and one of those "food = love" type people. Every morning we eat at least 2 pieces of toast, cereal, and tea. Perfect, right?
Well, so. Monday we went to the center and had some orientation. There was a police officer and he taught us about some London safety. London is actually not a violent place, but there does seem to be quite a bit of pickpocketing. Then Tuesday we had a bit of academic orientation. The classes seem fun and quite easy. This will be quite a relaxed semester compared to Puget Sound. I have one Shakespeare class where we see all the Shakespeare plays at the Globe before it closes and then a play writing class where I see another play every week! My two other classes are both history of London/Britain type classes where we go on walks through London and explore this amazing country. The last few days have been so exciting. We've done a lot and we will be doing way more! I think we're going to Buckingham Palace tomorrow and then I'm meeting up with Jesse and we're going out tomorrow night.
I am exhausted and hungry! I think Melissa and I are about to go get some food and then I'm going to a pub for a pint :) (its legal here, don't worry!)
Cheers!
Kaitlin
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Pre-departure
So, its the Thursday before I leave. I have all of my clothes that I'm taking laid out on my brother's bed waiting to be packed. Why can't I just suck it up and shove all those clothes into my suitcase?! I feel like once I do that then it makes this whole thing real! I will be out of the country and living a whole new life for 3 months! Yes, this is going to be an amazing experience and I am SO excited, but for some reason I am scared out of my mind! Perhaps its been all the dreams I've been having night after night that make London seem like such a foreign land or maybe its just that I like change, but am always afraid to take the first step. Well, here's one giant step!!
London, I will see you in 3 days! Dallas and Tacoma... I will be home before you know it.
Also, real quick. I just want to mention how great my summer was. My job at the Dallas Women's Foundation was amazing. I feel like this summer I was able to show my personality and passion for life whereas last summer that was more difficult. I will truly miss the women there, but life goes on. :) I'm also so happy about the friendships that grew stronger this summer. Something about this summer really brought us closer and I couldn't be happier about it.
Okay, I'm off to hang out with Will for the last time! (YIKES!) I'm thinking breakfast food and maybe a movie? Sounds like the perfect day to me.
More updates to come (probably after arriving in London!)
-- Kaitlin
London, I will see you in 3 days! Dallas and Tacoma... I will be home before you know it.
Also, real quick. I just want to mention how great my summer was. My job at the Dallas Women's Foundation was amazing. I feel like this summer I was able to show my personality and passion for life whereas last summer that was more difficult. I will truly miss the women there, but life goes on. :) I'm also so happy about the friendships that grew stronger this summer. Something about this summer really brought us closer and I couldn't be happier about it.
Okay, I'm off to hang out with Will for the last time! (YIKES!) I'm thinking breakfast food and maybe a movie? Sounds like the perfect day to me.
More updates to come (probably after arriving in London!)
-- Kaitlin
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