So it's an old tree... shoot me. I forgot my cord to upload new pics in England. There are more presents this year and it's not in the fancy room anymore. :)
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Merry Christmas!
There isn't a whole lot for me to share with the world as I have been at home, vegging to the extreme and spending a lot of quality time with Otto (which is what vacation is all about). Just wanted to take the time to say Merry Christmas! Enjoy the season...
So it's an old tree... shoot me. I forgot my cord to upload new pics in England. There are more presents this year and it's not in the fancy room anymore. :)
So it's an old tree... shoot me. I forgot my cord to upload new pics in England. There are more presents this year and it's not in the fancy room anymore. :)
Monday, December 17, 2007
British... Naval... Aviators. Trouble!
So, we'll just say it. My friend Rachel is a legend. About a month ago, she invited me and our teammate Lia to a Christmas ball with her friend Dan, who is a helicopter pilot at RAF Shawbury (yep, a Naval helo pilot named Dan, nothing more needs to be said about this). I think we can all imagine the squeals of glee that shook all of London when I received that text message! Anyway, that was this past weekend. Rachel and I took the train up from Euston at about 2pm on Friday (Lia caught up a little later), and arrived in Shrewsbury at 5:30 (by the by, English people think a 3 1/2 hour journey is like traveling to the ends of the earth. I'd go that far and back in a day at home!). Dan met us wearing his flight suit (swoon), and we went back to base to get ready. For all those questioning whether they can wear their flight suits off base, I asked: they recently changed the rules because they say military presence in public areas is a deterrent to terrorism. Lia joined us about an hour later.
The ball was fun, or what we can all remember of it when we pieced it back together the next day. Dan was a real sweetheart to all of us (he said it was the least he could do for allowing him to take the three hottest girls to the ball... which we totally were!). The one big disappointment was that because it was a masked ball, the Air Force opted to have it be a black tie ball rather than uniformed - ugh! But the masks were good fun. Anyway, the ball. We had dinner, where we ate little, but drank much (each guest got a free bottle of wine - I heart England!). At dinner there was some amusing anti-American abuse, but when they realized I actually know what I'm talking about both regarding the US military and US politics, they shut up... There was a bar and a dance floor and we basically just rocked out all night. The dancing ended about 2 and then the party recommenced upstairs (here, all the officers live on base until they're in the upper ranks, or married, probably). We got into our pajamas and threw a rugby ball around (how things did not get destroyed, I am at a loss). We probably got to bed at about 4:30am.
Me, Lia, Dan & Rachel in masks 
And without 
The girls. Sober. Clearly! 
Dan and me
The next morning was a classic hangover recovery day. I actually didn't feel too bad because I think I drank the least of all present (despite my PINT of wine - winner!). But Dan and I were horrified that Lia and Rachel hadn't seen Top Gun, so we watched that, then Anchorman (which they had also not seen), then some comedy, and then Casino Royale. We also went out to an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet. It was great. It was also great to be back with military boys - I miss mine (Rothman, Kyle, Mike and our Annapolis/DC weekends in particular). There's really nothing that can match the banterous abuse that one can engage in with military men... I feel very at home in that. ;) Now, I HAVE to go to Hawaii to see my Kyle!!
The girls, recovering and rockin' the Navy kit (note Lia is in USNA kit)
Anyway, Sunday morning we slept late, got ready in a hurry and took the train back to Londres. I arrive home at around 4:30 and sat around for the rest of the day feeling lazy and looking forward to coming home...
The ball was fun, or what we can all remember of it when we pieced it back together the next day. Dan was a real sweetheart to all of us (he said it was the least he could do for allowing him to take the three hottest girls to the ball... which we totally were!). The one big disappointment was that because it was a masked ball, the Air Force opted to have it be a black tie ball rather than uniformed - ugh! But the masks were good fun. Anyway, the ball. We had dinner, where we ate little, but drank much (each guest got a free bottle of wine - I heart England!). At dinner there was some amusing anti-American abuse, but when they realized I actually know what I'm talking about both regarding the US military and US politics, they shut up... There was a bar and a dance floor and we basically just rocked out all night. The dancing ended about 2 and then the party recommenced upstairs (here, all the officers live on base until they're in the upper ranks, or married, probably). We got into our pajamas and threw a rugby ball around (how things did not get destroyed, I am at a loss). We probably got to bed at about 4:30am.
The next morning was a classic hangover recovery day. I actually didn't feel too bad because I think I drank the least of all present (despite my PINT of wine - winner!). But Dan and I were horrified that Lia and Rachel hadn't seen Top Gun, so we watched that, then Anchorman (which they had also not seen), then some comedy, and then Casino Royale. We also went out to an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet. It was great. It was also great to be back with military boys - I miss mine (Rothman, Kyle, Mike and our Annapolis/DC weekends in particular). There's really nothing that can match the banterous abuse that one can engage in with military men... I feel very at home in that. ;) Now, I HAVE to go to Hawaii to see my Kyle!!
Anyway, Sunday morning we slept late, got ready in a hurry and took the train back to Londres. I arrive home at around 4:30 and sat around for the rest of the day feeling lazy and looking forward to coming home...
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Winding down.
As of tomorrow - yes, tomorrow - my essay drafts will be finished and I will be on vacation! My milblog essay is now over 2,000 words and it is moving along smoothly. I don't think I will finish it today, because...
1) I haven't been to the gym, and we all know the gym is #1 on the priority list,
2) I'm going shopping with Rachel and Lia for masks in Camden, and I heart Camden. It's likely I'll get sucked into doing more than mask shopping, and
3) team dinners are tonight! We're going to an Italian place in Angel, all glammed out, before we head to Walkabout.
This weekend I head to Shropshire for the Navy/RAF ball. Should be a good time. I chatted to Dan, the guy who is taking all three of us, last night on MSN and he's quite nice. It's lucky I know so much about Naval Aviation - it'll give me something to talk about on Friday eve! We'll stay there through Saturday (nursing the hangover) and head back to London on Sunday. Then I have all day Monday free to do shopping, packing, last minute fun in London. I honestly can't believe this term has already ended and that my classes at LSE are half (well, more than half because I took an extra credit this term) over.
Things I want to do before I leave (I have to keep reminding myself that I get to come back):
- Borough Market: need to pick up some goodies!
- Long walk for pictures: I want to get the essence of Christmas in the UK
- Shopping: I have a few more items I need to get for Xmas fun at home.
That actually might be it. Which is probably good because I have nearly zero free time to get all that in! 6 days!
1) I haven't been to the gym, and we all know the gym is #1 on the priority list,
2) I'm going shopping with Rachel and Lia for masks in Camden, and I heart Camden. It's likely I'll get sucked into doing more than mask shopping, and
3) team dinners are tonight! We're going to an Italian place in Angel, all glammed out, before we head to Walkabout.
This weekend I head to Shropshire for the Navy/RAF ball. Should be a good time. I chatted to Dan, the guy who is taking all three of us, last night on MSN and he's quite nice. It's lucky I know so much about Naval Aviation - it'll give me something to talk about on Friday eve! We'll stay there through Saturday (nursing the hangover) and head back to London on Sunday. Then I have all day Monday free to do shopping, packing, last minute fun in London. I honestly can't believe this term has already ended and that my classes at LSE are half (well, more than half because I took an extra credit this term) over.
Things I want to do before I leave (I have to keep reminding myself that I get to come back):
- Borough Market: need to pick up some goodies!
- Long walk for pictures: I want to get the essence of Christmas in the UK
- Shopping: I have a few more items I need to get for Xmas fun at home.
That actually might be it. Which is probably good because I have nearly zero free time to get all that in! 6 days!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Nothing falls like London rain, but I love that dirty water...
So here I am, sitting in my room, writing a paper about military blogging when my motivation inevitably slips. My room power now, unlike this morning. But it's dark now, and it's cold and windy outside. So it looks like that, at least for the time being, I'm stuck in my room. So I figure I will reflect on the last 10 weeks that I've spent as an expat here in the UK...
When I arrived, I was beyond excited - my (nearly) lifelong, Anglophilic dream had come true! The birthplace of the Beatles and Harry Potter, a place where soccer/football fandom reigns and a dry sense of humor is a must. While a lot of that initial excitement has passed, some remains because I feel as though I belong here. I've met some good people, done some fun things, learned a lot, drank a lot. For the first time, I have a sense of grounding but also a desire for something new.
I know now more than ever that my heart lies in academia, but I also know that I think I need a more circuitous route to get there. While I never thought I would tire of school, I think I finally have. But I think I know what I want from a job - I want to work with people and for people. I don't want the focus to be on the bottom line, I want the focus to be on what's good for the world. It may be naive, but I don't see the point of entering the workforce as a cynic - we all get there eventually; where does one find idealism except in youth?
I seem to have sorted out a fair bit personally. I'm actually single - emotionally, nominally - for the first time since 25 December 2000. While in some ways it's quite sad, it's ultimately liberating. I've finally started to understand the way most of my peers felt in their freshman year of college; I can do anything I want without feeling accountable to anyone but myself (except for maybe my checking account balance). Interestingly, I don't behave in a way that is particularly different from before, I just feel differently about it. It is an incredible relief. I'm finally starting to believe that I don't need a boyfriend to get by, or to feel as though I have a support system, or to feel validated or attractive. Ah, progress...
Some of these changes I could attribute to some of the characteristics of the UK. Brits know how to let loose. Sure, letting loose means consuming copious amounts of alcohol, waking up the next morning in last night's clothe, smelling of whisky (or in some cases, snakebite) and kebab. At home, there is so much talk of work: how much there is, when it is to be done, where one has to be next to complete a long list of emotionally draining tasks. Here, my experience has been different. Work is left at work at 6:30 or 7, and then the focus is on fun, on being a person. So, for the first time I've been able to think about where I want to go and who I want to be, rather than simply finding a way to make the most money or climb the corporate ladder the fastest. Another think about the UK that has helped is just being different from everyone else; it has forced me to think about those differences and focus on my strengths, rather than sizing myself up against others in relation to those characteristics we share.
All that being said, I am very much looking forward to my return to the US, to be with people who have known me for longer than just two months. I am looking forward to being near people with whom I share relationships that don't require hours of negotiation in order to just exist. I'm looking forward to Mexican food and margaritas. Quarters and driving on the right side of the road. The flag. Fat men in spandex. Otto!
When I arrived, I was beyond excited - my (nearly) lifelong, Anglophilic dream had come true! The birthplace of the Beatles and Harry Potter, a place where soccer/football fandom reigns and a dry sense of humor is a must. While a lot of that initial excitement has passed, some remains because I feel as though I belong here. I've met some good people, done some fun things, learned a lot, drank a lot. For the first time, I have a sense of grounding but also a desire for something new.
I know now more than ever that my heart lies in academia, but I also know that I think I need a more circuitous route to get there. While I never thought I would tire of school, I think I finally have. But I think I know what I want from a job - I want to work with people and for people. I don't want the focus to be on the bottom line, I want the focus to be on what's good for the world. It may be naive, but I don't see the point of entering the workforce as a cynic - we all get there eventually; where does one find idealism except in youth?
I seem to have sorted out a fair bit personally. I'm actually single - emotionally, nominally - for the first time since 25 December 2000. While in some ways it's quite sad, it's ultimately liberating. I've finally started to understand the way most of my peers felt in their freshman year of college; I can do anything I want without feeling accountable to anyone but myself (except for maybe my checking account balance). Interestingly, I don't behave in a way that is particularly different from before, I just feel differently about it. It is an incredible relief. I'm finally starting to believe that I don't need a boyfriend to get by, or to feel as though I have a support system, or to feel validated or attractive. Ah, progress...
Some of these changes I could attribute to some of the characteristics of the UK. Brits know how to let loose. Sure, letting loose means consuming copious amounts of alcohol, waking up the next morning in last night's clothe, smelling of whisky (or in some cases, snakebite) and kebab. At home, there is so much talk of work: how much there is, when it is to be done, where one has to be next to complete a long list of emotionally draining tasks. Here, my experience has been different. Work is left at work at 6:30 or 7, and then the focus is on fun, on being a person. So, for the first time I've been able to think about where I want to go and who I want to be, rather than simply finding a way to make the most money or climb the corporate ladder the fastest. Another think about the UK that has helped is just being different from everyone else; it has forced me to think about those differences and focus on my strengths, rather than sizing myself up against others in relation to those characteristics we share.
All that being said, I am very much looking forward to my return to the US, to be with people who have known me for longer than just two months. I am looking forward to being near people with whom I share relationships that don't require hours of negotiation in order to just exist. I'm looking forward to Mexican food and margaritas. Quarters and driving on the right side of the road. The flag. Fat men in spandex. Otto!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
This weekend
So, Saturday at about noon I finished essay #2 and it is pretty sweet. At least, it seemed sweet when I was writing it. In the afternoon, I went dress shopping with Rachel. I found a cute black one, though she didn't have as much luck. After that we got dinner at a Wetherspoons in Angel, and then went to see The Golden Compass Highly recommended!!
That's all. Only two more days of classes....
That's all. Only two more days of classes....
Friday, December 7, 2007
Nearly there...
So, I am 11 days away from America... the good ole U.S. of A! I can't wait to come home. Not that I don't love London, because I do. I really do. It's my new happy place. I want to stay here semi-permanently! It's the same feeling I always get come Christmas time - it's just time for school to be done and for me to be at home. This year has been weird because it's the first time since high school, really, that I haven't felt the need to be weeks ahead in all of my work.
Dare I say it - have I lost my Hermione-esque edge? Nah. I think I'm still far ahead (perhaps not far, but at least ahead) of most of my peers. It's hard to be motivated when I know my essays aren't due until the beginning of next term.
But here I am, regardless, for the second Friday night in a row, writing an essay. I'm a little over 1000 words into an essay on free speech. Now that the ball is rolling, the ball is really rolling. I hope to have it done by tomorrow. A draft, I mean, of course. I will probably be in tomorrow night, too. And Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday. But if I can get drafts of my essays done before the end of term, I can't imagine being happier than that.
I've gotten some of my Christmas shopping done, and if I haven't bought what I need to, I at least know what I am going to get. Another reason why I want to finish by the end of term - that gives me a few work-free days in London to wrap up all the loose ends before I go home.
Just 11 days. 11 more days.
And people here don't get why Pearl Harbor is important. "Pearl Harbor Day? Why does it matter?" Did they want to be speaking German now? Sigh.
And now - back to free speech. Absolutism all the way, because that's the American way...
Dare I say it - have I lost my Hermione-esque edge? Nah. I think I'm still far ahead (perhaps not far, but at least ahead) of most of my peers. It's hard to be motivated when I know my essays aren't due until the beginning of next term.
But here I am, regardless, for the second Friday night in a row, writing an essay. I'm a little over 1000 words into an essay on free speech. Now that the ball is rolling, the ball is really rolling. I hope to have it done by tomorrow. A draft, I mean, of course. I will probably be in tomorrow night, too. And Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday. But if I can get drafts of my essays done before the end of term, I can't imagine being happier than that.
I've gotten some of my Christmas shopping done, and if I haven't bought what I need to, I at least know what I am going to get. Another reason why I want to finish by the end of term - that gives me a few work-free days in London to wrap up all the loose ends before I go home.
Just 11 days. 11 more days.
And people here don't get why Pearl Harbor is important. "Pearl Harbor Day? Why does it matter?" Did they want to be speaking German now? Sigh.
And now - back to free speech. Absolutism all the way, because that's the American way...
Thursday, December 6, 2007
A good thrashing
Just wanted everyone to know that we KILLED Kings (our rivals) yesterday in our match. 44-5!
And then we promptly went out and had a very involved Wednesday at the Tuns and Walkabout. Winners!
Love rugby.
And then we promptly went out and had a very involved Wednesday at the Tuns and Walkabout. Winners!
Love rugby.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Randomness
Sunday, December 2, 2007
A crapload of rain
So, David missed his connection this morning due to snow in Chicago, and I (obviously) didn't want to stay in and do homework (to be fair, I couldn't, this next paper requires a trip to the library... but I HAVE written 400 words so I'm well on my way. Stop judging me), so I went for a walk. First, nothing is open - not even Starbucks - before 10am on a Sunday. And, it was cloudy when I left, but it didn't look like rain clouds. Well, needless to say, I was wrong. It sort of misted at me, then spat at me, and eventually the sky thought it would be funny to literally just pour a gigantic bucket of water all over London. But I persisted - no reason to sit inside when I can walk around. Anyway, I walked down to Waterloo (where there is a Marks and Spencers... needed food!), and took the tube to Green Park. Then I walked back down through St. James Park. I finally gave up due to the rain near Aldwych and took the bus home - which I NEVER do - because it's a waste of 90p. But I'd left without my umbrella (it's such a pain to carry when I'm not carrying a big bag) and my feet were sitting in puddles inside of my Uggs and my jeans were soaked from the bottom to my upper thigh. Anyway, I took pretty pictures. Here you go: 
Outside Buckingham Palace
St James Park
Guy on bridge feeding birds
Fountain in Trafalgar Square: no need for water features, really, when that much rain is pouring from the sky. Alas.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
A sunny Saturday afternoon stroll (alliteration and all!)
I have managed to procrastinate all day! Go me! Not entirely true, but I did take a walk with my camera in tow, because it was a beautiful day (if a little cold and windy). And it's not procrastination if I did stuff I HAVE to do, and I did some Christmas shopping, so that counts as being productive... So I don't have a whole lot of stories to tell, I'll just post the pictures. They're from Southbank, Parliament & Westminster Abbey, around Seven Dials and near Trafalgar Square. Not in that order, because that would be an amusing route to take... 
Well, these next few deserve a bit of explanation. There are these guys who build sandcastles on the banks of the Thames, and these are a few they did today. I walked by the other day and there was one I really loved, but I didn't have my camera on me. But they always make me smile... I took some in process pictures around noon, and then they were a lot further on at about 3 when I was on my way home:
Well, these next few deserve a bit of explanation. There are these guys who build sandcastles on the banks of the Thames, and these are a few they did today. I walked by the other day and there was one I really loved, but I didn't have my camera on me. But they always make me smile... I took some in process pictures around noon, and then they were a lot further on at about 3 when I was on my way home:
Friday, November 30, 2007
Stuff, etc.
First and foremost, I have finally become motivated to finish a freakin' essay! So, 2,939 words later, I have finished my essay on Habermas "Is the public sphere still a relevant concept in our media rich society?" And now I'm going to start my essay for MC417 on free speech - I think I will like this one more, at least it's something I care about. And, the sooner it's done, the better! I'm going to start doing some research and hopefully do some writing before David arrives on Sunday!
Wednesday our match was cancelled because we weren't going to have enough girls to come out to play. It threw my whole day off, because I was expecting to not have to do any work, but then I had the whole afternoon free. I ended up doing a little research and napping - had to prepare for Wednesday night out!
Wednesday evening (before AU), I went to my friend Charlie's for a tea party. She's one of only two Brits in the program and was dismayed by how little we all knew about English culture (other than the drinking - it seems everyone in the program has figured that one out), so she had a bunch of us over. It was cute and fun, and a nice chance to chat with some of my coursemates that I don't usually hang out with. And tea - I do love tea... will have to get some on the way to class today now! And we had scones and shortbread and lots of goodies. After that I went straight to the Tuns for some snakebites, karaoke and good ole rugby fun. Phin and his friend Joe came out, too, which was fun. They may come more regularly, they seem to enjoy reliving their old uni days!
In other news, it is 19 days until I get to come home. While I am absolutely loving it here, I am very much looking forward to coming home and having a bit of a break. I feel like I'm going nonstop while I'm here... get up early, go to the gym, go to class, do homework, meet people for dinner and drinks, rugby, homework, go to bed late, all the while trying to fit in all the other things I love and want to do whilst in London. Which reminds me... I have about a billion things to do!
Wednesday our match was cancelled because we weren't going to have enough girls to come out to play. It threw my whole day off, because I was expecting to not have to do any work, but then I had the whole afternoon free. I ended up doing a little research and napping - had to prepare for Wednesday night out!
Wednesday evening (before AU), I went to my friend Charlie's for a tea party. She's one of only two Brits in the program and was dismayed by how little we all knew about English culture (other than the drinking - it seems everyone in the program has figured that one out), so she had a bunch of us over. It was cute and fun, and a nice chance to chat with some of my coursemates that I don't usually hang out with. And tea - I do love tea... will have to get some on the way to class today now! And we had scones and shortbread and lots of goodies. After that I went straight to the Tuns for some snakebites, karaoke and good ole rugby fun. Phin and his friend Joe came out, too, which was fun. They may come more regularly, they seem to enjoy reliving their old uni days!
In other news, it is 19 days until I get to come home. While I am absolutely loving it here, I am very much looking forward to coming home and having a bit of a break. I feel like I'm going nonstop while I'm here... get up early, go to the gym, go to class, do homework, meet people for dinner and drinks, rugby, homework, go to bed late, all the while trying to fit in all the other things I love and want to do whilst in London. Which reminds me... I have about a billion things to do!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Platform 9 3/4
Whatever, people, I've written 1,000 words. Turns out I need to actually do work in the library after all because, well I have to do research! Shut up. The essays will get done! Sheesh.
Mark and I went to Kings Cross on Monday morning before he left. *Squeals like school girl* It wasn't that exciting, but I wore my Gryffindor scarf in honor of the occasion.
Squeeee!
Mark and I went to Kings Cross on Monday morning before he left. *Squeals like school girl* It wasn't that exciting, but I wore my Gryffindor scarf in honor of the occasion.
Squeeee!
An excuse to interrupt your friendly neighborhood essay writer...
Two things that happened at school today that cannot go without honorable mentions in the award category "Why Laura absolutely refuses to leave academia."
1. From a fellow student - a multinational who claims to be a super liberal, conservative-hating [crazy] girl: "I don't know why we keep cutting the Middle East so much slack. How long are we going to put up with them before they get their act together?" And no, she wasn't talking about the war in Iraq, or the US' presence there. It was a reference to their various media systems, which, to be fair, isn't that terrible considering some of their other socio-political, cultural (etc) issues.
2. From my LECTURER. "Iran's president said they have no gays in Iran. That's clearly rubbish because they have the highest percentage of AIDS sufferers in the Middle East." Just so all of you out there know: only gay people have AIDS. That's what's wrong with Africa, too. They're all gay.
And now...to Habermas.
1. From a fellow student - a multinational who claims to be a super liberal, conservative-hating [crazy] girl: "I don't know why we keep cutting the Middle East so much slack. How long are we going to put up with them before they get their act together?" And no, she wasn't talking about the war in Iraq, or the US' presence there. It was a reference to their various media systems, which, to be fair, isn't that terrible considering some of their other socio-political, cultural (etc) issues.
2. From my LECTURER. "Iran's president said they have no gays in Iran. That's clearly rubbish because they have the highest percentage of AIDS sufferers in the Middle East." Just so all of you out there know: only gay people have AIDS. That's what's wrong with Africa, too. They're all gay.
And now...to Habermas.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Expat Thanksgiving and more
Ah, Thanksgiving. Nothing like the pain of a massively expanding stomach to celebrate the introduction of corn into our diet. Mark and I went up to Sherry and Ryan's in Kilburn where we had a fairly quiet but excellent celebration. Sherry cooked up a storm - we had chicken (turkey was too much for too few, and she wouldn't have been able to cook anything else), potatoes, green beans, corn, apple crumble, ice cream. I'm sure I'm missing some things, but overall, it was excellent. After that we watched "Flushed Away," a Pixar-esque movie about rats in the London sewers. Hilarious. Lots of French bashing (what more could you ask for?). Before that, on Thursday afternoon, we walked down to a place called Seven Dials, where I hadn't been and went to a cute cafe, etc. etc. Mostly telling you this so I can post pictures: 
Two of the Seven Dials
Very Mediterranean side street with cute cafes and organic people
On Friday, I went to class and was bored. That afternoon we headed down to Richmond to see Mark's uni friend Phin. We walked through the town and down to the river and got some hot chocolate. It was very pretty, nice to get out of urban London, and Phin seems like a nice guy (read: hot). Friday night we met up with Andy for dinner at Wagamama. Saturday we went to Borough Market, Portobello Road and Camden Market. I bought a pashmina scarf and a skirt - sweet! We also went to the S&M (Sausages and Mash) Cafe, which is one of the first places Mark ever told me about when we met last year.
Our teacup creation at S&M Cafe
Saturday night we went out to dinner with Andy and Vanita in Bermondsey. Good stuff. Sunday I had rugby. It took - no joke - three hours to get to the pitch. And then we lost - unjustifiably. We deserved to win. We had a bit of a mix-up with one of our trys, and I missed a couple of conversions, so we lost by 2. But we played well and I enjoyed it. Mark, Phin and their friend Jay came all the way out to watch, which was very nice of them! Especially considering how far out the match was. After I finally met Mark's friend Peele, who I have heard a lot about, but I was too tired to be charming or animated, so I came home a bit early. Walked by St. Paul's and took cool pictures...
Mark leaves this morning, which means back to business as usual. DVB arrives next Sunday, so I have about six days to get a lot of work done... AH!
On Friday, I went to class and was bored. That afternoon we headed down to Richmond to see Mark's uni friend Phin. We walked through the town and down to the river and got some hot chocolate. It was very pretty, nice to get out of urban London, and Phin seems like a nice guy (read: hot). Friday night we met up with Andy for dinner at Wagamama. Saturday we went to Borough Market, Portobello Road and Camden Market. I bought a pashmina scarf and a skirt - sweet! We also went to the S&M (Sausages and Mash) Cafe, which is one of the first places Mark ever told me about when we met last year.
Saturday night we went out to dinner with Andy and Vanita in Bermondsey. Good stuff. Sunday I had rugby. It took - no joke - three hours to get to the pitch. And then we lost - unjustifiably. We deserved to win. We had a bit of a mix-up with one of our trys, and I missed a couple of conversions, so we lost by 2. But we played well and I enjoyed it. Mark, Phin and their friend Jay came all the way out to watch, which was very nice of them! Especially considering how far out the match was. After I finally met Mark's friend Peele, who I have heard a lot about, but I was too tired to be charming or animated, so I came home a bit early. Walked by St. Paul's and took cool pictures...
Mark leaves this morning, which means back to business as usual. DVB arrives next Sunday, so I have about six days to get a lot of work done... AH!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
LSE Grievances
The last couple of days have been hideously wet, rainy and dark. Though I really shouldn't complain as we haven't had much more than light drizzling and the odd 15 minutes of torrential rain since my arrival in September. Today, however, is bright sunshine! And warm, which is a nice change of pace.
I'm starting to get frustrated with my program. I spend more time in methods/statistics (which together count as one half unit = one class) than I do in any of the classes related to Politics and/or Communication. It seems silly as a) I've taken statistics, b) I know SPSS, c) I've taken two methods courses in as many years, d) we don't get testsed on the information until June by which time I promise I will have forgotten much of what they cover in these classes. Every time Cait and I walk into Methods or Stats we ask each other, "why are we here?" We inevitably leave statistics early - it's all in the book anyway, and we just giggle at the ridiculousness of the methods class and don't take notes (all the notes are online anyway... why go?!).
Another problem with the program is the amount of overlap in my classes. While it's good that I feel like I'm getting a REALLY thorough grounding in Habermas, I feel like they should branch out. As MC408 is required for everyone, don't cover Habermas in all the other classes - we've read him! I'd rather spend more time on new and different ideas - isn't that what I'm here for?
Also, my seminars are useless. We either go around the room and talk about the various media or policy systems (public broadcasting, freedom of speech, etc) in our respective countries (which to be fair, I could look up on the internet) or are led in a discussion by a PhD student who doesn't know anything. My MC417 (Communication and Democracy) seminar is great because Maggie Scammell is a legend and all the students are PolComms, so we all know each other and things can get a little more heated, because there's a mutual sense of understanding.
Also, I finally got my mini-essay back. I got a 62, which is a merit, which is good. (Pass = 50-59, Merit = 60-69, Distinction = 70+, very rare). The problem, I suppose, is that I only put 75% effort into this paper. So, assuming I put 100% in (which I would on an essay that counts), I'm really far ahead of the curve. I guess I'm just looking for challenge and I thought I would find it here at LSE.
In happier news, Andy moved into his new flat which means I get to watch TV and cook. In EVEN BETTER news, Marky arrives today! I'm very excited, he gets in at about 3:45 which is right when my rugby match should end. Yay!
I'm starting to get frustrated with my program. I spend more time in methods/statistics (which together count as one half unit = one class) than I do in any of the classes related to Politics and/or Communication. It seems silly as a) I've taken statistics, b) I know SPSS, c) I've taken two methods courses in as many years, d) we don't get testsed on the information until June by which time I promise I will have forgotten much of what they cover in these classes. Every time Cait and I walk into Methods or Stats we ask each other, "why are we here?" We inevitably leave statistics early - it's all in the book anyway, and we just giggle at the ridiculousness of the methods class and don't take notes (all the notes are online anyway... why go?!).
Another problem with the program is the amount of overlap in my classes. While it's good that I feel like I'm getting a REALLY thorough grounding in Habermas, I feel like they should branch out. As MC408 is required for everyone, don't cover Habermas in all the other classes - we've read him! I'd rather spend more time on new and different ideas - isn't that what I'm here for?
Also, my seminars are useless. We either go around the room and talk about the various media or policy systems (public broadcasting, freedom of speech, etc) in our respective countries (which to be fair, I could look up on the internet) or are led in a discussion by a PhD student who doesn't know anything. My MC417 (Communication and Democracy) seminar is great because Maggie Scammell is a legend and all the students are PolComms, so we all know each other and things can get a little more heated, because there's a mutual sense of understanding.
Also, I finally got my mini-essay back. I got a 62, which is a merit, which is good. (Pass = 50-59, Merit = 60-69, Distinction = 70+, very rare). The problem, I suppose, is that I only put 75% effort into this paper. So, assuming I put 100% in (which I would on an essay that counts), I'm really far ahead of the curve. I guess I'm just looking for challenge and I thought I would find it here at LSE.
In happier news, Andy moved into his new flat which means I get to watch TV and cook. In EVEN BETTER news, Marky arrives today! I'm very excited, he gets in at about 3:45 which is right when my rugby match should end. Yay!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Musical?!? and Rainy Rugby
Todd and I went out to see Lord of the Rings in the West End last night. That was officially the weirdest musical I have ever witnessed. The first act was pretty true to canon (except for, blech, Arwen), and got through the Council of Elrond in Fellowship. Needless to say, that left a LOT to cover in Act II. They cut out Rohan entirely. The put back in Saruman's taking over of the Shire, but they did it badly. Overall, Todd and I agreed that they missed the point of Tolkien's work. The story isn't JUST about taking the Ring of Power to Mount Doom - it's about the relationships and the people (and wizards, hobbits, elves and dwarves) on this quest, and what they learn and what they do together. The show was very plot-oriented, and with the exception of one nice Frodo&Sam song, the relationships were lost. I didn't like the acting much - all of the characters were very hard, the cast lacked chemistry. The characters became charicatures. All that being said, I enjoyed that they were able to make use of the many songs Tolkien included in the trilogy - they had Bilbo's song and the song at the Prancing Pony that the hobbits sing, among others. I thought Galadriel was quite cool. Also, they did some very awesome things with the stage - it was a visually interesting show for sure. About halfway through the first act I turned to Todd and said "I think Tolkien may be rolling over in his grave right now." While it was interesting, they really, really, really missed the point.
This morning I took a walk - I'm trying really hard to get natural light while I can as I know it gets dark early and it's better than spending my morning Facebook stalking (you know you do it, too, don't hate) - just down to Tower Bridge and back up the north side of the river. Took some pictures of the same old stuff, but whatever, you like pictures.
From Tower Bridge, notice Gherkin and Tower of London in the background on the left. Yes, it was on purpose.
We had a rugby match against Royal Halloway today and it was bloody cold and windy (seriously), and rainy by the end. They got a couple of trys (tries?) early on in the game when we were still very cold, and they ended up winning 17-10. My kicks, if I may say so, were beautiful and less than a foot wide each time, mostly due to the wind and tough angles. They're getting better and consistently on target, so by the end of the season I'll be doing quite well! Anyway, I think we outplayed them for the last 60 minutes of the game - just too bad they got those early scores. One of my teammates, Ally, actually dislocated her shoulder during the game. People are really racking up the injuries. Despite my multiple concussions, I'm doing quite well - lucky!
Tonight I'm meeting up with Nadia for dinner! I'm excited to see someone from home. Also, Mark arrives on Wednesday - can't wait! I'm still not 100% that I'm heading down to Devon, but I may go because I think I need a break from London. Some fresh air would do me good (if only I could ask for sunshine but I know better. This is England)... and it would be nice to spend Thanksgiving in someone's home.
This morning I took a walk - I'm trying really hard to get natural light while I can as I know it gets dark early and it's better than spending my morning Facebook stalking (you know you do it, too, don't hate) - just down to Tower Bridge and back up the north side of the river. Took some pictures of the same old stuff, but whatever, you like pictures.
We had a rugby match against Royal Halloway today and it was bloody cold and windy (seriously), and rainy by the end. They got a couple of trys (tries?) early on in the game when we were still very cold, and they ended up winning 17-10. My kicks, if I may say so, were beautiful and less than a foot wide each time, mostly due to the wind and tough angles. They're getting better and consistently on target, so by the end of the season I'll be doing quite well! Anyway, I think we outplayed them for the last 60 minutes of the game - just too bad they got those early scores. One of my teammates, Ally, actually dislocated her shoulder during the game. People are really racking up the injuries. Despite my multiple concussions, I'm doing quite well - lucky!
Tonight I'm meeting up with Nadia for dinner! I'm excited to see someone from home. Also, Mark arrives on Wednesday - can't wait! I'm still not 100% that I'm heading down to Devon, but I may go because I think I need a break from London. Some fresh air would do me good (if only I could ask for sunshine but I know better. This is England)... and it would be nice to spend Thanksgiving in someone's home.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
I've got a city love...
Two posts in one day! What a healthy dose of procrastination won't do, I'm not entirely sure. In my continuing efforts for "perspective" (dramatic music) and attempts to force myself to take a day off from the gym, I went for another walk. Walks aren't nearly so much fun when there's no sunshine, but I need to get as much natural light as possible. So, I walked down Southbank, crossed Waterloo Bridge (best bridge view in the city!), and wandered up to Covent Garden. There are some Christmas gifts I have in mind from some weekend vendors there so I went back to see if I still liked some of the things as much as I did the first time - I think I do, but I'm still not sure. But Covent Garden has gone all Christmas-tastic! Sweet! 
Then I walked down to Trafalgar Square. I considered doing a museum but had too much nervous energy. 
View of Parliament from the Trafalgar column
I wandered through St. James Park. The best part about this park this time of year is that they maintain blooming flowers, so there are still bright pinks and yellows around. At the end of November when it's dark by 4:30, a little color can go a long way. Also, they have weeping willows all around the lake there, which are my favorite trees! And ducks... it was almost like being in nature, except for the cars and buildings and the looming London Eye. I walked through Green Park which is may rival Hyde Park for my favorite place to lie around. Hyde Park just tends to have a lot more people in it, and Green Park is almost always empty. And it really is noticeably green - weird, yes, but I like it anyway! Sadly, my camera ran out of batteries in the middle of the park which made me lose my motivation for continuing to walk! So I took the tube back to London Bridge and walked around Borough Market getting free samples for half an hour or so, then came back here with the noble intention of working on an essay before I remembered that I hadn't started writing it because I hadn't gotten my marks back on the first one! I'm still thinking, though... Thinking is good! Oh, and for all those (ahem, Mom, Sabrina) who think I don't do schoolwork - I've done all my reading for next week, so stop worrying!! ;)
In other news, I'm going to see Lord of the Rings in the West End tonight with Todd, a guy in a couple of my classes at LSE. Both of us are skeptical of how they can turn the entirety of Tolkien's work into a 2.5 hour performance, but I've heard it's quite good, so we'll see. I'm so excited though!
Oh, and here's a picture of my black eye. Granted, it's started to heal, but I figure I may as well prove to my fanbase how HARD I am.
Just imagine it bigger and bluer, and that's what it looked like the last couple of days
Then I walked down to Trafalgar Square. I considered doing a museum but had too much nervous energy. 
I wandered through St. James Park. The best part about this park this time of year is that they maintain blooming flowers, so there are still bright pinks and yellows around. At the end of November when it's dark by 4:30, a little color can go a long way. Also, they have weeping willows all around the lake there, which are my favorite trees! And ducks... it was almost like being in nature, except for the cars and buildings and the looming London Eye. I walked through Green Park which is may rival Hyde Park for my favorite place to lie around. Hyde Park just tends to have a lot more people in it, and Green Park is almost always empty. And it really is noticeably green - weird, yes, but I like it anyway! Sadly, my camera ran out of batteries in the middle of the park which made me lose my motivation for continuing to walk! So I took the tube back to London Bridge and walked around Borough Market getting free samples for half an hour or so, then came back here with the noble intention of working on an essay before I remembered that I hadn't started writing it because I hadn't gotten my marks back on the first one! I'm still thinking, though... Thinking is good! Oh, and for all those (ahem, Mom, Sabrina) who think I don't do schoolwork - I've done all my reading for next week, so stop worrying!! ;)
In other news, I'm going to see Lord of the Rings in the West End tonight with Todd, a guy in a couple of my classes at LSE. Both of us are skeptical of how they can turn the entirety of Tolkien's work into a 2.5 hour performance, but I've heard it's quite good, so we'll see. I'm so excited though!
Oh, and here's a picture of my black eye. Granted, it's started to heal, but I figure I may as well prove to my fanbase how HARD I am.
Black eyes are sexy!
I realized that I haven't written anything of substance for a few posts now. Well, I think that's probably reflective of the fact that I pretty much have a routine here. The gym now feels like 'my gym', the walk to school is beautiful but boring, classes are to be complained about, I've figured out who I like around here and who I definitely do not, and overall I feel settled.
I'm starting to feel some pressure to start my essays, but I still haven't received feedback on my unassessed essay and therefore am reluctant to start new ones if I don't know where my weaknesses are. I have been thinking a lot about the first one I'm going to write, though, which means I think it will be written, edited and printed within a week!
Rugby continues to be good fun. Wednesday night was pretty boring, I only went out to the Tuns for a couple of hours. The team sang "Maneater" for karaoke in celebration of my return, as I'd missed the last two weeks. We lost the game on Wednesday, and I got the shit kicked out of me. My legs are really bruised and I have a bit of a black eye - the bruise is mostly in the crease of my eyelid so it's actually not that noticeable, particularly if I wear eyeshadow. In other rugby news, it seems we have a coach. His name is Ian, he's a veterinarian and a Kiwi, and seems like he's going to be really great. Very passionate about the game and incredibly helpful to have around for the matches. He's traveling some over the next month, but he should be around more regularly next term.
Yesterday I went for a walk through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens in order to get some "perspective" (there's an ominous word). I'm not sure it worked, but I took some pretty pictures:
In other news, I've been invited by my teammate Rachel to go with her and a friend of hers to a Navy Ball in December...! I have to find a dress! I had mentioned Dan (and his Navy, pilot-ness) and she thought that I was the perfect person to go with her. I'm looking forward to it. It's the last Friday of term so it'll be a great way to celebrate being half way (holy shit) through my classes here at LSE.
I'm sure I'll come up with more exciting things to write soon...
I'm starting to feel some pressure to start my essays, but I still haven't received feedback on my unassessed essay and therefore am reluctant to start new ones if I don't know where my weaknesses are. I have been thinking a lot about the first one I'm going to write, though, which means I think it will be written, edited and printed within a week!
Rugby continues to be good fun. Wednesday night was pretty boring, I only went out to the Tuns for a couple of hours. The team sang "Maneater" for karaoke in celebration of my return, as I'd missed the last two weeks. We lost the game on Wednesday, and I got the shit kicked out of me. My legs are really bruised and I have a bit of a black eye - the bruise is mostly in the crease of my eyelid so it's actually not that noticeable, particularly if I wear eyeshadow. In other rugby news, it seems we have a coach. His name is Ian, he's a veterinarian and a Kiwi, and seems like he's going to be really great. Very passionate about the game and incredibly helpful to have around for the matches. He's traveling some over the next month, but he should be around more regularly next term.
Yesterday I went for a walk through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens in order to get some "perspective" (there's an ominous word). I'm not sure it worked, but I took some pretty pictures:
In other news, I've been invited by my teammate Rachel to go with her and a friend of hers to a Navy Ball in December...! I have to find a dress! I had mentioned Dan (and his Navy, pilot-ness) and she thought that I was the perfect person to go with her. I'm looking forward to it. It's the last Friday of term so it'll be a great way to celebrate being half way (holy shit) through my classes here at LSE.
I'm sure I'll come up with more exciting things to write soon...
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Things I Prefer About the UK
So I figured my last post needed to be balanced with a list of things that I actually like better here.
1. Men are Gentlemen. They hold open doors, let you walk through first, are very courteous. Much improved on American men.
2. Premade Sandwiches. Convenience epitomized.
3. Drinking. It's Thursday and it's totally acceptable that the only day this week I haven't had a drink is on Monday.
4. Rugby. Victory #2 for LSE WRFC yesterday!
5. Football. Players. Quality of play. Pervasiveness.
6. Colored Money. Yes, I give in. The colors help.
7. No ATM Fees. I can go to any bank and I don't get fees charged when I take out money. Sweet!
8. OK, I lied about the accents. They never really get old.
9. Humor. People are funnier here. Cynical, sarcastic, toxic. It's excellent.
10. Mini skirts. People wear them. Leggings, tights, flats, boots. It's totally acceptable to wear them pretty much anywhere.
11. Coats. People have the coolest coats here. I need a new one for winter now!
12. Cider, cider, cider.
13. Blackcurrant. While I wish they didn't have it instead of grape, it's pretty awesome. Especially when you combine it with Fosters and Strongbow... ;)
That's also a preliminary list. Now, off to hip hop dancing...
1. Men are Gentlemen. They hold open doors, let you walk through first, are very courteous. Much improved on American men.
2. Premade Sandwiches. Convenience epitomized.
3. Drinking. It's Thursday and it's totally acceptable that the only day this week I haven't had a drink is on Monday.
4. Rugby. Victory #2 for LSE WRFC yesterday!
5. Football. Players. Quality of play. Pervasiveness.
6. Colored Money. Yes, I give in. The colors help.
7. No ATM Fees. I can go to any bank and I don't get fees charged when I take out money. Sweet!
8. OK, I lied about the accents. They never really get old.
9. Humor. People are funnier here. Cynical, sarcastic, toxic. It's excellent.
10. Mini skirts. People wear them. Leggings, tights, flats, boots. It's totally acceptable to wear them pretty much anywhere.
11. Coats. People have the coolest coats here. I need a new one for winter now!
12. Cider, cider, cider.
13. Blackcurrant. While I wish they didn't have it instead of grape, it's pretty awesome. Especially when you combine it with Fosters and Strongbow... ;)
That's also a preliminary list. Now, off to hip hop dancing...
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Things I Miss about America!
1. Diet Vanilla Coke. The only flavors they have here are Citrus (which is weird) and Cherry (which is too cherry-y for me)
2. Nutrition Facts. They always have nutrition facts per 100g, but rarely does food come in that amount, so I have to do math! Thats a lot of work for something who compulsively reads nutrition facts.
3. Walking on the Right. They haven't made up their mind about whether they walk to their right (like us) or to the left (like they drive).
4. $1 bills. One and two pound coins fill up my wallet in a ridiculous way. And 2p coins. They have way too many coins here. And no quarter? Whatever.
5. Unlimited nights and weekends. Cell phones plans here give you however many minutes (ie 500) for the whole month including nights and weekends. Boo!
6. Anticipation of Thanksgiving. Come Nov 1, they jump right into Christmas and miss the best holiday! However, the Pret Christmas sandwich is Thanksigiving dinner in sandwich form (kudos to Andy for the recommendation).
7. Television. While I'm glad I don't have a TV, it's nice to have on nights when I don't (or don't want) anything else to do. And I miss crap MTV shows. Thankfully I got to watch "My Fabulous Wedding" or something at Rich's. Excellent stuff!
8. The dollar. While the dollar is absolute shit right now, at least things are cheaper in America!
9. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. 'Nuff said!
10. The English Language. Half of the people in this country don't speak English, and if they speak it, they don't understand it. And we thought we had immigration problems...
11. The Service Industry. As we don't tip much (or at all), nobody cares if you get good service. Everything takes so bloody long.
12. Going to class in sweatpants. Everyone is so stylish, it's hard to keep up!
13. Football. Never thought I'd say it, but there's something about fall without fat men in spandex that's a little sad. Shout out to the Pats for being the best effing team in the world.
14. Pedestrian right of way. Cars here are a little too aggressive in trying to get pedestrians off the road!
15. Other Diet Soda. Diet Coke gets boring, but there's no variety here! What I would give for a Fresca...
16. Clean Air. It ain't called the Big Smoke for nothing!
17. Being excited about English accents.And to think I thought I'd never get tired of 'em... I don't hear it at all unless they say odd words.
18. Saying chips and not meaning fries. It's just backwards. Not that I say 'chips' anyway!
There are a few others, I'm sure, but that's a preliminary list. I'm sure I will add to it in weeks to come!
2. Nutrition Facts. They always have nutrition facts per 100g, but rarely does food come in that amount, so I have to do math! Thats a lot of work for something who compulsively reads nutrition facts.
3. Walking on the Right. They haven't made up their mind about whether they walk to their right (like us) or to the left (like they drive).
4. $1 bills. One and two pound coins fill up my wallet in a ridiculous way. And 2p coins. They have way too many coins here. And no quarter? Whatever.
5. Unlimited nights and weekends. Cell phones plans here give you however many minutes (ie 500) for the whole month including nights and weekends. Boo!
6. Anticipation of Thanksgiving. Come Nov 1, they jump right into Christmas and miss the best holiday! However, the Pret Christmas sandwich is Thanksigiving dinner in sandwich form (kudos to Andy for the recommendation).
7. Television. While I'm glad I don't have a TV, it's nice to have on nights when I don't (or don't want) anything else to do. And I miss crap MTV shows. Thankfully I got to watch "My Fabulous Wedding" or something at Rich's. Excellent stuff!
8. The dollar. While the dollar is absolute shit right now, at least things are cheaper in America!
9. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. 'Nuff said!
10. The English Language. Half of the people in this country don't speak English, and if they speak it, they don't understand it. And we thought we had immigration problems...
11. The Service Industry. As we don't tip much (or at all), nobody cares if you get good service. Everything takes so bloody long.
12. Going to class in sweatpants. Everyone is so stylish, it's hard to keep up!
13. Football. Never thought I'd say it, but there's something about fall without fat men in spandex that's a little sad. Shout out to the Pats for being the best effing team in the world.
14. Pedestrian right of way. Cars here are a little too aggressive in trying to get pedestrians off the road!
15. Other Diet Soda. Diet Coke gets boring, but there's no variety here! What I would give for a Fresca...
16. Clean Air. It ain't called the Big Smoke for nothing!
17. Being excited about English accents.And to think I thought I'd never get tired of 'em... I don't hear it at all unless they say odd words.
18. Saying chips and not meaning fries. It's just backwards. Not that I say 'chips' anyway!
There are a few others, I'm sure, but that's a preliminary list. I'm sure I will add to it in weeks to come!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Random London Pictures
Fireworks and Footie
Lots of exciting happenings this weekend. On Friday night I went out with Cait and a few of her friends from her hall to see fireworks in celebration of Guy Fawkes Day. In case any of you haven't seen 'V for Vendetta' (or for any of those like me, who lack the cultural awarness pre-Hollywood movie), Guy Fawkes Day is the 5th of November and commemerates the day that the Gunpowder Plot (to blow up Parliament and kill King James I, in order to overthrow the Protestant ruling of England) was foiled. It was in 1605.
Remember, remember the fifth of November,
The gunpowder, treason and plot,
I know of no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot
The English set off fireworks and have huge bonfires, so that's what we did. We went down to a small fair in Putney and it was good fun. Pictures of fireworks and of Putney:
Saturday morning I got up at 6:30 (!) to go for a run before we left for Manchester. It turned out to be an absolutely beautiful morning; I ran down to Westminster, up to Tower Bridge and the back. I got to watch the sunrise behind Tower Bridge. So, I may never get up that early and see it again, but it was worth doing once. After that, I met Andy and we took the train up to Manchester - my first trip in the UK outside of London! The countryside was quite pretty, and we arrived in Manchester (less pretty) at 1. We went back to watch the second half of the Arsenal game on TV, then drove up to Blackburn to see the Blackburn-Liverpool game. I LOVE soccer/football here! The Blackburn keeper is none other than Brad Friedel (US National keeper for those who don't know) and I was psyched to be very familiar with at least one player on the field. The first half Blackburn dominated, but the last 25 minutes was all Liverpool. It was a 0-0 game, but I loved it. The game was sold out and there was singing and chanting... it was fabulous.
Satuday night we went out in Manchester, which was fun but not thrilling. I seem to have transferred some of my New England elitism to Londoner elitism - Manchester is a very different place: very working class, architecturally different (echoes of Concord, NH... or vice versa). And they all have funny accents. In a bad way, girls. ;) Sunday morning I went for a short run (to see more of the area, really), then lounged around watching sports on TV in Rich's house until taking the train back late afternoon yesterday.
Remember, remember the fifth of November,
The gunpowder, treason and plot,
I know of no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot
The English set off fireworks and have huge bonfires, so that's what we did. We went down to a small fair in Putney and it was good fun. Pictures of fireworks and of Putney:
Saturday morning I got up at 6:30 (!) to go for a run before we left for Manchester. It turned out to be an absolutely beautiful morning; I ran down to Westminster, up to Tower Bridge and the back. I got to watch the sunrise behind Tower Bridge. So, I may never get up that early and see it again, but it was worth doing once. After that, I met Andy and we took the train up to Manchester - my first trip in the UK outside of London! The countryside was quite pretty, and we arrived in Manchester (less pretty) at 1. We went back to watch the second half of the Arsenal game on TV, then drove up to Blackburn to see the Blackburn-Liverpool game. I LOVE soccer/football here! The Blackburn keeper is none other than Brad Friedel (US National keeper for those who don't know) and I was psyched to be very familiar with at least one player on the field. The first half Blackburn dominated, but the last 25 minutes was all Liverpool. It was a 0-0 game, but I loved it. The game was sold out and there was singing and chanting... it was fabulous.
Satuday night we went out in Manchester, which was fun but not thrilling. I seem to have transferred some of my New England elitism to Londoner elitism - Manchester is a very different place: very working class, architecturally different (echoes of Concord, NH... or vice versa). And they all have funny accents. In a bad way, girls. ;) Sunday morning I went for a short run (to see more of the area, really), then lounged around watching sports on TV in Rich's house until taking the train back late afternoon yesterday.
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