This weekend was very busy. It all started with Thursday night when a bunch of us went to the oldest watering hole in Plymouth. It was great, on Thursday nights a bunch of locals get together and play their instruments and sing songs. A couple people joined them and got to play the little drum that was there.
Friday afternoon we had our weekly “news” and then social after classes to close out our first week together. That night we took our tour of historic Plymouth watering holes. I think we made it 6 different places, there was lots of dancing and we got to meet so many people. There was a “hen” party that included many of us in their little games. (A hen party is what they call a bachelorette party in the UK.)
Saturday I was up early to go on a morning hike. The schedule had us back by noon- HA! At noon were done with the hike and had nice lunch at a seaside pub, . . . but then . . . we had to hike back! So our morning hike didn’t have back to our dorms until after 4pm. It was a nice day to be out though, I would have hated sitting inside all day on such a sunny pretty day so it was good. Luckily I was able to write the first pages of my paper in just 2hrs, so I was still able to go out to dinner and then see Wanted. (I do NOT recommend this movie, as I am certain we are all a bit dumber for having sat though it all.) When I got back in I revised my paper, added a few big words to make it sound like a grad student could have written it and submitted it around 1am. It was due at 8am so I was a whole 7hrs early (YAY me).
Sunday morning I was up early again to walk to church. The nearest one I know of is only about a mile away and it is really nice. Afterwards went and had a traditional English breakfast (eggs, potatoes, tomatoes, baked beans, and toast), except I had coffee instead of tea. I got more homework done, a few readings and some research for my project. Then I was able to join everyone in the courtyard for another social, this one included a bbq.
I love grad school.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Too Funny
So instead of doing what I should have been during class, I was looking around Digg. Here's what I found:
Sign Language: Week 1
Sign Language: Week 2
Sign Language: Week 3
Sign Language: Week 4
Okay, now I'll pay attention.
Sign Language: Week 1
Sign Language: Week 2
Sign Language: Week 3
Sign Language: Week 4
Okay, now I'll pay attention.
Train RIde
Here is a brief clip of my riding the train through Edinburgh. I had put together one with music and words but it won't load properly. I'll keep trying and see what I can do later. Also notice on the side where I have put up the clip of the Scottish band playing on the street. The first two minutes is them talking, but then they do play music.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Pictures
I have finally downloaded all my pictures. I have emailed invitations to view my pictures to most, if you would like an invitation just let me know and I will invite. I did not leave anyone out on purpose. Here are a few:
The "Birthplace of Harry Potter" in the Elephant House- Edinburgh
Where Harry Potter was completed: the Balmoral Hotel
The Royal Mile in downtown Edinburgh
Bagpipers on the street.
The hostel where I got to stay.Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Day 2
Don't worry I am not going to post daily about classes.
We had a long day today, but at least today I had enough coffee in my system to keep me slightly more awake than yesterday. Turns out my copy of Dreamweaver is soooooo old that they don't really even have instructions on how to use it anymore.
Today was my turn to cook dinner, I teamed up with Doug again (we cooked together last year). Lucky for my classmate Doug did the planning and the cooking. We even got yelled at for raising the bar so early even though the hardest part of the meal was the chopping of the sausages and vegetables. But we did have 4 courses, bread appetizer, salad, main dish, and dessert. JP decided to join us and he brought a nice bottle of white wine to share. I am now off for the rest of the week, it won't be my turn to cook or do dishes again until next week sometime.
I have procrastinated enough, there are 3 more articles to read, 3 web pages in 3 different programs to design, and an action research paper to begin. Time for work.
We had a long day today, but at least today I had enough coffee in my system to keep me slightly more awake than yesterday. Turns out my copy of Dreamweaver is soooooo old that they don't really even have instructions on how to use it anymore.
Today was my turn to cook dinner, I teamed up with Doug again (we cooked together last year). Lucky for my classmate Doug did the planning and the cooking. We even got yelled at for raising the bar so early even though the hardest part of the meal was the chopping of the sausages and vegetables. But we did have 4 courses, bread appetizer, salad, main dish, and dessert. JP decided to join us and he brought a nice bottle of white wine to share. I am now off for the rest of the week, it won't be my turn to cook or do dishes again until next week sometime.
I have procrastinated enough, there are 3 more articles to read, 3 web pages in 3 different programs to design, and an action research paper to begin. Time for work.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Class Begins
Today we had our first day of classes. There is going to be A LOT of work this year. We are even going to have to put together a mini technology conference to offer here on campus, open not only to other MSU people to students/professor of Plymouth University. It seems like it’s going to be very time intensive but will be fun to put together.
Tonight we are beginning our “family” dinners. Tomorrow is my first time cooking- it’s good to go early before the bar has been set too high. These dinners are some of my favorite things about being here, we have so much fun hanging out together. Not to mention the food is so much better than anything we could get out in England, land of the bland food.
Tonight we are beginning our “family” dinners. Tomorrow is my first time cooking- it’s good to go early before the bar has been set too high. These dinners are some of my favorite things about being here, we have so much fun hanging out together. Not to mention the food is so much better than anything we could get out in England, land of the bland food.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Plymouth
I can't tell you how glad I am to be back in Plymouth. Before I begin, though, I need to tell you about my brief stay in London.
I forgot to mention about my train ride from Edinburgh to London. At the beginning of the trip we were told that our trip was going to be rerouted so two train loads of people were going to be crowded onto one train. I got lucky enough to sit next to a bunch of stereotypical Scottish men (all but the kilts). They were loud and very forward, drinking heavily already underway when I joined them at 10:30am, yes I said AM! Immediately I was offered a glass of red wine, cider, and beer. They were very nice and fun to sit with for the next 2 hours. They got off before I did and most of them gave me hugs and kisses as they departed, asking me to meet them in NY when there would be there or maybe even Vegas. There were also two marriage proposals.
In London I made a bad decision on where to stay but no real problems at the hostel so I guess it wasn't so bad. But I did lose my credit card, or was stolen, or evaporated, or whatever needless to say - it's gone. The card is now canceled and it seems that no extra charges were made, Chase is even mailing my replacement card to me here in England (at no charge).
The Harry Potter portion of my trip brought me to King's Cross and yes - Platform 9 3/4 does exist, I was there. I have pictures to prove it; you can see me pushing a cart through the barrier. You can only see half the cart in the picture, since I am going through. The first time I was there (yes I did go twice, since I am THAT much of a nerd) I met some really nice young ladies. You will never guess where they were from- PHOENIX, AZ!! Imagine meeting other Harry Potter freaks from your own hometown on the other side of the world. We were all very excited and happy to have a moment with a little bit of home.
------
Plymouth is GREAT!! I can't wait to tell you all about my experiences here for the next four weeks. I have spoken to the hospitality director (Jean Pierre) and offered to help on any tour as long as I was always guaranteed a spot, and JP seemed open to that idea. But, tours are currently up for debate due to the rising cost of gas and the fact that the old driver moved to Thailand (making is difficult for him to drive us over here).
I forgot to mention about my train ride from Edinburgh to London. At the beginning of the trip we were told that our trip was going to be rerouted so two train loads of people were going to be crowded onto one train. I got lucky enough to sit next to a bunch of stereotypical Scottish men (all but the kilts). They were loud and very forward, drinking heavily already underway when I joined them at 10:30am, yes I said AM! Immediately I was offered a glass of red wine, cider, and beer. They were very nice and fun to sit with for the next 2 hours. They got off before I did and most of them gave me hugs and kisses as they departed, asking me to meet them in NY when there would be there or maybe even Vegas. There were also two marriage proposals.
In London I made a bad decision on where to stay but no real problems at the hostel so I guess it wasn't so bad. But I did lose my credit card, or was stolen, or evaporated, or whatever needless to say - it's gone. The card is now canceled and it seems that no extra charges were made, Chase is even mailing my replacement card to me here in England (at no charge).
The Harry Potter portion of my trip brought me to King's Cross and yes - Platform 9 3/4 does exist, I was there. I have pictures to prove it; you can see me pushing a cart through the barrier. You can only see half the cart in the picture, since I am going through. The first time I was there (yes I did go twice, since I am THAT much of a nerd) I met some really nice young ladies. You will never guess where they were from- PHOENIX, AZ!! Imagine meeting other Harry Potter freaks from your own hometown on the other side of the world. We were all very excited and happy to have a moment with a little bit of home.
------
Plymouth is GREAT!! I can't wait to tell you all about my experiences here for the next four weeks. I have spoken to the hospitality director (Jean Pierre) and offered to help on any tour as long as I was always guaranteed a spot, and JP seemed open to that idea. But, tours are currently up for debate due to the rising cost of gas and the fact that the old driver moved to Thailand (making is difficult for him to drive us over here).
Sunday, June 22, 2008
In London
Today is not so exciting, yet. I have basically sat on a train (or bus) all day. Something went wrong with the tracks someplace so we had to get off the train and take a 40 min bus ride to the next nearest train stop. They knew this from early morning so they scheduled our little detour into the 7 hour trip. I did arrive into Kings Cross station but with all my luggage was unable to look for Platfom 9 3/4, but I will head out soon to look around. I am safely in my hostel, but am pretty glad it is only for one night. The Scotland hostels were much nicer than this one, even the haunted one in the middle of nowhere. Oh well, next time I will know better.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
I love Edinburgh!!
This city is great, it’s beautiful, elegant, historic, lively, and from what I can tell friendly. I will tell you about Thursday evening before I get into Friday.
But first. . . How can you have a mall with NO BOOK STORE?!?!?! Let me repeat the local mall had NO BOOK STORE!!! How was I supposed to get my copy of Harry Potter in its birth city without a book store? So I left the mall.
Directly across the street was Balmoral Hotel!! Can you believe it, I was so excited I forgot my previous disappointment and became giddy. I took lots of pictures and even went inside. VERY fancy. There was no indication, however, that it was the site where Harry Potter came to an end. Still, very exciting- for me.
I wondered around the main shopping street, found a book store but it did not have a copy of Philosopher Stone in English. I mean come on people work with me here. Had dinner at a cute Italian restaurant down the street where I made friends with the owner. He was very nice and gave me some tips on how to get around. I have yet to have any “Scottish” food, but from what I have seen of haggis and black sausage, it’s probably better that way.
Friday morning was sun shiny and windy. I walked to Hollyrood Park, not a misspelling, and climbed to Arthur's Seat. I keep calling it a chair and getting funny looks. Either way it’s not a chair or seat but the top of a volcano. The view was spectacular, 360 panorama view of the whole city. The hike up was exhausting but worth it, the hike down was the scary part. Jesus had to have held my hand because my eyes must have been closed for some of it, really something I should have done with others.
Safely down, I walked along the Royal Mile heading to Edinburgh Castle. Midway there I stopped and had lunch at the Elephant House, the birthplace of Harry Potter. While I was there, a big guy in a kilt and leather jacket with tattoos came in, I tried not to stare- come on, everything said mean, tough, biker, except the “skirt”. I lingered as long as I could bring myself to sit still, took many pictures and moved on. (Only momentarily and slightly bitter about not having a HP to read while there.)
Edinburgh Castle was great. I got to see the Crown Jewels, notice the lack of quotations, there was a scepter, sword, and crown. All having been used since like 1200 or so. There was the also the Stone of Destiny, which looks like a really big rock, that they slide under the throne during the swearing(?) in of the king. I don’t get it, but then I am American.
After the castle I went the Edinburgh Film Festival. On the way I stopped and filmed a Scottish band playing on the street, of course they were all in kilts. Again they were mostly very manly men who looked like they should be. . ., oh I don’t know what do manly men do? Any way at the festival I saw “Red” and even stayed for the Q&A with the director and screenwriter.
Today was eventful and exciting. I love Edinburgh.
PS My cell phone doesn't work here after all.
But first. . . How can you have a mall with NO BOOK STORE?!?!?! Let me repeat the local mall had NO BOOK STORE!!! How was I supposed to get my copy of Harry Potter in its birth city without a book store? So I left the mall.
Directly across the street was Balmoral Hotel!! Can you believe it, I was so excited I forgot my previous disappointment and became giddy. I took lots of pictures and even went inside. VERY fancy. There was no indication, however, that it was the site where Harry Potter came to an end. Still, very exciting- for me.
I wondered around the main shopping street, found a book store but it did not have a copy of Philosopher Stone in English. I mean come on people work with me here. Had dinner at a cute Italian restaurant down the street where I made friends with the owner. He was very nice and gave me some tips on how to get around. I have yet to have any “Scottish” food, but from what I have seen of haggis and black sausage, it’s probably better that way.
Friday morning was sun shiny and windy. I walked to Hollyrood Park, not a misspelling, and climbed to Arthur's Seat. I keep calling it a chair and getting funny looks. Either way it’s not a chair or seat but the top of a volcano. The view was spectacular, 360 panorama view of the whole city. The hike up was exhausting but worth it, the hike down was the scary part. Jesus had to have held my hand because my eyes must have been closed for some of it, really something I should have done with others.
Safely down, I walked along the Royal Mile heading to Edinburgh Castle. Midway there I stopped and had lunch at the Elephant House, the birthplace of Harry Potter. While I was there, a big guy in a kilt and leather jacket with tattoos came in, I tried not to stare- come on, everything said mean, tough, biker, except the “skirt”. I lingered as long as I could bring myself to sit still, took many pictures and moved on. (Only momentarily and slightly bitter about not having a HP to read while there.)
Edinburgh Castle was great. I got to see the Crown Jewels, notice the lack of quotations, there was a scepter, sword, and crown. All having been used since like 1200 or so. There was the also the Stone of Destiny, which looks like a really big rock, that they slide under the throne during the swearing(?) in of the king. I don’t get it, but then I am American.
After the castle I went the Edinburgh Film Festival. On the way I stopped and filmed a Scottish band playing on the street, of course they were all in kilts. Again they were mostly very manly men who looked like they should be. . ., oh I don’t know what do manly men do? Any way at the festival I saw “Red” and even stayed for the Q&A with the director and screenwriter.
Today was eventful and exciting. I love Edinburgh.
PS My cell phone doesn't work here after all.
Friday, June 20, 2008
St. Mungo's
That's right, I was there. Okay it's not the hospital from Harry Potter but a museum, but still I got to go. Glasgow was great, went to the Glasgow Cathedral, St. Mungo's museum, the National Museum, and to got to walk around their shopping district. Nothing too exciting, but a very nice day.
I am now in Edinburgh, just arrived an hour ago. I have already gotten directions to the coffee shop JK Rowling started Harry Potter. I am very excited to go there, the guy at the front desk said it was pretty cool, there are pictures hanging up and you can sit at the actual table. I think I am going to buy a new copy of Sorcerer’s Stone and read a little there. I just need to find out the name of the hotel she finished writing Deathly Hallows at and my trip will be successful.
Oh yeah and I saw guy wearing a kilt playing a bagpipe as I got off the train. Couldn’t take a picture since I had so much luggage, but will try to find him again to prove it to you.
I am now in Edinburgh, just arrived an hour ago. I have already gotten directions to the coffee shop JK Rowling started Harry Potter. I am very excited to go there, the guy at the front desk said it was pretty cool, there are pictures hanging up and you can sit at the actual table. I think I am going to buy a new copy of Sorcerer’s Stone and read a little there. I just need to find out the name of the hotel she finished writing Deathly Hallows at and my trip will be successful.
Oh yeah and I saw guy wearing a kilt playing a bagpipe as I got off the train. Couldn’t take a picture since I had so much luggage, but will try to find him again to prove it to you.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond was beautiful today, the sun was shining for most of the day and it was actually on the warm side. I only needed my sweater for most of the day, it wasn't until late afternoon that I needed my light jacket. I got to see the Balloch Castle right on the edge of the lake, it's not open for visitors but I got to walk around the area and the surrounding park. I also met some really nice people and got to be in some of thier pictures. There was a also a pair of Australians playing music in the park who were fun to watch. The afternoon was spent walking 8miles to Luss, a small town on the edge of the other side of the lake. The town was very cute and quaint. I did spend more time walking there than actually being there, but all is well. I am sure to be sore tomorrow. So far this evening I have spent it watching American TV with some Germans and Swedes, and who knows what other nationality. Pretty cool since we are all sitting in a castle in Scotland.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Finally Here!!!!
Finally I have arrived in Scotland! It only took two days, but whatever. I should have known it was going to be a rocky trip when I was "randomly" chosen to be searched, even patted down! Mostly I was worried they would confiscate my peanut butter, when they said they think it was over the 3oz limit. When I offered to eat some to bring it to the right amount they dropped it. After that things did not get better lets see:
- Couldn't land in Toronoto, had to sit at Hamilton Airport for over 2 hours
- Flight to London was canceled, but not after teasing us until 1am telling us that we were about the board any minute.
- All hotels were booked so I had to sleep on the floor of the airport terminal
- Couldn't leave aiport and flight wasn't until 6pm, lots of fun in that boring place
- Flight landed late (but I did get meal service along with a seat with extra leg room)
- Missed train to Scotland by 20hrs
- Caught new train, but then that one was canced, but not until we were on board
- Ended up having to change trains partway here
The view from the trains was spectacular!! The windows were really dirty so no good pictures but I will try again later. The hostel is GREAT, big old scary castle. Very creaky. Can't wait to see if it proves its hauntedness.
Just once I would like to start my adventure AFTER I arrive.
I am starving!! I am heading off to town for dinner. I miss everyone at home already. Cheeres!!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
5 Days
To go. On Father's Day I get to fly out to England, short layover in Canada, and eventually ending up in Scotland. I will spend my first few days near Glasgow staying in a castle at Loch Lomond. Then I will head over to Edinburgh where I will hopefully find the coffee shop Harry Potter was begun.
Meanwhile, here in AZ things are great. Hanging out with my nieces and nephew has been wonderful; they are so much fun to hang out with. I am going to miss them terribly when I leave but we are accustomed to my being away. But the biggest news isn’t even mine but it’s too good to not share. Heather and David are ENGAGED!! I am so happy for them.
Meanwhile, here in AZ things are great. Hanging out with my nieces and nephew has been wonderful; they are so much fun to hang out with. I am going to miss them terribly when I leave but we are accustomed to my being away. But the biggest news isn’t even mine but it’s too good to not share. Heather and David are ENGAGED!! I am so happy for them.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Flash Rocks
Okay, so I was just wandering around Digg and found this article about some really cool flash animations. I really wish I was able to make these clips but I don't have the skill or the HUGE amount of patience it would require to sit down and animate something like this. But I thought I would share my favorite ones with you.
- http://producten.hema.nl/ You have to wait a couple of seconds and it looks like a shopping site but then the fun really begins.
- http://www.xs4all.nl/~jvdkuyp/flash/see.htm Icons at war?!?!? What's better that that.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
first time!!
This is my first blog post EVER!!
Just to set things up - - I have created this blog to keep my family and friends posted on my random wandering around the world. On June 15th I am heading out of AZ to Scotland and England for almost two months, for grad school and just plain old sight seeing.
Just to set things up - - I have created this blog to keep my family and friends posted on my random wandering around the world. On June 15th I am heading out of AZ to Scotland and England for almost two months, for grad school and just plain old sight seeing.
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