London:
An amazingly ginormous
absolutely wonderful
and completely exhausting city.
I. Am. Tired.
Update later.
Goodnight.
05 April 2009
04 April 2009
Nonstop.
This is a snap from today, about 0930 this morning in Burford Village a half hour from Oxford. It's a Cotswold Village, meaning a quaint town compiled of hundreds of dwellings made of honey colored stone that dates back centuries. Burford is certainly a quintessential English settlement.
We weren't in Burford for very long, just 45 minutes and I unfortunately never made it beyond the Church graveyard. There were hundreds of old stones — hundreds — and so much beauty, character, with a healthy dosage of eeriness. I was shooting the entire time, and never truly felt that I got what I wanted (hence me sticking around for so long, attempting to capture something magnificent). The sun was really gorgeous in the early morning, casting shadows from so many interesting flowers and trees.
Church cemetary, Burford Village. The trees were so unlike anything I've seen before.
Detail on headstone.
We boarded the bus and made our way to Bath. It was nothing of what I'd expected: It was better. Bath is so gorgeous, surrounded by hills dotted with old buildings. The countryside leading into the city was the greenest I've ever seen. And the Roman Baths themselves were quite beautiful. Bath is a very historic, posh city — I'd only wished I could have spent more time there.
The MSU Moorhead group at the Royal Crescent, Bath.
Catching some b-e-a-tiful (and much-needed) sunshine at the Roman Baths!
A quick shot from overhead. I don't know why my camera changed everything strange colors. Maybe the healing waters have that effect on things...
I took plenty of photos, but I'm having issues with my camera/computer. I'll try not to get too behind on posting. I've been busy.
Speaking of busy, I'm really exhausted and need to get some sleep for a big day in London tomorrow, where I plan to traverse the Notting Hill area, visit the British Museum, Albert and Victoria, and explore Central London, catch some great city night life and make it home in time for bed...
Love.
We weren't in Burford for very long, just 45 minutes and I unfortunately never made it beyond the Church graveyard. There were hundreds of old stones — hundreds — and so much beauty, character, with a healthy dosage of eeriness. I was shooting the entire time, and never truly felt that I got what I wanted (hence me sticking around for so long, attempting to capture something magnificent). The sun was really gorgeous in the early morning, casting shadows from so many interesting flowers and trees.
Church cemetary, Burford Village. The trees were so unlike anything I've seen before.
Detail on headstone.
We boarded the bus and made our way to Bath. It was nothing of what I'd expected: It was better. Bath is so gorgeous, surrounded by hills dotted with old buildings. The countryside leading into the city was the greenest I've ever seen. And the Roman Baths themselves were quite beautiful. Bath is a very historic, posh city — I'd only wished I could have spent more time there.
The MSU Moorhead group at the Royal Crescent, Bath.
Catching some b-e-a-tiful (and much-needed) sunshine at the Roman Baths!
A quick shot from overhead. I don't know why my camera changed everything strange colors. Maybe the healing waters have that effect on things...
I took plenty of photos, but I'm having issues with my camera/computer. I'll try not to get too behind on posting. I've been busy.
Speaking of busy, I'm really exhausted and need to get some sleep for a big day in London tomorrow, where I plan to traverse the Notting Hill area, visit the British Museum, Albert and Victoria, and explore Central London, catch some great city night life and make it home in time for bed...
Love.
03 April 2009
Improv Show
Quick note:
Last night I went to an outstanding improv show at the Burton-Taylor Studio in Oxford. I volunteered myself and the group sang to me as their final act!
Afterward we got a photo with the improv guys — they were elated to meet "American Girls"!
And speaking of American girls...
Thank goodness for Skype!
Much more later!
Jenny
02 April 2009
01 April 2009
April Cool
Quick update of the day's activities
After lecture a group of Eurospringers went PUNTING. Many may not be familiar — I know I wasn't before I came here. Punting is essentially gliding along in a silly little flat-bottom boat man-powered by a pole. The river was about 13-ish feet deep with a muddy bottom so the pole would occasionally get stuck. It was very cool and extremely fun and relaxing! We were on the River Cherwell, which turned into the Thames midway through the trip.
Punts lined along the Cherwell outside of the University Botanical Gardens.
Just leaving land — unsure if we'll make it back!
There was one guy on our punt and we made him do all of the "punting"; however, I did give it a try! It's very difficult for a little lady!
Me in command — we didn't get too far, but did hit a few walls and trees!
Like I said — RELAXING!
In the evening, I joined a group to Christ Church Cathedral for excellent choral evensong. The service was about 45 minutes of song, scripture and prayer by many talented voices!
Our group (and Dr. Chapman, too!) in the Christ Church Courtyard after the evensong.
The group — including MSUM professor Thom, who accompanied us on Eurospring, ate at Wagamama afterward (see earlier mention — I really like this place!) where I had fantastic yasai itame in a coconut-based soup, and for dessert the BEST THING I've eaten since I arrived: Coconut reika, a coconut ice cream with mango sauce, coconut shavings, and mint. UN. BE. LIEVABLE.
Coconut reika. Impossibly delicious.
A night cap followed at the Lamb & Flag pub! The perfect ending to a productive day.
Thom, Kayla and I enjoying libations at the Lamb & Flag.
I was thinking of going to London today to see a play, but with the G20 protests, I don't want to run into any sort of chaos. I am going again on Sunday instead. ( ! )
Other than that, things are very well and I am continuing to adapt to this European lifestyle. I am, however, counting down the days until the grand tour!
muchlove.
jc
After lecture a group of Eurospringers went PUNTING. Many may not be familiar — I know I wasn't before I came here. Punting is essentially gliding along in a silly little flat-bottom boat man-powered by a pole. The river was about 13-ish feet deep with a muddy bottom so the pole would occasionally get stuck. It was very cool and extremely fun and relaxing! We were on the River Cherwell, which turned into the Thames midway through the trip.
Punts lined along the Cherwell outside of the University Botanical Gardens.
Just leaving land — unsure if we'll make it back!
There was one guy on our punt and we made him do all of the "punting"; however, I did give it a try! It's very difficult for a little lady!
Me in command — we didn't get too far, but did hit a few walls and trees!
Like I said — RELAXING!
In the evening, I joined a group to Christ Church Cathedral for excellent choral evensong. The service was about 45 minutes of song, scripture and prayer by many talented voices!
Our group (and Dr. Chapman, too!) in the Christ Church Courtyard after the evensong.
The group — including MSUM professor Thom, who accompanied us on Eurospring, ate at Wagamama afterward (see earlier mention — I really like this place!) where I had fantastic yasai itame in a coconut-based soup, and for dessert the BEST THING I've eaten since I arrived: Coconut reika, a coconut ice cream with mango sauce, coconut shavings, and mint. UN. BE. LIEVABLE.
Coconut reika. Impossibly delicious.
A night cap followed at the Lamb & Flag pub! The perfect ending to a productive day.
Thom, Kayla and I enjoying libations at the Lamb & Flag.
I was thinking of going to London today to see a play, but with the G20 protests, I don't want to run into any sort of chaos. I am going again on Sunday instead. ( ! )
Other than that, things are very well and I am continuing to adapt to this European lifestyle. I am, however, counting down the days until the grand tour!
muchlove.
jc
Things I Can Live Without / Can't Live Without, Part I
Yes, my life can be more simple. And I like it that way.
Things I can live without:
• A bathrobe
• Cell phone
• A car
• 98% of my jewelry
• 92% of my makeup
• 97% of my clothes
• 95% of my shoes
• More than 8 oz. of shampoo and conditioner
Things I (don't think) I can deal without:
• Several crucial hair products (for the sake of frizz reduction)
• My journals
• One scarf
• Schroeder (computer)
• My boots
• Daily café visit
• And my new favorite — orange flavored Kit Kat bars. I will be bringing A LOT of these back.
One of the best things to happen since I've arrived (yes, that good)!
Being here has made me realize how many things I own that are completely unnecessary.
Things I can live without:
• A bathrobe
• Cell phone
• A car
• 98% of my jewelry
• 92% of my makeup
• 97% of my clothes
• 95% of my shoes
• More than 8 oz. of shampoo and conditioner
Things I (don't think) I can deal without:
• Several crucial hair products (for the sake of frizz reduction)
• My journals
• One scarf
• Schroeder (computer)
• My boots
• Daily café visit
• And my new favorite — orange flavored Kit Kat bars. I will be bringing A LOT of these back.
One of the best things to happen since I've arrived (yes, that good)!
Being here has made me realize how many things I own that are completely unnecessary.
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