pictures

I’m off to france tomorrow but before I leave i just put up a whole load of photos up on flickr

http://flickr.com/photos/23382306@N02/

Filed under: Uncategorized

cambridge + other things

Two days ago I went to cambridge on the trains, and to be honest I think I actually liked it better than London. It was just a really cool place. Really chill but not too small, definitely a college town. Got on one of the open top tours, I know I know but it was definitely worth it, plus I got a pair of shitty headphones out of the deal. In all actuality the open top tour was really good. It added a lot of background to everything I was seeing and without it I wouldn’t have come away with half the experience I did.

The first thing I stopped to see was the war memorial for the US airmen. It was really beautiful. It’s interesting because I’ve never seen so many war memorials in my life. Everywhere I go I see at least two or three. I guess its different here since it actually took place here, but they’re all just very nicely done. The war memorial was decked out in yellow and red roses, a row of 3 or 4 small black pools with lily pads and then a church looking over the pools. Then to one side of the pools was a wall with all the men’s names engraved with statues at every interval. On the other side were rows and rows of white crosses. It was just really pretty.

My next stop was the market which was busstling around, then got a quick bite to eat and headed over to the round church. It’s exactly what it souds like just a small round church built by knights coming home after the crusade apparently there are only 4 in the country and it was built in 1032. Even though it was small it was really pretty to see inside and its crazy to think that its older than the states. Actually it seemed like most of the things in cambridge were older than our country. Its actually pretty interesting to think about. Instead of buildings being made to look old, these are old.

After the round church I wandered to the backs where I got a good view of kings college and some punting. It was pretty hilarious to see some of these people trying to punt on their own. In case you don’ know what punting is its a small flat boat and on the back someone stands and propelles the boat forward with a long pole. One group was pretty much spinning in circles trying to get their pole back after they dropped it. Then about 5 other punts came in their direction and one was nice enough to get them their pole. This didn’t stop them from almost ramming one of the other punts though. Haha it was pretty funny. All in all it was a really good trip.

Took the train back to Thetford where IMandy who is Joe and Mandy’s friend fed me dinner. Ate some chinese and played fifa with Josh and Ben (her kids). Ben and his friend invited me to go out with them which I did. It was actually fun, I got loads of questions about America. Apparrently the thought is that we live like superbad every single day of our lives, haha.

Yesterday, I went to the beach with Joe, Mandy, and Andrew, for an anniversary party with Mandy’s family. We walked up and down the walkway and it was pretty much similar to alot of older beachtowns in the states with the exception of the pebble beach which was a bit different. We played the penny arcades, where Joe showed off his skill playing the crane game. Quite impressive to actually win that game.

Then they made me try some cold sea food and I must say I did not enjoy it at all. After that we went to the actual club house where we all had drinks and dinner and a band played some blues and it was really nice. Walked the beach a bit, had some laughs. It’s been a good couple of days.

-D

Filed under: Uncategorized

the prince is a bit short

This morning woke up bright and early and went with Joe and Mandy to what is quite similar to a county fair we might have back in the states. On the ride over I got to meet Nick and Paul. This is when I decided to ask if I look American and guess what? I do. Shocking huh? When we arrived we had a bit of set up to do but not much. I tried to help where I could. Next we all sat and had a cup of coffee to wake us up and just chat a bit.

After setting up, I was then treated to a “traditional” english breakfast. If you know me you should know I try anything and this was no different. To be honest it was all very similar to what I would expect of breakfast with the exception of one thing. Beans. Yes baked beans in the morning. Overall the breakfast was really good but I think I might skip the beans next time. It just doesn’t feel right and to be honest the only time I want baked beans is when I’m cooking out.

The rest of the show was pretty typical of what I was expecting. I’d have to say my favorite spotting of the day were the mass number of women where clothes way too tight. I don’t think its too flattering to wear something so tight that I can see rolls, and rolls, and rolls, oh and yes rolls. (ladies this is all in good fun so don’t get upset) It was also pretty funny to see women walking around cows in their big dressy hats.  

Other things I had the chance to see: A fashion show in a barn….. very classy, kids covered head to toe in stickers, people parading around their animals, sheep shearing, you know country stuff. 

Ah yes, so the big event. Prince Harry stopped by the grounds, I guess he had heard I was in town and wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I was amidst a crowd of teenage girls screaming “Harry, Harry, over here, oh he’s gorgeous, what I wouldn’t do to be with him” I just started blushing at their remarks I didn’t have the heart to tell them my name wasn’t Harry, so I just let them keep going and telling me how great I was. Haha but no in all seriousness it was pretty cool to see him. I mean I am only here for a bit over a week and to see royalty was really fun, and a good lil’ story to tell. One thing that did shock me though was his height. He steps out of his entourage of cars and he’s no taller than me. I’m serious, more than likely we were really close in height and to be honest I’m kinda on the short range of guys. 

The rest of the day went a bit faster after that. Had some fish and chips for lunch, chilled at the stand, had a beer or two, then watched some moto biking to finish off the day. 

-D.

photos are up on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/23382306@N02/sets/72157605773508907/

Filed under: Uncategorized

back to london

The other day rode the coach back to London to have another look around and get my train ticket to paris. It was lovely driving up to Victoria Station, and then driving past it to the shitty old grungy coach station. It’s rather funny looking at the station and thinking about how amazing it looks then having the coach turn down an alley and dropping you off in a garage.

Having ridden subways before I was pretty certain I knew how to get around the underground but just in case I decided to ask someone on the coach about it. That was a mistake. He told me that I should take two lines to get to St. Pancras International. I decided I would just do things my way and take the Victoria line, and guess who was right. Thats right me. I know I’m pretty good so i don’t want to see any comments about how smart I am. I’ve got enough confidence as it is. Haha.

The Underground, how shall I describe it? Expensive, it cost me 4£ to get there which was only 5 stops. It was a bit smaller than I expected but whatever, its a subway and it got me there fast. Got hot as hell but thats how they all are. Apparently someone was stuck under the train on one of the other lines, ouch, glad it wasn’t me. Took the “tubes” to St. Pancras, and got my ticket to paris, except its for a day later than what I was hoping. Took a look around the station and it’s actually very impressive, I thought it was beautiful.

Being a cheapo, I decided to walk from St. Pancras all the way back. It took me about 1.5 hours to get back to westminster abbey, but it was nice to see the parts of the city that aren’t so touristy, which was kinda nice, but its just like anyother city busy people just goin on like they do everyday, or having a coffee at a restaurant.

When I had made it to trafalgar square I decided to have a seat and eat the lunch that mandy had made me. It was actually really big, but hey I’m american right? haha apparently we eat plateloads of food at every meal. Haha joking. Anyways had lunch and relaxed and just took it in for a bit. Then walked around and saw westminster abbey it was really pretty. Took way too many photos, but decided not to go in. It was really expensive and you couldn’t even take photos ridiculous, but I know I know I definately plan on spending some cash when needed. I know everyones looking for their piece of the pie and eventually I’m just gonna have to pony up and pay. I will I plan on it, I just didn’t want to pay about 25 bucks to go inside for a few this particular day. Revisited alot of other sites that I had quickly passed last time, and the london eye. Then headed over to one of the arches which was a ww2 memorial. Also saw a couple of the parks including Hyde Park and St. James Park. Got tired after a while and then it was time to head back to the coach station. That was the day.

-D

Filed under: Uncategorized

Pictures + A few things I’ve learned + Thetford

I’ve been in Thetford for 3 and a half days now and there are a few things I’ve picked up on. Numero uno, apparently its not proper to start off any sentences with the word “so”. Numero dos, if you order a hamburger in a restaurant you eat it with a knife and fork. Numero tres, biscuits and crumpets are quite tasty. Numero quatro, the pound store store is exactly the same as the dollar store, theres only piles of crap that nobody wants and they smell.  

Last night went out with Joe and Mandy and their crew of friends and families. One of the kids Josh had a pretty good laugh at what we call some things such as a tap being a faucet. He also had the funniest joke of the night too. What did the leper say to the prostitute? Keep the tip. haha. When we arrived in Bury we walked around the ruins of an old abbey. It was really quite beautiful actually and I really enjoyed it. Then we all had a drink in the smallest pub in britain. About 12 of us were in there with little elbow room but when we asked what the record was the bartender told us 102 had fit in it at once, which I can hardly believe. I can only imagine that 30 people in that place would have everyone squeezed against the windows. haha. There was also a mummified cat and rat in there which I found to be funny. As well as the wall being lined with different currencies from around the world. Half the ceiling was dollar bills but I can’t believe thats worth much right now, haha. It’s good when you can laugh about your dollar being worth practically nothing.

Tomorrow I go back to London to see a few more things as well as reserve my ticket for the eurostar. Seeing as this is the first time I’ve been able to connect my own laptop to the internet here, I figured I should post a few photos to make everyone just a little bit jealous. nothing too great it was mostly a hit and run day last time and it was pretty cloudy. Anyways here they are: 

Filed under: Uncategorized

London

So this afternoon I went to london the pearson’s and their friends. We had a great time. We rode a boat on the Thames, saw the tower bridge, the tower of london, the london eye, westminster abbey, buckingham palace and big ben and the houses of parliament. Then we went to an outside mall where we went and got dinner, it was a really great day, and I’ve got tons of photos from it. Tomorrow I believe I’ll have to say goodbye and then I’ll be staying with Mandy and Joe for the rest of my time here, but for now I think its about my bedtime seeing as it is past midnight.

ps license plates are way easier to read here than they are in the states, just a little food for thought america, i don’t believe I’ve seen one plate with a painting across it making it nearly impossible to read, personally I’d prefer to have the plain black on yellow

Filed under: Uncategorized

the pearsons

So yesterday I arrived in Thetford by coach which took about 3 hours. There I met matt’s grandma and shortly afterwards met his grandfather. Both are really nice lovely people. They have a fun little frumpy dog named rusty who’s really friendly as well, he somewhat runs the house as they tell me haha, he even has his own coffee cup. The took me out to dinner at a local pub where we drank with some of their friends and then had dinner. I had some fish and chips, but couldn’t even eat half the plate as it was so much food.

I really appreciate everything everyone’s doing for me by putting me up and all, they’ve all been very nice and I don’t think I could thank them enough.

Filed under: Uncategorized

dinner by moonlight + arrival & immigration

haha, so the first is quite a decieving title i’d imagine, but not really. I did have dinner by moonlight last night but not quite as romantic as one would imagine, but it was pretty cool to be eating pasta while the moonlight shone off  the plane wing in the dark. The row of lights on the edge of the wing pulsating red every few seconds and the wing of the plane dissappearing into the darkness, barely visible by the reflection of the white moonlight. All and all it was a pretty nice flight. I got to sleep a couple of hours and arrived at Gatwick fairly early but next came immigration.

What to say about immigration? Well it was pretty intimidationg. AFter waiting over two hours in line, I finally got to walk up to one of the border patrol people and hand him my passport and flight schedule. The guy just started grilling me with questions about everything and asking for all sorts of other documentation to prove I was actually doing the trip I said I was. I felt like I was being put on trial for visiting the country. Anyways I still got in and got the visa stamped so the trip has begun.

I’ll have to do another post about meeting matt’s grandparents when I get a chance but for now I gotta take off.

-D

Filed under: Uncategorized

on my way

Everythings packed up and ready to go. Got my international phone yesterday, double checked everything, and knowing me I’ll probly go through everything once again before I leave just to make triple sure. My flight leaves tonight so this will be my last post in the US, next stop the UK. I’m really excited but a bit anxious, and nervous as wll, but I know once I arrive in Thetford all thats gonna go away and I’m just gonna be enthralled with my surroundings. I can’t wait to get there, gonna miss everyone. 

Filed under: Uncategorized

packing + good luck to everyone

So, I’m about 70% packed and just to see what I looked like I threw on my backpack. I’d have to say that I look completely like a tourist. No way could I ever be mistaken for a local if I’m lugging that everywhere I go, which I will. Haha, I just thought it was funny. I leave thursday and there’s just a few more things I have to get lined up. Which reminds me I should probably register my travel quarter huh?

Also, I know I didn’t really get to tell everyone last time I saw them but I hope you all have a good co-op quarter, and its been great spending the past three months with all of you.

-D.

Filed under: Uncategorized