July 8, 2011 to August 7, 2011

Day 11, July 18.

Today was a fast paced day from the start. In my fitness class we traveled to the Museum of Childhood and we were fighting the hands of time the whole way because we only had our 3 hr. class time to get there and listen to the presentation and then get back to campus for lunch. We were on the Tube around rush hour and it showed. The cars were packed like sardines and then there were delays and it was very hot and stuffy in the cars. At times I really had to concentrate on relaxing because the walls seemed to be closing in at times. And some of the people riding along could have used a shower and it would not have hurt them to have dragged a toothbrush across their teeth either.

The Child Museum of Childhood (V&A for Victoria and Albert) was pretty awesome. This building and these treasures are great examples of the history and connection between the U.K and States. We had 15 minutes to look around before our lecture began. 1st we seen a game called “Columbia or Land of the West”. The game begins with the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492, and ends with the Treaty of Independence of 1782. We had some discussion on the 1782 date because we know that Independence in America happened in 1776 but 1782 is when it was signed and recognized worldwide. The game was made not far from the museum at Bishops Gate and Liverpool St. Station.

Our second example was called whip and top. And Like it sounds it is a wooden stick with a piece of string attached that is wrapped around a wooden top and you flip or pull the stick and make the top spin. Terrence nailed it on his first try. Others in class were not so fortunate. After the presentation I also took my turn and NAILED IT! Our presenter also explained how to use their search engine to research and locate pieces in the museum. I noticed that this area of the museum was very high tech and up to date.

There were 6 specific items our lecturer wanted us to be aware of because they so closely parallel toys in the states and there were:

1.     The whip and top

2.     A doll very much like out Barbie

3.     Another very older doll made of wood made around America’s Independence

4.     Rocking Horse

5.     Jack-in-the-box

6.     A very old doll that was believed to have belonged to Charles the 1st but its history cannot be directly connected.

After our great but short experience we headed back to campus. Now that we know where it is we can return and have a closer look. Tube was not as packed on the way back and no delays.

When we went to lunch room I was kind of upset because there was no salad. How can you not have lettuce? I took one of the “sub” sandwiches and tried to get lettuce from it but it would have taken 60 of these to make one decent salad.

Took my 1st test in Geography class and believe I did well. Our test in Fitness class has been postponed till Wednesday but I am ready for it.  We took the Geo test and many note about the religion and language movement in the British Isles. 

After classes I went to the gym and then back for dinner. After dinner I took a shower and met everyone who was going to the blues kitchen. We saw and I met Aaron Keyhole a 13 year old Blues Prodigy. The kid is amazing for his age. He was a guest of Sam Hering who was the headliner. All of these players are very talented but the music seems to come from their hands and NOT from their souls. I do not believe they understand that the blues comes from the pain and tragedy of one’s soul and is not something that can be taught. It must be experienced and learned. Anyway it was a great way to spend the night and we had fun. Blues Kitchen was a very nice/upscale bar but the bartenders were rude and had no patience for us asking about types of beer they sold. Very rainy day/night in London.

Day 12, July 19.

Today we had a few hours lecture time before we took the Brit-rail to Cambridge University. After lecture time we assembled and headed off to Kings Cross Station boarded the Brit and headed north. Within minutes of departing the station the geography took a dramatic turn. The hustle of the metropolis of London turned in rolling hillsides of wheat and corn as well as many varieties of animals grazing in fields. I saw cows, sheep, horsed and chicken farms. We also passed by an area where gardens like those dating back to WWII (victory) where a large plot of land is sub-divided into smaller and shared gardens areas. Each had their own sheds and some sheds were rather rand-shackled but some also seemed to be very nice and sort of upscale in nature. The train ride was a nice experience but getting to Cambridge was very special. The first thing I was reminded of was Mackinac Island in Michigan because of the immense number of bikes outside of the rail station. After a LONG time waiting for everyone to pay and sardine onto the bus we headed on a short trip to town center. Tourists’ shops lined all roadways and brick surfaces primarily created the street path. Narrow roadway with Shakespearian actors handing out pamphlets greeted us along with large crowds of people. 

As we rounded the corner and Cambridge’s St. Mary Cathedral appeared, I was just once again awe-struck by another massive and beautiful structure.  We assembled by a large open market which sold fresh fruits and Veggies along with clothing and accessories. We decided to break for lunch then and reassemble after for our tour of the many universities that make up the Cambridge campus. I had lunch at Pret-A- Manger which was a prawn and avocado salad; delicious as always. Second salad I have had. Eat these when we are away from campus. I do not really know how to put Cambridge into words. It has to be experienced. We did not only see the University Campus but also was Blessed enough to be introduce to the Eagle Bar or the RAF Bar. A drinking establishment made famous during WWII because this was the location that many aviators (and others I am sure) drank beer before they went off to fight Hitler’s Luftwaffe. Walls were adorned with the various sticker/patches and photographs of these men and their flying machines. Chills came as I viewed pictures and read the famous ceiling that servicemen used candles to note their individual squadrons.  We also saw structures such as the Fritz William Museum and Corpus Christi College. Cambridge is made up of 31 different colleges but they are even more that adorn the area.  After touring Professor Miller and I returned to the Eagle Bar and took in the atmosphere and history of this location. Professor had been there many times and we talked about WWII and the events of those times. After a hour or so we headed toward the station and took the non-express (on accident) train back to King’s Cross station. We then headed on the tube back to campus but also (because of me I think) took the non-direct line to Finchley Tube station. Professor wanted to stay on the metro line because it was more of a direct line.  After we return to campus I went directly to the chow hall and ate then came back to my room changed my clothes and headed to the gym. Was going to do some work tonight but I was wiped out and headed to bed.

Day 13, July 20.

Today we had a very short lecture period in Geography class because we had 2 hrs, yesterday before we headed to Cambridge. We received our first tests back and I was happy with my 85%. After my shortened class I headed to Sainsbury before Fitness class to get some supplies for my dorm room.

BAKED FISH in the refectory! I get to eat something other than plain salad, awesome. During the Fitness class we took a quiz the we learned how to Square Dance, dance the Virginia Reel and a few others that I didn’t catch the names of but one was the one where you stomp and hop and the other was one that Dr. Lewis said she taught to 9-10 yr. olds back at school when they visit her university. When class started I told myself there are 2 ways to handle this; either be timid and try and stay in the background or jump in there front and center and give it hell. I jumped in and ended up having a very fun and happy time. I actually believe Janaye rock the Virginia Reel better than any others so that was too cool. After we learned all these fun dances we got out mats and did some abdominal work and stretched to cool down. After class was over I went to the gym and lifted. Then after gym it was dinner time and I scored again, cauliflower casserole with a white cheese sauce, two in a row!

Showered and headed to Sainsbury to exchange money but I was too late and the exchange was closed. Three people have not paid me for their football tickets and it is kind of screwing me over because I do not have the pounds to pay their share tonight and I don’t want to look like an idiot in front of Adam the guard who set this up with me but I have no choice will just have to explain my position to him. People are beginning to tick me off with the kitchen cleanliness. First, someone stole a 2.50 drink Jess had in the refrig. And after they just cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom someone slopped meatballs and sauce in the sink. Vegetables are also starting to rot in the refrig. So I posted on FB and asked people to clean their messes up!

Off to bed because we meet at 7:45 for class trip to Wimbledon tomorrow. SIKED!!!

Day 13, July 21:

Sad to say we are halfway home now. 2 weeks down BUT 2 MORE to go. Today we went got up early and met at 7:45 to head (< as in the brand of tennis racquet) out to Wimbledon. The trains and buses were a bit pack but that was to be expected. When we arrived at the Wimbledon complex I was a bit overwhelmed. Being a tennis fan for years if was really one of those times in life when you as yourself; am I really here? That has happened a few times on this trip. We had a tour excellent guide who really enjoyed her job. She wasn’t just going through the paces but she also was enjoying her time with the Americans.  We started out in the gift/shop museum and moved on to the tour from there.

We saw all the grounds and I took pictures and video all over. We learned the many different behind the scenes parts of Wimbledon such as ticket process, housing for players, security details and even learned about Rufus, just one of the official “bird scariers’ hawks” that have photo ID’s and have to go through security each and every day just like Serena and Venus Williams and every other player also has to do.  We learned the many finite details that go into the court destruction and preparations that are involved. We also visited many behind the scene locations like the player interview rooms and media center where we all took pictures from the chair the players would be interviewed from. Of all the courts we seen courts 18 (longest match ever) and of course Center Court were highlighted. After our tour we returned to the museum for more learning which involved a 200 degree movie about every aspect of a tennis player from the way they perspire to the make-up of their clothing. We had lunch there at Wimbledon and then left for the Queens Gardens.

I had visited the Queens gardens before but realized today we only seen a small sliver before. We walked the entire garden in fitness class and it was amazing to see just how big and how many beautiful fountains and different plant, bush and flowers are involved in this complex. At the end of the garden tour our class day was over and we were told we could stay in central London or return to campus.  All returned because we all had some type of plans for the evening.

At 5:30 we all met in the refectory had dinner and met up to leave for the Fulham Football Club. It was a blast. The crowd was alive with song and banter won 4 to 0… We left about 4 minutes before the end of the game to beat the large crowds on the buses and tube. On the way back a group of us stopped at Walkabout by the O2 Center for a few cold beers. The place closed at midnight and we returned to campus. It was a great time because they were having Karaoke. Caroline really wanted some of the Captain Morgan stuff the DJ had given out earlier and by the night was over, with help from her friends she had an inflatable Rum bottle and a Pirates hat to bring to American. Great time! 

Day 14, July 22:

Today I slept in till about 9:30 which is the latest I have ever slept in in London. With so much to see and do here it is kind of a shame to let any free time pass without getting out and seeing something new. However, I am going to have to track down a phone and call the States to see what is up with my Visa card. After I posted a FB message asking to use someone’s phone Terrence came to my room and gave me his. I went down and put 5 pounds on it and made my calls and now I am good to go. Went to the gym and was pretty pissed because the guy I had to work out next to for 2 hrs. stunk like a dead skunks’ ass. And that comment isn’t fair to the dead skunk. Anyway, tonight was laundry night because I figured since it is Friday everybody was out doing something so I would get this done while there was plenty of space. Getting a cold or something so I planned to go to Sainsbury’s and buy some cough drops and Kleenex after laundry fun.

Well when I came out of the laundry room it was pouring rain so I will skip the drops till tomorrow. Talked to Becca in the laundry room and she invited me to go with her and some friends to the Portobella Market in the morning. We will meet in the refectory about 8am and leave from there. That’s it for today.

Day 15, July 23:

STINKS that these days in London are ticking away so fast but when you’re constantly on the go that is what happens. I had kind of a surprising morning. I got up about 5:30 and was on my way to the freezer to get some coffee grounds for the pot in my room when I looked up and some totally beautifully shaped young lady was entering the bathroom. She was totally confident in herself and was wearing nothing but some skin tight Peace panties and a muscle tee shirt. Wow good morning to me. After coffee and shave and so on I met Becca and Selena in the refectory and then decided to return to my room and grab the watch I bought at the Royal Observatory and have the band sized. I have been putting it off but Becca mentioned we were going to Bond street and I know there are lots of jewelers in that area.  So we arrived at Bond and the ladies went on to the market because we decided the best thing to do was have everybody browse stuff the way they wanted and then meet at 11:30 and return together. Becca also said by 11:30 you can even move in the crowd.  As I was walking toward the Bond street “way out” just passed the gate there was a jeweler and he quoted me 5 pounds to size my watch. Took him literally two minutes but I was more than happy because I can wear my watch now!

Portobella market is just another one of those London originals. I love flea markets back in the states and this place reminded me of a flea market on steroids. And the fresh food that was in the air, man oh man everything some fresh chocolate waffles, Middle Eastern falafels, Greek salads, olives, German sausages and so much more. I bought six post cards, three sweat shirts for my nephews and three different kinds of French cheeses. The cheese was really cheap only 5 pounds for all three and I also noticed that the vegetables prices were very cheap. I saw one that had a basket of about 6 really nice tomatoes for only 1 pound. I had a German bratwurst with mustard for lunch (3 pounds) but tossed the bun in the bin. I took the opportunity to get my interview for fitness class knocked out when I came across Jean-Claude, his son Eric and their dog Dunkin (English Bulldog rescued from pound) eating and relaxing on a sidewalk curb. I explained the assignment and they were happy to fill me in on their sports. I happen to see one Professor (name unknown) and other students at the market who were also shopping. I met up with Becca and Selena at 11:30 and we again split at the O2 Center because I went in to get my cough drops and they decided they were getting take away pizza for lunch. Went I returned to the dorms I changed clothes and went to the gym then came back showered and began homework. I think I am going to post to FB asking people if they want to take a train to English Channel tomorrow. I am supposed to meet up with Michael tonight to prepare a study guide outline for our Geography class also. Homework time.




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