Just to keep everyone up to date:
It appears that as of July 1, London hostels are almost completely booked and DOUBLE IN PRICE (thank you, high season!). 8 days was going to cost me upwards of 250 Pounds (over 500 Canadian dollars) just for lodging, and as Ive seen London (though I love it!),I've decided to move my flight home up by a week, which means I will be arriving in Canada (Hamilton airport) on Thursday July 5. I do still plan to stay away from work (and possibly Toronto) until the 13th, so it will still be vacation, but just not in Europe. Although I feel a wee bit sad about this, considering the work situation with Lingue Senza Frontiere and the fact that I do need to think about tuition for the upcoming year, I believe it is the right decision for me.
BUT: I still have 4 days in PARIS ahead of me, which I am INCREDIBLY, COMPLETELY excited about. My flight leaves Rome at 830 tomorrow night and I will be there until wednesday evening, when I head to London Stanstead. I hope Paris, like Pompei, will live up to my expectations. Perhaps I will come back a musical superstar like Feist, or a brooding, beret-wearing poet. Or maybe just as me, coz I've been thinking:
Seeing these incredible sights and being in these world famous cities doesnt change people ( I dont think its changed me, at any rate). My day to day life will be much the same when I return, I suspect. Maybe it's about the stress and the anxiety and the actual TRAVELLING, or, as some new age thinkers would say, the journey. I guess time will tell....
See you all soon. Sooner than you thought!
K.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Pompei...
Was completely incredible!!!
I took a day trip there on Thursday and in no way was I prepared for the magnitude of the site - especially after the somewhat disappointing sights of Rome. I was amazed by just how preserved everything is - although there are no body indentations (which I was sort of hoping for, as morbid as that may sound), the body casts were incredible and vivid, and the fact that frescoes and tiling still remain is incredible. The site was also littered with stray dogs, who were very sweet and gave me a bit of a fix until I can see Calvin again (so sooon!)...
Today I visited the Pantheon and Piazza Navoni. The Pantheon dome is incredible (the largest dome in antiquity, thank you ACS 200!), and Piazza Navoni lovely, although (and this SUCKS!) the Fountain of the 4 Seasons is under repair and so all scaffolded and water-less. Bummer.
Tomorrow is mylast day in Rome (whoopie!) and I plan to see the thingy from Roman Holiday and the Jesus Steps. Wow, I sure am eloquent at midnight aftera day in the Roman sun!
I took a day trip there on Thursday and in no way was I prepared for the magnitude of the site - especially after the somewhat disappointing sights of Rome. I was amazed by just how preserved everything is - although there are no body indentations (which I was sort of hoping for, as morbid as that may sound), the body casts were incredible and vivid, and the fact that frescoes and tiling still remain is incredible. The site was also littered with stray dogs, who were very sweet and gave me a bit of a fix until I can see Calvin again (so sooon!)...
Today I visited the Pantheon and Piazza Navoni. The Pantheon dome is incredible (the largest dome in antiquity, thank you ACS 200!), and Piazza Navoni lovely, although (and this SUCKS!) the Fountain of the 4 Seasons is under repair and so all scaffolded and water-less. Bummer.
Tomorrow is mylast day in Rome (whoopie!) and I plan to see the thingy from Roman Holiday and the Jesus Steps. Wow, I sure am eloquent at midnight aftera day in the Roman sun!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Rome....
Day number 3.
Lots to write.
I arrived Monday and was bombarded with the insane heat. Yuck! I ventured out and my first stop was the Colosseum, which looks just as it does in pictures. Exactly the same. I felt s though it was something Ive seen many many times. The one thing that surprised me was how CLOSE it was to the subway and how integrated it is with the city. You literally exit the subway station and - BOOM - there it is. I didnt pay to go in, but instead roamed (HA! I roamed in Rome!) about the nearby ruins......That evening, I met a Japanese girl who had ben studyig English in London and who was on a mini break, and she introduced me to her Italian friends and we all had gelato. A nice end to the day...
Tuesday was reserved for the Vatican Museums and the basilica, which were big. The museums were so very packed that I just about wanted to leave, but I felt like I "should" see the Sistene chapel. Which I did. It too, is big. And again, I wasn't really moved. I started to really identify with Walter Benjamin's idea of the "aura" of a piece of art (or building, or place) being depleted by film and photography. Or perhaps I was just feeling jaded.....St. Peter's Basilica and the Cupolo (dome at the top) were amazing. To think that people can build so much. By hand. I think its fairly safe to say that a building of this kind would not be buildable (is that a word???) today. Too much work for we who love quick pouring concrete etc. Last night I went to see a film (Fantastic 4...so very very bad. But what was I expecting?) and had my first "wow" moment in Rome. Exiting the theatre, I walked into Piazza del Popolo, which has an Egyptian abelisk and small fountain at the centre. It was just about dark,the moon was shining very brightly, and the first star had just appeared. The piazza was littered with people, and a busker began to play his saxophone. His music echoed through the square, and it was magic. Complete magic. My photos will not do justice, nor will my words, I'm afraid. You'll all hav to come to Rome for yourselves (just not for 6 days. Too long!)....
It is 3pm here now and I have just returned to the hostel to get some info about Pompeii (!!!!!!) day trips and to try and get this pesky water out of my ear before I fly (to PARIS!) on Saturday night. I've spent today wandering by the Tiber River and visiting the Circus Maximus (which is little more than a field and a waste of time! Argh!). I did spend a little time on the Spanish Steps and in the church above them, where there was a Latin and French service happening that was lovely......
Off again. Love to you all - I'll try to get more pics up soon!
Lots to write.
I arrived Monday and was bombarded with the insane heat. Yuck! I ventured out and my first stop was the Colosseum, which looks just as it does in pictures. Exactly the same. I felt s though it was something Ive seen many many times. The one thing that surprised me was how CLOSE it was to the subway and how integrated it is with the city. You literally exit the subway station and - BOOM - there it is. I didnt pay to go in, but instead roamed (HA! I roamed in Rome!) about the nearby ruins......That evening, I met a Japanese girl who had ben studyig English in London and who was on a mini break, and she introduced me to her Italian friends and we all had gelato. A nice end to the day...
Tuesday was reserved for the Vatican Museums and the basilica, which were big. The museums were so very packed that I just about wanted to leave, but I felt like I "should" see the Sistene chapel. Which I did. It too, is big. And again, I wasn't really moved. I started to really identify with Walter Benjamin's idea of the "aura" of a piece of art (or building, or place) being depleted by film and photography. Or perhaps I was just feeling jaded.....St. Peter's Basilica and the Cupolo (dome at the top) were amazing. To think that people can build so much. By hand. I think its fairly safe to say that a building of this kind would not be buildable (is that a word???) today. Too much work for we who love quick pouring concrete etc. Last night I went to see a film (Fantastic 4...so very very bad. But what was I expecting?) and had my first "wow" moment in Rome. Exiting the theatre, I walked into Piazza del Popolo, which has an Egyptian abelisk and small fountain at the centre. It was just about dark,the moon was shining very brightly, and the first star had just appeared. The piazza was littered with people, and a busker began to play his saxophone. His music echoed through the square, and it was magic. Complete magic. My photos will not do justice, nor will my words, I'm afraid. You'll all hav to come to Rome for yourselves (just not for 6 days. Too long!)....
It is 3pm here now and I have just returned to the hostel to get some info about Pompeii (!!!!!!) day trips and to try and get this pesky water out of my ear before I fly (to PARIS!) on Saturday night. I've spent today wandering by the Tiber River and visiting the Circus Maximus (which is little more than a field and a waste of time! Argh!). I did spend a little time on the Spanish Steps and in the church above them, where there was a Latin and French service happening that was lovely......
Off again. Love to you all - I'll try to get more pics up soon!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Oh. My. Hot!
Hello from the hotter than imaginable Rome...
Dear LORD. Never have I been somewhere this hot. EVER. I shall never again complain about Toronto in August.....
I just arrived and am settling in to my hostel which is ....ok. Someone has been smoking weed in my room, so if nothing else, I'll be high. After I log off here I am headed to wander a bit until dark, I think. NO real plan, which is fun! I am guarding my (WAD!) of cash from Lingue Senza Frontiere with my life! Seriously. We are talking money belt (thanks Mojo!) attached to a belt and inside my clothes. These Italians, man....I am excited to see the ancient city and such...but.
I think after Rome (Saturday night) I will go to Paris...and it will be by plane, as the train is SOOOOOO expensive (the cheapest I could find was close to $400 euros....INSANE). As much as I know I "should" see Florence, Venice, etc.....I have a strong desire to spend some real time in Paris...plus I dont really LOVE Italy (sorry Jane...). Maybe its that Ive been only in the city, maybe its because of the heat....but whatever it is, I am getting eager fora change of scenery. PLus my French is much better than my Italian....
My online time is quickly running down so I shall say adieu...or ciao. Love to you all!!
K
Dear LORD. Never have I been somewhere this hot. EVER. I shall never again complain about Toronto in August.....
I just arrived and am settling in to my hostel which is ....ok. Someone has been smoking weed in my room, so if nothing else, I'll be high. After I log off here I am headed to wander a bit until dark, I think. NO real plan, which is fun! I am guarding my (WAD!) of cash from Lingue Senza Frontiere with my life! Seriously. We are talking money belt (thanks Mojo!) attached to a belt and inside my clothes. These Italians, man....I am excited to see the ancient city and such...but.
I think after Rome (Saturday night) I will go to Paris...and it will be by plane, as the train is SOOOOOO expensive (the cheapest I could find was close to $400 euros....INSANE). As much as I know I "should" see Florence, Venice, etc.....I have a strong desire to spend some real time in Paris...plus I dont really LOVE Italy (sorry Jane...). Maybe its that Ive been only in the city, maybe its because of the heat....but whatever it is, I am getting eager fora change of scenery. PLus my French is much better than my Italian....
My online time is quickly running down so I shall say adieu...or ciao. Love to you all!!
K
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Heh hemmmmm
Hello out there? (Hello out there?)
Can anyone hear me? (Can anyone hear me?)
Where is everyone? Comments, please! Or emails! I miss y'all!!!
Can anyone hear me? (Can anyone hear me?)
Where is everyone? Comments, please! Or emails! I miss y'all!!!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Interesting development....
Christina, one of Lingue's Directors and the woman with whom I corresponded before arriving in Italy, came by the camp today and told me that the Florence camp was cancelled and that I may not have another one, but that I WOULD GET PAID for the full 2 camps!! No details yet, and all will (apparently) be confirmed on Wednesday......Could someone really be listening to my prayers????
Fingers crosssssed!!!
K.
Fingers crosssssed!!!
K.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
The Weekend....
...was quite busy.
Friday night, the other tutors at my school and I had a beer (ok, TWO beers) after class as we were incredibly stressed out by our overexcitable children and then decided to spend the night on the town. We went to our homes and got dressed in our finest and headed to the central square (by the Duomo) where there was a free concert featuing Tokyo Hotel, 30 Seconds to Mars (Jared Leto's band), and a bunch of Italian artists. PLUS there were cheap Nutella crepes and you could drink beer on the streets - what more can a girl ask for?? Later, we walked about and had a glass of wine at an outdoor cafe and were served by a tres cute waiter...in a tux!! Yes indeed! Well worth the 6 Euros!
Saturday, my house mother Assunta took me on a quick tour of the main sights of Milan - La Scala, the Duomo, the beautiful Galleria near the Duomo etc etc....We did not go in anywhere, but I returned to the Duomo mid-afternoon to see the inside AND WAS REFUSED as my skirt was too short. Because, you know, God hasnt ever seen my thighs. Right. I spoke quickly to Lonnie as she was on her way to have her hair done and had a little cry that I was missing the wedding festivities, but cheered myself up with a grande Gelato (my second of the day!). In the evening, Assunta took me out to dinner with the kids and a couple of her friends to a LOVELY Italian restaurant where I had a fantastic Diavolo (spicy salami) pizza and some good chestnut beer from Corsica. A bit tipsy, I fell asleep before 11pm!
Today, I woke early (as the children are awake by 7am it is hard to sleep in) and decided to head to Lake Como, which is about an hour from Milan by train. I arrived just after noon and had a nice walk (and, of course, my daily gelato!) before accidentally meeting up with some of the other tutors with Lingue Senza Frontiere. We rode paddle boats and had a bellini at a cafe, and then an Australian girl and I headed to the museum where there was an exhibit featuring Picasso, Renoir, and others. The design of the museum itself was worth the price of admission (pictures to follow, I promise!!!!).
Lake Como is incredible. Polluted, but warm water and lots of boats and places to sit and read. The lake itself is quite a bit larger than I thought, so I didnt see George Clooney's villa, but it is easy to see that the town is chock full of money. I bartered for a lovely bracelet made in Indonesia, and talked the seller down from 9 Euros to 4, so felt proud. I am looking lovingly at it now! I also suffered a bit of a sunburn on my upper arms (AS I WAS SLEEVELESS. Yes. Me. Sleeveless in Lake Como, and there are pictures to prove it! Woot! Go me!) and back, but at least I will be tanned when I come home, right?
I've just gotten back into (hot and mosquito ridden) Milan, and am about to head home for an early night as I have to face the children tomorrow. I still have no idea aobut my second camp. To tell the truth, the organization is a bit dodgy. I am happy to be here, but would like a bit more security. According to one of the tutors who worked last summer, it is not uncommon to be told where one's next camp is the day before you need to leave. My fingers are crossed for Florence! Please cross yours too!!!
Missing everyone TONS, and cant wait to see everyone, and spend a few days in NOTL with Bowser and family!!
Friday night, the other tutors at my school and I had a beer (ok, TWO beers) after class as we were incredibly stressed out by our overexcitable children and then decided to spend the night on the town. We went to our homes and got dressed in our finest and headed to the central square (by the Duomo) where there was a free concert featuing Tokyo Hotel, 30 Seconds to Mars (Jared Leto's band), and a bunch of Italian artists. PLUS there were cheap Nutella crepes and you could drink beer on the streets - what more can a girl ask for?? Later, we walked about and had a glass of wine at an outdoor cafe and were served by a tres cute waiter...in a tux!! Yes indeed! Well worth the 6 Euros!
Saturday, my house mother Assunta took me on a quick tour of the main sights of Milan - La Scala, the Duomo, the beautiful Galleria near the Duomo etc etc....We did not go in anywhere, but I returned to the Duomo mid-afternoon to see the inside AND WAS REFUSED as my skirt was too short. Because, you know, God hasnt ever seen my thighs. Right. I spoke quickly to Lonnie as she was on her way to have her hair done and had a little cry that I was missing the wedding festivities, but cheered myself up with a grande Gelato (my second of the day!). In the evening, Assunta took me out to dinner with the kids and a couple of her friends to a LOVELY Italian restaurant where I had a fantastic Diavolo (spicy salami) pizza and some good chestnut beer from Corsica. A bit tipsy, I fell asleep before 11pm!
Today, I woke early (as the children are awake by 7am it is hard to sleep in) and decided to head to Lake Como, which is about an hour from Milan by train. I arrived just after noon and had a nice walk (and, of course, my daily gelato!) before accidentally meeting up with some of the other tutors with Lingue Senza Frontiere. We rode paddle boats and had a bellini at a cafe, and then an Australian girl and I headed to the museum where there was an exhibit featuring Picasso, Renoir, and others. The design of the museum itself was worth the price of admission (pictures to follow, I promise!!!!).
Lake Como is incredible. Polluted, but warm water and lots of boats and places to sit and read. The lake itself is quite a bit larger than I thought, so I didnt see George Clooney's villa, but it is easy to see that the town is chock full of money. I bartered for a lovely bracelet made in Indonesia, and talked the seller down from 9 Euros to 4, so felt proud. I am looking lovingly at it now! I also suffered a bit of a sunburn on my upper arms (AS I WAS SLEEVELESS. Yes. Me. Sleeveless in Lake Como, and there are pictures to prove it! Woot! Go me!) and back, but at least I will be tanned when I come home, right?
I've just gotten back into (hot and mosquito ridden) Milan, and am about to head home for an early night as I have to face the children tomorrow. I still have no idea aobut my second camp. To tell the truth, the organization is a bit dodgy. I am happy to be here, but would like a bit more security. According to one of the tutors who worked last summer, it is not uncommon to be told where one's next camp is the day before you need to leave. My fingers are crossed for Florence! Please cross yours too!!!
Missing everyone TONS, and cant wait to see everyone, and spend a few days in NOTL with Bowser and family!!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Week One Is Done...
And everything I say is accompanied by large expressive facial expressions and actions. Oy!!!! Again I shall say that I am absolutely not cut out to be a teacher, but when the children are quietly working or performing, I just want to pinch their sweet little cheeks.
Iàm very glad that its the weekend and do not have any plans other than sleeping in. Tomorrow I think Assunta (my house mother) will show me about Milan (without the children), and Sunday I hope to sit in the large park and finish my (dismally boring) book Suite Francaise so I can go buy another at the English bookstore here....
Sorry this has been so short and unexpressive, but teachingleaves me EXHAUSTED!
Talk to you all soooooooon!
K.
Iàm very glad that its the weekend and do not have any plans other than sleeping in. Tomorrow I think Assunta (my house mother) will show me about Milan (without the children), and Sunday I hope to sit in the large park and finish my (dismally boring) book Suite Francaise so I can go buy another at the English bookstore here....
Sorry this has been so short and unexpressive, but teachingleaves me EXHAUSTED!
Talk to you all soooooooon!
K.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Milano....
Oy! There is an infestation of MOSQUITOS (zanzares as the children call them) here....a warning would have been nice! I have lost count of my bites (somewherenear 40) and it has only been 4 days!
Apart from that....
My house is lovely - it is a penthouse condo (not in a great neighbourhood - I saw 7 hookers on the evening walk home last night- eek!) and I am with Assunta and her son Valerio (at the camp but not in my class) as well as her 4 year old twins Aurora and Rebecca. Needless to say it is a LOUD house. They seem quite nice and Assunta has asked me if I would consider staying on until the end of August to go on vacation with the family in the south of Italy and Austria as sort of an aide or au pair. WOW. Im not even thinking aobut that yet - work is so crazy.
And to work: IT IS WORK. Italian children NEVER SHUT UP!!!! Thankfully, they know I speak a little Italian and so dont say any bad things about me...that I know of....They love to do worksheets and art and games, which is great and their written english is quite good. My group are 7 & 8 and I have 8 boys and only one girl...so lots of scraped knees and sore jaws. THe kids are ROUGH!!!!! Hopefully one day I will be at a computer with a USB port visible and can upload some pics of them, but for now, just imagine. CRAZY!
I havent had a chance to see much of MIlan yet, although I did get a peek at the Duomo last night on the way tot he movies - Oceans 13 in ENGLISH!!!! In a brautiful old theatre - and no children in sight!! YAY!!!
Otherwise, all is well. I am feeling fat and so must not eat gelato every day, twice a day. Maybe even a run tonight. HA!
xo
Apart from that....
My house is lovely - it is a penthouse condo (not in a great neighbourhood - I saw 7 hookers on the evening walk home last night- eek!) and I am with Assunta and her son Valerio (at the camp but not in my class) as well as her 4 year old twins Aurora and Rebecca. Needless to say it is a LOUD house. They seem quite nice and Assunta has asked me if I would consider staying on until the end of August to go on vacation with the family in the south of Italy and Austria as sort of an aide or au pair. WOW. Im not even thinking aobut that yet - work is so crazy.
And to work: IT IS WORK. Italian children NEVER SHUT UP!!!! Thankfully, they know I speak a little Italian and so dont say any bad things about me...that I know of....They love to do worksheets and art and games, which is great and their written english is quite good. My group are 7 & 8 and I have 8 boys and only one girl...so lots of scraped knees and sore jaws. THe kids are ROUGH!!!!! Hopefully one day I will be at a computer with a USB port visible and can upload some pics of them, but for now, just imagine. CRAZY!
I havent had a chance to see much of MIlan yet, although I did get a peek at the Duomo last night on the way tot he movies - Oceans 13 in ENGLISH!!!! In a brautiful old theatre - and no children in sight!! YAY!!!
Otherwise, all is well. I am feeling fat and so must not eat gelato every day, twice a day. Maybe even a run tonight. HA!
xo
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Here!
Hello, my fine feathered friends,
Ive arrived in San Remo, but the computer keyboards here are still a mystery, so please forgive the bad grammar and punctuation which is sure to dot this post.
So...it is like, hard to be somewhere they dont speak English, yo. But its all ok as I am at the cmapsite now and have met some English speaker. HUZZAH! The Villagio del Fiore (where we are staying until Sunday) is lovely - seafront access, pools, restaurants, and the like. I havent eaten since a train station pizza at 4pm yesterday and it is 1pm now, so I am huuuungry. That is next on the list.
Italy looks much like the photos say - it seems sililar to Miami in terms of archetecture. Lots of Palm trees as well. My hotel last night had no water, so they moved to to Hotel Milano where (for the same money) I had a glorius room with a sweet view and huge bed. I slept for 12 hours and feel mighty refreshed. Especailly considerig the lovely dreams of Daniel Radcliffe (not dirty though, Mary. After all, I am not a rabid fan...)
I think that is it for now. I will try to write more soon....
xo
Ive arrived in San Remo, but the computer keyboards here are still a mystery, so please forgive the bad grammar and punctuation which is sure to dot this post.
So...it is like, hard to be somewhere they dont speak English, yo. But its all ok as I am at the cmapsite now and have met some English speaker. HUZZAH! The Villagio del Fiore (where we are staying until Sunday) is lovely - seafront access, pools, restaurants, and the like. I havent eaten since a train station pizza at 4pm yesterday and it is 1pm now, so I am huuuungry. That is next on the list.
Italy looks much like the photos say - it seems sililar to Miami in terms of archetecture. Lots of Palm trees as well. My hotel last night had no water, so they moved to to Hotel Milano where (for the same money) I had a glorius room with a sweet view and huge bed. I slept for 12 hours and feel mighty refreshed. Especailly considerig the lovely dreams of Daniel Radcliffe (not dirty though, Mary. After all, I am not a rabid fan...)
I think that is it for now. I will try to write more soon....
xo
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Last day in London....
...for now. I'm open to the possibility of spending the last 5 days of my trip here, depending on how things go in Italy.
I don't want to think or write too much about my last London experience. Suffice it to say that something is different this time around. Maybe London has changed, maybe I've changed - or perhaps we've both changed. Things seem more North-Americanized than they were in 2002. Starbucks has invaded with great force, and it seems the city is full of Texan tourists (not that there's anything wrong with that - although I have seen many a relieved face when I say I'm Canadian!). Truth be told, I appreciated the Starbucks invasion on my first day here - it was a little mocha-flavoured slice of home. Ultimately, I feel more comfortable here in 2007. I feel like perhaps 2002 was some sort of a test - maybe London is just finicky. Maybe I just wasn't ready then. Maybe, maybe, maybe...into infinity.
Travelling is wonderful. And hard. And exhausting. I am having a great time, and I feel like I will perhaps be a different person when I return to Canada. Perhaps I am a different person already. See how many times I've said "perhaps" - see! Different already.....
I don't want to think or write too much about my last London experience. Suffice it to say that something is different this time around. Maybe London has changed, maybe I've changed - or perhaps we've both changed. Things seem more North-Americanized than they were in 2002. Starbucks has invaded with great force, and it seems the city is full of Texan tourists (not that there's anything wrong with that - although I have seen many a relieved face when I say I'm Canadian!). Truth be told, I appreciated the Starbucks invasion on my first day here - it was a little mocha-flavoured slice of home. Ultimately, I feel more comfortable here in 2007. I feel like perhaps 2002 was some sort of a test - maybe London is just finicky. Maybe I just wasn't ready then. Maybe, maybe, maybe...into infinity.
Travelling is wonderful. And hard. And exhausting. I am having a great time, and I feel like I will perhaps be a different person when I return to Canada. Perhaps I am a different person already. See how many times I've said "perhaps" - see! Different already.....
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Days 2 and 3, as seen through slight beer goggles....
Ok everyone. I should probably apologize in advance for what promises to be an entry full of speeling errors (see?) and possibly rants. So there. How's that for a disclaimer?
So, it is midnight here in London, and I've just gotten 'home' to the hostel after another long day out. In some ways, it feels as though I've been gone weeks, and in other ways, London feels very homey to me. Home-y? Homie? Word.
But I digress...much to type about. So I shall begin with a rundown of the last couple of days. This may be a long, long post....
Friday:
Another glorious walk through Regent's Park, with the intention of visiting the British Library and Museum before Equus. So....
BRITISH LIBRARY: Quite seriously, reduced me to tears. I saw the (first ever printed) Gutenberg Bible, the original, hand printed and illustrated Alice In Wonderland, the score for the Messiah....original Beatles Lyrics....completely INSANE!!!! There was an exhibit called "Sacred" which contrasted Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Incredible relics including early writings. It was especially moving as many of these texts were things that I've seen or read about this past year at school....I really just wanted to stay there forever. To live in London and write - seemed so appealing.
(Hey - I'm sounding sober - GO ME!)
BRITISH MUSEUM: Meh. Cleopatra's Mummy.....Meh.
EQUUS: Ok, this will probably dissapoint some, but I don't think I'll even discuss the hooplah surrounding the show. Whatever. From the moment Daniel Radcliffe took the stage, I forgot Harry Potter, I kid you not (Sorry Scottie!). I was in the back row of the Grand Circle (like the Upper Balcony), but still saw quite well. A very good production - the play is very much "1970's" - a bit cold and detached - or rather, distanced, I guess. Good performances. At the end, I was so unsettled I didn't even think about trying to meet Harry Potter himself, and instead roamed about Picadilly Circus looking at the lights. Dazed.
Saturday:
I slept well, finally. Sleep is so very delicious! I woke up and immediately met Mary, a girl from New York via New Orleans, and discovered a kindred spirit of sorts. She is a director and was planning to see Equus tonight. We spent the day together (and I blame her for my semi-intoxicated state). WARNING: The follow is a mad run-on paragraph!
We began at the Globe, where we decided againt the tour (9 pounds??? Are you kidding me??), choosing instead to photograph the outside and plan to go to Othello tomorrow night (for 5 pounds. Nuts!). We walked the Millennium Bridge to the north side of the Thames and roamed around St. Paul's and St. Bartholomews, and (as Mary is a Harry Potter FRRREEEAAAAAAK, though not freaky) had our photos taken at Platform 9 3/4!!!! Terribly Fun. I learned from Mary that there were cheap stage seats for Equus, and decided to join her to see the show again.
YES - I KNOW! I can hear the comments already, but I shall not feel guilty. It was INCREDIBLE to see the show from so close (and not just because of the scenery, if you will. Though, for those interested, I will let you know: average. But BUILT. Oh, to be a 17 year old British girl....) An entirely different experience. Sometimes I love the theatre. *sigh* We also met Daniel Radcliffe's father - who is really much too tanned for a man who lives in the UK, but that is neither here nor there. Following the show, we went to a pub across the street with an usher (who Mary had an eye for. Sadly no cute boys for me tonight....) and had a couple of pints. Mary is now god-knows-where with him (having a blast, I'm sure....) and I am, after roaming through Picadilly, back at the hostel and drowsy.
So. One more day in London before I fly to Genoa/San Remo, and a whole other adventure. I must say, I feel a little bit sad that I can't just bum about for six weeks. I suppose I turned down that opportunity when it was presented to me. Nevertheless.....I am looking forward to Italy, and just might return to London with my week off at the end. We shall see.
I apologise for those looking for more insightful commentary; I just don't have it in my beer-riddled mind tonight. I will say: I am having a glorius and insightful time. I am HAPPY I came. It was the absolute right thing for me to do.
Love to you all......
K.
So, it is midnight here in London, and I've just gotten 'home' to the hostel after another long day out. In some ways, it feels as though I've been gone weeks, and in other ways, London feels very homey to me. Home-y? Homie? Word.
But I digress...much to type about. So I shall begin with a rundown of the last couple of days. This may be a long, long post....
Friday:
Another glorious walk through Regent's Park, with the intention of visiting the British Library and Museum before Equus. So....
BRITISH LIBRARY: Quite seriously, reduced me to tears. I saw the (first ever printed) Gutenberg Bible, the original, hand printed and illustrated Alice In Wonderland, the score for the Messiah....original Beatles Lyrics....completely INSANE!!!! There was an exhibit called "Sacred" which contrasted Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Incredible relics including early writings. It was especially moving as many of these texts were things that I've seen or read about this past year at school....I really just wanted to stay there forever. To live in London and write - seemed so appealing.
(Hey - I'm sounding sober - GO ME!)
BRITISH MUSEUM: Meh. Cleopatra's Mummy.....Meh.
EQUUS: Ok, this will probably dissapoint some, but I don't think I'll even discuss the hooplah surrounding the show. Whatever. From the moment Daniel Radcliffe took the stage, I forgot Harry Potter, I kid you not (Sorry Scottie!). I was in the back row of the Grand Circle (like the Upper Balcony), but still saw quite well. A very good production - the play is very much "1970's" - a bit cold and detached - or rather, distanced, I guess. Good performances. At the end, I was so unsettled I didn't even think about trying to meet Harry Potter himself, and instead roamed about Picadilly Circus looking at the lights. Dazed.
Saturday:
I slept well, finally. Sleep is so very delicious! I woke up and immediately met Mary, a girl from New York via New Orleans, and discovered a kindred spirit of sorts. She is a director and was planning to see Equus tonight. We spent the day together (and I blame her for my semi-intoxicated state). WARNING: The follow is a mad run-on paragraph!
We began at the Globe, where we decided againt the tour (9 pounds??? Are you kidding me??), choosing instead to photograph the outside and plan to go to Othello tomorrow night (for 5 pounds. Nuts!). We walked the Millennium Bridge to the north side of the Thames and roamed around St. Paul's and St. Bartholomews, and (as Mary is a Harry Potter FRRREEEAAAAAAK, though not freaky) had our photos taken at Platform 9 3/4!!!! Terribly Fun. I learned from Mary that there were cheap stage seats for Equus, and decided to join her to see the show again.
YES - I KNOW! I can hear the comments already, but I shall not feel guilty. It was INCREDIBLE to see the show from so close (and not just because of the scenery, if you will. Though, for those interested, I will let you know: average. But BUILT. Oh, to be a 17 year old British girl....) An entirely different experience. Sometimes I love the theatre. *sigh* We also met Daniel Radcliffe's father - who is really much too tanned for a man who lives in the UK, but that is neither here nor there. Following the show, we went to a pub across the street with an usher (who Mary had an eye for. Sadly no cute boys for me tonight....) and had a couple of pints. Mary is now god-knows-where with him (having a blast, I'm sure....) and I am, after roaming through Picadilly, back at the hostel and drowsy.
So. One more day in London before I fly to Genoa/San Remo, and a whole other adventure. I must say, I feel a little bit sad that I can't just bum about for six weeks. I suppose I turned down that opportunity when it was presented to me. Nevertheless.....I am looking forward to Italy, and just might return to London with my week off at the end. We shall see.
I apologise for those looking for more insightful commentary; I just don't have it in my beer-riddled mind tonight. I will say: I am having a glorius and insightful time. I am HAPPY I came. It was the absolute right thing for me to do.
Love to you all......
K.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Sheer Exhaustion
It is daybreak on Day 2. Ok, not daybreak, stricktly speaking, but it sounded good. I was up pretty early, after a less than stellar sleep....
A quick report about yesterday:
Most of the day was spent roaming without purpose through the streets of London. I left the hostel and walked south and through the beautiful Regent's Park. It was excellent weather - no rain is sight! Many cute young boys(...too young you dirty birds) playing football and old men walking little dogs (not nealy so cute as Calvin or Finnigan, I am happy to report. I also made it to Shaftsbuty Ave (the "West End"), Trafalgar Square (where they were showing free films!), Westminster Abbey and the Parliament Buildings (yawn. Parliament. But I'm planning on heading back to the Abbey today to look at all the crypts (Crypts! Fun!). Towards the end of the day, I hit the National Gallery (saw lots of Caravaggio, Raphael, Michaelangelo....but the Picasso Sunflowers were off display!), the National Portrait Gallery (really - more photographs, please!), and just a bit of the British Museum before I felt like I was going to fall asleep against an obelisk. I took the tube a lot as I had a day pass, and am proud to report I didn't get lost once, and that some folkd even asked me for directions! Woot!
Today: More British Museum, Westminster, the Thames, Piccadilly and....
wait for it......
EQUUS!!! Woot! Very very exciting. 'Cause, you know. I love the theatre.....
A quick report about yesterday:
Most of the day was spent roaming without purpose through the streets of London. I left the hostel and walked south and through the beautiful Regent's Park. It was excellent weather - no rain is sight! Many cute young boys(...too young you dirty birds) playing football and old men walking little dogs (not nealy so cute as Calvin or Finnigan, I am happy to report. I also made it to Shaftsbuty Ave (the "West End"), Trafalgar Square (where they were showing free films!), Westminster Abbey and the Parliament Buildings (yawn. Parliament. But I'm planning on heading back to the Abbey today to look at all the crypts (Crypts! Fun!). Towards the end of the day, I hit the National Gallery (saw lots of Caravaggio, Raphael, Michaelangelo....but the Picasso Sunflowers were off display!), the National Portrait Gallery (really - more photographs, please!), and just a bit of the British Museum before I felt like I was going to fall asleep against an obelisk. I took the tube a lot as I had a day pass, and am proud to report I didn't get lost once, and that some folkd even asked me for directions! Woot!
Today: More British Museum, Westminster, the Thames, Piccadilly and....
wait for it......
EQUUS!!! Woot! Very very exciting. 'Cause, you know. I love the theatre.....
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