My trip has gone by so fast, I mean there were points where it seemed like it would never end but looking back, it flew. I have been so fortunate to have been able to not just plan and save for this trip for so long, but then to actually have been able to take it. Perhaps it was not what I had originally planned, 8 months in France, but that is okay. I loved my time in France and enjoyed seeing other cultures. My goal for now is to continue with learning French, I would like to become fluent in it. Then I would like to return (live would be great, but I am not sure I could be that far away from my family…). I know that I will return again, though I am not sure when or for how long. The people that I have met along the way have been wonderful and truly added something special to my experience.
I really hope that anyone who really is interested in traveling abroad, does what they have to make it happen. There are ways and things to do, you just have to do it. Also, remember my roommate Mary, 65 and retired the day of her birthday, sold her house and belongings and went to travel…it may not be easy or what others think is right, but you have to do what makes you happy for in the end, if you do not, you will be the only one who will be disappointed.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
An American Thanksgiving in London
Grim Reaper tour was really good. It was hosted by the same guy who had done the free tour for me the day before, who I quite enjoyed. I thought it would be a bit more gruesome but that is okay. I actually know the name Jack the Ripper but had not known who he was. It was interesting to know that he killed three hookers and they never caught him. A bit weird but you know.
The next day I got up and checked out the British museum. It was nice, but there was so much stuff and I felt that it was just not all that interesting to me. I did like how they had an Egyptian area where you could see hieroglyphics, mummies (even of bulls, people who were mummified correctly and not correctly as well as statues.
The Greek room was okay, the only thing that I really liked that foot protection. I had never seen it before, but it was so cute, they showed the little toes!
The rest of the museum was just really big. I met up with my cousin later that day, with good instructions and hung out for a while. Then we Had some lunch that I brought and began cooking. We made green bean casserole, pumpkin pie and apple pie. At around 11 I headed back to my hostel.
The following day I woke up late and headed to the National Portrait Gallery. Not sure why, but I had major issues finding the place…I mean major. I got to the point where I was just going to head back to the hostel, it was a pain! I found it though and headed in. I was totally unamused by it. I should have known; I am not a fan of paintings, especially not portraits. I figured I would check it out though. Next time, I think I will check out the museum of science, which seemed kind of cool. Anyway, it was a nice way to relax before Thanksgiving and then I arrived at Jess’s around 12. We were surprised how there was not a lot to be done. We finished the green bean casserole (put the onions on top), made normal green beans for Jess to eat, experimented with a sweet potato and pineapple…we don’t know what and all we had left was stuffing and gravy to make. It was nice to just sit and talk.
The appetizers included, baked brie and cranberry, lox cream cheese and bagels (mini), mini chicken kiev, and mini cheese burgers. It was a great start. All of their friends brought wine, except Robert who brought champagne and raspberries. Mark (Jess’s boyfriend) was so cute making the cheese burgers, he was so excited about it! They were good…everything was good.
Honestly, the day of Thanksgiving went off without a hitch, not one problem. It was great and everyone loved the food (turkey, stuffing, gravy, potatoes, mac and cheese, green bean casserole, green beans, sweet potatoes with marshmellows, the pineapple sweet potatoes, rolls, cranberry and apply sauce, I think that was it. It was great night and then I headed home.
They said that the cleanup was easy since it was just throwing everything out (plates and such not food) and that it was perfect. The amount of time and energy that went into it was crazy. Jess with her planning, organizing, food finding, Mark with his cleaning, driving, searching, and calming. It was a good machine.
Sorry this post is so vague it is two days later and I am tired. Yesterday I just hung out with Jess all day, who was very tired. The plumber came and then I left around 9. This morning I headed out late (oops, I got up at 10:09…) checked out and then grabbed a sandwich from Paul (ah French) and then headed to the Tube. The line was crazy long and the one that I was waiting in to get my ticket, CLOSED when three people were in front of me. I got my ticket though and headed out. I enjoyed my sandwich on the Tube and then got to the airport. No problems with waiting, bags, security, or anything, it was so great (especially since I was off of my game getting out of bed late.)
The next day I got up and checked out the British museum. It was nice, but there was so much stuff and I felt that it was just not all that interesting to me. I did like how they had an Egyptian area where you could see hieroglyphics, mummies (even of bulls, people who were mummified correctly and not correctly as well as statues.
The Greek room was okay, the only thing that I really liked that foot protection. I had never seen it before, but it was so cute, they showed the little toes!
The rest of the museum was just really big. I met up with my cousin later that day, with good instructions and hung out for a while. Then we Had some lunch that I brought and began cooking. We made green bean casserole, pumpkin pie and apple pie. At around 11 I headed back to my hostel.
The following day I woke up late and headed to the National Portrait Gallery. Not sure why, but I had major issues finding the place…I mean major. I got to the point where I was just going to head back to the hostel, it was a pain! I found it though and headed in. I was totally unamused by it. I should have known; I am not a fan of paintings, especially not portraits. I figured I would check it out though. Next time, I think I will check out the museum of science, which seemed kind of cool. Anyway, it was a nice way to relax before Thanksgiving and then I arrived at Jess’s around 12. We were surprised how there was not a lot to be done. We finished the green bean casserole (put the onions on top), made normal green beans for Jess to eat, experimented with a sweet potato and pineapple…we don’t know what and all we had left was stuffing and gravy to make. It was nice to just sit and talk.
The appetizers included, baked brie and cranberry, lox cream cheese and bagels (mini), mini chicken kiev, and mini cheese burgers. It was a great start. All of their friends brought wine, except Robert who brought champagne and raspberries. Mark (Jess’s boyfriend) was so cute making the cheese burgers, he was so excited about it! They were good…everything was good.
Honestly, the day of Thanksgiving went off without a hitch, not one problem. It was great and everyone loved the food (turkey, stuffing, gravy, potatoes, mac and cheese, green bean casserole, green beans, sweet potatoes with marshmellows, the pineapple sweet potatoes, rolls, cranberry and apply sauce, I think that was it. It was great night and then I headed home.
They said that the cleanup was easy since it was just throwing everything out (plates and such not food) and that it was perfect. The amount of time and energy that went into it was crazy. Jess with her planning, organizing, food finding, Mark with his cleaning, driving, searching, and calming. It was a good machine.
Sorry this post is so vague it is two days later and I am tired. Yesterday I just hung out with Jess all day, who was very tired. The plumber came and then I left around 9. This morning I headed out late (oops, I got up at 10:09…) checked out and then grabbed a sandwich from Paul (ah French) and then headed to the Tube. The line was crazy long and the one that I was waiting in to get my ticket, CLOSED when three people were in front of me. I got my ticket though and headed out. I enjoyed my sandwich on the Tube and then got to the airport. No problems with waiting, bags, security, or anything, it was so great (especially since I was off of my game getting out of bed late.)
Travels in London
Okay, so maybe I am getting not as nice as I used to be with my old age, but I just feel, if I can be nice, why can’t you? I met the roommates from last night. The girl is French but seems to be all about “me.” She woke me up at 4am, accidentally, because she was holding on and touching my bed (enough to make the metal bed frame shake). She went by my head to plug in her phone, which is where the phone was plugged in earlier that day. Then she went by my feet and unplugged my computer, to plug in her phone there…using my converter. Just very, why would you do that? I woke up at 7 and was not as quiet as I usually try to be. Everyone stayed asleep, except for her, and I was okay with that, it was like payback, I just don’t get why you would unplug my computer when you were by outlets before…
Anyway, I woke up and had some breakfast. Bowl of mixed cereals and some toast with jam. Then I headed to the Tate Modern Museum. I got there before they were open, so Starbucks free internet it was. Then I went in and saw some cool things on the free floors. One of my favorites was a drawing that looks like the old style men with witty comments. This one said “Notice: I have changed my name to Mr. Titties. Thanks” So random. Anyway, it amused me for a bit and then I did quick research about my next stop.
I found out where the markets would be and then where I could go for lunch. I went to some of the markets, it was too cold for them to be outdoors. It is funny how they all look so cold, even the fruit! Then I headed to Brick Lane. Okay, I read it was closest to a tube stop so I went there, but that was in West London and Brick Lane is in East London. I found the restaurant that had been recommended for East London and enjoyed some vegetable korma and samosas, yum! Then I got dinner to go and headed back to the hostel to put it away.
I did stop at the London Bridge on my travels, I thought it was nothing too special, just a bridge.
People are saying how expensive London is, I don’t think it is horrible. The price of clothes (yes, I went shopping along my way back to the hostel) is totally affordable. Okay, I didn’t get anything but I could have gotten many things. I looked into boots but I could not bring myself to get the Ugg looking thing, even if they were only 5 pounds. I looked into a jacket too but I fear it will be too difficult to get it back home, lame, I know. I met another roommate, Vic, originally from Florida and now living and teaching in Cairo at an international school. It would be super cool to do that, but not sure if I could handle being placed anyway.
Okay I am going to relax for a bit and then the reaper tour is on! I think I will check out the London Tower while I am over there then head back. “Cheers”
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