Lions and tigers and bears... oh my.

It was one of those days where you just have to repeat to yourself over and over: my life is an adventure and I love it. My life is an adventure and I love it. Have you ever felt like that? Surely, someone else understands this sentiment. Because my life really is an adventure- and of course I love it! It was just an interesting day. I decided that I wanted to go to the school with my roommates so that way I wouldn't get lost later, when I actually had class. One of them, Jessalynn, was craving McDonald's, so we went by on our way to class. As we were leaving, a Czech woman who worked there tried to tell us something. We didn't understand, so we thanked her (in Czech!) and started to leave. She said something else, and then went "Dzshee dzshee dzshee!" while wiggling her fingers downward (that was a sound effect, by the way, not Czech... at least I don't think so). We realized she was talking about rain, basked in the glory of successful communication, and left the restaurant. Bad decision. Ten minutes earlier, it had been warm and sunny. It was a smidge cooler and darker now, but no big deal, right? Wrong! Within a span of about ten seconds, it started POURING. Thunder, lightening, rail, HAIL. Ridiculous. We didn't realize the enormity of this impending deluge that was apparently so obvious to locals. Frantically, we searching for our tram in this terrible weather, when lo and behold, we realized we were standing at the bus stop instead. So we had to identify the closest bus station instead. Please note, the weather is still being spontaneously awful, so we are soaked at this point and running through the streets of Prague. A gust of wind comes, flipping the umbrella backwards and breaking it, oops... Ashley (another one of my roommates) slipped lost her shoe, and we glanced up to see the tram we needed arriving. We all bolted, hoping desperately that we really had found the right tram, in the right direction and frantically boarded, soaked. Success! Of course, as soon as we got on, the sun came out. Several stops later, we arrived right where we needed to be. I, however, didn't have class for another three hours... So I (attempted) to go back to the apartment. Our little orientation guide said I could take Tram 17 to get home, so I did. Incorrect. I could tell I had passed where I wanted to go, but I didn't know where exactly to go from wherever it was that I was. Fortunately, there is a Metro station where the Tram line ends... except I was rushing and took the Metro the wrong way, and ended up at the last station of that too. Oops. I got on the Metro the other direction, and was home in a jiffy. It actually was kind of cool to see all of that. Of course, it was 3:10 by this point, and I had class at 4... so I had to throw on different clothes (since mine were STILL wet) and run off to class. Class today was travel photography, which I think I'm really going to enjoy. We left class, and it was raining again. Lesson learned: always bring your raincoat. Dinner was at this really cute Italian place a few doors down from our apartment, and it was delicious. We've spent the evening trying to sort out where we want to go during our free time here... it's a little crazy to sort out, but more on that front soon!

We have now declared ourselves unofficial citizens of Prague.

Why? We have now taken virtually every form of public transportation, and lived to tell about it. Even better? We have survived public transportation... with groceries. I mean, making it through the grocery store was something to brag about in and of itself, but then bringing them home- oh man. It was an crazy. But now we have a little food and phones and some cleaning supplies (yes, I cleaned today. Be proud, Mom!), and after arranging the apartment, it's starting to feel a little more like home! It was definitely overwhelming, being in that grocery store. You would think that everything would be more or less the same- or that you could identify things by the pictures- but no such luck. Remember how I mentioned how easy the airport was to navigate? Yeah, if only public transport and groceries were so simple! It's okay though, it's been quite the adventure... and after making it through all that, how can you not feel like you (sort of, vaguely) belong? Well that... combined with the dumplings and goulash and hanging out with thousands of Czechs in the city center to watch the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship. Maybe I cannot speak much Czech, but I speak enough hockey to fit in, and now my vocabulary has expanded to include all sorts of cheers for the Czech team. We made so many friends... it's amazing how quicky people bond when they are united against a common foe (ie, Russia). It was incredible. With little Czech flags painted on our faces, we wove our way into the pulsing crowd. People were there from all over the country to watch this, and the Czech team did not disappoint, defeating the Russians 2-1, and breaking their 27 game winning streak, to take the gold. There are no words.

Class starts tomorrow... at 4pm. My schedule is beautiful. If only my regular school schedule could be this nice... if only my campus could be located in a city as beautiful as Prague! Oh well. Such is life- I'll enjoy it while it lasts!

A statue of St. Wenceslas in front of the National Museum
Overloooking Prague
Just a small fraction of the crowd watching the hockey game
It was fantastic!

Home sweet home?

First, some more pictures from England!Punting!
King's College Chapel
Corpus Christi College, where the library was
Fantastic.
Hyde Park!

Just so you know: Prague is every bit as beautiful as they say. The architecture in Old Town is, simply put, breathtaking. It just doesn't look real. Some parts are a bit on the sketchy side, to be sure, but for the (general- ha!) most part it's really quite nice. The apartment I am in is surprisingly spacious, and I'm staying with some really awesome girls. I'm so excite about this adventure! We'll be rearranging furniture tomorrow, and then you guys will get to see pictures.

I did successfully make my way to my flight this afternoon, hooray! No mishaps. Someone helped me check in, and security was a breeze. I grabbed lunch, read, watched news on the BBC- it was all very relaxing. The flight was nice, and before I knew it, I was in Prague! It was shorter than flying home to Houston from school. The airport here is extremely easy to navigate. Almost all of the signs are in both English and Czech, which helped immensely. Immigration was unnervingly simple (no questions asked- I just handed off my passport and received my stamps!), and customs was a non-issue. I met up with the group and off we went! After settling in, we took a tour through town and grabbed a late dinner together (leek soup and goulash, yum)- and I was able to have tea with my dinner! I was quite pleased. I navigated back to the apartment- after 11, via tram- and now I'm starting to feel better and better about navigating in foreign countries, especially when I have a bit of good guidance to point me in the right direction. It is incredibly strange, though, to be in a world you don't understand. Everyone is speaking different languages, which is similar to London, but this is somehow different- probably because the most common language is no longer my own. You just want to sit back and shut your eyes and let the words wash over you... but then you would miss the beautiful architecture! And it wouldn't help you understand anything anyway. It's strange, being someplace where you understand virtually nothing. It's simultaneously overwhelming and freeing. As of right now, I think I kind of like it.

Also, some of you will be excited to know that there are plenty of Marcos here- ha!

On the road again...

Guess whose alarm didn't go off this morning?! Thankfully, I am past the point of panic in all facets of my life, so I rolled over at 10:30, surveyed the (unpacked) luggage, and thought "Okay, I've got this." Less than an hour later, I'm ready to roll. Success! I will face Heathrow again- this time knowing what I'm doing- and will catch you guys later tonight, once I make it to Prague. Cheerio, London! I'm going to miss you.

How is this over already?!

Tonight is my final night in London... and I simply can't wrap my head around it. This trip has absolutely flown by. Simply put, this study abroad has constituted the twelve- thirteen, I suppose, if you include today- best days of my life. I have learned so much in so many different ways. Not only have my horizons been expanded in terms of educational knowledge (and let me tell you, they have most certainly been expanded) , but I have learned so much about others, and about myself. I have truly grown as a person on this adventure. It may sound cliche (I do realize that I am chock full of them), but it's entirely true. I'm not sure what exactly I expected going in. I knew I would learn, I knew I would have fun, I knew I would grow, but the degree to which I have was entirely unexpected. I have made some incredible friends on this journey (Let me tell you, 1500 miles on coach with 13 other people, 2 professors, 1 fabulous coordinator from ISA and Brian the generally cranky busdriver makes for some intense bonding. Please note that the 1500 miles does not include the countless miles trekked on foot (fourteen miles to Bristol, anyone?) as we explored our adopted home). I miss my Dragon Crew/War Party/Tea Bunch immensely... London just isn't the same without you guys. Hope your flights are going well- and I can't wait until we are reunited in August!

So what have I been up to since this was last updated? I have to think for this. The days have started to blend together, goodness gracious. Tintagel, that's right. We left late (11! oh man!) to head back to London so that way we would have some time to burn off some energy before our very lengthy bus ride back. Kate and I ventured out on the cliffs together, and boy were we in for a surprise- PONIES. Yes, we found a herd of six adorable ponies clinging to those rocky slopes. Obviously, I was in love at first sight, and risked life and climb to go say hello. There wasn't much of a path, and we had to venture through mud and thorns to visit them, but visit we did. Nothing starts your morning off right quite like the sound of the waves crashing against cliffs combined with kisses from a cuddly wet pony. It was glorious. Words cannot describe how happy I was- and still am! Sadly, there is not a pony in my suitcase right now... If only.

We eventually had to bid Tintagel farewell, which was sad, because it is just an incredibly place. Stunningly beautiful. But back to London we went! Took a brief stop in Wells, an adorable little town. There was just enough time to grab tea and lunch, run a few errands, see the outside of the cathedral, and grab a pasty for the road (that's pah-stee, not pay-stee, for the record. not something you want to mix up.) which turned out to be a great decision because Kate and I shortly became very hungry again. I love making good decisions. Once in London, we bought the necessary rail tickets for the next day's adventure: Canterbury or Cambridge. After much deliberation, I selected Cambridge, and it was a blast. As we were purchasing tickets, the lady behind the window cracked a joke about Americans being behind the times, but I didn't get it at the time, so I just laughed along. After we left Waterloo, we found dinner: kebabs in a sketchy part of town. Obviously, this means that the food was delicious. It was very spicy, and absolutely fantastic. All of us more or less fell into bed, which was good, because the next morning came early.

Breakfast began at six thirty, and we were out the door by six forty five. It was a little rough, but that's life when you catch the early train. We took the tube to King's Cross/St. Pancras, and left for Cambridge out of King's Cross. Yes, I went to Platform 9 3/4! How could you go to King's Cross and not stop by?! It's not actually located in that area, but it was still very fun to see. We then proceeded to the slightly more mundane Platform 1 like well behaved Muggles and sallied forth. It was a small group, and we had a terrific time together. We got to go to visit Corpus Christi College, and we were able to head upstairs to their library. The Parker Library is quite probably the most beautiful library I have ever been in. I am undoubtedly a sucker for old books, and this library was filled from floor to ceiling. Over six hundred rare books and ancient manuscripts, the most valuable of which live in vault downstairs- but they came out for us. Nearly a quarter of all known existing Anglo-Saxon manuscripts are in this library. The earliest copy of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (from about 890 AD), a book owned by King Alfred- this being Alfred the Great, again, late 800s: 870-890ish, some of the oldest Bibles, Bede, the first Bible with paintings, one of the oldest bound books, a collection of letters from people such as Anne Boleyn, John Calvin, Martin Luther, Charles V, millions of dollars in books right before our very eyes. I don't know that I said a coherent sentence the entire time I was in there- much less a meaningful word. I was simply in awe. I could barely bring myself to touch these books. A few of them, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, for example, stayed in their cases in the library, but the ones from the vault were out on a table for us to look through. I simply didn't want to breathe wrong! It was a little nerve-wracking. I mean, nobody wants to be the one who inadvertently destroys a precious bit of history and is lamented by academia for millenia (like who ever it was who ruined the first eight pages of the Exeter Book of Poetry... grr...). Fortunately, that was not me, and I was safely torn from the library, books intact. We proceeded to this lovely little restaurant and indulged in tea and Fitzbillie's buns, which are apparently quite famous- as well they should be. They were delicious. Along the lines of a glorified cinnamon roll, I suppose. Regardless, I tend not to ask too many questions while eating tasty food. We proceeded to explore Cambridge, visiting various churches (Saxon towers, climbing the tower at St. Mary's (maybe?) to see the whole city, a baptismal, the King's College Chapel- mind you, they only call it a chapel- it's anything but) and getting a feel for the town. Then, we went punting on the River Cam. Props to Jim and Anna for doing a spectacular job, while Reid, Dr. Gwara, and I enjoyed the views and offered our (very helpful) advice. Lunch afterwards consisted of glorious baguette sandwiches that, sadly, don't seem to be nearly as popular at home. I don't understand why. Delicious bread with delicious food on it, that you can sit down and eat, or eat on the run. How do you say no?! I guess it's hard to explain, but they aren't mere sandwiches. Maybe it's the bread? I can't say what makes them special. But America, you are missing out. We wandered through the market with our sandwiches, then visited a spectacular bookstore, caught a taxi, and headed back. We walked to the South Bank area- Jubilee Park, where the Eye is- to catch a boat tour of London down the Thames to Greenwich. Very cool area, and it's a shame we weren't there very long. Dinner was at a Mediterranean restaurant, and it was absolutely fantastic. Quite authentic, and the baklava was wonderful. It was the ISA farewell dinner, so we were able to meet some of the ISA kids who had been studying in London for a whole semester. Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel, distributed gifts for our amazing professors, and just hung out for one last night. Exhaustion kicked in pretty quickly though, and we weren't up late.

Before long, morning arrived, and the crew was off to the airport. I stayed with the group until everyone was checked in and headed to security, and then I went to find the hotel. Now that was an adventure. First, I had to get to Terminal 4 from Terminal 1 via train. Not too bad. Then, I had to locate the hotel itself within the terminal. Signage was a bit confusing and I accidently ended up at the Yotel, which is apparently a Japanese-style capsule hotel where you can pay by the hour, and it was no Hilton. No thank you! But I did ask them for directions to the Hilton ("Up the escalator and straight ahead, you'll come right to it"). Well, straight ahead lead to check in, so I had to choose right or left. Left was wrong, but I did make it to the toilets, which was a plus. Then back down the hallowed halls of Heathrow to- you guessed it- the Hilton hotel. Sorry... got a little carried away with the alliteration there. Anyway, I was able to check in early and settle into the room. But I was not about to sit around all day! I decided I would go explore. I almost chickened out, but then it sort of hit me: this free day of mine was a sort of final exam for me. Part of this course was about becoming comfortable in a foreign country, right? Learning to be independent? So I set forth. The Underground does indeed leave from Terminal 4 (it actually leaves from every terminal) but the signs made me think I had to go to Terminal 5 first, so that's where I went. Then I became confused, and went to Terminal 2. At this point, I was under the impression that I might need to take a train to Paddington and catch the Underground there, which seemed utterly ridiculous, because I was positive I had seen a sign for the tube somewhere in the airport. I was right- the train map was misleading me. Upon asking for directions, I was given a funny look, and told that I just needed to head up the escalator and follow the signs, which I did, quite successfully. I purchased my Zones 1-6 off-peak pass all by myself, and caught the Picadilly line. Once out of the airport, I was golden. Originally, I had thought about going to the Natural History Museum (free admission, ooh), or Regent's Park to go to the zoo. But Hyde Park was easier to get to, and I really wanted to see the Speaker's Corner. It was a bit underwhelming, but I was glad I went. It came up in an interview awhile ago, and it's something that has stuck in my mind since. It was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon: enjoying people-watching in beautiful park. I finished my book, wrote a little, and just enjoyed the truly spectacular weather. Afterwards, I explored the Knightsbridge area (translation: where Harrod's is). I ended up having tea at a cute little bakery (tea and strawberry gateau, yum!), which was very nice, although slightly less fun when you are by yourself. I picked up a duffle-ish bag that will be my second carry-on tomorrow and thus will (ideally) make my life a smidge easier in terms of packing and dealing with weight. We'll see about that... Grabbed dinner from Marks and Spencer, a grocery in the area. Opted for a cranberry and brie sandwich, mango slices, and limeade (still, not sparkling, and it was nice to find a juice drink that wasn't carbonated!). I safely navigated back to the hotel (far fewer issues this time around) and have been relaxing here. I got to Skype with my mom today, which was awesome! We haven't talked in what feels like forever, and spent nearly an hour catching up (it didn't feel that long...).

I'm going to need to crash soon... I'll need to be functional for Prague tomorrow. I've just spent such a long time reflecting on this trip, and what it's done for me. It's intangible, really, and I know I've just begun. But I feel like as a group, we have come so far from the kids in the cafe who were terrified of that shouting Romanian waitress in the cafe that first night. Somehow, we began to feel comfortable and at home... almost as if we belonged. Sure we got lost along the way, but that's all part of the adventure. Sometimes we chose to get lost simply because we didn't want to follow the same path we had already taken. Sometimes we risked life and limb simply because we could. Sometimes we struck out on our own. Sometimes we tried new things, and sometimes we found new places. Many things new to us were, in fact, very old, and perhaps that made them all the more special. Somewhere along the way, we became far more confident in who we are, where we came from, and where we are going. It's not like I'm an entirely different person now, because that's not right. I'm still me. I'm just more me, if that makes any sense. I'm not exactly sure what I'm trying to convey here. It's just not something that can be readily explained.

Something that can be readily explained? My need to sleep! Good night, world.

Making friends

Pony kisses! This one looks like he was built a little funny, but it's just the angles.
Even before we found ponies, I was excited to be out on the cliffs, despite the rain!
For some reason, Blogger won't let me upload the rest of my photos... they'll be along soon, I promise!

I now scale cliffs in my spare time...

Today was yet another incredible day… Tintagel is beautiful. A few of us woke up this morning so that way we could take a jaunt around the cliffs before breakfast. Boy, did I earn that meal! The views were spectacular though. Truly unlike anything else I have ever seen. Breakfast was delightful, and that much more fantastic because of my hunger! A full English breakfast when you are starving? The best. Regrettably, I only seem to like baked beans for breakfast. Strange, yes… but delicious. After breakfast, we headed over to the ruins of Tintagel Castle (Din Tagell in Cornish), which was a fantastic opportunity for exploring the legendary place where King Arthur was conceived. Not sure how I feel about that part of the legend, but the ruins were beautiful, and climbing the cliffs with Kate was awesome. We do tend to be a bit more adventurous than some of the others in the group… I have given a few people heart attacks (sorry guys). But nothing too risky (remember, this is by my standards) and no injuries! After soaking in the views from the ruins, we left for Mount Saint Michael (the one in southern Cornwall, for the record. Not the French equivalent). Walking on the ocean floor to get there was pretty much extraordinary. The castle there was beautiful, as well. Tea was a nice way to wrap up the afternoon, and then when we walked back, I took off my shoes and walked in the Atlantic. I couldn’t help myself! And it was surprisingly warm- far warmer than I expected it to be. Thank you, Gulf Stream. I was the only one who partook in the barefoot frolicking, but I thought it was wonderful. I do love taking advantage of opportunities such as these. Really, when is the next time I will have this opportunity?

For dinner, we found this adorable little Italian place (incidentally called “The Olive Garden,” but not the chain of American fame) who conveniently let us get our food to takeaway (which is to go, for those off you who don’t speak British). There was a little confusion over silverware, because they call it cutlery over here, but we eventually sorted it out. Though I was tempted by the Aubergine (eggplant) Parmesan, I went with a four cheese pasta that was delicious. And what makes delicious Italian food better? Oh, maybe eating it while sitting on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. The high tide meant that the ocean was making all sorts of beautiful sounds.

Right now, we’re hanging out in the lobby, listening to Steven play piano for us and mocking the owner of the hotel. It sounds rude, but you would get a kick out of him too. He’s a very passionate Scientologist. He has scattered his artwork (mostly large canvases that fit into the category of “Abstract Realism.” No worries if you haven’t heard of it because he invented it himself) around the castle. Literally every piece of art here is his, and art is EVERYWHERE. Unfortunate poetry is provided for our creative enlightenment, and there are several fake newspapers lauding the hotel and its owner in each room. He also has a book of his on each coffee table. It’s hysterical. Don’t get me wrong, I love the hotel itself. The owner just seems like quite the character, and we have the giggles tonight. We’ll be heading out again tonight it a few minutes. I just can’t get enough of the sea air- and the stars! Tomorrow, it’s back to London… after one more walk in Cornwall.

The water is BEAUTIFUL.
Scaled that. Kate and I are hardcore. Oh and the little bump? Yeah, that's a person.
Living on the edge- you know how I am.
So I "almost" knocked Kate off the cliff when posing for this picture. She knew she was good, but apparently when I hit her with my arm while proclaiming "I am the queen of the world!" it looked like she was a goner. Sorry for the scare, guys. Also, I do not recommend looking off the edge of a cliff through your legs upside down. Word to the wise.
We've also managed to gallivant all over most of those cliffs too.
Mount St. Michael!
Boats at low tide.
I love beaches...

Let's just sit back and let the stars shine down

After a week in England, all I want is tea and poetry. Seriously. That could keep me content for a good long while, I believe. We've arrived in Cornwall, and simply put- it is spectacular. The landscape is beautiful. I spent nearly an hour out on the cliffs this evening, watching the stars and listening to the waves crash below. Honestly, how do you top that?!

After leaving Bath today, we stopped in Glastonbury and visited the Abbey ruins there... nothing in comparison with Tinturn Abbey, of course, but amazing nonetheless. After an hour spent exploring those grounds, we climbed the Tor, and enormous hill with a tower atop it that overlooks the valley below for miles. It was quite a hike, but the view was breathtaking and it was a great way to burn off some energy. Lunch was at this terrific little vegetarian cafe in town, then back on the bus and off to Exeter. Another (beautiful) cathedral, only what was different in this one? We got to see the library. Six of us- thanks to Kate- got to go through the back corridors of the cathedral and see the Exeter Book of Poetry and the Domesday Book. The Book of Poetry is tenth century Anglo-Saxon- one of the earliest examples of English in writing. Interestingly enough, poetry in Old English is based upon sounds and rhythm, not structure. It's a book of poetry that looks like prose. Very intriguing to me, considering my current poetry kick. I still can't believe we saw the books. They also have Shakespeare's second folio there... unbelievable. The librarians were this two precious old ladies who were delighted to have six enthralled college kids in their midst. It was wonderful. Then, tour of Exeter, wandering to the quay, exploring town, and off to Cornwall. Absolutely beautiful, it is. I am staying in a castle 100 feet from the Atlantic. I can't believe this is real. Tomorrow morning, a few of us are going on a hike around the area with a dog from the hotel, then off to Mount St. Micheal, I believe- we'll get to walk on the ocean floor!

Every time I turn around, I find something else I love about this place.

The castle where we are staying, overlooking the Atlantic.
The view from my window

Oh, fun fact: people never really believed the world was flat. Dark ages? Middle ages? Yeah, they all knew better. Public schools of America, how you have lied to me...
The quay in Exeter- the river Exe
The Tor
Glastonbury Abbey- where King Arthur and Guinevere's tombs were found in 1100? Sometime around then.