Things I Learned

What I learned while in London:
10. french fries cooked in goose fat are surprisingly wonderful
9. British bus drivers stop for no one and nothing- even when you're in the process of descending from the buses
8. a "que" is a line and a "cash point" an ATM (and while on that subject- there will never be an ATM when you need one and when you finally find one, it probably won't work)
7. America is far behind Britain in cell phone technology
6. it is extremely hard to get home from Leicester Square after midnight so plan accordingly
5. magazines are sold with free beach bags, wifebeaters, and flip flops while newspapers have pictures of naked breasts on page 3 (or rather Murdock's The Sun does)
4. always be prepared to take a picture of the royal family when watching the Trooping of the Colour because you never know which young prince might be present
3. doors open backwards, ketchup tastes sweet, there is no such thing as "extra ice," coca cola tasts funny, fish and chips come in planks of fish instead of small strips, and i will never remember to look in the correct direction for traffic, even though the street has directions on which way to look
2. 559 steps is a lot of climbing (thank you St. Paul's)

......and finally, the number one thing I learned while in England.....
1. London is a great place to visit but there's no place like home!

Who in the world set Jacko free?

While I was on the phone the other night with my mother, I recieved the disturbing news that Michael Jackson had been found not guilty on all counts. Basically in midconversation my mother said, "by the way Michael Jackson was found not guilty." I think the verdict had just come out that afternoon. Word sure does travel fast and who would have thought I would hear it on the telephone before seeing it on TV or in the newspaper. That just shows you how personalized communication has become these days!

St. Paul's Cathedral

One of the coolest experiences I have had so far in London was the tour of Saint Paul's cathedral. I had no idea it was the 2nd biggest cathedral in the world (possible test question?) and didn't know there were many levels inside the walls of the beautiful and ornate building. I was very impressed by our tour guide and was happy to finally find out who Saint Faith really was. Faith is my Catholic confirmation name and most people think I chose it as an expression of my faith instead of after an actual saint. Anyway, the crypt underneath this cathedral is named after her, so I was quite intrigued. We also saw the grave of Christopher Wren, the architect of the church (another possible test question? haha). I felt so privileged to be able to go up into the building and climb hundreds of stairs to the top since many people don't get to experience that. Don't get me wrong, I was exhausted by the time we got to the top and my legs were shaking, but it was well worth it. The views of the city from this height were amazing and I would do it all over again if I had the chance. Thanks so much for being friends with one of the men that works at the cathedral Carol, it was truly a memorable experience!!

The Prince

The one person you think you'll never see in person just happens to roll by in the royal carriage during the "Trooping of the Color." Prince William June 11, 2005 by Tracey Franks. If you'd like a closer look at the future king just click the picture.

There is nothing like Camden Street!!!

Yesterday a group of us took the tube to Camden street to see the much anticipated weekend market. What a trip it was! When we walked out of the tube station, there were thousands of people walking the streets and shopping. All of these people set up their shops in the middle of the road and were selling interesting things. We all had a blast looking at the carts and most of us brought home some gifts for friends and family, as well as ourselves :) There were two very shocking things about this trip. One was the people. I have never seen more blue, pink, and red hair in my life, let alone mohawks! There were groups of grungy looking people hanging about and they were quite intimadating. The other shocking thing was the fact that it is LEGAL to sell mushrooms on the street in London at this point in time. Although they are lobbying against it right now, it remains legal to set up a cart, display your "product" and sell them on the street as long as they are fresh, not dried or preserved. I guess that is the loop hole the found in the current law. Anyway I was blown away by this as well as a little freaked out. It was refreshing to leave that part of town when the day was over, thats for sure.

The night before one of Cassie's friends from high school was here in London for her last night after living here for a year, so we went to her going away party. It was amazing!!! The people were wonderful and I made great friends with a British lad named Ben. After talking with him for a while, I decided to ask him how he felt about the Iraq war. Basically, he said that he supported his government's decision to go to war but he really didn't care enough to have a very educated position on the issue. He was quite laid back to say the least :)

London has been amazing so far and I love the flats! My room mates are great (love you guys!) and we have been cooking a lot to save money. On our way to the computer lab this afternoon, Chris and I decided to stop and see the London Bridge and it is just as beautiful as I remember it. If only the weather wasn't so cloudy and cold here! Regardless of that, it has been awesome here and I am so glad this is where we ended up for the final days of our trip!! I am really looking forward to my birthday on Wednesday night since we don't have a test the next day anymore! YEAH!

Trooping of the Color, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and a Washing Machine

yesterday was the most interesting day i think i've had yet. it all began in the morning when a third of our group went to the Pall Mall to see the queen and regiments of her army in the "Trooping of the Color." all the men and women were dressed in their best- red and gold and black. it was really cool to see them all parade past and hear 5 different marching tunes played by each regiment's own band. most of the songs were actually American marching tunes. then the calvary rode past. whole rows of black horses, lead by two gigantic draft horses with huge bass drums strapped to their backs. the fuzzy feathers on their legs were so cute! then the real fun began. i was focused on taking pictures of the calvary when all of a sudden a carriage passed holding 4 members of the royal family.....including Prince William. you better believe we all started screaming like little girls. it was so exciting....and so sudden! i barely had time to snap an unfocused picture of the handsom prince! the queen herself raised less of a hullabaloo when she passed. and then it was all over...in less than 30 secs they were all gone!

after the excitement of the morning a few of us went shopping but i didn't last long. Oxford St is a madhouse- you can't even walk because there are 10000 people all around. and everyone's yelling and smelly. so i went back to the flats and tried to do laundry, tried being the operative word there. i discovered one washing machine actually half dries the clothes in it while the one next to it leaves them sitting in a puddle of water 6 inches deep. it was a disaster...especially because i forgot to turn the dryer on before i took a 2 hour nap. all in all, it took 6 hours to do laundry!

later, after i woke up, we went to see Mr. and Mrs. Smith down in Leicester Square at the Odeon theatre. that was an experience. we took the Tube there and then asked at 2 different theatres where the movie was playing. they directed us "across the square." we finally found the place and paid 11.50£ for tickets. most expensive movie of my life! but it was well worth it. the movie is awesome. go see it! but i wouldn't suggest seeing it here unless you know you can get home. it took us almost an hour to get home from the square. all the Tubes were closed for the night, none of the night buses went to our flat, and we couldn't find a cab that wasn't occupied. we walked for at least 30 mins but we didn't know where we were headed...we were lucky we picked the right direction....before finding a hotel in which to ask for directions. shortly afterwards we found a bus to flag down and ask for further directions and then finally a cab drove by with its light on. we practically sprinted towards it and threw ourselves in. finally, we made it home...tired, frightened, and a little smarter about how to get around London. so be careful out there....London's a big town and a bit unfriendly but try to enjoy the next week, y'all!

I love this place!

I am so happy that I am back in london. The last time I was here, I was about 11 years old. It's funny how much I still remember from the last time I was here. I reccomend that everyone goes and sees the London Dungeon. It is one crazy place! It seems like there is so much to do and not enough time to do it! I have to give some love to my family because they're the ones who brought me here 8 years ago. I luv ya! later.

Chris

Our Travels in Ireland

Kenny has taken a number of picture while in Ireland which I put into slide shows for easier viewing. The Dublin is a collection of pictures taken while traveling to Glendenlough and Powers Court. The Belfast pictures are of the interface between the Catholics and Protestant.

The Lovely and Gracious

Belfast's Interface

Kenny Quihuis takes a look at the 30 foot wire that is the interface for a number of building in Belfast ( Sorry about the original Dublin post). Click the picture to start Kenny's film clip. This is a large clip so it may take a few seconds for it to load.

What a day!

Well, today was our free day so Andrew, Callie, and I traveled all around Paris. From the Luxembourg gardens to Notre Dame to the top of the Grande Arche to the Latin Quarter and then to the hotel. Once we got home I did some video editing and then went out at night. Andrew and I ended up meeting some locals who took us to this unbelievable spot on the Seine River. It was a secret spot where the tourists don't know about, so it was quite the experience. As we were leaving, we saw the pretty girl who brought us there doing this crazy techno dance with balls of fire attached to chains. Andrew and I looked at each other and said, "Wow, what a day in Paris."

How exciting!

The French are starting a new century by linking history with the future. Pictures by Jessica Joganic.

"This is a picture of the original Arc de Triumphe....."

"....and this is a picture of the new Arc de Triumphe."

Exploring the Streets of Paris

Bonjour! Our free day in Paris was amazing! The sun is shining and the weather is beautiful! Andrew, Chris, Megan and I hit the streets after spending some time in Luxembourg park with the intentions of "cruising"and that's just what we did. We went to Notre Dame first, which was spectacular! After Notre Dame, we went to Chatelet in search for lunch. After doing some shopping and eating lunch, we walked along this part over looking this beautiful church. Next, we decided to go to the Grande Arche, or the new arch build opposite of the traditional Arch d'Triump! We were able to ride in a "space bubble"as we coined it, up through the top of the square arch and get out to look at the city. From that high up, we could see the entire city of Paris and it was beautiful. After that we went in search for the Latin Quarter but had no luck. I guess you could say that after being all over the city, we are pros at using the metro! I look forward to checking out the bar scene tonight to end this great day right!

Yesterday I had an amazing experience when I was off looking for a camera cord in the city by myself. I stopped at a pizza place for dinner because I was starving. While I was sitting alone and relaxing, two men came up to me to ask the time in French, but of course, since I can't speak French, I couldn't help. However, one of the men named Momo looked delighted that I spoke English and explained to me that he was studying English and English Literature and Culture in college. He asked me if I was expecting someone, and when I replied no, he asked if I would like to eat with them. Seeing a great opportunity to get some French insight, I said yes and sat down with them at their table. Momo's friend spoke no English at all but worked hard to interpret what we were saying. Momo and I discussed America and his dreams of moving there and becoming a teacher. He was the first (and probably only) French person that was not against the war in Iraq, but he asked me to keep that to myself so he wasn't gunned down as he left the pizza place... we both laughed. Anyway, after some time, a waitress came by with one of her girlfriends and introduced her to Momo's friend, and that's when I realized... I was on their "blind date!" They introduced us even though we could not speak to one another and it was quite comical. After dinner, I thanks Momo for his time and for asking me to eat with them. It was the best experience I have ever had with the French by far!

After a hectic day of traveling, we have finally arrived in one of the most beautiful cities in the world: Paris. Going through the metro and driving past the Seine reminds me of the trip my brother and I took with my parents when we were around 15. Time goes so fast! I can't wait to see the many monuments again when I can appreciate them even more! I am sure this experience is going to be VERY different from the last time we were here, especially the bar scene! Our hotel is small and quaint and it is located is a very pretty area of the city. I am very excited for the speakers we are going to experience in the next few days. I only wish we were going to be here longer! Although I loved Ireland, I am very happy to be here in Paris.

De ja Vous

Wow, it's been five years since Callie and I were in Paris, and it is still as amazing as ever. I am so excited that I have my video camera this time! I would reccomend that all ya'll (that's right brooke I said ya'll) visit Versailles when u get a chance. It is definiteley a must see!

Peace Out,
Chris

More Pictures from Ireland

From Chris Parkinson
The Hotel



From Tracey Franks
Greener then green and did I mention cold.

First Picture from Dublin

Courtesy of Chris Parkinson a picture of Dublin at night

Another interesting day in Dublin

What an awesome day! Even though the weather was overcast in the beginning of the day, the sun came out for ASU. :) From the Powerscourt Castle to Glendalough Monastary, everything was picture perfect. I had such a wonderful time, while learning interesting facts about Dublin. I am soo excited for the rest of the trip because everyone on the trip is so friendly and fun. I can't believe their is still more to come. I'm excited!!!!

Later,
Chris

The Clontarf Pub Experience

Last night a few of the girls and I spent hours at the bar in our hotel talking to an older group if Irish gentlemen probably in their 60s. It was our first true local experience. We talked about the differences in our cultures, laws, religious beliefs, and then ultimately politically beliefs. After asking us who we voted for in the 2004 election, the men proceeded to praise and bash Bush. I have never seen two individuals from a different country argue so passionately about American politics. Name calling started as the discussion became more heated, such as "Anti-American bastard, and prick." Needless to say, the end result was the two men agreeing to disagree and sharing a pint of Guinness. I wish all of the world problems could be solved that easily.

Another amazing experience we had yesterday was our trip to Glendalough monastery in Wicklow, Ireland. We spent a few hours walking around the site built in the 11th century and it was truly fascinating!!! The Celtic crosses that lined the grave yards are absolutely beautiful! The extremely intelligent tour guide gave us two explanations for the circles on these crosses. One of the explanations was the that the people who lived in Ireland before the introduction of Christianity were pagans who worshiped the sun and the moon, represented by the symbol of a circle. Since it is easier to mesh two cultures or beliefs systems together rather than disregarding one or the other, the circle was added to the cross. The other explanation is that the circle represents the cycle of life and reminds worshipers of the importance of living a good life now to achieve happiness in the afterlife. I personally think it was a combination of beautiful. Regardless, I was so inspired that I purchased a Celtic charm cross to put on my bracelet at home to remind me of this wonderful experience.