Week 14

Saturday (Day 97): Just a Little Rain at the Meridian Line

The Meridian Line is an imaginary line which runs from the North Pole to the South Pole. By international convention it runs through "the primary transit" instrument (main telescope) at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England.

We were hoping for a brighter day, but wouldn’t let the drizzle dissuade us. After walking through the park and up the steep hill to the Observatory, we took turns taking pictures of each other standing in two hemispheres at once.

We made our way through the time museum in the observatory before heading back down the hill. As we reached the base, we were called over by a group of Brits playing rugby, who needed a few more people for their team. The guys dropped down their stuff and joined the game while Krista and I talked to the girls who were also watching. We ended up playing beach volleyball with them until the guys were tired out and ready to head back home after a once in a lifetime London experience.

Tuesday (Day 93): Do You See What I See?

This afternoon, Matt invited me to see one of the shows featured as part of the SPILL Festival – a festival of theatre much like CPT’s own SPRINT Festival. Interestingly enough the production, A Forest, was created by a company mentored by CPT’s TONIC program.

"The play explores myth, money and magic. It is a provocative fairytale for grown-ups where skin is turned into wallets, straw is spun into gold and where storming off alone can mean the difference between life and death. Originally commissioned by Tramway, Glasgow, A Forest was developed in residency at Camden People’s Theatre, and funded by Arts Council England, London."

It’s hard to describe the show .... but I think I saw a glimpse of the power and a beauty in, the importance of experimental theatre.

The play was composed almost entirely of story-telling and supplemental images created by the actors themselves. Although there were themes running through the production, it was truly up to the audience to find meaning in the show.

It's a unique experience in today’s culture, to provoke thought, to wonder without boundries. It struck me as the antithesis of the educational system with which we are engaged - where so frequently there is a "correct" answer - one preferred method by which to analyze a poem - only one acceptable style in which to write a short story.

Achieving this "freedom of perception," requires a different sort of energy. While liberating and refreshing, I have to say that the resulting confusion isn't all together satisfying. Did we actually see the same thing? What was it that we saw? How is it relvant to our lives?

Sunday (Day 91): So Sad

Alex, Tuche and I spent Sunday in Hyde Park and the National Gallery before she headed back to Prestbury. The swans didn't seem to interested in our offerings. They came close to see what, maybe who we were, but they didn't eat much.

We toured the Gallery, which houses "one of the greatest collection of European art in the world."

Which city houses the greatest collection? New York, DC, Chicago, Philadelphia? Paris, Florence, Berlin, Vienna, Rome? My favorite so far has been Paris, but I digress.

Tuche and I picked our favorite paintings. I wonder if they say somthing about our future careers? Tuche wanted a picture of "Christ Driving the Traders from the Temple." It's attributed to ElGreco. One of my favorites was "The Supper at Emmaus" by Caravaggio. After all, you do know what they say about the source and the summit.

I was so sad to see Alex go. You could say that it's strange that no matter how much time passes between our visits, we always seem to pick right up where we left off. You could also say that it's wonderful! If things work out, maybe she'll be able to meet me in Bath this weekend.

Week 13 - Unlucky, Then Lucky

Saturday (Day 90 ): A Bird's Eye View of London

There was plenty of shopping, then an early evening spin on the Eye together, topped off with a nightcap with GCP friends at O'Neil's.

Followed by a night out with GCPers.

Friday (Day 89): Alex and Billy Were Brilliant

Alex arrived right on schedule from Manchester, and we found each other without difficulty. We had just a moment to stop by the flat before grabbing a quick bite to eat. Then it was off to Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace. Afterwards, we joined some GCPers for drinks and conversation at a local watering hole. I hope to add a few notes here about the play, but the pace here has picked up a lot, so I can't promise.

Thursday (Day 88): Work Continues

This week, I got a quick overview of the software program that CPT uses to create its on line newsletter. Among my assignments for the remainder of the week is to review the upcoming program, research details about the plays and actors, and then propose an outline for the next issue of the newsletter. With a little luck, it will be ready just before Easter.

Wednesday (Day 87): No Joke!

Earlier in the week, EUSA staff had passed on an alert from the United States Department of State concerning potentially dangerous activity intended to disrupt the G-20 meeting, which takes place in London on April 1. We had been advised to discuss the situation with our internship supervisors, especially if we worked in the financial district, where it was thought that at least disruption of public transportation and demonstrations were most likely to take place.

As far as I know, everyone reported for work today. It was easy to see that police were out in force. In addition, streets around London Square were closed, as were tube stops in the general area. There was lots of talk on the streets and many of us were anxious about what the day might hold.

I DID NOT TAKE THESE PICTURES, MOM AND DAD. The one below appeared in the Daily Mail, a London News Service. Things got pretty hot and heavy at the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Bank of England. (An unnamed GCPer actually took the picture above. A little too close for my comfort. Crazy!)

This is my fourth trip to Europe. Each time there's been a real, live example of social action in the streets. If it's not crazy soccer fans celebrating a victory, it's a union on strike. If it's not a union on strike, it's anarchists trying to bring down capitalism. I think there is a serious message in all of this that deserves reflection, but not here, not at this hour.

In other news, the average Briton on the street seems more than disappointed that upon meeting the Queen of England, the Obama's presented Her Majesty with an ipod, loaded with pictures of her most recent visit to the colonies and several of the President's speeches - perfect maybe for a teenager, but a Head of State? For our most trusted and important ally? Let's hope "high-fives" were not exchanged. (I didn't take this picture either.)

The ONLY downside to being across the pond right now is that we might miss Villanova's second National Basketball Championship. Let's hope that the intersection of Lancaster and Ithan doesn't look like Threadneedle and Prince's (shown above) after the Cats stomp the Tarheels.\V/ GO NOVA! \V/

Tuesday (Day 86): Awakening with the Gang

After another day of work with Matt at CPT, I joined the usual suspects for play number 9, Spring Awakening. The musical is based on a controversial 1891 German play of the same title by Frank Wedekind. It's set in late-nineteenth century Germany, and "concerns teenagers who are discovering the physical and psychological realities of adolescent sexuality." The original play was banned in Germany due to its sometimes graphic portrayal of sex and violence. In its day, of course, pregnancy, abortion, rape and suicide were not suitable content for the stage, much less public conversation. It has become a "must see" for even highschoolers in the States, as we are much more open about all of these topics now. Given our situation today, however, it does seem reasonable to speculate about the benefits of our new found "enlightenment."

The show has barely been open for two weeks, and it was a great chance to see the original London cast. Overall the performances were excellent; the London actor playing Melchior, much to my amazement, even resembled his adorable NY counterpart, Jonathan Groff! As with some of the other shows I've seen at the West End, some individual performances were better acted than the New York version I had seen last summer.

Seeing it for a second time reminded me just how beautiful the music is and how poignant the message of the story. It's hard not to be touched by the universal messages of love, friendship, redemption and life itself. It's probably one of the most moving shows I've seen, and I'm glad I got to share the experience with some of my closest friends in the Global Citizens Program.

Monday (Day 85): Back to Reality

The work week has come much too quickly, and I realize how much I miss the big bed, the relaxing bubble baths, the beautiful view and the quiet solitude of my weekend in Scotland. But Alex, from Prestbury, will be arriving this Friday to visit, and it will be a fantastic weekend - maybe even a little loud and boisterous!

Meanwhile, my agenda includes:

a return to class - Britons at Work and finishing the final paper, implementation of SWOT analysis at CPT, seeing show number 9 - Spring Awakening at Novello Theatre, mundane chores - laundry and grocery shopping, waiting for Alex - my favorite Briton, and seeing show number 10 - Billy Elliot at Victoria Palace.

The Castle Tour

Entrance to Edinburgh Castle

This morning I woke up bright and early, despite having to ‘spring forward’ an hour, to check out of the Holiday Inn and visit Edinburgh Castle.

It was somewhat bizarre to be finally approaching the base of the volcanic rock on which the Castle was built. I had seen the Castle on numerous occasions since arriving: from my hotel, riding the bus, walking up and down the Royal Mile, but I had never been this close to the building that dominates the skyline of Edinburgh.

My trip to the castle was shorter than expected, and my early arrival allowed me to take some beautiful pictures of the scenery, and of the castle itself, without a bunch of tourists in the way. St. Giles Cathedral is most impressive.

After taking a quick half hour ‘orientation’ tour of the castle, learning a bit about the history of the castle and what each building actually is, I was able to wander around on my own for the rest of the morning into the afternoon.

I started by visiting the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. The exhibit explained the interesting history of the jewels, from how they were made to who wore them, to how the stone of destiny, used at the coronation of Scottish Kings, was taken by the English and not returned until recently. No pictures were allowed. These below are stock photos.

After stopping to browse in the first of many castle gift shops, I went into the Scottish War Memorial. The memorial housed book after book of recorded names of those who died in the service of Scotland in various wars, both past and present. Looking through the books was a heavy experience, something moving that I hadn’t expected to feel during my trip.

From there I moved around the court yard, stopping in to look at the Castle’s Great Hall. The room was impressive with his high, beamed ceiling, walls of swords and suits of armor, chandeliers, and stained glass.

After taking tons of pictures, I walked around the backside of the war memorial up to St. Margaret’s Chapel, in which barely 30 people could fit at a time. Although less grand than other castle chapels I’ve been lucky enough to visit in Europe, its size gave it a certain charm.

Walking back down to the lower levels of Castle Rock, I passed Mons Meg, the castle’s prized cannon that could fire a gunstone up to two miles away! Impressive! Next I walked by the castle’s well on the way to the Dragoon Museum, which displayed all manner of historic Scottish military regalia.

After a quick bite to eat in the Queen Anne Café, featuring home baked shortbread, I went through the prison exhibition, where the dungeons of the castle were renovated to simulate the prison arrangement as it would have been in the past.

I spent the rest of my time in the castle taking pictures and visiting gift shops. You may see me wearing my new Edinburgh Castle Tartan Scarf sometime next season!

After walking a little more of the Royal Mile for a bit more shopping, it was time for me to say goodbye to Edinburgh, catch a cab to the airport and head back to London.

This was one of the most amazing weekends of my life, giving me the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful countryside landscapes in the world, and I’m glad my parents encouraged me to do it. When I realized that no one would be able to travel with me, I was hesitant about traveling completely on my own in a place I’d never been to before. But thinking about it now, I can see all that I would have missed if I hadn’t found the courage to go out and do something I really wanted by myself.

The trip went off without a hitch, and I now know just how much I really can do on my own. OK, so maybe I wouldn’t do it in a country that speaks a foreign language just yet, but hey, maybe soon.

The Twelve Hour Tour

Saturday (Day 83): Touring the Land of Kings

Waking early, I took a bus into Edinburgh to meet our tour guide and fellow passengers - all couples, Scotland, England, Australia, India and China were represented. I was the only American. After a few pictures of the surrounding neighborhood we were off.

We traveled northwest past Linlithgow palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and Stirling Castle. Stirling Castle was once known as the 'Key to Scotland', with its imposing position in the centre of the country.

Next, we drove past the National Wallace Monument, a 220 ft. commemoration of Scotland's great hero William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson in the Oscar-winning movie Braveheart, and the scene of Wallace's greatest triumph, the battle of Stirling Bridge, where he defeated the English army in 1297.

We had to drive away quickly as we approached Doune Castle, for fear that the French would "taunt us again." This is a privately owned castle used in the filming of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

To our south, we passed Bannockburn where, in 1314, the great Scottish warrior-king Robert the Bruce defeated the English army of Edward II, restoring independence for Scotland.

Our first stop was a short one for coffee at Callander, a 'frontier town' on the edge of the Highlands.

Crossing the Highland boundary fault line, the scenery changes quickly and dramatically, the flat fertile plains of the lowlands give way to shimmering lochs, rugged mountain tops and forest-filled glens. It's easy to forget that this was once thought of as a dangerous frontier, fought over by the fiercely territorial Highland clans.

It's in this area too, that one finds the famous train tressel that the Hogwarts Express crossed, taking Harry, Hermione, Ron and all the rest to and from wizzard school. The structure is actually called the Glenfinnan viaduct. You can ride the Hogwarts Express during a Harry Potter tour of England and Scotland. The tour takes place in July and is very expensive. The shortest is 5 days and 4 nights. Maybe some other time?

Travelling north through Breadalbane - the 'High Country of Scotland' - we climbed towards the desolation of Rannoch Moor. At an altitude of over 1000 ft., covered by heather and peat-bogs and dotted with dozens of lochs, it's a unique landscape.

The contrast was dramatic as we approached spectacular mountain scenery, specifically the majestic peak of Buachaille Etive Mor - 'the great shepherd of Etive' and then traveled down into Scotland's most famous valley, Glencoe.

Glencoe is infamous as the site of the Glencoe massacre in 1692. Following orders from King William, Scottish soldiers under the leadership of Captain Robert Campbell slaughtered men, women and children of the Macdonald clan. No one was ever punished for this crime, since the King himself had signed the order. For the film buffs, Braveheart was filmed here.

Beyond Glencoe, we entered Great Glen, a deep glacial valley. Passing through the town of Fort William, we drove under Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis before arriving at Fort Augustus on the southern shore of Loch Ness, yet another place of magnificent beauty.

At 23 miles long and over 700 ft. deep, it's the largest loch by volume in Scotland and contains more water than every lake in England and Wales combined! The loch is best known for the legendary sightings of the Loch Ness Monster.

Luckily for us, this was the first day of the boat cruise season. While it was cold and windy, we searched for the monster, but alas found none.

We also had lunch here. I played it safe with Fish and Chips - the best I have ever had, ever! From Loch Ness we headed south through the mountains of the Cairngorms National Park, and alongside Loch Laggan, the setting for the BBC series 'Monarch of the Glen', then over the Drumochter Pass and past 13th century Blair Castle, ancestral home of the Duke of Atholl.

We drove through the Highland resort town of Pitlochry, built on Victorian tourism and nestled amongst the mountains of Highland Perthshire, and continued south, passing through the forests of Perthshire, famous as Macbeth country, and past Perth itself. Perth was the medieval capital of Scotland, where for hundreds of years Scottish monarchs were crowned at nearby Scone Palace.

South of Perth, we drove past Loch Leven, where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned by Protestant nobles, before escaping to England where she was eventually executed by her cousin Elizabeth I. Then it was over the famous Forth Bridge and our return to Edinburgh.

To my advantage, the route took us past my hotel on the way back. Since we will be "springing forward" later tonight at 1 AM and losing an hour of sleep, I asked to disembark at my door step. After a quick Skype with the 'rents, a pot of tea in the cafe and a final bubble bath upstairs, I hit the sheets early. On the agenda tomorrow is a tour of Edinburgh Castle, a little shopping in the town center, and then a short flight back to Kensington.

Travel Day

Friday (Day 82): Scotland Bound.

Thanks to Matt, I have Friday off so that I can begin my Scotland adventure a little early. One of the side benefits of the Global Citizens Program is that you get an opportunity to make travel plans on your own. You have to learn to get to where you need to go in a timely manner, read and follow directions closely and budget your money carefully. When you don't, you miss out on some really good times. To cover a lot of ground and to avoid wasting time, organizational skills are key.

Modes of Transportation

A Two Night Stay.
I can see Edinburgh Castle from my room.
Thanks Mom and Dad!

The View From My Window!

Dinner Here Friday Night!
A short bus ride from the hotel.
I think I may have sat where J. K. Rowling wrote her first pages!!!!