So Happy - So Sad

Sunday (Day 105) Lugging the Luggage

The week had not been without purchases. As usual, Mom and I seemed to have greater success at finding that special memento. Without fail, Dad did remind us that the strategy upon which we had agreed included taking an extra suitcase back with them, so that all that I had brought or bought as well as anything that they had sent, which needed to come back, could be taken home. The goal was to make my trip home more manageable and less costly.

Despite a few unexpected purchases, at least that’s what we claimed, Mom worked her usual magic. It did require considerable redistribution of contents among our suitcases and bags. Having packed light for the trip and managed their arrival without too much difficulty, Mom and Dad would be returning home with two checked bags and a carry on each – all weighing considerably more than upon arrival. Getting back was going to be a hand full – actually six hands full - and Dad said we could have used a couple more.

We awoke at 5:45 AM and quickly made our way to Victoria Station. A little too much picture taking necessitated an unexpected dash for the Gatwick Express, but catching it made our arrival at the airport even timelier than we had planned. It was a sad goodbye, tempered only by the knowledge that I would be joining them soon at another airport in just a week’s time – this one in the United States.

Saturday (Day 104): Shopping and Training

Mr. Travers and Dad were out early to visit historic St. Peter’s Church. It's over 800 years old and the oldest Anglican church in the diocese, still in use today. Afterwards they visited the village bakery to pick up bread for lunch. Upon their return sandwiches, quiche, and pizza were consumed. Then it was off to the town of Macclesfield for a brief afternoon of shopping and coffee on an exceptionally beautiful spring day. After sad goodbyes at home and the station, we were back on the train for our return trip to London.

We returned to London and the Forum. Mom and I made a quick stop at the flat to pick up and drop off some of my stuff. Then we returned to pick up Dad before heading to Nando’s for a quick bite to eat.

Friday (Day 103): Chatsworth House in Derbyshire

During my week with the Travers at Spring Break, I had visited Lyme Park or Pemberley, the fictitious home of Fitzwilliam Darcy. I had hoped to return with my parents, to have them share the experience and to see the gardens in better bloom.

My Dad, ever on the look out for new and different experiences, suggested that we consider Chatsworth House in Derbyshire. He had found a blog showing an exhibition of film making at Chatsworth, which included actual props used in the Pride and Prejudice movies. Best of all, our accommodating hosts were happy to plan the day.

"When have you not benefited from my intervention"?, Dad is fond of saying. The house was magnificent and the gardens sooooooo English. Thanks for the tip, Dad. See the slideshow to the left for many pictures of the day.

Possibly the best part of the whole day!

Dinner at the Nice Restaurant and Bar in Prestbury followed our return. The Travers' prefer it for its atypical, but authentic menu. A grand time was had by all and afterwards, the girls retired to the Travers homestead for a movie. Mr. Travers and Dad proceeded to two primary watering holes for refreshment of the Isle and a lesson or two about European Football Leagues.

Ye Old Admiral Rodney established in 1730, has a living room feel, and is a favorite "after work" spot with colleagues from Astra Zeneca. The second stop was the local social club, the Prestbury Village Club, to which Mr. Travers' belongs - where dart, snooker and card tournaments are held. More like a "sports" bar, this is where football is discussed and cheered in earnest. Serious business that!

Unfortunately, the sport is relatively unknown to our family. And though Dad did not make the mistake of speaking positively about Liverpool or Arsenal, he did say that because his nephew followed Manchester United, he knew a little about that team.

As it turns out, the correct answer was Manchester City. Mark, the proprietor, a huge but friendly man, made allowances for the Yank, and treated Dad and Mr. Travers to a round nonetheless. The experience, I think, seemed to be the highlight of Dad's trip!

Thursday (Day 102): Westminster and Travers

Thanks to Matt and Freya, I have today and tomorrow off so that our whole family can return to Prestbury to share a weekend with the Travers family. We got up early, checked out of the Holiday Inn and took the Tube to Westminster Abbey, just adjacent to the Parliament building. As with St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster is a functioning church. No photography is allowed inside.

Every time I am in one of these grand structures, I am simply overwhelmed that such a building could be constructed in those days. How were such complex plans conceived? How many worked on it? What did it cost and from where did the money come?

Westminster is the burial site for MANY famous Britons. Of course a great number of royals are there as are military generals and politicians. Of most significance to me was Poets Corner, where famous authors and poets are buried. Although only a Shakespeare memorial is there, the remains of James Joyce, Charles Dickens and Jane Austen are there as well. As soon as I can scan a post card of the corner, I’ll be able to show you this favorite part of the building.

After that it was off to Victoria Station and the train to Macclesfield.

Mr. Travers, Alex and Madeline Travers met us at the station. We dropped Mom and Dad off at the hotel. Dad had arranged special accommodations for the two of them at The White House Manor – the Crystal Room no less. We headed to the Travers’ home to prepare dinner.

About an hour later, Mom and Dad arrived fresh from a short walk from the village for a delicious meal – assorted seafood as an appetizer, then lamb, carrots, peas, Brussels sprouts, accompanied by a beautiful Riesling and a luscious Barolo. The meal was topped off by homemade chocolate torte and fruit trifle.

Though we had shared many meals with the Travers family when they lived in Pennsylvania, and had hosted them at our home during their trips back to America, we never dreamed that we would be having dinner at their house. It was a "perfect evening" - words not frequently used by my Dad!

Wednesday (Day 101): Still at the Grind For ME

Believe it or not, Mom and Dad claim that my directions for the day left a little something to be desired! I thought for sure that a change of lines and a brisk walk would do them good. But after negotiating their way around, they however, contend that no change of lines was necessary and that Mansion Place is the most direct tube stop for this leg of the tour.

The first stop of the day for Mom and Dad was St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is a magnificent church, still in use today. Dad was particularly interested in "The Light of the World" by William Holman Hunt. St. Paul's version is the latest and largest version, painted in 1908.

After a tour of the sanctuary and the chapels, Mom and Dad climbed the long circular stairway to the Whispering Gallery - no easy task. The gallery is located high in the central dome of St. Paul's. The interior walkway is surrounded by Doctors of the Church, and includes both St. Augustine and St. Ambrose. A curved bench provides comfortable seating and if you place your ear to the wall in just the right way, you can hear the conversations of people sitting on the far side of the gallery.

I'm told that a visit to the gift shop in the basement was quite productive. Dad even found a small reproduction of The Light of the World, just as it appears upstairs. You can see it on his bookshelf at Villanova, as soon as he returns!

Next, they took the Millennium Bridge from St. Paul's to the Globe Theater, where they discovered that the current Globe is actually the third to be built.

No longer on the original site, it took over ten years to build as only construction techniques of the 16th century were used to create it. Although the thatched roof is an authentic replica, it does have a sprinkler system along with other safety concessions, which were not part of the original.

In point of fact, the ‘rents learned that not much is factually known about the original structure. The current building is really a compilation of what was known about it and other theaters of the day. Fortunately for me Mom and Dad learned that the 2009 season begins next Thursday on April 26th – the birthday of William Shakespeare, with Romeo and Juliet. Guess who has center section tickets!!!!!

The set for Romeo and Juliet
was under construction during their tour!

Still up for more walking, Mom and Dad chatted with guards, armed and unarmed during a very long walk of all sides of Parliament. Because the government is still on holiday, the building was closed to the public.

Since I was getting off late from work, they agreed to find their way to Harrod’s to meet me and a fellow GCPer, Tuche, for ice cream. So ended day three of the Janosik tour of England.

Tuesday (Day 100): Back to Work for Me

CPT is preparing for the opening of A Place at the Table this week. It’s an important production for us and all kinds of loose ends needed tying up. I've spent most of the day formatting and producing the program for the play.

My parents would be on their own, but yesterday’s lessons using the Oyster Card, riding the Tube and reading the local map prepared them for the day ahead. Dad will do a lot of heavy lifting on this trip, but Mom will get them where they need to go.

An informative and extensive tour of the Tower of London, was followed by lunch at the “Hung Drawn and Quartered,” where Fish and Chips, London-style was tried with a few pints of the local ale. Apparently, Mom really got into the whole Tower thing. All of the tour guides are expertly trained and very amusing. The Crown Jewels of England are kept here and currently there is an extensive exhibit on the armor of the day, including pieces worn by Henry VIII himself.

I did say "really" into it.

Then it was on to the Tower Bridge – never to be confused with the London Bridge, which is common for us Yanks. Currently, there is an exhibition featuring 22 of the Greatest Bridges in the World being shown in the West Walkway, which according to Dad, who is not even an Engineer, is worth seeing. All that being said, the first and really only tragedy of the trip occurred when the battery in my camera lost its charge. Mom and Dad were so impressed with the view from the bridge that they vowed to return tomorrow for a few more pics. Well, I suppose that they'll be able to work it in?

I met them back at their hotel for a quick wash up before an evening performance of Les Miserables at the Queen’s Theater. The performance was just as stirring as the first time I had seen it – now the best I and THEY have ever seen.

Monday (Day 99): London on the Fast Track

I left the flat early Monday morning so that I could be at Victoria Station to meet my parents, who were coming into London on the Gatwick Express. Their US Airways flight from Philadelphia had left on time and was uneventful, as was arrival at Victoria. We checked in to the Holiday Inn – Forum, and started our world wind tour of Greater London together.

Though we were greeted by light sprinkles on the way to our first destination, by the time we emerged from Kensington Palace we were able to tour Hyde Park under cloudy but dry skies.

From here we made a quick dash for High Tea at Brown’s Hotel, where the silverware is heavy and the tea sandwiches are light. Scones by the tray full and meticulously crafted desserts were consumed in turn, while a grand piano played expertly in the background. It was easy to see why the Tea Guild of England recently awarded Brown's its "Top Afternoon Tea" designation for 2009. All the GCPers I know have encouraged visiting relatives to stop there, preferably at a time when we are available to go with them!

Then it was back out on the streets of London. Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square were visited as were Waterstone's and Hatchards bookstores before heading to Big Ben, Parliament and the London Eye to cap off a first day in England.

The Brown is a "must experience" when in London!

I love this picture!

And I'll never tire of this ride.


Mom thinks they may have walked ten miles today.

Easter Sunday (Day 98): Alleluia! Alleluia!

He is Risen!

After a rainy weekend, and all of our Jane Austen plans cancelled, we awoke to a sunny Easter morning. GCPers shared Mass (in English) and breakfast together courtesy of Dennis and the boys in flat 13. Preparation for Easter dinner began almost immediately after. It was the best Easter ham, I've ever had - basted with a secret sauce of English beer and brown sugar, simply delicious.

Mom and Dad arrive tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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.