I would say that we went to Dover to see the castle, but that would be a lie. We went to Dover to see the famous chalk cliffs, and to see if we could get a peek at the French coast across the Channel. However, with Dover being a solid 4 hour round trip journey, it didn't seem to make much sense to just pop down for an hour and then back. So to the castle we went.
I will say that coming in to Dover is... unimpressive. There are some cute little houses and churches and then, right by the bus depot, there is sort of just... nothing. We had to wander a bit to find a Costa to satiate the caffeine deprived needs (well, at least Kelsey and mine), and even walking down the main thoroughfare lead to a sense of "meh." But up high on a hill, towering over everything else, nestled on top of those majestic white cliffs, was the Castle. And it was as impressive as anything I've ever seen.
The walk up there nearly killed us (from a purely out-of-shape point of view). It's a pretty steep climb and it is daunting at times to try to force your way up. In all honesty, it can't have been more than a half mile. Either way, up we went, the bright English sunshine beaming down upon us (how often do I get to type that phrase??).
Dover Castle is immense. There is a very small part of it that is in ruin (some dating back to the 11th or 12th century, I'm not sure which), and every inch of it just about is open to the public to explore. You don't get that kind of freedom in most places, nor are most places kept up to this kind of standard. Please note, I have not visited every castle in England, but the ones that I have seen have not been like this. INSANE.
Besides housing a pretty sweet castle and a massive manor that, unfortunately, wasn't open for whatever reason, there are also secret tunnels. Do I need to repeat that? SECRET. TUNNELS. I can't even. Part of them are from medieval times, which you can wander around and get hopelessly lost in, but the other ones (Napoleonic and WWII) are free and clear to go into and have been reinterpreted with some of the best tours I have ever been a part of. There is an underground hospital which has flickering lights and overheard conversations, along with smells that are imported in to make the experience that much more 'real.' Then there are the war tunnels where they show the rooms and history behind the evacuation of Dunkirk, which is a pretty emotional and insane story in and of itself.
All in all, we spent 6 hours at the castle (this is partly due to the fact that one of my friends has to see EVERYTHING that is available. Everything.) and a grand total of maybe 35 minutes at the Cliffs (which I would like to go back to and hike properly wearing the appropriate footwear). Dover Castle, guys. Go there. Live it up.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
A Whirlwind Weekend (or: In which I am actually good at surprises)
For those of you who know me fairly well, you may have noticed I am terrible with surprises. It happens with every birthday, holiday, little gift from the store, or trip I go on. I can't help it. I get so excited about how much whoever it is is going to love it that I just let it slip.
That is why I am amazed that I was able to pull this past weekend off. Approximately 3 months ago, I got the idea in my head that I really, really wanted to surprise my sister. She and I hadn't been able to talk as much as I would have liked to, between schedules and time differences it had been hard to keep in touch. I knew that she was stressed about the wedding and that she was really bummed that I wasn't going to make the bridal shower. I decided I needed to be there, despite being in a different country and being kind of broke, I knew that it would be the best surprise ever.
After a few phone calls to make sure someone could actually get me from the airport and to make sure I wasn't being completely insane, I booked the flight back for the weekend. And then I had a second idea: It's Mother's Day the day after. Wouldn't Mom just about lose it if I was home for that, too?
And so the great "lie your face off to everyone" tactic began. Facebook posts, emails, FaceTime sessions that all expressed how sad I was I wouldn't be able to make it. I only told 3 people who were directly involved with Steph and Mom that I was coming back home: my dad, brother, and Steph's best friend. Apparently keeping the secret from Steph was killing Jamie, she avoided Steph for the past 3 weeks to prevent letting it slip.
Friday afternoon, Sean dropped me at the airport. I climbed onboard and in 8 hours was landing in Philly where Geoff was ready to get me. Dad was en route from a dinner at the same time, Steph was having a few of the bridesmaids and friends over to help make the centrepieces for the wedding. Dad and Geoff headed into the house through the main door, while I snuck around to the back door where everyone was hanging out. Once I saw they were inside, I knocked on the glass (there's a curtain so you can't really see out onto the deck), and Steph answered the door.
She completely lost it. Crying, excited hugging, high pitched screaming out of excitement and a lot of "I can't believe you're here!"s. That was probably the most gratifying moment, and I hope that it really made the weekend that much better for her.
The next day (Saturday) was the actual bridal shower, where I surprised my mom. My brother had called me to let me know she was walking in the door, and when I came around the corner she dropped her keys and basically repeated the exact same thing my sister did (it runs in the family, my grandmother was with her, and she was going through the crying/hugging/'I can't believe it"s as well).
All in all, it was a pretty kick ass weekend. My sister got her maid-of-honor to be at her bridal shower, my mom got to have all of her kids together for Mother's Day, and I got to feel like I did something that really mattered to them both. I love to make them smile. :)
Love to you all.
That is why I am amazed that I was able to pull this past weekend off. Approximately 3 months ago, I got the idea in my head that I really, really wanted to surprise my sister. She and I hadn't been able to talk as much as I would have liked to, between schedules and time differences it had been hard to keep in touch. I knew that she was stressed about the wedding and that she was really bummed that I wasn't going to make the bridal shower. I decided I needed to be there, despite being in a different country and being kind of broke, I knew that it would be the best surprise ever.
After a few phone calls to make sure someone could actually get me from the airport and to make sure I wasn't being completely insane, I booked the flight back for the weekend. And then I had a second idea: It's Mother's Day the day after. Wouldn't Mom just about lose it if I was home for that, too?
And so the great "lie your face off to everyone" tactic began. Facebook posts, emails, FaceTime sessions that all expressed how sad I was I wouldn't be able to make it. I only told 3 people who were directly involved with Steph and Mom that I was coming back home: my dad, brother, and Steph's best friend. Apparently keeping the secret from Steph was killing Jamie, she avoided Steph for the past 3 weeks to prevent letting it slip.
Friday afternoon, Sean dropped me at the airport. I climbed onboard and in 8 hours was landing in Philly where Geoff was ready to get me. Dad was en route from a dinner at the same time, Steph was having a few of the bridesmaids and friends over to help make the centrepieces for the wedding. Dad and Geoff headed into the house through the main door, while I snuck around to the back door where everyone was hanging out. Once I saw they were inside, I knocked on the glass (there's a curtain so you can't really see out onto the deck), and Steph answered the door.
She completely lost it. Crying, excited hugging, high pitched screaming out of excitement and a lot of "I can't believe you're here!"s. That was probably the most gratifying moment, and I hope that it really made the weekend that much better for her.
The next day (Saturday) was the actual bridal shower, where I surprised my mom. My brother had called me to let me know she was walking in the door, and when I came around the corner she dropped her keys and basically repeated the exact same thing my sister did (it runs in the family, my grandmother was with her, and she was going through the crying/hugging/'I can't believe it"s as well).
All in all, it was a pretty kick ass weekend. My sister got her maid-of-honor to be at her bridal shower, my mom got to have all of her kids together for Mother's Day, and I got to feel like I did something that really mattered to them both. I love to make them smile. :)
Love to you all.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Thoughts
I think that being passionate is a a wonderful thing. To love something, or someone, completely is something that people don't get to experience.
I used to think that having these swings, being ecstatic or being crushed, was a terrible thing. I like to think that it's more just about being alive, and letting myself actually feel. It's incredible, to be moved by little things or simple beauty. I want people to feel that.
I know this post doesn't make much sense, but I think it's one of those things I needed to get out. It's important to let ourselves feel. It is much to easy to stop living and feeling in a world that is more and more electronically based. It's easy to forget how to let things happen and to let go.
I used to think that having these swings, being ecstatic or being crushed, was a terrible thing. I like to think that it's more just about being alive, and letting myself actually feel. It's incredible, to be moved by little things or simple beauty. I want people to feel that.
I know this post doesn't make much sense, but I think it's one of those things I needed to get out. It's important to let ourselves feel. It is much to easy to stop living and feeling in a world that is more and more electronically based. It's easy to forget how to let things happen and to let go.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
A Year in Review
A year ago today, my grandfather passed away. He'd had a long struggle with cancer, and it eventually spread and took over. I hadn't realised just how drastically it had changed him, how thin he had become, how weak.
This post is not about what he deteriorated into.
This post is about what I wish he had been here for.
Before my grandfather died, the last time I saw him he said something very important to me. He was lying in his bed in the living room, looking up at a family portrait that had been taken during one of my more awkward years. He took my hand and said this to me:
"Look at these faces. I know you've struggled for a long time, not feeling like you fit in. You don't feel like you belong with the Lozanos or the Peirces. But why the hell would you want to be like them? You are unique, you have always been. Stop worrying about trying to be someone else, be the wonderful person you are."
A few days later, my grandfather was gone. I hadn't heard back from Delaware about my rejection to graduate school (again), I hadn't applied in a fit of pure impudence to this program in London, I hadn't quit my job, moved my life, and started down a path to making myself truly happy. He won't see my sister get married, he won't meet her kids, or mine if I have them. He won't ever meet the man I marry or see me succeed or watch my cousins graduate.
But I like to think that he'd be so proud of me today. A year ago, I was a different person. The person I was then would never have made this change. The person I was would not have embraced who I am and who I want to be. She was afraid, and I'm not any more. I'd like to thank him for that.
You've been greatly missed this year, Papa. I love you always.
This post is not about what he deteriorated into.
This post is about what I wish he had been here for.
Before my grandfather died, the last time I saw him he said something very important to me. He was lying in his bed in the living room, looking up at a family portrait that had been taken during one of my more awkward years. He took my hand and said this to me:
"Look at these faces. I know you've struggled for a long time, not feeling like you fit in. You don't feel like you belong with the Lozanos or the Peirces. But why the hell would you want to be like them? You are unique, you have always been. Stop worrying about trying to be someone else, be the wonderful person you are."
A few days later, my grandfather was gone. I hadn't heard back from Delaware about my rejection to graduate school (again), I hadn't applied in a fit of pure impudence to this program in London, I hadn't quit my job, moved my life, and started down a path to making myself truly happy. He won't see my sister get married, he won't meet her kids, or mine if I have them. He won't ever meet the man I marry or see me succeed or watch my cousins graduate.
But I like to think that he'd be so proud of me today. A year ago, I was a different person. The person I was then would never have made this change. The person I was would not have embraced who I am and who I want to be. She was afraid, and I'm not any more. I'd like to thank him for that.
You've been greatly missed this year, Papa. I love you always.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Bummer
Relationships are great, right?
Well, yes, they can be. Especially in the honeymoon phase where you're all stupidly starry-eyed and no one has done anything wrong yet. This is my favourite phase of the relationship. I love this phase. You're just past being worried about scaring them away with your giant bag of crazy past history, but you haven't gotten to the point where the magic is completely gone.
That being said, I friggin' suck as a friend during this phase. I disappear. I get so wrapped up in this new whatever that I just want to spend as much time as humanly possible with my significant other and completely ignore the rest of the world. What's worse is that I know I do it. I know. I see myself go and make plans with my significant other and not leave a second of time for anyone else. What sucks is that it is rarely the s.o.'s fault. It's completely mine. This little beauty of a personality defect is 100% me oriented. Not only will I ignore friends who kept me company when I was lonely and trying to adjust, or family members who are trying to get a hold of me to make sure I'm alive, but I'll also blow off school work and readings just so I can spend more time in that little perfect sphere.
I need to change this.
It is not healthy.
Well, yes, they can be. Especially in the honeymoon phase where you're all stupidly starry-eyed and no one has done anything wrong yet. This is my favourite phase of the relationship. I love this phase. You're just past being worried about scaring them away with your giant bag of crazy past history, but you haven't gotten to the point where the magic is completely gone.
That being said, I friggin' suck as a friend during this phase. I disappear. I get so wrapped up in this new whatever that I just want to spend as much time as humanly possible with my significant other and completely ignore the rest of the world. What's worse is that I know I do it. I know. I see myself go and make plans with my significant other and not leave a second of time for anyone else. What sucks is that it is rarely the s.o.'s fault. It's completely mine. This little beauty of a personality defect is 100% me oriented. Not only will I ignore friends who kept me company when I was lonely and trying to adjust, or family members who are trying to get a hold of me to make sure I'm alive, but I'll also blow off school work and readings just so I can spend more time in that little perfect sphere.
I need to change this.
It is not healthy.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
The Big Move
Hey All,
I needed to just take a break from all of the reading that I'm doing on the conservation of modern materials. It's starting to blur and I'm not sure how much I'm letting truly soak in. So! Nothing better for a little study break than to update on my life. Obviously.
It's been a while (ha, who hasn't heard that from me before?), but I've honestly been much more swamped by school and life than I thought I would be. There is way more reading, research, topic discussion, and topic revision than I thought there would be. I guess that's grad school for you, though.
Anyway, I moved into my new place about a month ago, and I'm really happy with it. Grated, the room is smaller than the one I had before, but I fit everything I need in here (with the exception of the 10 books I have checked out from the library, those currently either live on my bed or my desk. You win again, Grad School...). The location is pretty convenient as far as getting to school and any other locations goes, the overground is right around the corner, as is the local tube station and there are loads of bus stops right near our entrance. It's a little bit sketchy, but there are some really cute restaurants and some pub/bars that do great deals on drinks.
My new flatmates are great so far (at least, 2/3 of them are). I live with one of my best friends over here who is also a grad student, but she's studying a different subject entirely. There's also a German guy who is awesome, super clean, really funny and friendly. His girlfriend seems ok too, which is better than her hating me outright. The last one is a girl from up north, who is just a friggin' mess. She's studying law or something, and had a part time job for a while that she just quit, but she never EVER cleans anything. She's lived here longer than I have, but I don't think she's cleaned once. It was her weekend to clean (we take turns every weekend, that way it's not too overwhelming and so it's fair for everyone). She blatantly blew it off. She was home all weekend, and did not do a goddam thing. RIDICULOUS.
PLUS, bitch stole my cookies. Nobody steals my cookies. And she takes ridiculously long baths when there are 3 OTHER PEOPLE WHO NEED THE ONE BATHROOM WE HAVE. AND she leaves glasses of water in the shower. What is that. Honestly. What. IS. That. Bull crap, that's what that is. And highly unsanitary. We all need to sit down and have a little chat with her, because if she keeps that crap up, she's going to have to find somewhere else to live. End of story.
Enough hate rage.
Love you all,
L
I needed to just take a break from all of the reading that I'm doing on the conservation of modern materials. It's starting to blur and I'm not sure how much I'm letting truly soak in. So! Nothing better for a little study break than to update on my life. Obviously.
It's been a while (ha, who hasn't heard that from me before?), but I've honestly been much more swamped by school and life than I thought I would be. There is way more reading, research, topic discussion, and topic revision than I thought there would be. I guess that's grad school for you, though.
Anyway, I moved into my new place about a month ago, and I'm really happy with it. Grated, the room is smaller than the one I had before, but I fit everything I need in here (with the exception of the 10 books I have checked out from the library, those currently either live on my bed or my desk. You win again, Grad School...). The location is pretty convenient as far as getting to school and any other locations goes, the overground is right around the corner, as is the local tube station and there are loads of bus stops right near our entrance. It's a little bit sketchy, but there are some really cute restaurants and some pub/bars that do great deals on drinks.
My new flatmates are great so far (at least, 2/3 of them are). I live with one of my best friends over here who is also a grad student, but she's studying a different subject entirely. There's also a German guy who is awesome, super clean, really funny and friendly. His girlfriend seems ok too, which is better than her hating me outright. The last one is a girl from up north, who is just a friggin' mess. She's studying law or something, and had a part time job for a while that she just quit, but she never EVER cleans anything. She's lived here longer than I have, but I don't think she's cleaned once. It was her weekend to clean (we take turns every weekend, that way it's not too overwhelming and so it's fair for everyone). She blatantly blew it off. She was home all weekend, and did not do a goddam thing. RIDICULOUS.
PLUS, bitch stole my cookies. Nobody steals my cookies. And she takes ridiculously long baths when there are 3 OTHER PEOPLE WHO NEED THE ONE BATHROOM WE HAVE. AND she leaves glasses of water in the shower. What is that. Honestly. What. IS. That. Bull crap, that's what that is. And highly unsanitary. We all need to sit down and have a little chat with her, because if she keeps that crap up, she's going to have to find somewhere else to live. End of story.
Enough hate rage.
Love you all,
L
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Adventures in England
Hello All,
It's been a crazy few days over here in England. I've been all over! This post will be mostly pictures, so enjoy!
This weekend past I went out and visited my relatives near Reading, England. I'm not sure where their home is, I know it's about a half hour from Reading and 45 minutes from Henley, but I have no idea where it is exactly. The place doesn't even have an address, it just has a name. That's all. Anyway, I went and visited them at their beautiful estate home out in the country. This was the view from my bedroom when I woke up:
I think you can see how easy it is to fall in love with England... I'll do another post soon on my trip out to Bath and Stonehenge, it'll be too much to write it out here!
XO,
L
It's been a crazy few days over here in England. I've been all over! This post will be mostly pictures, so enjoy!
This weekend past I went out and visited my relatives near Reading, England. I'm not sure where their home is, I know it's about a half hour from Reading and 45 minutes from Henley, but I have no idea where it is exactly. The place doesn't even have an address, it just has a name. That's all. Anyway, I went and visited them at their beautiful estate home out in the country. This was the view from my bedroom when I woke up:
They also have Shetland ponies. And real ones as well.
A view looking over their lands. A little Lion King-esque
Very cute Market that I visited with my cousin.
XO,
L
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