Friday, July 31, 2009
Hurry Hurry
Gah! I am going home so soon! At least, thats how it feels like even though I have two weeks left. But when I am talking about internet access, I only have two days left. Unless I go to an internet cafe in Tenby, I will not have any sort of internet until August 7th, next week Friday. And that will be for one night, as the next day we go to Snowdonia, where there will be no chance of internet.
The day we get back from that I will be frantically packing to get all of my things together as my plane leaves the next day at 6:10 in the morning. Which means that we will have to leave around 3 in the morning to get to the airport on time. I will be exhausted when I get home.
Okay, to finish catching up. Monday was a lot of fun. Not only did the weather cooperate, something to appreciate greatly as I have already learned on this trip, we were able to go as an entire family to St. Faggans, a super cool place. It has a castle that is intact for the most part and some rooms were completely furnished.
There were beautiful gardens that reflect what it would have looked like in the early 1800's (I think). The rest of the extensive grounds had houses from across the centuries that have been moved stone by stone so that they look like what they would have how ever many years before.
There were these strip of terraced (row) houses that had the furnishings of different years about 40 years apart. There was a 1850 house, 1890, 1918, and 1950. And I am only slightly sure that those are the right dates, so give or take 10 years.
There were several churches, stores, and farm houses. It was really fun poking around and getting a glimpse of what life was like back in the day. The only thing that was a replica was a Celtic village. Johnny, it looks just like Asterix's village! That was really cool. It even smelled all smoky and a bit sour. I cannot believe what people could get done, especially when it comes to all of these buildings, without the help of machinery. The giant castles that I have been seeing were all created stone by a time. Crazy.
Tuesday we (me, my aunt, cousins) went to my older cousin's stammer/stutter group and were planning on going to a castle but the weather was icky enough that we did not want to. So we went home with a stop at Starbucks on the way.
Of course, my uncle prodded us to go to the castle so we went anyways later that day and braved the wet and cold. It was super windy. I think that I spent less time at that castle then at any other. Surprise surprise.
I think something else happened, but these days blend a bit together if I do not write them down in time.
Wednesday was a sleep-in day. Super lovely. I slept in till 10, and did not even notice when my younger cousin sneaked into my room (cough cough the study) to play runescape. I love sleeping. Which explains why it is almost 1 in the morning and I am still up.... oops. I watched the boys while my aunt went out in the afternoon, and then my older cousin had a doctors appointment. It was going to be a day where I stayed indoors all day until my uncle came home and whisked me and my younger cousin to the Gower.
I have heard loads about the Gower, mostly people telling me to go there and that there are few beaches across the world that are better. Remember the woman I met in the cafe in Swansea? She waxed about the beauty of the Gower and said that in all of her wordly travels she has not seen anything so beautiful. It was pretty amazing.
The sun was on the process of its descent and the tide was out. I have some really good photos as well as some really bad ones, but those are going to have to wait. If I have some time tomorrow before we go on the train, I will try to post them. Walking down to the beach involved a nice walk down a huge hill/cliff. The beach that we were on was not the beach beach that was all nice and sandy. We were at the part that was all seashells and rock. Beautiful. My trigger finger agreed and I took a little over 150 pictures. Hee hee. I have edited down a bit though, so do not worry.
We stayed at the Gower for 3 and a half hours, late enough that it was eat quick and straight to bed for my cousin. At least we had a pasty (better then the ones in the UP. Hah.) to tide us over. Yum yum meat and potatoes. And its po-tay-toes, not po-tah-toes. Grr. All of these people talk funny. They say garage silly-ly. Like saying garbage without the b. Of course, I sound even more strange.
Thursday (today! I have caught up!) was nice, if a bit stressful. I think the boys have been indoors a bit to much lately, not that the weather has allowed for outdoor activities, and so they were very very very wound up. I am so glad that I have only one brother and not two. We went to the stammer group again and this time played cards while we waited for the group to be over. Old maid, crazy 8's, and snap were all taught to me. I reminded my Aunt how to play rummy 500, and I taught them Ethan's Magical Conquest game, otherwise known as Egyptian rat slap.
We then went to another castle, Laugharne, pronounced "Larn". See! Funny pronunciations. I got to see Dylan Thomas's boathouse and have a cream tea. Yum.
This evening I was able to go back to the house that we had the barbecue at a while ago and take photos of the garden. Hahaha. Another 127 photos. But I already edited it down to 67! And then we came back to get ready to pack. Eek! Its late. Gotta go to bed. Well, post again maybe tomorrow, but most likely next week. I will make rough drafts so I do not forget what happened though.
Adios!
The day we get back from that I will be frantically packing to get all of my things together as my plane leaves the next day at 6:10 in the morning. Which means that we will have to leave around 3 in the morning to get to the airport on time. I will be exhausted when I get home.
Okay, to finish catching up. Monday was a lot of fun. Not only did the weather cooperate, something to appreciate greatly as I have already learned on this trip, we were able to go as an entire family to St. Faggans, a super cool place. It has a castle that is intact for the most part and some rooms were completely furnished.
There were beautiful gardens that reflect what it would have looked like in the early 1800's (I think). The rest of the extensive grounds had houses from across the centuries that have been moved stone by stone so that they look like what they would have how ever many years before.
There were these strip of terraced (row) houses that had the furnishings of different years about 40 years apart. There was a 1850 house, 1890, 1918, and 1950. And I am only slightly sure that those are the right dates, so give or take 10 years.
There were several churches, stores, and farm houses. It was really fun poking around and getting a glimpse of what life was like back in the day. The only thing that was a replica was a Celtic village. Johnny, it looks just like Asterix's village! That was really cool. It even smelled all smoky and a bit sour. I cannot believe what people could get done, especially when it comes to all of these buildings, without the help of machinery. The giant castles that I have been seeing were all created stone by a time. Crazy.
Tuesday we (me, my aunt, cousins) went to my older cousin's stammer/stutter group and were planning on going to a castle but the weather was icky enough that we did not want to. So we went home with a stop at Starbucks on the way.
Of course, my uncle prodded us to go to the castle so we went anyways later that day and braved the wet and cold. It was super windy. I think that I spent less time at that castle then at any other. Surprise surprise.
I think something else happened, but these days blend a bit together if I do not write them down in time.
Wednesday was a sleep-in day. Super lovely. I slept in till 10, and did not even notice when my younger cousin sneaked into my room (cough cough the study) to play runescape. I love sleeping. Which explains why it is almost 1 in the morning and I am still up.... oops. I watched the boys while my aunt went out in the afternoon, and then my older cousin had a doctors appointment. It was going to be a day where I stayed indoors all day until my uncle came home and whisked me and my younger cousin to the Gower.
I have heard loads about the Gower, mostly people telling me to go there and that there are few beaches across the world that are better. Remember the woman I met in the cafe in Swansea? She waxed about the beauty of the Gower and said that in all of her wordly travels she has not seen anything so beautiful. It was pretty amazing.
The sun was on the process of its descent and the tide was out. I have some really good photos as well as some really bad ones, but those are going to have to wait. If I have some time tomorrow before we go on the train, I will try to post them. Walking down to the beach involved a nice walk down a huge hill/cliff. The beach that we were on was not the beach beach that was all nice and sandy. We were at the part that was all seashells and rock. Beautiful. My trigger finger agreed and I took a little over 150 pictures. Hee hee. I have edited down a bit though, so do not worry.
We stayed at the Gower for 3 and a half hours, late enough that it was eat quick and straight to bed for my cousin. At least we had a pasty (better then the ones in the UP. Hah.) to tide us over. Yum yum meat and potatoes. And its po-tay-toes, not po-tah-toes. Grr. All of these people talk funny. They say garage silly-ly. Like saying garbage without the b. Of course, I sound even more strange.
Thursday (today! I have caught up!) was nice, if a bit stressful. I think the boys have been indoors a bit to much lately, not that the weather has allowed for outdoor activities, and so they were very very very wound up. I am so glad that I have only one brother and not two. We went to the stammer group again and this time played cards while we waited for the group to be over. Old maid, crazy 8's, and snap were all taught to me. I reminded my Aunt how to play rummy 500, and I taught them Ethan's Magical Conquest game, otherwise known as Egyptian rat slap.
We then went to another castle, Laugharne, pronounced "Larn". See! Funny pronunciations. I got to see Dylan Thomas's boathouse and have a cream tea. Yum.
This evening I was able to go back to the house that we had the barbecue at a while ago and take photos of the garden. Hahaha. Another 127 photos. But I already edited it down to 67! And then we came back to get ready to pack. Eek! Its late. Gotta go to bed. Well, post again maybe tomorrow, but most likely next week. I will make rough drafts so I do not forget what happened though.
Adios!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Kelmarsh!
Super Super SUPER fun weekend. We (my aunt, uncle, cousins, and my uncle's friend previously mentioned and me) drove the what should have been 4 hours to Northhampton in two cars that were filled to the brim with camping supplies and authentic dress. I looked super cute as a 17th century boy.
Why the ride was not 4 hours was because two sections of the freeway were closed and we had to take back ways. That would have been fine if not for the fact that every else seemed to pick that way to go as well. We were stuck in a traffic jam for over an hour while we covered only 3 miles. Grr.
I was in the car with my Uncle and my younger cousin at that point, (me and my uncle's friends had switched cars so each of the kids and adults could have the pleasure of our company. I wasn't much company cause I slept through most of the ride), and had a fun time singing with them. My cousin sang in Welsh for me. He is ridiculously adorable! And he hates it when I say that. I learned a new song. One man went to mow, went to mow a meadow. One man and his dog--woof-- went to mow a meadow. Two men went to mow, went to mow a meadow. Two men one men and his dog --woof-- went to mow a meadow. And so on and so forth. Lots of fun.
For most of the ride, or at least the bits that I was awake for, it seemed like we were chasing the rain. We kept driving through puddles of water that littered the motorway. It never rained on us till the end, but we were able to see a double rainbow which was really cool. I have not seen one in ages, and my cousin had never seen one.
When we arrived it was cold and wet. We sent up the tents without too much trouble, a big one for my aunt and uncle plus the kids, one for me, and one for my uncle's friend. The friend is pretty tall, like 6"4' ish, and he barely fitted in his tent. I had problems getting into mine and would always trip and lunge my way in. That night was cold! I was able to meet some of the rest of the people in the group which was nice.
I just realized that I never mentioned what Kelmarsh was. Its a hall, huge manor place, and on its land a huge history event takes place every year. Its a big reenactment from different periods, with tents set up to show what life was like in so and so period, battles like those of the Romans and World War II, and lots of other things. Shops as well. Its like a very authentic Renaissance festival. I managed to refrain from buying much, thank goodness.
I was in the civil war section (English civil war, not American) and had loads of fun quickly learning all I needed to know for the battle that was take place on Saturday. I really liked meeting some more people, even though most were not near to me in age. One guy had just turned 21, but everyone else was in their late 30's and beyond.
Saturday was a beautiful day. A day where you could actually get sunburned, surprisingly enough. Of course, this was in the warm midlands where it stays semi dry, unlike west Wales. Drill was in the morning with the actual battle at 1. I had some time to wander a bit and soak up the sun.
The actual battle was fun, if really loud from all of the cannons and muskets going off. The pike men and cavalry also were quite loud as they yelled while attacking. I really had no idea what was going on, but that was okay. I just followed orders and did my job. We lost the battle both days, which is silly cause the Parliaments won in the end and it was silly for the Royalists to win both battles if they lost overall. Usually we lose the first day and win the second.
Campfires are not allowed this year on the campsite. No one enjoyed this new piece of legislation. When it gets all nice and cold at 10, 11 at night, people want a campfire to gather around. To make due, there was a grill that was filled with little candles. Not much light or warmth though. Luckily wearing lots of layers of wool clothing came in handy, even though I was sweltering on Saturday when it was so warm.
Sunday was a lot colder and there were some small rain showers. More wandering about, and I watched the boys as well. I felt terrible because I was constantly yelling at them. "No, do not touch the daggers" "Put that DOWN!" "Stop hanging on the tent ropes, it will collapse" "Stop wandering off!" "Wait for us" "Be Careful" "No, you can't buy that"
It was a good thing that I did not have the boy's money with me or they would have made a lot of impulse buys. The older boy is better with that, but my younger cousin wanted everything in sight. They both had to wait to buy things until my uncle went on a round with them as he held all of the money. One of the daggers, which was really just a miniature model of a sword, that my younger cousin kept touching, was actually bought in the end. Since then I have been frequently threatened by either cousin with it. Its so dull, that even if it was sharpened 800 million times it would not be a real threat. Thats good because coordination of children that age is never very good. I am talking from personal experience.
We ended up going home on Sunday instead of Monday because of some terrible rain that was on the way. Wet tents are no fun, so we packed up just in time, because it started to drizzle which later turned into a fairly heavy downpour. Fish and chips for dinner. I have never had fish and chips like those before, and I am not sure that that is a good thing. It tasted funny. And they gave huge portions of chips (french fries). 4 days later and we have just finished them after eating them at what seemed like every meal.
So Kelmarsh was a big success. I cannot wait till I come back again and hopefully attend another muster.
Why the ride was not 4 hours was because two sections of the freeway were closed and we had to take back ways. That would have been fine if not for the fact that every else seemed to pick that way to go as well. We were stuck in a traffic jam for over an hour while we covered only 3 miles. Grr.
I was in the car with my Uncle and my younger cousin at that point, (me and my uncle's friends had switched cars so each of the kids and adults could have the pleasure of our company. I wasn't much company cause I slept through most of the ride), and had a fun time singing with them. My cousin sang in Welsh for me. He is ridiculously adorable! And he hates it when I say that. I learned a new song. One man went to mow, went to mow a meadow. One man and his dog--woof-- went to mow a meadow. Two men went to mow, went to mow a meadow. Two men one men and his dog --woof-- went to mow a meadow. And so on and so forth. Lots of fun.
For most of the ride, or at least the bits that I was awake for, it seemed like we were chasing the rain. We kept driving through puddles of water that littered the motorway. It never rained on us till the end, but we were able to see a double rainbow which was really cool. I have not seen one in ages, and my cousin had never seen one.
When we arrived it was cold and wet. We sent up the tents without too much trouble, a big one for my aunt and uncle plus the kids, one for me, and one for my uncle's friend. The friend is pretty tall, like 6"4' ish, and he barely fitted in his tent. I had problems getting into mine and would always trip and lunge my way in. That night was cold! I was able to meet some of the rest of the people in the group which was nice.
I just realized that I never mentioned what Kelmarsh was. Its a hall, huge manor place, and on its land a huge history event takes place every year. Its a big reenactment from different periods, with tents set up to show what life was like in so and so period, battles like those of the Romans and World War II, and lots of other things. Shops as well. Its like a very authentic Renaissance festival. I managed to refrain from buying much, thank goodness.
I was in the civil war section (English civil war, not American) and had loads of fun quickly learning all I needed to know for the battle that was take place on Saturday. I really liked meeting some more people, even though most were not near to me in age. One guy had just turned 21, but everyone else was in their late 30's and beyond.
Saturday was a beautiful day. A day where you could actually get sunburned, surprisingly enough. Of course, this was in the warm midlands where it stays semi dry, unlike west Wales. Drill was in the morning with the actual battle at 1. I had some time to wander a bit and soak up the sun.
The actual battle was fun, if really loud from all of the cannons and muskets going off. The pike men and cavalry also were quite loud as they yelled while attacking. I really had no idea what was going on, but that was okay. I just followed orders and did my job. We lost the battle both days, which is silly cause the Parliaments won in the end and it was silly for the Royalists to win both battles if they lost overall. Usually we lose the first day and win the second.
Campfires are not allowed this year on the campsite. No one enjoyed this new piece of legislation. When it gets all nice and cold at 10, 11 at night, people want a campfire to gather around. To make due, there was a grill that was filled with little candles. Not much light or warmth though. Luckily wearing lots of layers of wool clothing came in handy, even though I was sweltering on Saturday when it was so warm.
Sunday was a lot colder and there were some small rain showers. More wandering about, and I watched the boys as well. I felt terrible because I was constantly yelling at them. "No, do not touch the daggers" "Put that DOWN!" "Stop hanging on the tent ropes, it will collapse" "Stop wandering off!" "Wait for us" "Be Careful" "No, you can't buy that"
It was a good thing that I did not have the boy's money with me or they would have made a lot of impulse buys. The older boy is better with that, but my younger cousin wanted everything in sight. They both had to wait to buy things until my uncle went on a round with them as he held all of the money. One of the daggers, which was really just a miniature model of a sword, that my younger cousin kept touching, was actually bought in the end. Since then I have been frequently threatened by either cousin with it. Its so dull, that even if it was sharpened 800 million times it would not be a real threat. Thats good because coordination of children that age is never very good. I am talking from personal experience.
We ended up going home on Sunday instead of Monday because of some terrible rain that was on the way. Wet tents are no fun, so we packed up just in time, because it started to drizzle which later turned into a fairly heavy downpour. Fish and chips for dinner. I have never had fish and chips like those before, and I am not sure that that is a good thing. It tasted funny. And they gave huge portions of chips (french fries). 4 days later and we have just finished them after eating them at what seemed like every meal.
So Kelmarsh was a big success. I cannot wait till I come back again and hopefully attend another muster.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Swansea and the Sea
My uncle took me to Swansea with him on the way to work last Thursday. I saw the sea!! I ran down to the beach, passing through sand dunes covered in plants, some of which I have never seen. I had fun taking pictures (of course). Dad, I am becoming worse then you! I have already taken over 600 pictures and I have only been here for 6 weeks. I better start editing down...
Of course, as soon as I crossed the beach and ran to the water, it started to rain. Grr. So I ran back to where my shoes and bag were and scrambled through the dunes barefoot since my feet were covered in sand. The rain kept pouring down and I was doing my best to not step on brambles. I finally made it to the cement and the rain kept coming down. I walked back towards the National Waterfront Museum and found a place at the dock to put my socks and shoes back on. Now it was all sunny and it looked like it had never rained. Oh, Welsh weather.
I stopped at this little cafe and had some lovely tea and a welsh cake, the most yummy things ever. It started to downpour just as I was considering to leave. Another woman was about to leave as well but she said that she might as well wait till the rain stopped. I started to talk to her about the weather and traveling and all the places that I have so far seen. She was very friendly and well traveled. I wish by the time that I am her age (about 60) that I will be as much of a world explorer.
It stopped raining (again) and I went to the museum. It was the coolest place ever!!!!!!!!!
I am not used to museums being that fun. Everything was in Welsh and English and most of the interactive activities also had sign language. Apparently there is braille as well, but I didn't see it. The displays were objects with placards, but on the side were videos showing the use of the objects in every day life.
I saw the importance of music in Welsh history, as well as how jazz appeared in Wales. I heard a first hand account of what life was like in the late 19th century, jobs that children could have, and what the docks were like. I spent over 2 hours there and then went downstairs to a cafe and curled up on a big comfy chair and read a book while listening to my ipod until my Aunt came to get me.
I never made it into the city center, but I am okay with that. I am pretty sure that I am done with my present buying. Dad, I cannot figure out what to get you!!! AGH.
My aunt then took me and the kids to the Egypt center at Swansea University to explore a bit. Afterwards we went to the park next door and planned on going on those boat thingys that you move by pedaling. Of course, it was closed. So we did mini golf instead with me taking score and my aunt and cousins playing. My aunt won by a landslide. Afterwards we played at the playground which was a lot of fun. I went on a few too many spinning rides with the boys until even just swinging on a swing made me feel nauseous. Ick.
That night we had some super yummy currry at the local Indian restaurant. One of my uncle's friends joined us. He had just come back from Japan for a visit. It was nice having more people to talk to. I really love curry. Mom, you should make more. And I am bringing some Balti home for you.
Friday we left to Kelmarsh. But I will save that for another post, hopefully done by tonight.
Of course, as soon as I crossed the beach and ran to the water, it started to rain. Grr. So I ran back to where my shoes and bag were and scrambled through the dunes barefoot since my feet were covered in sand. The rain kept pouring down and I was doing my best to not step on brambles. I finally made it to the cement and the rain kept coming down. I walked back towards the National Waterfront Museum and found a place at the dock to put my socks and shoes back on. Now it was all sunny and it looked like it had never rained. Oh, Welsh weather.
I stopped at this little cafe and had some lovely tea and a welsh cake, the most yummy things ever. It started to downpour just as I was considering to leave. Another woman was about to leave as well but she said that she might as well wait till the rain stopped. I started to talk to her about the weather and traveling and all the places that I have so far seen. She was very friendly and well traveled. I wish by the time that I am her age (about 60) that I will be as much of a world explorer.
It stopped raining (again) and I went to the museum. It was the coolest place ever!!!!!!!!!
I am not used to museums being that fun. Everything was in Welsh and English and most of the interactive activities also had sign language. Apparently there is braille as well, but I didn't see it. The displays were objects with placards, but on the side were videos showing the use of the objects in every day life.
I saw the importance of music in Welsh history, as well as how jazz appeared in Wales. I heard a first hand account of what life was like in the late 19th century, jobs that children could have, and what the docks were like. I spent over 2 hours there and then went downstairs to a cafe and curled up on a big comfy chair and read a book while listening to my ipod until my Aunt came to get me.
I never made it into the city center, but I am okay with that. I am pretty sure that I am done with my present buying. Dad, I cannot figure out what to get you!!! AGH.
My aunt then took me and the kids to the Egypt center at Swansea University to explore a bit. Afterwards we went to the park next door and planned on going on those boat thingys that you move by pedaling. Of course, it was closed. So we did mini golf instead with me taking score and my aunt and cousins playing. My aunt won by a landslide. Afterwards we played at the playground which was a lot of fun. I went on a few too many spinning rides with the boys until even just swinging on a swing made me feel nauseous. Ick.
That night we had some super yummy currry at the local Indian restaurant. One of my uncle's friends joined us. He had just come back from Japan for a visit. It was nice having more people to talk to. I really love curry. Mom, you should make more. And I am bringing some Balti home for you.
Friday we left to Kelmarsh. But I will save that for another post, hopefully done by tonight.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Gerflankel.
My trip has been going on long enough that I feel like I am completely assimilated. And then things happen that remind me that I am just a newbie. I went to Cardiff today and had a bit of a shopping spree and a huge exploration. It was lonely though. I had such fun looking at everything, but it was not much fun doing it alone. I was fine doing the shopping bit, (Hollis I found you a present), but walking around, having lunch, getting a castle tour lacked something without having a companion.
It was on the way back that I had some issue. I managed to go to a different train station that I got off on, and was very, very confused. The place I needed to go to, Taff's Well, was not on the list of stations. Like the way the lightrail says "Mall of America" in one direction and "Downtown" in the other, but does not have the stations in between. Of course, you can just look on the map, but the Cardiff Central station had several lines, and I saw 7 platforms, but I think that there were more.
I made it to the right place in the end thanks to the help of some random people and train workers. It helps to ask. I always feel so in control when it comes to directions. I love reading maps and do not mind getting lost. For awhile I was actually trying to get lost in south Minneapolis so that way I could find my way around.
Thats why I was not prepared to the terror I felt when I realized that I did not know where to go. I have no cell phone, no real knowledge of the area other then a map, and no one to share my fear or to help me. Its things like that that shake up my confidence in myself. Makes me feel more like a tourist.
Other then shopping, I went to Cardiff Castell (castle), which was lovely. I paid extra for a guided tour (my uncle recommended it) and I am really glad that I did it. Through the tour I was able to see a lot of rooms that no one else could see. They were all lavishly set up and one room was worth a huge amount (I cannot remember how much) because the ceiling was made of Welsh gold and lots of expensive marble. I have loads of pictures and will make a separate post with them.
Feeling a bit tired, so I will finish this post later.
It was on the way back that I had some issue. I managed to go to a different train station that I got off on, and was very, very confused. The place I needed to go to, Taff's Well, was not on the list of stations. Like the way the lightrail says "Mall of America" in one direction and "Downtown" in the other, but does not have the stations in between. Of course, you can just look on the map, but the Cardiff Central station had several lines, and I saw 7 platforms, but I think that there were more.
I made it to the right place in the end thanks to the help of some random people and train workers. It helps to ask. I always feel so in control when it comes to directions. I love reading maps and do not mind getting lost. For awhile I was actually trying to get lost in south Minneapolis so that way I could find my way around.
Thats why I was not prepared to the terror I felt when I realized that I did not know where to go. I have no cell phone, no real knowledge of the area other then a map, and no one to share my fear or to help me. Its things like that that shake up my confidence in myself. Makes me feel more like a tourist.
Other then shopping, I went to Cardiff Castell (castle), which was lovely. I paid extra for a guided tour (my uncle recommended it) and I am really glad that I did it. Through the tour I was able to see a lot of rooms that no one else could see. They were all lavishly set up and one room was worth a huge amount (I cannot remember how much) because the ceiling was made of Welsh gold and lots of expensive marble. I have loads of pictures and will make a separate post with them.
Feeling a bit tired, so I will finish this post later.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Water Park!!! And schooling
On Sunday I went to the LC2 in Swansea with my two cousins and my aunt. The place was awesome. Three different slides, a wave pool, a current pool, a hot tub, some regular pools, a kiddie pool, and a couple other things. So much fun. We spent two hours there enjoying the water. It was my first water park. I promised Hollis that I would go to the Water Park at MOA with him. I am looking forward to doing that when I get home.
I have gone two days without taking a nap! Amazing. On Monday, I went to the Waterfowl Wildlife Centre and had a wonderful time seeing lots of very tame animals. I took waaaaaaaay too many fowl pictures.
I do not know which picture is my favorite. But here are a couple that I liked. Which do you like?
The weather was actually pretty good which made me happy. Out of the 14 days I have been here, it has not rained for 5 of them.
This one reminds me of some sort of ornament. I felt inclined to poke it but I refrained from doing so.
Yesterday I also got to go to a 6th form college-- basically 12th and 13th grade. You have to pass a test to get into a college and then you need to take another set of tests, A Levels, to get into a University. So you can finish school after 11th grade, 13th grade, or after university. Also, by the time you get to college you are already very focused on your subject. If you want to be an English major, you take almost only English classes. And its like impossible to switch focuses or to have a double major or any of that sort of thing.
The students take so many tests that its ridiculous. I was talking to one girl who took 18 in one year, while her friend took 24. I thought we were tested a lot, but apparently not.
It had a nice campus and was pretty big. It has the same amount of students of South but much more space. Of course, most of their classes only have 5 to 25 students in them. I am jealous.
Apparently my uncle's friend who was showing me around liked me. I got invited back to his house to have lunch and meet his family. That was really nice. Their two sons were adorable, and the older one was surprisingly good at piano for his age. The younger one was ridiculously adorable. He got married three times while I was having lunch. First was to this figurine, then to a toy spider, and then to a wall. Soooo adorable.
I watched Fierce Creatures last night with my aunt. I think that that was my favorite out of A Fish Named Wanda and Clockwise.
I have to go. I am babysitting the boys and we are going on a run. Wish me luck!
I have gone two days without taking a nap! Amazing. On Monday, I went to the Waterfowl Wildlife Centre and had a wonderful time seeing lots of very tame animals. I took waaaaaaaay too many fowl pictures.I do not know which picture is my favorite. But here are a couple that I liked. Which do you like?
The weather was actually pretty good which made me happy. Out of the 14 days I have been here, it has not rained for 5 of them.
This one reminds me of some sort of ornament. I felt inclined to poke it but I refrained from doing so.Yesterday I also got to go to a 6th form college-- basically 12th and 13th grade. You have to pass a test to get into a college and then you need to take another set of tests, A Levels, to get into a University. So you can finish school after 11th grade, 13th grade, or after university. Also, by the time you get to college you are already very focused on your subject. If you want to be an English major, you take almost only English classes. And its like impossible to switch focuses or to have a double major or any of that sort of thing.
The students take so many tests that its ridiculous. I was talking to one girl who took 18 in one year, while her friend took 24. I thought we were tested a lot, but apparently not.
It had a nice campus and was pretty big. It has the same amount of students of South but much more space. Of course, most of their classes only have 5 to 25 students in them. I am jealous.
Apparently my uncle's friend who was showing me around liked me. I got invited back to his house to have lunch and meet his family. That was really nice. Their two sons were adorable, and the older one was surprisingly good at piano for his age. The younger one was ridiculously adorable. He got married three times while I was having lunch. First was to this figurine, then to a toy spider, and then to a wall. Soooo adorable.
I watched Fierce Creatures last night with my aunt. I think that that was my favorite out of A Fish Named Wanda and Clockwise.
I have to go. I am babysitting the boys and we are going on a run. Wish me luck!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Castle Pictures
I have quite a few more pictures, but this might be enough for now. Haha. I am a bit trigger happy when it comes to cameras.
Friday Fun (but not the fun house) and a super Saturday
My aunt went to help at my younger cousin's school, so I got to babysit him. We had fun playing connect four, jenga, the card game war, and a few other things. And I got to watch Scooby-Doo. I felt lucky. Again, the problem of not writing things right away leads me to forget right away.
After making a few inquiries with my aunt, I have learned that I have forgotten nothing. Friday was a lazy day where I got to sleep in and read. I mentioned a few posts ago that I am sick. I am finally recuperating, and Friday helped a lot. It stopped raining in the evening long enough for me, my uncle and my older uncle to go on a walk before dinner. It was very fun. My uncle led us to the town cementary and we spent a fair amount of time wandering around and looking for his ancestors graves.
Each gravestone had several names on it and I wondered how there could possibly be enough room for every one listed. The headstones were spaced apart just enough to let one coffin barely fit, and no way could three or four even consider fitting. I asked my uncle to explain this and promptly wished that I hadn't. I am used to Lakewood, a cementary with so much space. The UK on the other hand is very pressed for space, and with some gravestones from the 1800's, the people did not want to waste space like we do.
The graves have not one coffin in them, but rather three or four stacked on top of each other. As each new person was added to the gravestone, the grave was dug up and a new coffin was placed on top. My uncle said that thats why most cementaries are raised above the road because there are so many bodies in them. The ground is full of the deceased. EWWW. I think that I rather prefer our method.
On the way back my uncle teased that me and my cousin were going very slowly. To make some sort of point I decided to run the rest of the way home. I got my cousin to join in and he did quite well considering that he is not very active. Even though we were running, my uncle almost beat us to the house because he took a short cut that I was unaware of. Not fair. My cousin and I have decided to start running which is good for both of us. Its so rainy most of the time that one does not feel like going for an invigorating run. Lets see how this plays out.
Saturday was extremely busy. In the morning was puppet practice. I had no idea exactly what this meant before I went to the practice. The people in the group, mostly kids, use muppets to tell a story that is prerecorded. Kind of like lip synching, but so much cooler. They gave me a little performance at the end and it was awesome. There was one girl that was able to manipulate the puppet brilliantly. It seemed like the puppet really was talking and dancing around. I wish I was here to see a performance, but that is not till the New Year.
The church that my aunt goes to is very old by my standards as it is over 150 years old. As it is so old, it is also very cold in the morning. The walls are so thick and built with stone that it takes forever to warm up. The ceiling is very high up which I think contributes to the cold.
My uncle then picked me and my older cousin up while my aunt and my younger cousin went to gymnastics. Us older ones (excluding my aunt) went for a great bike ride. As the path we went on is along the coast, the headwind we experienced was severe. I was looking forward to the ride back when we went with it instead of against it.
What I was not expecting was that on the way back there would be a huge sponsored bike ride. Oh, excuse me, cycle ride. Haha. People were dressed in the most ridiculous costumes. There were a group of guys in only togas and thongs. How I know that one of the guys was wearing only a red thong between him and his bike seat is not something that I wish to recall. Basically, I did not need to see that much of a rather hairy rear end.
The big problem with this sponsored ride is that they were completely taking up the path. Excuse me's went no where. I quickly got separated from my cousin and uncle. I was stuck for a long time behind this large group of people who would not let my pass. I couldn't go on the grass either because the sides were hills and I am not that confident with my biking skills. Finally I saw an opportunity to pass and said politely, "On your left" as I am accustomed to doing at home. While I managed to fit through, I was yelled at and mocked. Really, is that necessary? Cries of "On your right, On your right" and gales of mean laughter followed me as I tried to catch up to my cousin and uncle. GRR.
I finally found my cousin who had assumed that I was ahead of him. We stuck together, and it was a very, very long time until we caught up to my uncle. At least the way was mostly straight forward so we did not have to worry much about getting lost. By the time we got home I was very sore. I am used to my very comfy seat. This was a less then comfy seat that left me chafed and aching. Ouch.
We made it home in time to go back to church, this time for a leaving service for one of their ministers/preachers. It was a nice service, but the cookies (biscuits) and tea afterward was even nicer. I was able to meet a lot of my aunt's friends which was really nice. We got home where I went straight to bed. I had a nice 45 minute nap only to get ready to leave again. We went to a barbecue at a friend's house.
The father is a gardener?landscaper? well something to do with plants, and he had an amazing yard. Most of it was filled with plants that he uses in his job, but it was all layed out so well. Dad, you would have been very jealous. There was a greenhouse, a gazebo, and an open area in addition to a beautiful garden.
The food that followed a wonderful conversation was incredible. YUM. I have yet to have had a not so good meal since I have arrived. I am lucky in knowing people that cook so well. I am proud to say that the meat only got grilled because of my fire efforts. I built the fire up from its smoking smoldering origins and brought it to lovely coals. I love fire.
We had homemade hamburgers and homemade sausages. I am usually not a huge fan of sausages but these were a delight to eat, if a bit hot. But that was my fault for not waiting for it to cool down. There were all sorts of veggies and other miscellaneous appetizer type food to complete the meal. My stomach is still happy.
We all were having such a fun time that we did not get back home till almost midnight. The boys had been behaving themselves very well even though it was way past their bedtime. They get along very well with the son of the people whose house we were at. Today though the boys were a bit cranky and short with patience from their lack of sleep.
My younger cousin has a habit (one that I do not mind) of coming in the study (also known as my bedroom) at some early hours of the morning and playing runescape online. He does his best to be quiet, and I go back to sleep easily. He comes in, I wake up, attempt to make some form of a hello but only manage a grunt, fall back to sleep, and then wake every once in awhile if he makes some noise. We have this system down.
Well, this is getting long, its late for me, and I am almost caught up. I think that I am allowed to finish catching up tomorrow. I will post those pictures tonight hopefully.
After making a few inquiries with my aunt, I have learned that I have forgotten nothing. Friday was a lazy day where I got to sleep in and read. I mentioned a few posts ago that I am sick. I am finally recuperating, and Friday helped a lot. It stopped raining in the evening long enough for me, my uncle and my older uncle to go on a walk before dinner. It was very fun. My uncle led us to the town cementary and we spent a fair amount of time wandering around and looking for his ancestors graves.
Each gravestone had several names on it and I wondered how there could possibly be enough room for every one listed. The headstones were spaced apart just enough to let one coffin barely fit, and no way could three or four even consider fitting. I asked my uncle to explain this and promptly wished that I hadn't. I am used to Lakewood, a cementary with so much space. The UK on the other hand is very pressed for space, and with some gravestones from the 1800's, the people did not want to waste space like we do.
The graves have not one coffin in them, but rather three or four stacked on top of each other. As each new person was added to the gravestone, the grave was dug up and a new coffin was placed on top. My uncle said that thats why most cementaries are raised above the road because there are so many bodies in them. The ground is full of the deceased. EWWW. I think that I rather prefer our method.
On the way back my uncle teased that me and my cousin were going very slowly. To make some sort of point I decided to run the rest of the way home. I got my cousin to join in and he did quite well considering that he is not very active. Even though we were running, my uncle almost beat us to the house because he took a short cut that I was unaware of. Not fair. My cousin and I have decided to start running which is good for both of us. Its so rainy most of the time that one does not feel like going for an invigorating run. Lets see how this plays out.
Saturday was extremely busy. In the morning was puppet practice. I had no idea exactly what this meant before I went to the practice. The people in the group, mostly kids, use muppets to tell a story that is prerecorded. Kind of like lip synching, but so much cooler. They gave me a little performance at the end and it was awesome. There was one girl that was able to manipulate the puppet brilliantly. It seemed like the puppet really was talking and dancing around. I wish I was here to see a performance, but that is not till the New Year.
The church that my aunt goes to is very old by my standards as it is over 150 years old. As it is so old, it is also very cold in the morning. The walls are so thick and built with stone that it takes forever to warm up. The ceiling is very high up which I think contributes to the cold.
My uncle then picked me and my older cousin up while my aunt and my younger cousin went to gymnastics. Us older ones (excluding my aunt) went for a great bike ride. As the path we went on is along the coast, the headwind we experienced was severe. I was looking forward to the ride back when we went with it instead of against it.
What I was not expecting was that on the way back there would be a huge sponsored bike ride. Oh, excuse me, cycle ride. Haha. People were dressed in the most ridiculous costumes. There were a group of guys in only togas and thongs. How I know that one of the guys was wearing only a red thong between him and his bike seat is not something that I wish to recall. Basically, I did not need to see that much of a rather hairy rear end.
The big problem with this sponsored ride is that they were completely taking up the path. Excuse me's went no where. I quickly got separated from my cousin and uncle. I was stuck for a long time behind this large group of people who would not let my pass. I couldn't go on the grass either because the sides were hills and I am not that confident with my biking skills. Finally I saw an opportunity to pass and said politely, "On your left" as I am accustomed to doing at home. While I managed to fit through, I was yelled at and mocked. Really, is that necessary? Cries of "On your right, On your right" and gales of mean laughter followed me as I tried to catch up to my cousin and uncle. GRR.
I finally found my cousin who had assumed that I was ahead of him. We stuck together, and it was a very, very long time until we caught up to my uncle. At least the way was mostly straight forward so we did not have to worry much about getting lost. By the time we got home I was very sore. I am used to my very comfy seat. This was a less then comfy seat that left me chafed and aching. Ouch.
We made it home in time to go back to church, this time for a leaving service for one of their ministers/preachers. It was a nice service, but the cookies (biscuits) and tea afterward was even nicer. I was able to meet a lot of my aunt's friends which was really nice. We got home where I went straight to bed. I had a nice 45 minute nap only to get ready to leave again. We went to a barbecue at a friend's house.
The father is a gardener?landscaper? well something to do with plants, and he had an amazing yard. Most of it was filled with plants that he uses in his job, but it was all layed out so well. Dad, you would have been very jealous. There was a greenhouse, a gazebo, and an open area in addition to a beautiful garden.
The food that followed a wonderful conversation was incredible. YUM. I have yet to have had a not so good meal since I have arrived. I am lucky in knowing people that cook so well. I am proud to say that the meat only got grilled because of my fire efforts. I built the fire up from its smoking smoldering origins and brought it to lovely coals. I love fire.
We had homemade hamburgers and homemade sausages. I am usually not a huge fan of sausages but these were a delight to eat, if a bit hot. But that was my fault for not waiting for it to cool down. There were all sorts of veggies and other miscellaneous appetizer type food to complete the meal. My stomach is still happy.
We all were having such a fun time that we did not get back home till almost midnight. The boys had been behaving themselves very well even though it was way past their bedtime. They get along very well with the son of the people whose house we were at. Today though the boys were a bit cranky and short with patience from their lack of sleep.
My younger cousin has a habit (one that I do not mind) of coming in the study (also known as my bedroom) at some early hours of the morning and playing runescape online. He does his best to be quiet, and I go back to sleep easily. He comes in, I wake up, attempt to make some form of a hello but only manage a grunt, fall back to sleep, and then wake every once in awhile if he makes some noise. We have this system down.
Well, this is getting long, its late for me, and I am almost caught up. I think that I am allowed to finish catching up tomorrow. I will post those pictures tonight hopefully.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
A catch up
The problem with not writing a post every night, or at least the day after, is that I quickly forget what has happened. Wednesday... hmmm.....
I have no recollection what we did in the morning. I think we went to Swansea for something, but for what I cannot recall. BUT! I did get to see Harry Potter with my older cousin while the younger went to Ice Age 3 with my aunt. I loved every minute of it.
Of course, me not being able to tolerate the slightest scary bit, means that I am ashamed to tell you that I screamed loud enough to crack the walls. Or at least, thats what it felt like. It was the part, well, you know, that one part. I would say, but for y'all who haven't seen it yet, I won't spoil it for you. I did get quite a few pointed stares when I screamed.
Even the movie theaters have some differences. All of the good seats, the ones a few rows up and in the center, are "reserved". These seats have headrests and have more leg room in addition to being in a good viewing area. To get one of these seats, you have to pay a lot extra. And the prices were already as high, if not higher then the prices at home. And the volume is up so high!!!! I thought that the theaters at home were loud, but this blasted my ears.
I remember what I did on Wednesday! I went with my aunt to the University of Swansea and went to the library. It was interesting, but not very pretty. A part of it was gorgeous, the Abbey. I wish that I had taken a photo of it but I didn't. The roof was beautiful, the brick was rich with color, and their were miniature towers (at least to my eye).
Thursday was my younger cousin's last day of school. I went to a town library with my aunt and spent a few hours there. Only 3 people came in during the whole time I was there. Afterward we went back to town and attempted to do a bit more shopping. Even though it is rather cold here, there were no sweaters for sale!! I need something light, something that I could zip or button up. The one thing I found was 20 pounds, about 37 dollars. Not going to pay that much!
So we went and got some things that my aunt needed, and then..... got my cartilage pierced!
I have been wanting to do it for ages, but I had to wait till cross country was over, and then wait until rugby was over, and then I didn't want to do it at the same time that I got a tattoo, because that would be more unnecessary pain on one side of my body then I needed. I pierced the left side, which is the side that previously only had one piercing, as the right has two. Now my piercings are mostly even.
Thursday was a busy day. I went to my first castle. It was lovely. I will have a separate post just of pictures, since I have so many beautiful ones.
In a 24 hour period this week (I think it was Thursday to Friday) we had over 3 and a half inches of rain. Looks like I brought lovely weather to Wales! I think that it has rained every single day here for at least an hour since I have arrived. One gets used to it.
I have no recollection what we did in the morning. I think we went to Swansea for something, but for what I cannot recall. BUT! I did get to see Harry Potter with my older cousin while the younger went to Ice Age 3 with my aunt. I loved every minute of it.
Of course, me not being able to tolerate the slightest scary bit, means that I am ashamed to tell you that I screamed loud enough to crack the walls. Or at least, thats what it felt like. It was the part, well, you know, that one part. I would say, but for y'all who haven't seen it yet, I won't spoil it for you. I did get quite a few pointed stares when I screamed.
Even the movie theaters have some differences. All of the good seats, the ones a few rows up and in the center, are "reserved". These seats have headrests and have more leg room in addition to being in a good viewing area. To get one of these seats, you have to pay a lot extra. And the prices were already as high, if not higher then the prices at home. And the volume is up so high!!!! I thought that the theaters at home were loud, but this blasted my ears.
I remember what I did on Wednesday! I went with my aunt to the University of Swansea and went to the library. It was interesting, but not very pretty. A part of it was gorgeous, the Abbey. I wish that I had taken a photo of it but I didn't. The roof was beautiful, the brick was rich with color, and their were miniature towers (at least to my eye).
Thursday was my younger cousin's last day of school. I went to a town library with my aunt and spent a few hours there. Only 3 people came in during the whole time I was there. Afterward we went back to town and attempted to do a bit more shopping. Even though it is rather cold here, there were no sweaters for sale!! I need something light, something that I could zip or button up. The one thing I found was 20 pounds, about 37 dollars. Not going to pay that much!
So we went and got some things that my aunt needed, and then..... got my cartilage pierced!
I have been wanting to do it for ages, but I had to wait till cross country was over, and then wait until rugby was over, and then I didn't want to do it at the same time that I got a tattoo, because that would be more unnecessary pain on one side of my body then I needed. I pierced the left side, which is the side that previously only had one piercing, as the right has two. Now my piercings are mostly even.
Thursday was a busy day. I went to my first castle. It was lovely. I will have a separate post just of pictures, since I have so many beautiful ones.
In a 24 hour period this week (I think it was Thursday to Friday) we had over 3 and a half inches of rain. Looks like I brought lovely weather to Wales! I think that it has rained every single day here for at least an hour since I have arrived. One gets used to it.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Tuesday Adventures
Sorry for the delay! I wanted to wait to post until I put my pictures on the computer so I could include them in the post. I will just add them in later. I do that often, so make sure to check earlier posts to see if I put in new pictures.
Tuesday gave me my first posse. I went along with my Aunt to my younger cousin's field trip to Pembrey Country Park. Its right on the coast, so I was able to finally see the sea up close. Even though it was very sunny on the beach, two sweaters were necessary. The wind was so strong that the people flying kites had absolutely no problem. I am glad that my hair was up in a bun, otherwise I would have had to cut out all of the knots.
I was able to see my first jelly fish. I accidentally stepped on one and it was all squishy. There were many shells of all different shapes, sizes and colors. And there were these cool seaweeds that had a bunch of bubbly parts to them. One boy found a flag that had washed up onto shore that had so much seaweed or some other green thing growing all over it.
We next went to see the sand dunes and were taught about the effects of introducing foreign plants. The sand dunes have been taken over by sea buckthorn. I thought that amusing because I know that a lot of our forests are being taken over by buckthorn as well. When will people learn? Just like the rabbits in Australia.
The park had lots of open fields and a big playground. I have been so tired lately that I have been taking naps whenever I have the opportunity. I fell asleep in a far off grassy corner of the playground. I was so tired that I fell asleep right away to the lullaby of screaming excited children, and I did not even realize that I had about 6 girls sitting around me.
These girls are the aforementioned posse. They were all Year 4, and were calling me "Erika from America". The way that they say it has a nice ring to it, I must say. Well they all crowded around me and squabbled about who got to hold my hand, who could wrap their arms around me, who could sit next to me or on my lap and so on. It was very funny if a bit tiring. By the last two hours, (we were there about 5 and a half) I constantly had at least two girls firmly attached to me.
At least it was a nice and sunny day for the most part. It rained a couple times, but we either went under trees, or went to the inside area. We got ice cream, and I got a coffee as well. I watched the kids play cricket, a sport that I still do not understand. We took a coach ride back with a girl on either side of me.
I had loads of fun. Pictures later!
Tuesday gave me my first posse. I went along with my Aunt to my younger cousin's field trip to Pembrey Country Park. Its right on the coast, so I was able to finally see the sea up close. Even though it was very sunny on the beach, two sweaters were necessary. The wind was so strong that the people flying kites had absolutely no problem. I am glad that my hair was up in a bun, otherwise I would have had to cut out all of the knots.
I was able to see my first jelly fish. I accidentally stepped on one and it was all squishy. There were many shells of all different shapes, sizes and colors. And there were these cool seaweeds that had a bunch of bubbly parts to them. One boy found a flag that had washed up onto shore that had so much seaweed or some other green thing growing all over it.
We next went to see the sand dunes and were taught about the effects of introducing foreign plants. The sand dunes have been taken over by sea buckthorn. I thought that amusing because I know that a lot of our forests are being taken over by buckthorn as well. When will people learn? Just like the rabbits in Australia.
The park had lots of open fields and a big playground. I have been so tired lately that I have been taking naps whenever I have the opportunity. I fell asleep in a far off grassy corner of the playground. I was so tired that I fell asleep right away to the lullaby of screaming excited children, and I did not even realize that I had about 6 girls sitting around me.
These girls are the aforementioned posse. They were all Year 4, and were calling me "Erika from America". The way that they say it has a nice ring to it, I must say. Well they all crowded around me and squabbled about who got to hold my hand, who could wrap their arms around me, who could sit next to me or on my lap and so on. It was very funny if a bit tiring. By the last two hours, (we were there about 5 and a half) I constantly had at least two girls firmly attached to me.
At least it was a nice and sunny day for the most part. It rained a couple times, but we either went under trees, or went to the inside area. We got ice cream, and I got a coffee as well. I watched the kids play cricket, a sport that I still do not understand. We took a coach ride back with a girl on either side of me.
I had loads of fun. Pictures later!
Things that make me remember I am not at home
-Its righty loosey, not righty tighty.
-I need to expect cars coming from the wrong direction.
-Cars have the right away, not pedestrians. (Close call with that one).
-Every one gives me strange looks for my accent.
-I am not stylish enough to fit in.
-Short hair is very in.
-I was asked if I was an Injun today and if there were still wigwams. (She wasn't completely there, but still).
-When you go in a store, the employees ignore you unless you go up and ask a question.
-No one smiles.
-I have seen very few attractive boys.
-People smoke all over the place.
-Public areas (ie walls, buildings, and so forth) are used as urinals. The stench stays in the air.
-Dogs are usually off leash and very well behaved.
-Lights turn yellow just before the turn green.
-Not knowing what a person is talking about and having to ask what they mean. Its amazing how many common words are very different between home and hear.
-The crows look different. And they makes different sounds!
-I need to expect cars coming from the wrong direction.
-Cars have the right away, not pedestrians. (Close call with that one).
-Every one gives me strange looks for my accent.
-I am not stylish enough to fit in.
-Short hair is very in.
-I was asked if I was an Injun today and if there were still wigwams. (She wasn't completely there, but still).
-When you go in a store, the employees ignore you unless you go up and ask a question.
-No one smiles.
-I have seen very few attractive boys.
-People smoke all over the place.
-Public areas (ie walls, buildings, and so forth) are used as urinals. The stench stays in the air.
-Dogs are usually off leash and very well behaved.
-Lights turn yellow just before the turn green.
-Not knowing what a person is talking about and having to ask what they mean. Its amazing how many common words are very different between home and hear.
-The crows look different. And they makes different sounds!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Caving Weekend
I am covered in bruises. This is just a glimpse of it all. My hands have small cuts on them as well as a few bruises. My elbows hurt.
BUT I HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME!!!!!!
Me in my caving gear.
This is after being in OFD 2 for four and a half hours. Here is a link to an awesome virtual tour of the cave we did. http://ogof.net/ofd2/ofd2_050.htmlThe climbing was hard for me, I must admit. I have never done a sport that requires so many muscles. Its not like you can just quit caving in the middle of a cave. And you need energy/strength to stay safe. I fell a couple times, and some were scary falls and slips. Oh well. I enjoyed myself which is the main point.
The caving cottage near the cave
The second day we did another cave. Ouch. I was sore from the day before, and let me tell you, it is not fun putting on wet caving gear. This is the cave we did the second day. http://ogof.net/ofd1/ofd1_005.htmlThis cave has a river running through it and we made it down for a while until the water was white and resembled a washing machine. We turned back at that point. It was not fun going out the same way we came in, because by that point I was more then a bit sore. I could no longer crawl on my knees and hands, and either rolled, or scooted on my butt like a toddler, or just went on my stomach.
Eventually, we made it out of the cave. One of the nicest feelings is getting out of the cave and the outside air feel so nice and warm. Of course, after a bit you get used to it and I get chilly once more. Changing by the side of the road is fun (not) because even though you always wait till the cars have passed you to do the awkward bits, cars always manage to go by at the worst moment. As my uncle pointed out though, I could sue them for being peeping toms, while he would be labeled as a indecent.
Even though I love caving, I am glad that I am not going any time soon. I hurt!!
Things I saw on the way back.....
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