Cutting the apron strings...and other things!

New place, new foreign language keyboard to get used to!

Wow! One week gone. Just yesterday, I was sitting in the hotel, enjoying the last of the luxury that is the Marriott...dreading future lodgings of dorm-style rooms without A/C in sweltering Southern Europe. Mmmmm...I loved nearly freezing to death at night because the air was on full-blast and enjoyed having a wonderful down duvet to cuddle up under!! But times, they are a changin´!

I am in Barcelona...beautiful Barcelona! And I have very little time to recap what I´ve done...so I´ll do my best in the short time I have.

I guess I didn´t do Thursday yet. Thursday we saw the highly overrated Changing of the Guard at Buckinham Palace. Then I went to the Cortauld Institute, like the art history nerd that I am, by myself. It was all right. Nothing to get too excited about. We were to meet up at the British Museum...but Erin was late. I was not a happy camper. I tried, my best(!) to get over it and we ended up going shopping and doing laundry that night. Ahh...the joys of travel!

Yesterday we went to see Westminster Abbey. Afterwards, we split up...I went to the Cabinet War Rooms and they went back to Portabello Road to buy some things. The Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum were fascinating. I am really glad that I went!

We met up at the hotel an went to a show that night, ¨Sunday in the Park with George.¨ Strange...good, but strange. It´s about George Seurot, the French 19th century artist. I liked some aspects of it...but others were just odd.

Sorry, sorry, sorry...this isn´t nearly as interesting as it should be. I have 23 minutes left to get this silly thing posted...this guy closes his Internet cafe at 11. After packing up last night, we woke up early this morning and started getting everything put together. It was so fast...and before I knew it, Erin was crying and hugging me goodbye and telling me to be careful! She made me cry too...

And as I watched them drive away, I felt a little lost. I mean, I´d had them with me almost everywhere the past week...and now I was on my own. So, I went to Portabello Road and just enjoyed the atmosphere...and then I did something that we´d been talking about all week...that Erin and Kayla didn´t really think I would do. I didn´t really think I would do it, either.

Just take a look.

Yep, I cut my hair!! And short. Long hair seems to be the summer fashion and i was feeling pretty insecure about my boy cut. Then I saw two girls at the train station with the same haircut as me...and I felt a little better. Until they kissed each other. Yes, folks...I have a lesbian haircut!! Not kidding. Butch is one way to describe my hair =) I went into a salon where they spoke arabic to each other and very little to me and I told them to chop it off. The lady told me I had nice hair and kept asking if I were sure. I said, ¨Just do it.¨ I wasn´t sure myself. I told her I would cry, too...and I did. I think it was a combination of many things...my sister leaving, me being on my own, and then making the crazy decision to cut my hair!!! So, if I don´t show up in many photos on my blog, now...it´s because I don´t want you all to know how much I look like a boy!!

The flight was uneventful. I arrived in Reus, about 1.5 hours outside of Barcelona. I took a bus into town, found my hostel...OH BOY! A hostel life is DEFINITELY not for me =O The management is nice...it´s easier to speak Spanish with them than English...but the place is pretty ghetto. Thanks to good ol´Campus Plaza...it got me ready for living in less than spectacular conditions.

I´m sorry this is so ridiculously uninformative. I´ve got to find a church tomorrow, too!!

Love you all and I´ll try and post photos tomorrow!

₤1=$1.84?!?!?!

4-5 July 2006:

If anything, being in London is painful...PAINFULLY EXPENSIVE! Good grief! The dollar is terribly weak, the pound is insanely strong...and the dumb Americans that come for holiday during "high" season get to pay for it! Oh, for the record: I'm the dumb American paying insanely high prices to play in London.

Then again, I've heard that London is good anytime of year...or was that Paris? Hmmm....

Well, since the last post (which, if you'd already read, I've updated it with photos), I've done more stuff ;) Of course! Here goes:

On the Fourth of July, I remembered the birth of our Nation...although the Brits didn't seem to care. I think they're just sore losers. Tuesday morning my sister and I got up early to go to the London Temple with a friend I met at church on Sunday. Conveniently enough, he had rented a car for his excursion around London and drove us there. It was a beautiful and long drive out of the city, to the suburbs. I really enjoyed being there and particularly enjoyed getting out of congested London and its noise and craziness.

Riding on the "driver's side" but not being behind a steering wheel was quite trippy! When Larry, the kid we were going with, came to pick us up, he got out of the car (on the right side) and walked to the left side of the car. My sister hopped in back and I said, "Oh, all right...I'll take the front!" and walked over to the right side (American passenger side)...and both Larry and Erin were like, "Duh! Amy, it's on the other side!" I'm learning, all right!

We were later than we expected coming back from the temple. Around 2:30 we got to the hotel and met up with Trevor. From there we ran (literally) to the British museum to catch a "highlights" tour. I could have given the tour! Good grief! All right, I'll admit, our tour guide, Ros, this old, fiesty British lady, had some interesting bits to share with us, but I was a little disappointed...because I thought there would be more stuff in our tour! We saw the Rosetta Stone (very cool!), the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon (loved it!), and the Portland Vase (pronounced vauz, of course). After the tour, we walked around some, visited the amazing Reading Room, saw the Mummies, and then went to a pub to fill our tummies.

I'm a poet and now you all know it ;)

Like I said, we left the museum to go get some food. All of us were famished. We hadn't really eaten all day. Then we walked around the area on our way to the theatre district. We wanted to see Mary Poppins. Trevor and Erin like to get the best seats in the house...and we did have great seats...at a great price! But, the musical was spectacular! They rearranged the songs, used them in a little different context, made the story line a bit different and added some depth...it was "Practically Perfect" as Mary would say! Definitely a crowd-pleaser...and I'll admit, I teared up when Michael Banks said, "Mary Poppins, I love you." I'm a sap.

We left to the crowds in the street watching the big soccer game. I think it was Italy vs. Germany.

Today, July 5, we lazied around and finally got out of the hotel around 10 a.m. We went to St. Paul's cathedral...oh how I love that place! I could spend hours in there...however, my travel companions weren't too keen on doing that. So, we walked around a little and then started climbing the 1000+ steps to the top! Not kidding. We climbed to the Whispering Gallery that is at the base of the dome. If you whisper into the wall, you can hear it on the other side of the dome...it's awesome!

Like I said, we climbed and climbed. Kayla, who is on this trip with her father--Rick--who is Trevor's business partner, decided that she wasn't too keen on climbing the last 152 steps to reach the highest point. Erin and I were gung-ho, however. Erin, ignoring her fear of heights, pushed on, higher and higher, and we came out on top. Literally. And what a view! I love it!

A nice American woman offered to take our picture. I could tell she was LDS and asked her where she was from. "Utah," she replied. That confirmed our suspicions. :) She was in London to meet up with a man she met online! Yikes! And people think I'm brave to just travel by myself. Maybe I am brave and she's crazy. Anyway, as we were talking to her, I was swapping out the batteries in my camera and, butterfingers that I am, one slipped out and rolled off the ledge!! I was so ticked!! It fell into a trough that's about 15 feet below where we were. I could see it!! And I only had 4 batteries (now 3), and I needed all of them for my camera! Shoot!!

Anyway, we went down and asked the worker on duty if it would be possible to get the battery back...I thought it was a ridiculous question, but couldn't hurt to ask. They said that they do go in there and retrieve things every now and then, but it wouldn't be for a couple days. So I gave them the hotel name and phone number...hopefully they'll have it for me soon.

Now, you ask, why doesn't Amy just buy another battery?! Is she really that much of a tightwad? Well...yes. BUT...let me finish! This afternoon, we stopped by an electronics store near our hotel on the slim chance that they sell the same, rechargeable, Energizer batteries. Lo and behold, THEY DO! So, I grabbed a package of 4...without the charger. Now, here's some background: before leaving the good ol' US of A, I bought my Energizer recharger and 4 batteries for $18 at Wal-Mart. I took the 4 batteries (sans charger) up to the counter and asked how much it would cost.

₤20.

Now, if you didn't catch the title of this post, that's nearly $40!!! FOR 4 BATTERIES!!!! WITHOUT THE SILLY CHARGER!!!!

Whoa! So, I'm praying the nice men at St. Paul's will crawl into the trough that is 600+ feet above the ground to get my one battery that cost me under $4 a each. ;)

We RAN (we seem to do that a lot) from St. Paul's to the hotel because we had to change into our "smart" clothes for tea. Yes, Erin, Kayla, and I went to have tea at the Ritz Hotel. Mind you, not any Ritz Hotel...but THE Ritz Hotel. We were running exceptionally late, so we got a taxi and headed out. Nothing makes you feel cooler than pulling up to THE Ritz, in a black taxi, in London, in your "smartest" clothes! We walked in and it was incredible!!

Tea was a blast! It's not cheap...but it was a gift, so I will refrain from stating how much Erin spent on it...but it was near obscene. We were tucked away at a table and were fed finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Instead of tea, we opted for hot cocoa. The experience was divine! It is something I'll probably never get to do again!

There's a poem on the menu and it describes it perfectly:

I'm feeling sublime
For I've passed back in time,
Surrounded by glamour and glitz.
As I sip my Earl Grey [or cocoa, in my case]
All life's cares pass away,
For I'm having Tea at the Ritz.

It's friendly, no fuss,
But it's luxury plus
Cocooned in a creamy gold light.
There's a 'Tea for Two' mood
As the waiters bring food,
Displayed on three tiers of delight.

There are scones jam and cream
Straight out of a dream
And sandwiches minus the crust.
Pastries good to the eye
So they can't be passed by,
And fruity fruit cake - that's a must.

To accompany this,
Is a pianist, what bliss,
As music of old fills the air.
One fancies that it's
The right theme for the Ritz.
And a Nightingale's in Berkeley Square.

~Jill Rundle

That, my friends, perfectly describes Tea at the Ritz. Splendid!

We came back to the hotel and picked up Trevor and Rick. Then we all headed out to see the National Gallery. The last time I was in London me and my two friends, Jenn and Sara, played in the fountains at Trafalgar Square. Well...the sign below is now placed in the fountains. I don't know if that means we should be watching out for health problems or what.... ;)

I have a small love affair with the National Gallery. It's open until 9 p.m. on Wednesday nights and we didn't leave the hotel until 7. It broke my heart. Not that I didn't spend a short lifetime perusing the galleries the last time I was here...but, I just LOVE it! I knew, however, that my companions weren't as keen on reading and enjoying the works like I do...so I took them on my own highlights tour. I think it was about right for them. It was like giving me a lick of an ice cream cone and then telling me I wouldn't be allowed to have anymore, though.

After the National Gallery, we had dinner at a restaurant nearby called Garfunkel's. It was lots of business talk between Erin, Rick, and Trevor...and I was bored. But, you don't turn down a free meal...ever. :) And I enjoy being with my family.

Anyway, we're back at the hotel...it's nearl 3 a.m. and I should be in bed. 7:30 is going to come early and we've gotta do laundry.

Cheerio!


















<--P.S. You can't beat the advertisements in the Tube!!!Dad, Mike...you might just consider it ;) Just kidding!

Hullo Love!

1-4 July 2006:

Well, I've arrived! I left Mom and Dad a the Kansas City International Airport at 2:55 p.m. on July 1. The flight was a beast. I arrived at 7:30 a.m. on July 2. I had set my watch ahead and was just dreading the major jetlag that I would experience. I convinced myself not to try and figure out what time it would be at home...because that would just exhaust me! It's not so bad in the evenings when it's 10 p.m. here and 4 p.m. at home...but when it's 10 a.m. here and 4 a.m. there...I'm sure I'd miss my sleep!

Surprisingly, I haven't felt the effects of jetlag much. I don't have any secret remedy (just drink lots of water) but I've been doing pretty well! I'm just getting myself on a British schedule and sticking to it!

I was pretty proud of myself at the airport. After 1 1/2 hours of waiting to get through customs, I went directly to the train and confidently headed into London. Since it was Sunday, I wanted to go to church. I located the Tube station nearest the church building which happens to be by the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum. I was walking up the road, soaking in the feeling, the sights, the smells, staring at the buildings...just excited to be back! It was SO hot...and I was sweating with the big backpack on my back (I swear it was under 25 lbs., but it seemed to have gained some serious weight as it crossed the Atlantic). I felt gross.

I'm walking and walking and walking...and almost arrive at Kensington. Wait a second! I KNOW that it's on Exhibition Road (of which I'd just walked the entire length) and Exhibition Road ends at Kensington. Hmmm...all right, turn around!

So, I walk down the road, still with the backpack, still sweating...and ask a nice doorman for directions. He says, "Oh, it's just down the street...you can't miss it. Oh, wait, I gues you have!" Haha. Funny guy, huh? ;)

At church, I saw Erin and Trevor...and they headed back to the hotel (they'd arrived for the earlier meeting) and I stayed for the Spanish meeting...thinking I'd be able to understand. Well...this was "Portuguese Sunday." Great! So, amidst all the "shhshhshh"ing Spanish that those crazy Brazilians and Ports speak, I could pull out a few things here and there.

I took the Tube back to the hotel and felt SO much better to take a shower and change my clothes! A new woman! Not to mention, my body thought it was 9 a.m....and time to get up and get moving!

We went to the Tower of London (2nd time...and I'm not doing it again, I don't care WHO comes with me...you're on your own). It's not that thrilling...unless you like armor and guns. No art, no furnishings....boring!

Trevor wouldn't even jump the short fence into the grassy area where the ravens were sitting and flap his arms around like a giant stork shouting "Kaw! Kaw!" No fun! Although, Trevor claims it was due to the sign (at left) that he opted out of the stork charades. I don't believe him. :)

Then we went over to the London Eye...and, having learned my lesson last time I was here, I stayed on the ground while Erin and Trevor went up. It's all right to do once, but nothing wonderful! Instead, I went with Kayla (the daughter of Trevor's boss) down along the bank and saw a "professional street entertainer" [at least that's what he called himself] work his body through a coat hanger...successfully and COMPLETELY disjointing his right shoulder out of the socket. Gross!

We got dinner at a pretty good Indian restaurant...and I started to realize...again...how expensive London is.

We went to Portabello Road today (not realizing that it's Saturday that has the bustling street market). That was a little disappointing. Then we went to Harrod's deparment store. More than the hundreds of dollars you could spend on designer handbags and shoes, I am amazed by the foods! You can get ANYTHING! It's amazing. Last time I was there, my good friend, Jenn Alder, and I thought it'd be a great idea to buy one of their delicious salads. Well, it ended up costing us WAY more than we expected. So, in honor of Jenn Alder, I took a picture at the salad counter at Harrod's.

Then, we came back to the hotel, figured out a decent itinerary for the rest of the week, and then headed out. Erin and Kayla went to Kensington Palace (been there, done that) and I went to the Cortauld Institute's Art Gallery. I LOVED IT! I'll admit, I'm a bit of an art history geek...but I adore walking through a museum at my own pace, oohing and awwwing over things that I've studied in books...and there they are, right in front of your face!

I saw Van Gogh's self-portrait with the bandaged ear, a bazillion Rubens, many by Manet, a few Renoir, Degas, etc. etc. I LOVED it! It was good I was on my own, though. I mosied through at a snails pace, reading all the placards I could care to read. Ahhh...I need to remember those sorts of experiences when I wonder what I should study when I grow up!

Outside the Cortauld in the courtyard, there are these foutains that shoot up from the cobblestone and people come to play in the fountain on the hot summer days! I would have loved to join them...and even contemplated it, but didn't have the time...nor the spare change of clothes. :)

Tonight we went to this fancy-schmancy restaurant with a business associate of Trevor's. We went to The Tenth, an amazing restaurant on the 10th floor of a hotel that overlooked Hyde Park. And the food...incredible! It was one of those restaurants where they actually name the chef on the menu and where presentation of the food is 1/2 the price! I had scones, focaccia bread, duck pate, sea bass in a tomatoe sauce with basil gnocchi, rhubarb creme brulee with ginger tart, and a chocolate after-dinner truffle. HOLY COW...good food! And the bill...244 pounds for 6 of us (that's about a $440 meal). But hey! You don't turn down free food...especially one that's $70 a plate!

And now we're back at the hotel. I'm tired...which I should be. It's nearly midnight.

I don't know when I'll be able to upload photos...hopefully they'll come soon!

London is a blast, though! It's good to be back!

Cheers!