Emergency Vehicles and Police Tape

So something went down tonight. I don't know what but it was close. After dinner I was sitting checking e-mail waiting for a couple mates to come over and I kept hearing sirens. It was like one right after another and all heading toward Euston Station. Finally when they arrived I got up and looked out my window. A police car was weaving down Upper Woburn toward my building ushering people away from Euston Road. He stopped at the building next door (the Hilton) and jumped out. After a minute inside the Hilton he ran across the street to the Ambassador. After a minute in there he began placing police tape across the sidewalks leading to Euston Street and I could hear him shouting at people to stay back.

Then a couple minutes later a Police command van pulled up and said something to him. He began tearing down the tape and emergency vehicles began progressively heading away from Euston Road.

Who knows what happened but it definitely gave us all a small fright. Actually, we all wanted to know what was going on because we are from Kentucky and knowing what is happening is part the culture. Apparently that's a universal thing because the Brits were gathered watching something on the other side of the tape.

Interesting night.

Speed the Plow on Tower Hill

So yesterday was spent in two main areas. First, a group of us went to the Tower of London. It was quite impressive but not because of its size or grandeur but rather because of its history and age. We have nothing in America to even compare. The White Tower, the first fortress on the site and now home to the armoury display was built in 1080. 1080!! Theoretically I could live to see it turn 1000. It just blows my mind that something that old is still standing and I went inside it.

The Tower, which is actually a fortress consisting of over 20 towers, is still guarded by the Yeomen Warders aka Beefeaters. Nobody knows why they are called that but it does sound cool. Yeomen Warders are retired military officers who served at least 20 years in the armed forces and had good conduct and valor. They still live in the walls of the tower with their families. Of course their primary duty these days is to be tour guides because the fortress is no longer a military target, but they are still impressive.

After five hours and God-knows how many pictures with London Bridge in the background, we set off for home. Then a few hours later was part 2 of our day, Speed the Plow. This play at the Old Vic was our first visit for the theatre class. It starred Kevin Spacey and Jeff Goldblum. We were in row 3, not 25 feet from the stage. Jeff Goldblum is really freakin tall and Kevin is a really great stage actor. The play was amazing but the production came off more than slightly sexist. Our professor summed it up as "Bitch, Book, Door." I'll leave it at that because I could get rolling if I wanted to.

Now for my first complaint about London. Today while on our group trip to St. Pauls Cathedral (we didn't go in because it costs 9GBP) Dr. Tubb commented on the air pollution turning the cathedral black and that they were having to give it a good cleaning before the 300th anniversary celebration. As soon as he said that I realised something. Since we've been here my (caution this will be graphic) I've wiped my nose at times and found black streaks on the tissue. At first I didn't think much about it until he said that and I realised that that black stuff was pollution. I've been basically blowing tar out of my nose for the last 4 days. Honestly, pollution isn't cool and I am trying not to think about what all is getting into my lungs.

I would add some pics to this post, but they take forever to upload and frankly I don't want to fool with it right now while I'm enjoying some tea and a biscuit. I hope everything is well wherever you are and maybe I'll post some pics later.

Still Sore

Alright, so yesterday was the grand walking tour of London, all 9 miles of it as Allison's pedometer registered. It began with a quick adventure through Regent's Park attempting to find Dr. Tubb's family by reading a map. Obviously he was trying to reassure himself that we could actually read a map after the incident of half the class, me included, getting lost trying to find the Thai restaurant Saturday night. Urban planning was not London's forte.

From there we went through Oxford Street and down Regent's Street which are the two main shopping districts. I mean Armani, Apple, etc. with apartment prices beginning at $3 million. In some ways I wish we hadn't gone through there because now I want to shop, but of course I have no money because food is more important. We ended that leg of the journey poking more fun at the French (yes the French, those crazy people on the continent who stole English architecture) in St. James park where lunch was to be had. Can anyone say $11 for a sandwich and a juice.

Then it was off to Buckingham, the Victoria statue and the Houses of Parliament. It was a very touristy day. Actually at one point we were cursed at by a Spaniard near the National Gallery. Once the touristy part was over, then it was down to business. Grocery shopping and going to the chemist (pharmacy) for a few things. [sentence fragment] Hauling groceries a third of a mile after hiking 9 was a challenge but well worth it. I got a sleeve of chocolate cookies for 33p and life was all better.

Below are a few pics of the room as well. It has a tiny tiny kitchen but otherwise is not bad. The showerhead and I fight everyday because the shower curtain isn't large enough to go completely around the tub. There are no window screens and no air conditioning but neither are needed. It's been 55 and partly sunny so far.


I have to say that I feel I'm beginning to adjust pretty well. The people are friendly and helpful. I've never felt safer in a big city. It's really just splendid here.

I hope everything is going well back in the States and I'll update soon. Tomorrow is mobile phone shopping down on Tottenham so we'll see what adventures result. Cheerio!

*Nerd Alert* Here is a fine example of what happens in a post-Christian nation. Numerous faiths must get along because they can not survive on their own.
P.S. I would like to thank everyone who came to see me off. It was one of the best send-offs I've ever had.

Early Lessons

I have arrived safe and sound here at Endsleigh. All in all it wasn't a bad trip and the accommodations here are adequate, although not splendid. Over the course of my journey I learned a few lessons that I would like to share.

1. Delta food is actually better than Cowan food. I'm not entirely sure how this is possible but it is.
2. Never underestimate the power of a 200mph tailwind to make-up time on a flight. We departed Covington an hour late and arrived in London ten minutes early.
3. Random conversations with men waiting for the lavatory can be enlightening.
4. Sleep is not that important. Well it is, but it can be delayed when absolutely necessary.
5. This is the most important. I have no freakin' clue how to get back to Victoria Station, but I really don't care because Londoners can't drive and the roads are crazy confusing.

I know this is a short entry without any pics, but I've got to head downstairs for our group meeting in a couple minutes so I'm going to have to leave it at this. I'll be in touch soon with photos eventhough I'm not sure what of exactly.

Ready to go...sorta

As John Denver would say, my bags are packed and I'm ready to go. I would usually agree entirely, but this time I wish I had a little more time to spend with everyone. It was really great seeing everyone today for the brief moment I was on campus, but I wish I could have stayed longer. Don't forget to send me e-mails and messages while I'm gone. Yes I'm needy.

It really is amazing what all a person can fit in two suitcases, a backpack, and a laptop case. I really feel I've managed to squeeze my life into these items with room left over. Space Bags, those "as seen on tv" airtight compression bags actually work. If you are ever going to travel for a long time, definitely pick some up.

Finally, in case anyone was wondering, I'm on Delta 36 from Covington. The next entry will be from London.

T-minus One Week

In one week's time Kendall and I will be flying to England for Spring Term and this reality is beginning to set in. As I sit here with nothing packed, my books just shipped over and no idea how I'm going to get everything ready, all I can think about is reading Harry Potter 7. I know that sounds really dorky, but in the last week I've read 5 & 6 and really need (yes, at this point it is a need) to know how this story ends.

On a separate note, if you want to mail anything to me in England here is the address:

Joshua Stevens
Endsleigh Court
24 Upper Woburn Place
London WC1H OHA
United Kingdom

Word of warning, expensive! My books, and there weren't that many, cost me $56 to ship by USPS "it'll get there when it gets there" post.

I think that's all for now.