10 January 2010

Its been a long time

So I know it has been ages, but those of you who really know me, know the crazy computer problems I have been having. I still cannot edit videos, but as soon as I can I will be putting up Euro Club Rachel{ECR} videos(there have been some legen... wait for it...). Also, once I get the proper cables of my external hard drives and can go through my photo, I will start writing blogs about events.

So this "blog" today is based on a LONG facebook message I sent to a friend. She wanted me to tell her about my trip to London over the holidays. When I had finished sending her the message I realized I actually could just post it as a blog. So here you are folks.

*****


Well, its a looooonnnnnngggggg one.

First of all, Switzerland is going great. I am not really learning French as I had hoped. The family I live with does not speak it in the home EVER. And this area is hard to find people who will only speak French with me. So, I am focusing on my other two goals, travel and met new people from other countries. Those two goals are successful enough. I have a trip planned for Egypt in less then a month. So excite.

As far as London, this was my second trip there since I moved to Europe. The first one was only for a weekend and we did a lot in that short time. This time I went for 12 days and did a lot as well, but had more time to breath.

I really enjoy the Tower of London. You could easily spend a day there and not get too bored. I have been there twice now and still have not seen 1/2 the place. I recommend taking one of the tours with a Beefeater; it gives you a lot of history about London. Also, I am not sure when it goes down, but the Henry VIII Exhibit is pretty neat as well. The Tower also houses the crown jewels.

Near the two there are several place that have some good old fashion fish and chips. My friends and I are cheap, so we went for the cheaper £3.99 vs the £8.99 place. They both are sit down, one just have a "fancier" decor and more beer options. But we sat for 10 minutes before anyone even got us menus and then after another 5 minutes of sitting, we got up and went next door. The are locate close to the place were you have to get your Tower tickets.

My friend[that Catherine] and I went to see a show in The Globe. I don't think it is still running, but if it is and you like Shakespeare's work you will enjoy the show. [p.s. To those reading my blog, I checked and the show is not still happening. It was actually the first show during the winter time since the restoration opening in 1997. I don't feel like looking for the paper about it right now, but will tell you more when I put up the {ECR} video.]

The British Museum is another place you would need many days to take in everything properly. Right now they have an exhibit on "people and the after life" or something like that. I enjoyed that room. There were some cool coffins from Ghana(I believe) [They have made one and it looks like an old school Canon camera.]and a neat piece about people and perceptions drugs in that room. Also, the China room was WOW. As a person who does graphic design, I saw so many inspiring colors and images in there.

Also, the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery are nice as well. [I got to see one of my favorite paintings, Vincent Van Gogh's Sunflowers.] When we went to the National Portrait Gallery there was a photography exhibit, and as person who does photography I really enjoyed some of it. [p.s. Catherine, I really like the one with the redhead. It has such great use of primary colors, haha. That's an inside joke, but I really hate it when I hear people in galleries trying to sound artsy.]
[p.s. For you fans of modeling or ANTM, they had an exhibit on Twiggy.]

[We also went to the Tate Modern. And I got to see some of Roy Lichtenstein's work, LOVED it. There were several amazing pieces. Although Catherine is not a fan of modern art, she did appreciate one artist, Mr. Robert Therrien. His first piece we saw was No Title (Table and Four Chairs). And yes it is a HUGE table with HUGE chairs. We both also liked his RED ROOM. There were five red owls in there and I you know I like owls. I did not get to make it to the POP LIVE exhibit, but we had to head to The Globe. So, oh well.]

However, you MUST check out the restaurant under St. Martin in the Fields church. It is RIGHT across from the National Portrait Museum. According to something, this church is the most famous non-cathedral in London. I have never been up to look at the church, but I have been to the restaurant under it both times I have been to London. It is call the Crypt and yes it is a crypt. You are literally eating on top of dead people. It has really nice ambiance, but the food is quite nice as well. It is affordable enough. I paid less then £9 for a vegetarian plate and some AMAZING bread pudding.

I almost forgot to put this in, but you can go to an evening song service at Westminster Abbey[p.s. Westminster is one word, who know]. It is nice, because you don't have to pay to take a tour of the place and you get to see it being used. The choir is AMAZING. [The fist time I went with Britney, I say an amazing quote on the podium. It said, "Attempt something great for God."]

Almost for got this as well. If you like non-traditional services as well, check out Hillsong London. They have 4 services every Sunday at the Dominion Theatre. That is right off the Tottenham Underground stop, which is off the black(Northern) line I believe. [These people know who to do some praising to our God. Catherine was a bit uncomfortable, thanks for going anyway, but Jen and I were right there in the front row getting our praise on to Jesus. Thanks Britney for telling be about it the first time we went together.]

Oh, as for The Eye, you can get your ticket online, but if you have the fund you might want to pay for fast track. The people with whom I went to the Eye did not want to pay the extra quids[we are all poor 20 somethings living in Europe], but if it will be very cold when you go, it might be worth it. Regardless, I recommend doing a sunset ride. I was great to see the city go from day to night. So beautiful. And when you get in, head to the front left part on the carriage.[Another great {ECR} video from this. Paul "joined in" on the fun.]

Well, it think that is all for now, haha. Please let me know if you have any other questions. And I want to hear about your trip as well. Maybe you will discover something new as well; let me know.

Hyvää Yötä(p.s. I have picked up a bit of FInnish.)


*****
Well that's all folk and sorry for any spelling or grammar errors.

peace, love, and applesauce

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