Home again home again jiggity jig

It's Friday and I've spent most of the day unpacking, getting to know the puppy again and catching up on my blog. The trip back was LONG but problem free. The first time I went overseas with Blythe I was quite depressed for a long while. I developed almost a reverse homesickness. I am not experiencing this at this point. It hit me a bit when I went to the grocery store, which is where it hit me before, but I'm OK. Mostly I just miss my new friends. I don't have many close relationships here and it was great meeting more people in 3 weeks I could be friends with then in the 8 years I've been in California. I believe Paris really made me appreciate the USA, which is something I would never think to come out of my mouth. This is in no way a complaint of Paris as this thought alone was worth the trip. I believe we learn from every experience. I must say, big shout out to the Paris police!! They saved me when I was coming back from the Metro and getting harassed with a friend. Without going into much detail I couldn't see anything like that happening in the USA. I wanted to thank them so much and was completely blown away that surveillance cameras really do work!

Anyway, I'll write more later. Still trying to clean up the house and going through 3 weeks of mail and bills.

Here are some pics of Early, my little man!

Thank you all for giving me such a wonderful experience!!!!

July 15-Last day with my class.

I would be crying a tear in my beer, but leaving from France helps matters a bit. I'm really going to miss all the wonderful people I've met, but I'm ready to go home from Paris. I would probably be looking for a job in the underground market if we were still in London. :)
We all took a cruise along the Seine, then a very yummy farewell dinner. This trip was such an amazing experience that I couldn't imagine that I could ever put this together myself. A few of us were fondly remember a few of the great stories that happened on our trip. I will chronicle them all in my personal journal. I really feel I've made some lifelong friends and learned many things about myself through the cultures of London and France that can only help me with life. I also learned valuable perceptions about myself from a few of the close friends I've made. Growing as a person is invaluable to me at this point of life, everything else was gravy. :)
On my way to the airport I thought about each person in our class and how they touched my life. I am only a better person from this. I will continue to write this blog even though my daily life consists of working my current job and feverishly looking for a new one. I hope you all know how important you are to me and please stay in touch!

Happy Bastille Day!

It's Bastille Day in France and I am trying to gear up to see some fireworks. People were already gathering on the stairs at Montmartre at 3pm today to catch the best seats. I got some great footage of street performers while there. I was also saved from the African bracelet vendors by the girls. They about tackled me to get the bracelet on my wrist so I'd have to pay.
Prior to Montmarte I finally got to go to Pere Lachaise Cemetery after years of fascination. Of course I saw Jim Morrison's grave. I was sad to see it looks so different then the photos I've seen of it. Someone stole his bust and years of vandalism led the cemetery to replace the entire site.
This gravestone was one of the most interesting I've ever seen.

I must also say I was very pleased with my very Parisian lunch of croque-monsieur Sorry Max, I had to do it (at least you didn't have to smell it). ;)



Update: The girls and I went to the Louvre to see the fireworks. What followed was perhaps one of the most wonderful times I've ever had. Over the past few years I've been kinda a wet blanket, this visit prompted me to ride the those swings again that I always loved as a child. Let go, let loose...it was entirely worth every moment.

Bubblies

A train trip today took me out of Paris into Epernay, home to Moët & Chandon champagne. A private guided tour took us through the history of the company, the history of Dom Pérignon, a tour though the cellars and finished up with a tasting. I now have an understanding why a bottle of this stuff costs over $100 in the States. What an incredible experience learning the complexities that go into the fermentation of these very select grapes.
The town of Epernay itself was what I envisioned Paris to be like. Such a romantic, quaint town with wonderful character.
While now back in Paris I can hear the city gear up for Bastille day tomorrow. Outside my hotel window a walking horn section plays outside. Life is good.
In the Moët & Chandon cellars during the tour.


Update: Had a wonderful time out with Dillan, Merle, Alexis and Megan. We went to the Bastille and watched the two stages of concert acts while Paris geared up for Bastille Day on July 14th. The French rappers were the best.

Disney World has nothing on these lines...

Much of the day was spent in various lines at the Château de Versailles. Inside the Palace was not much easier to navigate. Unfortunately most of my photos have heads and other people reaching to take pictures in them. The Palace was rather opulent and made me appreciate the less gaudy decor of Hampton Court. The highlight of what I saw would be the Hall of Mirrors. The Gardens were closed to us and required an additional ticket so I did not explore one of the most beautiful parts.

Fleas and friends

The Porte de Clignancourt flea market is perhaps one of the best shopping experiences ever. It would have been even more fabulous if I actually had disposable income. :) Below are some treasures of the market which is made up of more urban vendors (shoes, clothing) on the outside and an antique mall inside. I never did get my Michael Jackson tribute shirt, but hope to find one in my size around the city.

Oddities I really wanted to buy.

The most wonderful part of the day was having the opportunity to see Blythe and Gunnar, my friends who live in Germany. They came just to see me! Thanks guys!!! Blythe made me a cat pal (totally from scratch) for Ms. Penny. What a wonderful gift, I still cannot believe she did it herself. Ms. Penny is now with Blythe. On her way back to Germany she got to go camping and visit a monastery/brewery. This is incentive for me to go see Blythe in Cologne to retrieve her so she can experience the USA.
Ms. Penny meeting Minerva for the first time. They shall be reunited soon I hope!

Paris is growing on me.

After an interesting introduction to the City of Lights I've decided Paris is growing on me. Most of the day was spent at the Louvre where I spent a great amount of time in the sculptures, but still got a well rounded tour of the treasures.

Parisians seem friendly for the most part as long as you avoid some very easy faux pas as attempting to speak French and talking on public transportation. Shop and restaurant owners are especially friendly. One waiter in particular even gave us a free portion and said, "This is Paris!". The forwardness of people takes some getting used to as staring is not an issue here. Good for me though as I have a tendency to space out and stare at people...I feel I'm in good company.



My meal at the Louvre, it's a fish souffle and really yummy!!

Bye, Bye London

After wrapping up London with a photo at platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross station ala Harry Potter and a visit to the British Library we took the Eurostar to France. Paris is a completely different experience from London so far. A trip to the Eiffel Tower at night proved a good learning experience in the safety of this city. I was almost run down by a thief (?) escaping the police. The finally grabbed him, but not before my legs had turned to jello. I'm afraid I don't handle these things well as I have already been told. This is exactly the type of thing Max was worried about. The police are all over the Eiffel Tower, however, and handled the situation extremely well in the midst of all the tourists standing around.


This one is for you, mom!

At the Eiffel Tower

Going up the Eiffel Tower

Like a kid again

Today is the last day in London. ARGH! A fine wrap-up, however, as I got to play in the Diana Princess of Whales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens. Adults (without a child) are only allowed to "play" between 9:30-10am, so this was a rare occasion. As you can see Ms. Penny is helping me stear the ship. See, she's alive and well-not baked in a pie.


I decided to be captain of the ship!

After walking through Kensington and Hyde parks I went to Harrod's which blew me away with their food court and toy store. I bought my little cousin her very own Paddington Bear traveler edition so she can hopefully be inspired to escape Detroit like cousin Heather.

I'm very sad to leave London. I've really grown accustom to the politeness and character of the city. I've been without the restraint of televisions or cell phones for two weeks and do not miss it one bit. Adaption usually comes very fast for me, but I have a tendency to develop a sort of reverse-homesickness when I leave Europe. I'm fully prepared for the depression that will set in when I get back home. Max and Early will snap me out of it. I do miss them so!!!

Photo story in 5 pictures

Ms. Penny went to Hampton Court today and had herself quite the adventure. Please do not worry about Ms. Penny as cats do have 9 lives. Follow Ms. Penny's 8th life here at Kat's blog.

Flowers don't suck

Walking through Regent's Park was so beautiful. I must have walked 7 miles today. We walked all the way to Primrose Hill where I flew a kite (ala Mary Poppins)! I haven't done that for 25 years since my dad used to take me. We got the kite up very high...much better than today's attempt. :) Thanks dad! Anyway, my Mr. Frog kite barely got up and when it did it dive bombed innocent people beneath. I felt it was better if I just wached everyone else for the good of the public.

Relaxing at Regent's Park

The calm of this pretty white flower before the storm. It cleared up quickly though!

At 3 Abbey Road, former studio of the Beatles and site of the famous album cover. Yes, I have a semi-recreation of the photo like a good little tourist.

Whee! Kite flying!!!

London Dungeon Podcast

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Tourist traps

July 4th passed like any other day here in London of course. It was my mom's birthday though and that is very special!

Today I met up with the girls at the Tower of London and walked to the London Dungeon tour. Pretty much a huge tourist trap, but fun none-the-less. The tour takes you through underground "caverns" where an actor tells of the history in full character. One room illustrates torture devices, another shows the story of Jack the Ripper while another simulates what it was like to be hung (sans the noose). Photos were prohibited but I recorded audio which I will be using for a podcast to follow.

I did get a nice shot of the restrooms which gives you an idea of the touristiness of the place. The other photo is an employee relaxing outside the dungeon.



I did have a bit of a scare as I was waiting outside the Tower of London for the girls. A huge amount of smoke began billowing from afar and I started thinking of the worst. Turned out to be just a regular fire I'm assuming.

History, oh wonderful history!

Jen and I took the tube to the Tower of London which was really great if you are into Henry VIII. I saw a wonderful exhibit called "Dressed to Kill" (no, not the Eddie Izzard version). The exhibit showcased the Kings armory and weaponry. The striking issue was the large "codpiece" that was fitted into his battle armor (sorry, photos were prohibited).
Photos of me at The Tower of London enjoying morbid things.

I really didn't observe much of British culture today as I spent my time doing purely "touristy" things. I finished the day at The British Museum which, of course, is spectacular. Don't judge, but I did not see the Rosetta Stone. I almost wanted to just take a picture of the duplicate at the gift shop.
My favorite object so far at The British Museum.

Well, I am really missing my puppy "Early" and Max (as mentioned in my first post). I can't believe it's over a week so far. Not feeling "homesick" per say, but just wish I could at least talk easier as 9 hrs. is a big time difference to hit.

A good day of sightseeing for the librarians...

I know there is a mix of people reading this blog, but a good majority will be librarians. Today was packed full of sights of particular interest to anyone in the profession.

Today was spent at Oxford, a place ripe with location shooting from the Harry Potter series of films, as well as a myriad of others. Of special interest was The Bodleian Library. Photos are not allowed in the actual library, so I cannot reproduce the magnificence for you here but you can watch the movies.

In an attempt to pick up any creative remnants that might exist in the ethereal plane I ate at The Eagle & Child pub. J.R.R Tolkien and C.S. Lewis would meet here weekly to eat, drink and discuss writing. Below is a small peek inside.


Here is Ms. Penny posing next to the Eagle & Child menu for me.

Lastly I visited The Kilns, home to C.S. Lewis in Headington, just outside Oxford. The home has been restored thanks to the C.S. Lewis Foundation's hard work and voluntary hours. The gardens are magnificent and, while the home seems small from the outside, the floor plan seems to be a maze of bedrooms, studies, etc.

This photo was taken of the replacement wardrobe thought to be the inspiration behind Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Framed on the wall is a photo of the supposed original.

Dear Costa Mesa planning committee

Dear Costa Mesa, CA planning committee:
Please endear our great city with parks where the residence are free to smile, play and enjoy life without the assault of police questioning or drug pushing. The end.

That is what I thought of as Jen, Merle and I spent a pleasant evening in the Russell Square park. Kids splash in fountains while lovers embrace, athletes prance and co-workers lazily mingle on the lawn. That was the end to another wonderful day of seeing sites I could only dream to see in a lifetime (let alone condensed into 14 short days).

Today went from seeing a hockey game in Trafalgar Square to the geometric staircase of St. Paul's Cathedral as shown in Harry Potter: The Prisoner of Askaban. Finally topped off with a relaxing evening in the park as aforementioned.

All the while I tried to focus on the photo project at hand which was to capture motion of transportation. I hope to warn all pedistrians who dare to cross against the red man with this. Yes kids, the invisible man will run you down with his sports car if you don't look left.