Blitz Survivor.

Allan Mitchell, our history professor's husband, came in to talk to us about living through the Blitz in London. His very first memory is sitting in his mother's lap in their bomb shelter while his mother tried covering his ears in vain as bombs dropped and sirens rang. The noise and stress nearly drove him mad. So, his mother had him, at age six, and his sister, at age twelve, evacuated.

They were both sent off to Yorkshire and told to stick together. Shortly, they were picked up by a family with two young boys. While they were on a camping holiday, somehow the soap bar got into the drinking water. The father of the family was convinced Allan had done it and beat him heavily for it. That night, his sister and him ran away from the family. They were found by the police and reassigned to a new family. This family was quite poor, but shared what they could. One day they heard bells ringing, signalling the war being over.

Thus, they were returned to London and reunited with their mother. Fortunately, their house survived and their father returned from fighting. However, their uncle's fate was not so lucky. He died when his house was bombed to ashes just a hundred feet away from their house. Although he returned to a devastated London, he continually referred to it as a wonderland. And through the youngsters' eyes, that is exactly what it was. The children had such a good time playing and exploring in all the ruins. Allan even shared a game that the gangs of children would play in the rubble, which was a variation of hide and seek.

He also mentioned the kindness of the American soldiers. He said children would run up to them asking, "Got any gum, chum?" Apparently, it always worked and out came a thin wrapped piece of gum. Allan said that the first piece of fruit he ever ate was an orange given to him by an American soldier.

Overall, his insight and view on World War II with his personal experience was deeply engaging.

Out for a Stroll

Since it was a lovely 48 degrees out I took a nice 2 hour walk out and about around Alnwick. I spent some time in St. Michael's Cemetery and at the ruins of the Alnwick Abbey. 

St. Michael's Anglican Church

A Charming Street 

Snowdrops:) 

-

Not much to say about today. Just went to class and studied. However, I did schedule a riding lesson with Sam and Erica at a local stable for Friday! So, I am looking forward to that. I have a biology test tomorrow, but I am not too worried about it. Otherwise, we are all just preparing for Sunday when we leave for 4 days in London.

My latest photography piece: Gateshead Mapped

lesson learned

Well, today was a little rough. Maddie and I were looking into holidays for our two week break and got a little carried away. We ended up booking a week long holiday in Tunisia. We thought it would be fun to hop continents. Anyways, we had this great trip planned which included a very nice four star resort on the beach, transfers, and flights. It seemed to be going all too well. Boy, was that ever true. After doing some research...after buying the trip, we realized that Tunisia is not good place for two young American woman tourists, especially in light of the current political conflicts in northern Africa. Fortunately, I have the best mom in the world! She was ever so supportive and understanding of the situation and suggested calling the travel company for more information. Since, things hadn't really been confirmed, they were able to cancel the whole trip with a full refund. Praise God! I am out of the mess. However, the money may take several days to get sorted. Now, we have decided that we are going to be a little more careful and do some more research before booking. Overall, I its been a lesson well learned.

Port-life; Prints; Pastimes

Here are my pictures from the Newcastle trip! Newcastle upon Tyne has a history twined in sea faring life, being that it is only eight miles from the coast of the North Sea. For a time, it was a great exporter of coal and wool products. Long since those days have past, but clues to its former port glory lie all over the city. I have had to do my own research on the city, because unfortunately I did not learn much during our time there. Seeings that Wade is gone in China and Christine was on holiday, we were without a guide for our field trip. That probably is why I didn't care for this field trip as much as the others. However, we did get to see many things, I just don't understand their importance to the extent I would have preferred.

The very detailed Hadrian's Wall exhibit. 

The Sage Building, their new orchestra and concert hall.

Inside the Sage

My favorite piece of artwork of the day featured at the Laing: 

Sunlight Burnham Beeches, Buckinghamshire by Thomas Edwin Mostyn

It really makes you feel as if you were sitting in the park as well.

Newcastle University

My new photography series: Pictures in Print

Yesterday was very eventful! Danielle, Mychaela, Erica, and I started our day off right at the Strawberry Lounge. The cafe house itself is tucked away from the main streets of Alnwick and is hidden in a small alleyway, making it a great place to relax and hang out. We spend nearly two hours there eating our scrumptious scones and drinking tea. I had a just out of the oven Strawberry Apple scone with butter and Raspberry jam:) Amazing. I really hope we make this a Saturday morning routine!! 

Then, we went shopping! I there are two second hand charity shops in Alnwick, which I thoroughly enjoyed browsing through. I even found an excellent long black coat for just nine quid and a cute dress for four quid and a cheetah print belt for two quid. So, it was a successful shopping trip to be sure! 

For supper, I went to Chris and Mary Frater's house, my homestay family. We had a good meal of lamb, potatoes, and vegetables with red wine. Followed by blue cheese and wheat crackers (which was so tasty especially with the wine!). And after that we had coffee and macaroons. They never just have a one course meal here and I'm loving it. Once the meal was over, we sat in their living room and chatted for a bit. 

Some locals had invited all of the students to come out to Market Tavern for some live music, so we headed there next. The music was good and we had a fun time dancing. A little before midnight, we decided to hit up the Squash Club. It was five pounds just to get in, but it was well worth it. The place was packed and we had a ball dancing to current hits under all the lights. However, as fun as it was, after about an hour and half it became a little to crowded and a little too warm, so we called it a night. 

This morning I had onions and scrambled eggs and then headed to church. I have been trying to learn the names of everyone who attends our little worship service. So far, I have been doing okay at this while conversing over coffee, tea and biscuits afterward. Wow, I seem to talk about food a lot. I wonder why;) Anyways, its a gorgeous day, so no more computer time for me! 

no wifi

Well, I would be posting more often, but the student wifi in the castle no longer exists. The router fried and the head cordinator is in China for another week on business. We do have shared computers, so I don't find it too annoying.
Anyways, we went to Newcastle today for our field trip. I am not a huge fan of that city. So, it was an okay day. We started off at the Sage, then went to the Baltic Art Gallery, then to a history museum, then to the  Laing Art Gallery, and then we had free time to shop (I didn't find anything to my liking).
Yesterday, was very productive for me. I have my photography project due next thursday done and my paper that is due at the end of April half way done. For once, I am really on top of my school work and it feels great.
Tomorrow, I am probably just going to relax, possibly go grab a scone in town during the morning hours. In the evening, I am having supper with my homestay parents so I am looking forward to that!
Sorry about how bland things are. Life just isn't too exciting at the moment. But, thats okay for now:)

under the weather.

Unfortunately, I have not been feeling well today. My body is exhausted, my mind is tired, my stomach is unsettled, and my head is achy. Hopefully, I will wake refreshed and restored in the morning. I am thankful that I only have one class tomorrow at 1:30. I will have the time to rest and have a peaceful day.

Last night I created some really neat photography edits. I have included my favourite piece below:) Enjoy!

Hiking again :)

Today, after my classes were done. Samantha and I went on a 5 mile trek through Hulne Park. There is just so much to see and it was another gorgeous day for being outdoors! The park is overflowing with wildlife. Pheasants, deer, and partridges are everywhere you look!

embracing the english countryside

After church, I cooked myself some delicious lemon pepper pasta for dinner. Since it was a lovely 45 degrees, Erica, Mychaela, and I decided to head out to Hulne Park for a hike. We ended up walking 6 miles over 3 hours. It was quite relaxing:) And breathtaking as you can see from the picture above! Afterward, I treated myself to some pavlova pudding, which is fruit, a meringue, and whip cream. Tonight, I started reading The Shipping News, a book Richard gave me. I have found the writing style difficult to read and the story is mildly tragic so far. Hopefully, things will turn for the better soon. This week will be considerably easy school wise since one of our professors is on holiday. I can hardly wait for hot breakfast tomorrow. No doubt many stories will be told of everyone's adventures over the one week break!

Ireland

Now that I have done the laundry, cooked my supper, taken a shower,cleaned my room, and made a cup of coffee, its time for the blog post! Get ready for a long one, because there is a lot to go over. However, it will be mostly visual. Why would I bother to attempt to explain the beauty of Ireland, when I can just show you!

Isaac's Hostel in Dublin - Very popular place for backpackers. 

I believe I heard 5 different languages within 5 minutes. 

A large section of Dublin is newly constructed with fabulous modern architecture. 

Dublin at dusk

Vibrant and colorful displays light up the night!

2 Day Paddywagon Tour

Dunguaire Castle

On a hike!

Embracing the Baby Cliffs about a 100 feet tall. 

Later on, I learned why they are considered the babies. 

Delicious locally caught seafood chowder in Doolin! 

 Cliffs of Moher! 702 feet and 1 inch tall! Second tallest vertical sea cliffs in the world. 

The tallest are in Northern Ireland. 

Getting in touch with the edge!

It was a gorgeous day for picture taking!

We had lovely weather during our 4 day stay.

It only rained twice for about ten minutes each time.

One feels very alive in these dangerous situations!

Blarney Castle!!! I definitely earned myself a solid 7 years of luck by kissing the Blarney Stone. This is no easy task either since it involves laying down and arching backwards over the castle walls while a Irishman is  holding you from falling a 100 feet and kissing the stone upside down. 

Blarney House

The trees were extraordinary

The breathtaking view from the top of the castle. 

So much green!

Some Spaniards offered to take our picture in front of the waterfall of Rock Close.  

Surreal

Look at the shapes of those rocks!

Exploring the caves and dungeons below. It was quite muddy and wet. 

It almost looks magical. 

I really wanted to have a picnic here!

Cobh (Cove) or Queens Town - Last port of call for the Titanic. 

It sits on the Cork harbor, second largest harbor in the world, next to Sydney, Australia. 

I was a little surprised by the palms. I hadn't guessed I would see those in Ireland. 

However, they suited this Atlantic seaside town!

Overall, it was an incredible trip! I learned so much history and got to see so many great places all across the country from Dublin in the East to the Cliffs of Moher in the West to Cork and Cobh in the South.

What's the craik?

Kissing the Blarney Stone, strolling in Cobh, and pub crawling at Temple Bar in Dublin! Craik in Ireland means fun. We have one last night in Ireland, so we plan to make the most of it!!!

Souvenir!! :)

I did a little splurging but I had three good reasons!
1) I am Irish
2) It's a polo shirt
3) It was calling my name

Paddy wagon tour!

Today we started our tour of Ireland! I am in cork right now. So far, we have been having an excellent time! We visited the cliffs of Moher and tomorrow we will see blarney castle! Will post pics on Sunday or Saturday!

Dublin

Arrived in Dublin at 12:30. We were not even in the air for an hour. Newcastle international is a bigger airport than I originally thought.
We took a bus to the city centre and located our hostel. It's a really big and nice place!
Danielle and I went out to buy groceries. I got bananas, oranges, buttermilk bread, and apples to snack on during our paddy wagon tour.
Then, Mychaela and Erica and I went on a walk through the city during the twilight hour for photography. I got some great pics!! I will post them when I return to Alnwick!
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make it to mass today because I had trouble finding a Catholic Church. However, I was pleased to see all the ashes on people's foreheads while walking the streets!

Shrove Tuesday!

What an exciting celebration. In Alnwick, the festivities are all about football and pancakes.

For dinner at 12:45, the students hosted the members of the Alnwick Shrove Tuesday Committee for a delicious pancake breakfast at the Sanctuary. Then, it was the ceremonial toss by a Percy and procession down to the pitch for the big match up and rivalry between St. Michael's Anglican Church and St. Paul's Catholic Church. This football is not much like normal football. The field is very long and the goals are two narrow wreath archways. There is one rule: don't touch the ball. There are at least a hundred people on the field participating (100 lads about 10 lasses, in today's case most of which were American girls) in the game and about a hundred more spectating. The pitch is really the pasture out in front of the castle across the River Aln. Yes, there were sheep. Being England, the ground was very wet and muddy. It was quite the sight. But, I wasn't watching from the sidelines. No, I was in the game with the intent to have a good time and get very dirty. I even got to kick the ball several times, which is fairly impressive due to the number of people on the field which much more experience.

At the end of the match, awards are handed out to significant players (Sam and Felicia got awards). The final and most adventurous match of the day is a free for all. The ball is tossed into the River Aln and the first individual across the river with the ball wins the grand prize. Most often its the lads who sport this event and its usual less than ten in number. Well, today was different. I am proud to say that when that ball splashed into the river, Danielle, Sara, Mike, Felicia, Kirstie and I went bounding into the freezing cold water. Mike had a pretty good run for the ball and nearly won, but some other boys had a better strategy. Felicia and Kirstie ended up just jumping in and returning to shore. Sara, Danielle, and I however, did swim to the other side. The initial impact with the water is painfully shocking to be sure. My poor lungs. I couldn't really feel my body, but I continued to move toward the other bank as the boys were sorting their fight for victory, so I figured my muscles were still working. It was such a great feeling of achievement reaching that opposite bank of the river, even though the winner had been established. By now, my veins and arteries were coursing with adrenaline. Next, those who braved the river are free to run for warmth while the spectators clear out of the pastures across the bank. The river crossers all ran for showers at home. However, there were roadblocks in our way. We had to jump over two tall wooden fences and run up a large hill packed with people, all while still dripping wet. Then, my classmates and I had to check in with the security guards and run around all the various construction work until we finally were able to make it indoors. We all ran straight for the shower rooms. This was the most painful part, besides that initial shock. The thawing. It took me at least 30 minutes to get myself back to the proper temperature. But, there were never any regrets! I would do it all over again!

After heating up, we all went out for a pint at the pub. That is another part of the tradition. For supper, Wade bought us pizza and we invited Matthew and Simon over whom we met at the game to join us. Then, it was off to the Market Tavern and Black Swan again to celebrate some more.

Kirstie and Felicia didn't hold back when it came to getting dirty, 

but they were a bit nervous about the swim. 

We found some Gopher Pride at the match!

Being interviewed by the local TV. 

Later that day, we watched ourselves on the news!

The River Crossing

Post-Swim Pic with Danielle. 

Right, I need to be packing for Ireland. Especially since we leave in four and a half hours...Woops:)