Most people in my geographical area know what happened over the weekend at the Indiana State Fairgrounds right before Sugarland was to take the stage. The wind blew the stage down and 5 people died, many more were injured.
I went to the fair last night. I kept looking at the crumpled rigging of the stage, the blue tarp lying there, the seats have all been removed, and the trailers that hauled the Sugarland stage still parked, looking abandoned. The sun was setting and it looked so eerie, quiet and the scene demanded some respect. A band that was at a peak in their career, shocked, shaken, by mother nature's wrath. Families mourning, worrying about those still in the hospital. Professionals and the public wondering how this happened, why this happened, and can it happen again.
I'm a veteran of about 300 concerts in my lifetime at all sorts of venues, indoors and outdoors. I've been to the state fair grandstands to see concerts more times than I can count right now, I've gone nearly every year since I was a teenager. I stood at the fence looking at the crumpled stage and all I could think was how many times I had been close to that stage, or up in the grandstands watching, knowing exactly where the video screens were placed (removed by last night), looking at the steel rigging that supported the lights, speakers and the canopy that covered the stage and knowing where the bands come and go to the green room. I could see it all unfold in my mind, aided by several views of the amateur videos on Youtube.
There was nothing to say out loud. A night that should have been filled with fun, singing along, and a great performance ended before it had barely begun. A girlfriend and I were talking how it could have happened to either of us at one of the shows we've been to. Something can always go wrong and when it involves mother nature then there's nothing you can do. I've gone to shows in rain storms, cold weather, scorching hot days, jumped in the mosh pit (ok, 20+ years ago, but I did it), and camped out all night to get in back in the days of general admission seating. I've been lucky and I know it.
Tragic events are not foreign to the Indiana State Fair nor to concerts in general. I hope it doesn't prevent the state fair from holding concerts on those grounds again. I hope the space, after a season, doesn't become an unused venue. A monument to the lives lost would be appropriate, but celebrate what drew people together in the first place - music. Music and art are the world's language, transcending ethnicity, geography and grief. Let healing begin with music in the open air again at the state fair.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Parades, art, roller coasters and life
Wow, it's been awhile. Where do I start? Things are going great with my new guy. Can't believe how fast time has moved this summer. Its been very hot, but a very good summer. Drive-in theater, Oranje Peel parties, art shows, indoor movies, family visits, go karts, we've done it all.
I've been really jazzed about the Fountain Square Art Squared event. I've been working to recruit volunteers, participants for the art fair, and participants to march in our parade. I'm working on Star Wars, Star Trek, and Ghost Buster characters. I've got the junior roller derby team confirmed, waiting on the adult teams to confirm. I've sent a request to Sammy Terry, legendary local t.v. scary man and to the jugglers group. This art council is so much fun to be a part of and has inspired me to apply for my event management certification following my travel planning certification.
Erik and I are headed to Kings Island for a long weekend on the 6th. Our first travel adventure together. This trip and the one on Labor Day weekend to Dale Hollow Lake with my cousins will be test to see if we can move on to longer trips. I believe we'll be just fine. We get on so well.
Now that the NFL lockout is over and we will have a super bowl, my volunteer activities for that event have begun. I'll have that event overlapping with the Fountain Square event and Oranje Art and Music Fest. The Humane Society 2012 Mutt Strutt committees start meeting around October of this year. I'm already on the merchandising committee for the 2012 BMW Golf Championship at Crooked Stick Golf Course. I'm all over this volunteer thing! I do love it.
I have had to give up some things - like the FFA Convention and jobs at both race tracks. The NBA is on lockout so I won't have that for awhile. The Indiana Repertory Theater is the only part-time job I'll be working consistently for awhile, luckily it is my favorite.
Two classes this semester and one of them requires my attendance on campus, ugh! Online works much better with my life, but it wasn't an option this go round. Its all worth it. I could be a part time student forever.
I make to-do lists every week. I don't always complete them. I try. Maybe I'm being an over achiever. Life is short though and there's so much to do, see, and experience. Erik is wonderful about helping me to relax. He calms me down in a lot of ways and supports my efforts. Its a tough job, but he's up for it!
"...So bless me father yes I have sinned
Given the chance I’ll prob’ly do it again
I don’t need absolution just a simple solution will do...
...
And I don’t know what I’m supposed to do
Maybe have me a boat drink or two
It’s good for coastal confessions I hear
Tell the truth
Tell the truth
I’ve got some coastal confessions to make
How ‘bout you
How ‘bout you
How ‘bout you
How ‘bout you ..."
I've been really jazzed about the Fountain Square Art Squared event. I've been working to recruit volunteers, participants for the art fair, and participants to march in our parade. I'm working on Star Wars, Star Trek, and Ghost Buster characters. I've got the junior roller derby team confirmed, waiting on the adult teams to confirm. I've sent a request to Sammy Terry, legendary local t.v. scary man and to the jugglers group. This art council is so much fun to be a part of and has inspired me to apply for my event management certification following my travel planning certification.
Erik and I are headed to Kings Island for a long weekend on the 6th. Our first travel adventure together. This trip and the one on Labor Day weekend to Dale Hollow Lake with my cousins will be test to see if we can move on to longer trips. I believe we'll be just fine. We get on so well.
Now that the NFL lockout is over and we will have a super bowl, my volunteer activities for that event have begun. I'll have that event overlapping with the Fountain Square event and Oranje Art and Music Fest. The Humane Society 2012 Mutt Strutt committees start meeting around October of this year. I'm already on the merchandising committee for the 2012 BMW Golf Championship at Crooked Stick Golf Course. I'm all over this volunteer thing! I do love it.
I have had to give up some things - like the FFA Convention and jobs at both race tracks. The NBA is on lockout so I won't have that for awhile. The Indiana Repertory Theater is the only part-time job I'll be working consistently for awhile, luckily it is my favorite.
Two classes this semester and one of them requires my attendance on campus, ugh! Online works much better with my life, but it wasn't an option this go round. Its all worth it. I could be a part time student forever.
I make to-do lists every week. I don't always complete them. I try. Maybe I'm being an over achiever. Life is short though and there's so much to do, see, and experience. Erik is wonderful about helping me to relax. He calms me down in a lot of ways and supports my efforts. Its a tough job, but he's up for it!
"...So bless me father yes I have sinned
Given the chance I’ll prob’ly do it again
I don’t need absolution just a simple solution will do...
...
And I don’t know what I’m supposed to do
Maybe have me a boat drink or two
It’s good for coastal confessions I hear
Tell the truth
Tell the truth
I’ve got some coastal confessions to make
How ‘bout you
How ‘bout you
How ‘bout you
How ‘bout you ..."
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
cleaning
So I had this huge pile of financial papers that needed to be sorted and shredded. You know, the stuff we collect weekly and monthly - receipts, bills, bank statements, invoices, stuff we're not sure what to do with - stuff. It's really quite shameful that this pile has been accumulated over close to two years and I did nothing about it.
I used to be so organized and prudent about such documentation. I balanced my check book monthly. I filed away important papers. Then I began taking on more and more responsibility - volunteering, school, part-time jobs, a more active social life - and this pile began to grow as it was one of those things that I couldn't make time for.
Most of us have heard old phrases such as: cleanliness is next to godliness, cleaning clears the mind, yada yada yada...I'll never be a god and my mind being clear sounds like an impossibility.
Well, the pile grew and grew and grew until it overran the weak container I put it into so long ago. Little papers all around and haunting me every time I opened the door.
My boyfriend (hi babe!) had a flood in his basement and has spent days cleaning up the mess. I guess you could say he inspired me. I especially felt the inspiration when he came over to the house and I realized he may actually see my pile of shame. He's teased me about it - of course I told him - and has offered suggestions.
I thought years ago when I got a paper shredder that it was kinda fun to put the paper through it. But when you sit and do that for 90 minutes plus and realize you still have half a pile left and your back hurts from the repetitive motion, it isn't fun anymore, its just work.
On a positive note, I will say I do feel some since of relief for having at least gotten half way through the pile of shame. It's not quite so shameful now. I do feel some ownership over the problem and will see it through now that it's begun. The trick will be to keep it in check and try to rebuild some of those lost organizational habits. Wish me luck!
I used to be so organized and prudent about such documentation. I balanced my check book monthly. I filed away important papers. Then I began taking on more and more responsibility - volunteering, school, part-time jobs, a more active social life - and this pile began to grow as it was one of those things that I couldn't make time for.
Most of us have heard old phrases such as: cleanliness is next to godliness, cleaning clears the mind, yada yada yada...I'll never be a god and my mind being clear sounds like an impossibility.
Well, the pile grew and grew and grew until it overran the weak container I put it into so long ago. Little papers all around and haunting me every time I opened the door.
My boyfriend (hi babe!) had a flood in his basement and has spent days cleaning up the mess. I guess you could say he inspired me. I especially felt the inspiration when he came over to the house and I realized he may actually see my pile of shame. He's teased me about it - of course I told him - and has offered suggestions.
I thought years ago when I got a paper shredder that it was kinda fun to put the paper through it. But when you sit and do that for 90 minutes plus and realize you still have half a pile left and your back hurts from the repetitive motion, it isn't fun anymore, its just work.
On a positive note, I will say I do feel some since of relief for having at least gotten half way through the pile of shame. It's not quite so shameful now. I do feel some ownership over the problem and will see it through now that it's begun. The trick will be to keep it in check and try to rebuild some of those lost organizational habits. Wish me luck!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
overlooking the obvious
Why is it we overlook the obvious in our lives? Is it because we choose to do so? Is it a matter of having blinders on? Could it be because our subconscious knows we aren't ready to deal with whatever is obvious?
I have opened my eyes and realized what was waiting for me in the form of a wonderful guy. He's been there all along. Maybe I wasn't ready, had to go through a lot of losers I am fond of saying, but I really think I wasn't ready to be where we are now. I had to grow, change, learn, and appreciate more about life in order to get to this point.
I am dealing with my commitment fears, fear of losing my individuality, fear of being suffocated. He's been great with all of that and has given me space to just be. As I hope I am giving him - I don't want to change him - I want him to be who he is. We both agree that we need to maintain our individuality in order to be able to come together as a couple and be stronger together. Yes, there is 'us', an identity all it's own, but also 'he' and 'I'. It's about striking a balance and he gets that.
We share several things in common - one of them being travel. We've talked and have begun to plan travels together. We're discussing what he would like to do, what I would like to do and I believe by satisfying & sharing our individual interests we'll be able to grow a bond during these travels that will be hard to break. We're starting small but have much grander travel plans to other countries. One day at a time and hopefully it'll be obvious that we're making the right decisions along the way.
Obviously I'm happy with what I've found.
I have opened my eyes and realized what was waiting for me in the form of a wonderful guy. He's been there all along. Maybe I wasn't ready, had to go through a lot of losers I am fond of saying, but I really think I wasn't ready to be where we are now. I had to grow, change, learn, and appreciate more about life in order to get to this point.
I am dealing with my commitment fears, fear of losing my individuality, fear of being suffocated. He's been great with all of that and has given me space to just be. As I hope I am giving him - I don't want to change him - I want him to be who he is. We both agree that we need to maintain our individuality in order to be able to come together as a couple and be stronger together. Yes, there is 'us', an identity all it's own, but also 'he' and 'I'. It's about striking a balance and he gets that.
We share several things in common - one of them being travel. We've talked and have begun to plan travels together. We're discussing what he would like to do, what I would like to do and I believe by satisfying & sharing our individual interests we'll be able to grow a bond during these travels that will be hard to break. We're starting small but have much grander travel plans to other countries. One day at a time and hopefully it'll be obvious that we're making the right decisions along the way.
Obviously I'm happy with what I've found.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
I don't know where I'm gonna go when the volcano blows...
Made it back to the states after a very long flight from Frankfurt. Thanks to the volcano in Iceland going off again our flight had to take a southerly route that added 2-hours to our flight to Chicago. Once again I was asleep before the wheels of the plane left the ground.
One correction to be made from the last blog (ok, so there were typos, I was buzzing when I wrote it, sue me) that my lovely hostess advised me about. I'll quote her to get it right:
"It is legal to drink beer and wine here at 14 if you are with your parents. That also includes in restaurants with parents....At 16 you can legally buy beer and wine and drink. At 18, they add hard liquor....That spreads it out a bit and there is alot less binging here when it is not tabu......."
Its so much more practical than our drinking laws.
Our last day there was in Rothenburg and it was lovely. We walked a lot, climbed a lot of steps, and took a lot of pictures. We also shopped a lot but ya'll knew that was gonna happen, right? There is a wall around this old city and we walked along part of that enjoying the view. This city is very touristy, as evidenced by the number of tour buses in one of the parking lots. It is worth seeing for its beauty, abundance of shops and restaurants, and sights.
We went into the Criminal Museum and that was a lot of fun. So many torture devices on display and facts about laws and courts of the times. Several floors to this one, definitely worth the price and a nice break from the palace/castle tour spots. Different and interesting.
I am a big fan of Christmas ornaments, etc, and so is my hostess, Alison so we had to go into Katy Wolfehardt (spelling?) which also contains a Christmas Museum that we opted not to see. It's a really cool store. I like to get small ornaments from places I visit and found some cute items here.
That store is directly across the street from the old tower that Danielle and I climbed to view the entire city. Now this was a real adventure. We had to go in through the old church next door and up many stoned steps in a spiral staircase. Then you go through this doorway into an old room after going through a turnstile. Four guys were ahead of us as we went through and we all paused before going on. The guys were out of breath, but we all stopped because of an alarm going off. It was to limit the number of people going through at one time. Made since as it's an old place and you can imagine it only holds so many people. So the guys were gentlemen and let us go up first. So we start climbing these old wooden steps. The steps continue to get steeper and the walls narrow. We get to the next small landing and are greeted by a lady who says 'two Euro, please'. So we pay (there was a sign at the turnstile but we didn't see it) and then look to see this ladder. It is standing nearly straight up and the steps are small and we have big American feet. So we do it cause we are troopers and we paid for it! As you climb this vertical ladder and reach the top you have to grasp these metal rings and pull yourself up through the opening, like getting out of a hole in the ground. You also may miss the sign that says you are only suppose to stay up there for 5-minutes for that 2-Euros. It was worth it. The view of the city on all sides was incredible. The walkway around the steeple is narrow and two can't walk side-by-side. We make our way around the steeple and had to wait to go back down the ladder because people were coming up. It's the guys we passed in the room with the turnstile. The fourth guy is on the ladder but won't come out and one of the others says to him 'you're embarrassing me, map up, those chicks made it up here'. The man never did come up while we were there, we passed him when we came down. Coming down that ladder off the steeple was the scarey part. Straight up and down and you can't see where to put your feet before the ladder actually begins, you just kinda feel for it with your foot and hold on tight. I'm glad we did it - a challenge met and the view was worth it. You really could see the whole town.
For the trip to Rothenburg it was just us three girls, me, Alison and Danielle and we enjoyed ourselves. Indulged in cakes and snacks at a bakery late that afternoon which probably explains why we didn't care about a big dinner and ate light that evening. We all enjoyed walking the town taking pictures of things that interested us - flowers, doors, doorknobs, hinges, structures.
Alison got the car up to about 200 Kilometers an hour on the Autobahn on the way home and that was fun. We took a rest and had to begin the great task of packing up as it was our last night in Germany. We each were trying to pack and keep it under 50-pounds with wine, glasses, candy (tons of it) and other souvenirs. Alison has the gadget that weighs your suitcase and it was very handy as we were close to the limits and had to be creative. Alison is an expert packer and advised us how to pack the wine and glasses with bubble wrap. I'm happy to report all items made it home without breaking!
Marc was kind enough to get up and drive us to the airport at 4am! He's wonderful. We didn't sleep much but were awake enough to appreciate that he got the Audi up to 155MPH on the Autobahn, couldn't go faster because of traffic and construction. What a thrill! I loved it. I had previously called shotgun for this ride.
This was a wonderful vacation. We visited friends, did some sight seeing and shopping, and most of all relaxed. It was a great mix. I got what I wanted in that I saw each place from a local's perspective, and as a traveler and not a typical tourist. I went to places that a tour bus or guided tour may not know about, saw things that weren't in a guidebook, met wonderful people and saw each place as it really was and not as the marketing machines want to play it.
England and Germany were my third and fourth countries I've visited this year and it only whetted my appetite to see even more. All of this was worth working three jobs for nine months.
"I ate the last mango in Paris
Took the last plane out of Saigon
Took the first fast boat to China
And Jimmy there's still so much to be done" Jimmy Buffett
One correction to be made from the last blog (ok, so there were typos, I was buzzing when I wrote it, sue me) that my lovely hostess advised me about. I'll quote her to get it right:
"It is legal to drink beer and wine here at 14 if you are with your parents. That also includes in restaurants with parents....At 16 you can legally buy beer and wine and drink. At 18, they add hard liquor....That spreads it out a bit and there is alot less binging here when it is not tabu......."
Its so much more practical than our drinking laws.
Our last day there was in Rothenburg and it was lovely. We walked a lot, climbed a lot of steps, and took a lot of pictures. We also shopped a lot but ya'll knew that was gonna happen, right? There is a wall around this old city and we walked along part of that enjoying the view. This city is very touristy, as evidenced by the number of tour buses in one of the parking lots. It is worth seeing for its beauty, abundance of shops and restaurants, and sights.
We went into the Criminal Museum and that was a lot of fun. So many torture devices on display and facts about laws and courts of the times. Several floors to this one, definitely worth the price and a nice break from the palace/castle tour spots. Different and interesting.
I am a big fan of Christmas ornaments, etc, and so is my hostess, Alison so we had to go into Katy Wolfehardt (spelling?) which also contains a Christmas Museum that we opted not to see. It's a really cool store. I like to get small ornaments from places I visit and found some cute items here.
That store is directly across the street from the old tower that Danielle and I climbed to view the entire city. Now this was a real adventure. We had to go in through the old church next door and up many stoned steps in a spiral staircase. Then you go through this doorway into an old room after going through a turnstile. Four guys were ahead of us as we went through and we all paused before going on. The guys were out of breath, but we all stopped because of an alarm going off. It was to limit the number of people going through at one time. Made since as it's an old place and you can imagine it only holds so many people. So the guys were gentlemen and let us go up first. So we start climbing these old wooden steps. The steps continue to get steeper and the walls narrow. We get to the next small landing and are greeted by a lady who says 'two Euro, please'. So we pay (there was a sign at the turnstile but we didn't see it) and then look to see this ladder. It is standing nearly straight up and the steps are small and we have big American feet. So we do it cause we are troopers and we paid for it! As you climb this vertical ladder and reach the top you have to grasp these metal rings and pull yourself up through the opening, like getting out of a hole in the ground. You also may miss the sign that says you are only suppose to stay up there for 5-minutes for that 2-Euros. It was worth it. The view of the city on all sides was incredible. The walkway around the steeple is narrow and two can't walk side-by-side. We make our way around the steeple and had to wait to go back down the ladder because people were coming up. It's the guys we passed in the room with the turnstile. The fourth guy is on the ladder but won't come out and one of the others says to him 'you're embarrassing me, map up, those chicks made it up here'. The man never did come up while we were there, we passed him when we came down. Coming down that ladder off the steeple was the scarey part. Straight up and down and you can't see where to put your feet before the ladder actually begins, you just kinda feel for it with your foot and hold on tight. I'm glad we did it - a challenge met and the view was worth it. You really could see the whole town.
For the trip to Rothenburg it was just us three girls, me, Alison and Danielle and we enjoyed ourselves. Indulged in cakes and snacks at a bakery late that afternoon which probably explains why we didn't care about a big dinner and ate light that evening. We all enjoyed walking the town taking pictures of things that interested us - flowers, doors, doorknobs, hinges, structures.
Alison got the car up to about 200 Kilometers an hour on the Autobahn on the way home and that was fun. We took a rest and had to begin the great task of packing up as it was our last night in Germany. We each were trying to pack and keep it under 50-pounds with wine, glasses, candy (tons of it) and other souvenirs. Alison has the gadget that weighs your suitcase and it was very handy as we were close to the limits and had to be creative. Alison is an expert packer and advised us how to pack the wine and glasses with bubble wrap. I'm happy to report all items made it home without breaking!
Marc was kind enough to get up and drive us to the airport at 4am! He's wonderful. We didn't sleep much but were awake enough to appreciate that he got the Audi up to 155MPH on the Autobahn, couldn't go faster because of traffic and construction. What a thrill! I loved it. I had previously called shotgun for this ride.
This was a wonderful vacation. We visited friends, did some sight seeing and shopping, and most of all relaxed. It was a great mix. I got what I wanted in that I saw each place from a local's perspective, and as a traveler and not a typical tourist. I went to places that a tour bus or guided tour may not know about, saw things that weren't in a guidebook, met wonderful people and saw each place as it really was and not as the marketing machines want to play it.
England and Germany were my third and fourth countries I've visited this year and it only whetted my appetite to see even more. All of this was worth working three jobs for nine months.
"I ate the last mango in Paris
Took the last plane out of Saigon
Took the first fast boat to China
And Jimmy there's still so much to be done" Jimmy Buffett
Saturday, May 21, 2011
England to Germany
Afterwards we went home to attempt to pack and prepare for our very early flight to Frankfurt, Germany. Andy and Tracey were so kind to get up that early (in our defense the flight times changed 3x before our departure). We were able to sleep on the plane since it was not United and we had room! I was asleep before the wheels left the ground. Smooth flight, about an hour and a half, no problems. We were able to clear customs in a fair amount of time and I think the customs agent was hitting on Danielle, but what else is new. Collected our luggage quickly and began to search for Alison. Since I had no idea what she looked like I was no help.
We got out of the airport and began the hour plus journey to Prichsenstadt. Prichsenstadt is on the list of 100 places to see before you die. It is quaint and lovely and everything you imagine an old world village to be. Our hosts put us in the guesthouse. We walked in and on the table were welcome cards attached to bottles of local wine and two wine glasses each. It is coming home with me! What a lovely present. The Glinsboeckel house is 500-years old, three stories high and in the long process of remodel/restoration. In addition to the guesthouse, Marc's parents live in their own apartment attached to the main house.
We met their two pigs - Pork Chop and Schnitzel. Pork Chop is mean and hateful and will be bacon soon. We also were introduced to Odie the dog they rescued from Poland. He is adorable and loyal to this family like you wouldn't believe. The Glinsboeckel family is large and fun. Two of the children, Ian and Holden gave us a quick tour of the town before the rain started and were excellant tour guides.
We went to a restaurant across the street the first night where I had pork medallions and asparagus with hollandaise sauce for dinner as well as a wine spritzer. It was very good. Asparagus is a local product and had been picked from the fields the day before - super fresh. Germany prides itself on healthly lifestyles, yes it's still possible to eat too much and become fat and lazy, however, there is much encouragement to be active, to eat healthy, fresh food with little preservatives. That said, yes you can go to a grocery and buy items canned with loads of preservatives but you don't always have to - fresh produce is easily available.
I was impressed by the rolling hills of farmland and vineyards. I am a big fan of wine and loved seeing the vineyards close up as we did when we drove up to Castell (see pics on Facebook). My first experience at being this close to an actual vineyard. The beauty of the hillside and seeing things grow gets me - guess it's those farming roots of mine.
Alison loves to thrift store shop and we went with her to at least three (I lost count) and I have to admit there are some many things I would have been interested in were I living here and had a house. Alas, I cannot pack everything and bring it home. Packing to come home will be an issue as it is - I have made many purchases.
We have seen Wurzburg and learned of the bombings by America in 1945 that destroyed most of the city and nearly killed Marc's dad. We have seen the Residence where the bishops lived and the Castle on the hill - both lovely but you are not allowed to take pictures :-( The gardens were picture friendly and it was a lovely day with temps in the upper 70's.
We've dined at the Storch where I had sauerbraten (very good) and potato dumplings (ehhh, too rubbery). I've had a 1 Euro sandwich while leaving the supermarket named Real (Re-al), I had bratwurst for lunch with sauerkraut. I had schnitzel, fries and salad for dinner tonight, very yummy. Very large German beers, tequilla, Polish vodka and various wines and liquer I can't pronounce. Drinking is legal here at sixteen, although they can't buy it at that age, 18 is the legal age to purchase it.
Germans drive on the right side as we do. They are very practival people and very clean. Sidewalks are cleaned usually on Saturdays and most places are well kept, just remember the age of some of the places when you look at them.
The church bells ring every quarter hour but you quickly learn to tune them out. The Glinsboeckel pigs are quite noisy in the morning when they want their feed and there is an owl that is quite vocal as well, but all-in-all a peaceful place to visit. We've walked around the town to take photos and it is so easy to get around. There is a bakery, meat market, bank, general store, etc and no chain or supercenter in sight. This is an area that Walmart has not taken over - they tried and the laws and customs didn't mesh with the way Walmart treats the employees and locals.
The guesthouse we are staying in is so adorable and comfortable. Alison knows how to make a cozy home. I've been so lucky to visit both countries and stay with friends and experience these places at a level most tourists won't ever know. I've had real-life experiences and not what the tourist programs want you to believe is real.
Now I must rest so that I may be prepared for my last full day in Germany. We are traveling to Rothenberg to shop and sight see. Can't wait!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The English Experience
Left Sunday May 15, 2011 at a wicked early hour to catch the flight from Indy to D.C. Our captain was named Captain Kirk, I am not making this up. The enterprise it was not, a good flight nonetheless. From D.C. we flew to London's Heathrow. Good flight, little turbulence, no lightening strikes, very smooth landing surprised me - expected more of a bounce.
Waiting on us to clear customs were Tracey and Andy - she with her cowboy boots, suede fringed jacket and cowboy hat with tiny American flags in the band. All smiles and hugs. My first time meeting Andy - he's a lovely man. She did good! Talked until 2am after arriving at 10pm. We all slept in a bit, took our time getting ready and then went to Brighton to shop and wander. We tried West Cornwall Pasty and it was very good. Looked at the channel from a distance because it was very cool and windy.
Tracey lives in Sompting, West Sussex, also near the channel. It is a small village and we drove through the countryside seeing cows, horses, sheep, goats, and wild rabbits on the hillsides. Everything greened up from the Spring. We visited Stamner House for a moment to gather some papers Andy needed, but didn't go inside, we wandered the church yard looking at the flowers. For dinner that evening we went to The Juggs - a very old pub with great ambiance. Had Bishop's Finger ale - not as warm as I thought it would be as the bartender rinsed the glass in cool water first and the tap was kept cool. I did enjoy it. I kept thinking of warm beer equaled beer that's been sitting in the sun or a hot car. Luckily wasn't that hot! I had a beefburger that was one of the best bar burgers ever.
Tuesday we were up and out by 11am to visit Hampton Court Palace and Henry the VIII. Ol' Henry was in residence it turned out and very picky about my standing on his left versus right. We loved the gardens. I loved the weapons room and Ol' Henry's large bedchamber with the two rows of curtains around - no witnesses!!! Henry didn't do any sex tapes his day I tell ya - not with those heavy drapes! We had a snack in the cafe which boasted its sustainability - environmentally conscious even here. We had a nice drive back from the palace and I 'dropped off' in the car like a tired child after my outing. We met Tracey's chiropractor and she got a quick treatment while we chatted with Joan, the office manager. The English have been very nice to us Americans so far. During our evening chat we discussed how both of our countries were disliked by the French.
Tracey has enjoyed playing her country music CD's I burned for her Her house is so nice and is the perfect size for someone like me. I love her tastes in decorating. Danielle is sleeping in Chloe's old room, now a sowing room and I'm in the extra room and quite comfortable. She had chocolates waiting for us and gifts along with our linens. Her dog and cat have taken to us - especially Danielle and the cat - the cat loves getting her back scratched. Danielle took a great photo of Tracey's cowboy boot collection!
Dinner that night was take out - fish 'n chips in paper - the proper way to have it. Andy and I drove over to Penhill Fisheries in Lancing to pick it up. I was able to ride in the passenger seat up front - remember they drive on the right over here. It didn't freak me out or anything but I did feel like there was a big empty space in front of me where the steering wheel should be. I liked that we were getting food from a local establishment versus some chain. Burger King and Mc'D's are here but not on our list. We brought the food home - very hot still in its paper - we ordered smalls and the portions were still large. One piece of fish but a large piece. Danielle got a large order of chips and it was monstrous. No one ate everything. I am not normally a fish person, but when in Rome, or in the case England. It was very good and I doubt I get anything at home to touch this - damn sure won't be Long John Silver's - not even close!!!! I tried ginger beer and we had Jack Daniels Single Reserve while we ate, talked and listened to music. Very relaxing. One of my favorite moments so far.
Wednesday (today) was a trip to Marine Park for pictures, walking down the rocky beach to gather a stone from the English Channel for Dakota's collection. From there we went over to see Tracey's father, he was very nice and is working on a book that I'll be waiting to read. We went down to George and Dragon Inn for lunch - very good! More of a restaurant than a pub but quite pleasant inside. The vegetarian risotto was good and very filling. More driving back through the countryside heading to Marks & Spencer for some shopping. Sitting at home now relaxing. Eating in tonight as we are headed to a pub in Amberley to hear and watch the Morris Dancers - an old English tradition. I can't wait. Will also be meeting Tracey's daughter Chloe and some friends. I expect it to be a good time.
We'll leave very early for the airport for the next level of our journey to Germany where Alison and family area waiting our arrival. She has the fridge stocked and waiting in the guesthouse and a friendly argument has begun over English chocolate versus German chocolate. I am reserving judgement and have an ample supply of English chocolate to compare with the German. It may be a tie.
until next time....
Waiting on us to clear customs were Tracey and Andy - she with her cowboy boots, suede fringed jacket and cowboy hat with tiny American flags in the band. All smiles and hugs. My first time meeting Andy - he's a lovely man. She did good! Talked until 2am after arriving at 10pm. We all slept in a bit, took our time getting ready and then went to Brighton to shop and wander. We tried West Cornwall Pasty and it was very good. Looked at the channel from a distance because it was very cool and windy.
Tracey lives in Sompting, West Sussex, also near the channel. It is a small village and we drove through the countryside seeing cows, horses, sheep, goats, and wild rabbits on the hillsides. Everything greened up from the Spring. We visited Stamner House for a moment to gather some papers Andy needed, but didn't go inside, we wandered the church yard looking at the flowers. For dinner that evening we went to The Juggs - a very old pub with great ambiance. Had Bishop's Finger ale - not as warm as I thought it would be as the bartender rinsed the glass in cool water first and the tap was kept cool. I did enjoy it. I kept thinking of warm beer equaled beer that's been sitting in the sun or a hot car. Luckily wasn't that hot! I had a beefburger that was one of the best bar burgers ever.
Tuesday we were up and out by 11am to visit Hampton Court Palace and Henry the VIII. Ol' Henry was in residence it turned out and very picky about my standing on his left versus right. We loved the gardens. I loved the weapons room and Ol' Henry's large bedchamber with the two rows of curtains around - no witnesses!!! Henry didn't do any sex tapes his day I tell ya - not with those heavy drapes! We had a snack in the cafe which boasted its sustainability - environmentally conscious even here. We had a nice drive back from the palace and I 'dropped off' in the car like a tired child after my outing. We met Tracey's chiropractor and she got a quick treatment while we chatted with Joan, the office manager. The English have been very nice to us Americans so far. During our evening chat we discussed how both of our countries were disliked by the French.
Tracey has enjoyed playing her country music CD's I burned for her Her house is so nice and is the perfect size for someone like me. I love her tastes in decorating. Danielle is sleeping in Chloe's old room, now a sowing room and I'm in the extra room and quite comfortable. She had chocolates waiting for us and gifts along with our linens. Her dog and cat have taken to us - especially Danielle and the cat - the cat loves getting her back scratched. Danielle took a great photo of Tracey's cowboy boot collection!
Dinner that night was take out - fish 'n chips in paper - the proper way to have it. Andy and I drove over to Penhill Fisheries in Lancing to pick it up. I was able to ride in the passenger seat up front - remember they drive on the right over here. It didn't freak me out or anything but I did feel like there was a big empty space in front of me where the steering wheel should be. I liked that we were getting food from a local establishment versus some chain. Burger King and Mc'D's are here but not on our list. We brought the food home - very hot still in its paper - we ordered smalls and the portions were still large. One piece of fish but a large piece. Danielle got a large order of chips and it was monstrous. No one ate everything. I am not normally a fish person, but when in Rome, or in the case England. It was very good and I doubt I get anything at home to touch this - damn sure won't be Long John Silver's - not even close!!!! I tried ginger beer and we had Jack Daniels Single Reserve while we ate, talked and listened to music. Very relaxing. One of my favorite moments so far.
Wednesday (today) was a trip to Marine Park for pictures, walking down the rocky beach to gather a stone from the English Channel for Dakota's collection. From there we went over to see Tracey's father, he was very nice and is working on a book that I'll be waiting to read. We went down to George and Dragon Inn for lunch - very good! More of a restaurant than a pub but quite pleasant inside. The vegetarian risotto was good and very filling. More driving back through the countryside heading to Marks & Spencer for some shopping. Sitting at home now relaxing. Eating in tonight as we are headed to a pub in Amberley to hear and watch the Morris Dancers - an old English tradition. I can't wait. Will also be meeting Tracey's daughter Chloe and some friends. I expect it to be a good time.
We'll leave very early for the airport for the next level of our journey to Germany where Alison and family area waiting our arrival. She has the fridge stocked and waiting in the guesthouse and a friendly argument has begun over English chocolate versus German chocolate. I am reserving judgement and have an ample supply of English chocolate to compare with the German. It may be a tie.
until next time....
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