Okay, so I am horrendously horrible at updating my blog. That means either a) my life has been far too busy for me to update regularly and I therefore have much to tell you or b) nothing has been going on and this will be a rather short and pointless update. Actually the answer is c) nothing has been happening on a weekly basis but I’ve left it so long that I’ll just do a massive update on my ‘recent’ adventures that have happened since returning back to the RAC in beginning of April.
Adventure 1: Ciren Pub Crawl
Ondine and I were at Cirencester two weeks before classes were suppose to resume and I had absolutely nothing to do really. I actually worked on and finished coursework during those to weeks (that was due the week after classes started). Basically Ondine and I would work/ride (Ondine has horses) during the day, go to dinner, then sit in her room and watch TV or movies. We watched a lot of comedy specials and I got her addicted to Russell Howard’s Good News.
However, there was one exciting night. We decided one Saturday to make our way through some of the local Cirencester Pubs. We ended up running into these guys at the first pub who (given that they were the only other people in the pub besides us) could easily be overheard talking about sexual deviant acts (mainly involving one’s pooper shooter). Then at the end of the night when we were at the last pub we ran into them again and went to Ondine (slightly louder than I should have) ‘Look! It’s the anal guys!’ To which the then turned around and recognized us as the girls from the first pub.
Adventure 2: Canterbury, Kent
Another classic Ondine/Dana adventure. Ondine was returning home to Canterbury to get her horses shod (have shoes put on) and I went along to explore a legendary city and its cathedral. On the way however we had some excellent banter. Ondine managed to hit a bird with her car, then pointed to some cows and told me to look at the sheep. Some days I think she is more blonde then me, and then I remember all the stupid things I do that don’t make it to this blog (and some of the ones that do e.g. Adventure 1) and I realize I’m much worse.
Anyway besides riding in a horse lorry (semi-truck like contraption), meeting Ondine’s mother for lunch, and making friends with a truck driver in a different lorry I did something cultural and went to see the Canterbury Cathedral. It was absolutely stunning and being the complete nerd that I am (and I apply the term nerd with love for it is the only way to be) I kept thinking ‘OMG ITS LIKE HOGWARTS!’ It is exactly what any [in]sane Harry Potter devotee would have thought.
Adventure 3: The Ballet
This is one of the things that I am actually most excited that I got to do, and it is not an Ondine/Dana adventure. It’s a Dana and the Main Building Crew (James, Nick, and Emily) adventure. Basically James and Nick were in London for the weekend (it happened to be a bank holiday weekend meaning no classes/work on Monday) and on Monday Emily and I took a train and joined them for the day. We did a bit of shopping went to Harrods’s (one of the few things on my London list I hadn’t done yet) and went to dinner at this AMAZING Indian restaurant which is James’ favourite restaurant.
We then went to Covent Garden to get our tickets from the Royal Opera House to see the ballet Cinderella, and guess what? We had our own private box. Sure it cost a pretty penny but it was most definitely worth it. The show itself was quite moving and then we caught a London Taxi (another thing on my London to-do list) to the train station back to Ciren. Some days it still feels like a dream how prefect that day was. Even the bad parts (not being able to check our bags before the show) seemed wonderful.
Adventure 4: Summer Sun
So this isn’t really an adventure, but more a summation of what has been happening at the RAC before Adventure 5. We had a bbq one night out on the lawn with Pimm’s and raspberries. Pimm’s have quickly become my favourite drink and I’ve been trying to do research to see if they are available back home because if not (even if so) I’m bring some back with me. But the best part has been soaking up the sun and learning how to juggle. And the evening spent watching the sunset with the Main Building Crew with our Pimm’s and lemonade was one of those moments I’ll never forget.
Oh there was also an Election that went on and Ondine and I spent our Thursday nights in the Tythe watching the first televised Prime Ministerial Debates in British history. As well as the election coverage of what has been a historic election. In case you live in a box or don’t pay attention to the news the Conservative and the Liberal Democratic parties have formed a coalition as no party (including Labour) had an outright majority meaning that there is currently a hung parliament. The coalition basically means the Lib-Dems are working with the Conservative party and that David Cameron, the leader of the Conservatives, is the new Prime Minister.
Adventure 5: The May Ball
Now I’m sure you probably want lots of details as to what it was like and what went on and I’m not going to lie to you. I don’t really remember much. We had a bit of bubbly before the ball and the MBC boys went to their dinner while the girls chillaxed. Everyone looked stunning and yes I managed to make it through the whole 11 hours of the party for the survivors’ photo at 7AM. But other than that you’d have to experience it for yourself. It was however amazing to have most of the people that I’ve met here at the RAC in one place.
Right so that is 5 adventures I’ve had since Ireland. Hope you enjoyed and I can’t say there will be too many more blog post from England as my time here is rapidly drawing to a close.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Shamrocking Adventure
Okay so as you probably remember I went back to Ireland over the Easter holidays with my friend Erin and Ondine. Bloody Brilliant time we had too. So just in case you were wondering what we did and why I almost killed Ondine or you just want some ideas on where you should go or avoid at all cost (as it may be) read on people, read on.
So I arrived at the airport by plane from Copenhagen late evening and met Ondine and Erin there. My plane in Copenhagen had been delayed and that was irritating, but it worked out for the best because all three of us arrived at the same time. We spent the night in Stanstead airport and didn't really do much sleeping. Fairly certian we were keeping everyone else up as well. Morning finally came though and we had our delicious (sarcasm) airport breakfast and watched a Stag party (Bachelor Party for Americans) start their pre drinks at 5 AM.
Eventually we were on the plane and were off for an amazing 10 day adventure in the land of the Leprechans. Our first day was spent in Dublin and we toured Phoenix Park, the Guinness Storehouse, and the Jameson Irish Whiskey distillery. Erin was selected on the Jameson tour to be a 'whiskey taster,' so she got to compare Jameson with two other whiskeys (a Scotch Reserve Whisky and Jack Daniels). We then went to the hostel had a nap made some dinner and made our way to Temple Bar for an extremely overpriced drinks where we were hit on buy some rather old men on a stag night.
We then headed to Cork City. Our hostel there was amazing and if you are ever in Cork stay at the Arran House Tourist Hostel. The lady who runs it is so sweet she gave us directions to Blarney and the bus station and gave us some resturant recommendations. And there was a dog! Anyway while in Cork we headed over to the Blarney Castle. Stunning! And I kissed the Blarney stone which was scary as...as...well I can't think of a metaphor right now so just make one up for yourself.
Returned to Cork and then went out to some clubs. Ondine proceed to chat up the bouncer and get us free entry into two night clubs. At one night club she then had all these body builders chasing after her. The body builders then decided that it would be a good idea to win Ondine's love by seeing who could pick her up and hold her for longer. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) for Ondine, while the body builders were discussing who one a new guy came in and took her away. Erin and I stood there and laughed.
The next day we headed to a small village in the country side called Inchigeelagh. Our hostel was actually about 5 km outside of the village and a nice woman gave us a lift there. It was so goregous there and we went for a walk on the first day and made some dinner then watched TV. We ended up watching a show in Galiec on American Country-Western music.
Day two in Inchigeelagh consisted of an epic 70 km bike right through a mountain pass and back by a different route which was not any less steep. We'd originally planned on having a short bike ride to explore the area. Then we saw a castle on a map and though...'let's bike there and have a picinic, its not to far.' We got there just fine, but on the way back we managed to get lost. We did eventually make it back at 10 that evening and I was so sore that I couldn't stand up straight or sit down properly.
We went to bed after a meal of leftover spaghetti and Irish soda bread then awoke bright and shiny (well sore and in pain) without realizing that while we were sleeping the time had changed. So we left thinking we still had two hours to get to the bus station. And did I mention it was absoultely pouring buckets? Luckily a nice man gave us a lift to the bus stop so we made it there in time. However the bus driver was a jerkface and yelled at us for getting the tickets wet. Clearly he hadn't noticed it was raining.
We headed to the Aran Islands via Cork City, Galway, and Rossaveal (where we caught our ferry). The Islands were amazing. We stayed at the Kilronan hostel and if you stay anywhere else on the Inishmore you are an idiot. The people who run it are friendly and breakfast is provided. They have a bike hire and plenty of books to read and movies to watch and games to play in the evening. We went out for meal and discovered the brillance that is hot whiskey and hot port after being out in the freezing rain. Oh and I apparently waddle like a penguin when I'm cold and soaked.
The next day we road bikes again! This time it couldn't possibly be as bad as it was in Cork because the island was ony 17 km. We toured the island on our bikes, got caught in the rain, went to the Seven Churhes, had a picinic lunch in a pasture, and saw lots and lots of rocks. We had an early night were Ondine made toad in the hole and Erin made putin (cheesy fries and gravy). Which all the food made me feel really sick...so Ondine made faerie cakes...basically cake with chocolate chunks. TOOO MUCH GOODNESS! We did some more touring the next day before we said good bye to the Islands. If I get the chance I will definitely be going back.
Galway was the final stop in our trip before heading back to Dublin to catch our planes to Bristol for Ondine and I and Glasgow for Erin. We had an early night because we had spent most of the day on the islands and wanted to go out the next night. In the morning we did a bit of shopping, had a light brunch, and chatted with the guy running the hostel about the best pubs to go to for a pub crawl. That night we went to five different pubs, heard live bands in all but one, met some interesting characters who asked us to meet them later and promised to bring sheep, embraced a pear, sat in a throne, and convinced one band to play some Johnny Cash, because nobody does it better than the man in black.
Morning came and we were a bit sluggish from the night before. But we managed to make it to the bus station on time. We stopped at Supermac's (an Irish fast food chain) and had a quick bite to eat and most importantly ice cream in a hot choco-chip muffin. Then it was time to return to England, but not before some jerk bus driver drove off to the airport without Ondine or Erin on board.
So I arrived at the airport by plane from Copenhagen late evening and met Ondine and Erin there. My plane in Copenhagen had been delayed and that was irritating, but it worked out for the best because all three of us arrived at the same time. We spent the night in Stanstead airport and didn't really do much sleeping. Fairly certian we were keeping everyone else up as well. Morning finally came though and we had our delicious (sarcasm) airport breakfast and watched a Stag party (Bachelor Party for Americans) start their pre drinks at 5 AM.
Eventually we were on the plane and were off for an amazing 10 day adventure in the land of the Leprechans. Our first day was spent in Dublin and we toured Phoenix Park, the Guinness Storehouse, and the Jameson Irish Whiskey distillery. Erin was selected on the Jameson tour to be a 'whiskey taster,' so she got to compare Jameson with two other whiskeys (a Scotch Reserve Whisky and Jack Daniels). We then went to the hostel had a nap made some dinner and made our way to Temple Bar for an extremely overpriced drinks where we were hit on buy some rather old men on a stag night.
We then headed to Cork City. Our hostel there was amazing and if you are ever in Cork stay at the Arran House Tourist Hostel. The lady who runs it is so sweet she gave us directions to Blarney and the bus station and gave us some resturant recommendations. And there was a dog! Anyway while in Cork we headed over to the Blarney Castle. Stunning! And I kissed the Blarney stone which was scary as...as...well I can't think of a metaphor right now so just make one up for yourself.
Returned to Cork and then went out to some clubs. Ondine proceed to chat up the bouncer and get us free entry into two night clubs. At one night club she then had all these body builders chasing after her. The body builders then decided that it would be a good idea to win Ondine's love by seeing who could pick her up and hold her for longer. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) for Ondine, while the body builders were discussing who one a new guy came in and took her away. Erin and I stood there and laughed.
The next day we headed to a small village in the country side called Inchigeelagh. Our hostel was actually about 5 km outside of the village and a nice woman gave us a lift there. It was so goregous there and we went for a walk on the first day and made some dinner then watched TV. We ended up watching a show in Galiec on American Country-Western music.
Day two in Inchigeelagh consisted of an epic 70 km bike right through a mountain pass and back by a different route which was not any less steep. We'd originally planned on having a short bike ride to explore the area. Then we saw a castle on a map and though...'let's bike there and have a picinic, its not to far.' We got there just fine, but on the way back we managed to get lost. We did eventually make it back at 10 that evening and I was so sore that I couldn't stand up straight or sit down properly.
We went to bed after a meal of leftover spaghetti and Irish soda bread then awoke bright and shiny (well sore and in pain) without realizing that while we were sleeping the time had changed. So we left thinking we still had two hours to get to the bus station. And did I mention it was absoultely pouring buckets? Luckily a nice man gave us a lift to the bus stop so we made it there in time. However the bus driver was a jerkface and yelled at us for getting the tickets wet. Clearly he hadn't noticed it was raining.
We headed to the Aran Islands via Cork City, Galway, and Rossaveal (where we caught our ferry). The Islands were amazing. We stayed at the Kilronan hostel and if you stay anywhere else on the Inishmore you are an idiot. The people who run it are friendly and breakfast is provided. They have a bike hire and plenty of books to read and movies to watch and games to play in the evening. We went out for meal and discovered the brillance that is hot whiskey and hot port after being out in the freezing rain. Oh and I apparently waddle like a penguin when I'm cold and soaked.
The next day we road bikes again! This time it couldn't possibly be as bad as it was in Cork because the island was ony 17 km. We toured the island on our bikes, got caught in the rain, went to the Seven Churhes, had a picinic lunch in a pasture, and saw lots and lots of rocks. We had an early night were Ondine made toad in the hole and Erin made putin (cheesy fries and gravy). Which all the food made me feel really sick...so Ondine made faerie cakes...basically cake with chocolate chunks. TOOO MUCH GOODNESS! We did some more touring the next day before we said good bye to the Islands. If I get the chance I will definitely be going back.
Galway was the final stop in our trip before heading back to Dublin to catch our planes to Bristol for Ondine and I and Glasgow for Erin. We had an early night because we had spent most of the day on the islands and wanted to go out the next night. In the morning we did a bit of shopping, had a light brunch, and chatted with the guy running the hostel about the best pubs to go to for a pub crawl. That night we went to five different pubs, heard live bands in all but one, met some interesting characters who asked us to meet them later and promised to bring sheep, embraced a pear, sat in a throne, and convinced one band to play some Johnny Cash, because nobody does it better than the man in black.
Morning came and we were a bit sluggish from the night before. But we managed to make it to the bus station on time. We stopped at Supermac's (an Irish fast food chain) and had a quick bite to eat and most importantly ice cream in a hot choco-chip muffin. Then it was time to return to England, but not before some jerk bus driver drove off to the airport without Ondine or Erin on board.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Copenhagen, Arhus, Aunning, & Sunds
Right so I have some much to say, mainly because I'm extremely bored being at the RAC 2 weeks before everyone else really returns, although there are some postgrad, 3rd years and 2nd years here working on projects and dissertations, but I digress. Where was I? Oh yes all these things I have to say about my Easter break that it will be broken up into two section, at least, one for each place I visited. And as some of you know, but most of you probably don't I have family that live in Denmark. So I thought I'd drop by and say hello to them while I was so close in Jolly Ol' England.
I was slightly ashamed of how I passed what can be considered one of the biggest drinking holidays in the States. St. Paddy's day was uneventful as far as the typical RAC culture goes. I went to an Indian restaurant to celebrate my friend Emily's 19th birthday, it was meant to be a surprise but certian boys named James are not very good at keeping secrets for very long. The night however was amazing, good food, good company, and good converstation, even if we did cover all the taboo dinner topics (Money, Religion, Politics, and Sex).
I was then forced (AND I DO MEAN FORCED) to attend the final night at the Rock. Normally, as I'm sure anyone who has read this blog before will know I'm quite up to spend the night at the Rock, however I've recently given up on the Rock. It's kinda a dump and I was quite miserable there.
Thursday marked the day of voting for the new Student Union who'd been campaigning all week. The highlight was of course the hastings which involved the candidates standing on a platform and having food, irons, fake eggs, and pretty much anything that was sticky, smelly, and nasty. I have pictures, but my computer has died and there are only two words that can possibly describe my destress at this...sweet life. Thursday was also the day I left for the airport to make my 7 am flight the following morning. I had a 4 hour wait in London and in that time consumed 5 cups of tea, watched the sun rise, witnessed a fight on a double decker London bus (a true bus indeed), managed to get off the bus at the right stop, sat in a McDonalds until the train station opened.
I was from the time I left Cirencester constantly traveling. 3 Trains 1 Plane 1 Bus 2 car rides. And the train I took from Copenhagen to Arhus (Basically traveling the whole of the country) took 4 hours...needless to say I fell asleep. I did finally arrive in Arhus where I was picked up by one of the son's of the people I was staying with. We went to pick up his girlfriend then went to his apartment where I was offered a traditional Danish Christmas beer...and it was delicious. We (one of his brothers and his parents joined us for dinner) had venision for dinner and it was oh so good! We then finished the evening off with some fine Scotch Whisky...I think I may be in love with my family in Denmark.
I was then taken to Aunning where I was going to be staying for the weekend. I had a lovely time and then we woke up and went to visit the third and final brother in Sunds for lunch. We went and saw this strange art scuplture and was shown around the college where the 3rd brother went to university. We then went to visit Thorkild's (the person I was staying with) brother who has a farm. And as I've mentioned it was a hog farm. It was very similar to a typical Iowan hog farm and he only focused on farrowing not finishing.
We then went on a walk around Aunning the next day as it was my final day before going to Copenhagen where I would be staying with Thorkild's nephew. It was a lovely walk and we visited Emil (on of Thorkild's sons) and played Wii and Guitar Hero...except my guitar had low batteries or I would have kicked Emil's butt.
The next day I was to get on a train in the morning and it was my Birthday. Thorkild and Grethe were very sweet and got me a chocolate Easter egg and a card. I then was back in Copenhagen where Jeppe (Thorkild's nephew) took me around on a walk and showed me some of the sights of the city. Did you know that there are no tall buildings allowed in the city center? It give the city this kind of old world charm while still being quite modern. My first full day in Copenhagen I went to the Royal Theatre musem and the Carlsberg Brewery. And I had sushi for dinner! Yum yum.
My last day in Denmark and I went to see the Crown Prince's future home and the little mermaid. And then it was time for me to leave Denmark. I hade a most amazing time
I was slightly ashamed of how I passed what can be considered one of the biggest drinking holidays in the States. St. Paddy's day was uneventful as far as the typical RAC culture goes. I went to an Indian restaurant to celebrate my friend Emily's 19th birthday, it was meant to be a surprise but certian boys named James are not very good at keeping secrets for very long. The night however was amazing, good food, good company, and good converstation, even if we did cover all the taboo dinner topics (Money, Religion, Politics, and Sex).
I was then forced (AND I DO MEAN FORCED) to attend the final night at the Rock. Normally, as I'm sure anyone who has read this blog before will know I'm quite up to spend the night at the Rock, however I've recently given up on the Rock. It's kinda a dump and I was quite miserable there.
Thursday marked the day of voting for the new Student Union who'd been campaigning all week. The highlight was of course the hastings which involved the candidates standing on a platform and having food, irons, fake eggs, and pretty much anything that was sticky, smelly, and nasty. I have pictures, but my computer has died and there are only two words that can possibly describe my destress at this...sweet life. Thursday was also the day I left for the airport to make my 7 am flight the following morning. I had a 4 hour wait in London and in that time consumed 5 cups of tea, watched the sun rise, witnessed a fight on a double decker London bus (a true bus indeed), managed to get off the bus at the right stop, sat in a McDonalds until the train station opened.
I was from the time I left Cirencester constantly traveling. 3 Trains 1 Plane 1 Bus 2 car rides. And the train I took from Copenhagen to Arhus (Basically traveling the whole of the country) took 4 hours...needless to say I fell asleep. I did finally arrive in Arhus where I was picked up by one of the son's of the people I was staying with. We went to pick up his girlfriend then went to his apartment where I was offered a traditional Danish Christmas beer...and it was delicious. We (one of his brothers and his parents joined us for dinner) had venision for dinner and it was oh so good! We then finished the evening off with some fine Scotch Whisky...I think I may be in love with my family in Denmark.
I was then taken to Aunning where I was going to be staying for the weekend. I had a lovely time and then we woke up and went to visit the third and final brother in Sunds for lunch. We went and saw this strange art scuplture and was shown around the college where the 3rd brother went to university. We then went to visit Thorkild's (the person I was staying with) brother who has a farm. And as I've mentioned it was a hog farm. It was very similar to a typical Iowan hog farm and he only focused on farrowing not finishing.
We then went on a walk around Aunning the next day as it was my final day before going to Copenhagen where I would be staying with Thorkild's nephew. It was a lovely walk and we visited Emil (on of Thorkild's sons) and played Wii and Guitar Hero...except my guitar had low batteries or I would have kicked Emil's butt.
The next day I was to get on a train in the morning and it was my Birthday. Thorkild and Grethe were very sweet and got me a chocolate Easter egg and a card. I then was back in Copenhagen where Jeppe (Thorkild's nephew) took me around on a walk and showed me some of the sights of the city. Did you know that there are no tall buildings allowed in the city center? It give the city this kind of old world charm while still being quite modern. My first full day in Copenhagen I went to the Royal Theatre musem and the Carlsberg Brewery. And I had sushi for dinner! Yum yum.
My last day in Denmark and I went to see the Crown Prince's future home and the little mermaid. And then it was time for me to leave Denmark. I hade a most amazing time
Saturday, March 20, 2010
White Night, Mr. Methane, and Easter Break
Right, so let's forget about the witty banter at the beginning and dive right into White Night at the RAC. Basically its exactly what it sounds like, everyone wore white clothing and they had a hole bunch of UV lights to make it look really cool. But the best part of white night? The foam pit! Pretty wild night.
Yeah, this will probably be a very short blog because we are alreayd on to point two. Mr. Methane. And yes it is once again it is exactly as it sounds. Mr. Methane is a professional... farter? Is that the correct term? Well anyway first their was a comidean, with a tattoo of Ron Burgundy. Then we had Mr. Methane. And I was a bit skeptical at first but it was actually qutie interesting. Finally there was a live band, and they were quite good.
And finally what I'm doing for break. I'm currently in Denmark (hence the horrible spelling and possible typos from using a Danish keyboard) visiting family. And today we are going to visit a hog farm! Then from here I'll be flying back to Ireland with Ondine and my Canadian friend Erin for a Shamrocking adventure through out the countryside.
Until next time
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Weekend at the Manor
Alright, sit tight and I'll take you on a journey deep into the wild wilderness of Gloucestershire to a place where the dogs are the size of polar bears and swans rule the ponds. It's time for a trip to the Huntley Manor. (And before I go any farther, much apologies for not being more on top of my updates. I am a very busy person :P)
So a couple of weekends ago my friends James, Emily, Tim, Valeria, Matteo, and I were invited by our friend Venetia to come and visit her at her home near Gloucester. We took off in the morning and I was quite glad to be in the car with James and Emily as the others managed to get quite lost on the way there. We blast our proper motoring music (Classical Radio of course) until Emily finally changed it to something a bit more contemporary (BBC Radio 1). Upon arrival at the Manor we were shocked and amazed at the buildings and grounds. All I can say is breathtaking. Shortly afterwards we were introduced to the Polar Bears who guard the Manor. They had two Pyrenees Mountain Dogs who were absolutely adorable and liked to shed their white fur all over James' dark clothes. Extremely entertaining to watch James with the dogs, but not nearly as funny as Matteo who, while he would pet them, would not let them rub up against him and spent most of the time trying to get away which the dogs thought he was playing with them.
After meeting the Polar Bears we were shown around the house and two our rooms. I was staying in what was apparently an old nursery and their was a second kitchen right next to my room where Emily and I had a good chat before dinner. Also I got to stay in a proper four poster bed, which I was super excited for.
After the others finally joined us from their detour we had a spot of lunch in the pool house. Personally it would quite hard to get me away from the pool house if I lived there it was absolutely gorgeous. After lunch we, obviously, went for a long swim and a splash in the hot tub. Some people even did a bit of tanning.
Our swim eventually led us on to a tour of the grounds, where we met a swan at the lake and saw the helicopter pad the previous owner had put in. We also went to see this old tree referred to as the "Sleepy Hollow" tree and it was quite scary looking. Our party then broke up to take a nap before dinner. Emily and I went to find the kitchen for a chat. We knew that our rooms were in the part of the house the reminded us of the secret garden, and we found Emily's room right away. But we forgot where my room and the kitchen were. We did eventually find them but it took some time.
We had planned to scary Matteo that night with some mask, so about an hour before dinner we went back to the helipad(in the dark) and got some scary masks from the storage shed there. They were put in my room as mine was the most out of the way room and therefore the were least likely to be discovered there. However later that night we gave up the plan and I quickly moved the masks to the kitchen as they had started to freak me out, and I would have found it very hard to sleep.
We all met for dinner in our formal clothes and Venetia graced us with some lovely harp music while we sipped champagne and discusses cultured things. (James and I, being somewhat of suckers for culture and worldliness, had already determined it was the culture weekend. In fact the biggest insult you can give James is he is uncultured.) We also had a bit of fun playing with some Venetian masks. Makes sense that Venetia would have Venetian mask. Music was followed by a delicious dinner and of course some wine. And dinner followed with some desserts which were amazing. All in all I ate way too much that weekend, but it was so nice to get a proper meal for one. Dinner was of course followed by a movie, once we'd cleaned up. The movie was not the greatest but the company was so that made up for it.
Then it was time for bed and we were all quite tired. But it felt like I'd only just fallen asleep when Valeria and Emily tried to get into my room and made fun of me for barricading my door shut from the masks. I would like to point out that I did not barricade the door, there was a chest that made it hard to open and close the door. The girls were all up, dressed, and ready for the day at 9 am, but the boys were still sleeping. So we did what any sensible girl would do and went to get the papers for the family and the Financial Times for James as he simply cannot live without his weekly FT.
By the time we got back at 10 some of the boys had rudely started breakfast without us. But we forgave them, as it is what any Jane Austen character would have done and we all felt like we'd stepped back in time a little bit that weekend. (I would actually say it was more Agatha Christie without a mystery, but it could easily have been Austen as well. Manners at the Manor.) We toasted our breakfast muffins, crumpets, pancakes, and bread over an open fire and I even drank some coffee. Shocking I know, I still hate coffee, but thought I'd been offered tea and felt it would have been impolite to not at least sample the coffee.
The afternoon was spent chatting and feeding the chicken. Which I must admit watching a city slicker like James feed a chicken was hilarious. We had to take photos just to prove he could actually do it. Lunch followed quickly and then it was back home to the RAC. Good news a sequel weekend is in the works, bad news I had to eat dinning center food yet again. The food they serve here actually makes me miss ISU dining food, now that is saying something.
Next time in Dana's Blog look forward to the events of White Night, Mr. Methane, some comedian, and my plans for break!
PS. Took this quiz just for giggles, though you might like to know how British I am.
You Are 70% British |
 Congrats, mate. You're are probably British. (If not, definitely Australian. Or Kiwi. Or Canadian.) You enjoy most aspects of mainstream British culture, without being stereotypical about it. You also have a typical British temperament. You wouldn't dream of being impolite. |
Monday, February 22, 2010
RAG Week
Okay so RAG week has been finished for a while now and I haven't really been bothered to do much of anything other than watch the Olympics (and with the time difference it makes it rather hard to watch the Olympics and get sleep). For those of you who don't know RAG (Raise and Give) Week is a national univeristy event in which schools all across the country raise money for charities. The RAC supported 3 charities (2 of which were local Cirencester chairities, in an attempt to improve the reputation of the college amongst the citizens) the Diabetes UK, Riding for the Disabled and the Pasternos School. Anyway I'm gonna let you in on all the amazing fun I had! Starting with the first offical event: The launch party.
The RAG Rave (aka the RAG launch party) use to be another ball with proper formal dress and all that jazz but it was transformed into a Rave about 3 years ago. Now instead of ball gowns and tuxedos students don white and neon colors in the form of tutus, leg warmers, high visablitiy road workers costumes and body paint. Instead of a live band (which is always followed by a DJ set) the college brought in some professional and (apparently) famous DJ's. Of course everyone's favorite resident DJ (DJ Longy, a RAC student) kicked things off and would also end them later on. Matt Hardwick and Judge Jules, who'd I'd never heard of but are apparently quite famouse were next. I, however, being the clever person that I am managed to spill my drink in my eye at some point during the night.
Sunday brought the quite morning of recovery for most of the students and sleeping in would have been they highlight of my day on a normal sunday, but this was RAG Sunday RAC style. The famous RAC RAG Auction was scheduled for Sunday and they had some interesting lots up for grabs. A place on the annual ski trip, a flight around the area with lunch at the Kemble Airfield resturant AV8 for 4 people, dinner at several student's houses (including Chesterton Farm which is legendary for its shenanigans), a pair of Hunter wellies, a case of premium Rock Cafe Champagne, hunting and fishing trips, subscription for Polo and Beagling, and the 2 'get out of parking jail free' card (worth £15-30 each) that went for a grand total of over £300. Sunday was also the night that Anna, Rosie, and I made last minute plans to go on the Rally following day. (More specifically we made the decision less than 12 hours before we left Cirencester)
Monday and I'm up early to start packing for my trip to Newcastle. The annual RAG Rally is a crutial part of the week. Almost the entire college drive from Cirencester (which is in the south westerly part of the country near the bottom of Wales) to somewhere up in the North easterly part of the country (this year was Newcastle). The Lineup was amusing. Music, food, (and for some alcohol before noon), and pranks. Most people, having not made last minute decisions had decorated their cars up with stickers and funny objects (such as a blow-up doll or making the car look like a tractor). Also, one had to be careful from eggs and flour being thrown at your car, as well as be warned that the police where waiting right off campus.
We left Ciren with a bang (literally)! Some people had brought flares, smoke screens, and crow bangers which were set off in celebration as we were escorted out. And it didn't stop their, you could follow the trail of raw egg and flour all the way to Newcastle. Cars would pass each other and wave, whether or not you'd actually met the people before or not (it felt a little bit like home). And of course no road trip would be complete without a few pitstops, all of which were populated by Ag students.
We finally made it to Newcastle, and in one piece too, and then it was off to Bar Blanc for the next part of our journey. While there we watch a car of fellow RAC'ers get pulled over and the police began to cirlce the bar. At that point in time we thought it would be best to go and check into our hotel, but we proceeded to get lost first. We then met up with Anna's sister, whose name is also Rosie, and returned to Bar Blanc for the pub crawl. After that it was off to Sam Jack's and Tiger Tiger Nightclub for the rest of the night. (Lucky for us our hotel was right next door to Tiger Tiger).
Tuesday morning we took our time getting back. There was no rush to return to Ciren as the only thing that was going on there was the Rally Survivor's Party that night. Plus we were quite tired from the day before. The Survivor's Party was quite the event. Everyone was still completely shattered from the night before but that didn't stop them from going to the tythe for another late night party.
Wednesday things were a bit more relaxed. Beagling, with a complimentary glass (or two) of port, was suppose to take place at 10 in front of the college. However the Beagles were there, the port was there, the people were there, but the beagling did not comence. Instead it was moved to 1 pm at some off campus location. The annual Bledisloe Clay Pigeon Shoot was also on that day and Emily and I went and watched it for a while, until we decided we were a bit too cold and so we went and got some ice cream. We then went back to the shoot as there wasn't much else to do. That night was Tweed and Tracksuits night in the Rock followed by late night/early morning food at a local restaurant called Greasy Joe's.
Thursday and I attend my lecture like a good girl, unlike most people. I then went for a Bacon buttie (bacon sandwich) and some bubbly before helping to 'pull' a tractor through town. The Tractor Pull is another classic RAG week event. Traffic in Ciren stops as students attempt to pull a tractor from the center of town back to campus. People donate money to help speed up the process. The Tythe Bar was then open from the time we got back until late, with the Student Union running the bar adn several social events going on.
Friday, the final night and of course it was going to go out in style. Deano and friend shared a very special dance with us to kick the night off. Afterwards it was another late night party in the Tythe.
Saturday & Sunday...campus was dead as everyone had either gone home or was sleeping.
The RAG Rave (aka the RAG launch party) use to be another ball with proper formal dress and all that jazz but it was transformed into a Rave about 3 years ago. Now instead of ball gowns and tuxedos students don white and neon colors in the form of tutus, leg warmers, high visablitiy road workers costumes and body paint. Instead of a live band (which is always followed by a DJ set) the college brought in some professional and (apparently) famous DJ's. Of course everyone's favorite resident DJ (DJ Longy, a RAC student) kicked things off and would also end them later on. Matt Hardwick and Judge Jules, who'd I'd never heard of but are apparently quite famouse were next. I, however, being the clever person that I am managed to spill my drink in my eye at some point during the night.
Sunday brought the quite morning of recovery for most of the students and sleeping in would have been they highlight of my day on a normal sunday, but this was RAG Sunday RAC style. The famous RAC RAG Auction was scheduled for Sunday and they had some interesting lots up for grabs. A place on the annual ski trip, a flight around the area with lunch at the Kemble Airfield resturant AV8 for 4 people, dinner at several student's houses (including Chesterton Farm which is legendary for its shenanigans), a pair of Hunter wellies, a case of premium Rock Cafe Champagne, hunting and fishing trips, subscription for Polo and Beagling, and the 2 'get out of parking jail free' card (worth £15-30 each) that went for a grand total of over £300. Sunday was also the night that Anna, Rosie, and I made last minute plans to go on the Rally following day. (More specifically we made the decision less than 12 hours before we left Cirencester)
Monday and I'm up early to start packing for my trip to Newcastle. The annual RAG Rally is a crutial part of the week. Almost the entire college drive from Cirencester (which is in the south westerly part of the country near the bottom of Wales) to somewhere up in the North easterly part of the country (this year was Newcastle). The Lineup was amusing. Music, food, (and for some alcohol before noon), and pranks. Most people, having not made last minute decisions had decorated their cars up with stickers and funny objects (such as a blow-up doll or making the car look like a tractor). Also, one had to be careful from eggs and flour being thrown at your car, as well as be warned that the police where waiting right off campus.
We left Ciren with a bang (literally)! Some people had brought flares, smoke screens, and crow bangers which were set off in celebration as we were escorted out. And it didn't stop their, you could follow the trail of raw egg and flour all the way to Newcastle. Cars would pass each other and wave, whether or not you'd actually met the people before or not (it felt a little bit like home). And of course no road trip would be complete without a few pitstops, all of which were populated by Ag students.
We finally made it to Newcastle, and in one piece too, and then it was off to Bar Blanc for the next part of our journey. While there we watch a car of fellow RAC'ers get pulled over and the police began to cirlce the bar. At that point in time we thought it would be best to go and check into our hotel, but we proceeded to get lost first. We then met up with Anna's sister, whose name is also Rosie, and returned to Bar Blanc for the pub crawl. After that it was off to Sam Jack's and Tiger Tiger Nightclub for the rest of the night. (Lucky for us our hotel was right next door to Tiger Tiger).
Tuesday morning we took our time getting back. There was no rush to return to Ciren as the only thing that was going on there was the Rally Survivor's Party that night. Plus we were quite tired from the day before. The Survivor's Party was quite the event. Everyone was still completely shattered from the night before but that didn't stop them from going to the tythe for another late night party.
Wednesday things were a bit more relaxed. Beagling, with a complimentary glass (or two) of port, was suppose to take place at 10 in front of the college. However the Beagles were there, the port was there, the people were there, but the beagling did not comence. Instead it was moved to 1 pm at some off campus location. The annual Bledisloe Clay Pigeon Shoot was also on that day and Emily and I went and watched it for a while, until we decided we were a bit too cold and so we went and got some ice cream. We then went back to the shoot as there wasn't much else to do. That night was Tweed and Tracksuits night in the Rock followed by late night/early morning food at a local restaurant called Greasy Joe's.
Thursday and I attend my lecture like a good girl, unlike most people. I then went for a Bacon buttie (bacon sandwich) and some bubbly before helping to 'pull' a tractor through town. The Tractor Pull is another classic RAG week event. Traffic in Ciren stops as students attempt to pull a tractor from the center of town back to campus. People donate money to help speed up the process. The Tythe Bar was then open from the time we got back until late, with the Student Union running the bar adn several social events going on.
Friday, the final night and of course it was going to go out in style. Deano and friend shared a very special dance with us to kick the night off. Afterwards it was another late night party in the Tythe.
Saturday & Sunday...campus was dead as everyone had either gone home or was sleeping.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Back at the RAC
So we are already entering week 4 of 10 for the spring term and its going WAY TO FAST. We're back in full swing and my social calender barely leaves any time for sleep and coursework. There isn't much for me to really tell you that was different than last term in regards to my daily activities. So what am I going to talk about this week then.
Well I did actually do something quite exciting. On Friday (the 29th) I went to see this band/dj called Chase and Status in Cheltenham. It was amazing. We had to do a pit stop on the way there...in the middle of the field/side of the road...entertaining. And me being the klutz that I am ended up falling down the stairs and majorly bruising my legs. Also some girl had a bloody nose and thought it would be funny to use me as a tissue, which was not cool and could be the worse part of my evening. But its all good because the next day we went for a proper meal made by my friend Ondine in her horse lorry, now that was a truly amazing party.
So, what else is there for me to tell you? Not much but this Saturday is the kick-off party for RAG (Raise and Give) week. Which is a huge week long party for the most part, but partying for charities so that makes it all good. They have clothes for sale and eventually a calender (which I might be in) and it all goes to make other peoples lives better. They also have a Rally where in students drive to New Castle, party there for the night, and then drive back and party some more. A tractor pull through town, and not in the traditional tractor pull sense...the students literally drag a tractor from the city center back to campus. So pretty much I should have a lot to tell you...and I do mean a lot.
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