LookingUpMovingForward

Monday, November 20, 2006

London, England =) November 16th-19th










Ok, so both to Cambridge and London. I was wise this time and asked people to take pictures of me. ;) I did the things, ya know, the tower bridge, the parilament building and Big ben, saw Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, finally saw my beloved St. Paul's Cathedral. Also, I went to the imperial war museum, it was really amazing, there was an exhibit on WW2 through the eyes of children. Really great. Also, the Churchill museum and war cabinet rooms where during WW2 Churchill and his cabinet met and planned and monitored for the war-it was really brilliant, and I felt so much more informed after going. I stayed in a hostel near St. Paul's literally a block away, and yes, the whispeing gallery really works...I asked a nice man working there to whisper to me when I was across on the other side of the dome, and Victory! Lovely. Also, there is a pic of the street, it is by Oxford Street, really well know shopping area in London, lots of people, and lights and such =) I got a book...called "Everything is Illuminated." (Really a good book).

Once, I tripped...and this gang of guys laughed at me, but it was ok, I brushed it off pretty easily. It is good to trip every once in a while, you realize how unaware you are on a daily basis. Also, knowing how much love I have at home, and how much love I have...it outweighed the cruelty of their laughter.

I met a professor for my research project, at Cambridge university...I also learned there how I sort of allowed myself to feel inferior, then I caught myself, and realized how similar we all are. It was a good experience.

The tube in london, well, challenges in my life have really challenged my brain, and are really good for building who you are. Also, travelling alone, a wise buddy told me, "The first stranger you meet when you travel is yourself." So true. It is a good challenge to get to know who you are, and who you want to be, you also realize how the biggest imposer of limits, is yourself.

Mom, I took a picture of these doors at a church in Cambridge, I think it was called St. Margaret's, they reminded me of your doors. Amber, at night there were blue and white lights on the trees, it reminded me of you. Denise, every picture I took, I imagined your chipper laugh doing the same thing =) Also, your texts always manage to catch me right when I am missing feeling loved...thank you =)

Gaela...I never realized until now, why exactly do I not hang out with you more, I think you are really a special person and I will be happy to see you again. Oh, and the date is my return.

Lastly, I have watched Pigeons in every place I have been thus far, and thought I should really write about them, it is amazing, they are always second to get food from the little birds who dive in and assert the food. Pigeons are picked on by angry teenagers, and so much more...ALAS! In the New York Times, there was a clip about a new book on Pigeons, that talks about their history, how one was even shot multiple times while transmitting a message many a year ago...and he talks all about pigeons. I really must read this book when I get back. So please, respect and take time for your local pigeon.

Ok, I come home December 7th, Oy! Coming up. I love you all, ;)

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Ich Bien ein Berlin...








Two things...Ok, 1. Yes President Kennedy said this, I am borrowing it from him, 2. I was in Berlin, but as I do not know German, to conjugate for past because (I am in Berlin)...too complicated. I was in Berlin for a week, and it was really amazing. I am always really amazed at everything I end up experiencing and learning. I went to 4 museums, and learned so much, the German History museum caught my heart, so I went twice...it was fabulous. Also, saw the parliament building, Berlin Dome, Brandenberg gate, the victory tower, the remaining war bombed tower of one church, and in general...German culture. The visit was really pertinent for my research paper, and honestly for my life. I have a favorite song right now, where in the chorus he says "I'm learning to breathe, I'm learning to crawl, I'm finding that you and you alone can break my fall. I'm living again, awake and alive, I'm dying to breathe in these abundant skies." - In relation to God...I really feel like I am really beginning to learn to "breathe" and realizing more and more about who I am and who I am becoming. =)

Tomorrow, I go to London for four days, good times, for research and to see some things I have wanted to see =)

Gaela: I sure hope your pal enjoys Berlin as much as I did. How are your classes going?? Soon approached the move to UCD?? =) Congrats!

Monday, November 06, 2006

Mountain Hike to see the Chamois




Ok, so I went for a hike, in beautiful weather, in the mountains above my house. We were looking for the chamois (refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamois) . It was really lovely. I was sort of tired, so sure, I had a little bit of a bad french day, I spoke a lot but was not understanding, and you know, sometimes you just feel like a complete idiot in that type of situation. Alright, anyways, it was absolutley gorgeous weather, and about 7 degress celsius. In the first photo there is the chamois we saw as we were heading back, there were a few up on the top of a mountain. I warn you, he is quite little in my pic. =)

Ok all, i am going to Berlin for a week, I do not know if I will have internet access there, so. Anyways, love you all, and the date is approaching =)

Hey Gaela, what is it you asked if I could add?