Brighton Beach, England

Yesterday, Sunday, was one of the most chillax days of the trip so far. JT, Josue and myself took about an hour train ride from London to the southern coast of England to a highly popular, yet relaxed pebble beach known as Brighton. This place is literally stuck in the 1950s. Imagine the Coney Island feel, or beach images from the movie 'Jaws', and that gives you a sense of the people and atmosphere.

Unlike most American beaches, Brighton is a vast trek of fist to fingernail-sized rocks. The simple sounds made by the small round stones control the entire vibe in my opinion. Footsteps of other beach-goers can be heard vividly, and when the waves roll in, then gradually recede, a quiet, peaceful noise is made - kind of like a rain stick. Also, Fish-n-Chip venders were all over the place and it was hard to find any other sort of meal. I guess that has to do with being a coastal city with tons of access to Cod.















Brighton Pier, apparently quite famous, is one big carnival. There are various games for both kids and adults alike, as well as a few small roller-coasters and even a haunted house. Seagulls, rather than humans, are the dominant force along the wooden boardwalk. They are quite hostile at times and signs are posted all over warning of the possibility of aerial attack. Quite funny, actually.

The town is a maze of old alleyways with small, quaint shops and diners. The place is obviously quite old and it seems as if the people living there have tried to keep it that way. Other than a few retail outlets and a modern movie theater, the antiquity of Brighton has absolutely been preserved. Since we'll be leaving in just a few days, the best part was spending some time out of the busy, smoggy city with our friend Josue. He has been our #1 pal and guide during our stay and will be greatly missed.

Edinburgh snapshots

Poor Iran

I'm pretty angry over the situation in Iran right now. It is difficult to even imagine what life must be like for the majority of citizens in that false-democracy. Above the scandal surrounding the dictator's election, what kind of leader, especially under such an intense international microscope, uses these violent, oppressive tactics against non-violent protestors in such an open manner. What an idiot. Ahmadinejad is digging his own grave if you ask me. Isn't that what a 'democracy' is? Having the right to speak one's mind no matter how radical (or in this case threatening) an individual or group's claims may be? Sh*t has really hit the fan. I could go on, but I won't...

EDINBURGH, Scotland

This past weekend (June 19-21) JT and I traveled by train to Edinburgh, Scotland, one of the most unique places I have ever seen with my own eyes. What made the experience even better is knowing that I have Scottish blood running through my veins. These people, though encompassed by a history full of hardship & struggle, were by far the nicest and most generous I have come in contact with since leaving the States.

The National Express journey took nearly 4 1/2 hours, about the same as a trip from B'ham to Destin, FL. It felt much shorter, however, due to the pristine landscapes which sped by outside the window of the car. The closer we got to Edinburgh, the more breathtaking the scenery. Vast English farmland with medieval fortifications ultimately gave way to rolling hills full of cows, sheep, and millions of flowers. Scurrying rabbits could be seen in packs of a dozen or so. Finally, about an hour before arrival, we reached the coast of the North Sea. The train hugged immense, rocky cliffs and occasionally passed quaint port towns with populations of maybe a few hundred to a thousaand Scots. My favorite part of all were the occasional couples, obviously lovers, strolling in fields of wheat alongside the cliffsides hand in hand. I couldn't help but think of Amanda each time.

Upon arrival JT and I dominated some cheap Chinese quisine in the local mall which is adjacent to Waverly Station. Then, with ease, we found the Grosvenor Gardens Hotel - a small, but comfortable establishment just down an alley off of one of the main streets. An oriental family ran the show and were incredibly friendly and helpful during our stay. Then, after a solid nap, me and my pal explored the city and came across the Royal Mile, probably the most historical and seemingly ancient cobblestone street ever tread by our feet. Tales of the place date back to the 13th/14th centuries, if not before.

Here are some of the cool things we did over the span of the weekend:

1) Ghost Tour - This was both hilarious and frightening. The first half consisted of a tour around the streets of the old town area, with absolutely unbelieveble and obviously stretched stories of cults, sorcery, wicked religion, monsters, public executions, etc. Later on, however, we were taken down into a catacomb beneath a particularly haunted area of the city. Talk about eerie... As we went from chamber to chamber our guide - the best storyteller I've ever encountered - blew out the candles which lit the rooms. During the end of the tour a few of us standing in the back could have sworn we heard a female's voice crying, or moaning very faintly from a pitch black hallway to our rear. What was it? We'll never know... The tour ended just after midnight.

2) Edinburgh Castle - The medieval military fortification sits high upon a cliff knkown as 'The Rock' which overlooks the town, ocean, and farmlands. It was carved from volcanic activity long, long ago. The scenery looking out over the cities & hills was amazing. While everything was extremely interesting and insightful, especially the headset they provided to help guide you along your way, my favorite part was without doubt the prison deep in the belly of the castle. The curators did a great job of re-creating the atmosphere by hanging dozens of hammocks, laying out various foods and games to pass the time, and even playing recordings of conversations which may have taken place between inmates.

3) The Scotch Whiskey Experience - This was just straight up bad ass. That's the only way to put it. You ride in a 'whiskey barrel' along a slow track which teaches you the step-by-step process of making Scottish whiskey. All the while your guide and teacher is a ghostly figure which represents the man who ran the distillery for nearly 70 years in the 1800s. After, an actual fellow brought our group into a room and proceeded to explain how a whiskey's taste depends on the region of Scotland it is brewed in. There are 4 - based on geographical location and the natural resources used in the aging process. The tour ended with a tasting session in one of the largest Scotch Whiskey collections on earth, nearly 4,000 bottles strong. I'm not a big fan of its taste, but it sure helped sprout a few new chest hairs...

I love Scotland and hope to visit the entire region before my time on earth is done.

Tube Strike Blues...

The two main Underground labor unions are at war. One side hopes for an increase in wages through negotiations & positive dialogue, while the other simply refuses to show up for work in an attempt to spark change through striking. The most agitating aspect of the whole situation is how much money the workers already make. Operators make up to £40,000 already - similar to a $70,000 salary back in the states.

What does all this mean? Well, the subway system is at a standstill while the fight rages on. A city of roughly 8 million people has lost it's primary mode of public transportation. The streets are packed with individuals rushing off to their daily grind and double decker buses are best comparable to massive cans of sardines. It is not a common occurance and could last into the weekend.

Instead of my daily commute of approximately 22 minutes by the tube, I now must walk 2.2 miles each day (roughly 45 minutes in foot traffic). A bus ride along the same route can take over 1 1/2 hours, so that's out of the question altogether. I have actually come to enjoy the lengthy stroll through town, however it is quite annoying in particularly crowded areas. If anything, it allows for healthy excersize and much desired fresh air. Who knows, maybe I'll say screw the tube altogether and keep on truckin' by foot for the rest of the trip...(riiiiiight)

Top 10 List

Top 10 things I despise in London...

1) Sidewalks. Many are old, obviously, and were pieced together with dissimilar stones. Some sit higher, others lower. When it rains you can count on a minefield of puddles.

2) The rain. Need I say more?

3) Terrible teeth. Everywhere. Come on people, it doesn't hurt to floss once a "fortnight."

4) Lack of decent service (and/or common manners).

5) TV. I have yet to crack a smile at these shows they call comedy. I desperately need some American sarcasm in my life, as well as the History channel.

6) Free newspaper distributors. They are on every bloody corner and are so cheery for some odd reason, similar to the guys in Las Vegas who hand out mass quantities of strip club advertisements.

7) Pointy shoes. Everywhere I look it's like bad scene from the Wizard of Oz. Instead of being dead underneath a house, the Wicked Witch and her curled toes are everywhere. The funny part is that most are on dudes.

8) The food. I know everyone says it's bad here, but that's not necessarily the case. It's the rediculously high cost for a freakin lump of noodles that really chaps my ass.

9) Fox hunting. What they call a 'past time' I call sad. Not for the poor foxes, necessarily, but for their lack of diversity in the realm of awesome animals.

10) Fashion. Here's the best way to describe it, as well as experience it for yourself. Step 1 - Turn of all the lights. Step 2 - Walk into the closet. Step 3 - Get dressed in the dark. Step 4 - Go about your day.


Top 10 things I love in London...

1) Cultural Diversity. Never before have I experienced such a melting pot of human beings. Just sit on a bench in a crowded place and count the various languages being spoken around you. It's a beautiful thing.

2) Sunny days. The entire town awakens from some sort of dreary slumber and comes alive. Parks are packed with people and full of sport.

3) Movie theatres. The screens are massive and some interiors resemble the Alabama Theatre in downtown Birmingham, just larger. The experience is worth the extra £.

4) Irish people. One gave me his old TV for free.

5) History. Up, down, left, right. It's everywhere.

6) Open air food markets. Their atmospheres are vibrant and you have access to so many new tastes from around the globe. The people there are the nicest you'll find, plus you can have a field day with a camera.

7) The Tube. I really enjoy riding the subway. Everyone else seems pissed off though.

8) British flicks. A London native who lives on my floor has lent a few over and I can't get enough. They are gritty and have the craziest plots.

9) A change of scenery.

10) My cool boss, Anthea. She's been here since the Stone Age.

Thoughts on the Current State of British Politics

The UK is entering into a political realm unknown by anyone under the age of 90. That's right. It has been ninety years since the powerful Labour Party has felt the grip of defeat by internal opposition. This is the party of the current Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, as well as a plethora of other influential (and greedy as of late) Members of Parliament. Many factors attribute to the governmental shift which is taking place.

Many blame the exponentially deteriorating economy for the Labour Party's recent defeats and decline in power. Others are simply fed up with the overspending of MP's and their use of taxes for absolutely rediculous reasons and have simply changed their political allegiences. A number, especially strong English nativists, are convinced that the ever-growing percent of foreign immigrants (from India, Pakistan, etc.) have started to pool efforts and resources throughout their communities in an attempt to transform the system. All make sense, but some are taking it a little too far. By 'some' I mean the British National Party (BNP).

The BNP just recieved it's first 2 seats in Parliament. Just two isn't a big deal though, right? Wrong. Take a further gander into the party's ideologies and platform and you'll see why. These men, who are now elected officials and under government salary (£80,000 or so plus nearly double in benefits), are radical to say the least.

First, they stanuchly deny that the Holocaust, one of the most eye opening and horrific chapters in the history of humanity, ever happened. Also, their hatred toward homosexuals and other similar 'unnatural' circles is blatant. Supporting the abuse of such people is simply wrong, no matter where one personally stands on the matter. Finally, the BNP hopes to pull the UK out of the international market - aka end the import/export of foriegn goods, as well as the mutually beneficial trade agreements & treaties which serve to keep the small island nation afloat during these difficult times. However insane these viewpoints may seem, they are tapping into certain circles which are feeling the pains of job competition and mass unemployment.

These new leaders have promised atleast 10% of their earnings for community improvements, which sounds great to many struggling individuals & families. How do some tyrants gain power? They feed the hungry and promise change... then slip in the back door. Let's hope people think twice before again casting their ballots in their favor of these blind men.

I personally cannot help but think of the 3rd Reich (Nazi Regime circa 1930-45) upon dissecting the platform, as well as growing influence, of this radical party. It is quite ironic, actually, that the BNP has finally rooted itself in the Houses of Parliament in the very week of the 65th anniversary of the Allied defeat of Hitler and the Axis Powers...

It is about 1:30 right now and I am insanely bored at work. Just thought I would share those thoughts.

Some sweet pictures...

Me. JT. Statues & Engravings. Boy fascinated with pigeon. Westminster Abbey. Children playing in the Courtauld Fountains. The Somerset House (Witt Library lies below).

Update #3 (i know it's been a while)

To my three devoted followers (and whoever else is out there) I'm sorry it's been so long. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of this ridiculously fast-paced town. Not much has changed, and work is pretty much the same ol' same ol'... but here's what has been up lately in a nutshell.

Last Monday morning two of my good pals from the U of A, Alex Corona & Andrew Smith, stopped in for an extremely fun three-night stay. It was the beginning leg of a 5 week Euro-trip for the guys so I wanted to make sure things were as comfortable and exciting as possible. By that I mean an extra twin/single mattress on the ground, equipped with zero linens, which the two of them were forced to share. Hey, I'm sure it is be better than some of the other places in store (like their future hostel in Tangier, Morocco/North Africa - hah).

Andrew is a future politician and law school student, so we went to the doors of Parliament and what do you know... they let us right in! We watched a semi-heated debate over the necessity of the UK's strict new VISA policies - a stressful issue which I experienced first hand in preparing for the trip. Some may call it 'arguing', but the yelling back and forth between MP's (Members of Parliament) and their opponents actually represents the chief cornerstone of Democracy itself - DEBATE. The three of us also rode the London eye, which allowed for a 360 degree panorama view of the entire city, as well as the surrounding countryside. Quite beautiful.

It is the third weekend here and I haven't traveled anywhere at all. I'm going to have to get together with some folks and plan a trip to Scotland, or maybe Paris. On the same note, JT works with some really cool people, who have invited us both on a trip to the coast (Brighton Beach) before we fly out in July, as well as dinner at Carrie's flat - she's an Opera singer and reminds me exactly of Camille. Josue (Joshua in Portuguese) has been particularly nice, and is kind of JT's boss. He took us to the opening of a local British pub called the "Doodle Bar" which was a really interesting time. All the walls are painted white, the waiters/bartenders wear white clothes, and the catch is that you can write on ANYTHING with different colored paint pens. By the end of the night the place, as well as people, were covered in what they described as 'Urban Artwork.'

Two of the highlights of the trip so far have been the Borough and Portabella Markets. Borough Market is strictly for food venders, which offer a plethora of tastes from around the world. JT had a field day with his new Nikon zoom camera, snapping shots of loaves of bread, rare meats, stacks of wine bottles, wheels of cheese, buckets of chocolates, and my personal favorite - dozens of flavored olives. Portabella Market is in Notting Hill, where the famous Hugh Grant/Julia Roberts flick was filmed. I actually visited the same bookstore where they met in the movie. While there are food venders all over, similar to Borough, Portabella instead prides itself on rare antiques. I held a compass which was used by the British military in the mid-1800s, for example. The prices here were a little too steep, so we spent most of our time just wandering.

Work starts back tomorrow and we will be receiving two new interns this week. One from California (Catherine), another from Wisconsin (Shana). It will be my job to help show them the ropes since as of now I am the most senior intern at the Witt Library.

The trip is officially half way over, and while I miss everyone back home, I am cherishing this experience to the fullest. It is a once in a lifetime journey and the friends I have made so far (John, Kelsey, etc.) are sure to be life-long. The Brits, however, don't even compare to Alabamians/Southerners. The stiff upper lips and lack of decent service is starting to get a little old... not to mention the insanely steep cost of living in this place ($ = into thin air). That said, I promise to post more often. It is definitely a stress reliever, and I'll be glad to have a journal of events to look back on later in life. Goodbye for now, and a shout out to Amanda, the Smith & Shepherd families, and all the fellas from T-town.

THE COURTAULD - Day 1

Work has been.......interesting, so far. I essentially operate in the catacombs of the Courtauld, Britain's finest 18th century structure, which makes the time pass just knowing who else walked (or wailed) within the same walls. Before becoming a Naval base/barracks it was actually a royal palace for the King and Queen. Usually, in the 1700s , underground levels were reserved for odd practices, such as imprisonement, torture, etc. I guess it was tougher to hear the screams. Maybe my mind is wandering a bit too far here...but perhaps I'm in the company of a few restless undead. We shall see.

Today I catalogued about 50 different paintings, ranging from Paul Gaugin, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Cezanne, and a ton of other seemingly ancient dudes. But the truth is, these guys were around just yesterday in the grand scheme of things. And what is most amazing is what their true worth is. Yes, their paintings are nice, but it is the fact that they CHALLENGED THE SYSTEM which makes the works truly priceless. They were the first; Innovators. Pioneers. Rebels. Insane. Call them what you like, but they were badasses. The best part is, many didn't become famous until far after their deaths. It wasn't about the glory... It was about freedom of expression amidst a strictly hierarchical society...

The actual area which I work in is called the Witt Library - one of the only Art Archives of its kind in the world. You want to see a copy of any 14th-19th century European painting? You come to us... You want to see a hundred other copycat versions? You come to us... People actually travel from around the world to verify if old prints found in their grandparents' atticks are truly authentic (which they rarely are). While work is tedious and coffee is likely to become my best pal, it is the company I keep which helps pass time the most. I have two bosses - Barbara Thompson and Anthea Brook, two Art historians and sweet, sweet older ladies. Anthea, probably in her 60s, is our main overseer. By "our" I mean Ellie too - my fellow intern. She is a really cool girl from Georgetown and already a friend. Back to Anthea. She is really hip, and often lets her tongue fly in hilarious ways. I love her old school British accent, and I think she likes my southern twang as well.

Well, me and JT just finished For the Love of Money, an old Tom Cruise flick from the 80s, and even watched City of God last night. It's really nice having a good bud around from home. As for everyone back in the States, I think about ya'll often - especially Camille, Amanda, and Odin. Mom & Dad, hope the house is coming along. Save me a room.

I'm out. Time for bed. Big day with the ghosts tomorrow...

WHIRLWIND WEEK ONE

What's happenin?

I'm just now getting this thing rolling, so here we go. I guess we'll just start from the beginning. Upon arrival to the B'ham Shuttlesworth Int'l Airport I was told that my flight to ATL was cancelled. Bad start, eh? So, I took a yellow cab cross state with ol' Mr. Hightower, relative of U of A linebacker Daunte Hightower. It turned out to be a nice experience, for he educated me further on an era which he personally lived through and I am fascinated with - the Civil Rights Movement. When I finally arrived at ATL International with only 30 minutes to spare I found myself last in the line of nearly 100 other international travelers. There was no hope. I ended up staying in the doubletree hotel for the night, which actually serves some of the best dang hot wings on the planet.

I awoke the next morning just ready to get to London, so I arrived at the airport about 6 hours early - the first at the gate. Upon takeoff, I realized flying alone is much easier than flying with others (for those with anxiety). There is no one to cling to, therefore your body internally deals with the situation itself. It was actually a very pleasant experience. I finally arrived in the UK around 7:00 AM and caught a cab to my new home - a very trendy/modern student living highrise in the King's Cross district (central London). The people here are really cool, and the night security guards are definitely my boyz. I met up with JT, my roommate and good friend, later Monday evening after quite a long nap. It was really nice to see a familiar face.

This past week has been one dedicated to orientation, although it has mainly involved us meeting friends and wandering/getting lost in the city, then finding our way back again. That seems to be the best method sometimes. We have seen all the tourist attractions by now - Westminster Abbey, Parliament, Piccadilly/Oxford Circus, the Strand, the British Museum, the Museum of Natural History, etc.... I am working at the Courtauld institute of Art, wich is located across from the London Eye, on the Strand. It is a breathtaking place, and is considered London's most beloved 17th century structure.

The Courtauld (or Somerset House) was originally a Naval base and barracks. It's vast courtyard was probably used for military drilling, i would guess. It sits on the bank of the Thames River, which provided an adequate port for soldiers to come and go from. Google the place and you can get a sense of where I'm coming from, but barely. It houses some of the most famous paintings and scupltures in the history of 14th - 19th century European Art - Van Gogh, Gaugin, Cezanne, Manet... the list goes on and on. It is highly guarded by dudes in black suits. They all swarm at once when any alarm sounds, usually meaning someone has stepped a little too close to one of the prized treasures. While I am more interested in History alone, rather than Art History, I am confident it will be a nice learning experience and wonderful resume builder. Just standing in the colossal structure is a direct, emotionally moving connection with history itself.

Well, that's about it. I am making new friends, but obviously are thinking of old ones. I'm sure after 6 weeks I'll be ready to return to my love, pup, and family. Peace out, for now...