August 2012
2 posts
“The English language is like London: proudly barbaric yet deeply civilised, too,...”
– ― Stephen Fry, The Ode Less Travelled: Unlocking the Poet Within
July 2012
6 posts
Cheers = See Ya Later, Dude
I realize I haven’t posted in a while, and I apologize for that. You see, I find it hard to post certain things on this blog because this trip isn’t just about seeing London - it’s about experiencing history, culture and the world of stories I’ve read about since I was little. So much of everything here has personal meaning to me. It’s hard to convey emotions...
zzZZzZzzZZ...
I’m finally here in London - well, the countryside more like…I haven’t actually seen central London yet. It hasn’t really hit me yet either. Right now it feels like I’m at camp except everyone here has funny accents. I like it so far. The room is ho-hum but I plan to do nothing more than write a few course papers and sleep in here anyway so it shouldn’t be...
June 2012
11 posts
Frozen Haddock Fillets (with butter)...
Today I took one of my wards to The British Emporium in Grapevine, Texas while we were out-and-about. It was my second time to go to the store which has everything from Doctor Who and Downton Abbey paraphernalia to bangers and jammy doggers. I wanted my picky-eating friend to see what kinds of delicacies I had to look forward to in the coming month. With his tongue wagging in disgust, I read...
C’est ici l’empire de la mort
The countdown leaves me at 2 weeks until I fly off to London.
I purchased my converter today so we’ll see how that goes. I imagine the scene from Leap Year when Amy Adams’ character plugs in her iPhone and the entire inn hums before being cloaked in complete and utter darkness. Hopefully I won’t have to post any “I’m without electricity” blogs - which might...
Les Miserables
Les Miserables has indisputably become the world’s most popular musical, having been seen by over 55 million people worldwide, in 40 countries and in 21 languages and is approaching it’s 25th year. From its celebrated opening in London in October 1985, this adaptation immediately captured the imagination and enthusiasm of the theatre-going public. Set in 19th century France, the...
221b Baker Street
Sherlock Holmes and Doctor John H. Watson lived at 221b Baker Street between 1881-1904, according to the stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The house is protected by the government due to its “special architectural and historical interest”, while the 1st floor study overlooking Baker Street is still faithfully maintained for posterity as it was kept in Victorian Times.
I...
See ‘Harry Potter’ movie sets on U.K. studio tour →
The Dallas Morning News’ coverage of The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour - Glad I purchased my tickets now that the word is out!
Keep Calm & Go To London
In one month I will cross the pond…and my adventure will finally begin.
I am filled with excitement as well as preparation anxiety. I feel like there is so much to be done before I can leave, yet absolutely no time to do it. Suppose I’ll have to limit my Harry Potter marathons to one movie a day (wink - as if!)
Until then I just need to keep reciting the following:
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“Remember what Bilbo used to say: It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going...”
May 2012
24 posts
3 tags
WatchJK Rowling at The Elephant House
In a world before the fame, fortune and Hollywood, JK Rowling was interviewed at The Elephant House, a coffee and tea cafe in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. She wrote from a back table - looking out at Edinburgh Castle which presumably inspired Hogwarts.
She begins her interview by explaining who Harry Potter is - Wow - shaking head in disbelief!...
Are Those Bagpipes I Hear?
Sorry if this post has many typos - I just ate Blue Bell out of the pint and my fingers are a little frostbitten.
I’m very excited to announce that I decided not to go on the Brussels trip organized by Middlesex, and instead to go on my own journey north to Edinburgh, Scotland. Just 4.5 hours north of London by train, I plan to see most of the lush countryside as I fly (at 186mph) by. I...
Warner Brothers Studio Tour London: The Making of...
I can’t wait to see where the magic really happened! What an amazing opportunity!
http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/en/
Wicked Lingo & The Like...
1 month and 10 days - my countdown calendar is ticking off the days until I fly across the pond. Until then, I have some major vocabulary/slang to learn. I’ve stumbled upon some particularly funny terms and words I would like to share:
argy-bargyNoun. Trouble, noisy quarrelling, arguing. {Informal}.
barking
Adj. Insane, crazy. Short for barking mad.
Bedfordshire
Noun. Bed or bedtime....
Bought My Adapter Kit
“Oh, but Paris isn’t for changing planes, it’s for changing your...”
– Sabrina Fairchild, Sabrina (1954)
Why Do You Think I Have This Outrageous Accent...
Mom and I were doing some research on my accommodations for my weekend trip to Paris. Primarily this was due to my fear of the European Roach Motel of crappy travel movies aired on TBS. You see, I have this impression that all hotels in Paris can be divided into two categories: 1) luxurious, old and dripping with waistcoated charm and 2) decaying, old and dripping with something far smellier...
Harrods Department Store - Just Take My Money →
Telly Troubles
Today I had the great pleasure of making my first international call to Middlesex University to verify some information. The problem with this otherwise simple and mundane task was that it required me to understand the international area-codes and formatting of their “telly” numeric system…which is nothing like the American system.
i.e.:
USA (xxx) xxx-xxxx
UK +xx (0) xx...
Movies To Watch Pre-Departure:
Sliding Doors
Shakespeare in Love
V for Vendetta
Bridgett Jones’ Diary
Four Weddings and a Funeral
Match Point
Harry Potter: 1-7 1/2
Notting Hill
Wimbledon
Sabrina
Funny Face
London Calling
I’ve been home for a few days now and everyone is asking me all sorts of questions about my upcoming trip. Am I excited? When am I leaving? How long will I be gone?
Well, of course I am excited - in fact the word “excited” doesn’t seem powerful enough to use. I am weary with wanderlust and cannot wait to depart from the plane in Heathrow Airfield and breath in the...
All About LONDON : Countdown for 2012 Olympics
“It is my belief, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest...”
– Arthur Conan Doyle
2 tags
