traveling

I am trying to think of something exciting to say, and I really don't have much. I can tell you some weird things I've seen lately. I was going down the stairs into one of the tube stations last week and saw a girl wearing a vest made of bread. Yes, bread. Different kinds all strung up together to form a vest. Today, I saw a car literally covered in grass. It was real. Not lying. Probably electric. I should probably learn not to be surprised by anything these days.

I've done a bit of travelling the past 2 weekends in a row. I went to York on the 7th. I think it's my favourite place of all. It's such a quaint little town right on a river. It's got that old time charm, which I love. I wish I had gone overnight because I didn't get to see everything I wanted to- which could have been because I was stupid and decided to go on a Sunday which is when everything closes early (4:30-5). The train ride was 2 hours, but I sort of like long rides. They're very relaxing and the views of the English countryside are gorgeous. York had a lot to see. When I first got there, I had lunch- bangers and mash. I was actually quite surprised at how much I enjoyed English sausage. Went on a riverboat cruise after that which told a little bit of history on the areas surrounding the river. There were lots of people out rowing, probably for teams, I don't know why else people would be doing that in 35 degree weather. I walked along the river, went to the museum, saw the shambles. It's really just an all around amazing city. It was founded back in 71 AD by the Romans so it has a LOT of history.

Moving on, Saturday I went to Oxford. I wasn't really sure if I was going to enjoy this city, but I did quite a lot. There are SO many colleges that make up part of Oxford University, each and every one absolutely beautiful. It is hard to tell apart the colleges from the churches and some of the colleges are also churches. Oxford too is right along a river and punting is (so I hear) a common sight to see. Nobody was actually punting while I was there. I read it's easy to tip the boat over if you aren't experienced enough and really- who wants to fall in when it's 35 degrees out? The picture at the top is of the boats used to go punting. I think the old wooden ones are the most authentic. For lunch, I went to this great pub called The Turf Tavern and it was the BEST (ps- thank you Lori, if you're reading this). Good beer (who thought I'd ever say that!?), good food and very nice service. I went to Christ Church College which is where parts of the Harry Potter movies were filmed and also played a big role in Alice in Wonderland. That was neat. Right across from the college is the Alice in Wonderland Shop which is where the real Alice bought her candy from.

Sunday, Valentine's Day, I spent the day with myself in a little town on the very southernmost part of England called Brighton. Brighton is right on the shore and I'm sure it's lovely in the summer. Unfortunately, it was not on Sunday- way too foggy. Very pretty town though and very hilly. I didn't do much, just walked along the shore and went to the North & South Laines. Both were full of cafes, jewelery stores, clothes and shoe shops, candy shops and antique and secondhand shops. That's pretty much all I did. I guess I was tired. Brighton has this huge pier, called Brighton Pier, that has lots of junk food stores, an arcade, and lots of fair rides. I walked along that which was kind of nice.

So, kiddies, that's about all I have for now.

Until next time,

Britt