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My Daily Trip Journal Where We Went Friday: We arrived in Amsterdam and slept for a good few hours before our next flight. When we finally arrived in Edinburgh, we met our tour guide, Vicky. Then, we went on a short walking tour of the “new town” of Edinburgh.
We then ate a meal that consisted
of various tapas at a Spanish restaurant.
We finished the night with a haunted tour… not very scary, but very interesting.
Later, we ate lunch at an amazing Chinese buffet. Then, we split up for a couple hours. I ended up shopping and visiting a modern art museum. We ended the day with a train to London. Sunday: We took a quick tour around London. We went to a beautiful park, a busy square, and a marketplace. We ate at a noodle restaurant called Ragamama. While the majority of the group went on a tube race, Ken, Brooke, Allison, and I went on our own adventure. We got to see Big Ben, the house of
Monday: Today, we went to Abbey road and saw the EMI studio.
Later, we went to Camden marketplace which was a little scary. Then we went to King’s Cross train station where I got a picture of platform nine and three quarters. After that, we did some shopping around Piccadilly Circus. As a group, we ate Indian cuisine for dinner. While some of the group went to see Spamalot, a few of us decided to go to Hard Rock Café and Green Park. At the café, we got a free tour from Ian. We saw some awesome things like one of Jimi Hendrix’s guitars and the harpsichord played by the Beatles. Tuesday: Today we took a tour with Cindy. We went to the Buckingham Palace,
the house of parliament, and The Tower of London. Later, after eating fish and chips, I wandered around Leicester with Ken, Jackie, and Allison. Wednesday: Today we woke up very early and traveled to Paris on the Eurostar. We then explored the Notre Dame cathedral. While searching for a place to exchange our money, we came upon a very old and small bookstore called “Shakespeare and Company”. Later, we ate crêpes and then saw the Eiffel Tower.
After that, we visited the memorial of Napoleon with the eternal flame of the Unknown Soldier. Thursday: Today we took a bus tour around Paris. We went to The Louvre where we saw the Mona Lisa, Aphrodite, Egyptian tombs, and many other interesting works of art. Later, we had pizza at Flam. After that, Andy guided us on a very scenic tour to the Eiffel Tower. We got to go to the top at night time.
Friday: Today we walked up some massive stairs to a cathedral and had some free time around Paris.
Saturday: Today we arrived at the Barcelona train station and took a tour with Belen. We went to Park
the highest point of Barcelona, the Sagrada Família, and La Rambla. In La Rambla, I saw an amazing spray paint artist, a famous tennis player, and some talented break dancers. Sunday: Today Ken, Andy, Señor Schartow, and I searched for the Olympic diving pool.
We did not find it, but we saw some great scenery. Also, I definitely got a workout. Then, we ate lunch at Pizza Hut Express (very cultural, I know), and then we lounged at the beach for a while. Later, some of us walked through La Rambla for some last minute shopping and went back to the hotel.
What I Learned About the Place Friday: I learned that Alexander Graham Bell lived in Edinburgh. Also, I learned that J. K. Rowling was inspired to create Hogwarts by looking out a window at a school that was covered with high walls. The school supposedly had high walls around it because there were children riding around on broom sticks. In the graveyard nearby, there was also the grave of a man with the last name of McGonagall. Saturday: On clearance, bagpipes sell for about five hundred dollars. There is also a musical group called the Red Hot Chili Pipers. Moreover, Edinburgh is like Chicago, very windy. Sunday: Gucci was a dishwasher at a ritzy hotel for four years before he became famous. I also learned that the house of parliament is one of the places Harry Potter flies past in the third movie. Monday: Today I learned that the first escalator used in the underground was in 1911. That fact may not seem very significant, but it made it much easier for people to get to their trains on time. I also learned that Elvis was discovered when we went to record a couple of his songs for his mother’s birthday.
Tuesday: Today I learned that, back in the day, The Tower of London had to close for a few years due to “The Big Stink”. The human excrement in the moat caused a stench that was literally unbearable for the inhabitants to endure. Historians also credit this stench for acting as a defensive barrier against attacking armies because even they could not handle the odor. Wednesday: I learned that the Eiffel Tower is so delicately made that if you melt down all of the metal in the circumference in which the tower stands, the puddle would only be six inches tall. Also the beacon at the top of the Eiffel Tower can be seen up to ten miles away. In addition, the tower glitters ten minutes every hour, each night. The sight is gorgeous. Thursday: Today I learned that there are many sun symbols around the city. They have existed since the reign of King Louis XIV because the sun was his symbol. Also, the Mona Lisa is very small and bland compared to other, less famous, works of art in the museum. Friday: In my opinion, I found that some of Paris’ best art can be products of the local, unknown artists. Saturday: I learned that Barcelona is referred to as a woman. Also, the Sagrada Família is considered a temple and not a cathedral for various reasons. Sunday: Today, I learned that some of the locals are unaware of their city’s most valuable attractions. I also had no idea that there were multiple pools used in the Olympics.
An Exchange with a Native of the Country Friday: In search of a phone card, I went into an electronics store and asked a man for help. Although he spoke English, there was still a communication gap between us. Saturday: I interviewed David, our local tour guide. We discussed the music of Scotland and its culture. I also interacted with two cashiers which was surprisingly difficult. Sunday: I had an exchange with a merchant at a chocolate shop and a vending store. The man at the vending store lied to me and told me that the phone card I purchased had at least an hour of talking time. It only had thirty-one minutes…yeah. Monday: I had many conversations with merchants today. A woman writing a book on cultural influence approached me and asked me some questions as well. The highlight was my interview with Ian because he gave e great insight on London’s culture and music.
Tuesday: I had three exchanges with locals today. At a restaurant, a cashier asked me if I wanted to eat in or take it out. However, he said this in phrases that I am not accustomed to, so it took me a while to understand what he was actually asking me. Wednesday: Today Jackie and I had a conversation with a merchant in which we asked for directions to the closest exchange office. I also conversed with a man that sold me a baguette and a drink. Thursday: Today I had many conversations with vendors because I was comparing prices. I also haggled with a woman. Friday: Today I bought a croque mosieur from a couple of women, and I bout ice cream and potholders from local vendors. Saturday: I had an exchange with a woman in Subway in which I completely spoke Spanish. This was very refreshing. Also, many vendors in souvenir shops immediately started talking to me in English, and it made me disappointed because I was trying to push my limits and speak as much Spanish as possible. Sunday: Today I ordered a pizza in Spanish. Also, I interviewed Ralph about Barcelona’s attractions and music.
What I Learned About the People of the Country Friday: I learned that the Scottish are more immune to cold weather than Michiganders are. I saw many girls in short skirts, shorts, and tee-shirts. Of course, there were also many men walking around in kilts. I was shivering in two shirts, a jacket, and sweatpants. Saturday: I learned that some people really do not wear anything under their kilts. How do I know this? Well, it was a windy day, so use your imagination. Also, the locals like to joke about us. For instance, while walking down a side street, we passed a couple of men standing outside of a pub. One of them commented “Oh now aren’t ye all glad you brought your ponchos with ye?” Also, while posing for a picture in front of a pub, a man behind us made funny and almost obscene gestures. Sunday: In London, street performing is a very big deal. At this magician’s performance, he had a petition for the audience to sign. Evidently, the government is trying to cut their wage in half. I also learned that even they protest the war. There was a row of tents with signs about peace in front of the house of parliament. I also learned that the locals are not amused when you try to mimic their accents. Monday: I learned that even if the metro is packed, the locals will try any means necessary to fit in the train, rather than wait for the next one. Also, they have their “punks” and “goths” just like us.
Wednesday: I learned that street vendors are very persistent, even if you are rude to them. It really is best to not even look at them. Thursday: Not to be rude, but Parisians are not the best drivers. One of those tiny Smart cars sideswiped a parked tour bus. Also, their method of parking is a little troublesome. If there is not room to park on the street, some choose to park in the middle of the sidewalk. However, if those are their most significant traffic problems, then they are still doing pretty well. Friday: I learned that there are some really talented French locals. Whether they are musicians, painters, or caricaturists, they enjoy sharing their talent with the public. Even if they cannot make a living off the money they earn, they perform because it is their passion. Saturday: Today I learned that many locals were automatically switching to English because they thought they were doing me a favor. It was a considerate gesture, but I really enjoy speaking Spanish. Sunday: Even in sixty degree weather, many locals enjoy the beach. Many lounge or play volleyball. Some even have massive parties where they dance in a circle and sing “Greased Lightning.”
Something I Learned about Myself Friday: I learned that my somewhat stereotypical presumption of the Scottish was true. In addition, I learned that even though the Scottish spoke English, I was so overwhelmed by their accent that I had trouble understanding them. Saturday: According to Jackie, Ken, and Brooke, I’m pretty good at impersonating people. Sunday: I learned that I get homesick very easily. Also, I can do a fairly good British accent. Apparently, I can navigate the underground better than I thought I could. Most important, I learned that I have a lot more fun when I disregard what others think of me. Monday: While in the Camden marketplace, I learned that when I feel uncomfortable, I should wait a while before fleeing because it is rewarding to step out of my comfort zone. Tuesday: Today I learned that I can get scared very easily. Who helped me discover this? Señor Schartow of course! Wednesday: I assume that everyone speaks English too often. Also, I can overcome discomfort by focusing on more important aspects, rather than the poor condition of our room. Thursday: I learned that taking the time to compare prices really pays off. In addition, my curiosity about exhibits in The Louvre resulted in more memorable experiences for me. I would not have learned as much or enjoyed myself as much if I had not attempted to see as much as I possibly could. Friday: I enjoy appreciating the beauty of the city and culture around me more than I enjoy shopping for souvenirs. Saturday: I learned that I remember more Spanish than I thought I did. Also, it is more satisfying to speak Spanish and maybe struggle with it than to speak English or use hand gestures. Sunday: Although I am usually satisfied with “going with the flow”, sometimes I need to really speak up for myself when I want something. Also, while in search of the diving pool with Schartow, I learned that I am out of shape!
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Despite the heavy rain, we got a
very informative tour and split up for about half an hour.
It was very beautiful.
Amazing!
We basically shopped and
observed some very talented artists. Later, we got on the night train,
pulled off an amazing prank, and played Battle of the Sexes.
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Britt's Page
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