Wales

Mid November Jess and I went to Wales with my Dad and my Godfather, David. They came to see my school, then we spent one day in London, then headed off to Northern Wales and then came back and rounded off the trip with the last day in London again. While in London we went to the War Rooms, Churchill Museum, Tower of London, Westminster, National Gallery, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, and Fortnum and Mason. In Wales we went to Chester, Conwy, Llandudno, and Snowdonia. Now you tell me who is the better tour guide. I have to say one of the highlights in London besides showing off the great city was eating at Nobu. It is Robert De Nero's Restaurant. When we came out there were tons of Paparazzi! I also had the best cocktail ever invented- it had vodka, elderflower, crushed grapes, and apple juice in it. WONDERFUL. It was also interesting to see the War Rooms that ran WWII from underground. It was very similar to the ones in Dover. The Churchill museum was also interesting. I have always found him a colorful historical figure with a knack for war and little else. The museum presents a different side of him one that was into painting and family. But, I commend it for not shying away from the criticism he has gathered. They admitted his shortcomings as a domestic leader and took that opportunity to show how Clement Attlee, leader of the opposition, stepped in, probably securing him the 1945 General Election. I think it is easy to praise historical figures like Churchill that are flamboyant and clever and colorful, but important to remember to look at the whole person and remember history accurately. That being said I learned a lot about his war genius and respect that a lot more than before I went to the museum. I came away with a more accurate summary of who he is (in a better light) and I hope other people do to.

Now to the funny things: In Wales I think the group we were traveling with was priceless, priceless in a terrible way. I kept a quote journal of things that came out of their mouths. One girl said she got all three of the first Harry Potter books before the first one came out. She was pretty sure they were J.K. Rowling's personal manuscripts. I am going to go ahead and say she was lying.

She also said that Dickens, yes Charles, was a good writer and all but Stephenie Meyer, author of Twilight, was much better at description.

Compare how each describe a city:

"Forks the little town on the Olympic Peninsula, isn't quaint, little, or small, it's 'inconsequential'. " -Meyer

"In the country, the rain would have developed a thousand fresh scents, and every drop would have had its bright association with some beautiful form of growth of life. In the city, it developed only foul stale smells, and was sickly, lukewarm, dirt-stained, wretched addition to the gutters." -Dickens

I think we have a clear winner. Yes, Dickens' books are not as commercially "popular" but its hard to find an Oliver to compete with Rpatz.

But once they were drowned out it was a great trip. Wales is a totally separate country from England, still part of the UK, and it is bi-lingual. Everything is written in Welsh and in English and all school children are taught in Welsh, but obviously have to know English as well. We went to one town that hit its peak as a Victorian seaside resort. It was interesting watching in the early morning the ocean lap in on an area that was past its glory, but still retains its charm and beauty from 150 years ago.

My favorite part was of course having Dad and David there. I did not realize that I missed the US (except the Mexican food) until they left. I miss being part of a larger entity whether it be just Family, SKKAACH, Sewanee, or even a bigger picture. Not being here for long its hard to get involved so its hard to find a group of people. Listening to them talk about people in Tuscaloosa that I know reminded me how lucky I have been to grow up in a community that is connected like it is. I also miss the Southern gentleman that takes interest in what you are saying, opens doors, and so on. And of course the humor. Brits aren't big on the sarcasm or the type of ping pong humor where you bounce of each other with seriousness and wit that I love. It was nice to laugh that laugh you all know and probably hate. It is a confined country and I was afraid it was getting to my personality, luckily my laugh is resilient. And of course being with family is always the best treat. That and the fact that Dad and David matched the entire trip. That was pretty great too.