Since I am leaving for a tour of the Highlands tomorrow morning, I should probably update this with spring break happenings now. They were myriad and slightly more exciting than what I've been doing for the last week.
Lena came to visit from March 20th to the 29th, which was absolutely brilliant. I can't really describe the feeling of having an actual friend to hang out with and talk to after 3 months divorced from everything that I considered real life back in CA. Making friends is one thing, but it takes a long time to actually get to the level of comfort with one another where you can just have fun. So that made everything that we did that much more enjoyable.
As for what we actually did, there was first the trip to St. Andrews to visit Lena's Cal friend Elizabeth. St. Andrew's is an adorable, tiny (only 3 main streets) town, and I'm definitely going to look into going to grad school there. The school has a museum studies masters program, and my grandmother (and father) would be super thrilled. I'll probably go back there later this month or early in May to meet with people in the art department and see what exactly the grad program entails.
After that, there was a ton of Edinburgh sightseeing. We did Craigmillar Castle, which I'd never seen, and Edinburgh Castle, which I had. I really love castles. It's so easy to imagine what life may have been like when people actually inhabited them, whether they be complete or in ruins. They're fun places to let your imagination run wild (also, I've seen too many period movies/read too many period romances). We also went to two of the main museums in Edinburgh, the National Gallery (art) and the National Museum (natural history/culture). Free museums never stop being awesome. However, as far as I saw, the National Gallery has no Caravaggios. Unforgivable. It's also arranged like a typical nineteenth-century art museum, which, while interesting for me as a study in the changes that have occurred in museum display over the years, makes the whole place super overwhelming for the typical patron (I assume). The National Museum is a lot of fun with some really interesting displays and juxtapositions within the Early Peoples exhibits especially. Enough about that, but seriously. I could write a paper on that place. Maybe I will. It could be part of an honors thesis topic.
On the less cultural front, we did some clubbing, which hahaha. I am awful at that scene, but it's always entertaining anyway. I don't even know what to write about it. I feel that Brits tend to do the clubbing thing when they're younger (say 18ish) and then graduate to flat parties and stuff by the time that they're 3rd years and up. It's very much a younger crowd at the clubs here. Pubs, however, are a mix of all ages. And older Brits go clubbing, too, so it's a weird mix of 18 and 40 year olds. Plus a bunch of international visitors and travelers of all ages, of course.
At the end of her visit, Lena so graciously gifted me the most awkward night of my life sharing a couple of mattresses on the floor (they follow me wherever I go) with her and a French guy named Julien. We went to Glasgow to see the city/visit him (someone met in a club in Budapest), and a series of misunderstandings and cultural faux-pas followed. It was a good time, no doubt. I just suck really hard at interacting with the French. It mostly has to do with my complete American-ness and how the French are so similar to us in mentality, just French. They expect everyone to adopt their cultural affectations when they're around (not in a rude or mean way, but still), and we expect everyone to be familiar to and receptive of the American way of doing things. So handshakes are out, kisses on the cheeks are in, etc. I have a personal space bubble, and I often seem really rude to Europeans. I know this, but if I'm not thinking, it's really hard for me to not offend people (the French especially). I really admire French culture etc etc, I just don't think that could ever be me haha. The most I can manage is a happy medium between American and French. I have yet to discover what that is. But yeah, Glasgow. It's a city, plain and simple. Big (relatively), dirty, and ugly. There are good parts, but I have no interest in living there. That's for sure. Glasgow sort of terrifies me, not least because I can't understand a word that the inhabitants say. I may visit again, just to see some of the more famous sites, but it's not somewhere to spend any long period of time. Unless you want to be a violent football hooligan, that is. Then, all you have to do is support Rangers or Celtics (definitely not both), and you're well on your way.
Other than the things that required leaving the flat, Lena and I downloaded and watched a lot of movies and just generally tried to save money while still enjoying our time. I introduced her to all sorts of Scottish delicacies (haggis included), and we ate lots of ice cream. A mostly relaxing break, as all breaks should be.
Since she left, I've been sitting in my flat watching V.Mars and various movies. My favorite has been Shoot 'Em Up, which I now consider the perfect movie. It was basically written and directed with exactly me in mind. It's totally creepy, actually, how much of an ideal audience I am for that movie. There are all sorts of little things that I really enjoyed, besides the obvious violence and sex that I am all over in any movie. So yeah, that = what I would make if asked to make a movie.
As mentioned previously, I'm going to the Highlands tomorrow. It's a USC trip, so free everything. Spectacular. We're spending two nights on the Isle of Skye. Other than that, I have no idea what the itinerary is. I also don't care. All I know is that I have to meet the bus at 8:30 tomorrow morning, and then I'll be whisked away to the gorgeous Scottish countryside. Good enough for me.
And now, back to mainlining V.Mars before I leave.
Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
More to a nigga's life than money and hos.
As it is now officially spring break, and I managed to pump out 4,000 words of academic drivel in less than 24 hours, I suppose I should update this, and you, on the state of my life.
First, I obviously don't remember exact details of the last 19 days, which means you miss out on all of the boring stuff. Lucky you guys. There is no structure beyond first. I'm too tired for that.
Mostly, I've been watching every episode of House ever and the occasional downloaded movie. Zodiac and The Assassination of Jesse James By the Coward Robert Ford were both worth my time, and I'm not sure that I could make a definite decision as to which I liked better. They're totally different movies, and both played to some of my movie soft spots. I would like a tattoo of Jesse James' face. The real Jesse, not Brad Pitt in the role of... It's one of my absolute favorite stories of all time. And the folk song about his life (covered by the likes of the Pogues and Bruce Springsteen, if you've never heard it) is a brilliant piece of Americana. I will probably use it as a lullaby for some future child. Anyway, Zodiac bothered me for some indeterminate reasons, and I think Fincher was lazy in parts. Entertaining, though.
All of that media was a futile attempt to put off my essays indefinitely. It worked, in that I didn't actually start them until yesterday morning, leaving me until noon today to write 4,000 words, half on the symbolism of blood in insular art, and the other half on the Gupta and Chinese influences on Northern Qi Buddhist art. I turned them in at approximately 11:05 this morning, so well before the deadline. And I got 4ish hours of sleep and saw the sunrise. Rather, would have, had it not been so dreek (pertaining to weather, Google it). I think they're decent and will at least score a passing grade. Good enough.
Yesterday, between bouts of essay writing, I went on a field trip to one of the Historic Scotland labs to see Pictish stones being conserved/refurbished. It's one of those art historical considerations that you never really get to see or think about, so it was pretty awesome. I'd consider, and have done, a career in historic preservation. There's not much money in it, but it's pretty noble. I'm a big believer in making sure that some history is available to future generations. I also got the chance to talk to my teacher some in the taxi over to/bus back from the lab. I thought she was American, but it turns out that she's actually the product of an American Air Force cadet and a British mother, and she grew up on military bases in the UK and Europe. So technically American, but has only lived in the states for less than 10 years of her life. She had some interesting suggestions for what I should look at as possible thesis topics and said that she had exactly the same dilemma in school that I'm currently having (see: no fucking clue where my interests really lie). She also said that if I decide to apply for an internship at the Philly Museum of Art again (which I did last summer, and was summarily denied), I should ask her for a recommendation, because she has a friend who works there. That's a pretty sweet connection to have, so go me. If I end up going to grad school in two years, and find an internship during next school year, I'll definitely pursue that route.
Now, I am just waiting for Lena to get here. Her flight is supposed to land in Glasgow in a matter of minutes, and she should be in Edinburgh by dinner. Which is good, as I am already starving and have eaten all of my food. I think I have some frozen green beans left.
Speaking of food, sort of, I've eaten a disgusting amount of candy the past few days. I bought an assortment of little Cadbury chocolates the other night, because I anticipated needing them for paper writing. Two days later, I got a package from my grandmom with more Easter candy, as well as a small packet of rice cakes, a package of ramen, and some instant oatmeal. Also, lots and lots of Peeps and other fun things (like a deviled egg made out of chocolate that = awesome). Easter candy is by far my favorite. But yeah, I made the oatmeal, ramen, and rice cakes into meals to last for 3 days. That, plus 2 liters of Coke Zero and way, way too much candy. I should probably have gone into diabetic shock at some point.
And on to health matters, I had the distinct pleasure of dealing with the socialized health care system the other day. I thought I had an ear infection (I don't, but I had chronic ear infections when I was little leading to tubes being put in my ears blah blah blah I have an innate fear of them), so I decided to go to the campus health center. Basically, it was the same as the USC health center (crowded, noisy, etc), but more hectic. The only time for walk-ins is 9-10am, Monday to Friday. Total pain in the ass. I waited for about an hour and a half to be seen, and I was the second to last person in the waiting room. People who came in after me were seen before me. I don't really care, but that's like 100 times worse than my one experience with the USC health center. The doctors sort of had patients on an assembly line, calling the next patient as the previous one was walking out of his or her door. I know it doesn't sound that bad, but it was pretty stressful, haha. Erin claims that socialized health care fails in that it doesn't give doctors any incentive to actually figure out what's wrong with a patient. I'm all for the system, but, going by the get-you-in-and-out mentality that I saw, it definitely needs some consideration. I'd like to think that doctors don't need incentive beyond actually helping someone. I know, idealism. But the doctor was very nice, at least. I'm pretty sure I could more accurately diagnose my problem, and I would like that hour and a half of my life back, but whatever. Live and learn.
Now, I think I am going to watch more House, as I have no more class until August. Yeah, unh, whut.
First, I obviously don't remember exact details of the last 19 days, which means you miss out on all of the boring stuff. Lucky you guys. There is no structure beyond first. I'm too tired for that.
Mostly, I've been watching every episode of House ever and the occasional downloaded movie. Zodiac and The Assassination of Jesse James By the Coward Robert Ford were both worth my time, and I'm not sure that I could make a definite decision as to which I liked better. They're totally different movies, and both played to some of my movie soft spots. I would like a tattoo of Jesse James' face. The real Jesse, not Brad Pitt in the role of... It's one of my absolute favorite stories of all time. And the folk song about his life (covered by the likes of the Pogues and Bruce Springsteen, if you've never heard it) is a brilliant piece of Americana. I will probably use it as a lullaby for some future child. Anyway, Zodiac bothered me for some indeterminate reasons, and I think Fincher was lazy in parts. Entertaining, though.
All of that media was a futile attempt to put off my essays indefinitely. It worked, in that I didn't actually start them until yesterday morning, leaving me until noon today to write 4,000 words, half on the symbolism of blood in insular art, and the other half on the Gupta and Chinese influences on Northern Qi Buddhist art. I turned them in at approximately 11:05 this morning, so well before the deadline. And I got 4ish hours of sleep and saw the sunrise. Rather, would have, had it not been so dreek (pertaining to weather, Google it). I think they're decent and will at least score a passing grade. Good enough.
Yesterday, between bouts of essay writing, I went on a field trip to one of the Historic Scotland labs to see Pictish stones being conserved/refurbished. It's one of those art historical considerations that you never really get to see or think about, so it was pretty awesome. I'd consider, and have done, a career in historic preservation. There's not much money in it, but it's pretty noble. I'm a big believer in making sure that some history is available to future generations. I also got the chance to talk to my teacher some in the taxi over to/bus back from the lab. I thought she was American, but it turns out that she's actually the product of an American Air Force cadet and a British mother, and she grew up on military bases in the UK and Europe. So technically American, but has only lived in the states for less than 10 years of her life. She had some interesting suggestions for what I should look at as possible thesis topics and said that she had exactly the same dilemma in school that I'm currently having (see: no fucking clue where my interests really lie). She also said that if I decide to apply for an internship at the Philly Museum of Art again (which I did last summer, and was summarily denied), I should ask her for a recommendation, because she has a friend who works there. That's a pretty sweet connection to have, so go me. If I end up going to grad school in two years, and find an internship during next school year, I'll definitely pursue that route.
Now, I am just waiting for Lena to get here. Her flight is supposed to land in Glasgow in a matter of minutes, and she should be in Edinburgh by dinner. Which is good, as I am already starving and have eaten all of my food. I think I have some frozen green beans left.
Speaking of food, sort of, I've eaten a disgusting amount of candy the past few days. I bought an assortment of little Cadbury chocolates the other night, because I anticipated needing them for paper writing. Two days later, I got a package from my grandmom with more Easter candy, as well as a small packet of rice cakes, a package of ramen, and some instant oatmeal. Also, lots and lots of Peeps and other fun things (like a deviled egg made out of chocolate that = awesome). Easter candy is by far my favorite. But yeah, I made the oatmeal, ramen, and rice cakes into meals to last for 3 days. That, plus 2 liters of Coke Zero and way, way too much candy. I should probably have gone into diabetic shock at some point.
And on to health matters, I had the distinct pleasure of dealing with the socialized health care system the other day. I thought I had an ear infection (I don't, but I had chronic ear infections when I was little leading to tubes being put in my ears blah blah blah I have an innate fear of them), so I decided to go to the campus health center. Basically, it was the same as the USC health center (crowded, noisy, etc), but more hectic. The only time for walk-ins is 9-10am, Monday to Friday. Total pain in the ass. I waited for about an hour and a half to be seen, and I was the second to last person in the waiting room. People who came in after me were seen before me. I don't really care, but that's like 100 times worse than my one experience with the USC health center. The doctors sort of had patients on an assembly line, calling the next patient as the previous one was walking out of his or her door. I know it doesn't sound that bad, but it was pretty stressful, haha. Erin claims that socialized health care fails in that it doesn't give doctors any incentive to actually figure out what's wrong with a patient. I'm all for the system, but, going by the get-you-in-and-out mentality that I saw, it definitely needs some consideration. I'd like to think that doctors don't need incentive beyond actually helping someone. I know, idealism. But the doctor was very nice, at least. I'm pretty sure I could more accurately diagnose my problem, and I would like that hour and a half of my life back, but whatever. Live and learn.
Now, I think I am going to watch more House, as I have no more class until August. Yeah, unh, whut.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
No idea.
This post is going to be full of nothing. Seriously. It's the point in the semester where I'm falling into a routine, so nothing new has really happened in the past week. That's not entirely true; there are lots of little things and plans that are in the beginning stages. But not the stuff of an epic post, that's for sure.
Mostly I've been trying to figure out what's going to happen this summer, both with me and my baggage. I have a somewhat large suitcase that I don't want to cart around when I go traveling, so I've started looking into what options I have. Those are: excess baggage shipping or short-term storage. There are lots of boring details, but yeah. No decision yet. Shipping is moderately expensive, but it's also less for me to worry about. But that's still in the future, and it's the boring part of planning the summer.
So far, I know that Lena is coming to Scotland for spring break, which will be tons of fun (obvs). I have to look into what day trips are possible from the home base of my flat. There are a lot. Scotland's a good country for staying one place and seeing lots of others.
As far as the summer goes, I have very, very preliminary plans with people to see: Belgium (with Ashley), Sicily (with high school friends), Dijon (sort of a homecoming trip with Ella), Zurich (to visit a friend who's on co-op there, if I can ever get in touch with her), and then Eastern Europe with Lena before Kate arrives for our grand tour. That's a lot of traveling, actually. And I still don't know the actual dates of my finals, so I have to wait and see how this all shakes out. Also, how much money, now that I have a little bit more at my disposal, plus a tax refund.
This weekend was mostly uneventful, really. Thursday was a WOLS (whisky) meeting, with a representative from Glenmorangie. It's a really big distillery here, and the whisky is good, but slightly sweet for my taste. Whisky, like wine, can be fruity, believe it or not. I know, I owe 'SC Winos a whiskey post. I'll get to it eventually.
Friday: I woke up somewhat early to walk over to Princes Street for breakfast. I've been living without a mug for these past 2 months, which means no tea or hot chocolate at home. That wasn't really working for me anymore, and McDonalds is having a "buy a breakfast meal, get a free mug promotion." That's my sort of bargain. So I went to the mall, got money for the week out of the ATM that I use for free thanks to my bank, and got breakfast. I had pancakes, if you're wondering, because I've been craving them. They were actually really good, as they were sort of thin and not super cake-y or anything. It was less than 3 GBP, which is about what I would have paid to just buy a mug on its own somewhere else. I'm all about the bargain. After that, I took a long walk through a part of the city that I haven't really explored much, and then it started raining. It was a nice walk, though. I also got 10 GBP for participating in an international students focus group for the university. That was sweet.
Saturday: I went to dinner with the large group of SC people who were up from London and elsewhere in the UK for the weekend. We then saw Equus, which is an awesome play, though disturbing. And I have seen Lily Allen's little brother naked, for a prolonged period of time. Not too shabby, I must say. After that, we went out on the town, which involved going to a club, deciding the cover was too much, and then taking a taxi somewhere else. The somewhere else was a "club" that was more a multi-level bar. It was kind of cool, and drinks are reasonable if you don't think about the exchange rate (which I've learned not to do), so it was a successful night.
Sunday: church and nothing.
Monday: class. I even went to my 9am lecture. I also went grocery shopping and decided on eggs as my lunch foundation for the week. It's an exciting life I lead, as I've said before.
Um, other news. None. I'm probably going to enter that NYT contest, mostly because Stephanie's entry pisses me off so much. I just need to figure out how to make my sordid sexual history something entertaining and profound. And I have to write 2 2,000 word essays besides that, due March 20th. Basically, 6,000 words in a month, both voluntary and mandatory. Considering the fact that I wrote 20 pages in a night, I think I'm set. I do need to go to the library and make copies of the sources for my papers though. Today or tomorrow's task.
And now, I am going to make eggs and pancetta. Life actually is pretty exciting, from my vantage point.
- C
Now with added links:
(For clarification purposes, as I often forget that all of the pieces of my life aren't actually fully interconnected yet.)
Mostly I've been trying to figure out what's going to happen this summer, both with me and my baggage. I have a somewhat large suitcase that I don't want to cart around when I go traveling, so I've started looking into what options I have. Those are: excess baggage shipping or short-term storage. There are lots of boring details, but yeah. No decision yet. Shipping is moderately expensive, but it's also less for me to worry about. But that's still in the future, and it's the boring part of planning the summer.
So far, I know that Lena is coming to Scotland for spring break, which will be tons of fun (obvs). I have to look into what day trips are possible from the home base of my flat. There are a lot. Scotland's a good country for staying one place and seeing lots of others.
As far as the summer goes, I have very, very preliminary plans with people to see: Belgium (with Ashley), Sicily (with high school friends), Dijon (sort of a homecoming trip with Ella), Zurich (to visit a friend who's on co-op there, if I can ever get in touch with her), and then Eastern Europe with Lena before Kate arrives for our grand tour. That's a lot of traveling, actually. And I still don't know the actual dates of my finals, so I have to wait and see how this all shakes out. Also, how much money, now that I have a little bit more at my disposal, plus a tax refund.
This weekend was mostly uneventful, really. Thursday was a WOLS (whisky) meeting, with a representative from Glenmorangie. It's a really big distillery here, and the whisky is good, but slightly sweet for my taste. Whisky, like wine, can be fruity, believe it or not. I know, I owe 'SC Winos a whiskey post. I'll get to it eventually.
Friday: I woke up somewhat early to walk over to Princes Street for breakfast. I've been living without a mug for these past 2 months, which means no tea or hot chocolate at home. That wasn't really working for me anymore, and McDonalds is having a "buy a breakfast meal, get a free mug promotion." That's my sort of bargain. So I went to the mall, got money for the week out of the ATM that I use for free thanks to my bank, and got breakfast. I had pancakes, if you're wondering, because I've been craving them. They were actually really good, as they were sort of thin and not super cake-y or anything. It was less than 3 GBP, which is about what I would have paid to just buy a mug on its own somewhere else. I'm all about the bargain. After that, I took a long walk through a part of the city that I haven't really explored much, and then it started raining. It was a nice walk, though. I also got 10 GBP for participating in an international students focus group for the university. That was sweet.
Saturday: I went to dinner with the large group of SC people who were up from London and elsewhere in the UK for the weekend. We then saw Equus, which is an awesome play, though disturbing. And I have seen Lily Allen's little brother naked, for a prolonged period of time. Not too shabby, I must say. After that, we went out on the town, which involved going to a club, deciding the cover was too much, and then taking a taxi somewhere else. The somewhere else was a "club" that was more a multi-level bar. It was kind of cool, and drinks are reasonable if you don't think about the exchange rate (which I've learned not to do), so it was a successful night.
Sunday: church and nothing.
Monday: class. I even went to my 9am lecture. I also went grocery shopping and decided on eggs as my lunch foundation for the week. It's an exciting life I lead, as I've said before.
Um, other news. None. I'm probably going to enter that NYT contest, mostly because Stephanie's entry pisses me off so much. I just need to figure out how to make my sordid sexual history something entertaining and profound. And I have to write 2 2,000 word essays besides that, due March 20th. Basically, 6,000 words in a month, both voluntary and mandatory. Considering the fact that I wrote 20 pages in a night, I think I'm set. I do need to go to the library and make copies of the sources for my papers though. Today or tomorrow's task.
And now, I am going to make eggs and pancetta. Life actually is pretty exciting, from my vantage point.
- C
Now with added links:
(For clarification purposes, as I often forget that all of the pieces of my life aren't actually fully interconnected yet.)
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