Blogging for Byron- Bleck.

Sorry Mike, but we as a group have decided that Byron is not our cup of tea. I understand that he had some amazing works of literature and was popular in his day as well as finding a place in the present. Since we have read his poems for this class, we have seen Byron quotes all over- on a pub window in London, "What's drinking? A mere pause from thinking," on the floor stones of Westminster Abbey (he had a white stone in contrast to all those around him because apparently people love him so much they go stroke and lay on the stone!!?!), on magnets at Shakespeare's birthplace house in Stratford Upon Avon, and random references elsewhere. Byron has polluted by brain to the point where if I see something narcissistic I think, 'Oh how Byronic.' Simply awful.


I must say that Newstead Abbey was beautiful. I cannot see how Byron could be so bored that he needed to escape to Spain, Portugal, and Greece. There were so many gardens that were immaculately maintained (although I doubt Byron would have had the Japanese Garden) and picturesque ponds with all sorts of wildlife (including a pushy, pesky peacock). I really enjoyed being on the grounds of Newstead. The house itself was dark and gothic. I could see where the house could be depressing- it would have been very cold and with Byron's diminishing (nonexistant) funds, the majority of it would be unfurnished. I enjoyed looking at the satirical comics of Byron- abandoning his wife and child, "spitting game" with the ladies, etc. The rooms had very dark paneling and could have been very lonely. The most redeeming qualities of the Abbey were seeing a document signed by Henry VIII, listening to the woman talk about the Black Monk (creepy story about how Byron saw it his wedding day and knew he shouldn't get married, but did anyway and ended up having a disastrous marriage- and how people still see it today!), and Top Model: Newstead Edition (a.k.a. playing dress ups in Newstead Abbey! According to one of the museum volunteers, it is a recent acquistion to the Abbey).


The gift shop was similar to the Bronte gift shop in that there was a focus on Byron the poet with many little trinkets to take away the concept of the Abbey with you. However, the gift shop also had a lot of modge-podge, throw in whatever we think people will buy, that included recipe books, Beatrix Potter books and stuffed animals (how that fits into Byron I am unsure), bookmarks of other European and American authors, wax-seal kits, and other items. I daresay that it did not leave a lasting impression though, as not one person from our group felt the need to purchase anything.


In comparison to other field sites we have visited, Newstead Abbey had far more "civilized" formal gardens than the wild of Sherwood Forest or the Moors. It is interesting that our whole group liked the wild grounds (Sherwood, Bronteland) signifcantly more than Newstead Abbey and Nottingham castle. There was definitely a submile quality to the formal gardens, but they did not instill visions of wonder and adventure that you could imagine walking through Sherwood Forest. I don't think the lackluster opinion we had on Byron's works helped make the experience any better. I'm sure everyone will be much more excited to visit Baker Street (even though it is in a different kind of wild: London!).

Roguely Going Where Robin Hood Has Gone Before...

It was simply sublime.

Sherwood Forest was AMAZING. Robin Hood was one of my favorite stories as a child, though I did not read Pyle's work until recently. However, I am well acquainted with the tales surrounding him through the movies and reading children's versions of the book. My experience visiting Sherwood Forest did not disappoint. Every part of the woods reminded me of the sublime (something uplifting or with a spiritual element that raises you out of yourself). I had a long walk, mostly by myself, through the woods. The majority of the woods were open to wherever you chose to walk. Only a few sections had fences up to protect the herds of English Longhorn Cattle that they were hoping would have better luck in a preserved area (although I must say, I was VERY disappointed I didn't see any!!!)- this struck me as a very odd choice for a forest creature. Deer, yes. Foxes, yes. Bears, yes. But... cows? What ever you say, England. The freedom of walking amongst the trees and getting "lost" in the woods (on a circular path) was wonderful. It was surreal to be in a place where hundreds of people visit daily and spend the majority of your time with no one else in sight. It gave the forest such a big personality and made it easy to see how the characters in the novel could have found such refuge there.

It was very Romantic.

The forest had many examples of Romanticism (something that is beautiful, but melancholy, transient but lovely in passing, and excites emotion). Nature provides a wonderful view on Romanticism because in walking through it, it evokes strong emotions of how beautiful the colors, shapes, and lighting are; yet in every angle there is an element of death and transience. The forest is rarely depicted as a melancholy place in Robin Hood but is instead the life of the party, continually has new growth and Spring, and provides a safe haven for those who have been unjustly wronged by society. The Romantic nature of the setting provides a contrast to the story itself; a story that takes place in the woods that has survived hundreds of years, and is most likely to remain a fixture in literature.

It was Modern.

Even though some of the trees in the woods are hundreds of years old (800 if you ask some people about the Major Oak), there is still a Modern element present (something that makes you think or contains ideas or images that contrast with each other in a way that causes you to see both in a new light). Sherwood Forest was very well kept- there was very little litter/rubbish on the path or in the wooded areas and the natural benches were not carved into with graffiti. While I was walking, a jet flew by overhead and reminded me that, yes, there was still 'civilization' out there, even though I was peacefully captured into the quietness of the wood. It is interesting to see the modern interpretations of the story Robin Hood- there have been so many film versions, books, spoofs and spin-offs because the character types of the novel are still found in today's society.

It was Picturesque.

After wandering in the woods for about an hour and a half, we stopped for lunch near the entrance and ate amongst statues of Robin Hood and The Green Man (well placed). When I finished eating, I went through the museum and gift shop...and it felt like my Early Childhood Ed Mecca. I LOVED the way they walked you through the story. The tablets were very informational, should you chose to read with words. But as any one of my kiddos could tell you, you can read with pictures. Should you choose that route, the museum has done a BEAUTIFUL job making you feel as if you are in the story. There are trees hanging from the ceiling, wooden castles, figurines, interactive kid-friendly informational sound boards, and largely printed headings above each scene that give the walker the sense of story. It was interesting to note that the two lasting images the walker is left with is a large replica of Robin Hood being pardoned by King Richard (which must mean that it is ok that we liked him all along because he is no longer an outlaw) and then a quote, "By tradition, Robin and Marian were married at Edwinstowe Church," then reaffirming the viewer that "The spirit of Robin Hood lives on in Sherwood Forest and in the hearts of those who seek him." We love the addition of Marian to Robin's story, even though she wasn't in the original stories (sorry viewers). The museum also implies that the story must live on through the landscape and in the viewer's heart, which naturally translates to the viewer's pocketbook (ask any woman... if you don't buy it for her, you must not really love her *SARCASM*).


To aid in the quest for Robin, via your pocketbook, the gift shop will offer you a myriad of choices geared at all ages and stages. There are play swords, bow and arrows, felt hats and collars (which I TOTALLY bought), kids versions of Robin Hood (which I may have also purchased, just trying to do my part to aid Robin's longevity), postcards, pens, keychains, etc. for the younger crowd (or at least the young at heart) and tea cups, tea pots, glass figurines, books, and clothing for the more mature of the group. The love story that Hollywood has pushed has been scooped up by the gift shop, with more Maid Marian costumes/tiaras than you can shake a stick at. The story has been played up for the materialistic value much more than the story itself; whereas the Bronte museum was more for the lit crowd so much that you couldn't even buy at Bronte doll (sorry Katie).


All in all, I was overwhelmingly pleased with my trip to Sherwood Forest. After all, what American doesn't love buying in to such a classic hero (and trickster) tale.

Bin Your Rubbish, Your Mother Doesn't Live Here (#5)

In the course of the trip thus far, I have realized I take several things for granted at home, namely: my cell phone, my car, a personal shower, a grandma who makes my coffee in the morning, food whenever I would like to eat it, a grandma who makes tasty cookies, easy access to friends and family, conveniently placed stores, and a closet full of clothes... among other things! I have not had very much trouble adapting... although the shower situation is a little bit like being in college again. I have not missed wearing a bathrobe and shower shoes to tromp down the hallway to a shower where inevitably I will not be the only one and it has great potential to be awkward! My daily routine has not changed that much. The days we have morning classes I wake up early- other days... not so much. Even overseas I am not a breakfast person. I think I have made it to breakfast twice (and I made myself an Uptown Cafe "Breakfast Bagel." Thank you college, for the realization of the truly delectable toasted bagel with peanut butter and green apple slices. Only thing I'm missing is the granola, but muesli just doesn't cut it).


It takes A LOT more planning to be away from the conveniences to which I have grown accustomed. When we were in Scotland the group divided into two different hostels. We planned to meet up in roughly an hour (or at least so my group thought) outside our hostel. We ended up waiting a decent bit for the other group and had actually given in to our stomachs and started walking to find food by the time they came (sorry... my loyalty lies to my stomach- no offense). Without cell phones, you really have to plan ahead and BE SPECIFIC (how did I live before I had mine???). We had planned to meet the following morning at Starbucks, but LUCKILY upon further discussion, found that the locales we were describing did not match up. There were TWO STARBUCKS on Royal Mile! Who knew?! On the contrary, now that I have gotten use to not having my cell phone with me at every possible moment, it is a freeing feeling (although I must confess I still hear phantom phone rings occasionally).


I still have delusions of grandeur about all of the runs I am going to take. It would be a GORGEOUS area to go for a run... but for some reason, it just doesn't happen. This is exactly how I am at home- I love to run; life just gets in the way. Not having control of a lot of my schedule means that whatever plan I had in my head ends up going out the window because I take too long to do something or someone asks me to join them and I ditch my athletic thoughts. I haven't minded the millions of steps in the building or the hike we took in the moors. Somehow chasing my runts around all year prepared me for moving around a lot and it is the times when I am supposed to be sitting (particularly in class- oops) or waiting for something that I randomly start stretching, dancing, or wandering. I am enjoying all of the free space the Manor offers to move about!


Traveling anywhere is about being flexible and adapting as best you can. People deal with new situations very differently and I hope I am being patient and easy going to make other people feel as comfortable as possible with being out of their daily routines. I will have to remember to thank Grandma for being flexible with all of my random habits next time I speak to her!

Surveying Scotland: Go with the Flow... Disclaimer: You may not view this blog with "Parental" glasses on. I am alive and safe. (#4)

Please note: A lot of the pictures in this blog are from our trip to the Edinburgh Castle the day following the one I chose to write about in this blog. It was very educational- promise. We did much more than eat, wander, go out, and sleep in the hostel (although nothing is wrong with doing only those things, I suppose). I chose to write about those things to address the pleasant and unpleasant experiences I have had for a cultural blog.

Our 24 hour Edinburgh experience was both action-packed and fun-filled. This was our first trip sans-Ruth (Commander Benander). I am sure she enjoyed some time without us to be footloose and fancy-free in Bronteland. We, in turn, also got to be adventurers on our own and have to pay attention to things such as when to get off the train, how to get to our hostel, what time we need to be where, etc. I feel like I pay attention a lot more when I know I am in charge of getting myself around (for instance, the first day or two we were here I think I followed Josie to the bathroom twice when we were going back upstairs just because I had assumed, incorrectly, that she was going to our room). I feel very comfortable getting myself around Europe's transportation systems; I just tend to not pay as much attention if I am being a follower.


When we got to our hostel, there was a woman from Germany and her 5 year old sharing our 6 person dorm. This would not be my most ideal situation (I am really enjoying my summer sans-children), but it definitely wasn't horrible. I got to talk to her a little bit and found out that she was traveling home after being on a 5 week experience where you work for a family and they give you lodging and food (which she told me is a cheap way to go abroad with children). We then met up with everyone for dinner and tried haggis (Dad would be proud). THANKFULLY, it did not come in the traditional intestines casing (phew), and was mixed with oats and put over potatoes. I can officially say it is not awful, but I was thankful that Josie and I had ordered goat cheese on toast and fish & chips as our main meal.


After dinner I dropped off my bag in the room and went back out with some of the group (wasn't tired and knew I couldn't read in bed without waking up the small child...). We walked around and took some funny pictures. Earlier we had seen some women walking around with pink bras printed on their t-shirts (we also saw one with a fake baby feeding... unique) and we also noticed a large number of men on the street with not very many ladies around. However, this was all explained when we watched a Breast Cancer Awareness parade of what I would assume were several hundred ladies (at least) and a few supportive men walking down the street in either the t-shirt with the pink bra print or their own designed bras- and boy did they go all out on the decorations! There were ones that had lights attached, boa feathers, sequins- you name it, we saw it; thus, explaining the hoards of men on the street. It was a very bold statement though. There were all sorts of women supporting the cause, regardless of age and body type. This type of display would never get by in conservative Cincinnati. We just aren't ready for it. However, apparently the women in Scotland are much more empowered. Also, I think the presence of nude beaches across Europe takes the edge off walking around in a bra. Good for them, though (especially those brazen grandmas!).


Post parade, we continued on toward a "Reggae Club" that we had heard about from some people we met on our wanderings. We had to walk through a semi-sketchy area for a few blocks (remember the disclaimer... I walked with people and was conscious of my surroundings and my propensity to scare people with my menacing size and ferocity) until we arrived at the club. You only had to be 18 to enter, so for the first time in while [read: first time ever] I was not carded as I paid an unfortunately large cover. I was surprised at the dancing of the people inside- very unAmerican. They were just having a good time looking ridiculous and were not nearly as close to each other while dancing (TOTALLY different than a Winton Woods dance). I found it interesting that from my experience, European cultures do not care about others' personal space in general- they often bump into someone without apology or stand in what I find to be uncomfortably close proximity. Interestingly though, when dancing, they throw all of the out the window and just dance it up all by their lonesome.


I had somewhat of a discomforting situation with a Polish gentleman who originally wanted to dance with me (which was fine, considering the amount of personal space I maintained), but then kept talking about things that I just didn't want to hear about and wouldn't go away. However, the power of the group took over and I immersed myself with the wonderful women I was with until we left. I feel like the novelty of being in a new place did not change my mode of operations in this situation, because in is understood that there is a "save me" look anytime groups of girls go out, regardless of locale (sorry gentleman if you have ever encountered this).


I returned to the hostel and got myself into bed without turning on the lights (remembering the 5 year old counterparts). Most surprisingly, when I woke up somewhere around the 7 am hour, there was a man about my age sitting on the floor, leaning against the bed across the way! True to form, I thought, 'Oh that's strange' and calmly laid back down and went back to sleep. I woke up a few more times before I asked him what time it was (by then 8 a.m.) and then he and his lady friend (they both had ponytails and were dressed in all black- which I noticed A LOT of people in Scotland were wearing) left a little bit before Josie and I were to meet back up with our crew for breakfast. The whole 'guy in the room' experience was particularly unexpected because I thought the room we booked was supposed to be only females, but I was confusing the room I booked for later in the trip with the one Josie booked. In retrospect, I think the way the situation unfolded is the way I hope I deal with all unexpected or potentially uncomfortable situations on this trip- acknowledge (internally or externally) that the situation is not what you had in mind and then, provided no one is hurt, move on.


The biggest cultural differences I noticed between England and Scotland (keeping in mind that we were in Scotland only a day and have been in England only a week) was that the people were more laid back in Edinburgh than they have been in the smaller cities of England. The pubs we visited were much more of a relaxed feel, yet people were more apt to start up a conversation with you and were slightly friendly (not that I have had anyone be mean to me in England). One possible reason for this is that Edinburgh is slightly bigger and more touristy; whereas Haworth and Grantham (where Harlaxton is) are smaller towns that either get literary visitors (Haworth) or potentially less than polite college students (Grantham). I have still enjoyed my experiences thus far and will continue to do so!