Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Oh the grand old duke of York...
...he had ten thousand flapjacks... not quite but I wish he did! I am addicted already! They seem to be the national snack food, like museli bars but heaps better, I eat them whenever I can, you can get chocolate ones, fruit ones, yogurt ones, caramel ones, butterscotch ones... and just plain old oat ones too! Anyways, on to more interesting and less trivial things...
I am indeed in York, I arrived after one night in Leeds having said a temporary farewell to Scotland. On my last day it came out lovely and sunny, and - dare I say it - even WARM, heck I got down to a tshirt even! Pity I spent most of it on buses getting from Edinburgh back to Talamh (where I was for the festival) from there I got a ride to Leeds... oh have to mention Bilston before I get started on England. Its another of these protest sites I seem to have spent most of my time at so far, just out of Edinburgh and in a patch of woodland destined for destruction by a big new by-pass (sound familiar?!) they want to put through, So people have been living there for two years, building amazing tree houses and funky structures at ground level too - I even got a climbing lesson to go up to one, probably 2 stories high so not hugely impressive but it was a first for me, pulling myself up rope and then absailing back down. About 20ish people live there - its also very close to heaps of bio-tech, like where Dolly the sheep had the joy of being cloned...
Right, so, down to Leeds (with a stop off at Gretna Green for legendary chips with curry sauce in the park across the road from the chippie) then the next day caught the train to York. This is where Sophies parents live, so we went to stay with them in their beautiful house they are currently doing up. Unfortunately Soph is sick with the flu but its all old-hat to her, so been exploring the town solo the last 2 days... there is so much history in this place you'd think it was illegal (haha I such a history nerd). First off I went to the Minster (I made the mistake of calling it a church, which after going there it clearly isn't!) it's the biggest one in Northern Europe and boy it sure is massive! I think a couple of Christchuch Cathedrals could fit inside and still have plenty of room to move! When I went in a choir was singing at a service so the whole thing was extra breathtaking and awe-inspiring, Went down into the crypt, where you can see the remains of foundations from the Roman church (its where Constantine was named Emperor of the Empire and Christianity was given the all OK) and the Norman church on top of that too! I may just be a buff but being in a place that rich in history is pretty darn cool and very humbling.
The streets in York are rather neat themselves too, cobbled and more like lanes. And there is the city wall that still exists in fragments, and in places you can climb up and walk along it - very pedestrian friendly! Won't go on but the other place I went to was the remains of York Castle, its just a shell now on a mound but you can climb up and look out on the city and sort of imagine what it was like 900 odd years ago!
Saw my first squirrel today! Very exciting but probably couldn't have screamed out "tourist" any louder if I had had a flashing like above my head! taking photos and looking fasinated at this big rat with a huge furry tail.
In the market I found a lady from NZ selling jewellery made from Paua, Pounamu etc it was sprisingly comforting speaking to someone with the same accent as me and having a chat about home!
Totally missed ANZAC day altogether over here of course - no public holiday with everything shut till 1pm - but next Monday there is a Bank Holiday for May Day...
Tomorrow night we are going out to see Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy for Sophies Birthday - its the first day out over here, however the reviews aren't that great.
Next move is to go to Newcastle for the Newcastle fair on Sunday and to stay for a week or so, sorting out WOOFing stuff so I can get on to that.
Will keep you all posted of course... hope you are finding my ramblings semi-interesting! Hoping that life for you special people out there is groove-tastic, missing you all and all the fun you are having without me!
Love and flapjack kisses, Claire
PS another vocab word: tat - which means your stuff/gear etc is used lots and lots!
I am indeed in York, I arrived after one night in Leeds having said a temporary farewell to Scotland. On my last day it came out lovely and sunny, and - dare I say it - even WARM, heck I got down to a tshirt even! Pity I spent most of it on buses getting from Edinburgh back to Talamh (where I was for the festival) from there I got a ride to Leeds... oh have to mention Bilston before I get started on England. Its another of these protest sites I seem to have spent most of my time at so far, just out of Edinburgh and in a patch of woodland destined for destruction by a big new by-pass (sound familiar?!) they want to put through, So people have been living there for two years, building amazing tree houses and funky structures at ground level too - I even got a climbing lesson to go up to one, probably 2 stories high so not hugely impressive but it was a first for me, pulling myself up rope and then absailing back down. About 20ish people live there - its also very close to heaps of bio-tech, like where Dolly the sheep had the joy of being cloned...
Right, so, down to Leeds (with a stop off at Gretna Green for legendary chips with curry sauce in the park across the road from the chippie) then the next day caught the train to York. This is where Sophies parents live, so we went to stay with them in their beautiful house they are currently doing up. Unfortunately Soph is sick with the flu but its all old-hat to her, so been exploring the town solo the last 2 days... there is so much history in this place you'd think it was illegal (haha I such a history nerd). First off I went to the Minster (I made the mistake of calling it a church, which after going there it clearly isn't!) it's the biggest one in Northern Europe and boy it sure is massive! I think a couple of Christchuch Cathedrals could fit inside and still have plenty of room to move! When I went in a choir was singing at a service so the whole thing was extra breathtaking and awe-inspiring, Went down into the crypt, where you can see the remains of foundations from the Roman church (its where Constantine was named Emperor of the Empire and Christianity was given the all OK) and the Norman church on top of that too! I may just be a buff but being in a place that rich in history is pretty darn cool and very humbling.
The streets in York are rather neat themselves too, cobbled and more like lanes. And there is the city wall that still exists in fragments, and in places you can climb up and walk along it - very pedestrian friendly! Won't go on but the other place I went to was the remains of York Castle, its just a shell now on a mound but you can climb up and look out on the city and sort of imagine what it was like 900 odd years ago!
Saw my first squirrel today! Very exciting but probably couldn't have screamed out "tourist" any louder if I had had a flashing like above my head! taking photos and looking fasinated at this big rat with a huge furry tail.
In the market I found a lady from NZ selling jewellery made from Paua, Pounamu etc it was sprisingly comforting speaking to someone with the same accent as me and having a chat about home!
Totally missed ANZAC day altogether over here of course - no public holiday with everything shut till 1pm - but next Monday there is a Bank Holiday for May Day...
Tomorrow night we are going out to see Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy for Sophies Birthday - its the first day out over here, however the reviews aren't that great.
Next move is to go to Newcastle for the Newcastle fair on Sunday and to stay for a week or so, sorting out WOOFing stuff so I can get on to that.
Will keep you all posted of course... hope you are finding my ramblings semi-interesting! Hoping that life for you special people out there is groove-tastic, missing you all and all the fun you are having without me!
Love and flapjack kisses, Claire
PS another vocab word: tat - which means your stuff/gear etc is used lots and lots!
Friday, April 22, 2005
Hey, hope everyone in Kiwi land is spiffy, thinking of you all!
I am now in Edinburgh after a week at Faslane peace camp - its north of Glasgow and as I think I have previously blogged - right next to a HUGE Navy base (its at the top of a sea loch) that houses 4 nuclear weapon carrying submarines and other splendid military vessels to go to war with. The camp is a village of caravans, buses and other make shift buildings (and beautiful gardens) where people have lived for 22 years and used it as a base to do actions from - there are regular blockades of the base, and every-so-often people manage to get in (even with mege big and thick fences, dogs and cameras) to the base and write messages of peace etc. My week there was spent helping clean up the place, including moving big drums of shit from the compost loo to a hole in the ground - in the rain - must admit did wonder what the heck I was doing at that point! Also time to read in the library, talk, eat yummy (mostly) vegan food and walk in the hills. I really respect the people who live in these communities (there's a few of them around) as its pretty hard going at times! But they believe in what they are doing, maintain a constant presence and live relatively simply and sustainably (the camp had wind and solar power).
Anyways, Edinburgh is a lovely city, gardens, castles, cobbled streets and really old over-the-top-style churches (actually, these seem to be everywhere here!). Still cold though, usually 1-2 degrees at night and up to 9-10 during the day. Had 3 sunny days in a row though so was really stoked!!
My patriotic side often comes through, Crowded House came on the radio at the camp and I sang every word (that I knew!). It really is true that you see how bloodly beautiful NZ is when you're not there to take it for grated! (although Scotland is really lovely too).
Slowly learning the lingo too - to blag is to scab and get something by being a bit sneaky, mingin' is like totally gross and disgusting, to scank means to try and get something for nothing (kinda like blag). Scottish always say 'oh aye' in agreement like saying 'yes' which is kinda cool because it's like 'ai' (ahh is that right?!) in Maori..
Oh I could go on and on but probably starting to rant so will leave it here for now... oh, been taking lots of photos too, hopefully I can put some up when I get to Sophies as she has all the gadgets... and I love getting your emails!! keep em coming!
Sending you all lots of virtual love and hugs, Claire
I am now in Edinburgh after a week at Faslane peace camp - its north of Glasgow and as I think I have previously blogged - right next to a HUGE Navy base (its at the top of a sea loch) that houses 4 nuclear weapon carrying submarines and other splendid military vessels to go to war with. The camp is a village of caravans, buses and other make shift buildings (and beautiful gardens) where people have lived for 22 years and used it as a base to do actions from - there are regular blockades of the base, and every-so-often people manage to get in (even with mege big and thick fences, dogs and cameras) to the base and write messages of peace etc. My week there was spent helping clean up the place, including moving big drums of shit from the compost loo to a hole in the ground - in the rain - must admit did wonder what the heck I was doing at that point! Also time to read in the library, talk, eat yummy (mostly) vegan food and walk in the hills. I really respect the people who live in these communities (there's a few of them around) as its pretty hard going at times! But they believe in what they are doing, maintain a constant presence and live relatively simply and sustainably (the camp had wind and solar power).
Anyways, Edinburgh is a lovely city, gardens, castles, cobbled streets and really old over-the-top-style churches (actually, these seem to be everywhere here!). Still cold though, usually 1-2 degrees at night and up to 9-10 during the day. Had 3 sunny days in a row though so was really stoked!!
My patriotic side often comes through, Crowded House came on the radio at the camp and I sang every word (that I knew!). It really is true that you see how bloodly beautiful NZ is when you're not there to take it for grated! (although Scotland is really lovely too).
Slowly learning the lingo too - to blag is to scab and get something by being a bit sneaky, mingin' is like totally gross and disgusting, to scank means to try and get something for nothing (kinda like blag). Scottish always say 'oh aye' in agreement like saying 'yes' which is kinda cool because it's like 'ai' (ahh is that right?!) in Maori..
Oh I could go on and on but probably starting to rant so will leave it here for now... oh, been taking lots of photos too, hopefully I can put some up when I get to Sophies as she has all the gadgets... and I love getting your emails!! keep em coming!
Sending you all lots of virtual love and hugs, Claire
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
In freezing cold Scotland
hi-di-ho campers!
well, I've been camping now for nearly a week in below 5 degree freezing cold rural Scotland anyways - in fact I stayed in a Yurt (Dan J might be interested to know) which had a burner in it so at least I didn't turn into a popsicle at night (but it got close!). Been at the 'Festival of Dissent!' gathering, with workshops and organising meetings planning for the G8 meetings happening here in July - lots of people from lots of places, it was quite a daunting thing to do as soon as I arrive and for a while I thought I might have gone crazy! But really interesting and a good introduction to how it all works here. Its all the same crap as in NZ actually - just with more people! Oh, and they all have a strange (but fun!) obsession with cheesy disco music, so danced to keep warm nearly every night!
Anyways, stayed last night in the WOOFing cottage for a better nights sleep and got a lift into Glasgow today, 2 nights here and then going to visit the Faslane Peace Camp, been going for 22 years (do a web search for it). Sophie andothers are back to the same place in a few weeks for another gathering so looking at going back down with her and spending a few weeks inYork/Leeds.
love to you all
c
well, I've been camping now for nearly a week in below 5 degree freezing cold rural Scotland anyways - in fact I stayed in a Yurt (Dan J might be interested to know) which had a burner in it so at least I didn't turn into a popsicle at night (but it got close!). Been at the 'Festival of Dissent!' gathering, with workshops and organising meetings planning for the G8 meetings happening here in July - lots of people from lots of places, it was quite a daunting thing to do as soon as I arrive and for a while I thought I might have gone crazy! But really interesting and a good introduction to how it all works here. Its all the same crap as in NZ actually - just with more people! Oh, and they all have a strange (but fun!) obsession with cheesy disco music, so danced to keep warm nearly every night!
Anyways, stayed last night in the WOOFing cottage for a better nights sleep and got a lift into Glasgow today, 2 nights here and then going to visit the Faslane Peace Camp, been going for 22 years (do a web search for it). Sophie andothers are back to the same place in a few weeks for another gathering so looking at going back down with her and spending a few weeks inYork/Leeds.
love to you all
c
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
now for more details...
hello! I went online this moring but only had 20 seconds left by the time I got through to posting - so it was very brief! Well, I got here OK after 35 hours of travelling, got myself to the YHA and had a great nights sleep. Managed to beat the jetlag I think, feel OK so far. Up this morning and on the very packed tube into Piccadilly Circus - then have spent the day walking round and seeing all those famous London things like Trafelgar sq, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abby, Big Ben, St Pauls, Covent Gardens... got lost quite a bit but not in any rush or anything! I keep on having to tell myself "yes, you are walking round London you know" and even then I don't quite believe it! Everything has been really easy and straightforward to manage, although the crowds are fun to deal with!
On to Scotland tomorrow by an 8 hour bus ride, hopefully I will get a good feel of the country as I travel up, will be out in the countryside so might not get to a computer for a wee while.
I have a cell phone (yes, already! priorities you know) the number is 07913768421 but not sure if you need extra numbers to text internationally..?
Thinking of you all and wondering how its all going, till next time smiles and hugs :)
On to Scotland tomorrow by an 8 hour bus ride, hopefully I will get a good feel of the country as I travel up, will be out in the countryside so might not get to a computer for a wee while.
I have a cell phone (yes, already! priorities you know) the number is 07913768421 but not sure if you need extra numbers to text internationally..?
Thinking of you all and wondering how its all going, till next time smiles and hugs :)
made it
alive time going out
Saturday, April 02, 2005
last goodbyes
hey
well its 3 hours till I need to be at the airport and 5 till I leave - YIKES! - its a very weird feeling and have to say at the moment (and probably for a little while) I am more sad at leaving and saying goodbye than geared up about going. Its so strange thinking soon I will be wandering round London in a daze and camping out in the Scottish countryside!
Thanks to all who came to me farewell party, I had a great night bouncing and groovin' to all the kiwi classics and spending time with you all - I really am lucky to be surrounded by such amazing and beautiful people!
And to my family too - I love you guys! Going to miss you heaps and heaps, you are all so special to me.
On a more practical note, if you aren't already in the know my new email is clairedann@gmail.com so please send me all your news and stories!
Lots and lots of love and hugs,
Claire
well its 3 hours till I need to be at the airport and 5 till I leave - YIKES! - its a very weird feeling and have to say at the moment (and probably for a little while) I am more sad at leaving and saying goodbye than geared up about going. Its so strange thinking soon I will be wandering round London in a daze and camping out in the Scottish countryside!
Thanks to all who came to me farewell party, I had a great night bouncing and groovin' to all the kiwi classics and spending time with you all - I really am lucky to be surrounded by such amazing and beautiful people!
And to my family too - I love you guys! Going to miss you heaps and heaps, you are all so special to me.
On a more practical note, if you aren't already in the know my new email is clairedann@gmail.com so please send me all your news and stories!
Lots and lots of love and hugs,
Claire
