Starting at 9:30am (for some 7:30 who think they need even more exercise) and ending until 10:30pm was go go go.
After a hardy English breakfast (the food not the tea) we were split up into 4 team and entered the Amazing Race around London. It was intense. Though our goal for this trip is not to look like obnoxious, American Tourists today gave away our identity immediately.
We had to take our teams picture in 5 landmarks: Big Ben, London Bridge, Piccadilly Station, Phantom of the Opera and Lord Byron. The intent was to get us familiar with the underground Tube as well as have a rough idea of the layout of London. Well, it worked. Not in the sense that we got to enjoy and soak in the scenery, but we did figure out London's system quite quickly. I am not going to lie, I was quite sweaty. It was so intense that when my team (Jimmy, Sarah, John, and Jason) and the team(Stephany, Lucas, Margo, Bekah) ended up on the same train to head back to our bed & breakfast, we bolted out of the train and up stairs, and then shoving to get into the harry potter portal looking elevators. As soon as we were out of the station it was all madness. Get out of our way London, Westmont Kinesiologists are coming through. Turns out that neither of our two teams were in 1st place. Though the 4th team who came like 15 minutes after all of us thought they were the winners and started cheering and hugging each other. the real winners got a little London key chain that was a nail clipper. We will do anything to win competition.
I do not have a lot of time until I have to leave for church. But I will inform you, mostly to let my grandma Mom-Mom know that I saw Phantom of the Opera last night!! Unbelievable. I saw it with Rachel in the front row seats on the 1st balcony. Great seats for £35. We almost got ripped off by a "discount seller" who would had us pay £50 for seats on the corner in the 3rd balcony...terrible seats. We paid it, because he was lying and expressed it in a good way. But we were smart and returned our sketchy tickets without even a fight like we were prepared to do (the lady just grabbed the tickets out of my hand and threw the money back at us). So after 2 hours of going back and forth from the theater to the "discount place" like 3 times, we save about £20 for great seats. Granted we missed the Manchester vs. Barcelona futball game...but we still got to experience the crazy fans (not too crazy parents, but crazy) fans. The rest of the group went to pubs or the park to watch the game. It was great fun yesterday.
In between those events, we had a free day where most of us explored the British Museum (which I found a whole section of Greeks in Italy, which is my very own heritage, that was interesting) but there were also mummies and the Rosetta Stone and the Pantheon and oh so much more! Before that, Rachel and I ventured into the National Gallery where we saw paintings from the 15th century to the 20th century. It was outstanding.
Needless to say, I was quite satisfied sitting on my bum for 3ish hours during the Phantom of the Opera after a long long day of running all around!
Well, I must go. I will fill you in on the other days you have missed as well as future events!
Tah Tah
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Aerials Asault
Good news, I got my Scottish sweater. I know you were all worried for me.
On the less exciting side of news, we have conquered the World's Biggest Rock climbing gym.
Not only did we rock climb. OO noo. We um...hung from 100 feet in the air climbing over logs and ropes dangling by chains. Not going to lie, there were many who thought we were going to die. Not saying I was one of them. But it was a wee bit frightening. However, my favorite part was jumping to the end of the course while being pulled from the hook I was on...(kinda of like a zip line roller coaster) I got to strike my peter pan poses and pretend I was actually flying. For most though, it seemed like the end of our lives, really enjoyed this course over everything.
We then were split up into groups to climb up the 80 ft rock wall. It was a lot of fun, and I finally got over (well at least for today) my fear of rock climbing. Something about it freaks me out. Not heights, not rocks, but climbing rocks does.
But I must say the best part about the whole surprise that Chris Milner put together for us, were our guides. They were a lot of fun and joked around with our whole group. You never are sure what one may be like who has blond hair with a pink mullet while wearing a little panda hat. But they were just really cool guys who knew their stuff about climbing. And who didn't mind showing off either. But that was just part of the great experience. There favorite, we all could tell, was Stephany from her non stop laughing even while climbing on these tiny little stubs of fake rocks.
We all had a blast.
OH but what was amazing about it all, my Mom will appreciate this, was the path we had to take to get to the gym hidden amongst the rocks of Scotland. After our 45 minute bus ride into the country side, we walked next to a canal for 15 minutes. A little sprinkle here and there. But the most charming little place. With flowers (that may or may not have gone into my hair) and adorable canal boats along the river. It was just what you are imagining Scotland to be like in the country side. Loved it. And I am sure the neighbors enjoyed our singing as well.
I think the most entertaining part of the day was when we were doing our countdown, and I didn't hear my turn to yell TEN. So when someone was like MONICA, I got startled and screamed ten while losing my grip on the wet wooden floor and started slipping and sliding all over the place, for probably about a minute. Yes...yes this did happen.
I have 3 minutes before I get kicked off, so I will warn you not to expect a post for tomorrow since all we will being is riding on a bus for 8 or so hours stopping to talk to the best sport scientist in the UK and on to London.
Goodnight from Scotland.
On the less exciting side of news, we have conquered the World's Biggest Rock climbing gym.
We then were split up into groups to climb up the 80 ft rock wall. It was a lot of fun, and I finally got over (well at least for today) my fear of rock climbing. Something about it freaks me out. Not heights, not rocks, but climbing rocks does.
But I must say the best part about the whole surprise that Chris Milner put together for us, were our guides. They were a lot of fun and joked around with our whole group. You never are sure what one may be like who has blond hair with a pink mullet while wearing a little panda hat. But they were just really cool guys who knew their stuff about climbing. And who didn't mind showing off either. But that was just part of the great experience. There favorite, we all could tell, was Stephany from her non stop laughing even while climbing on these tiny little stubs of fake rocks.
We all had a blast.
OH but what was amazing about it all, my Mom will appreciate this, was the path we had to take to get to the gym hidden amongst the rocks of Scotland. After our 45 minute bus ride into the country side, we walked next to a canal for 15 minutes. A little sprinkle here and there. But the most charming little place. With flowers (that may or may not have gone into my hair) and adorable canal boats along the river. It was just what you are imagining Scotland to be like in the country side. Loved it. And I am sure the neighbors enjoyed our singing as well.
I think the most entertaining part of the day was when we were doing our countdown, and I didn't hear my turn to yell TEN. So when someone was like MONICA, I got startled and screamed ten while losing my grip on the wet wooden floor and started slipping and sliding all over the place, for probably about a minute. Yes...yes this did happen.
I have 3 minutes before I get kicked off, so I will warn you not to expect a post for tomorrow since all we will being is riding on a bus for 8 or so hours stopping to talk to the best sport scientist in the UK and on to London.
Goodnight from Scotland.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Cheers, from Scotland
Hello all,
Sorry my last post was quite short but I did not have a lot of time, but I wanted to calm all the nervous families that we arrived safely and especially for my family to emphasize that no passports or people were lost. Praise God.
A lot has happened since that very short post. Tuesday we toured the Edinburgh Castle, where many were ecstatic to see the royal jewels and honours. It was fascinating. They also had on display wooden doors that the Prisoners of War would graffiti on to mark their identity. There were many Americans as well as other countries represented on those doors.
I along with Kelly, Sarah, Margo, and Rachel plus Professor Milnar and Afman had lunch at the very own birthplace of the Harry Potter. Elephant House was a charming little restaurant and cafe, and I am sure J.K. Rowling agreed since that is where she wrote the first books of Harry Potter while she looked out the window at the Edinburgh Castle. I thought all you Harry Potter fans, as I, would be interested and jealous to hear that.
I also found out the secrets to parenthood from our wise professors, telling us their ways to potty train and prevent under age training. I will be a great parent, but do not worry not until far into the future.
We then explored the oldest school of for surgeans, where we looked toured the Museum of History. It was extrordianary. Not only did we learn that surgeouns first went to school with barbers, but we saw specimens that were over 200 hundred years old! We were given special access to view the upstairs where preserved body parts with severe diseases were held. Ask your children what struck them the most. But they ranged from worms, goiters, lymphobia hodgkins, rickets, tuberculouses, and wounds from war. That may sound disgusting, but to us esteemed scientists, it was really fascinating to see with our own eyes the reality of our mortal bodies.
Later after some testimonies a few people went out for a Ghost Tour. I did not, as those who know me know I do not do well with being scared. Turns out it was just a tour of the town at night, while learning all the creepy things about Ediburgh's past.
Speaking of Edingburgh, I fell in love with it as soon as we arrived. Yes the wind was blowing us all back (do not worry we were not affected by the ash cloud from the volcanoe in Iceland), but the little cottages and the green grass everywhere answered my dreams of what I hoped Scotland to be. I could not contain my excitement as we rode the double decker bus to our hotel. Then, at least near the Royal Mile, all the buildings are old stone, like you would picture in the middle-ages. That makes sense since there are castles and cathedrals everywhere.
The people here are nice. Though I was told that I bond well with the Scottish people (told by a real Scottsmen), I am afriad that is not the norm I am sure. But what can I say? We are a big group of tourists. But with their lovely accents, I think they could say anything and we all would fall in love with them!
Today was a different tone then the first day. We spent the morning and afternoon at a university where we heard from Nick Watson and Alan MacPherson. We learned about what it means to be a humble athelete but giving God the glory through our excellence from Professor Watson. We then listened to Dr. MacPherson about his research concerning the use of rhythm with performance of athletes. It was very informative and interesting.
Afterwards we watched Chariots of Fire and then hiked (and I mean hike) up the mountain that Liddle talked to Jenny about his purpose in life and that God made him fast, so he will run and win for God.
It was BEAUTIFUL. Yes, we may have climbed up the harder path by accident, but we all made it alive and were able to do the Watermellon Crawel on top of Author's Seat (the name of the mountain) that Chris taught us earlier that day. It's a line dance for all of those who are not familar with that dance culture. None of us were eaither.
But the view was extroardinary and we all took more pictures on top of the mountain than all of the trip so far. My favorite was on the way back down through a field of yellow flowers all along the hill sides. (Yes I know fields are not hills, but just go with it). To me it was exactly what I expected Heaven to look like when I was young. And yes I did frolick in the fields.
Well that conlcudes tonights adventures, though Professor Milner (Millie) and Afman (G Dawg) threw out their surprise they have for us tomorrow. I would say guess what it is, but you won't so I will tell you.
We are going to the biggest? maybe the best? rock climbing facility in the UK? maybe of all the world? Not too clear on those detials...but they did leave us with the words Aerial something or other. It should be a lot of fun. Scary at some points I am sure...but parent's do not fear there are safety belts and bungie ropes (I suppose).
So look forward to hearing about that adventure and then we are off to LONDON!
p.s. I still haven't gotten my wool sweater yet and the guys have not gotten their kilts yet, but our time in Scotland is not over yet.
Sorry my last post was quite short but I did not have a lot of time, but I wanted to calm all the nervous families that we arrived safely and especially for my family to emphasize that no passports or people were lost. Praise God.
A lot has happened since that very short post. Tuesday we toured the Edinburgh Castle, where many were ecstatic to see the royal jewels and honours. It was fascinating. They also had on display wooden doors that the Prisoners of War would graffiti on to mark their identity. There were many Americans as well as other countries represented on those doors.
I along with Kelly, Sarah, Margo, and Rachel plus Professor Milnar and Afman had lunch at the very own birthplace of the Harry Potter. Elephant House was a charming little restaurant and cafe, and I am sure J.K. Rowling agreed since that is where she wrote the first books of Harry Potter while she looked out the window at the Edinburgh Castle. I thought all you Harry Potter fans, as I, would be interested and jealous to hear that.
I also found out the secrets to parenthood from our wise professors, telling us their ways to potty train and prevent under age training. I will be a great parent, but do not worry not until far into the future.
We then explored the oldest school of for surgeans, where we looked toured the Museum of History. It was extrordianary. Not only did we learn that surgeouns first went to school with barbers, but we saw specimens that were over 200 hundred years old! We were given special access to view the upstairs where preserved body parts with severe diseases were held. Ask your children what struck them the most. But they ranged from worms, goiters, lymphobia hodgkins, rickets, tuberculouses, and wounds from war. That may sound disgusting, but to us esteemed scientists, it was really fascinating to see with our own eyes the reality of our mortal bodies.
Later after some testimonies a few people went out for a Ghost Tour. I did not, as those who know me know I do not do well with being scared. Turns out it was just a tour of the town at night, while learning all the creepy things about Ediburgh's past.
Speaking of Edingburgh, I fell in love with it as soon as we arrived. Yes the wind was blowing us all back (do not worry we were not affected by the ash cloud from the volcanoe in Iceland), but the little cottages and the green grass everywhere answered my dreams of what I hoped Scotland to be. I could not contain my excitement as we rode the double decker bus to our hotel. Then, at least near the Royal Mile, all the buildings are old stone, like you would picture in the middle-ages. That makes sense since there are castles and cathedrals everywhere.
The people here are nice. Though I was told that I bond well with the Scottish people (told by a real Scottsmen), I am afriad that is not the norm I am sure. But what can I say? We are a big group of tourists. But with their lovely accents, I think they could say anything and we all would fall in love with them!
Today was a different tone then the first day. We spent the morning and afternoon at a university where we heard from Nick Watson and Alan MacPherson. We learned about what it means to be a humble athelete but giving God the glory through our excellence from Professor Watson. We then listened to Dr. MacPherson about his research concerning the use of rhythm with performance of athletes. It was very informative and interesting.
Afterwards we watched Chariots of Fire and then hiked (and I mean hike) up the mountain that Liddle talked to Jenny about his purpose in life and that God made him fast, so he will run and win for God.
It was BEAUTIFUL. Yes, we may have climbed up the harder path by accident, but we all made it alive and were able to do the Watermellon Crawel on top of Author's Seat (the name of the mountain) that Chris taught us earlier that day. It's a line dance for all of those who are not familar with that dance culture. None of us were eaither.
But the view was extroardinary and we all took more pictures on top of the mountain than all of the trip so far. My favorite was on the way back down through a field of yellow flowers all along the hill sides. (Yes I know fields are not hills, but just go with it). To me it was exactly what I expected Heaven to look like when I was young. And yes I did frolick in the fields.
Well that conlcudes tonights adventures, though Professor Milner (Millie) and Afman (G Dawg) threw out their surprise they have for us tomorrow. I would say guess what it is, but you won't so I will tell you.
We are going to the biggest? maybe the best? rock climbing facility in the UK? maybe of all the world? Not too clear on those detials...but they did leave us with the words Aerial something or other. It should be a lot of fun. Scary at some points I am sure...but parent's do not fear there are safety belts and bungie ropes (I suppose).
So look forward to hearing about that adventure and then we are off to LONDON!
p.s. I still haven't gotten my wool sweater yet and the guys have not gotten their kilts yet, but our time in Scotland is not over yet.
Monday, May 23, 2011
We Have Arrived
We left the United States at 3pm Sunday afternoon and arrived in Scotland 3pm on Monday.
All went well and smooth.
Checked into our hotel on the Royal Mile, had dinner, spent time at the St. Guiles Cathedral, and are ready for bed at 8pm.
Thank you for your prayers during our traveling.
Look forward to a more detailed post in the near future as there will be some exciting adventures awaing us!
-We all send you our love from Scotland.
All went well and smooth.
Checked into our hotel on the Royal Mile, had dinner, spent time at the St. Guiles Cathedral, and are ready for bed at 8pm.
Thank you for your prayers during our traveling.
Look forward to a more detailed post in the near future as there will be some exciting adventures awaing us!
-We all send you our love from Scotland.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Who We Are and What We Do
Currently, you are looking at the blog for Westmont College's Kinesiology Mayterm who are journeying across Europe.
We will be adventuring through:
Edinburgh, Scotland
London, England
Haarlem, Netherlands
Berlin, Germany
Prague, Czech Republic
Halstatt, Austria
Rome, Italy
Florence, Italy
Murren, Switzerland
Despite what it may seem, our trip is more than just exploring the world for the sights, food, and hiking the Alps.
Before lift off we completed the class Special Populations where we learned to see the beauty that comes from "disabilities". Through an intense academic schedule and volunteering at various places we have grown immensely from those who live with what society calls, an impairment.
While traveling, we will be covering the topic International Sport Issues, as well as listening and talking with top leaders in the field.
Join me and the other 24 Kinesiology students and professors as we expand our horizons.
As Greg Afman constantly reminds us, our trip in itself is a great trip; but it is our relationships with one another living under the grace of God that will make our experience great.
Your prayers are greatly appreciated for our safety, unity, and open eyes to God's creation during our time overseas.
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