I am including the JFK Blvd other Philly things. It was a bit surreal! Especially since we were looking for streets on the city map that weren't there.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
More photos!
I forgot to mention in Glasgow they were shooting a film starring Brad Pitt. Apparently it is cheaper to film in Glasgow over Philadelphia so our first sight in Glasgow was a set for Philadelphia, where we had just left.
I am including the JFK Blvd other Philly things. It was a bit surreal! Especially since we were looking for streets on the city map that weren't there.
I am including the JFK Blvd other Philly things. It was a bit surreal! Especially since we were looking for streets on the city map that weren't there.
Glasgow Day 2
We did a lot in Glasgow. It was a refreshing way to start the journey because we didn't really know all the city had to offer. Thankfully we received a free sightseeing bus tour from the hotel and since we could hop on and hop off and be picked up every 15 minutes, we took full advantage.
KeBob places are very common over here and so is Indian food. I figured the indian food would be but the kebob places were a surprise. It's even common to go to a pub and along with the sandwich and fish and steak menu is an option for an indian dish. The grocery stores also have tons of microwavable options for masala and curry dishes. I can't even find Masala sauce in Columbia unless I'm at certain Publix'
so we started a day late but it was fine. We went to the top level of the double decker tour bus. The cool chill was so nice. We had headphones and listened to the city's history. It was fun and we stopped at some cool parts of town. Merchant City was very cool, smaller area with tons of pubs. I feel like the hunter gatherer would fit nicely in there. The city also boasts a flea market every weekend called the Barras Market. I was totally down for that so we went and I bought some gold shoes and a gray vest. all for the amount of 5 pounds total. I would have bought tons more except for the fact that we would have to haul it all and phil was very phil-like by telling me that was a dumb idea. So i didn't get a lot.
There were also a lot of thrift shops around and continued to be throughout the trip. that was something i really enjoyed. We went to the glasgow botanical garden, the university of glasgow and ended at the Kelvingrove Museum and the Glasgow Museum of Modern Art. Museums are free here so it's a great, inexpensive way to have fun! The Kelvingrove museum was rich with coffee smells and a string band, it felt very large and regal. The GoMA was less showy, with a much smaller collection. It was very minimal but the art was good. I particularly enjoyed how all museums seem to incorporate children. They had a section where you look in the mirror and draw a self portrait and hang up. It was cool!
This was also the day I realized, I am not a huge fan of most pork. Our breakfast sausage was odd and the hotdog we got at the garden was odd. The bacon is good but sausage in the UK is not for me.
KeBob places are very common over here and so is Indian food. I figured the indian food would be but the kebob places were a surprise. It's even common to go to a pub and along with the sandwich and fish and steak menu is an option for an indian dish. The grocery stores also have tons of microwavable options for masala and curry dishes. I can't even find Masala sauce in Columbia unless I'm at certain Publix'
so we started a day late but it was fine. We went to the top level of the double decker tour bus. The cool chill was so nice. We had headphones and listened to the city's history. It was fun and we stopped at some cool parts of town. Merchant City was very cool, smaller area with tons of pubs. I feel like the hunter gatherer would fit nicely in there. The city also boasts a flea market every weekend called the Barras Market. I was totally down for that so we went and I bought some gold shoes and a gray vest. all for the amount of 5 pounds total. I would have bought tons more except for the fact that we would have to haul it all and phil was very phil-like by telling me that was a dumb idea. So i didn't get a lot.
There were also a lot of thrift shops around and continued to be throughout the trip. that was something i really enjoyed. We went to the glasgow botanical garden, the university of glasgow and ended at the Kelvingrove Museum and the Glasgow Museum of Modern Art. Museums are free here so it's a great, inexpensive way to have fun! The Kelvingrove museum was rich with coffee smells and a string band, it felt very large and regal. The GoMA was less showy, with a much smaller collection. It was very minimal but the art was good. I particularly enjoyed how all museums seem to incorporate children. They had a section where you look in the mirror and draw a self portrait and hang up. It was cool!
This was also the day I realized, I am not a huge fan of most pork. Our breakfast sausage was odd and the hotdog we got at the garden was odd. The bacon is good but sausage in the UK is not for me.
Glasgow or bust!
We made it to Philadelphia safe from Columbia and the excitement grew. We walked around, ate at Chicky & Pete's. Which was actually good. Phil chose it even though I thought it was the funniest name but it was good. I had a philly cheese steak and he had some fish thing I believe. we split some fries, had a coke and awaited the second flight together. This was our first trip riding in a plane together so it felt extra special (to me at least)
On the way to our first destination, Glasgow, we had pretty good seats. Bulk head seats with the extra leg room. We had a window seat and a middle seat but I asked the older man if he wanted the window seat and phil and I were the middle and end seat! Even more leg room!
The man was from Hilton Head ironically enough. He and some of his friends were traveling to St. Andrews to play golf. He reminded me a bit of my dad and a bit of my great uncle Travis. Dry wit, charming and knows what he wants.
It was a tedious chore trying to sleep on the plane. We knew we needed to try because of jet lag. We watched a little of "water for elephants" not that good by the way and fell asleep for maybe an hour or two. i tossed and turned and felt so out of it. i took two ambien but they didnt make me sleep any better, just made me feel crazy.
We arrive to Glasgow, pick up our rent a car, it was just the airport but everything felt new. The skies were gray, the people were speaking differently and we knew we figured the rest would be down hill.
Our first hotel was very close to the airport so the ten minute drive of getting used to the new automobile was pleasant. We had a hybrid car with a few odd buttons and Phil was obviously driving on the opposite side of the road in which we were used to. He did well!
We checked in and walked around the city to try and stay awake. it was hard but we were excited. Of course I wanted to go into every shop i'd never seen before but read about in blogs. Primark, Dorothy Perkins, H & M (we don't have one in Columbia) I didnt buy anything because the pound to dollar exchange is so bad, it just didn't feel like a deal.
Primark is a mix between like forever 21 and kmart. it's cheap and trendy and has some very good deals on practical things. There is one in Dundee as well so i'll probably go there often.
I noticed that a lot of people were looking at Phil funny. We were stared out quite a lot. I wasn't really sure why. In the city centre in Glasgow, there are a lot of hip, young, fashionistas and the older people even dressed very fancy. It's not like Phil or I looked out of place, we sort of blended in with our boring colors. I suppose now it was the beard because I only saw about 5 other beards this entire trip and i think one of them was an american beard.
My first impression of Glasgow was neutral. I wasn't looking for anything good or bad but made some observations. It's a busy area, especially for commercial shopping. No one likes to say excuse me! i said it or "sorry" over and over but people just seem to be in a rush. Also most younger ladies loved their hair and make up! I saw some very impressive beehives, bump it styles and eye makeup going on. It felt very "UK" for some reason.
We were becoming hungry. It was almost 6pm Scotland time, but 1pm our body time and we had essentially been awake over 25 hours. We didn't know what to try so we went to this little Ke-Bob place right outside the main shopping area. We ordered a lot! Too much in fact but we weren't sure of the sizes so we went all out! We ordered some meats with pita, a salad, fries, pizza and falafel. It was joined into a combo so it didn't sound like it would be that much (i ordered the pizza as an afterthought) we stuffed our faces and had tons to take back to the hotel.
Everyone who walked by looked at us like we were crazy. Not sure why but we were getting used to the weird looks.
We went back to the hotel, set our itinerary for the rest of the time in Glasgow and hit the sack! Slept a solid 12 hours and started fresh the next day!
On the way to our first destination, Glasgow, we had pretty good seats. Bulk head seats with the extra leg room. We had a window seat and a middle seat but I asked the older man if he wanted the window seat and phil and I were the middle and end seat! Even more leg room!
The man was from Hilton Head ironically enough. He and some of his friends were traveling to St. Andrews to play golf. He reminded me a bit of my dad and a bit of my great uncle Travis. Dry wit, charming and knows what he wants.
It was a tedious chore trying to sleep on the plane. We knew we needed to try because of jet lag. We watched a little of "water for elephants" not that good by the way and fell asleep for maybe an hour or two. i tossed and turned and felt so out of it. i took two ambien but they didnt make me sleep any better, just made me feel crazy.
We arrive to Glasgow, pick up our rent a car, it was just the airport but everything felt new. The skies were gray, the people were speaking differently and we knew we figured the rest would be down hill.
Our first hotel was very close to the airport so the ten minute drive of getting used to the new automobile was pleasant. We had a hybrid car with a few odd buttons and Phil was obviously driving on the opposite side of the road in which we were used to. He did well!
We checked in and walked around the city to try and stay awake. it was hard but we were excited. Of course I wanted to go into every shop i'd never seen before but read about in blogs. Primark, Dorothy Perkins, H & M (we don't have one in Columbia) I didnt buy anything because the pound to dollar exchange is so bad, it just didn't feel like a deal.
Primark is a mix between like forever 21 and kmart. it's cheap and trendy and has some very good deals on practical things. There is one in Dundee as well so i'll probably go there often.
I noticed that a lot of people were looking at Phil funny. We were stared out quite a lot. I wasn't really sure why. In the city centre in Glasgow, there are a lot of hip, young, fashionistas and the older people even dressed very fancy. It's not like Phil or I looked out of place, we sort of blended in with our boring colors. I suppose now it was the beard because I only saw about 5 other beards this entire trip and i think one of them was an american beard.
My first impression of Glasgow was neutral. I wasn't looking for anything good or bad but made some observations. It's a busy area, especially for commercial shopping. No one likes to say excuse me! i said it or "sorry" over and over but people just seem to be in a rush. Also most younger ladies loved their hair and make up! I saw some very impressive beehives, bump it styles and eye makeup going on. It felt very "UK" for some reason.
We were becoming hungry. It was almost 6pm Scotland time, but 1pm our body time and we had essentially been awake over 25 hours. We didn't know what to try so we went to this little Ke-Bob place right outside the main shopping area. We ordered a lot! Too much in fact but we weren't sure of the sizes so we went all out! We ordered some meats with pita, a salad, fries, pizza and falafel. It was joined into a combo so it didn't sound like it would be that much (i ordered the pizza as an afterthought) we stuffed our faces and had tons to take back to the hotel.
Everyone who walked by looked at us like we were crazy. Not sure why but we were getting used to the weird looks.
We went back to the hotel, set our itinerary for the rest of the time in Glasgow and hit the sack! Slept a solid 12 hours and started fresh the next day!
The Beginning
Well, well, well! it's going to be a bit difficult to try and go back through the horrifying
steps of the first day, but if you want it, you'll get it!
Thursday, August 25th: Original Departure Date
We met at 10:30 for breakfast at Lizards thicket. This included mom and buzz, dad, sarah and mema and meredith and pag. it was nice and sweet, with a few laughs thrown in. My dad was emotional as always and my mom's volume was up there. At that point, it still hadn't really hit me that I was leaving the country. I mean it really didn't. Not until we were going through the scanner did I realize, we are about to enter another world.
We say our goodbyes, we cry like babies and Phil and I wave the entire path down to our gate. It was so hard to see my parents crying but I knew it would be part of the journey and I figured out this point, it would only happen once. We arrive at our gate early, some of the first people there and we wait and wait and wait.
I am hopeful it will all work out and the plane ride will go smoothly. You see, we had purchased cheaper tickets three months prior to this via an employee through a buddy pass. We understood these passes were not a sure thing, and we may have to be placed on another flight, but we did understand they would work. We had confirmations, we paid for them, we got through checking out baggage, etc. What could possibly go wrong?
Well i'll tell you!
First of all the flight filled up. Soldiers were missing flights and asian ladies with their sons were missing connections, they all headed to our plane since they had first dibs. I was sweatily counting the people going down the tube to arrive to the plane. I knew once I hit 47 that would be the maximum. There was also a weight limit this particular day for fuel so the usual 55 seats was not valid.
I counted 45 and still carried that last ounce of hope. Then two more stragglers got the seats. Even if the stragglers didn't get them, there were two other men on standby for the flight. We were a bit crushed but knew we could reschedule and wait for the next ones. We talked to a kind and busy gateperson and they suggested we talk to the employee to get it figured out.
What I didn't tell you earlier is that this person was laid off two weeks prior to departure. We confirmed with him our tickets would still be valid but once we went to the check in area and spoke to a manager, our luck changed.
We waited outside a gray door shaking our feet and worrying about how long we'd have to wait for the next flight.
we did have reservations to make in Glasgow afterall.
20 minutes later, a woman came out with a phone number and insensitively said "call this number for your refund" Phil and I were numb. A trip we'd been planning for over three months is now just cancelled, just like that?!
Phil was mad. I've never seen him mad but he was mad. My mom and Buzz were pulling back up to pick us up when we told them the bad news. Surely I thought my mom would be able to do something. she moves mountains with her voice! she stormed in there, patiently waited in line and asked to speak to someone about this matter. No one would budge. We pleaded to get a valid buddy pass from another employee, offered cash, explained the situation, begged almost for another way. This was not just a leisurely trip, my school was waiting, our reservations were waiting and the time we put into this was filled up.
We were crying all day, just like in a movie where people cry in the airport all day!
Buzz flies a lot so he had some Delta employees assist us. They booked Phil a new flight for 2,000 and booked me one for 3,000. it was heartbreaking. At this point I didnt want to do it without Phil. He just had to go. This was OUR time that we so desperately needed. We were exhausted and full of emotions. It really hurt that no one would help us. We ended up having to be re-booked with the airline that screwed us over because they had the cheapest ticket of them all. Which is basically the reason they needed our money i guess.
We went home, doubted it all, worried about money and worried about the trip. having to say all of those goodbyes again and having to feel that pain again. we had dinner at D's wings with Meredith and Pag, vented to them and when we got home, we cried ourselves to sleep.
The next day, the goodbyes were a lot less difficult. It was more like a "get out of here already" than a "don't leave!"
So friday we started it all over again. the same flight, but a guaranteed spot. We were excited.
Looking back to then I am glad that we made it work. Phil helped me so much with everything. Even though his credit card is ridiculous now and even though it could have all been avoided, we made it!
This was the beginning to a heartfelt and loving vacation with my baby.
Here are some photos of us waiting at the gate - day 2 - tired and excited!
steps of the first day, but if you want it, you'll get it!
Thursday, August 25th: Original Departure Date
We met at 10:30 for breakfast at Lizards thicket. This included mom and buzz, dad, sarah and mema and meredith and pag. it was nice and sweet, with a few laughs thrown in. My dad was emotional as always and my mom's volume was up there. At that point, it still hadn't really hit me that I was leaving the country. I mean it really didn't. Not until we were going through the scanner did I realize, we are about to enter another world.
We say our goodbyes, we cry like babies and Phil and I wave the entire path down to our gate. It was so hard to see my parents crying but I knew it would be part of the journey and I figured out this point, it would only happen once. We arrive at our gate early, some of the first people there and we wait and wait and wait.
I am hopeful it will all work out and the plane ride will go smoothly. You see, we had purchased cheaper tickets three months prior to this via an employee through a buddy pass. We understood these passes were not a sure thing, and we may have to be placed on another flight, but we did understand they would work. We had confirmations, we paid for them, we got through checking out baggage, etc. What could possibly go wrong?
Well i'll tell you!
First of all the flight filled up. Soldiers were missing flights and asian ladies with their sons were missing connections, they all headed to our plane since they had first dibs. I was sweatily counting the people going down the tube to arrive to the plane. I knew once I hit 47 that would be the maximum. There was also a weight limit this particular day for fuel so the usual 55 seats was not valid.
I counted 45 and still carried that last ounce of hope. Then two more stragglers got the seats. Even if the stragglers didn't get them, there were two other men on standby for the flight. We were a bit crushed but knew we could reschedule and wait for the next ones. We talked to a kind and busy gateperson and they suggested we talk to the employee to get it figured out.
What I didn't tell you earlier is that this person was laid off two weeks prior to departure. We confirmed with him our tickets would still be valid but once we went to the check in area and spoke to a manager, our luck changed.
We waited outside a gray door shaking our feet and worrying about how long we'd have to wait for the next flight.
we did have reservations to make in Glasgow afterall.
20 minutes later, a woman came out with a phone number and insensitively said "call this number for your refund" Phil and I were numb. A trip we'd been planning for over three months is now just cancelled, just like that?!
Phil was mad. I've never seen him mad but he was mad. My mom and Buzz were pulling back up to pick us up when we told them the bad news. Surely I thought my mom would be able to do something. she moves mountains with her voice! she stormed in there, patiently waited in line and asked to speak to someone about this matter. No one would budge. We pleaded to get a valid buddy pass from another employee, offered cash, explained the situation, begged almost for another way. This was not just a leisurely trip, my school was waiting, our reservations were waiting and the time we put into this was filled up.
We were crying all day, just like in a movie where people cry in the airport all day!
Buzz flies a lot so he had some Delta employees assist us. They booked Phil a new flight for 2,000 and booked me one for 3,000. it was heartbreaking. At this point I didnt want to do it without Phil. He just had to go. This was OUR time that we so desperately needed. We were exhausted and full of emotions. It really hurt that no one would help us. We ended up having to be re-booked with the airline that screwed us over because they had the cheapest ticket of them all. Which is basically the reason they needed our money i guess.
We went home, doubted it all, worried about money and worried about the trip. having to say all of those goodbyes again and having to feel that pain again. we had dinner at D's wings with Meredith and Pag, vented to them and when we got home, we cried ourselves to sleep.
The next day, the goodbyes were a lot less difficult. It was more like a "get out of here already" than a "don't leave!"
So friday we started it all over again. the same flight, but a guaranteed spot. We were excited.
Looking back to then I am glad that we made it work. Phil helped me so much with everything. Even though his credit card is ridiculous now and even though it could have all been avoided, we made it!
This was the beginning to a heartfelt and loving vacation with my baby.
Here are some photos of us waiting at the gate - day 2 - tired and excited!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
One more night
watching "breaking bad", eating tomato soup and grilled cheese sammies and drinking coca cola!
It's a pretty nice last night so far. I went to visit my dad and grandmother today to review the rules of skype, my mom came over and packed my luggage in her car and I bought some deoderant!
Shellie left me a tape recorder so she'd have my voice on tape. Pretty weird for her but of course I don't mind. I recorded myself while I made my grilled cheese. It wasn't difficult. She said be natural so I was.
Mom, Buzz, my dad, mama chason, pag and meredith are meeting me and Phil at 10:30 am tomorrow at the lizard's thicket near the airport. I woulda preferred waffle house but we need the table space so lizard's thicket it is.
As long as Phil and I board that plane, i'll be on cloud nine. Since we have a buddy pass, we're basically the last to board. As of tonight, there are still 9 seats left, so fingers crossed.
the luggage is 50 pounds each, it took a whole night to get the weight right. Everything is packed to the rim. I have bedding, instant coffee, peanut better and more! I am all about saving that money honey so where it fits, imuh pack it.
see you guys in scotland!
It's a pretty nice last night so far. I went to visit my dad and grandmother today to review the rules of skype, my mom came over and packed my luggage in her car and I bought some deoderant!
Shellie left me a tape recorder so she'd have my voice on tape. Pretty weird for her but of course I don't mind. I recorded myself while I made my grilled cheese. It wasn't difficult. She said be natural so I was.
Mom, Buzz, my dad, mama chason, pag and meredith are meeting me and Phil at 10:30 am tomorrow at the lizard's thicket near the airport. I woulda preferred waffle house but we need the table space so lizard's thicket it is.
As long as Phil and I board that plane, i'll be on cloud nine. Since we have a buddy pass, we're basically the last to board. As of tonight, there are still 9 seats left, so fingers crossed.
the luggage is 50 pounds each, it took a whole night to get the weight right. Everything is packed to the rim. I have bedding, instant coffee, peanut better and more! I am all about saving that money honey so where it fits, imuh pack it.
see you guys in scotland!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Hey All Everybody!
It's friday and i'm at work!
Everything is getting down to the nittay grittay and i am becoming a lot less stressed.
I've got only a few more things to take care of, big things, but very few!
I am going to my high school to speak with Mr. Hoffman's class about studying abroad. I love going back there and reminiscing with all my favorite teachers so it'll be a nice pre-UK treat.
I promise this won't be all ranting when I get to Dundee. I will post more pictures and fun stuff.
Back to work! I will leave you with a wonderful quote from last night's episode of "Toddlers & Tiaras" :
“Emerald's greatest ambition is to become an Octopus and a Photographer”
Everything is getting down to the nittay grittay and i am becoming a lot less stressed.
I've got only a few more things to take care of, big things, but very few!
I am going to my high school to speak with Mr. Hoffman's class about studying abroad. I love going back there and reminiscing with all my favorite teachers so it'll be a nice pre-UK treat.
I promise this won't be all ranting when I get to Dundee. I will post more pictures and fun stuff.
Back to work! I will leave you with a wonderful quote from last night's episode of "Toddlers & Tiaras" :
“Emerald's greatest ambition is to become an Octopus and a Photographer”
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