a tid more about england

TUBED

         After the pub we took the tube back to Emma and Adam’s place. It never occurred to me that “the tube” could be a logical name for public transportation. I thought it was just called that because british people have funny names for things (i.e. apples and pears = stairs, bangers = sausages). It turns out it’s called the tube because the whole set up is as cylindrical as it can be. It reminded me a little of the Magic School Bus where they end up inside of Arnold’s body and travel through his intestines.

HOT COCOA’S FOR SUCKERS

         When we got back, Emma gave me some mulled wine spices that she had bought as a surprise gift. I love mulled wine! I don’t get why it’s not a bigger deal in the United States, especially in Minnesota. It makes you feel a whole lot better about winter. In Europe, as soon as it starts getting chilly outside the hot wine stands show up right where you need them most, in the streets and at the outdoor sporting events. Minnesota needs to get on this. Especially now that the Twins have an outdoor stadium. Who wants ice cold beer when you already can’t feel your fingers?

THE LITTLE THINGS

         On Saturday Emma and I took a run and then she let me take a hot shower for as long as I wanted. Long hot showers are a guilty pleasure of mine in the Twin Cities, especially in the winter. Living in that climate, I feel like it’s the only way to bring my core temperature back up. Utilities in France are expensive, so I take speed showers, using least amount of water possible. To make this especially uncomfortable, my washroom stays around 40 degrees at all times. This means that long hot showers have become quite the luxury. At Emma’s, I was tempted to never come out. All of you who have the luxury of a long hot shower, please take this moment to appreciate it.

OFF-BRAND PIETY

         After my luxurious shower, we went downtown to take a look at St.Paul’s Cathedral. St.Paul’s is like an off-brand cathedral. Being located in England, it is Anglican, but it looks ever so Catholic. And it’s named after a saint. These religions are supposedly different. One of the many things about religion that I will probably never get.

         Outside they had set up a whole host of temporary amusement rides. They were the exact ones you find at the Minnesota State fair and they looked terrifically out of place squished up next to a 400 year old cathedral. The kiddies did not appear to mind. Entrance to the cathedral was free because of “Rembrance Weekend.” It was even free to go up into the Whispering Gallery (a balcony that wraps around the interior of the dome) and to the Stone Gallery (an outdoor balcony that wraps around the exterior of the dome).

SHHHHHHH

         The Whispering Gallery got it’s name because apparently the acoustics allow you to clearly hear someone whispering all the way from the other side. We were unable to test this as there were about a hundred tourists swarming up there, speaking in numerous languages and taking flash photos that they weren’t supposed to take. We were, however, able to witness the guards use these acoustics to their advantage. They would loudly demand that someone stop taking photos and the scattered sound made it seem like they were right next to you even if they were across the way. This worked out well for them because, regardless of who they were actually talking to, they always got about a half dozen people sheepishly tucking away their cameras all around the gallery. 

so much more to be continued...

p.s. I'll be home in 19 days!