I've been waking up with headaches fairly often this past week. I've been attacked with continual waves of zits. Must be stress. I still have 5 papers waiting to get done for my classes in England, though I've been home for a week and a half. I'm going to go to Camp Gideon today for a day or two to write my next short story, though I have a feeling this one will be longer. It will encompass everything.
I've been building its structure in my mind for about four months, though I've only been really focusing on it for about three weeks. I think it will be my best work yet. No, I know so. I just need to get away from society to write it. I was so isolated in England for so long that being thrust back into American culture and everything that used to be familiar has changed my perspective on those very things.
This story will be a testament to change, change forced upon us.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Last few hours in England
Well its midnight, and our taxi will hopefully pick us up at around 1:45am to take us to the coach station. Then to Heathrow and then home.
Its really odd having only a little time left before I leave. At one point, going home felt like it was years away. Now its only a few hours away.
Coming home will be accompanied by changes. Lots and lots of them, and I've never really been big on change. So it should be interesting, to say the least.
Anyways, I'll gladly take all the change that's coming just so I can have home-cooked meals. Beats cereal, apples, and hummus every day.
Its really odd having only a little time left before I leave. At one point, going home felt like it was years away. Now its only a few hours away.
Coming home will be accompanied by changes. Lots and lots of them, and I've never really been big on change. So it should be interesting, to say the least.
Anyways, I'll gladly take all the change that's coming just so I can have home-cooked meals. Beats cereal, apples, and hummus every day.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
E+87
If you haven't caught the number thing, this is my 87th day in England. A week from now, I'll be on a plane across the Atlantic, if everything works out. I did a lot of packing yesterday, about an hour and a half's worth. I figure the more packing I get done this weekend, the more I can concentrate on finishing up papers this coming week, so I don't have to do them in Ohio, as they aren't due until January.
Its very strange to be packing. But as I remember, it took me well over a week to pack for the way over, so I may as well take my time for packing for coming home.
So I haven't done much else, other than write papers and read. Read Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse last week, and I'm about halfway through A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis. I'm really interested to see where Lewis takes his argument, because in this book there is not the structures rationalist thought, but a broken man yelling at God, entertaining views of God as the Comic Sadist, questioning not his belief in God, but his view of God as a loving and essential good being. In both of these fantastic works, or at least in the former and what I've read in the latter, they struggle with the nature of the divine being, but are forced to recognize that there is no way to know. However, just because there is no way to know why God lets certain terrible things happen to humanity, and because God can never be understood, that does not mean that (or from what I personally believe and am drawing from the mentioned books) the only way to God is a leap of faith: I think too many Christians are too emphatic on faith, faith, faith- I know faith is important, but I don't think God would have given us these brains if we couldn't use them and explore the nature of being and of God. I think a leap of faith is part of it, but try to imagine this image: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, when he has to take his leap of faith to find the Holy Grail, over a bottomless chasm. Then, when he does, a bridge appears. Now imagine that instead of taking that step, Dr. Jones had put a little more thought and effort into his decision- he had read through the Bible, talked with people much more wise than he, read the works of holy people- he would have been able to build stones across to form part of his bridge. Keep the physics out of it. He builds a bridge across. Each stone is a different thing he has learned about God, such as trusting God, believing in God, the nature of prayer, faith, salvation, unchanging divine beneficence, until he gets to the keystone, the one that holds it all together. That could be his leap of faith.
Anyways, I'm excited to go home. I miss it. Readjusting should be interesting. But at least I won't have jokers pounding their rap music at 2am like last night. I hope.
Its very strange to be packing. But as I remember, it took me well over a week to pack for the way over, so I may as well take my time for packing for coming home.
So I haven't done much else, other than write papers and read. Read Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse last week, and I'm about halfway through A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis. I'm really interested to see where Lewis takes his argument, because in this book there is not the structures rationalist thought, but a broken man yelling at God, entertaining views of God as the Comic Sadist, questioning not his belief in God, but his view of God as a loving and essential good being. In both of these fantastic works, or at least in the former and what I've read in the latter, they struggle with the nature of the divine being, but are forced to recognize that there is no way to know. However, just because there is no way to know why God lets certain terrible things happen to humanity, and because God can never be understood, that does not mean that (or from what I personally believe and am drawing from the mentioned books) the only way to God is a leap of faith: I think too many Christians are too emphatic on faith, faith, faith- I know faith is important, but I don't think God would have given us these brains if we couldn't use them and explore the nature of being and of God. I think a leap of faith is part of it, but try to imagine this image: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, when he has to take his leap of faith to find the Holy Grail, over a bottomless chasm. Then, when he does, a bridge appears. Now imagine that instead of taking that step, Dr. Jones had put a little more thought and effort into his decision- he had read through the Bible, talked with people much more wise than he, read the works of holy people- he would have been able to build stones across to form part of his bridge. Keep the physics out of it. He builds a bridge across. Each stone is a different thing he has learned about God, such as trusting God, believing in God, the nature of prayer, faith, salvation, unchanging divine beneficence, until he gets to the keystone, the one that holds it all together. That could be his leap of faith.
Anyways, I'm excited to go home. I miss it. Readjusting should be interesting. But at least I won't have jokers pounding their rap music at 2am like last night. I hope.
Monday, December 6, 2010
E+82
Finished my two large papers of the end of the semester last night. Only have a handful of really small papers left. Doing some reading. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. Planning some Henry James after that. Short works. Haven't done much creative writing of my own for the past week or two, other than a really dumb story wrote last monday. I feel like I've exhausted all my ideas, but I know that's never possible.
Anyways, less than two weeks left in England. Coming home the 18th. Wow, that's only 12 days. At one point it felt like home was a year away. I am ready to come home. I think when I get home I'll stay in my room for a week and sleep all day in my bed that doesn't have awful springs poking into my back like the one here. I've gotten used to the springs. Listening to Bon Iver.
It's an exceptionally foggy day in Cheltenham. Maybe I'll just sleep all day.
Anyways, less than two weeks left in England. Coming home the 18th. Wow, that's only 12 days. At one point it felt like home was a year away. I am ready to come home. I think when I get home I'll stay in my room for a week and sleep all day in my bed that doesn't have awful springs poking into my back like the one here. I've gotten used to the springs. Listening to Bon Iver.
It's an exceptionally foggy day in Cheltenham. Maybe I'll just sleep all day.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
E+74
Only 20 days until I come home to Canton Ohio. Now that my England trip is finishing up, I'm motivated to look back over the past ten weeks. The past few days I've been doing lots of that, actually. Haven't been getting too much school work done, and goodness knows I have enough to do.
Although this semester has been somewhat lonely in my little room, if I could do it over again I would definitely come to England again. The curiosity of what I would have encountered and learned would have been too great to stay home. Now I know. I know what it is to be in a new situation with new people and a new milieu. I know what it's like to be disconnected from my life in Canton. I've had so much time to delve into my own mind and my own thoughts, and transform those discoveries into creative ore.
I've encountered so many new things in the worlds of art, philosophy, theology, literature, music, and history, to name a few. I've been getting into Russian classical composers more this semester than ever before. I've also learned how important peace and quiet can be for relaxed study and contemplation. In that respect, I dearly miss the quiet of my own space at home.
Although this semester has been somewhat lonely in my little room, if I could do it over again I would definitely come to England again. The curiosity of what I would have encountered and learned would have been too great to stay home. Now I know. I know what it is to be in a new situation with new people and a new milieu. I know what it's like to be disconnected from my life in Canton. I've had so much time to delve into my own mind and my own thoughts, and transform those discoveries into creative ore.
I've encountered so many new things in the worlds of art, philosophy, theology, literature, music, and history, to name a few. I've been getting into Russian classical composers more this semester than ever before. I've also learned how important peace and quiet can be for relaxed study and contemplation. In that respect, I dearly miss the quiet of my own space at home.
Monday, November 22, 2010
68th day in England
This weekend was wonderful. Went to Bath on Saturday with the BCA group, all the other Americans studying and living in England with me. We saw the Roman Baths and the famous Pump Room from Austen's Northanger Abbey. So cool to see all the Roman structures and artifacts from the area. Although most of the structure of the Roman Baths there was built within the last several hundred years, over a millennia after the Romans packed up and left, much of the original ruins remain, including tombs, skeletons, jewelry, etc. Saw the Bath Abbey, which was pretty incredible. There was also a fantastic band called "The Zen Hussies"playing in the street. Check them out.
Yesterday went to London with my friend Alex. Although most of the most important lines on the London Underground were shut down, we made our way from Victoria to Paddington to retrieve his lost iPod, which failed, so we went over to the East side, up by Old Street, and checked out some pretty awesome art studios in the bohemian-kind-of-colony in that area. We spent a little time in the British Museum, but I'm sure I could spend a week there and not see all there is to see. Saw the Rosetta Stone- I think that was the most notable thing I saw there, other than the Assyrian reliefs of the siege of Lachish in Israel. It was really cool to see those, because I was at Lachish this summer, and I saw the earthen siege ramp the Assyrians built to capture the city, which was one of Israel's strongest fortresses at the time. The relief showed the Assyrians marching up the siege ramp and defeating the Israelites, then enslaving them. Afterwards, we stopped at Trafalgar Square just to check it out. While there, I realized that London really does seem like the capital of the world; don't get me wrong, Washington D.C. is gorgeous, its just not the magnificent city London is. I suppose several thousand more years of development in London accounts for that.
We went to a Shisha place later on called Sara Cafe by Baker Street. Unfortunately we didn't go to the Sherlock Holmes museum. Next time. Sara's was great. Had a mint tea and it reminded me of Israel- only half a year ago I was just getting used to being abroad. That was only a six-week trip, and I've already been in England nearly ten weeks.
Today I went with some friends to Tintern Abbey and Chepstow Castle. Tintern Abbey was obviously wonderful, in its inspiration to Wordsworth to write a poem comparing his current situation in life to five years before he first saw it. The title of the poem suggests he was at a good vantage point to see the River Wye wind through Tintern and past the Abbey, so he was either on the other end of the vale, but more likely, I think, he was at the site of St. Mary's on the hill behind the Abbey. We walked up there, and saw that wonderful view which is described in the title to Wordsworth's poem. The church was built in the 1860's, though a St. Mary's has been there for hundreds of years. This one burnt in the 1970s, so now, like Tintern Abbey, all that remains are the walls, and its really quite Romantic- all overgrown and forgotten, next to a wonderfully creepy graveyard.
Chepstow Castle wasn't very far away- it was one of the first stone fortifications built in Britain and one of the few stone fortifications William the Conqueror commissioned upon his claim to the English throne in 1066- the main section of this castle is still visible, which was built then. However, there have been many additions through the hundreds of years since, mainly in the 13th-15th centuries. During the English Civil War in the mid 17th century, Crowmwell's forces battered the heck out of it with cannons, so it's pretty beat up, but nonetheless fascinating.
Got home tonight to add a few things up- found out that I have two papers due in two weeks, and then I have five papers due in late January-early February. Pretty bummed about that, as I will be in my next classes by then. I'll see what I can get done during Christmas break, though I'll probably be applying to grad schools then, if I don't give up first.
So this week will be researching for my papers. Probably won't get much creative writing or editing done any time soon.
Yesterday went to London with my friend Alex. Although most of the most important lines on the London Underground were shut down, we made our way from Victoria to Paddington to retrieve his lost iPod, which failed, so we went over to the East side, up by Old Street, and checked out some pretty awesome art studios in the bohemian-kind-of-colony in that area. We spent a little time in the British Museum, but I'm sure I could spend a week there and not see all there is to see. Saw the Rosetta Stone- I think that was the most notable thing I saw there, other than the Assyrian reliefs of the siege of Lachish in Israel. It was really cool to see those, because I was at Lachish this summer, and I saw the earthen siege ramp the Assyrians built to capture the city, which was one of Israel's strongest fortresses at the time. The relief showed the Assyrians marching up the siege ramp and defeating the Israelites, then enslaving them. Afterwards, we stopped at Trafalgar Square just to check it out. While there, I realized that London really does seem like the capital of the world; don't get me wrong, Washington D.C. is gorgeous, its just not the magnificent city London is. I suppose several thousand more years of development in London accounts for that.
We went to a Shisha place later on called Sara Cafe by Baker Street. Unfortunately we didn't go to the Sherlock Holmes museum. Next time. Sara's was great. Had a mint tea and it reminded me of Israel- only half a year ago I was just getting used to being abroad. That was only a six-week trip, and I've already been in England nearly ten weeks.
Today I went with some friends to Tintern Abbey and Chepstow Castle. Tintern Abbey was obviously wonderful, in its inspiration to Wordsworth to write a poem comparing his current situation in life to five years before he first saw it. The title of the poem suggests he was at a good vantage point to see the River Wye wind through Tintern and past the Abbey, so he was either on the other end of the vale, but more likely, I think, he was at the site of St. Mary's on the hill behind the Abbey. We walked up there, and saw that wonderful view which is described in the title to Wordsworth's poem. The church was built in the 1860's, though a St. Mary's has been there for hundreds of years. This one burnt in the 1970s, so now, like Tintern Abbey, all that remains are the walls, and its really quite Romantic- all overgrown and forgotten, next to a wonderfully creepy graveyard.
Chepstow Castle wasn't very far away- it was one of the first stone fortifications built in Britain and one of the few stone fortifications William the Conqueror commissioned upon his claim to the English throne in 1066- the main section of this castle is still visible, which was built then. However, there have been many additions through the hundreds of years since, mainly in the 13th-15th centuries. During the English Civil War in the mid 17th century, Crowmwell's forces battered the heck out of it with cannons, so it's pretty beat up, but nonetheless fascinating.
Got home tonight to add a few things up- found out that I have two papers due in two weeks, and then I have five papers due in late January-early February. Pretty bummed about that, as I will be in my next classes by then. I'll see what I can get done during Christmas break, though I'll probably be applying to grad schools then, if I don't give up first.
So this week will be researching for my papers. Probably won't get much creative writing or editing done any time soon.
Monday, November 8, 2010
E+54
Well, it seems as if the party is officially over. I haven't had to do one assignment this semester, apart from copious amounts of reading. I have a small paper due thursday, about which I really don't know what I'm writing, so I guess I'll just have to see how it goes.
I went to London on Friday with a few friends, and we had a great time. We saw all the tourist attractions we wanted to see (the Tower of London, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the British Library, Buckingham Palace) besides a few that we didn't have time or energy for (St. Paul's Cathedral and the British Museum). I suppose we can always go back, while we're in the country. It was just a little sad how fleeting our moment in London was- we spent the better part of 12 hours doing our thing, but it wasn't nearly enough time to get a real feel for the city. I think I could spend weeks there and not see everything.
So, since I have been home, I've been researching this paper on the 'Captain Swing' riots in Southern England from late 1830 to earlyish 1831. Unfortunately, I am still confused about the referencing system, the paper format itself, the online journal finding system, and the turning-in-your-paper system. Literally, nothing is the same as researching is at Malone. So that's frustrating. Fortunately, by the time it's due Thursday morning, two BCA girls and I will go to a conference in Northern Ireland, in Derry. We won't be back till Sunday, so that should be a lovely little holiday, though we will be in seminars and discussions the whole weekend.
I'm still frustrated with my savage building-mates, who like to raise a hellish cacophony most nights in the courtyard outside my window, and blast their crap-pop music at all times of the day or night. Fortunately, the rules that they are supposed to follow concerning the respect of other people in this building are more like guidelines, as no one feels like enforcing them. Another example: people weren't supposed to park outside out building on the small drive that leads to our building's entrance. It took one fire drill and at least another two real fire alarms to make someone post a sign telling the idiots not to park there. And the fire brigade had to tell them that how many times before anything was done?
So, life in Cheltenham has it's ups and downs. Starbucks being closed at 6:30pm everynight certainly constitutes another 'down', for the record.
I need to eat and study. Bye.
P.S. I remember when I was in elementary school, I got in an argument with the pre-teen workaholic in my class that the spelling of the word you say to someone when ending communication with them was "b-y" instead of her goofy "b-y-e". In due time I figured out she had been right. I don't think I've talked to her since.
I went to London on Friday with a few friends, and we had a great time. We saw all the tourist attractions we wanted to see (the Tower of London, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the British Library, Buckingham Palace) besides a few that we didn't have time or energy for (St. Paul's Cathedral and the British Museum). I suppose we can always go back, while we're in the country. It was just a little sad how fleeting our moment in London was- we spent the better part of 12 hours doing our thing, but it wasn't nearly enough time to get a real feel for the city. I think I could spend weeks there and not see everything.
So, since I have been home, I've been researching this paper on the 'Captain Swing' riots in Southern England from late 1830 to earlyish 1831. Unfortunately, I am still confused about the referencing system, the paper format itself, the online journal finding system, and the turning-in-your-paper system. Literally, nothing is the same as researching is at Malone. So that's frustrating. Fortunately, by the time it's due Thursday morning, two BCA girls and I will go to a conference in Northern Ireland, in Derry. We won't be back till Sunday, so that should be a lovely little holiday, though we will be in seminars and discussions the whole weekend.
I'm still frustrated with my savage building-mates, who like to raise a hellish cacophony most nights in the courtyard outside my window, and blast their crap-pop music at all times of the day or night. Fortunately, the rules that they are supposed to follow concerning the respect of other people in this building are more like guidelines, as no one feels like enforcing them. Another example: people weren't supposed to park outside out building on the small drive that leads to our building's entrance. It took one fire drill and at least another two real fire alarms to make someone post a sign telling the idiots not to park there. And the fire brigade had to tell them that how many times before anything was done?
So, life in Cheltenham has it's ups and downs. Starbucks being closed at 6:30pm everynight certainly constitutes another 'down', for the record.
I need to eat and study. Bye.
P.S. I remember when I was in elementary school, I got in an argument with the pre-teen workaholic in my class that the spelling of the word you say to someone when ending communication with them was "b-y" instead of her goofy "b-y-e". In due time I figured out she had been right. I don't think I've talked to her since.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
E+43
Today is the six-week mark in England, six weeks from the day we arrived. As my trip this summer was six weeks and two days, I've almost been in England as long as I was abroad this summer. This feels very different, though. The whole time I was abroad this summer all I wanted was a place to store my socks and underwear in a place that wasn't my suitcase. I naturally have had the pleasure of storing all my clothes away since the first day, so I guess thats one of the most obvious differences.
Also, I somewhat expected England to be some grand adventure; lots of traveling and epic events, things of that nature. What I have mostly done is stay in my room and read and write. I suppose I haven't made quite the solid friendships so far as I had hoped for, but things are looking up.
The good thing is that I have made a lot of progress on my writing. Last week I wrote a short story, 'Swirling Leaves in Autumn,' and I'm hoping it isn't terrible. I guess we'll see where that goes. Started brainstorming on another one, but I'm having a rough time piecing the plot together. Nothing really happens.
Among that jazz, I have doing most of my homework reading. I haven't had to submit any assignments or take any tests or quizzes, which in some ways rocks. I'm just having a hard time keeping myself accountable with reading for school and not what I want to read.
It's been getting colder. We're supposed to have decent weather this weekend: upper 60s with moderate precipitation. Not unusual for here, but we have had several really beautiful days. On most of those days I walk down to Pittville Park a few blocks away and read and think and hang out with my duck friends.
So, as I am just a few days short of being halfway through this trip, I suppose this is a good time to sum up my sentiments concerning the first half of this trip. I do miss home, especially all the fun fall things I am missing out on. I am somewhat bummed that by the time I get home there will be 2-3 months of solid winter ahead. Being here has really increased my appreciation for home; not only Canton itself, but what makes Canton home to me: the ability to go to Starbucks past 6pm (that's right, they close right after dinner- what a rip-off), my room, where I can run away from stupid people and their obnoxious gangster rap thumping through the walls, my wonderful family, good friends, all good things and people of that sort.
I don't mean to demean the quality of my stay here. It's just been very different. It has been a great learning experience, and it's great to reflect on my time here to better understand myself.
It also, obviously, has been the ideal setting for me to learn about everything British. I've learned so much already, and I know I will take my experience and knowledge gained in Cheltenham with me wherever I go in my life.
On the traveling subject, I did go to Stratford-Upon-Avon last weekend with three other BCA (American) students and a host of other international students. We saw Shakespeare's birthplace/adult home and his church where he was baptized, married, and buried, which contains his and his immediate family's graves. We had lunch twice (my favorite) in Stratford and saw lots of other nifty little things, including an original First Folio printing.
Two other Americans and I just planned a trip to London, so I'm glad I'll finally be able to go check out all the good tourist sites.
That's about all I have this morning. I have to read about the decline of the Liberal Party in 1900-1939 for class. Fun.
Also, I somewhat expected England to be some grand adventure; lots of traveling and epic events, things of that nature. What I have mostly done is stay in my room and read and write. I suppose I haven't made quite the solid friendships so far as I had hoped for, but things are looking up.
The good thing is that I have made a lot of progress on my writing. Last week I wrote a short story, 'Swirling Leaves in Autumn,' and I'm hoping it isn't terrible. I guess we'll see where that goes. Started brainstorming on another one, but I'm having a rough time piecing the plot together. Nothing really happens.
Among that jazz, I have doing most of my homework reading. I haven't had to submit any assignments or take any tests or quizzes, which in some ways rocks. I'm just having a hard time keeping myself accountable with reading for school and not what I want to read.
It's been getting colder. We're supposed to have decent weather this weekend: upper 60s with moderate precipitation. Not unusual for here, but we have had several really beautiful days. On most of those days I walk down to Pittville Park a few blocks away and read and think and hang out with my duck friends.
So, as I am just a few days short of being halfway through this trip, I suppose this is a good time to sum up my sentiments concerning the first half of this trip. I do miss home, especially all the fun fall things I am missing out on. I am somewhat bummed that by the time I get home there will be 2-3 months of solid winter ahead. Being here has really increased my appreciation for home; not only Canton itself, but what makes Canton home to me: the ability to go to Starbucks past 6pm (that's right, they close right after dinner- what a rip-off), my room, where I can run away from stupid people and their obnoxious gangster rap thumping through the walls, my wonderful family, good friends, all good things and people of that sort.
I don't mean to demean the quality of my stay here. It's just been very different. It has been a great learning experience, and it's great to reflect on my time here to better understand myself.
It also, obviously, has been the ideal setting for me to learn about everything British. I've learned so much already, and I know I will take my experience and knowledge gained in Cheltenham with me wherever I go in my life.
On the traveling subject, I did go to Stratford-Upon-Avon last weekend with three other BCA (American) students and a host of other international students. We saw Shakespeare's birthplace/adult home and his church where he was baptized, married, and buried, which contains his and his immediate family's graves. We had lunch twice (my favorite) in Stratford and saw lots of other nifty little things, including an original First Folio printing.
Two other Americans and I just planned a trip to London, so I'm glad I'll finally be able to go check out all the good tourist sites.
That's about all I have this morning. I have to read about the decline of the Liberal Party in 1900-1939 for class. Fun.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Welcome, October. E+16
Well, just woke up to find that it is raining outside, and is really quite windy. Shortly after, I had a brilliant thought: as I don't have class today, or really anything better to do, I think I'll stay home today! I think it sounds brilliant anyways...
So I may as well try to relate the events of the past week as best I can. It's my fault for not writing for so long, I know. This past weekend the entire BCA group (all of the Americans that came here together, about 30, including myself) went on a trip to Cornwall, which was organized by Denise and Sandy, our wonderful program director and assistant program director, respectively.
We left last Friday morning, and rode on a bus first to Lanhydrock Hotel, which was rather pish-posh, was the site of our exquisite lunch, and was where we saw a man with purple golfing pants. Then we rode to Lanhydrock, a late Victorian Country House, which included some fantastic gardens as well.
Also, there was a plaque to the right of the flagpole above that explained how the lost fabled land of Lyonesse existed (in legend) between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, barely visible from Land's End. It was supposedly swalled in the sea around six hundred years ago, and fishermen still say they can see the houses' rooftops under the waves on calm days, and that they get doors and windows in their nets every so often. So I am trying to figure out what interesting way I can incorporate that legend in my book.
Then went to St. Ives, a picturesque tourist town which was on the way back to our hostel. There I ate a famous Cornish pasty, and at a different shop the famous Cornish tea and clotted cream. Needless to say, I have excellent taste in taste, built up from years of experience in the field, and I have no qualms with praising both delicious treats for their tastiness, originality, and tastiness.
Then we went to our hostel at Newquay for the night. Max, Alex and I then proceeded to climb the cliffs by the sea. I got yelled at by a security guard so I stopped climbing one large, slippery cliff. The three of us then decided to hop in; its possible that I have never been as cold as I was then, swimming in the sea there. Its like I always say: If you're going to do something really stupid and somewhat dangerous, you may as well do it with your friends.
The next morning, Sunday, we visited the Eden Project, which was a china-clay mine for the majority of the past century. Some people bought it and transformed it from a hideous pit to an amazing display of ecological conservation and progress.
Then we went home. I had my first classes this week. All of my "tutors" seem pretty good, and the classmates I have met seem pretty cool as well.
Alright, I've just spent over an hour on this post, and I am absolutely starving. I'm realllllly hoping this post will format right, because I am not doing this all over.
So I may as well try to relate the events of the past week as best I can. It's my fault for not writing for so long, I know. This past weekend the entire BCA group (all of the Americans that came here together, about 30, including myself) went on a trip to Cornwall, which was organized by Denise and Sandy, our wonderful program director and assistant program director, respectively.
We left last Friday morning, and rode on a bus first to Lanhydrock Hotel, which was rather pish-posh, was the site of our exquisite lunch, and was where we saw a man with purple golfing pants. Then we rode to Lanhydrock, a late Victorian Country House, which included some fantastic gardens as well.
Also, there was a plaque to the right of the flagpole above that explained how the lost fabled land of Lyonesse existed (in legend) between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, barely visible from Land's End. It was supposedly swalled in the sea around six hundred years ago, and fishermen still say they can see the houses' rooftops under the waves on calm days, and that they get doors and windows in their nets every so often. So I am trying to figure out what interesting way I can incorporate that legend in my book.
Then went to St. Ives, a picturesque tourist town which was on the way back to our hostel. There I ate a famous Cornish pasty, and at a different shop the famous Cornish tea and clotted cream. Needless to say, I have excellent taste in taste, built up from years of experience in the field, and I have no qualms with praising both delicious treats for their tastiness, originality, and tastiness.
Then we went to our hostel at Newquay for the night. Max, Alex and I then proceeded to climb the cliffs by the sea. I got yelled at by a security guard so I stopped climbing one large, slippery cliff. The three of us then decided to hop in; its possible that I have never been as cold as I was then, swimming in the sea there. Its like I always say: If you're going to do something really stupid and somewhat dangerous, you may as well do it with your friends.
The next morning, Sunday, we visited the Eden Project, which was a china-clay mine for the majority of the past century. Some people bought it and transformed it from a hideous pit to an amazing display of ecological conservation and progress.
Then we went home. I had my first classes this week. All of my "tutors" seem pretty good, and the classmates I have met seem pretty cool as well.
Alright, I've just spent over an hour on this post, and I am absolutely starving. I'm realllllly hoping this post will format right, because I am not doing this all over.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
E+8
If I've ever made a mistake over and over again in this life, it has been allowing my preconceived notions of the world to shape my thoughts and behavior. I came to England expecting some highly Romanticized world to unfold before me, and now that I have been here a full week I have found that such a world does not, in fact, exist, and though I thought I had destroyed that Romanticized imaginary Cheltenham when I initially decided to stay home several weeks ago, the world lives on, and continues to take precedent over my reality.
So, as my reality has been increasingly poignant in the past several days, I feel myself jolted out of that preconceived notion of my future, and rather in a very foreign milieu, one that could take weeks getting used to. The secularism of this country is partially to credit for a sense of apprehension I have been feeling lately, and not on a small scale, but something I think can be attributed to the collective conscience of the masses. I don't feel at home, yet. I hope that soon, probably coinciding with the beginning of my classes on Tuesday, that I can get in the groove and become more comfortable in my time and place.
Wondering what would happen in the United States abandons religion like Europe did. I'll think about that more and probably write about it later.
Monday, September 20, 2010
E+5
Fifth day in England. Already past the shock and awe of being in England. Everyone is getting settled in quite nicely. Freshers (Freshmen) moved in to our building yesterday, so that certainly adds much more to the cultural landscape of Regency Hall. There are 30 of us Americans in Regency and 69 British students all told, and we are really only getting started to know them. However, we've met lots more of the locals throughout town in our various escapades the past five days. Everything is seeming more realistic now; the Romantic notion of this semester seems to be slowly filtering out of my brain at least, and as I can see, most other American brains in the BCA program anyways.
The culture I am experiencing is truly amazing. Not that I agree with everything (like I ever would anywhere, even in the States) in English culture, but it is just so great to be able to experience everything here. Also, within our BCA group and on my flat there are people from elsewhere in Europe and Africa, and that is creating a stimulating many-sided cultural shape in my daily thoughts and conversations. At any time, I can talk to someone from any range of heritages. It's wonderful.
The culture I am experiencing is truly amazing. Not that I agree with everything (like I ever would anywhere, even in the States) in English culture, but it is just so great to be able to experience everything here. Also, within our BCA group and on my flat there are people from elsewhere in Europe and Africa, and that is creating a stimulating many-sided cultural shape in my daily thoughts and conversations. At any time, I can talk to someone from any range of heritages. It's wonderful.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
First day in England
Traveling was long and tiring. By the time we got to our rooms, and I was able to sufficiently smell myself before showering, I was certain that my deodorant had stopped working some time in the past 15 hours. What a wonderful shower. All 28 people in the BCA Cheltenham program assembled for some introductory information and pizza, and I was afterwards able to get everything out of my bags and set up my room. It is wonderful having this room. All to myself, and my own bathroom, to boot. All through my last trip this summer I wanted to simply put my underwear and socks into a dresser or drawers. Now that I have completed said action, I feel complete.
So about nine of us just went to a Mexican restaurant a few blocks away: Chiquito. Mexican food on our first night in England- I know, I thought it was terribly ironic as well. Other than slight confusion as to how we pay, where to put the tip, how much to tip if at all, and how to avoid looking like stupid American tourists, dinner went off without a hitch.
Then we realized that we were in England, because it had started pouring outside halfway during our meal. Unbeknownst to us, a rain storm had swooped down on Cheltenham.
Next time, I'm bringing a dagum umbrella.
So about nine of us just went to a Mexican restaurant a few blocks away: Chiquito. Mexican food on our first night in England- I know, I thought it was terribly ironic as well. Other than slight confusion as to how we pay, where to put the tip, how much to tip if at all, and how to avoid looking like stupid American tourists, dinner went off without a hitch.
Then we realized that we were in England, because it had started pouring outside halfway during our meal. Unbeknownst to us, a rain storm had swooped down on Cheltenham.
Next time, I'm bringing a dagum umbrella.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
E-1
Leaving for England tomorrow. Ready to go. Still have some minute last minute things to do, like pack two suitcases.
Two weeks ago when I had decided to stay home but still wanted to go to England, I wondered if I would ever feel at peace about my final decision. I was miserable that week, because I though that staying home would be best for me, though it burned my insides with disappointment. I looked forward to that point in time when I could just laugh about it, after the right path had become painfully clear.
I do feel the path is painfully clear. I'm sure when I visit all of the wonderful places abroad, I will thank myself for not being an ignoramus and staying home.
Two weeks ago when I had decided to stay home but still wanted to go to England, I wondered if I would ever feel at peace about my final decision. I was miserable that week, because I though that staying home would be best for me, though it burned my insides with disappointment. I looked forward to that point in time when I could just laugh about it, after the right path had become painfully clear.
I do feel the path is painfully clear. I'm sure when I visit all of the wonderful places abroad, I will thank myself for not being an ignoramus and staying home.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Across the Pond
This has been a wonderful summer. After getting home from my six-week trip to Israel, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria, I took a summer course at the University of Akron to get ahead, World Literatures. How fitting. We read mostly short stories by authors from all over the world, all of non-European or American heritage. Looking back, the story that stands out the most to me is Yukio Mishima's The Sound of Waves. It's a quick read, and not too difficult, but is a truly beautiful novella.
Other than that, I have been mowing lawns and clearing underbrush to make a little money for my travels this Fall. I just finished Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey about a week ago. That was some fun reading. I agree with whoever wrote the introduction: Austen seems to start the novel as strictly a satire on Gothic fiction, but then falls in love with her story and finishes it as a half-satire, half-regular novel. By regular I mean the specific style of Austen's work I have read thus far. I started Mansfield Park by Austen about a week ago, and although I had originally hoped to finish it before leaving for England, it looks like I will have to finish it there.
Me deciding to go England, well thats a story in and of itself.
I had been planning all summer to study this semester in England through BCA. I had my plane ticket, my classes mostly picked out, and many other necessary details all taken care of. However, the Friday before Malone's classes started (two weeks ago exactly), I started to think about all that I would miss this semester if I went to England. By Sunday I decided to stay home. Now I see that I had a bad case of Cold Feet, but then I thought I wasn't ready, I would miss Chorale, Sightlines, Theater, Alpha Rho Iota, family, friendships, Fall in Ohio (which I'm convinced is more wonderful than any other time of year in any other place in the world), and so on. I went to classes the first four days of school, Monday through Thursday. I was miserable the whole week. I didn't unpack what I already had packed because I didn't want to let go of the prospect of studying at the University of Gloucestershire in England. All I did was hang my Casablanca movie poster back on the wall above my bed in my room.
On that Thursday, I thought of my situation. Three former professors of mine told me that I should rethink my decision. My family told me they would support me either way. With the balance of the whole semester and possibly the potential energy of the events of my life before me, I hung on to one thing:
-That I would live in regret the rest of my life if i didn't go.
Fortunately, that settled it. I reached my conclusion, and stuck with it. I dropped all of my classes, and told everyone that I was going to England, contrary to what I told them three or four days prior. Now, I have less than a week in the country, and have so much left to do before I leave. It feels strange that on only this coming Wednesday will I leave Canton and spend the next three months living and studying in England. I'm excited to see what this semester will hold; if I had stood by my decision to stay home this semester, I would have known perfectly well what I was gaining by staying home...
...but I would have had no idea what I was missing abroad.
Me deciding to go England, well thats a story in and of itself.
I had been planning all summer to study this semester in England through BCA. I had my plane ticket, my classes mostly picked out, and many other necessary details all taken care of. However, the Friday before Malone's classes started (two weeks ago exactly), I started to think about all that I would miss this semester if I went to England. By Sunday I decided to stay home. Now I see that I had a bad case of Cold Feet, but then I thought I wasn't ready, I would miss Chorale, Sightlines, Theater, Alpha Rho Iota, family, friendships, Fall in Ohio (which I'm convinced is more wonderful than any other time of year in any other place in the world), and so on. I went to classes the first four days of school, Monday through Thursday. I was miserable the whole week. I didn't unpack what I already had packed because I didn't want to let go of the prospect of studying at the University of Gloucestershire in England. All I did was hang my Casablanca movie poster back on the wall above my bed in my room.
On that Thursday, I thought of my situation. Three former professors of mine told me that I should rethink my decision. My family told me they would support me either way. With the balance of the whole semester and possibly the potential energy of the events of my life before me, I hung on to one thing:
-That I would live in regret the rest of my life if i didn't go.
Fortunately, that settled it. I reached my conclusion, and stuck with it. I dropped all of my classes, and told everyone that I was going to England, contrary to what I told them three or four days prior. Now, I have less than a week in the country, and have so much left to do before I leave. It feels strange that on only this coming Wednesday will I leave Canton and spend the next three months living and studying in England. I'm excited to see what this semester will hold; if I had stood by my decision to stay home this semester, I would have known perfectly well what I was gaining by staying home...
...but I would have had no idea what I was missing abroad.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Home!
Just got home a bit ago. About to take a much-needed shower and go to bed. Its the middle of the night Europe-time, so I definitely feel the need to pass out. I've been waiting so long to come home and its just so great to be back in Ohio. More to come.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Last day in Israel
Today is a big day for me. Tonight I am taking a train from Akko to Ben Gurion airport, and in the morning I will fly to Frankfurt to meet up with the Chorale. So today is my last real day in Israel. I don't know if I will ever be back, but I sure hope so. I've really come to love this country. This has really been a good experience. It all just seems a bit surreal- I feel as though it will take me years to understand what I have learned and how my life has changed while in Israel. I've also been thinking about going into the Peace Corps next year after Malone. I can't really say whether or not this is really going to happen- the idea is relatively new in my mind and I still have much to think about, as far as traveling, the future, and school is concerned. I wouldn't mind taking a few years off from school before grad school. I don't know.
Currently listening to Blackout by Muse on Youtube. Pretty bummed they are playing in Columbus this fall, when I will be in England, so I will miss them. But please, please, please, if you live in Ohio, go see them for me. I'm terribly sad I will miss them.
Israel, yes. I highly encourage anyone that has the chance to go. Really, I think traveling anywhere outside the States is beneficial. It really affords an opportunity to look on American culture and lifestyle that doesn't exist in America itself. Plus, experiencing other people's ways of life is so valuable, it is really something you couldn't imagine until you see it. I have seen a lot in my month here, though I am sure it would take years to fully see everything in this little country.
Alright, I'm off to Germany.
Currently listening to Blackout by Muse on Youtube. Pretty bummed they are playing in Columbus this fall, when I will be in England, so I will miss them. But please, please, please, if you live in Ohio, go see them for me. I'm terribly sad I will miss them.
Israel, yes. I highly encourage anyone that has the chance to go. Really, I think traveling anywhere outside the States is beneficial. It really affords an opportunity to look on American culture and lifestyle that doesn't exist in America itself. Plus, experiencing other people's ways of life is so valuable, it is really something you couldn't imagine until you see it. I have seen a lot in my month here, though I am sure it would take years to fully see everything in this little country.
Alright, I'm off to Germany.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Unintended
Check out this link- music video to Muse's song "Unintended" probably my new favorite song. Not even kidding. Absolutely gorgeous.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9LOFXwPwC4&feature=channel
Things are going well in Kibbutz Tuval. I'm attempting to upload pictures from my camera on to Facebook. Already loaded them onto several flashdrives so that I can clear up some space on my camera for Europe. Getting really excited to live in England next semester. I'm hoping I have a Gandalf beard by then- it is coming along nicely. I'll post a beard picture soon!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9LOFXwPwC4&feature=channel
Things are going well in Kibbutz Tuval. I'm attempting to upload pictures from my camera on to Facebook. Already loaded them onto several flashdrives so that I can clear up some space on my camera for Europe. Getting really excited to live in England next semester. I'm hoping I have a Gandalf beard by then- it is coming along nicely. I'll post a beard picture soon!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Acco and Football.
Had an excellent day. Wrote the beginnings of a short story in the morning, went to Acco with Dave after that. Toured the crusader fort there, walked on the ramparts, and at at the most famousest of hummus restaurant in Acco. Menu: hummus with beans or hummus with chickpeas. Excellent foodage. Really enjoyed the Knights Templar tunnels and fortress. Unfortunately most of the Knights Hospitaller's fortress is in the Med.
Had dinner with Beth and some friends (excellent foodage yet again) and finished the day with about an hour and a half of football, or what we Americans call soccer. About ten guys from the kibbutz played with us- including two brothers I had had dinner with before the game. It turns out I'm not a terrible goalkeeper, if I do say so myself =)
However, my leg is killing me so I may take it easy tomorrow. I think I pulled a thigh muscle hiking two weeks ago. It was really a lot of fun though. Its a shame more people don't play soccer in America. When I go to England in the fall I'll have to make sure I get good enough to play with the peeps from the area.
World Cup stuff starting on the TV. Excited to be here and in Europe during it. I'm sure more people will be excited about it here and in Europe than in the States. Its funny to see the different country's flags all around- each village has their favorite team. Seeing some German and mostly Brazilian flags.
I really need to take a shower. I played hard. And I'm bushed. Not sure what I'm doing tomorrow. I really don't want to leave Israel. I feel like I'm just starting to really feel at home here. It has been about three and a half weeks, by far the longest I've ever been outside of Canton. By the way, Acco is Canton's sister city. So it was pretty neat visiting there- I'm sure not many Canton natives make it out there. It's quite the proverbial hike. I am excited for Europe though. Probably more excited for the 4th of July celebrations at Blossom, where the Cleveland Symphony plays the 1812 Overture and the cannons go berzerk at the end, and there are a thousand American flags in every direction. I'm so excited for the cannons.
Had dinner with Beth and some friends (excellent foodage yet again) and finished the day with about an hour and a half of football, or what we Americans call soccer. About ten guys from the kibbutz played with us- including two brothers I had had dinner with before the game. It turns out I'm not a terrible goalkeeper, if I do say so myself =)
However, my leg is killing me so I may take it easy tomorrow. I think I pulled a thigh muscle hiking two weeks ago. It was really a lot of fun though. Its a shame more people don't play soccer in America. When I go to England in the fall I'll have to make sure I get good enough to play with the peeps from the area.
World Cup stuff starting on the TV. Excited to be here and in Europe during it. I'm sure more people will be excited about it here and in Europe than in the States. Its funny to see the different country's flags all around- each village has their favorite team. Seeing some German and mostly Brazilian flags.
I really need to take a shower. I played hard. And I'm bushed. Not sure what I'm doing tomorrow. I really don't want to leave Israel. I feel like I'm just starting to really feel at home here. It has been about three and a half weeks, by far the longest I've ever been outside of Canton. By the way, Acco is Canton's sister city. So it was pretty neat visiting there- I'm sure not many Canton natives make it out there. It's quite the proverbial hike. I am excited for Europe though. Probably more excited for the 4th of July celebrations at Blossom, where the Cleveland Symphony plays the 1812 Overture and the cannons go berzerk at the end, and there are a thousand American flags in every direction. I'm so excited for the cannons.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Kibbutz Tuval
Hanging out at Beth and Dave's house in Tuval, about 20 minutes inland from Acco. Having a great time here. Yesterday I worked at the kibbutz refet, or cow farm thing in English, and worked today at the kerem, or vineyard, and the mata, or kiwi farm thing. We're at a fantastic location on a hill where we can see the tip of Mt. Carmel into the Med. and Haifa on the coast, Acco on the coast, the whole Beth HaKerem valley, and even the northern border with Lebanon. Tomorrow going with Dave to a crusader castle Belvoir south of Beth Shan, maybe check out the crusader fortress at Acco and run around the Golan. Meeting lots of amazing people here- their friends and Beth's parents today (we had dinner with them and they are amazing) plus the several people I have been working with at the different places.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Leaving Jerusalem
Just woke up. About to get some breakfast then go with the Malone group to the Holocaust Museum/Memorial. It's got a Hebrew name but I'm not even going to try to remember it or type it. After that lunch then taking a bus to Galilee to stay with friends for a little over a week.
So this may be the last time I see Jerusalem. I really have enjoyed this city. It's been such an enlightening experience being here. There is so much a person couldn't possibly think of or understand unless he/she has been to Jerusalem. I'm really going to miss it. But, as I wrote in my journal last night, as one adventure is coming to a close, another springs to take its place.
So this may be the last time I see Jerusalem. I really have enjoyed this city. It's been such an enlightening experience being here. There is so much a person couldn't possibly think of or understand unless he/she has been to Jerusalem. I'm really going to miss it. But, as I wrote in my journal last night, as one adventure is coming to a close, another springs to take its place.
Friday, June 4, 2010
The Image of God
I've been having this thought since I've been in Israel, and I think I've developed it enough to explain.
In earlier posts I believe I touched on my issue with the Image of Christ. If not, then here is an explanation. When I first got to the Holy Sepulchre -a giant church where the hill of Golgotha, the stone on which Jesus' body was prepared for burial, and the tomb itself are housed- I felt odd, as if I couldn't possibly imagine this man living so long ago and dying several feet away from where I was standing. It was an incredible lack of emotion, or feeling, or really anything.
This last week my group stayed for three days on the coast of Lake Galilee (inappropriately named "the Sea of Galilee" by the ancients) and we toured many archaeological and natural sites of the Galilee region. The last morning we were at the Lake, I decided to wake up early and go sit on the shore. I tried and I tried, but I couldn't see the boat, I couldn't see the storm, or the man on the water. I couldn't see the man cooking fish on the shore while his friends swam and paddled to witness his resurrection.
My mind has been muddled by the Image of God, and I believe it is too late for me. Too late to get these images out of my head, these cartoons, movies, t-shirts, paintings, even icons, that represent the image of Jesus and God.
When God said to have no graven image of him, some ancient people responded by creating standing stones, stones which were only about two feet high and completely bare of marking, smooth and cylindrical, with a round top. Others decided that icons would be a way to do this same thing, to take God from abstract to concrete. Now there are plenty of other and new ways, including crucifixes, that wrongly use the Image of God.
I think the point of not creating any graven image of God is so that humans wouldn't materialize him, or make a material thing to represent him. Though Jesus was a flesh-and-blood man, I don't think we have any right to recreate what we think he might have looked like. When people became interested in only following the graven image command to steer clear of idol worship, they created new ways of idol worship, which I have explained, which I think the graven image command covers and should be interpreted as a command against any image of God, as times and art have changed significantly over the pasr 3,250 years or so.
Interpreting that command word for word has led civilization to where it is now- apart from the reverence of the creator. The Israelites were terrified of speaking his name, and we put him on t-shirts and call him our daddy? Yes I do realize that some of this, including movies, can be helpful in advancing the gospel. But aren't there other ways? How did people evangelize before movies and literacy among the common populace? How did their ministry survive without a Jesus action figure!?
I'm well on my tangent, but I hope you are seeing my point. The Image of God is forever engrained in my vision, which has clouded my ability to feel any kind of spiritual connection to the Holy Land. Granted, capitalism + tourism + religious theme park = disaster, but thats an entirely different subject. Granted, I would get much more out of a dirty hill or cave than a magnificent cathedral, but thats an entirely different subject as well.
Think about your perception of the Image of God. What does he look like to you? What is the source of this mental image? Is God a great and powerful being, too great to physically recreate by human efforts? Or has human civilization across many cultures and centuries skewed your interpretation of the Image of God?
-Jonathan Lincoln
In earlier posts I believe I touched on my issue with the Image of Christ. If not, then here is an explanation. When I first got to the Holy Sepulchre -a giant church where the hill of Golgotha, the stone on which Jesus' body was prepared for burial, and the tomb itself are housed- I felt odd, as if I couldn't possibly imagine this man living so long ago and dying several feet away from where I was standing. It was an incredible lack of emotion, or feeling, or really anything.
This last week my group stayed for three days on the coast of Lake Galilee (inappropriately named "the Sea of Galilee" by the ancients) and we toured many archaeological and natural sites of the Galilee region. The last morning we were at the Lake, I decided to wake up early and go sit on the shore. I tried and I tried, but I couldn't see the boat, I couldn't see the storm, or the man on the water. I couldn't see the man cooking fish on the shore while his friends swam and paddled to witness his resurrection.
My mind has been muddled by the Image of God, and I believe it is too late for me. Too late to get these images out of my head, these cartoons, movies, t-shirts, paintings, even icons, that represent the image of Jesus and God.
When God said to have no graven image of him, some ancient people responded by creating standing stones, stones which were only about two feet high and completely bare of marking, smooth and cylindrical, with a round top. Others decided that icons would be a way to do this same thing, to take God from abstract to concrete. Now there are plenty of other and new ways, including crucifixes, that wrongly use the Image of God.
I think the point of not creating any graven image of God is so that humans wouldn't materialize him, or make a material thing to represent him. Though Jesus was a flesh-and-blood man, I don't think we have any right to recreate what we think he might have looked like. When people became interested in only following the graven image command to steer clear of idol worship, they created new ways of idol worship, which I have explained, which I think the graven image command covers and should be interpreted as a command against any image of God, as times and art have changed significantly over the pasr 3,250 years or so.
Interpreting that command word for word has led civilization to where it is now- apart from the reverence of the creator. The Israelites were terrified of speaking his name, and we put him on t-shirts and call him our daddy? Yes I do realize that some of this, including movies, can be helpful in advancing the gospel. But aren't there other ways? How did people evangelize before movies and literacy among the common populace? How did their ministry survive without a Jesus action figure!?
I'm well on my tangent, but I hope you are seeing my point. The Image of God is forever engrained in my vision, which has clouded my ability to feel any kind of spiritual connection to the Holy Land. Granted, capitalism + tourism + religious theme park = disaster, but thats an entirely different subject. Granted, I would get much more out of a dirty hill or cave than a magnificent cathedral, but thats an entirely different subject as well.
Think about your perception of the Image of God. What does he look like to you? What is the source of this mental image? Is God a great and powerful being, too great to physically recreate by human efforts? Or has human civilization across many cultures and centuries skewed your interpretation of the Image of God?
-Jonathan Lincoln
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
After many adventures
I am back in Jerusalem. I had been in Galilee for 4 days, and it was incredible. We stayed at a holiday resort for three nights at Ein Gev on the shores of Lake Galilee, known from the Bible as the Sea of Galilee. On this trip I really got a sense for viewing America outside of itself.
We were at Capernaum when we got the news that a Turkish (or anyways originating from Turkey) flotilla was attempting to bring humanitarian aid into Gaza, that several ships went to the Ashdod port as they were told to do, one refused, was boarded by Israeli forces, and that several Turks died in the process. Later we found out there was armed resistance on the Turkish boat. At Ein Gev we watched the news to get more information, and now it seems that Israel is in the biggest PR ditch ever. Even the USA won't say they are standing with Israel, yet. But it seems as though the current administration won't do that.
I am watching all of this from Israel, and it is a very interesting experience. There was talk of riots in Turkey and even some protests in the States. What if they protest here? I think I'll be ok though. The problem isn't with Americans this time.
I am not glad this terrible event happened, but I am thankful that as this issue has been going on, I have been here to witness it. Who knows if it will be a truly historical event? Maybe it will define global politics for a while. Or not. I'm not going to try to be the judge of that.
Anyways, happy to be home in Jerusalem. I've got my final exam coming up tomorrow, so I'm trying to study for that, and I still have much to go in the Brothers Karamazov. I had a dream last night it was the 4th of July and I was at the Blossom ampitheater, and the Cleveland Symphony was playing the 1812 Overture, and the cannons were pounding and there were American flags everywhere, and it was just America all around. This is the longest I've ever been out of the country, and I do miss home. Israel and America are really different, although Israel resembles America sometimes. The Israeli deserts really remind me of the American Southwest. The dress of the locals reminds me of home, though here people dress a little more European than American. The stores and even the fancy shopping mall down by Jaffa gate remind me of America. The holiday resort I stayed at, and all of the industry reminds me of America. However, the people here are mostly Arabic or Jewish, and look different than most people at home. Garbage is a general issue here, although I don't think the locals think so. The saddest part is that many archaeological sites that come within the limits of modern dwelling expansion usually become trash dumps. That's why some of my favorite sites (like Avdat and Bet She'an) are far away from civilization.
If you think thinks move fast in town in the States, try driving through an Israeli town. Almost every car has multiple nicks and scratches, not from large accidents but from little ones, little paint scratchers, where its obvious that people are crazy drivers. Thankfully, I've been on a tour bus during my travels in Israel, so minor accidents aren't really an issue.
All around, Israel has been good. I've taken over a thousand pictures, and now that I put all that I can on my jump-drive from my camera and only have 170 pictures left, I'm wondering what to do, as I still have nearly two weeks in Israel and then another two weeks in Europe. I'm sure I'll figure something out.
Well, till next time,
-J
We were at Capernaum when we got the news that a Turkish (or anyways originating from Turkey) flotilla was attempting to bring humanitarian aid into Gaza, that several ships went to the Ashdod port as they were told to do, one refused, was boarded by Israeli forces, and that several Turks died in the process. Later we found out there was armed resistance on the Turkish boat. At Ein Gev we watched the news to get more information, and now it seems that Israel is in the biggest PR ditch ever. Even the USA won't say they are standing with Israel, yet. But it seems as though the current administration won't do that.
I am watching all of this from Israel, and it is a very interesting experience. There was talk of riots in Turkey and even some protests in the States. What if they protest here? I think I'll be ok though. The problem isn't with Americans this time.
I am not glad this terrible event happened, but I am thankful that as this issue has been going on, I have been here to witness it. Who knows if it will be a truly historical event? Maybe it will define global politics for a while. Or not. I'm not going to try to be the judge of that.
Anyways, happy to be home in Jerusalem. I've got my final exam coming up tomorrow, so I'm trying to study for that, and I still have much to go in the Brothers Karamazov. I had a dream last night it was the 4th of July and I was at the Blossom ampitheater, and the Cleveland Symphony was playing the 1812 Overture, and the cannons were pounding and there were American flags everywhere, and it was just America all around. This is the longest I've ever been out of the country, and I do miss home. Israel and America are really different, although Israel resembles America sometimes. The Israeli deserts really remind me of the American Southwest. The dress of the locals reminds me of home, though here people dress a little more European than American. The stores and even the fancy shopping mall down by Jaffa gate remind me of America. The holiday resort I stayed at, and all of the industry reminds me of America. However, the people here are mostly Arabic or Jewish, and look different than most people at home. Garbage is a general issue here, although I don't think the locals think so. The saddest part is that many archaeological sites that come within the limits of modern dwelling expansion usually become trash dumps. That's why some of my favorite sites (like Avdat and Bet She'an) are far away from civilization.
If you think thinks move fast in town in the States, try driving through an Israeli town. Almost every car has multiple nicks and scratches, not from large accidents but from little ones, little paint scratchers, where its obvious that people are crazy drivers. Thankfully, I've been on a tour bus during my travels in Israel, so minor accidents aren't really an issue.
All around, Israel has been good. I've taken over a thousand pictures, and now that I put all that I can on my jump-drive from my camera and only have 170 pictures left, I'm wondering what to do, as I still have nearly two weeks in Israel and then another two weeks in Europe. I'm sure I'll figure something out.
Well, till next time,
-J
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Southern Adventuring
The last three days we have been to the valleys in the Shephelah, and the ancient cities that controlled them, including the Elah fortress, Beit Shemesh, Azekah, Maresha, Lachish, and a Roman ampitheatre. That was just Tuesday. Two nights ago we camped out at Mizpeh Ramon on the edge of the Super Bowl, which is exactly what it sounds like- a gigantic bowl-shaped valley in the Southern highlands. Hiked down to the bottom and up again Wednesday morning. Then went to Avdat, which was a Nabatean and then Byzantine stronghold in the middle of nowhere. Hiked up Nahal Zin, which is one of the most gorgeous places on Earth. Visited Tel Beer Sheba, Tel Arad, then camped out in modern Arad. I was exhausted.
Today we first visited Masada. It was so incredibly hot, but so incredibly worth it. Masada was one of the places I was looking forward to most in Israel, and is one of my favorite archaeological places. To get there we hiked up the Roman siege ramp in the front and then after visiting the site hiked down the Snake trail down the back, facing the Dead Sea. That was intense. So hot, so much sweat. Nearly 100 degrees F then.
Then we went swimming in the Dead Sea, or should I say, bobbing. So much salt in the water you can't really swim, just bob around. It was such an odd experience. Saved a water bottle full of the water. Then went to En Gedi, a gorgeous series of springs in the middle of nowhere, where it was still very far below sea level and very, very, very hot. This was likely my third favorite natural location. Waterfalls there were breathtaking. Afterwards went to Qumran and saw the ruins from the settlement and the caves that the Dead Sea Scrolls were found- we couldn't go inside the caves but could look from a distance.
Got back to Jerusalem in time for dinner. I hadn't realized I was so hungry- the last three days I had been more preoccupied with staying hydrated than staying fed. As it was over 90 degrees F most of the day and even well over 100 degrees F at the Dead Sea, it is good I did so.
Checked out a book on the Crusades from the JUC library an hour ago and read the first chapter and a half on the origins of the Crusades. Just thinking- if I ever study history it would be the Crusades- because they deal with European AND Middle Eastern civilizations, and had such a long historical preface and have influenced modern geopolitics so much. Then I would have an excuse to learn French AND Arabic. Which sounds incredible.
Going to bed. Exhausted. Exam on Saturday so tomorrow will be uploading pictures, writing field study reports, and studying for the Negev/Dead Sea exam. And reading about Pope Urban II.
Today we first visited Masada. It was so incredibly hot, but so incredibly worth it. Masada was one of the places I was looking forward to most in Israel, and is one of my favorite archaeological places. To get there we hiked up the Roman siege ramp in the front and then after visiting the site hiked down the Snake trail down the back, facing the Dead Sea. That was intense. So hot, so much sweat. Nearly 100 degrees F then.
Then we went swimming in the Dead Sea, or should I say, bobbing. So much salt in the water you can't really swim, just bob around. It was such an odd experience. Saved a water bottle full of the water. Then went to En Gedi, a gorgeous series of springs in the middle of nowhere, where it was still very far below sea level and very, very, very hot. This was likely my third favorite natural location. Waterfalls there were breathtaking. Afterwards went to Qumran and saw the ruins from the settlement and the caves that the Dead Sea Scrolls were found- we couldn't go inside the caves but could look from a distance.
Got back to Jerusalem in time for dinner. I hadn't realized I was so hungry- the last three days I had been more preoccupied with staying hydrated than staying fed. As it was over 90 degrees F most of the day and even well over 100 degrees F at the Dead Sea, it is good I did so.
Checked out a book on the Crusades from the JUC library an hour ago and read the first chapter and a half on the origins of the Crusades. Just thinking- if I ever study history it would be the Crusades- because they deal with European AND Middle Eastern civilizations, and had such a long historical preface and have influenced modern geopolitics so much. Then I would have an excuse to learn French AND Arabic. Which sounds incredible.
Going to bed. Exhausted. Exam on Saturday so tomorrow will be uploading pictures, writing field study reports, and studying for the Negev/Dead Sea exam. And reading about Pope Urban II.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Weekend Jazz
Didn't really do much this weekend. Other than Saturday of course. Yesterday we went to a Lutheran church. It was alright. I didn't know what to do during communion- I didn't know I had the option of dipping the bread into the wine the pastor was holding or taking a sip from the little cups of juice instead. So I did both. You know me, never wanting to cut corners. Then met a guy at the church who was my friend from Malone's youth pastor a while back. Definitely a small world.
After the service we took a "leisurely" walk on the ramparts, which didn't quite turn out leisurely. It took an hour and a half to get from the Jaffa gate, North, around the New gate, the Damascus gate, and all the way East and South to where the rampart walk ended at the temple mount (where the Dome of the Stone is). Then we proceeded to walk all the way around the Kidron valley (dowwwwn in it) and then hike back up along the southen section of the wall back to the JUC, where we are staying, past the Zion gate. Needless to say I took a shower afterwards.
Today is our first exam. I guess I should be studying but I really feel like I've got it down. All it is is geological, geographical, and historical stuff. Shouldn't be hard. Breakfast sounds like a good option too. I'm still trying to soldier through The Brothers Karamazov. Not quite on the right pace to finish it by the time I get home in late June, unless I suddenly at some point find loads of time to read, which sounds at this point very unlikely.
Ho-hum. better study and eat. Shalom.
After the service we took a "leisurely" walk on the ramparts, which didn't quite turn out leisurely. It took an hour and a half to get from the Jaffa gate, North, around the New gate, the Damascus gate, and all the way East and South to where the rampart walk ended at the temple mount (where the Dome of the Stone is). Then we proceeded to walk all the way around the Kidron valley (dowwwwn in it) and then hike back up along the southen section of the wall back to the JUC, where we are staying, past the Zion gate. Needless to say I took a shower afterwards.
Today is our first exam. I guess I should be studying but I really feel like I've got it down. All it is is geological, geographical, and historical stuff. Shouldn't be hard. Breakfast sounds like a good option too. I'm still trying to soldier through The Brothers Karamazov. Not quite on the right pace to finish it by the time I get home in late June, unless I suddenly at some point find loads of time to read, which sounds at this point very unlikely.
Ho-hum. better study and eat. Shalom.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Saturday Things
Wellllll today was a lond day. Went to Bethlehem and visited the Church of the Nativity. It was really fancy and done up for the most part so I had a hard time seeing through all the crap and experiencing it for what it was worth. Also the people inside (just like in the Holy Sepulchre) treated the place like it was an amusement park. The tourism here is so stupid. There's all this Jesus merchandise and it makes me sick. Israel's religious sites all come together to make what I think is a Christian Carnival. Thankfully the Jewish and Muslim sites aren't obnoxious, although there are still at least 50 menorahs per tourist junk shop. Between all the crap and all the tourism I'm having a rough time enjoying some sites for anything more than a history lesson. Maybe that's all that can be learned here for me. Going to church tomorrow though so that may be good.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Day 3 Adventuring
Today was a very eventful day to say the least. We started the day off at 7:30am at Dormition Abbey, what used to be co-German Lutheran/English Anglican but is now Benedictine. It was built on the ruins another abbey and was recently renamed after that one, the Hagia Maria Sion Abbey. This started our first excursion to the Christian quarter. Next we went to the Tomb of David, which is currently venerated by Jews but used to be a Christian church and at another point an Islamic mosque. It is really uncertain whether or not it is really David buried there but most archaeologists would say no. After that we went to the Upper Room. Unfortunately the building was built in the 13th century by Franciscans so it is probably not the actual Upper Room. However, like many holy sites here, it doesn't really matter to the people worshipping at holy places that the historicity of the site is maintained as much as the veneration of it. Bear in mind that these places are all within a few blocks from each other.
Next we went to the platform the Dome of the Rock and the Masjid el Aqsa, a mosque, are on. It was incredible being up there. Where the Dome of the Stone (as I like to call it) now stands the Jewish Temple used to stand way back in the day. Just imagining there it was so ethereal, so abstract. Like it takes every bit of my imagination to work up a mental picture of it there. It was funny that there was a man exerting his authority over us by getting in a fuss about girl's shirts not covering their shoulders enough (I let a girl borrow a buttoned shirt I was wearing) and while we were still there a high-school aged guy who had a shirt that had "Pornstar Queen" on the back tried to sell us postcards. Really? Modesty? Some people did speak English that worked there so I'm still trying to figure out what happened. Like I said, it is funny.
Then we went to the pools of Bethesda where Jesus healed the paralytic and the Churhc of St. Anne, a crusader-built church, next to it. There was a Byzantine chapel built on top the place where it is likely Jesus healed the paralytic, as there were 5 small ritual cleaning pools at the time. A crusader chapel was built atop the ruins of that and was in ruins by the time I saw it today.
Later on a few of us stopped in an antiques store our program director knows the owner of. We talked with him for quite some time and he told us of how difficult it is being a Christian Arab. He is Palestinian and is not a citizen of Israel but is such a great guy. I don't know if I've ever heard firsthand of affliction bore so well by someone. Some of us then stopped in the Holy Sepulchre down the road but didn't know what anything was and they were kicking us out as they had to close up for the night, so we left at 9pm. We are definitely going back.
Next we went to the platform the Dome of the Rock and the Masjid el Aqsa, a mosque, are on. It was incredible being up there. Where the Dome of the Stone (as I like to call it) now stands the Jewish Temple used to stand way back in the day. Just imagining there it was so ethereal, so abstract. Like it takes every bit of my imagination to work up a mental picture of it there. It was funny that there was a man exerting his authority over us by getting in a fuss about girl's shirts not covering their shoulders enough (I let a girl borrow a buttoned shirt I was wearing) and while we were still there a high-school aged guy who had a shirt that had "Pornstar Queen" on the back tried to sell us postcards. Really? Modesty? Some people did speak English that worked there so I'm still trying to figure out what happened. Like I said, it is funny.
Then we went to the pools of Bethesda where Jesus healed the paralytic and the Churhc of St. Anne, a crusader-built church, next to it. There was a Byzantine chapel built on top the place where it is likely Jesus healed the paralytic, as there were 5 small ritual cleaning pools at the time. A crusader chapel was built atop the ruins of that and was in ruins by the time I saw it today.
Later on a few of us stopped in an antiques store our program director knows the owner of. We talked with him for quite some time and he told us of how difficult it is being a Christian Arab. He is Palestinian and is not a citizen of Israel but is such a great guy. I don't know if I've ever heard firsthand of affliction bore so well by someone. Some of us then stopped in the Holy Sepulchre down the road but didn't know what anything was and they were kicking us out as they had to close up for the night, so we left at 9pm. We are definitely going back.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Intro To Jerusalem
Today we had orientation to the program here and all of the rules and stuff. I woke up at 4am because of jet lag so i just read The Brothers Karamazov and hung out. We took a several hour tour through Jerusalem and saw most of the big sites, minus the Holy Sepulchre. I guess we're seeing that later on this week. Also we're going to going to visit the Temple Mount where the Dome of the Rock is, but tourists aren't allowed in. Today we saw the Western/Wailing Wall and that was very interesting. The Dome of the Rock is in the background. It's just crazy to see all the Abrahamic religions coexist in such a small space. A little bit ago a few of us ventured to the Jewish quarter to see the first night of Pentecost festivities in the courtyard beside the WW and the WW itself. We saw most everyone leave at 9pm exactly, and then at 9:05pm we heard the Islamic call to prayer over the speakers. It's just mind blowing to think that each Abrahamic religion considers a very small amount of space in a fairly small city a holy place for them. Even i think about 7 Christian denominations worship in the Holy Sepulchre together.
Seeing ancient ruins is also amazing. If a building in Canton was built in 1850 I would consider it an old building. However, today I saw Roman ruins from 2,000 years ago. The city has been destroyed and rebuilt so many times that the Roman ruins are at some points at least 20ft down below where current roads are. The people that lived in this land so long ago saw a very different city than what we now see, and it is incredible to see how it has changed.
Seeing ancient ruins is also amazing. If a building in Canton was built in 1850 I would consider it an old building. However, today I saw Roman ruins from 2,000 years ago. The city has been destroyed and rebuilt so many times that the Roman ruins are at some points at least 20ft down below where current roads are. The people that lived in this land so long ago saw a very different city than what we now see, and it is incredible to see how it has changed.
Monday, May 17, 2010
In Jerusalem
Just arrived in Jerusalem. Traveling was rough... 11hour4minute flight. Most of the movies in the In-Flight entertainment thing sucked. Slept maybe an hour tops. But its so great to finally be here. We landed in Tel Aviv around 5 and took a bus here. Other than lugging our luggage up half a mile (by what was I think the East wall) to the Jerusalem University College (where I am now) its been great. Just ate some awesome dinner. I need a shower and to brush my teeth. Badly. Later.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
It Is Becoming Very Real
As of now, I won't even be in the country five full days. The plane takes off Sunday night. I feel as though I am running out of time. Not enough of it to get packing done, get the things I need, make money, spend time with family and a few friends.
On Saturday I went to a feast (that's the best word that came to mind- I did eat a whole styrofoam cup full of baked beans- delicious! I got a lot of weird looks...) at Camp Gideon near Mechanicstown, Ohio, and on the drive there and back I couldn't help but soak in all of the natural beauty of my home state. For all that we Ohioans complain about our weather, we really do have it good. Just drive around for ten minutes in Southern Ohio. Or, preferably, hike in the wooded hills and go fishing for carp with chicken guts. I really am going to miss home a lot when I leave Sunday. On Saturday it became very real to me that I am going to be gone for 45 days.
Tomorrow (technically later today) is going to be a big day. I'm doing my final shopping trip at Walmart and Salvation Army. I have lots of loose ends to tie up. Then England in the fall. I've got a lot to look forward to. I'm just trying not to get too anxious.
On Saturday I went to a feast (that's the best word that came to mind- I did eat a whole styrofoam cup full of baked beans- delicious! I got a lot of weird looks...) at Camp Gideon near Mechanicstown, Ohio, and on the drive there and back I couldn't help but soak in all of the natural beauty of my home state. For all that we Ohioans complain about our weather, we really do have it good. Just drive around for ten minutes in Southern Ohio. Or, preferably, hike in the wooded hills and go fishing for carp with chicken guts. I really am going to miss home a lot when I leave Sunday. On Saturday it became very real to me that I am going to be gone for 45 days.
Tomorrow (technically later today) is going to be a big day. I'm doing my final shopping trip at Walmart and Salvation Army. I have lots of loose ends to tie up. Then England in the fall. I've got a lot to look forward to. I'm just trying not to get too anxious.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
10 Day Countdown
So I leave in ten days. I'm fairly terrified, as there are about 5,403,745 things I need to do before I leave. May 16 I'm going to Israel for a month with a Malone group led by Dr. Phinney, and then shooting up to Frankfurt in June and touring Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria with the Malone Chorale led by Dr. Donelson.
I've never been out of Canton for longer than two straight weeks before. I feel like Frodo when he leaves the Shire after living there his whole life. I guess Canton is kinda like the Shire. Except that the Football Hall of Fame is way less awesome than Mathom-house at Michel Delving.
I'm definitely procrastinating. But health insurance is a good idea. I think I should go get some.
-JL
I've never been out of Canton for longer than two straight weeks before. I feel like Frodo when he leaves the Shire after living there his whole life. I guess Canton is kinda like the Shire. Except that the Football Hall of Fame is way less awesome than Mathom-house at Michel Delving.
I'm definitely procrastinating. But health insurance is a good idea. I think I should go get some.
-JL
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