Royal Admission

     Today was my last day in Edinburgh, and, unfortunately, my last day of adventure. The only adventure that awaits me after today is the trip back home to Pittsburgh. I've had such a wonderful time here that I'm not sure that I want to go back yet! I guess I can't be selfish, though. I've done more in two than most people have in their lifetimes! Also, I can't really say that I don't miss home just a little, especially my friends and family! Speaking of family, I manged to take plenty of pictures of my last outing for my sister!
     My first stop on my last adventure was the Queen's Palace of residence itself, Holyrood House! I wasn't permitted to take pictures from the inside, but I got plenty of pictures of the outside! It was so beautiful, on the inside and out, if you'll take my word for it! I can't believe that I was actually admitted to the palace where the Queen of Scotland lives (http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/default.asp?action=article&ID=36)! I guess it was too much to ask for to actually see the Queen, though.

Palace of Holyrood House

     My next and final stop was the Castle of Edinburgh. It was even more grand than Holyrood House, and it had seen much more history. I got a tour along with the admission for only 14 GBP (http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/index/plan/tickets.htm)! Once again, they only let me take pictures of the outside, but it was worth it to have a picture at all! Isn't it the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?!

Castle of Edinburgh

     I learned a lot about the history of Scotland, but I'm sad to say that, unlike the history that I learned in Canterbury, I'm having trouble recalling any of it. There were a lot of things that I didn't understand...more than likely because I know next to nothing about Scotland to begin with. My sister might have understood more than I did. I suppose I'll ask her about it when I get home.
     Well, I guess there's no easy way to say it: my trip is over. All that's left to do is catch my train back to Piccadilly, stay at my hostel for one more night, and catch my plane home in the morning. I'm really going to miss Europe. It has a lot to offer first-time and returning visitors. I had a lot of fun, and I'll remember it forever, but I can't say that I'm not looking forward to sleeping in my own bed again!
     Pittsburgh, here I come!

St. Giles Cathedral

     Today I did the one thing that I set out to do upon coming to Edinburgh: I bought my sister a souvenir!

My sister's new sweatshirt!

     She was in desperate need of a new jacket, anyway! I knew that she'd wear this everyday! She'll be ecstatic to tell everyone that it actually came from Scotland!

     I got it at the Shop inside of St. Giles Cathedral. The Admission to the Cathedral was actually free (http://www.stgilescathedral.org.uk/visiting/). They asked if I would like to donate 3 GBP to the church, however, so I did. I feel that it was only fair, seeing as they let people in for free and don't require the donation. I felt that it would be rude not to give them something for my admission, especially when I found my sister's gift in their shop (http://www.stgilescathedral.org.uk/visiting/shop/contactshop.html)!

     The Cathedral itself was beautiful, as every Cathedral that I've visited has been. They even let me take pictures!

St Giles Cathedral interior

     I can't wait to see what else this place has to offer! Tomorrow, I'm going to two of the most famous places in all of Scotland: Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle! It's my last day here, so why not make it special?

Dungeons and Torture!

     Today was incredibly fun (yes, despite the morbid title. If you've read my post about Witches and the Ducking Stool, you'd understand my twisted thinking.)! One of the things that I have always been interested in when hearing about Scotland from my sister was the dungeons. Today, I actually got to see them! My sister is going to ring my throat when I come back and tell her what I've seen.
     The Edinburgh Dungeons offered many attractions, including 11 actor-led shows (which gave me a nostalgic feeling of my days at Gory Park during Fright Night), and 2 amusement park-styled rides! And it only cost me 13.50 GBP! (http://www.the-dungeons.co.uk/edinburgh/en/tickets-prices/tickets-and-prices.htm) My favorites, I have to say, were the Torture Chambers, where I got to see and learn about the instruments of torture for prisoners and traitors during that period (my sister will literally kill me for seeing that without her!), and the Drop to Doom Ride (yes, it is exactly what it sounds like. It was similar to Kennywood's Pitt-Fall, but less secure. I was ecstatic to learn that I was tall enough to ride! -_-). I also enjoyed the Cave of Cannibals! They took us on a boat ride through a cave during 'meal-time,' and the actors chased our boat! It was all very well done, and very realistic, from the make-up to the atmosphere! (http://www.the-dungeons.co.uk/edinburgh/en/attractions/extremis-drop-ride.htm)

Extremis: Drop Ride to Doom

     I'm furious, however, to learn that they have the same amusement park in London, with attractions based on that city! They even have an attraction based on Jack the Ripper and the Great Fire of London! I'm so ANGRY! WHY DIDN'T I GO TO THAT?!! -crying-
     I've never had more fun at an amusement park in my life! I'm sad that I won't be coming back. Before I die, I hope to take my sister to Edinburgh and show her all the joy that I've found here! I can't seem to stop thinking about her, being in the place that she wants to go to most. I'm sure that if she ever went to London, England, or Tokyo, Japan, she'd be thinking of me, too! At least I took plenty of pictures for her!

We Aren't Alone

     I was recently reading one of Edinburgh's most popular newspapers, the Scotsman (http://www.scotsman.com/), and I came across an article that struck pretty close to home. I thought that my friends back in the US would be interested to hear about it, seeing as we are in a similar situation at the moment.
     Apparently, the results of the recent elections have left Scottish citizens wanting. The political parties have yet to explain how they will fund expensive manifesto pledges, and refuse to accept or announce the fact that in order to do so, jobs will more than likely be lost in order to appease the tightening budgets.
     Sounds familiar, huh?
     While Scottish citizens are quite concerned about this matter, worried that their friends, family, and selfs will lost their jobs and/or be forced to pay higher taxes, the political parties in question remain silent. They are avoiding questions involving decisions that are necessary to turn around the economy. Their views on the matter remain obscured, due to the fact that they have little to nothing to say to Scottish reporters or citizens about them. Meanwhile, well-respected think tanks and reporters claim that if a way to boost the economy is not decided on soon, jobs will be lost, money will be unavailable to invest in hospitals and schools, and youth unemployment rates will drop further (http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/scotland/Scottish-Election-2011-39Sums-don39t.6760528.jp).
     Sound familiar yet?
     At the very least it's nice to know that we aren't the only country suffering financial problems due to people like Governor Corbett, but it's difficult all the same to find relief in other people's misery. Everyone here has been very nice to me so far, from restaurant owners to my hostel's staff. I hope for only the best outcome for the Scottish people.

Ugh, more trains...

     Well, goodbye Canterbury, hello Edinburgh! I must say, I'm getting pretty sick of riding trains, especially since this one was the longest ride (https://directrail.raileasy.co.uk/go/home/?content=fare.default2main). Although I must say, at least I had a great view! My sister always raves about how beautiful Scotland is, but I could never truly appreciate it until I saw it for myself! I'm so glad that I had a window-seat. The scenery really is beautiful. There are plenty of lakes, mountains, river, and greenery. It's all so...earthy. Being from the city, I'm very surprised that earth's natural beauty can be so, well, beautiful. My sister will be so jealous. I'm so sad that she couldn't come with me. I'll be sure to bring her back plenty of pictures and souvenirs!

I had to take a picture for my sister from the train. Scotland really is beautiful!

     After changing trains to make it to my hostel (http://www.thetrainline.com/buytickets/combinedmatrix.aspx?Command=TimeTable), I settled in. Once again, it isn't as nice as Piccadilly Backpackers was, but it has continental breakfast and free internet access in the lobby. It even has free washer/dryer access (http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/St-Christopher-s-Edinburgh/Edinburgh/507)! It'll be nice to wash the clothes that I've worn so far and make room in my backpack.
     For the rest of the day, I think I'll just use their lobby's internet access to plan for the rest of my trip, day by day. I've done a bit of research already, and have a few ideas of places that I want to go. This is the last stop on my trip, and while I'm eager to return home, I'm determined to make this last leg count! I'm going to see everything that Edinburgh has to offer and more!
     This one's for you, sis! I'm thinking of you!

Witches and Gladiators!

     No, the title is not strange; not when you've experienced the outings that I had today! After breakfast alone (already missing my friend! Hope she got to Dover safely.), I ventured out to the point of interest in Canterbury that I had most looked forward to (or rather, the point of interest that would take me to that point of interest). As per my last day in London, I thought I'd take a river cruise/tour. It turned out to be a good decision. It cost me only 7.50 GBP (http://www.canterburyrivertours.co.uk/prices), and took me past wonderful places of significance in Canterbury, such as the Greyfriars, Canterbury Cathedral, the King's Bridge, and various buildings from the medieval period, such as the Old Weaver's House and the King's Mill (http://www.canterburyrivertours.co.uk/river-tour). Each tour sight had interesting history behind it (adding to the already vast amount of history that I was already aware of), but none interested me so much as the Ducking Stool in the garden of the Old Weaver's House.

Ducking Stool

  I have always been interested in subjects of the occult, and the purpose of the Ducking Stool fell right into that category. During the medieval times, as well as serving as a form of punishment and torture, the Ducking Stool was a method used to test the credibility of someone who was accused of being a witch. The accusers would strap their victim to the chair/stool, and submerge them under the water for elongated periods of time. If the victim lived, then they were pronounced a witch, and burned at the stake. If instead, they drowned, then they would be proclaimed innocent, and although they had died wrongfully, their name was cleared, and the accuser suffered no retribution. This tool (if a slightly more modernized version) was referenced in episode 9 of season 2 of my favorite anime as of late, and it was certainly interesting to learn of the history and origin of the tool, as it had piqued my curiosity during the episode. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Black_Butler_episodes#Season_2).

Ciel (of 'Black Butler' anime series) being tortured via use of the Ducking Stool.

      My next stop was one that I simply could not miss, less for my sake and more for the sake of my friend, Shelby, back home. If I returned to Pittsburgh without stopping here, she would have my head! The Canterbury Roman Museum (yes, more history) was absolutely overflowing with exhibits and archeological findings from the time of the Greeks and Romans. They even allowed access to the site of an excavated Roman house from that time period! Apparently, the town of Canterbury expanded greatly during this time, due to the fact that it was a major trading post near London used by the Romans. I took plenty of pictures for her, just in case she doesn't believe me! (http://www.canterbury.co.uk/things-to-see-and-do/Canterbury-Canterbury-Roman-Museum/details/?dms=13&GroupId=2&venue=3030500)
     My next, and last, as it seems, adventure will pique the interest of another important person back home: my sister, Mariah. I wish that she could have come with me (and she does, too!). I feel terrible that she's missing a trip to the capital of her favorite country! I'll be sure to bring her back souvenirs!
     Next stop: Edinburgh!

Another History Lesson

     This town is just full of cultural history, isn't it? After learning the interesting facts surrounding the Canterbury Cathedral and Canterbury Tales, I simply had to see more, and what better place to learn about a town's history than their museum? With a price of less than 5 GBP, it was just the place to visit. It was full of different exhibits and informed staff who had lived in the town for the better part of their lives. It was very enlightening, and they even retold the story of the murder in the Canterbury Cathedral. (http://www.kentattractions.co.uk/index.php/museum-of-canterbury-with-rupert-bear-museum/museum-of-canterbury-with-rupert-bear-museum-admission-rates-for-2011-.html) I also learned about another prominent Christian landmark within the town, and decided to take a look for myself.
     St. Augustine's Abbey was nearly as enormous as the Cathedral, and just as beautiful. It was built during the rise of Christianity in England, and is one of the oldest churches in the country. I was even allowed to tour the Abbey's ruins, and see objects found by archaeologists from the Abbey's earlier days. It was so interesting to see and touch something so old. It really brought to light the significance of the building. It gave me a new appreciation for the things of the past like it (even if it did have a slightly creepy aura. Then again, what ancient ruins aren't creepy, in a way?).  (http://www.canterbury.co.uk/Canterbury-St-Augustine's-Abbey/details/?dms=13&feature=1&venue=3030380)

Ruins of St Augustine's Abbey

     Tomorrow will be my last day here, so I plan to make the most of it! I'm going to see what I have most been looking forward to: the Ducking Stool!

Howlett's Zoo!

     Today was absolutely wonderful! This is possibly the most fun thing that I've done so far! Today (after one last morning meal with Sydney, seeing as she is departing for Dover today), I went to the Howlett's Zoo/Wild Animal Park! (http://www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts/) It was so much fun. They had such a wide variety of different animals, from African Elephants to several types of monkeys and apes to full-grown tigers! Every one of the animals was well-cared for, and so beautiful! My favorite were the elephants. They couldn't have been cuter. I love elephants, and I got to see these ones up close and personal! It really wasn't that far from my hostel, so I saved more money on transportation today! This town in so exciting, and in such a small space!

     Something very interesting about the park was a certain attraction that actually allowed you to walk alongside the park's lemurs! You could even touch them! They were fully trained and incredibly agile. While lemurs are originally from Madagascar, they seemed to be quite at home at Howlett's. It was such an enriching privilege to get so close! I really gained a new appreciation for these creatures. (http://www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts/visitor-information/view/327/walking-with-lemurs)

 

History Lesson

     It's always nice to wake up in an unfamiliar place to a familiar person. I decided to have breakfast with Sydney. We're staying in the same room, and we woke up at the same time, so it was convenient, not to mention nice to catch up. She planned to go to Dane John Gardens today, and she seemed pretty excited about it. It sounds nice. It was one of my possible outing choices, but in the end, I didn't have time for it.
     My first actual outing in Canterbury was very enlightening. Not only did I get to learn a lot about the history of the town and see a few of its most famous attractions, but I did so for less than 20 GBP! I didn't even have to take a bus or a train! While the train system in London was very useful, it wasn't nearly as convenient as the transportation in this town. I can walk everywhere! It only took me about ten minutes to reach the center of town from my hostel. Though the attraction in the center of town was well worth a ten hour walk, if you ask me.
     The Canterbury Cathedral is the most well-known attraction in the town. It was enormous, and nothing short of breathtakingly beautiful. The history regarding the building was quite interesting as well (if a bit sad). Apparently, the King of England at the time, Henry the 2nd, had appointed a friend of his named Thomas Becket as Archbishop of Canterbury. However, there were a few disagreements between the two, and at one point during a feast in France, the King shouted in anger, questioning "who would rid me of this troublesome priest?" A few of his knights took his words seriously, and proceeded to travel to the Canterbury Cathedral and murder the priest inside. The King was severely saddened by the news, as he had spoken his words in anger, and had not truly wished for his friend to be killed. The Cathedral itself was ominous, and knowing its history made it all the more eerie. Still, not a bad excursion for 9 GBP.
(http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/visit/information.aspx)

Canterbury Cathedral

     My next destination gave me more of an insight on the town's history, and directly tied into the legend behind the Canterbury Cathedral. Due to the nature of the priest's murder, several hundred religious individuals made pilgrimages to the site of the murder. A 14th century poet named Geoffery Chaucer wrote a series of stories about these, and other pilgrims, that had traveled from London to Canterbury for diverse purposes. The stories are now referred to as the Canterbury Tales, and there is a special exhibition of them inside of St. Margaret's Church. Visiting the exhibition gave me insight into what life was like for pilgrims during that time period, and it also enlightened me to the importance of the murder at the Cathedral to the religious population. (http://www.canterburytales.org.uk/visiting/groups.htm)

Canterbury Tales Exhibition

     The town itself is culturally rich, and I can't wait to see what else it has to offer!

Canterbury

     Well, my hostel in Canterbury is a bit less extravegent (if that word can even be used to describe a hostel) than the one in London, but nonetheless livable and convenient. The price is also pretty fair for 5 nights. It even has internet access! (http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Kipps-Hostel-Canterbury/Canterbury/545 ) The most convenient part about this stop on my journey is that the entire town is so small in comparison to London. I can walk to all of the attractions that I want to see in less than ten minutes! My greatest worry is that I won't be able to see enough of the city before I have to leave for Edinburgh.
     The city is full of interesting things to see, like the Canterbury Cathedral in the middle of town, St Augustine's Abbey, and even the Ducking Stool! I must say, that last one sends chills down my spine. I'll have to remember to add the legend into my blog later, once I've actually visited it. I think I'll save the best for last, though. True, I just said that it sends chills down my spine, but what can I say? I guess I'm into the creepy stuff. I've always had an affinity for things dealing with the time of witches and whatnot, but oh, I've said too much. 
     I also can't wait to see the Canterbury Cathedral. It's said to be the most prominent Christian land mark in all of London. It's so extravagant! I can see it from my hostel! (Then again, the town is rather small. Nonetheless, it's brilliant!)
     Also, something really incredible happened! It turns out that Sydney Monkelis is staying at the same hostel as me! I saw her as I was checking in! She just came in from London, like me. She even stayed at Piccadilly Backpackers on her first few days, too! I must have missed her. It's too bad that we probably won't get to do anything together, seeing as how we both have our schedules planned out and are checking out on different days. Still, it's more than nice to see a familiar face, and we can eat together and hang out at the end of the day at the hostel! She's even staying in my room! Yay for picking the cheapest dorm! She's going to Dover next, and I'm on to Edinburgh, but I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's tackle Canterbury first.
     I can't wait to see what this week will be like in comparison to last!

Solution!

     I found a solution to my problem! Yesterday, I wasn't sure of what to see on my last day here (*sniff*sniff*...so sad to leave!!!), so I decided to let other people decide! I went back to the London Eye, and took their river cruise! (http://www.londoneye.com/TicketsAndPrices/RiverCruises/Default.aspx) It was only 12 GBP per person, and I got to see more than I did in the past four days! I even passed things that I had already seen, like Big Ben!
     Oh, but my favorite sight on the cruise had to be London Bridge! It was just so iconic! I actually had to stop myself from singing as we passed it (just how much of a tourist would I look like to the locals then?!). I have to say, I imagined it looking a lot different than it did. (I know, a "big fan of London, yet I've never taken the time to actually look up a picture of the freakin' bridge.) I imagined something big and impressive, like the Tower Bridge...but it was really rather small in comparison...and plain. It wasn't disappointing for that...just rather surprising. I mean, it has it's own song! You'd think it would be unusual...

"London Bridge is falling down,
My Fair Lady..."

     The story about it was unusual, though! I heard that in order to complete the bridge, human sacrifices were made, but I also heard that it was just a myth. Maybe during the time of the Black Plague...but those were darker times. Although, I can't help but notice that both concepts have nursery rhymes written about them (i.e., "London Bridge is Falling Down," and "Ring Around the Rosy.") Either way, it's still nice to be able to say that I've seen London Bridge, passed under it, and that it did NOT "fall down" on me. ^^
     Well, tomorrow's a big day! Another train trip to another hostel in another city!

 Canterbury, here I come!

Royal Summer Exhibition

     Today was certainly the most culturally enriching portion of my time time in London. I attended the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. While I had really hoped to see a theater production during my time here, I should have ordered tickets in advance, because everything that was playing close by during my limited stay was sold out. So...I really couldn't just leave without capturing some of the cultural aspects of my favorite city!
     It was...for lack of a better (less cliche) term...a once in a lifetime experience. I doubt I've ever really put much thought into the differences between cultures in the subject of art after seeing the variety that the Exhibition had to offer. I would say that for 8 GBP for entry, it was more than worth it. (http://www.londontown.com/LondonEvents/RoyalAcademySummerExhibition/821b2)  
     Keeping track of my money is also easier than I thought that it would be. So long as I stay on the "entertainment for under 30 GBP per day," I should make it home in one piece! Although I have to say...as much as I still have to see of London...I'm running out of ideas! Maybe seeing my favorite thing on a day other than my last day here wasn't the smartest thing...but hey, it was my birthday!

Beautiful London, Part Two

     Happy Birthday to me!!! 

And I couldn't think of a better birthday present!

     Today was probably the day that I was looking forward to the most. With much anticipation, I planned to see my favorite London landmark today: The Tower Bridge. I've always had an affinity for it, for a different number of reasons ranging from settings in my favorite anime to the aesthetic appeal of it. I like symmetry. What can I say?
     Either way, I got exactly what I wanted. By now, I had gotten used to riding the train, so that wasn't much of a problem. The REAL problem was the waiting. It wasn't as short of a train ride as Big Ben was, but for the same price, I guess I should've been more patient. I still got there in plenty of time, and even if I had had to wait for ten hours, it would have been worth it to me. The admissions was only 4.50 GBP with my student ID (http://www.tourist-information-uk.com/tower-bridge-exhibition.htm), and it was the most beautiful thing that I've   ever seen (I apologize for lying to Big Ben and the London Eye). I learned intimate details about the bridges history and mechanics. I even got to see it rise! It was enlightening and exciting, and with so much of a trip to still look forward to, it should mean something that I can honestly say that what I look forward to the most when I get back home is telling all of my friends and family that I'VE BEEN THERE!!! 

Beautiful London, Part One

     I have clearly seen from pictures that London is beautiful, but until now, I truly had no idea. My first true outing in this city a meaningful visit. Not only did I see that London's famous clock tower, Big Ben, is the single most beautifully decorated sight that I have ever seen, but I also learned that it happens to be connected to the building housing the British Parliament! (Ignorance is most certainly NOT bliss.)

Oh, Britannia!

It was only a short 5 GBP train ride away, and I gained admission for only 8 GBP with my student ID! (http://www.tourist-information-uk.com/parliament.htm) Sightseeing in London is actually a lot cheaper than I originally thought. My next destination was a tad more expensive, but nonetheless worth while! 
     I've previously stated that Big Ben was possibly the most beautiful sight that I've ever seen...I was wrong. You would agree if you ever got the chance to see the view from the top of the London Eye. (http://www.londoneye.com/TicketsAndPrices/Tickets/Default.aspx) A standard ticket simply wouldn't do...I had to see it at night! The ticket sold for the same price, and while I considered buying a combination ticket that would allow me to see it twice in one day (once during the day and once at night), I decided to save my money for my next destination. I was too tired to do anything but return to the hostel after that, but I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

View from my capsule.

Fast Start to a Long Trip!

     Well, after a rather uneventful flight (although flying for the first time was eventful in itself for me), I finally arrived in London! My first time on a train was about as eventful as my first time on a plane. Luckily, the airport had a railway that took me right from London Heathrow to Piccadilly Circus, where my hostel was located, and all for just 5 GBP! In fact, that specific railway price is the same throughout all of London Zone 1 (http://www.visitlondon.com/travel/airport/heathrow-airport), which is where I plan to do all of my sightseeing and travelling throughout the week. 5 GBP for each train ride doesn't sound so bad.
     Anyway, after I made it to Piccadilly Circus, my hostel (Piccadilly Backpackers) was only a 30 walk from the train. It was different than I imagined, but still nice. It had a nice list of facilities and services. (http://www.piccadillyhotel.net/) I checked in relatively early, so I had plenty of time to see at least one of London's sights. After settling in and familiarizing myself a bit with the hostel's interior, I thought that I could kill two birds with one stone by visiting the Covent Garden. Not only is it one of London's most well-known sights, but it has a nice food market where I could stalk up on what I'll need for the rest of the week (though I suspect I'll also be living off of the continental breakfast at the hostel...)! The train price was true to it's word, but after perusing a few shops in the market area, I decided to save my money for food when I would really need it. I would have to say that the strangest thing I saw there were people dressed as statues! They would stand around during the day and not move for hours in centers and at fountains! I could barley tell that they were alive! The museum was beautiful, also. (http://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/visit/plan-your-visit/opening-times-and-tickets) After that, I decided to head back to the hostel and use their internet access to find a nice map of the area. Their  own website had a pretty nice one in comparison to where they were located. (http://www.piccadillyhotel.net/location)
     I decided that that was enough for one day. Yes, I still had plenty of time left, but I spent that time in the hostel planning out the rest of my week day by day. I'll keep posting on the more eventful things that I see and do. One thing's for sure: I can tell that I'm going to love London already!

Yes, those are people dressed as statues. I'm guessing they're on "break."

Statue soldier on the job.