December 4, 2008
Softly falling snow
This morning I woke up to more snow! We are experiencing a “winter storm warning” which means we will get about 4 inches of wet snow by the end of the day. Yes, I know that this is nothing compared to what I am used to from living in Washington and Idaho but over here this much snow means that schools, motor ways, and bus routes will be closed. I’m sitting on my bed with the curtain open so that I can enjoy the snow falling outside while Christmas music is playing on my computer. Why am I at home on a work day you might ask? I have come down with my annual winter cold involving sore throat, loss of voice, and head ache. :( So, I’m recuperating at home and getting caught up on my blog.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Rule Britannia
November 30, 2008
Rule Britannia
Wanting to visit the port area of Edinburgh, Kim and I took a bus out to the North Sea. We decided to visit the royal yacht Britannia which was decommissioned in 1997 and is now a tourist attraction. We toured the several levels of the yacht including the state rooms which were not as grand as I thought they would be. I also can’t agree the queen’s taste in décor. The crew areas were also really interesting to see as well as the engine room. Enjoy these pictures:
Iron for sleeves and collars
Rule Britannia
Wanting to visit the port area of Edinburgh, Kim and I took a bus out to the North Sea. We decided to visit the royal yacht Britannia which was decommissioned in 1997 and is now a tourist attraction. We toured the several levels of the yacht including the state rooms which were not as grand as I thought they would be. I also can’t agree the queen’s taste in décor. The crew areas were also really interesting to see as well as the engine room. Enjoy these pictures:
Queen's room
Grand dining room
Bell
Iron for sleeves and collars
Medical room
Napkin holder for officers
Picture of knots
Flag locker
Edinburgh Castle
November 29, 2008
Edinburgh Castle
Another day in Edinburgh and the day to tour the castle. We again climbed up the steep incline to the castle. The castle is built into the stone on top of the hill so that it appears to merely be a part of the boulders and not a separate entity sitting atop the land. Inside the castle is almost a little village. There is an old hospital, a military prison, and military barracks. The castle appears menacing from the outside as one approaches it with the barrels of cannons peering out to defend the structure. This is also the location where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to King James. Here are some of the more interesting pictures with explanations
Entrance to the Castle
The defense portion with the cannons
The hostpital in the castle
Picture of a ship carved into the wall in the prisoner yard
Cannon
At the end of the day, we again ended up at The Tass, the pub we visited last night. For tea we had decided to try a quaint Italian café so did not have tea at the pub. Instead we had a variety of olives while we listened to more music. There were several other areas we would have like to visit including the Holyrood Palace which the queen usually visits in early December, and a Royal Gallery.
Edinburgh Castle
Another day in Edinburgh and the day to tour the castle. We again climbed up the steep incline to the castle. The castle is built into the stone on top of the hill so that it appears to merely be a part of the boulders and not a separate entity sitting atop the land. Inside the castle is almost a little village. There is an old hospital, a military prison, and military barracks. The castle appears menacing from the outside as one approaches it with the barrels of cannons peering out to defend the structure. This is also the location where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to King James. Here are some of the more interesting pictures with explanations
Entrance to the Castle The defense portion with the cannons The hostpital in the castle Picture of a ship carved into the wall in the prisoner yard Grave yard for officers dogs
CannonAt the end of the day, we again ended up at The Tass, the pub we visited last night. For tea we had decided to try a quaint Italian café so did not have tea at the pub. Instead we had a variety of olives while we listened to more music. There were several other areas we would have like to visit including the Holyrood Palace which the queen usually visits in early December, and a Royal Gallery.
Exploring Edinburgh
November 28, 2008
Exploring Edinburgh
After my exciting adventure last night, I enjoyed a bit of a sleep in this morning before bundling up to face the cold Scotland air and explore the historic city of Edinburgh. Our first stop was to visit a German Christmas market and enjoy a bratwurst with sauerkraut for lunch. Next, we toured an art gallery with a section on Scottish artists and then other such work by Raphael and Rembrandt. This is a picture of the Scott Monument; a tribute to Sir Walter Scott.
Exploring Edinburgh
After my exciting adventure last night, I enjoyed a bit of a sleep in this morning before bundling up to face the cold Scotland air and explore the historic city of Edinburgh. Our first stop was to visit a German Christmas market and enjoy a bratwurst with sauerkraut for lunch. Next, we toured an art gallery with a section on Scottish artists and then other such work by Raphael and Rembrandt. This is a picture of the Scott Monument; a tribute to Sir Walter Scott.
Eventually, we made our way up the climb to Edinburgh Castle; once there we were told that if we came back tomorrow we could get free admission! With the change of plans, I decided to get my Christmas shopping done today and then do tourist type things tomorrow. I toured a woolen mill and saw how tartan scarves and blankets were made and then wandered down Royal Mile Street. Edinburgh is known for its magnificent views so I was also snapping my camera a lot as we made our way down the street. One of my goals while being in Scotland was to try Haggis so that night we stopped in at a small pub and had haggis with mash and neeps, very yummy! While we were there, four men came in and started playing traditional Scottish folk music. It was fantastic! 
View from up by Edinburgh Castle
Day 2 conference and chasing trains
November 27, 2008
Day 2 conference and chasing trains
Today was the second day of the conference and again I made my way through the blustery wind to the conference center. One of my colleagues was presenting his research and there were several lectures so attend. Before it was time to take the taxi to the train station, I decided to check out the little shops on the dock. Mostly tourist type shops but still enjoyable to look around and find Christmas gifts. I then stopped in at a Costa (equivalent to Starbucks) and enjoyed an orange hot chocolate while reading a book. I caught a taxi to the train station and waited in the cold for my train to arrive. A disadvantage to train stations is that, although covered, they are open so that trains can pull up the platform and therefore do not provide any warmth. I had to make one connection in a town I had never been previously and so was a bit nervous since it would be completely dark. However, I had printed out a google map with the walking distance which indicated that the train station was only a 10 minute walk from the one at which I would be arriving. With a 30 min layover, I was convinced that I would have enough time to catch my next train. My first trip only lasted 20 minutes and I arrived in Warrington at a one-stop train depot. With no signs pointing the direction to the next train station, I found the only station employee on duty who informed me that it was actually a 20 minute walk and to follow down to the end of the street and turn right at a McDonalds. With no taxis in sight, I decided I would walk quickly dragging my rolling suitcase with one hand and my courier bag slung over my other shoulder. I walked through what appeared to be the down town area but all the shops were closed. After 10 minutes, I found a woman who again reiterated the same directions as the previous woman. However, when I reached the end of the street, there was no McDonald’s in sight. I decided to turn right anyways but had still not seen any signs pointing to the train station. At last I found one other person who told me that the station was at the end of the street but still another 10 minute walk. I knew I was pushing it for time and that there wouldn’t be another train to Edinburgh tonight so gathering up my things I ran in my clogs for the next eight minutes eventually reaching the station in a sweat and a panic at the time my train was due only to discover that my train was delayed by five minutes. I must have resembled a crazed marshmellow as I ran down the street in my flatmates oversized craeam colored parka she had loaned me. When the train arrived, it slowed just enough for myself and one other person to jump on and then picked up speed for the three hour trip to Edinburgh. I finally made it to Edinburgh and met up with Kim at the station.
Day 2 conference and chasing trains
Today was the second day of the conference and again I made my way through the blustery wind to the conference center. One of my colleagues was presenting his research and there were several lectures so attend. Before it was time to take the taxi to the train station, I decided to check out the little shops on the dock. Mostly tourist type shops but still enjoyable to look around and find Christmas gifts. I then stopped in at a Costa (equivalent to Starbucks) and enjoyed an orange hot chocolate while reading a book. I caught a taxi to the train station and waited in the cold for my train to arrive. A disadvantage to train stations is that, although covered, they are open so that trains can pull up the platform and therefore do not provide any warmth. I had to make one connection in a town I had never been previously and so was a bit nervous since it would be completely dark. However, I had printed out a google map with the walking distance which indicated that the train station was only a 10 minute walk from the one at which I would be arriving. With a 30 min layover, I was convinced that I would have enough time to catch my next train. My first trip only lasted 20 minutes and I arrived in Warrington at a one-stop train depot. With no signs pointing the direction to the next train station, I found the only station employee on duty who informed me that it was actually a 20 minute walk and to follow down to the end of the street and turn right at a McDonalds. With no taxis in sight, I decided I would walk quickly dragging my rolling suitcase with one hand and my courier bag slung over my other shoulder. I walked through what appeared to be the down town area but all the shops were closed. After 10 minutes, I found a woman who again reiterated the same directions as the previous woman. However, when I reached the end of the street, there was no McDonald’s in sight. I decided to turn right anyways but had still not seen any signs pointing to the train station. At last I found one other person who told me that the station was at the end of the street but still another 10 minute walk. I knew I was pushing it for time and that there wouldn’t be another train to Edinburgh tonight so gathering up my things I ran in my clogs for the next eight minutes eventually reaching the station in a sweat and a panic at the time my train was due only to discover that my train was delayed by five minutes. I must have resembled a crazed marshmellow as I ran down the street in my flatmates oversized craeam colored parka she had loaned me. When the train arrived, it slowed just enough for myself and one other person to jump on and then picked up speed for the three hour trip to Edinburgh. I finally made it to Edinburgh and met up with Kim at the station.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Day 1 conference
November 26, 2008
Day 1 Conference
My day began bright and early; and cold as the winds blew across the water carrying a frigid spray through the air. Bundled against the wind that tried to through me off-balance with every step, I made my way across the quaint bridge to the convention centre. Of recent build, the centre is a lovely building. Having attended the American Academy of Audiology conference 2 years ago in Denver, I had been forewarned that this would pale in comparison. And, yes, it was equivalent to AAA on a 1/10 of the scale but I did enjoy meeting other audiologists from the UK as well as hearing lectures fro some American audiologists including Doug Beck and Richard Seewald. The day ended with my bag full of free pens. We also attended a social in the evening directly next to my hotel but I didn’t stay long as the music was too loud for adequate conversation and the party theme consisted of one of my biggest fears, clowns.
Day 1 Conference
My day began bright and early; and cold as the winds blew across the water carrying a frigid spray through the air. Bundled against the wind that tried to through me off-balance with every step, I made my way across the quaint bridge to the convention centre. Of recent build, the centre is a lovely building. Having attended the American Academy of Audiology conference 2 years ago in Denver, I had been forewarned that this would pale in comparison. And, yes, it was equivalent to AAA on a 1/10 of the scale but I did enjoy meeting other audiologists from the UK as well as hearing lectures fro some American audiologists including Doug Beck and Richard Seewald. The day ended with my bag full of free pens. We also attended a social in the evening directly next to my hotel but I didn’t stay long as the music was too loud for adequate conversation and the party theme consisted of one of my biggest fears, clowns.
Goodnight Liverpool!
November 25, 2008
Goodnight Liverpool!
Tonight I rode with two co-workers the three hour drive to Liverpool. We drove through the beautiful Lake District (Beatrice Potter) but unfortunately it was pitch black and all I could see was the shadowy outline of the monstrous fells as they rose out of the darkness. Having lived the past four months in a town where the tallest building is four stories, I was in jaw dropping awe as we drove through downtown Liverpool with its modern architecture and sky scraper structures. Liverpool was recently awarded cultural center of the UK and this was evident with the street art adorning the walkways of the downtown. I’ve concluded that cities are definitely in their element at night and somehow become more beautiful. We drove across a bride and onto a dock. What? My hotel can’t be on a dock! But it was! It is one of the most quirky hotels I have stayed; the ceiling in my room is arced brick with a brick wall, large column in the center, and window which looks out on a water way where small boats are docked. Live on a dock surrounded by water, I am definitely in my element. I won’t have much time to explore as I’m supposed to be attending an audiology conference but this is one city that I will have to come back to visit again. For now, it is off to bed so Goodnight Liverpool!
Goodnight Liverpool!
Tonight I rode with two co-workers the three hour drive to Liverpool. We drove through the beautiful Lake District (Beatrice Potter) but unfortunately it was pitch black and all I could see was the shadowy outline of the monstrous fells as they rose out of the darkness. Having lived the past four months in a town where the tallest building is four stories, I was in jaw dropping awe as we drove through downtown Liverpool with its modern architecture and sky scraper structures. Liverpool was recently awarded cultural center of the UK and this was evident with the street art adorning the walkways of the downtown. I’ve concluded that cities are definitely in their element at night and somehow become more beautiful. We drove across a bride and onto a dock. What? My hotel can’t be on a dock! But it was! It is one of the most quirky hotels I have stayed; the ceiling in my room is arced brick with a brick wall, large column in the center, and window which looks out on a water way where small boats are docked. Live on a dock surrounded by water, I am definitely in my element. I won’t have much time to explore as I’m supposed to be attending an audiology conference but this is one city that I will have to come back to visit again. For now, it is off to bed so Goodnight Liverpool!
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