Two Weeks in Review

There's been quite a few days since I've last posted. A quick synopsis of the travels of the past few weeks:

York: I went to York with USC, and had a fantastic time exploring the old city walls, the neighboring ruins, York minster, and an old bookshop where I purchased Eliot's 'The Four Quartets.'

Dublin: I traveled with two friends, one from USC, and one who I have classes with here at King's. The city itself wasn't one of my favorites, but we took a day trip through the countryside, and I was enthralled by the raw, harsh, late-autumn beauty of the Irish countryside. We stopped at a 5th century monastery, which may have been my favorite destination throughout the trip. Also notable are the Chester Beatty Library with fantastic 3rd-century papyrus manuscripts of the Bible and the National Gallery of Ireland. The small coastal city of Dalkey was also quite charming.

Last night, I went over to the Snellers and had some of the most engaging conversation I've had in a while with some Brits who explained how the UK views the US, while we explained the vice versa. One of the most profound lessons I will take away is that the Brits have a long list of things they don't like, but America isn't necessarily on it. Good to know.

Looking ahead to the next week:
Football season opener on Sunday!! I hope to be starting at CB, and hopefully getting some time at WR. I've never played in full pads, and I'm excited to finally get a chance to play in a league where I'm not entirely undersized.

Monday morning I leave for Bratislava and spend a day there before bussing over to Vienna, after which I return back to Bratislava for a weekend back in London.

Some pictures of my adventures so far.

An 13th century priory on the coast of England, just outside of Newcastle.


The foreground shows the excavations of Hadrian's wall within a few meters of its Eastern end. The replica in the background shows what a fully intact version would have looked like. I think there are several more feet of wall underneath the ground, but excavations have been going slowly.


Remains of a Norman-era abbey (11th century), outside of York.


The monument in the main square of Trinity College, Dublin.


Christ Church, Dublin.


St. Stephen's Green, Dublin. One of the most beautiful parks I've been to yet. This vividly captures the rustic, Irish beauty.