Guest guest Posted August 30, 2005 Report Share Posted August 30, 2005 Hi everyone Well, I seem to have settled back into life in the UK after my American trip... but what an interesting trip! Started off with a brief stop in Rekjavik to change planes, and then a fantastic view flying over Greenland, with all the glaciers and icebergs, and so on. BTW, is it just me, or does it seem a bit weird that Iceland is Green, and Greenland is Icy? Anyway, spent a couple of days staying with some friends (and their six parrots) just outside DC - had a chance to do most of the sights in Washington. I started out with Arlington cemetary, mostly so I could see Arlington House - I was a little disappointed, since they've " restored " it to look like mid 19th century, and consequently you can only view most of the rooms from the corridors and not actually go in them. From there, I went on to the Scottish Rite Freemason Temple (the 33 degree HQ), and got a very good guided tour. Now that was impressive - I'd seen pictures before, but it was even more impressive in reality. I had no idea quite how big it was (the tour took the best part of an hour). From there I strolled down to the Washington monument - unfortunately a bit too late in the day, and all the tickets to go inside had already gone. So I wandered round a bit more, visited the Natural History and American History parts of the Smithsonian, and then finished up watching the sunset from the steps of the Capitol. Unfortunately I was about 10 days too late for the best sunset (the one that aligns with Pennsylvania Avenue), but still pretty impressive. The next day I did a bit of shopping... and I have to say, you guys in the US have *really* good deals... books about half the price of the UK. I bought 6 CDs for $80 - in the UK they'd have cost something over £100 - that's about three times as much. DVD's were about half price as well. And I really don't know what the problem is with petrol prices - you seem to pay for a gallon what we have to pay for a litre. Fruit and veg was really cheap as well - Bananas about an eighth of the UK price. After DC, I went to Wilmington, North Carolina for a friend's wedding. Wilmington was certainly a culture shock. My friend's parents were staying in a place that they'd found on a " house-swap " internet scheme... the walls were plastered with " confederate " flags and Winchester rifles, along with the ocassional sword and fishing rod!!! As a first impression of a town, probably not the best one. My second " surprise " was when I discovered later that day that the bride's family were " Southern Baptists " - fortunately my friend knows of my spiritual path, and quietly mentioned to me that it might not be a good idea to talk too much about it in their company. As it happened, I ended up having a rather weird conversation about Druidry and Wicca from an " academic " point of view (unfortunately people have a tendency to ask the inevitable question of " what are you studying " when they hear you're doing an MA...) Despite this, the Southern Baptists were suprisingly friendly, and very welcoming (presumably as long as you don't let on that you're not Christian!!!) Anyway, it was a really good wedding, and reception - with a rather impressive sunset from the deck of the boat! My last day was spent wandering around Baltimore. Being Sunday, most places were closed, but I found a fantastic " new age " shop on Charles Street - I chatted with the owners for about an hour and a half, they gave me drinks of water, and when I asked them if they had any crystals for under $7.50, as that was all that I had left in US currency, they just *gave* me a crystal!!! So, if you're ever in Baltimore, I'd highly recommend finding the new age shop on Charles Street!!! Having got back to the UK, I do have one question... what is all this rubbish about " jet-lag " ? I was a little bit tired yesterday, but then I had an overnight flight, which meant I didn't get a lot of sleep. Woke up this morning, and seem to be quite happily back on UK time without a problem. BB Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 30, 2005 Report Share Posted August 30, 2005 earlier marketing! iceland was so named because it was the only spot of land in a icy sea greenland was settled by erik the red, who basically was a nogoodnik... so..to get ppl to move there... greenland... metalscarab Aug 30, 2005 3:35 PM America... Started off with a brief stop in Rekjavik to change planes, and then a fantastic view flying over Greenland, with all the glaciers and icebergs, and so on. BTW, is it just me, or does it seem a bit weird that Iceland is Green, and Greenland is Icy? a blinding flash hotter than the sun dead bodies lie across the path the radiation colors the air finishing one by one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2005 Report Share Posted August 31, 2005 I don't know about this whole jet lag thing. It never bothers me, nor does the whole thing about being in the mile high cities. Now, unless you are around southerners for awhile, you don't have to worry. At special occasions, like a wedding, you'll just get the " why bless your heart " thing which is a southern way of asking politely what kind of jibbering idiot you are <g> So, if anyone said anything like that or anything similar, you know you were found to be peculiar <g> It's a southern thing! Lynda - <metalscarab Tuesday, August 30, 2005 3:35 PM America... > Hi everyone > > Well, I seem to have settled back into life in the UK after my American > trip... but what an interesting trip! > > Started off with a brief stop in Rekjavik to change planes, and then a > fantastic view flying over Greenland, with all the glaciers and icebergs, > and so on. BTW, is it just me, or does it seem a bit weird that Iceland is > Green, and Greenland is Icy? > > Anyway, spent a couple of days staying with some friends (and their six > parrots) just outside DC - had a chance to do most of the sights in > Washington. I started out with Arlington cemetary, mostly so I could see > Arlington House - I was a little disappointed, since they've " restored " it > to look like mid 19th century, and consequently you can only view most of > the rooms from the corridors and not actually go in them. > >>From there, I went on to the Scottish Rite Freemason Temple (the 33 degree > HQ), and got a very good guided tour. Now that was impressive - I'd seen > pictures before, but it was even more impressive in reality. I had no idea > quite how big it was (the tour took the best part of an hour). From there > I strolled down to the Washington monument - unfortunately a bit too late > in the day, and all the tickets to go inside had already gone. So I > wandered round a bit more, visited the Natural History and American > History parts of the Smithsonian, and then finished up watching the sunset > from the steps of the Capitol. Unfortunately I was about 10 days too late > for the best sunset (the one that aligns with Pennsylvania Avenue), but > still pretty impressive. > > The next day I did a bit of shopping... and I have to say, you guys in the > US have *really* good deals... books about half the price of the UK. I > bought 6 CDs for $80 - in the UK they'd have cost something over £100 - > that's about three times as much. DVD's were about half price as well. And > I really don't know what the problem is with petrol prices - you seem to > pay for a gallon what we have to pay for a litre. Fruit and veg was really > cheap as well - Bananas about an eighth of the UK price. > > After DC, I went to Wilmington, North Carolina for a friend's wedding. > Wilmington was certainly a culture shock. My friend's parents were staying > in a place that they'd found on a " house-swap " internet scheme... the > walls were plastered with " confederate " flags and Winchester rifles, along > with the ocassional sword and fishing rod!!! As a first impression of a > town, probably not the best one. My second " surprise " was when I > discovered later that day that the bride's family were " Southern Baptists " > - fortunately my friend knows of my spiritual path, and quietly mentioned > to me that it might not be a good idea to talk too much about it in their > company. As it happened, I ended up having a rather weird conversation > about Druidry and Wicca from an " academic " point of view (unfortunately > people have a tendency to ask the inevitable question of " what are you > studying " when they hear you're doing an MA...) Despite this, the Southern > Baptists were suprisingly friendly, and very welcoming (presumably as long > as you don't let on that you're not Christian!!!) Anyway, it was a really > good wedding, and reception - with a rather impressive sunset from the > deck of the boat! > > My last day was spent wandering around Baltimore. Being Sunday, most > places were closed, but I found a fantastic " new age " shop on Charles > Street - I chatted with the owners for about an hour and a half, they gave > me drinks of water, and when I asked them if they had any crystals for > under $7.50, as that was all that I had left in US currency, they just > *gave* me a crystal!!! So, if you're ever in Baltimore, I'd highly > recommend finding the new age shop on Charles Street!!! > > Having got back to the UK, I do have one question... what is all this > rubbish about " jet-lag " ? I was a little bit tired yesterday, but then I > had an overnight flight, which meant I didn't get a lot of sleep. Woke up > this morning, and seem to be quite happily back on UK time without a > problem. > > BB > Peter > > > > > To send an email to - > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2005 Report Share Posted August 31, 2005 Hey namesake, welcome back, I am jade with envy. The only excitment I had in the last week was decorating two bedrooms!, and that kind of excitement I can do without! Sounds like you had a great time. The Valle Vegan...........metalscarab wrote: Hi everyoneWell, I seem to have settled back into life in the UK after my Americantrip... but what an interesting trip!Started off with a brief stop in Rekjavik to change planes, and then afantastic view flying over Greenland, with all the glaciers and icebergs,and so on. BTW, is it just me, or does it seem a bit weird that Iceland isGreen, and Greenland is Icy?Anyway, spent a couple of days staying with some friends (and their sixparrots) just outside DC - had a chance to do most of the sights inWashington. I started out with Arlington cemetary, mostly so I could seeArlington House - I was a little disappointed, since they've "restored" itto look like mid 19th century, and consequently you can only view most ofthe rooms from the corridors and not actually go in them.From there, I went on to the Scottish Rite Freemason Temple (the 33 degreeHQ), and got a very good guided tour. Now that was impressive - I'd seenpictures before, but it was even more impressive in reality. I had no ideaquite how big it was (the tour took the best part of an hour). From thereI strolled down to the Washington monument - unfortunately a bit too latein the day, and all the tickets to go inside had already gone. So Iwandered round a bit more, visited the Natural History and AmericanHistory parts of the Smithsonian, and then finished up watching the sunsetfrom the steps of the Capitol. Unfortunately I was about 10 days too latefor the best sunset (the one that aligns with Pennsylvania Avenue), butstill pretty impressive.The next day I did a bit of shopping... and I have to say, you guys in theUS have *really* good deals... books about half the price of the UK. Ibought 6 CDs for $80 - in the UK they'd have cost something over £100 -that's about three times as much. DVD's were about half price as well. AndI really don't know what the problem is with petrol prices - you seem topay for a gallon what we have to pay for a litre. Fruit and veg was reallycheap as well - Bananas about an eighth of the UK price.After DC, I went to Wilmington, North Carolina for a friend's wedding.Wilmington was certainly a culture shock. My friend's parents were stayingin a place that they'd found on a "house-swap" internet scheme... thewalls were plastered with "confederate" flags and Winchester rifles, alongwith the ocassional sword and fishing rod!!! As a first impression of atown, probably not the best one. My second "surprise" was when Idiscovered later that day that the bride's family were "Southern Baptists"- fortunately my friend knows of my spiritual path, and quietly mentionedto me that it might not be a good idea to talk too much about it in theircompany. As it happened, I ended up having a rather weird conversationabout Druidry and Wicca from an "academic" point of view (unfortunatelypeople have a tendency to ask the inevitable question of "what are youstudying" when they hear you're doing an MA...) Despite this, the SouthernBaptists were suprisingly friendly, and very welcoming (presumably as longas you don't let on that you're not Christian!!!) Anyway, it was a reallygood wedding, and reception - with a rather impressive sunset from thedeck of the boat!My last day was spent wandering around Baltimore. Being Sunday, mostplaces were closed, but I found a fantastic "new age" shop on CharlesStreet - I chatted with the owners for about an hour and a half, they gaveme drinks of water, and when I asked them if they had any crystals forunder $7.50, as that was all that I had left in US currency, they just*gave* me a crystal!!! So, if you're ever in Baltimore, I'd highlyrecommend finding the new age shop on Charles Street!!!Having got back to the UK, I do have one question... what is all thisrubbish about "jet-lag"? I was a little bit tired yesterday, but then Ihad an overnight flight, which meant I didn't get a lot of sleep. Woke upthis morning, and seem to be quite happily back on UK time without aproblem.BBPeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2005 Report Share Posted August 31, 2005 I too am very interested in the phenomenom of Jet Lag, and would like to study its effects further. Just send your sponsorship / donations to.......... I never stop do I? The Valley Vegan.............Lynda <lurine wrote: I don't know about this whole jet lag thing. It never bothers me, nor does the whole thing about being in the mile high cities.Now, unless you are around southerners for awhile, you don't have to worry. At special occasions, like a wedding, you'll just get the "why bless your heart" thing which is a southern way of asking politely what kind of jibbering idiot you are So, if anyone said anything like that or anything similar, you know you were found to be peculiar It's a southern thing!Lynda- Tuesday, August 30, 2005 3:35 PM America...> Hi everyone>> Well, I seem to have settled back into life in the UK after my American> trip... but what an interesting trip!>> Started off with a brief stop in Rekjavik to change planes, and then a> fantastic view flying over Greenland, with all the glaciers and icebergs,> and so on. BTW, is it just me, or does it seem a bit weird that Iceland is> Green, and Greenland is Icy?>> Anyway, spent a couple of days staying with some friends (and their six> parrots) just outside DC - had a chance to do most of the sights in> Washington. I started out with Arlington cemetary, mostly so I could see> Arlington House - I was a little disappointed, since they've "restored" it> to look like mid 19th century, and consequently you can only view most of> the rooms from the corridors and not actually go in them.>>>From there, I went on to the Scottish Rite Freemason Temple (the 33 degree> HQ), and got a very good guided tour. Now that was impressive - I'd seen> pictures before, but it was even more impressive in reality. I had no idea> quite how big it was (the tour took the best part of an hour). From there> I strolled down to the Washington monument - unfortunately a bit too late> in the day, and all the tickets to go inside had already gone. So I> wandered round a bit more, visited the Natural History and American> History parts of the Smithsonian, and then finished up watching the sunset> from the steps of the Capitol. Unfortunately I was about 10 days too late> for the best sunset (the one that aligns with Pennsylvania Avenue), but> still pretty impressive.>> The next day I did a bit of shopping... and I have to say, you guys in the> US have *really* good deals... books about half the price of the UK. I> bought 6 CDs for $80 - in the UK they'd have cost something over £100 -> that's about three times as much. DVD's were about half price as well. And> I really don't know what the problem is with petrol prices - you seem to> pay for a gallon what we have to pay for a litre. Fruit and veg was really> cheap as well - Bananas about an eighth of the UK price.>> After DC, I went to Wilmington, North Carolina for a friend's wedding.> Wilmington was certainly a culture shock. My friend's parents were staying> in a place that they'd found on a "house-swap" internet scheme... the> walls were plastered with "confederate" flags and Winchester rifles, along> with the ocassional sword and fishing rod!!! As a first impression of a> town, probably not the best one. My second "surprise" was when I> discovered later that day that the bride's family were "Southern Baptists"> - fortunately my friend knows of my spiritual path, and quietly mentioned> to me that it might not be a good idea to talk too much about it in their> company. As it happened, I ended up having a rather weird conversation> about Druidry and Wicca from an "academic" point of view (unfortunately> people have a tendency to ask the inevitable question of "what are you> studying" when they hear you're doing an MA...) Despite this, the Southern> Baptists were suprisingly friendly, and very welcoming (presumably as long> as you don't let on that you're not Christian!!!) Anyway, it was a really> good wedding, and reception - with a rather impressive sunset from the> deck of the boat!>> My last day was spent wandering around Baltimore. Being Sunday, most> places were closed, but I found a fantastic "new age" shop on Charles> Street - I chatted with the owners for about an hour and a half, they gave> me drinks of water, and when I asked them if they had any crystals for> under $7.50, as that was all that I had left in US currency, they just> *gave* me a crystal!!! So, if you're ever in Baltimore, I'd highly> recommend finding the new age shop on Charles Street!!!>> Having got back to the UK, I do have one question... what is all this> rubbish about "jet-lag"? I was a little bit tired yesterday, but then I> had an overnight flight, which meant I didn't get a lot of sleep. Woke up> this morning, and seem to be quite happily back on UK time without a> problem.>> BB> Peter>>>>> To send an email to - > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2005 Report Share Posted August 31, 2005 Hi Peters I have associations negative in that area mentally I am always angry. You see I only go to washington d.c. when I am protesting something. I have been to many marches, in front of the white house. (gay rights, womens rights, you name it.) perhaps, I need to go there sometimes and see the Historic, Positive, Museums part of it. and just go as a tourist. Well, peter, now you know how we feel and what we are talking about when we talk about Christians! -anouk - peter hurd 8/31/2005 2:53:26 PM Re: America... Hey namesake, welcome back, I am jade with envy. The only excitment I had in the last week was decorating two bedrooms!, and that kind of excitement I can do without! Sounds like you had a great time. The Valle Vegan...........metalscarab wrote: Hi everyoneWell, I seem to have settled back into life in the UK after my Americantrip... but what an interesting trip!Started off with a brief stop in Rekjavik to change planes, and then afantastic view flying over Greenland, with all the glaciers and icebergs,and so on. BTW, is it just me, or does it seem a bit weird that Iceland isGreen, and Greenland is Icy?Anyway, spent a couple of days staying with some friends (and their sixparrots) just outside DC - had a chance to do most of the sights inWashington. I started out with Arlington cemetary, mostly so I could seeArlington House - I was a little disappointed, since they've "restored" itto look like mid 19th century, and consequently you can only view most ofthe rooms from the corridors and not actually go in them.From there, I went on to the Scottish Rite Freemason Temple (the 33 degreeHQ), and got a very good guided tour. Now that was impressive - I'd seenpictures before, but it was even more impressive in reality. I had no ideaquite how big it was (the tour took the best part of an hour). From thereI strolled down to the Washington monument - unfortunately a bit too latein the day, and all the tickets to go inside had already gone. So Iwandered round a bit more, visited the Natural History and AmericanHistory parts of the Smithsonian, and then finished up watching the sunsetfrom the steps of the Capitol. Unfortunately I was about 10 days too latefor the best sunset (the one that aligns with Pennsylvania Avenue), butstill pretty impressive.The next day I did a bit of shopping... and I have to say, you guys in theUS have *really* good deals... books about half the price of the UK. Ibought 6 CDs for $80 - in the UK they'd have cost something over £100 -that's about three times as much. DVD's were about half price as well. AndI really don't know what the problem is with petrol prices - you seem topay for a gallon what we have to pay for a litre. Fruit and veg was reallycheap as well - Bananas about an eighth of the UK price.After DC, I went to Wilmington, North Carolina for a friend's wedding.Wilmington was certainly a culture shock. My friend's parents were stayingin a place that they'd found on a "house-swap" internet scheme... thewalls were plastered with "confederate" flags and Winchester rifles, alongwith the ocassional sword and fishing rod!!! As a first impression of atown, probably not the best one. My second "surprise" was when Idiscovered later that day that the bride's family were "Southern Baptists"- fortunately my friend knows of my spiritual path, and quietly mentionedto me that it might not be a good idea to talk too much about it in theircompany. As it happened, I ended up having a rather weird conversationabout Druidry and Wicca from an "academic" point of view (unfortunatelypeople have a tendency to ask the inevitable question of "what are youstudying" when they hear you're doing an MA...) Despite this, the SouthernBaptists were suprisingly friendly, and very welcoming (presumably as longas you don't let on that you're not Christian!!!) Anyway, it was a reallygood wedding, and reception - with a rather impressive sunset from thedeck of the boat!My last day was spent wandering around Baltimore. Being Sunday, mostplaces were closed, but I found a fantastic "new age" shop on CharlesStreet - I chatted with the owners for about an hour and a half, they gaveme drinks of water, and when I asked them if they had any crystals forunder $7.50, as that was all that I had left in US currency, they just*gave* me a crystal!!! So, if you're ever in Baltimore, I'd highlyrecommend finding the new age shop on Charles Street!!!Having got back to the UK, I do have one question... what is all thisrubbish about "jet-lag"? I was a little bit tired yesterday, but then Ihad an overnight flight, which meant I didn't get a lot of sleep. Woke upthis morning, and seem to be quite happily back on UK time without aproblem.BBPeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2005 Report Share Posted August 31, 2005 I would like to investigate this phenomenom of " Green Land", please send any air fare/tickets to.......... Cant help myself....... The Valley Vegan............fraggle <EBbrewpunx wrote: earlier marketing!iceland was so named because it was the only spot of land in a icy seagreenland was settled by erik the red, who basically was a nogoodnik...so..to get ppl to move there...greenland...metalscarabSent: Aug 30, 2005 3:35 PM Subject: America...Started off with a brief stop in Rekjavik to change planes, and then afantastic view flying over Greenland, with all the glaciers and icebergs,and so on. BTW, is it just me, or does it seem a bit weird that Iceland isGreen, and Greenland is Icy?a blinding flash hotter than the sun dead bodies lie across the path the radiation colors the airfinishing one by one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2005 Report Share Posted August 31, 2005 Hi Peter (VV) You have been busy - well done! We took almost a year to decorate our bedroom - doing little bits at a time and fitting it in between other things. It must be good to get it done so quickly. Jo Hey namesake, welcome back, I am jade with envy. The only excitment I had in the last week was decorating two bedrooms!, and that kind of excitement I can do without! Sounds like you had a great time. The Valle Vegan...........metalscarab wrote: Hi everyoneWell, I seem to have settled back into life in the UK after my Americantrip... but what an interesting trip!Started off with a brief stop in Rekjavik to change planes, and then afantastic view flying over Greenland, with all the glaciers and icebergs,and so on. BTW, is it just me, or does it seem a bit weird that Iceland isGreen, and Greenland is Icy?Anyway, spent a couple of days staying with some friends (and their sixparrots) just outside DC - had a chance to do most of the sights inWashington. I started out with Arlington cemetary, mostly so I could seeArlington House - I was a little disappointed, since they've "restored" itto look like mid 19th century, and consequently you can only view most ofthe rooms from the corridors and not actually go in them.From there, I went on to the Scottish Rite Freemason Temple (the 33 degreeHQ), and got a very good guided tour. Now that was impressive - I'd seenpictures before, but it was even more impressive in reality. I had no ideaquite how big it was (the tour took the best part of an hour). From thereI strolled down to the Washington monument - unfortunately a bit too latein the day, and all the tickets to go inside had already gone. So Iwandered round a bit more, visited the Natural History and AmericanHistory parts of the Smithsonian, and then finished up watching the sunsetfrom the steps of the Capitol. Unfortunately I was about 10 days too latefor the best sunset (the one that aligns with Pennsylvania Avenue), butstill pretty impressive.The next day I did a bit of shopping... and I have to say, you guys in theUS have *really* good deals... books about half the price of the UK. Ibought 6 CDs for $80 - in the UK they'd have cost something over £100 -that's about three times as much. DVD's were about half price as well. AndI really don't know what the problem is with petrol prices - you seem topay for a gallon what we have to pay for a litre. Fruit and veg was reallycheap as well - Bananas about an eighth of the UK price.After DC, I went to Wilmington, North Carolina for a friend's wedding.Wilmington was certainly a culture shock. My friend's parents were stayingin a place that they'd found on a "house-swap" internet scheme... thewalls were plastered with "confederate" flags and Winchester rifles, alongwith the ocassional sword and fishing rod!!! As a first impression of atown, probably not the best one. My second "surprise" was when Idiscovered later that day that the bride's family were "Southern Baptists"- fortunately my friend knows of my spiritual path, and quietly mentionedto me that it might not be a good idea to talk too much about it in theircompany. As it happened, I ended up having a rather weird conversationabout Druidry and Wicca from an "academic" point of view (unfortunatelypeople have a tendency to ask the inevitable question of "what are youstudying" when they hear you're doing an MA...) Despite this, the SouthernBaptists were suprisingly friendly, and very welcoming (presumably as longas you don't let on that you're not Christian!!!) Anyway, it was a reallygood wedding, and reception - with a rather impressive sunset from thedeck of the boat!My last day was spent wandering around Baltimore. Being Sunday, mostplaces were closed, but I found a fantastic "new age" shop on CharlesStreet - I chatted with the owners for about an hour and a half, they gaveme drinks of water, and when I asked them if they had any crystals forunder $7.50, as that was all that I had left in US currency, they just*gave* me a crystal!!! So, if you're ever in Baltimore, I'd highlyrecommend finding the new age shop on Charles Street!!!Having got back to the UK, I do have one question... what is all thisrubbish about "jet-lag"? I was a little bit tired yesterday, but then Ihad an overnight flight, which meant I didn't get a lot of sleep. Woke upthis morning, and seem to be quite happily back on UK time without aproblem.BBPeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2005 Report Share Posted August 31, 2005 I'm sure your research would be as good as any other. Jo - peter hurd Wednesday, August 31, 2005 7:11 PM Re: America... I too am very interested in the phenomenom of Jet Lag, and would like to study its effects further. Just send your sponsorship / donations to.......... I never stop do I? The Valley Vegan.............Lynda <lurine wrote: I don't know about this whole jet lag thing. It never bothers me, nor does the whole thing about being in the mile high cities.Now, unless you are around southerners for awhile, you don't have to worry. At special occasions, like a wedding, you'll just get the "why bless your heart" thing which is a southern way of asking politely what kind of jibbering idiot you are So, if anyone said anything like that or anything similar, you know you were found to be peculiar It's a southern thing!Lynda- Tuesday, August 30, 2005 3:35 PM America...> Hi everyone>> Well, I seem to have settled back into life in the UK after my American> trip... but what an interesting trip!>> Started off with a brief stop in Rekjavik to change planes, and then a> fantastic view flying over Greenland, with all the glaciers and icebergs,> and so on. BTW, is it just me, or does it seem a bit weird that Iceland is> Green, and Greenland is Icy?>> Anyway, spent a couple of days staying with some friends (and their six> parrots) just outside DC - had a chance to do most of the sights in> Washington. I started out with Arlington cemetary, mostly so I could see> Arlington House - I was a little disappointed, since they've "restored" it> to look like mid 19th century, and consequently you can only view most of> the rooms from the corridors and not actually go in them.>>>From there, I went on to the Scottish Rite Freemason Temple (the 33 degree> HQ), and got a very good guided tour. Now that was impressive - I'd seen> pictures before, but it was even more impressive in reality. I had no idea> quite how big it was (the tour took the best part of an hour). From there> I strolled down to the Washington monument - unfortunately a bit too late> in the day, and all the tickets to go inside had already gone. So I> wandered round a bit more, visited the Natural History and American> History parts of the Smithsonian, and then finished up watching the sunset> from the steps of the Capitol. Unfortunately I was about 10 days too late> for the best sunset (the one that aligns with Pennsylvania Avenue), but> still pretty impressive.>> The next day I did a bit of shopping... and I have to say, you guys in the> US have *really* good deals... books about half the price of the UK. I> bought 6 CDs for $80 - in the UK they'd have cost something over £100 -> that's about three times as much. DVD's were about half price as well. And> I really don't know what the problem is with petrol prices - you seem to> pay for a gallon what we have to pay for a litre. Fruit and veg was really> cheap as well - Bananas about an eighth of the UK price.>> After DC, I went to Wilmington, North Carolina for a friend's wedding.> Wilmington was certainly a culture shock. My friend's parents were staying> in a place that they'd found on a "house-swap" internet scheme... the> walls were plastered with "confederate" flags and Winchester rifles, along> with the ocassional sword and fishing rod!!! As a first impression of a> town, probably not the best one. My second "surprise" was when I> discovered later that day that the bride's family were "Southern Baptists"> - fortunately my friend knows of my spiritual path, and quietly mentioned> to me that it might not be a good idea to talk too much about it in their> company. As it happened, I ended up having a rather weird conversation> about Druidry and Wicca from an "academic" point of view (unfortunately> people have a tendency to ask the inevitable question of "what are you> studying" when they hear you're doing an MA...) Despite this, the Southern> Baptists were suprisingly friendly, and very welcoming (presumably as long> as you don't let on that you're not Christian!!!) Anyway, it was a really> good wedding, and reception - with a rather impressive sunset from the> deck of the boat!>> My last day was spent wandering around Baltimore. Being Sunday, most> places were closed, but I found a fantastic "new age" shop on Charles> Street - I chatted with the owners for about an hour and a half, they gave> me drinks of water, and when I asked them if they had any crystals for> under $7.50, as that was all that I had left in US currency, they just> *gave* me a crystal!!! So, if you're ever in Baltimore, I'd highly> recommend finding the new age shop on Charles Street!!!>> Having got back to the UK, I do have one question... what is all this> rubbish about "jet-lag"? I was a little bit tired yesterday, but then I> had an overnight flight, which meant I didn't get a lot of sleep. Woke up> this morning, and seem to be quite happily back on UK time without a> problem.>> BB> Peter>>>>> To send an email to - > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2005 Report Share Posted August 31, 2005 Hi Peter Thanks for the update! Sounds like a great time! BB Nikki , metalscarab@c... wrote: > Hi everyone > > Well, I seem to have settled back into life in the UK after my American > trip... but what an interesting trip! > <<SNIP> > BB > Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 1, 2005 Report Share Posted September 1, 2005 Not realy, just a lick of paint in each bedroom, and it is a small house that we live in, and I had a week off work to do it. The Valley Vegan........Jo Cwazy <heartwork wrote: Hi Peter (VV) You have been busy - well done! We took almost a year to decorate our bedroom - doing little bits at a time and fitting it in between other things. It must be good to get it done so quickly. Jo Hey namesake, welcome back, I am jade with envy. The only excitment I had in the last week was decorating two bedrooms!, and that kind of excitement I can do without! Sounds like you had a great time. The Valle Vegan...........metalscarab wrote: Hi everyoneWell, I seem to have settled back into life in the UK after my Americantrip... but what an interesting trip!Started off with a brief stop in Rekjavik to change planes, and then afantastic view flying over Greenland, with all the glaciers and icebergs,and so on. BTW, is it just me, or does it seem a bit weird that Iceland isGreen, and Greenland is Icy?Anyway, spent a couple of days staying with some friends (and their sixparrots) just outside DC - had a chance to do most of the sights inWashington. I started out with Arlington cemetary, mostly so I could seeArlington House - I was a little disappointed, since they've "restored" itto look like mid 19th century, and consequently you can only view most ofthe rooms from the corridors and not actually go in them.From there, I went on to the Scottish Rite Freemason Temple (the 33 degreeHQ), and got a very good guided tour. Now that was impressive - I'd seenpictures before, but it was even more impressive in reality. I had no ideaquite how big it was (the tour took the best part of an hour). From thereI strolled down to the Washington monument - unfortunately a bit too latein the day, and all the tickets to go inside had already gone. So Iwandered round a bit more, visited the Natural History and AmericanHistory parts of the Smithsonian, and then finished up watching the sunsetfrom the steps of the Capitol. Unfortunately I was about 10 days too latefor the best sunset (the one that aligns with Pennsylvania Avenue), butstill pretty impressive.The next day I did a bit of shopping... and I have to say, you guys in theUS have *really* good deals... books about half the price of the UK. Ibought 6 CDs for $80 - in the UK they'd have cost something over £100 -that's about three times as much. DVD's were about half price as well. AndI really don't know what the problem is with petrol prices - you seem topay for a gallon what we have to pay for a litre. Fruit and veg was reallycheap as well - Bananas about an eighth of the UK price.After DC, I went to Wilmington, North Carolina for a friend's wedding.Wilmington was certainly a culture shock. My friend's parents were stayingin a place that they'd found on a "house-swap" internet scheme... thewalls were plastered with "confederate" flags and Winchester rifles, alongwith the ocassional sword and fishing rod!!! As a first impression of atown, probably not the best one. My second "surprise" was when Idiscovered later that day that the bride's family were "Southern Baptists"- fortunately my friend knows of my spiritual path, and quietly mentionedto me that it might not be a good idea to talk too much about it in theircompany. As it happened, I ended up having a rather weird conversationabout Druidry and Wicca from an "academic" point of view (unfortunatelypeople have a tendency to ask the inevitable question of "what are youstudying" when they hear you're doing an MA...) Despite this, the SouthernBaptists were suprisingly friendly, and very welcoming (presumably as longas you don't let on that you're not Christian!!!) Anyway, it was a reallygood wedding, and reception - with a rather impressive sunset from thedeck of the boat!My last day was spent wandering around Baltimore. Being Sunday, mostplaces were closed, but I found a fantastic "new age" shop on CharlesStreet - I chatted with the owners for about an hour and a half, they gaveme drinks of water, and when I asked them if they had any crystals forunder $7.50, as that was all that I had left in US currency, they just*gave* me a crystal!!! So, if you're ever in Baltimore, I'd highlyrecommend finding the new age shop on Charles Street!!!Having got back to the UK, I do have one question... what is all thisrubbish about "jet-lag"? I was a little bit tired yesterday, but then Ihad an overnight flight, which meant I didn't get a lot of sleep. Woke upthis morning, and seem to be quite happily back on UK time without aproblem.BBPeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 1, 2005 Report Share Posted September 1, 2005 I still reckon you did well. Jo - peter hurd Thursday, September 01, 2005 8:16 PM Re: America... Not realy, just a lick of paint in each bedroom, and it is a small house that we live in, and I had a week off work to do it. The Valley Vegan........Jo Cwazy <heartwork wrote: Hi Peter (VV) You have been busy - well done! We took almost a year to decorate our bedroom - doing little bits at a time and fitting it in between other things. It must be good to get it done so quickly. Jo Hey namesake, welcome back, I am jade with envy. The only excitment I had in the last week was decorating two bedrooms!, and that kind of excitement I can do without! Sounds like you had a great time. The Valle Vegan...........metalscarab wrote: Hi everyoneWell, I seem to have settled back into life in the UK after my Americantrip... but what an interesting trip!Started off with a brief stop in Rekjavik to change planes, and then afantastic view flying over Greenland, with all the glaciers and icebergs,and so on. BTW, is it just me, or does it seem a bit weird that Iceland isGreen, and Greenland is Icy?Anyway, spent a couple of days staying with some friends (and their sixparrots) just outside DC - had a chance to do most of the sights inWashington. I started out with Arlington cemetary, mostly so I could seeArlington House - I was a little disappointed, since they've "restored" itto look like mid 19th century, and consequently you can only view most ofthe rooms from the corridors and not actually go in them.From there, I went on to the Scottish Rite Freemason Temple (the 33 degreeHQ), and got a very good guided tour. Now that was impressive - I'd seenpictures before, but it was even more impressive in reality. I had no ideaquite how big it was (the tour took the best part of an hour). From thereI strolled down to the Washington monument - unfortunately a bit too latein the day, and all the tickets to go inside had already gone. So Iwandered round a bit more, visited the Natural History and AmericanHistory parts of the Smithsonian, and then finished up watching the sunsetfrom the steps of the Capitol. Unfortunately I was about 10 days too latefor the best sunset (the one that aligns with Pennsylvania Avenue), butstill pretty impressive.The next day I did a bit of shopping... and I have to say, you guys in theUS have *really* good deals... books about half the price of the UK. Ibought 6 CDs for $80 - in the UK they'd have cost something over £100 -that's about three times as much. DVD's were about half price as well. AndI really don't know what the problem is with petrol prices - you seem topay for a gallon what we have to pay for a litre. Fruit and veg was reallycheap as well - Bananas about an eighth of the UK price.After DC, I went to Wilmington, North Carolina for a friend's wedding.Wilmington was certainly a culture shock. My friend's parents were stayingin a place that they'd found on a "house-swap" internet scheme... thewalls were plastered with "confederate" flags and Winchester rifles, alongwith the ocassional sword and fishing rod!!! As a first impression of atown, probably not the best one. My second "surprise" was when Idiscovered later that day that the bride's family were "Southern Baptists"- fortunately my friend knows of my spiritual path, and quietly mentionedto me that it might not be a good idea to talk too much about it in theircompany. As it happened, I ended up having a rather weird conversationabout Druidry and Wicca from an "academic" point of view (unfortunatelypeople have a tendency to ask the inevitable question of "what are youstudying" when they hear you're doing an MA...) Despite this, the SouthernBaptists were suprisingly friendly, and very welcoming (presumably as longas you don't let on that you're not Christian!!!) Anyway, it was a reallygood wedding, and reception - with a rather impressive sunset from thedeck of the boat!My last day was spent wandering around Baltimore. Being Sunday, mostplaces were closed, but I found a fantastic "new age" shop on CharlesStreet - I chatted with the owners for about an hour and a half, they gaveme drinks of water, and when I asked them if they had any crystals forunder $7.50, as that was all that I had left in US currency, they just*gave* me a crystal!!! So, if you're ever in Baltimore, I'd highlyrecommend finding the new age shop on Charles Street!!!Having got back to the UK, I do have one question... what is all thisrubbish about "jet-lag"? I was a little bit tired yesterday, but then Ihad an overnight flight, which meant I didn't get a lot of sleep. Woke upthis morning, and seem to be quite happily back on UK time without aproblem.BBPeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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