Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Having a Wander
Just a few pictures from Brighton, the little village of Falmer (near the University) and Eastbourne (down the coast from Brighton).
The White Cliffs of Dover
There'll be bluebirds over, the white cliffs of Dover....
Saturday I took the 2.5 hour train ride to Dover, right on the coast of England and the closest point to France. I've always wanted to see the white cliffs, and, perfectly for me, there is a castle as well! The town is a curious mix of historical buildings and touristy shops that contrasts with the huge, busy port full of cruise ships, ferries, and shipping docks. I ended up walking to the castle from the rail station, which was quite a hike uphill.
The inner keep/tower of Dover Castle was built in 1181, but other elements of the castle were built for defense during the second World War. There are 3.8 miles of tunnels deep beneath the cliffs, and you can explore some of them during the tour. You go underground in one area of the grounds and pop up out of the ground on completely the other side of the keep. It was very cool, and you have amazing views of the city and port from the top of the cliff.
The keep was also unique in that you could explore all of the rooms and take photos (I suppose because no one lives there). There's also a chapel for military use on the grounds and you can walk along the entire outer wall of the battlements.
Afterward, I walked down to the water and to the end of the Princes Pier, where you can get a pretty good panoramic view of the cliffs. I would have liked to explore the cliffs a bit more, but it was starting to get dark, so I headed back to the rail station and then home. Overall, it was a gorgeous day- sunny for once, and plenty of exploring!
Saturday I took the 2.5 hour train ride to Dover, right on the coast of England and the closest point to France. I've always wanted to see the white cliffs, and, perfectly for me, there is a castle as well! The town is a curious mix of historical buildings and touristy shops that contrasts with the huge, busy port full of cruise ships, ferries, and shipping docks. I ended up walking to the castle from the rail station, which was quite a hike uphill.
The inner keep/tower of Dover Castle was built in 1181, but other elements of the castle were built for defense during the second World War. There are 3.8 miles of tunnels deep beneath the cliffs, and you can explore some of them during the tour. You go underground in one area of the grounds and pop up out of the ground on completely the other side of the keep. It was very cool, and you have amazing views of the city and port from the top of the cliff.
The keep was also unique in that you could explore all of the rooms and take photos (I suppose because no one lives there). There's also a chapel for military use on the grounds and you can walk along the entire outer wall of the battlements.
Afterward, I walked down to the water and to the end of the Princes Pier, where you can get a pretty good panoramic view of the cliffs. I would have liked to explore the cliffs a bit more, but it was starting to get dark, so I headed back to the rail station and then home. Overall, it was a gorgeous day- sunny for once, and plenty of exploring!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Arundel Castle
I spent last Sunday in the tiny, tiny town of Arundel, visiting and exploring the incredibly gorgeous castle. I've been to castles and palaces before in Scotland and England, but this was the first that felt like a CASTLE.
Parts of the castle have been around since 1067, but was severely damaged and ruined during the English Civil War, and rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was interesting to step from the ancient parts to the more "modern" rooms and corridors of the current castle! I was initially worried about the steep price of the ticket (13 quid) but it ended up being totally worth it. You weren't allowed to take pictures inside, which was unfortunate, because it was simply beautiful. There is an entire chapel inside of the castle, complete with a vaulted ceiling. The current Duke and Duchess of Norfolk still live in the castle, so some rooms are not open to the public. However, if you've watched the Young Victoria, you've seen part of the castle! The grand dining/banquet hall of Arundel Castle was used for the King's birthday dinner scene in the movie. I recognized it the minute I stepped in- I guess that shows how many times I've watched that film!
The castle curators were full of interesting little tidbits about the various dukes and earls of Norfolk, and the castle itself. The poet Earl (Henry Howard, who was important to English poetry) was executed by Henry VIII, and his father was scheduled to be beheaded in the Tower of London a few days later. However, Henry died before the execution was carried out, so the father just barely escaped with his head. Talk about luck!
The only actual "ancient" part surviving is the castle keep. The castle was surrounded by 10,000 military forces during the English Civil War and was severely damaged. Very cool to stand in the keep and look out over the countryside, and imagine soldiers standing in the same place, facing the enemy. One of the curators said you could picture it like Helm's Deep from Lord of the Rings! :)
Apart from the interior of the castle, I also got to explore and wander the extensive grounds. The castle has some incredibly gorgeous gardens, as well as greenhouses. They grow all of the flowers for castle events as well as the vegetables for the family. You could also see Arundel Cathedral from the grounds.
I also got quite a bit of walking done. Not only was the castle/grounds so huge, I walked the 1.5 miles from the train station to the castle, but backtracked to my youth hostel, which was about 2 miles outside of town. I've turned into a cheap traveler- I could have taken a taxi for about 5 pounds, but thought, eh. I can walk.
Overall, one of my favorite mini trips! It was so amazing, and made me excited for future mini trips throughout England! I'm off to Dover Saturday, and possibly Canterbury Sunday.
Parts of the castle have been around since 1067, but was severely damaged and ruined during the English Civil War, and rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was interesting to step from the ancient parts to the more "modern" rooms and corridors of the current castle! I was initially worried about the steep price of the ticket (13 quid) but it ended up being totally worth it. You weren't allowed to take pictures inside, which was unfortunate, because it was simply beautiful. There is an entire chapel inside of the castle, complete with a vaulted ceiling. The current Duke and Duchess of Norfolk still live in the castle, so some rooms are not open to the public. However, if you've watched the Young Victoria, you've seen part of the castle! The grand dining/banquet hall of Arundel Castle was used for the King's birthday dinner scene in the movie. I recognized it the minute I stepped in- I guess that shows how many times I've watched that film!
The castle curators were full of interesting little tidbits about the various dukes and earls of Norfolk, and the castle itself. The poet Earl (Henry Howard, who was important to English poetry) was executed by Henry VIII, and his father was scheduled to be beheaded in the Tower of London a few days later. However, Henry died before the execution was carried out, so the father just barely escaped with his head. Talk about luck!
The only actual "ancient" part surviving is the castle keep. The castle was surrounded by 10,000 military forces during the English Civil War and was severely damaged. Very cool to stand in the keep and look out over the countryside, and imagine soldiers standing in the same place, facing the enemy. One of the curators said you could picture it like Helm's Deep from Lord of the Rings! :)
Apart from the interior of the castle, I also got to explore and wander the extensive grounds. The castle has some incredibly gorgeous gardens, as well as greenhouses. They grow all of the flowers for castle events as well as the vegetables for the family. You could also see Arundel Cathedral from the grounds.
I also got quite a bit of walking done. Not only was the castle/grounds so huge, I walked the 1.5 miles from the train station to the castle, but backtracked to my youth hostel, which was about 2 miles outside of town. I've turned into a cheap traveler- I could have taken a taxi for about 5 pounds, but thought, eh. I can walk.
Overall, one of my favorite mini trips! It was so amazing, and made me excited for future mini trips throughout England! I'm off to Dover Saturday, and possibly Canterbury Sunday.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Lewes & Week 2
Fall has arrived in Brighton with a vengeance, blowing away the sunshine and sweeping in the dark clouds and nippy days. Last week the weather was unusually warm, while this week was more normal for South England. I admit, I'm loving the colder temperatures. I get to wear my jackets and tights- all of the things that we have such a short window for in Phoenix!
I started classes on Tuesday. I'm taking two history classes as well as German and French. All of my classes seem interesting so far- I'm especially in love with my German class. My professor seems very cool and relaxed, and the class doesn't feel intimidating at all. Sussex has a tradition of referring to professors by their first names, not by Dr or Professor. It's taken a little getting used to, since that's not the case at home! I only have 8 actual hours of class a week, but a fair bit of reading in the meantime. For now, I'm enjoying the luxury of being able to walk to all of my classes within 5 minutes from my flat. No hour car rides out to Polytechnic this semester!
I spend part of yesterday in the town of Lewes, which is about 6 minutes on the train from Falmer. I went with 3 other girls who are studying abroad from the US as well. Lewes is awesome. It has tons of unique little shops, antique bookstores, and the castle was absolutely so cool. You can climb to the very top of the castle. I think we commented how pretty/beautiful it was every two minutes! :) The gardeners do an amazing job at the castle. It is COVERED in flowers and greenery. You can spy on the entire town and their backyards from the top of the castle. The town of Lewes is over 1000 years old, and the castle was built by William de Warenne, the brother in law of William the Conqueror. Apparently, de Warenne can count himself as the second richest person in England in the last THOUSAND years. His fortune would be valued at 74 billion pounds today. Pretty crazy! One of the plaques also noted that he was known as a "distinguished lecher".
The castle had a lot of the little spiral staircases that seem impossible to both climb up and down. We dressed up in some of the costumes they had available in the learning center as well. We also walked down to the Ann of Cleves house, which was part of her divorce settlement from Henry VIII. Thomas Paine (American Revolutionary!) also lived and wrote for a time in Lewes.
So far, one my favourite visits in England. I actually went back today to do a little book shopping and in the process found one of the coolest shops I've ever been in (Dee, you would love this!!).
I started classes on Tuesday. I'm taking two history classes as well as German and French. All of my classes seem interesting so far- I'm especially in love with my German class. My professor seems very cool and relaxed, and the class doesn't feel intimidating at all. Sussex has a tradition of referring to professors by their first names, not by Dr or Professor. It's taken a little getting used to, since that's not the case at home! I only have 8 actual hours of class a week, but a fair bit of reading in the meantime. For now, I'm enjoying the luxury of being able to walk to all of my classes within 5 minutes from my flat. No hour car rides out to Polytechnic this semester!
I spend part of yesterday in the town of Lewes, which is about 6 minutes on the train from Falmer. I went with 3 other girls who are studying abroad from the US as well. Lewes is awesome. It has tons of unique little shops, antique bookstores, and the castle was absolutely so cool. You can climb to the very top of the castle. I think we commented how pretty/beautiful it was every two minutes! :) The gardeners do an amazing job at the castle. It is COVERED in flowers and greenery. You can spy on the entire town and their backyards from the top of the castle. The town of Lewes is over 1000 years old, and the castle was built by William de Warenne, the brother in law of William the Conqueror. Apparently, de Warenne can count himself as the second richest person in England in the last THOUSAND years. His fortune would be valued at 74 billion pounds today. Pretty crazy! One of the plaques also noted that he was known as a "distinguished lecher".
The castle had a lot of the little spiral staircases that seem impossible to both climb up and down. We dressed up in some of the costumes they had available in the learning center as well. We also walked down to the Ann of Cleves house, which was part of her divorce settlement from Henry VIII. Thomas Paine (American Revolutionary!) also lived and wrote for a time in Lewes.
So far, one my favourite visits in England. I actually went back today to do a little book shopping and in the process found one of the coolest shops I've ever been in (Dee, you would love this!!).
First up though, 3 of my lovely flatmates and me! Hugo, Louise and Dennis
The White Cliffs of... Lewes?
My fellow explorers! Kirstyn, Marissa, and Danielle.
A random park we found while walking back from Ann of Cleves house.
The most badass statue I've ever seen on the outside of a church.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Brighton, Bright Town
I arrived in Brighton last Saturday after flying down from Edinburgh and taking the train into Falmer, the tiny village next to the University of Sussex. I had my flat to myself for the weekend, since my flat mates didn't arrive until Monday. East Slope, my residences, is aptly named. It literally seems to fall off of the sloping countryside. The parking lot is near vertical, and my flat is near the top of a seemingly endless amount of steps. I don't know what the joke was, putting the fat chick near the very top, but at least I'm getting a good workout! The flat is the cheapest on campus and is notorious for partying. It's a bit dirty and everything seems run down and stained. A lot of international exchange students weren't allocated housing so I feel lucky with what I got!
I don't start classes until Tuesday. Most UK universities have "freshers week", which can be summed up as a week of partying for all of the incoming first years. They have official university parties as well as numerous house parties (most of which seem to happen in and around East Slope). There are two bars on campus, and the buses to Brighton run very regularly, 24 hours. I didn't do a lot of the freshers events, but I have forced myself out on enough occasions to meet people and check out the town! :)
I LOVE Brighton. It's a very hip town, and everything seems to point to the beach. I've had a chance to explore the Laines, which are little alley ways with unique shops and restaurants. There are always buskers playing live music along the street, and the pier and beach are surprisingly clean. Brighton is experiencing a heat wave, which I can't say I'm pleased about. I thought I left the heat behind in Phoenix! It's supposed to be normal temperatures in the next week or two.
Overrall, I'm settling in well. I only have 8 hours of class a week, but a lot of reading to do in the meantime. Of course, I've already gone to the public library in town and got a library card! My flat mates are all French, from the same school in Paris, which worried me at first. I did not want to be the one who didn't speak French in the flat! But, they are all lovely and committed to improving their English, so I feel very included. I'm taking French this term as well, and they've promised to help me with my French as I help them with their English.
Someone asked what I missed most from home. Besides my family and friends (of course) I only miss two things: unlimited diet coke refills at restaurants (soda is expensive here!) and American style chunky peanut butter!
Enough boring details. Here's what I've been looking at the last week!
I don't start classes until Tuesday. Most UK universities have "freshers week", which can be summed up as a week of partying for all of the incoming first years. They have official university parties as well as numerous house parties (most of which seem to happen in and around East Slope). There are two bars on campus, and the buses to Brighton run very regularly, 24 hours. I didn't do a lot of the freshers events, but I have forced myself out on enough occasions to meet people and check out the town! :)
I LOVE Brighton. It's a very hip town, and everything seems to point to the beach. I've had a chance to explore the Laines, which are little alley ways with unique shops and restaurants. There are always buskers playing live music along the street, and the pier and beach are surprisingly clean. Brighton is experiencing a heat wave, which I can't say I'm pleased about. I thought I left the heat behind in Phoenix! It's supposed to be normal temperatures in the next week or two.
Overrall, I'm settling in well. I only have 8 hours of class a week, but a lot of reading to do in the meantime. Of course, I've already gone to the public library in town and got a library card! My flat mates are all French, from the same school in Paris, which worried me at first. I did not want to be the one who didn't speak French in the flat! But, they are all lovely and committed to improving their English, so I feel very included. I'm taking French this term as well, and they've promised to help me with my French as I help them with their English.
Someone asked what I missed most from home. Besides my family and friends (of course) I only miss two things: unlimited diet coke refills at restaurants (soda is expensive here!) and American style chunky peanut butter!
Enough boring details. Here's what I've been looking at the last week!
My bedroom in East Slope
East Slope Flats! That's mine just on the left
View of the campus from just behind East Slope
Royal Pavilion in Brighton
Brighton Pier
One of the rides on the Pier, which basically has an entire amusement park. It's a bit weird to feel the wooden beams of the pier creak a bit as the roller coaster whips past.
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