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Published: February 2nd 2008
So, the first batch of pictures on this entry are from last Sunday (sorry for the delay!). First we took a walk through the mountains - mere hills for those of you who've hiked in the Rockies, but still quite beautiful. We stopped at two lakes which had very long Welsh names that I don't remember and basically just goofed around for awhile. I'm actually surprised we stayed there as long as we did because it was quite chilly and very windy.
Then we visited another castle! Dolwyddelan Castle was quite different from the huge Norman castle we visited last week. Dolwyddelan was built by Welshmen who were slighty more modest in their architecture. Unfortunately, the castle has not been taken care of in the last few centuries and now sits mostly in ruins. Actually, it sits in the middle of some lady's sheep grazing lands. Still, we were able to climb the remaining tower and the view was quite spectacular.
Today was not a scheduled field trip for our class. However, the Student's Union at Bangor offered a trip to Liverpool (basically a bus ride and a map with a list of places to go) for all of
the international students. Most of our group signed up for the trip. Liverpool is probably best known as being the birthplace of the greatest rock band of all time - The Beatles. So of course, our first stop was the 'Life of the Beatles' exhibit. The tour was very well put together (the wax sculptures of the boys were amazing), but a little too involved for me. If John Lennon had so much as touched an ashtray, somehow it ended up on display. Obsession?
Next, we headed to Liverpool Cathedral. I thought I would be tired of churches after Chester last weekend, but I'm glad I didn't miss this one. Chester Cathedral could fit inside Liverpool's two or three times. It was HUGE (the largest in the UK actually), the pictures can't even begin to give you an idea. We all paid an extra couple pounds to climb the main tower too - two elevators and 108 steps, more than ten stories. Again, a fantastic view.
Despite the size of Liverpool Cathedral, I think I may have been more impressed with the cathedral in Chester. Walking through those halls was like walking back in time. Construction on the
Liverpool Cathedral didn't begin until the early 1900s and was finished in 1978, making it incredibly young for being a sight in Europe.
We spent our last hour in the World Museum which was ok. I would have liked to spend more time there; five stories of history, a space exhibit and an Egyptian exhibit that wasn't finished yet. But it was packed with bratty kids who's parents probably sent them after school instead of daycare.
That's about all for trips, but I thought I'd finish with a list of things I've learned about Wales/England since I've been over here...
French fries are called chips
Chips are called crisps
Mt. Dew and mac and cheese do not exist over here (some people are having trouble dealing with this fact)
The leek is a national symbol and they put it in everything
"Cheers" means "thank you"
Leggings and mini skirts are "in" (even when it is 20 degrees out)
Classes are called "modules"
Smoking is not permitted in ANY public places (I love this!)
Tipping in restaraunts is not expected (and as such, diners should not expect great service)
Buses are called "coaches" and they are everywhere, and they like to drive very close to the sidewalk (not to mention on the wrong side of the road...)
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Snowdonia
Lisa Jennison
non-member comment
Buried in snow
Hi Summer! We are buried in snow. Kids are home. Christine will come home Friday for a few days before she takes off for China. What do they call good English ale? My sister, Mara, in Arizona likes your blog. She has been checking it out. You would like her. Your m and d met her while she was here for Lauren's wedding. I have been able to visit your mom frequently throughout the week. Have fun! Love, Lisa