Nottingham / Liverpool / Bristol...

Just a quick rundown of the last leg of my little tour...Nottingham was the height of my being ill! No fun...the first day I didn't feel like doing anything! My hostel was literally right around the corner from the venue, thankfully! It was a unique hostel, but no one else was in my room...there was supposed to be, but they never came back! It was really nice...minus the super squeaky bed! I woke up every time I turned over.

My second day in Nottingham I did make an effort to see some of the sights...I went to the Galleries of Justice and had the greatest tour. They issued each person on the tour a convict number, then we had a mock trial (dress up and everything!), the criminal was sentenced to death and led down to the holding facility. This court room and facility were used for a very long time and the last trial there was held in 1986. It was super interesting and the views of the city over the walls of the compound were amazing!

Then I caught my train to Liverpool and settled into my hostel, which was right on the water! My first all girls suite! Super cool. I met this really sweet girl from Finland, total rocker chick, with the funnest (yeah I know it's not a word...) hair! Anyway, I put my stuff away and headed to meet Craig (my friend from Leeds) at the venue. We shared some pints down the road a bit in this bar that is a converted church...but they didn't do much converting. They actually kept the altar and everything...that must be a bit sacrilegious!

Anyway, the show was amazing and fun to be there with a friend...Jonah asked me if there was anything I would like to hear that I hadn't yet...then he opened the show with my request! It was very cool. After the show we chatted and hugged, and he told me he'd keep trying to surprise me! Cool night indeed!

The next day I toured Liverpool, which may just be the best place I visited! It's beautiful there! I took a City Explorer bus, equipped with a guide, and learned a lot about the city's history and of course...The Beatles! I did some shopping and had lunch at a cafe on the water. It was peaceful and relaxing! I didn't really want to leave there!

Sadly, I left Liverpool the next morning and headed for Bristol. Bristol was rainy and cold, then sunny and cold! It was also very pretty though and I had a blast shopping in the markets! I caught up on sleep and emails. Went to my final Jonah show in the UK, kind of sad! But I'm so tired! It was an awesome night and a perfect close to a wonderful tour/holiday!

I learned so many things while traveling! For starters...there aren't many people who know where Missouri is...they all think it's in the south. I learned that "trackies" are the ones to watch out for on bikes...they'll steal your purse. I learned Nottingham is nicknamed "Shottingham," and is thought of as the gun capital of England! Just like being home in St. Louis huh? It really wasn't that bad! There's so many other things I'm leaving out, just too many to remember!

Anyway, I am happy to be home! I had a whole lot of fun while I was away though! For those that would like to write to me...the normal paper and pencil way...here's my address while I'm here:

19 Glyn-Dwr Avenue

PONTYPRIDD

Mid Glamorgan

CF37 5PD

And for those that would like to call, via Skype or whatever, I can be reached on my cell phone at: +44 7826044385

Cheers!

Quick update....interjection...whatever!

Okay, I have a few more postings from the rest of the tour that will follow in the next couple of days! I'm headed back to Wales tomorrow to my new home!

My pictures are up to date though, so feel free to check those out HERE if you'd like to bypass the blog reading!

I'm tired, still a little sick, my camera is broken (again! so sad...it's time for a new one), and I'm glad I'm not a rock star! I wouldn't be able to do it! I don't know how they do it! This week has been crazy and fun and unpredictable and completely exciting!

Cheers to all of the great people I met along the way!

Leeds

Wow...where to even begin! I arrived in Leeds and grabbed a taxi from the train station cause it was yucky and raining. My taxi dropped me at my hotel! Hotel, yes! It was amazing. The owner greeted me at the door, checked me in, carried my bags up to my room! I didn't have my own bathroom, but my room was splendid! I had my own kettle, TV, sink, wardrobe! It was worth the extra money! Plus there was a full cooked to order breakfast in the morning! It doesn't get much better!

So I hopped the bus into the city after relaxing in my room and having the best shower of my whole trip! (I've been sick, so this was just what I needed!) Anyway, I caught a bus into the city, did some shopping, wandered down to the venue...

Again, SOLD OUT! Seriously??? I was totally bummed! So I started talking to this guy outside the venue...he had traveled to see the show as well (big Jonah fan!) and he didn't have tickets either. So after awhile his friend joined us and we walked around the venue, after learning that they would not be letting any more people in or on the guest list. Well, as we were walking, the guys were doing a soundcheck and there was this huge window right at the back of the stage (see pics for further here) and you could literally hear everything! So we decided we'd just watch the show from back there...

So Craig (my new friend), and his friend and I went to the pub in the train station to stay out of the cold until the show started. I walked up to the bar to order a Newcastle and the bartender extended his hand to shake mine and said, "What's your name, love?" I told him my name was Kristi, and he said, "I've never met a woman that drinks dark." It was hilarious! I didn't know it was unusual...I love Newcastle!

Anyway, we went back to the venue, picking up a six pack on the way, and settled in the alley outside the window...Craig's friend had to leave before Jonah came on, so it was just Craig and I dancing and singing in the alley to Jonah songs. Then we spotted Frank Turner (the show's headliner!) sitting on the side of the stage singing along as well. He then looked our way and we gave him a little wave. The next thing we knew Frank Turner walked out the back door and said, "I might be able to get you in, if anyone asks just tell them your my cousins or something!" So he took us up the back stairwell and we watched the rest of the show from the side of the stage! It was incredible! Jonah came off the stage, all sweaty, and gave Craig a hug, saying, "I see you got in!" and then me a hug, saying, "It's very nice to see you again!" So we were glowing! It was an awesome night! Everything fell into place and worked out better than could have been expected!

Craig then had to leave before the end of the show to catch his train, but I had met some other very nice people and we went to a pub after the show! I definitely made some cool friends in Leeds and Craig's going to meet me in Liverpool for the show there!

I didn't do much else in Leeds to be perfectly honest...the weather was crappy! On to Nottingham and Liverpool!

Cardiff/London

Just departed Kings Cross Station, platform 9 ¾, (just kidding!) it was actually platform 5…on my way to Leeds and happy to be leaving London!

My journey to Cardiff was fairly uneventful. I arrived and just after checking into the hostel was when the rain came pouring down! I departed for the venue, Clwb Ifor Bach, with my umbrella in hand (I don’t go anywhere without it actually), and began walking towards Cardiff Castle. This venue was also tucked away, literally in an alley, but fortunately the first person I asked knew where it was! Anyway, the walk was very rainy and windy; so much so that my umbrella flipped upwards and was no longer very useful! I tried flipping it back the other way and one of the supports broke, so my first umbrella is done for! I only got to use it for a week! I’ll have to find another one; it’s not like there’s a shortage around here!

The concert in Cardiff was wonderful. It’ll be hard to top. Jonah played almost everything I could’ve ever wanted to here, including my personal favorite song, “Halo,” after I requested it! We spoke after his set for quite some time! Recounting the first time we met in Lawrence, KS at the Bottleneck nearly six years ago. He’s always so humble and very sweet. We hugged a lot and I told him I’d be tagging along for the rest of the tour. He said to let him know if there’s anything I’d especially like to hear! It was a great night…

I arrived in London yesterday, made my way to “The Borough,” the part of town where my hostel was located, with no problems. I began walking from the underground station towards the hostel and a complete stranger, a man from Lebanon, began chatting me up, walking alongside me. He continued to walk with me until I ducked into the hostel, all the way telling me that we should hang out. I politely told him I’d only be in London for the night; however, this did not seem to matter to him…

So I rid myself of the strange man, checked into the hostel and was told my room was actually at their other building just down the road. So I retrieved my key and walked back down the street, keeping my eyes open for the strange guy. I make my way up to my room, which was over the top of a pub. Now let me just say that this room is half the size of my bedroom at home and there were three bunk beds crammed into this space….and I was assigned to the top bunk! Ugh! This ought to be fun…I’ve detailed below a quick post on hostel life (two posts at once, exciting I know!)...

Anyway, after dropping my things off in the closet that was my room for the night, I headed off for the Tate Modern museum, via the Borough Market. The market was similar to the City Market or the Soulard Market; but on a much larger scale! They had all sorts of vendors and food and coffees, along with the regular meats and fruits and veggies. I got a snack and took my time perusing the market. Then I walked along the River Thames to the Tate Modern. The museum is HUGE! It was an old electric/power plant, which they’ve converted into this incredible museum filled with modern art; from the likes of Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Claus Oldenburg, etc.

Upon leaving the museum, I made my way north across the river and up to the concert venue, The Spitz. Once again, kind of like in Newcastle, the venue was rather difficult to find. The problem with the UK is that the streets are rarely labeled with signs. I don’t know how people find anything really, unless they have an extremely detailed map! So after walking for a very long time, a nice concierge pointed me in the right direction.

Upon arriving to the venue…I found that the show was sold out. All that wandering for nothing! A total bust! So I did what the rest of the tourists do and went to Picadilly Circus (it resembles Times Square). I wandered around awhile and shopped, then headed back to the closet for the night…London wasn’t a total bust, but it wasn’t all that successful either!

I think I’ve rambled on long enough now! So as I said, I’m happy to be leaving London. I enjoyed the quieter hustle of Newcastle and Cardiff. I’m looking forward to the next four or five days of Jonah and Great Britain!

My life in bunk beds...

So let me briefly recount my hostel experiences to catch you up to speed on why this last one was particularly not great in the least bit…

First night/Cardiff: NosDa @ The Riverbank – This hostel is beautiful (so much so that I stayed there again on Wednesday night) and is conveniently located to the bus/train station. It has a great view, tea/coffee served all day, free wireless, a bar, breakfast included, a pool table, lounge room, etc. The rooms range from one bunk bed all the way up to several bunk beds; and they have en suite bathrooms, which is great. My room the first night had one bunk bed and two single twin beds; and my roommates were three guys from Australia. The second time I stayed here, my room was with a single bunk bed and my roommate was a girl from India.

Newcastle: Albatross Backpackers Inn – This place was even greater than the NosDa! Closer to the train station and right in the heart of Newcastle, making it easy to get anywhere I was going. It was also affordable and the cleanest by far. The shower facilities were shared, but were especially nice. No breakfast included, but they served tea/coffee/toast all day, and had a full service kitchen. No free wireless either, but you could pay for 30 minutes of use on their computers. My room was huge, with five bunk beds and a fireplace. The first night I had one male roommate and the second night I think I had three male roommates. The beds were especially comfy and the view was spectacular!

So back up to date with last night’s accommodations…the bathrooms were shared and were not what I would call clean. The beds were not made, the covers were just thrown onto them, and the kicker…my room was once again full of guys! It was me and four guys; and I think a girl finally came in sometime early this morning. She continued to try her key in the door several times and bang it back in forth, unable to figure out why she couldn’t get it open. Needless to say, nobody got much sleep! It was not an incredibly pleasant experience in the least bit. However, one of my roommates was a guy from South Africa. His name was Grant and when I arrived yesterday. He was very friendly and helped me figure out how to get to the Tate Modern. He was incredibly handsome and has apparently been living at the hostel for 4 ½ months (No WAY!). He would be the only reason to ever go back to that hostel! It looks pretty in the picture though, huh?

So here’s what I’m wondering…do most females request all female dorms? Is that why there never seem to be any females in the mixed dorm rooms that I’ve ended up in? I don’t mind sharing with a guy or two, but when I’m clearly the minority by being the only female in the room, it’s a little uncomfortable! Are there other girls that are even traveling alone as I am? I’m beginning to wonder…

Thankfully, tonight I’m staying in a hotel! Yep that’s right no sharing! My own room and my own bathroom! There aren’t very many hostel accommodations in Leeds, so this hotel is very affordable and a quick taxi ride to the city centre.

So I understand that hostels are for budget travelers and are a great chance to meet new people from all over, which I have; however, I would love not to have to relive last night’s experience any time soon!

Newcastle/Alnwick

Well folks, I finally have some pictures posted, which you can find by clicking here...they are of my house, my school, and the beginning of this adventure!

The first stop on my Tour de Britain has come and gone! Newcastle is amazingly beautiful and I would've LOVED to stay longer. There's just too much to do and not enough time to do it in! My first day I visited the "New" New Castle, which took place of the old New Castle a very very long time ago. The views of the city from the rooftops are really spectacular! To the south of Newcastle is Gateshead, which is just across the water, connected by many bridges; one is a footpath that allows boats to pass by literally closing up like an eye, as illustrated to the left. Unfortunately I did not take this picture! I didn't get close enough! Not enough time! The architecture and cobblestone streets in Newcastle are truly breathtaking! And don't worry I had my fair share of Newcastle's finest brown ale!

My second day I decided to journey northeast to the small village town of Alnwick, home to Alnwick Castle, otherwise known as Hogwarts! The castle is literally set just on the edge of the city centre. The guidebook I had said it would take one hour by bus to get there....well I got on the bus that took the two hour scenic route! It took a lot longer, but was worth the views! I made sure to catch the fast track bus on the way back!

After arriving back in Newcastle from my day trip into Alnwick, I set out to find Trillian's Rock Bar; the first of the many shows I'll be seeing over the next several days. This place was literally impossible to find! My directions said it was .5 miles from my hostel, so I set out on foot and walked for 45 minutes! I must have walked past the small alleyway a dozen times! Finally I popped into another bar and the nice bartender gave me the best instructions I'd gotten all day. The place was tucked behind a construction site where they're tearing down the old city library! I would've never found it!

Anyway, the show was excellent and I'm looking forward to many more! There are three other solo musicians on tour with Jonah; two from the US, and one from the UK. They were all really good! A guy in the crowd proposed to his girlfriend on stage during Jonah's set. He said, "I'm quite poor, so I don't have a ring just yet, so will you accept this t-shirt and marry me?" It was very sweet!

So that's my story for now! I'm back in Cardiff for the night and off to London tomorrow!

The Fantasy Week of a Groupie....

Just wanted you all to know where I'll be over the next week or so, in case I get lost! Just kidding, I should be fine! I arrived in Newcastle today from Cardiff, I'll be here until Wednesday, then back to Cardiff. It's really beautiful here. I'll post pics as soon as I can use my computer to get online again. No wireless where I'm staying :(

Tomorrow I'm going to Alnwick Castle, about an hour north of here, where Harry Potter was filmed!!! Totally excited!

Anyway, here's the itinerary for my "groupie fantasy week" (thanks Audra!):

Sept. 17th-18th: Newcastle, Trillian's Rock Bar/Albatross Inn
Sept. 19th: Cardiff, Wales, Clwb Ifor Bach/NosDa Hostel
Sept. 20th: London, The Spitz/St. Christopher's Inn-Southbank
Sept. 21st: Leeds, The Cockpit/The Moorlea Hotel
Sept. 22nd: Nottingham, The Social/Igloo Backpackers Hostel
Sept. 23rd: Liverpool, The Barfly/International Inn
Sept. 24th: Wrexham, Central Station/Grove Guest House??
Sept. 25th: Bristol, The Croft/Bristol YHA

It should be a fun little trip! Just a quick view of the sights...

The "American" girl...

Well I'm settled into my new home, enjoying the company of my roommates! We've had a group of other male students from Dubai visiting for the weekend from another town, where they go to college, so we've gone out the last two nights. It's very interesting, they're not allowed to drink, due to being Muslim, but they love to dance. They're really the life of the party and know more American hip-hop/R & B music than I ever will!

Friday, I journeyed up to the university in order to meet with Dr. Bennett. I also met two other members of the department (there are only ten of them in the whole Criminology department). We had a nice long chat about the projects currently going on at the university and the things I might decide I'd like to work on. They are arranging for me to have my own office/work space, with a computer and such, and I can apparently attend any lectures/classes that peak my interest. It all sounds extremely interesting and I'm looking forward to starting my work there in a couple of weeks. This photo to the left is an aerial view of the campus. The criminology department is located near the top of the photo, along the main road through campus. It's a nice walk from my house, but not too bad.

Today, I'm in the process of getting organized for my travels. Tomorrow I leave for Newcastle, the first stop on my journey of many! I'm looking forward to seeing the sights and travelling by train through the country. The transportation isn't quite as scary and difficult to figure out as I had imagined, so that's nice!

I'm finding the culture here different, but not extremely so from home. I love the accents, and I can understand most everyone so far, which is a plus! The things that people say in order to address you or refer to you are quite entertaining! The guys in the pubs follow everything with "love." A charming and extremely attractive Welsh guy, whom I was chatting with outside of one of the nightclubs last night (as seen below), exclaimed, "What's a beautiful American girl doing trying to get into a crap bar like this one?" Hopefully there's more like him to be found!

Anyway, I'll post my address as soon as I have my housemate write it down for me, along with my new mobile number, which I can be reached on via Skype or calling card.

Until next time! I'll be posting hopefully along my travels!

Pint anyone?

Well I'm here at last, exhausted, but alive! The last 30 hours have been a rollercoaster of emotions and adventures, which have included very little sleep (about 3 hours collectively I think).

I arrived in London earlier than expected, made my way down to customs and stood in line from 5:30a until 7:00a. I finally get up to the counter and the lady tried to tell me I had to have a Visa, which I had already looked into before I left and was assured I didn't need...so she checked me in as a visitor instead of a student and didn't bother to take a look at my return ticket. Real nice huh? Anyway, after waiting in line for so long...I make my way to the baggage claim area and couldn't find the one reading "Chicago," so I asked and was directed to Terminal 1, which is not where my bags were. So after a bit of confusion, I located my bags, which had already been pulled off of the carousel. I then wind my way through Heathrow airport to find the bus station. The bus station was a breeze compared to the airport. I boarded the bus and headed to the center of London where I caught another bus to take me to Wales. After about 4 1/2 hours I arrived in Cardiff, very tired, with very heavy bags. I made my way to the hostel only to find out my room is on the top floor! Seriously? My bags have to be carried where?

Well I made it up the several flights of stairs and enjoyed a nice cold shower, which eventually (a long eventually) turned hot. Then I caught a train to go out and meet the gentleman who owns the house with a vacant room. He was extremely nice, as was his daughter who I'll be living with, along with another student, a male from Dubai. Anyway, we had tea and worked out the arrangements. I'm moving in tomorrow morning. He's gonna pick me up at the train station again! So I'm not homeless! I'll have an address soon and hopefully a local cell phone number by Saturday. My first day has been extremely productive, although challenging. I'm feeling pretty okay about things now though.

The best part, I returned to my hostel to find The Smashing Pumpkins blaring on the stereo and they haven't stopped playing Pumpkins since! So I'm drinking my first British pint and am gonna turn in soon! I'm very tired!

So Long, Bye Bye....Oh Wait! Not Leaving Today!

Ugh, today has been a challenge, to say the least. I was packed, I said my goodbyes, left for the airport, arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare, and I'm excited/nervous, but ready to leave. Ready to finally leave! I go to electronically check-in and the screen says, Your Flight Has Been Delayed, You Will Miss Your Connecting Flight, Please See Attendant...

Real nice huh? So I stand there and I wait very patiently for this lady customer service rep while she was helping another gentleman. I finally get her to turn my direction and I said, "My flight has apparently been delayed?" So she says, "Oh well I don't handle rebookings, you need to go stand in that line over there." Real nice lady. Thank you. You could have told me twenty minutes ago, and I could have been waiting in the line all that time instead of standing there waiting for nothing!

So I move to the next line and wait and wait. Finally I get to the front of the line and explain my situation, forking over my itinerary to the agent behind the counter. He proceeds to tell me that I'm not getting to London tonight, so I can either stay in Chicago, or stay in Kansas City, and who knows when I'll get to Chicago, cause the flight has been delayed due to weather. So I tell him I'd rather stay in Kansas City for the night, and leave tomorrow, if there are no other options. So he then proceeds to tell me I shouldn't book the last flight of the day tomorrow, like I had done today, because I would run the risk of this happening again...okay, well that's nice, why bother selling a last flight of the day if that's the case! Anyway, moving on...I finally get booked on a new flight for tomorrow afternoon, arriving in London at 5:55a on Thursday, September 13th. So what's the compensation for my troubles and for being out all the money on my bus tickets/hostel deposit you ask? Nada, zip, zero, nothing! United Airlines refuses to offer any sort of compensation whatsoever....here's the kicker...upon checking the weather in Chicago, it's fair, 70 degrees, with a light wind. Delayed due to weather huh? Real nice.

So upon arriving home from the airport and speaking with another less than helpful representative from United Airlines, they contend that it's not due to weather after all, but this time due to Air Traffic Control not allowing the planes to fly into Chicago. Hmm...I wonder why? The moral of the story is never book a flight on September 11th, and NEVER fly United Airlines, at least not if you want them to actually care about your troubles.

C'est la vie I suppose! Anyway, I will hopefully be departing tomorrow, given no disasters, delays, or emergencies. Goodbye again to everyone! I'll check in when I arrive in Wales!

Almost goodbye...

Well the weekend has come and gone...quickly! And I have less than a week now to finish getting organized. I have heard from Dr. Bennett in Wales; I am going to meet with him on Friday September 14th at the university, so that I may familiarize myself with where I will be going and who I will be working with. Then I will actually begin work at 10a on October 1st!

I've got my BritRail pass ordered (I've decided not to rent a car just yet...the driving on the other side still freaks me out), booked my hostel for the first two nights, and am laying out all of the things that need to fit in my two suitcases! This really is finally happening!

Half of my goodbyes have been said, given the awesome weekend I spent in St. Louis, the other half will follow this week/weekend in Kansas City. I'm hoping everyone makes it out for at least a little bit! So last chance, make a phone call, send me an e-mail, show up on my doorstep; whichever method you prefer to say au revoir!

One last thing before I go in regards to getting in touch while I'm away...there's a program online called "Skype."

It is free to download by going to this website: http://www.skype.com/helloagain.html Go to the download button at the top of the screen and download according to the type of PC you are operating.

This program allows communication, like a phone call, through computers. So, like instant messenger, when I'm online with Skype and you're online with Skype, phone calls can be made between the computers at no charge. The only requirement for this is to have a headset. Also, Skype credit can be purchased at a reasonable rate and when online on your computer, you can call my cell phone or my land phone while I'm away. As soon as I have a local Welsh number I will post it, so that this is a possibility. All other questions can be answered on Skype's website. It's very user friendly and easy to set up an account. My Skype user name is: k_beall ; so that it can be added to your contact list upon setup.

Alright, well that's it I do believe. Hopefully my next post will be from the United Kingdom!