When I Googled the Union Jack, I immediately came across the image below that illustrates this combination.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Union Jack
I just learned something new today from the British History channel. The Union Jack - the flag of Britain - is developed as a combination of three flags: England's flag of St. George, Scotland's flag of St. Andrew, and Ireland's flag of St. Patrick.
When I Googled the Union Jack, I immediately came across the image below that illustrates this combination.
When I Googled the Union Jack, I immediately came across the image below that illustrates this combination.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Edinburgh, Scotland
I am writing this on the train during our 5-hour ride home to London from Edinburgh. (The city name is pronounced Edinboro, in spite of its spelling.) I was delighted to learn that there was free Wifi service available on the train. It’s quite miraculous to me that I am able to access my email and the Sunday New York Times on line while sitting on this train that is racing down the eastern coast of Scotland.
This was a special weekend in Edinburgh, as they were celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birthday of their National poet, Robert Burns. All over town they were planning Burns Suppers, which would include reading his poetry and singing his songs. (Auld Lang Syne is one of his best known songs.) Most of the dinners would include a dish called haggis. Following is the Wikipedia entry for haggis.
Carl and I were not able to attend any of the Burns suppers, but we did see the folks arriving for a black tie private event held at our hotel, the Sheraton. The women wore gowns and a few men wore tuxedos, but most of the men wore kilts with knee socks (hose) and formal jackets. They looked very formal – and quite elegant, actually.
Around Edinburgh we saw several men in kilts playing bagpipes – Scotland’s version of the street musician. They were not dressed formally at all.
One of the kilted men was stationed outside the Edinburgh Castle, and was made up to look like Mel Gibson. While we watched him, he was talking to one woman in the crowd and suddenly pulled up his kilt and showed her his bum, as he claimed, “to validate the rumour” that men indeed do not wear underwear underneath their kilts.
Carl and I took a tour of the Edinburgh Castle -- set high on a large rock hill in the heart of the city. According to the guides, the rock was formed from moving glaciers – and there were a couple of those hills around the city. Historians estimate that the Castle rock has been inhabited for over 3,000 years. The castle looms very high over the city, and is very impressive, especially when lit up at night.
My picture doesn't do it justice.
This next photo shows the castle in daytime, as we approached it for the tour.
And the photo below shows the view of the city looking down from the castle. This view looks down on Princes Street in the New Town part of Edinburgh. In the background, you can see the water that leads out to the North Sea.
There is a tour offered into this older, underground area, and Carl and I decided to take it. In a small group, we followed the guide in darkness descending about four storeys below street level down a tight winding stairway into a dark dusty room. The only light source was the small pen light the guide used to point out the bucket in the corner that had been used as a toilet when poor people lived here in the 17th century. She then described how that bucket was emptied twice a day out the window into the street below – and then flushed off into the river. As she lead our group through a tiny archway to go down yet another dark, narrow stairway, I discovered I felt very uncomfortable and did not want to go any further down. In fact, I wanted up and out of the place. Carl and I turned around and left the tour. I regret that I didn’t get to see the rest of the underground area, because I am curious about it, and I am sure I have never seen anything like it before. But there was no way I could continue further on down at that time.
St Giles is an old and beautiful church that we saw on the new High Street built over the closed up area in the Old town. That part of the street is called the Royal Mile.
Today, St Giles is a Presbyterian church.
Of course, being church building admirers, we looked at it on the inside as well.
Even though Edinburgh is a small city, it is remarkable how many famous and accomplished people have come from there. Just to name a few authors, there is Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns, of course, and Sir Walter Scott. More recently, J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, did her writing in this city as well. One tour guide pointed out an ancient school in the city that Rowling had used as her model for the Hogwarts School. It is not surprising to learn that Edinburgh is referred to as the City of Literature.
One weekend was a short visit, but it was a just the right amount of time to get a general overview and a feel for the city. If we were staying longer in London, I would want to visit Edinburgh again.
This was a special weekend in Edinburgh, as they were celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birthday of their National poet, Robert Burns. All over town they were planning Burns Suppers, which would include reading his poetry and singing his songs. (Auld Lang Syne is one of his best known songs.) Most of the dinners would include a dish called haggis. Following is the Wikipedia entry for haggis.
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish.
There are many recipes, most of which have in common the following ingredients: sheep's 'pluck' (heart, liver and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally boiled in the animal's stomach for approximately three hours.
Haggis somewhat resembles stuffed intestines (pig intestines otherwise known as chitterlings or the kokoretsi of traditional Balkan cuisine), sausages and savoury puddings of which it is among the largest types. As the 2001 English edition of the Larousse Gastronomique puts it, "Although its description is not immediately appealing, haggis has an excellent nutty texture and delicious savoury flavour."[1]
Most modern commercial haggis is prepared in a casing rather than an actual stomach. There are also meat-free recipes for vegetarians.
Haggis is traditionally served with "neeps and tatties" (Scots: swede, yellow turnip or rutabaga and potatoes, boiled and mashed separately) and a "dram" (i.e. a glass of Scotch whisky), especially as the main course of a Burns supper. However it is also often eaten with other accompaniments, or served with a Whisky-based sauce.
Carl and I were not able to attend any of the Burns suppers, but we did see the folks arriving for a black tie private event held at our hotel, the Sheraton. The women wore gowns and a few men wore tuxedos, but most of the men wore kilts with knee socks (hose) and formal jackets. They looked very formal – and quite elegant, actually.
Around Edinburgh we saw several men in kilts playing bagpipes – Scotland’s version of the street musician. They were not dressed formally at all.
One of the kilted men was stationed outside the Edinburgh Castle, and was made up to look like Mel Gibson. While we watched him, he was talking to one woman in the crowd and suddenly pulled up his kilt and showed her his bum, as he claimed, “to validate the rumour” that men indeed do not wear underwear underneath their kilts.
Carl and I took a tour of the Edinburgh Castle -- set high on a large rock hill in the heart of the city. According to the guides, the rock was formed from moving glaciers – and there were a couple of those hills around the city. Historians estimate that the Castle rock has been inhabited for over 3,000 years. The castle looms very high over the city, and is very impressive, especially when lit up at night.
My picture doesn't do it justice.
This next photo shows the castle in daytime, as we approached it for the tour.
And the photo below shows the view of the city looking down from the castle. This view looks down on Princes Street in the New Town part of Edinburgh. In the background, you can see the water that leads out to the North Sea.
As a city, Edinburgh is rather small and self contained. Also, It has a really unusual design. The landscape is hilly, and there are neighborhoods in valleys with bridges crossing over them from one hill to the next. The Old Town part of the city has a High Street that is built literally on top of an original older, poorer section of the city. The story goes that during the time of the plague in the 1600s, the original poor section of town in the valley had a river running through it, with tenements along it. Because of the poor sanitary conditions, the plague spread rapidly among this population. Eventually, that part of the city was closed down, covered over and sealed off forever. So there is this abandoned underground area of the city that has been left untouched and exactly as it was in the seventeenth century.
There is a tour offered into this older, underground area, and Carl and I decided to take it. In a small group, we followed the guide in darkness descending about four storeys below street level down a tight winding stairway into a dark dusty room. The only light source was the small pen light the guide used to point out the bucket in the corner that had been used as a toilet when poor people lived here in the 17th century. She then described how that bucket was emptied twice a day out the window into the street below – and then flushed off into the river. As she lead our group through a tiny archway to go down yet another dark, narrow stairway, I discovered I felt very uncomfortable and did not want to go any further down. In fact, I wanted up and out of the place. Carl and I turned around and left the tour. I regret that I didn’t get to see the rest of the underground area, because I am curious about it, and I am sure I have never seen anything like it before. But there was no way I could continue further on down at that time.
St Giles is an old and beautiful church that we saw on the new High Street built over the closed up area in the Old town. That part of the street is called the Royal Mile.
Today, St Giles is a Presbyterian church.
Of course, being church building admirers, we looked at it on the inside as well.
I bought some interesting books while in Edinburgh -- some anthologies of legends and stories about the Scots and the Celts. These will be added to my own collection of books at home containing folk tales, fairy tales, and legends from cultures around the world. I also got some small booklets describing the history of the MacIntosh clan – my ancestors from Inverness. They were a real fighting group – as were many of the Scottish clans. What else is new, right?
Even though Edinburgh is a small city, it is remarkable how many famous and accomplished people have come from there. Just to name a few authors, there is Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns, of course, and Sir Walter Scott. More recently, J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, did her writing in this city as well. One tour guide pointed out an ancient school in the city that Rowling had used as her model for the Hogwarts School. It is not surprising to learn that Edinburgh is referred to as the City of Literature.
One weekend was a short visit, but it was a just the right amount of time to get a general overview and a feel for the city. If we were staying longer in London, I would want to visit Edinburgh again.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Inauguration
The Presidential Inauguration was broadcast live here at 4 in the afternoon: 16:00. It was covered on Sky News, and on the BBC network, but I chose to watch it on CNN, because I wanted to hear Americans commenting on the proceedings - not British announcers.
I couldn't help compare the ceremony with some I've seen here. The British have lavish uniforms and costumes, top hats and jeweled crowns, and elaborate horse-drawn carriages. They have historical and beautiful architecture. They have royalty and aristocracy. Tradition and ceremony is built into the fabric of their daily lives - at Buckingham Palace and at Parliament. They usually perform their ceremonies soberly, without smiling or showing emotion, much like the guards at Buckingham Palace.
And there was our inauguration. It was like a party for all of the several million people standing outside in the freezing weather -- almost all grinning. Everyone was celebrating the fact that this was a black man we had elected as president; look how far we had come from that society that practiced slavery. Our American 'royalty' - the ex-presidents, members of the congress, and well-known show business personalities, were all present. Rather than sitting, stone-faced, they smiled, shook hands, waved and greeted those around them. When Aretha Franklin sang "My Country Tis of Thee" as a soul song, I wondered what British listeners would think of her rendition, knowing that it is the same melody as "God Save The Queen."
There were inspirational prayers and speeches -- reminding us of what it means to be an American. Many of us come from somewhere else, we belong to different ethnic groups and to different religions and different social classes, but we all live together struggling to be tolerant and fair towards each other. It does get messy sometimes, but it is a beautiful dream to follow.
Of course, Barack Obama's speech was best of all --that of a true leader. He called us all to action, claiming our forefathers had come through bad times earlier, and we could do the same now. He also addressed countries around the world, opening some doors, but at the same time establishing entrance requirements. I think he faces formidable forces - both at home and abroad - and I hope he succeeds. I do believe he has the intelligence and skills to succeed.
I may be wrong, but I do not believe that in the U.K., a Barack Obama could have risen so fast and been elected, despite his superior intelligence and leadership skills. I think there is still too much social class structure to be navigated in this country. All of that tradition and pomp may just get in the way.
As I watched this inauguration, I felt that even though it did not have all the formality or dignity of a high-level British ceremony - it did convey a freshness, and a strength, and a feeling of hope that came directly from the people - from the leaders on the stage, who spoke from the heart, and from all those millions of people who chose to stand in the cold and welcome Obama to the presidency. It was a very emotional experience for me--and I felt proud to be an American.
I couldn't help compare the ceremony with some I've seen here. The British have lavish uniforms and costumes, top hats and jeweled crowns, and elaborate horse-drawn carriages. They have historical and beautiful architecture. They have royalty and aristocracy. Tradition and ceremony is built into the fabric of their daily lives - at Buckingham Palace and at Parliament. They usually perform their ceremonies soberly, without smiling or showing emotion, much like the guards at Buckingham Palace.
And there was our inauguration. It was like a party for all of the several million people standing outside in the freezing weather -- almost all grinning. Everyone was celebrating the fact that this was a black man we had elected as president; look how far we had come from that society that practiced slavery. Our American 'royalty' - the ex-presidents, members of the congress, and well-known show business personalities, were all present. Rather than sitting, stone-faced, they smiled, shook hands, waved and greeted those around them. When Aretha Franklin sang "My Country Tis of Thee" as a soul song, I wondered what British listeners would think of her rendition, knowing that it is the same melody as "God Save The Queen."
There were inspirational prayers and speeches -- reminding us of what it means to be an American. Many of us come from somewhere else, we belong to different ethnic groups and to different religions and different social classes, but we all live together struggling to be tolerant and fair towards each other. It does get messy sometimes, but it is a beautiful dream to follow.
Of course, Barack Obama's speech was best of all --that of a true leader. He called us all to action, claiming our forefathers had come through bad times earlier, and we could do the same now. He also addressed countries around the world, opening some doors, but at the same time establishing entrance requirements. I think he faces formidable forces - both at home and abroad - and I hope he succeeds. I do believe he has the intelligence and skills to succeed.
I may be wrong, but I do not believe that in the U.K., a Barack Obama could have risen so fast and been elected, despite his superior intelligence and leadership skills. I think there is still too much social class structure to be navigated in this country. All of that tradition and pomp may just get in the way.
As I watched this inauguration, I felt that even though it did not have all the formality or dignity of a high-level British ceremony - it did convey a freshness, and a strength, and a feeling of hope that came directly from the people - from the leaders on the stage, who spoke from the heart, and from all those millions of people who chose to stand in the cold and welcome Obama to the presidency. It was a very emotional experience for me--and I felt proud to be an American.
More differences in language
I have noticed a grammatical difference between American English and British English. It can best be described through illustrations:
American: Why didn't you leave us alone? I would have if you'd written.
British: Why didn't you leave us alone? I would have done if you'd written.
American: I should have seen to him twenty years ago. I would have, too, if I hadn't believed him.
British: I should have seen to him twenty years ago. I would have done, too, if I hadn't believed him.
American: I could have reported you. Maybe I should have.
British: I could have reported you. Maybe I should have done.
Also, the British use the word 'whilst' in place of our word 'while.'
In addition, they have tyres on their cars, not tires, and they park by the kerb, not curb.
American: Why didn't you leave us alone? I would have if you'd written.
British: Why didn't you leave us alone? I would have done if you'd written.
American: I should have seen to him twenty years ago. I would have, too, if I hadn't believed him.
British: I should have seen to him twenty years ago. I would have done, too, if I hadn't believed him.
American: I could have reported you. Maybe I should have.
British: I could have reported you. Maybe I should have done.
Also, the British use the word 'whilst' in place of our word 'while.'
In addition, they have tyres on their cars, not tires, and they park by the kerb, not curb.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Back in London
Well, Carl and I have returned to London for the last time. We plan to savor these last few weeks and visit all those places we have been "meaning to" get to. Also, I want to revisit some of our favorite places in the city. We'll put together our schedule for the remaining time later today.
We were greeted by a sunny day and temperatures in the 40s: cooler than San Francisco's 70-degree weather, but much better than Connecticut's zero degrees. These will be great days here for walking - and I plan to do a lot of it.
We were greeted by a sunny day and temperatures in the 40s: cooler than San Francisco's 70-degree weather, but much better than Connecticut's zero degrees. These will be great days here for walking - and I plan to do a lot of it.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Babysitting in San Francisco
I am in San Francisco for two weeks babysitting my sweet and beautiful little grandson, Nate, during the daytime while his Mom returns to work. Her day care arrangements won't become available until the beginning of February. Nate's other grandmother will be here to babysit during the second two weeks in January.
I cannot think of anything else that I would rather be doing right now.
I cannot think of anything else that I would rather be doing right now.
Our Return to the U.S.
We have just learned that for cost-cutting reasons, Thomson Reuters is going to limit Carl's assignment in London to a total of one year. That means that when our one-year lease on the London flat expires on March 1, it will not be renewed. We will be returning to the U.S. at the end of February, instead of at the end of June as originally planned.
It has been an extraordinary opportunity for us to live in London, and we are very grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our lives have been made so much richer. We have had a wonderful time, and we will take away with us memories that we will cherish forever.
However, we are not sorry to be returning home a few months early -- it is always good to come back home again.
It has been an extraordinary opportunity for us to live in London, and we are very grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our lives have been made so much richer. We have had a wonderful time, and we will take away with us memories that we will cherish forever.
However, we are not sorry to be returning home a few months early -- it is always good to come back home again.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Star spotting
This afternoon, while shopping at the Waitrose supermarket in Marylebone, I spotted a familiar face. It was an actor - and of course I couldn't recall his name. One of the clerks in the store provided me with that: it was Lawrence Fishburne. The picture below is taken from his web site; that's just what he looked like. He is very tall in person.
Matt & Julie Visit
Matt & Julie arrived here from New York early on December 28, and after some initial mix-ups with their car service from the airport to our flat, we were off and running on a wonderful whirlwind 5-day visit. We packed lots of fun into those days. We went to two very special restaurants: Gordon Ramsay's restaurant in the Claridge Hotel and Marco Pierre White's place, Belvedere. We also had great meals at several pubs and two different Indian restaurants, as well as delicious dim sum in Chinatown. We took tours of the Tower of London and Shakespeare's Globe Theater. We shopped at the Borough Market (unfortunately in its scaled-down version because of the holidays). We saw the Harold Pinter play, "No Man's Land." We spent time walking around town and seeing different areas like Bankside, Marylebone, Mayfair, Notting Hill, Leicester Square, Camdentown, and Angel. Carl and Matt toured even more neighborhoods while Julie and I checked out the after-Christmas sales at Harrods. On New Year's Eve, after being out and about all day, the four of us watched the midnight fireworks display from the window in our apartment. The next morning we squeezed in a New Year's Day breakfast with our friends Marcia and Pete - so they could all meet each other.
During their visit, it never rained -- but it was VERY COLD! The temperatures were around freezing most days, so we bundled up with heavy coats and gloves, scarves, and hats. (The warm woolen hats Shannon made for us one Christmas came in really handy.)
Before we knew it, the five days had passed. Matt and Julie left early this morning to catch their flight home. Our place seems very quiet and empty without them. We miss them already.
During their visit, it never rained -- but it was VERY COLD! The temperatures were around freezing most days, so we bundled up with heavy coats and gloves, scarves, and hats. (The warm woolen hats Shannon made for us one Christmas came in really handy.)
Before we knew it, the five days had passed. Matt and Julie left early this morning to catch their flight home. Our place seems very quiet and empty without them. We miss them already.
