Blog Post Number 3

My emotions have varied from extreme excitement or sunken into a lowly despair (I became very irritable on many of our site visits because I was tired due to the fact that I couldn't shut my big fat mouth and go to sleep). Our first trip to Haworth was the first time my inside's were bursting with pride and jubilation because I walked to the top of the moors and was able to look upon "Top Withens". I was overwhelmed with joy because I pushed my self physically as well as mentally further than I thought I could have ever achieved. I was able to walk in Emily and Charlotte Bronte's footsteps which to me ( and my mother) was a dream coming true. I now have a souvenir that no one can ever take from me because it is a feeling/emotion locked inside of my mind and in times of deep thought I can recall this memory and smile. I recognize Charlotte/ Emily's need for solitude which perpetuated the idea of strong female heroines in both of their literary writings. I observed that Josie, Katie, Christi, and Melissa all felt very accomplished after the long and treacherous hike through mud, rain, heat, sheep poo. We all celebrated together and congratulated one another on such a huge achievement. This, then, created a bond between us all for being courageous enough to conquer the unknown and proved that 21st century women are just as capable as Victorian writers to scale rocky hill sides!!

I feel differently at each site visit because my emotions at Haworth & Sherwood Forest are Incorporated with positive child hood memories of movies (Jane Eyre, Wuethering Heights, and Robin Hood) that I have enjoyed to watch over and over. Visiting these particular sites are comparatively my hajj because the "sublime" was invoked through my inner being and through out all of my senses because fantasy became a reality. The stories are real because I believe them to be. I cannot definitely say that the others in the group have the same emotional attachment as I share for these particular sites but I can say without hesitation that everyone has come to appreciate the writers of all of the literary pieces we have read so far, and through are site visits many were able to embrace the text and authors more competently.

Newstead is a new place to me because I have only been introduced to Lord Byron's poetry very recently. Honestly, I was intrigued by the beautiful landscape and the monastery but I was unable to connect with his home no deeper than for "cosmetic appeal". It will take time for me to appreciate Lord Byron as a literary master and I plan on reading more of his poetry and biographical depictions of his life to fully appreciate the wonderful gift I was given to visit his home. (I just need a little more time!!).

If I was to surmise any conclusions about emotions I could only say that, everyone in our group is unique and special in their own way. Some are able to comprehend big theories and other are very specific detail orientated individuals who contribute insightful interpretations of our readings. Our groups ability to speak freely is based on a mutual trust and comfort Professor Benander has allowed the group to form (or maybe it just evolved naturally). I can honestly say that in public our group is much louder than other groups (but the English have obviously mastered the skill of whispering at an early age!!). We are all strangers in a foreign country and I believe this has made us latch on closely with one another, so in a way, our common ground is that we are all Americans who share the same incapability of talking quietly in public!!

Blog Post Number 1

Now that I have lived in England over two weeks I can honestly assert that the English speak more softly than Americans do. I have been on a crowded train/platform several times and was unable to hear the conversation's of the people around me. (I am not an "ease dropper" but when you are standing only a few feet from someone I would expect to hear a few words, but in England you only see lips moving!!!) .
I also enjoy hearing the English speak and I have been engaging in short conversations with a few strangers (here and there). The way in which, they pronounce their words makes the conversation very interesting. I remember our cab driver Tom and the young lady Iseara pronounced Nottingham as Nott-in-ham. I believe in the States (depending upon where your from) our accents differentiate us from one another. My friends from Akron, Ohio would call me "country" because they said I say "warsh" instead of wash. I never considered my self country because everybody in Cincinnati considers all Kentuckians country!!!
The people in Grantham move about the shopping centers, library and train station just like we do in the states. I really don't see much of a difference because everyone goes to the store to shop and libraries to read and train stations to travel. Therefore, Americans and the British every day activities such as meeting with friends and taking family members to the store is just the same as it is back home. The most notable difference is the prices and selection in the stores. Everything that I have taken for granted to be dollar or two (thanks to Walmart) is double the price in England. I feel oppressed because my money doesn't equate.
In conclusion, I believe that the English culture emphasis privacy. Many people keep to themselves and communicate softly not to disturb the others around them. They also maintain their privacy because many grow large shrubbery around their homes which also isolates themselves from the world. I admire their awareness of themselves and the respect they show for their fellow country men. I can only hope that I can take what I have learned about personal space (physical and verbal) and incorporate it into my life effectively.

Blog Post Number 6

Reflecting back on my trip to Dublin, I have to say that it is a very rough city. In the early morning it smells like a landfill because of all the tourist drink, vomit and trash city. The buildings look alike because they are all grey (oddly, many don't have windows because at the time of construction the country could't afford to pay the glass tax for windows).This city is fast paced because of all the locals and tourist are going in different directions. You can be swept away in the crowd if the walk light turns green, because everyone pushes forward regardless if you want to go or not. (I was caught in a situation where I was being pushed by the crowd to cross the street and I just wanted cut through the crowd and go the other direction).

I would describe the attitudes I observed in Dublin as very "forth right". While in Dublin Tasha, Melissa and myself were basically yelled at by the bus drivers because we were unfamiliar with how to use the bus passes (it was our first time and we didn't know what direction to swipe the cards in order to pay for the ride). The second embarrassing moment with a snippy bus driver who yelled, "You don't know where you are going" when a traveling companion of ours (Patti from California) was confused and just asked for some directions therfore, she was unable to pay the correct bus fare.

Its hard for me to describe the nonverbal attitudes but many pedestrians and fellow bus riders would bump into me and no one would say "excuse me". I'm not complaining about a small nudge or stepping on your feet by accident. No, these were almost shoves or if the bus would turn or make an abrupt stop then their body would physically thrust into me and again the other person wouldn't say nothing. It was really becoming a bit irritating but I just accepted "Excuse Me" is just not in the dictionary and I had better get over it.

I learned that Dublin is big city and any visitor must bring allot of money and have clear plan in regards to where they are going and what you want to do. I always envisioned Ireland to have beautiful country side with sheep. I thought of the story of Angela's Ashes and I believe my brain was warped into thinking I was going to see 1940's Ireland vs 21st century Ireland. I assumed that there were going to be friendly people everywhere who would tell us Irish folktales in the pubs. I was very ignorant in the sense, I thought I could rent a bike and ride to the ocean. There is just no way to do that because the ocean is miles and miles away. Overall, I thought Dublin was going to be smaller, friendlier and greener. I have admit that prior to the trip to Dublin I hadn't prior background of the country and its people. I was very ignorant of their history with Great Brittan and all of the oppression this country has had to suffer through. I learned that before I travel to a foreign land I must thoroughly research the history in order to have a basic understanding of the culture. All of my assumptions about Dublin turned out to be false and I am the one to be blamed for my ignorance!!!

I believe I played the part of "dumb tourist" perfectly. Not that this was my intention at all. Again , I didn't know what to ask ( because I had no clear plan) and when the bus drivers were unpleasant I was just in a state of shock. The culture in the big city is always more faced pace than in the country and that is to be expected. I had the feeling that the bus drivers were all indoctrinated with the same philosophy "Time is money" and when we were asking questions we were annoying them immensely. In the future , I have to behave more of an experienced confidant traveller who can roll with all the punches (and verbal tongue lashings) in order to navigate an enjoyable trip!!

Newstead Abby

Newstead Abby's architecture is very Gothic. The exterior of the Abby is very old (almost a tan color because of the discoloration of the bricks)but is still very much in tact. The structure doesn't dominate the landscape but deepens the experience for the viewer. What experience?? The sublime..the Abbey is very much embedded with religious symbolism (the crosses, stained glass windows, deep archways in the rooms and outside)which invokes the viewer (myself) to look in "aw" for a few moments. The construction of the Abbey included intense laboring that has resulted in a glorious monument that has stood the test of time and all of it's property owners!!(After learning about all of the inhabitant of the Abbey, I respected this building for ability to try to maintain its "dignity" despite being neglected).

Oddly, the landscape surrounding the Abbey creates the different feeling of "aww". The beauty surrounding the abbey includes a very green lawn, a shinning lake (reflecting a beautiful blue sky with large puffy clouds), a lovely waterfall, dense forestry, and several meticulously pruned gardens which all together create a beautiful piece of art (stunning)!! Through out my walk on the grounds, I began to despise Byron for his inability to appreciate the abundance of wealth (not monetary) but the natural magnificence in his landscape. I know that the landscape has changed in many ways since Lord Byron's residence but the lake, waterfall and stone sitting area across from the Abbey where present in his time and they are "grand" enough to be cherished.

The landscape in relation with "Child Harold's Pilgrimage", refelects him as becoming bored with natural beauty and wanting to be satiated with more of an exotic surrounding. Byron writes "Then he loathed in his native land to dwell" and I interpret this as his innermost feelings towards his home. The serene gentleness of his home was unable to invoke passion that as this time in his life he was yearning for.

The gift shop was very disappointing (in the same way the Bronte gift shop was) because it was unable to harness the "Romanticism) of Lord Byron in a souvenir. The gift shop included local baked goods, bookmakers of accredited twentieth century writers (Virginia Wolf) and Peter Rabbit books and toys. I believe the gift shop's problem in marketing is they are unable to make Byron cool. If they could interpret his poetry or life with a catchy t-shirt "Isn't IT Byronic" or small figurines of Byron to give the tourist/visitors a tangible piece of him then I don't see them making much money in the gift shop. I do understand that sometimes many literary critics are appalled when literary classics are modernized to appease the changing times but Byron could become a household name with the right catch phrase!!

If I was to compare the Newstead with Sherwood forest I would have to say that they both have one thing in common..both places give life to the stories/poems/authors. As I walked through Sherwood Forrest I began to come alive with the thought of Robin Hood and the Merry men using the Forrest as their sanctuary and I had the ability to look through Lord Byron's eyes at Newstead. To be completely honest before we left I began to sympathize with him because a young man does grow bored with the same crowd and daily activities (walking through the gardens or the woods with your dog, etc..) so for him he did have paradise in front of him but he was unable to see it at the time. The saying you don't know what you have until it's gone really applies to Byron.
I believe that the landscape of the author directly influences their personal experiences and interpretations of the world in which they write about. The Bronte's describe cold, wet desolate moors. Robin Hood is set in the Forrest because he is an outlaw and is content to live in the wilderness rather than within the walls of with in Nottingham Castle, and Byron loathed his name his home and therefore lost his home and tarnished his name forever throughout history. All of the stories so far are intertwined with the places in which new the most about (where they lived).

Sherwood Forest

Sherwood forest was a relaxing get away that I personally enjoyed (and to be honest) wasn't ready to leave, quite yet. This forest gave the story of Robin Hood and his Merry Men a validity (in my heart) that no one can take from me (regardless of what historians claim). My Noble Squire (Tasha) and myself travelled away from the main paths and ventured out into the forest following the paths less travelled. This then created a comfortable distance from the group that I was comfortable with because I was able to forgo any social obligations/ties and discover the adventuress's inside. I loved the soft ground beneath my feet because it was complimented by lush green trees and small plants that that created a beautiful natural landscape that God created. (I hope I can refer to God). For the first time, I felt like I was realy able to go at my own pace to investigate my inner thoughts. For the past two days I began to feel very homesick but as I walked through the forest uninterrupted I began to feel more lively and I truly felt more fullfied because I was able to wander off in the woods! (Thank you Professor Benader for the therapy session!)

As I walked through Sherwood Forest I began singing to myself "Brave, Brave, Sir. Robin!!". I don't remeber where I heard this song but I began to let my imagination run wild and I could see Robin lurking in the trees watching the King Richard and his knights passing through laughing at them and mocking their prestige. I felt that Robin Hood was a "Social Reformer/Naturalist" because he rejected the unfair taxation of the poor and refused to be confined. He lived in the forest because he was an outlaw (we all know that, right?) but also because the earth can provide everything one needs to sustain themselves.

The museum was entertaining. Maybe school children would have been more easily excited (please don't misinterpret my feelings, I liked it allot!). The entrance included a sculpture of an image of Robin Hood and a preliminary introduction of the story of Robin Hood. Lots of Medieval art work on the walls and some of the story was portrayed in the form of stainglass windows( as if they were to be placed in a church window). This created the mood and helped to authenticate the story. As, you slowly progress through the museum other noted characters were made into small figures. Specifically,the Sheriff of Nottingham and Robin Hood bowing to be pardoned by the King. One of the last images I can recall included Robin Hood and the Maiden Mary joining together in holy wedlock.

The museum emphasized a very noble and cheery Robin Hood. It was a very Romantic interpretation because their version of the story inconcludes: Robin gives up his bachelor hood and ties the knot. I enjoyed the museum for what it was presented to be..FUN!!!

The gift shop was located directly beside the museum in the food and bathroom area. This shop had Robin Hood memorabilia for all different visitors taste and spending levels. The costumes were the cutest because any man, woman or child become Robin Hood. I loved the green hats with the feathers because as soon as I placed it on my head I stood tall with my arms to my side and began to sing "Brave Sir Robin" again!!! The Errol Flynn image of Robin Hood has left a lasting impression on my mind and at this moment in time I wasn't just Robin Hood but the actor who played Robin Hood.
The gift shop made Robin Hood's story was made accessible to everyone through books (easy readers to large chapters books), plates , shirts, pens, notebooks, playing cards and a bag that said "GO Green" with the image of Robin Hood!!! Overall, I believe the gift shop's ablity to interpret the story of Robin Hood into accesible trinketts allows everyone the ability to posses thier own piece of the story which makes the story come alive for so many. Humans want a tangible artifact to convey beautiful ideas (At least I think so!). The gift shop with all of its trinkets gives me the chance to become an active participant in the stiory of Robin Hood because when I wear my hat, I can imitate him (we all know that imitation is the best form of flattery!).

Blog Post 4

I'm have to admit that I am very surprised with how comfortable I feel in Grantham. Before I arrived I know that some where in my mind(subconscious) I thought I was going to stick out like a sore thumb. This isn't the case at all because unless you are really behaving out of the ordinary (bizarre, or very loud) no one in the town takes much notice of you. I'm used to this because Cincinnati isn't an overly friendly city but maybe I have imagined "Merry ol' England" as being more open. The fact that the town is so socially conservative works in my favor because I can wonder around aimlessly without the fear of injury, scorn or humiliation, (It's very liberating!!)
Pleasant surprises thus far, have included observing extremely well behaved dogs. The dogs here are very manner able and carry an "air" about them selves almost as if they are little humans. They understand personal space, discipline, verbal restrain and I have yet to see any dog poop or urinating in public (I'm sure they do but where do they go??). I have also had wonderful interactions with many local cashiers because they are interested in knowing where I am from, why I am here and what do I think about England so far.
I am also surprised in which the English communicate simple pleasantries. I went to the Reception to purchase stamps the other day and after I made my purchase I said thank you and the receptionist repeated "Thank you". I didn't think about it too much until again today I replied thank you to the cashier at the drug store and I received a thank you in return. This made me laugh to myself because I am so used to hearing your welcome after thank you. Is this just an American thing?
American dogs/owners accept their pets need to be curious and are very unapologetic when their dog invades your personal space. I have never owned a pet and so I don't really understand the way in which dogs are trained but I do know that what ever the dog owners are doing in England is far superior than the so-called "training" Americans dogs are receiving. When I arrive home I believe I will be laughing hystercially (in my mind) when ever I hear some one give an American dog the compliment, "He is so well behaved". I will have to hold my mouth or turn away before I burst into laughter!!

Unpleasant surprise includes the lack of diversity in this area (I know that London will definitely have a larger minority population versus Grantham). Today Tasha and I went into town to purchase a few hair and beauty products. We were eager to get out on our own alone and shop!! Now I wanted a moisture base leave in conditioner so we went store to store to try find the "ethnic hair products" (Walgreen's, Kroger's, and CVS back home usually devote a tiny section of shelf space to ethnic hair care products). We began to search store after store as if we were on the quest for the "Holy Grail". By chance when we had given up and began to exit our last store we were stopped by a young lady named Iseresa who was interested in knowing where were from. She was very stylish, warm and friendly. She was able to lead Tasha and myself in the right direction to complete our task to obtain our "Holy Grail". Isreara confirmed that their isn't much diversity in Grantham and the only way to obtain ethnic hair products is Nottingham. Now I along with my noble squire (Tasha) must tally forth into the land of Nottingham in order to fulfill my exalted destiny!! (Hair Moisturizer!!!).
I am not all used to having to drive to another city/town for hair moisturizer. Seriously, in Cincinnati there are hair stores all over the city and in each drug store or supper market they have something to offer. In order to process this I thought about the population demographics and so far I have only seen six minorities since I have been here, with this being said, I understand that stores only offers products their constituents demand. Therefore, their must not be enough minorities in the area to have made ethnic hair products a demand for the retailers to allow some shelf space for specialty products. Another way to analyze the situation is to view that there is a demand and the store owners are fully aware of the situation but the store owners are blandly ignoring the minorities hair needs. (I am just trying to present a well balanced argument folks, so please bare with me).
I have learned through these surprises not to accept the malarkey excuses dog owners give in the States when their dog has charged at you like a raging bull or growls at you trying to intimidate you. I heard so many different excuses, such as, "He's not used to strangers, or she is very protective of me and my favorite excuse dog owners give (when their dogs walks over and starts to lick you ) "She is just so friendly/likes you" , yeah right. Many criticize the American educational system as far as not being able to produce students that can compete in the 21st century job market but I want to call attention to injustice at dog training schools and "home schooled" dogs . They are being "jipped"from a proper /formal education in which they could fulfill their full potential and because of this they are not welcomed in more places.
I also have learned that the next time I travel I need to specifically pack hair moisturizer and any other specialty products that I am used to and it's foolish of me to assume that when I travel abroad that my expectations of what a grocery/drug store should sell is the "norm" else where. I believe its alright to have standards in which we all live by but when you impose them on others you can come across as arrogant, unsympathetic and rude. I must continue my quest, this I swear by the our Lady, that I shall not rest or indulge in any pleasantries until I find "the moisturizer"!!

Blog Post Number 7

If I had to describe the information I am learning in class thus far, I could only use the word "fascinating". Today's class discussion began with short summaries of various literature and painting era's.The Medieval time period wasn't very interesting to me and I haven't retained much from class (sorry Katie) but the Gothic era has left more of an impression on me. The organized church used iconic symbols of Christianity to relay massages to many who could not read. For the poor peasants of this time the architecture, statues and even glass windows all made direct references to the church which was used to coerce them into submission. This dominance of symbolism through art began to influence the writers because it was not yet, the time of "individual expression" but art and literature was used to maintain the power of the church. The artist and writers were all very educated in Christian symbolism which encouraged them to use the Trinity, the Virgin and The cross through out their work. All of these symbols are interwoven through the architecture of the time and this then reflects the significance of landscape because the church was so overpowering that religion was set on such a high pedestal it completely suffocated the people and left any with no alternative but to conform. The church was to be given precedence in ones mind/heart and then the land.
Romanticism followed the Gothic era and it became the time when artist began to break lose from all of the oppressive religious traditions and began to write and paint about the world in which they actually lived in. The "Enlightenment Age" had now blossomed the idea of thinking for oneself was beginning to gain momentum. Many artist began to use their art as a voice to give an audience in favor of the plight of the comman man (coming to terms with their every struggles). Their art and writings question the world and all of the confining religious rituals. The artist of the Romantic era time were not picking up swords but pens and brushes and waging a war of the mind! (I love to question the world and maybe that's why I have retained more information about this time period than the others from yesterdays class).
We have not yet discussed the Victorian Era but this is m favorite. Why?? The world was evolving because of machines and "human ingenuity". Many wanted to conquer daily problems (traveling, laundering, communicating) with scientific reason. Religion was losing some of its audience due to the conflicting theories of Darwinism and Herbert Spencer who introduced"Evolutionary Theory". Politics, Ideology and Society were changing because the huge unequal disbursement of wealth which introduced feminism, Marxism, Socialism, Unions. I love this period!!!.The Industrial Revolution brougth about social atrocities so here lies a conflict ..What was the cost of putting wheels to work (factories included syncrinized movements of mechanical motions and at the base of these machines were wheels!!!)
I am enjoying the classroom setting. I was educated public schools that emphasised the "Paidiea" instruction so I am very comfortable with seminars. It is a very welcoming enviorment versus traditional classroom settings, I am able to have a clear view of all of my classmates and I don't feel distant from Professor Benander (as an authority figure) but I see her as guide. We are able to reflect on personal experiences and this bring a more homogeneous enviorment which ultimately encourages learning from one another.
Everything were are discussing in regards to writing/painting era(s) is all new to me. I have not yet taken a art class so learning about these different periods is helping me become a more developed student. I have more background information about the history and development of art. In order to truly be able to understand and interpret art (literary, paintings, sculpture or sketches) the audience should have a fundamental background of the time period in which the art(ist) were developing their work. I am inspired to do more research on my own specifically in the area of Victorianism. I ultimately want to became a lawyer, specifically in the area of social policy and human rights, the Victorian Era seems to have an abundance of information that I know I can manipulate to further my cause!