tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44072507671817894332024-02-08T01:14:36.367+00:00Smith & ChipsRachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.comBlogger209125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-80251693735121277842016-11-09T03:09:00.000+00:002016-11-09T03:09:00.058+00:00Queen's English as a Second Language Part 14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I took a break from blogging a few months ago. We moved from London to Chicago in September and I spent our last few months focusing on doing everything on my London list (post on that to follow). I have one more post of Queen's English words and a few other posts to come wrapping up our time in London.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Squidgy--soft and wet, as in "I don't think the bread is done baking, it's all squidgy in the middle."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Manoeuvred--maneuvered, as in "When I move back to America I won't know how to spell words like manoeuvred."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shedload--a large amount, as in "I spent shedloads of money on dinner last night."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bogeyman--boogeyman, as in "My parents told me when I was a kid to be good or the bogeyman would get me." Also, the word "bogey" is "booger" in American English. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Caravan--mobile home or RV (Recreation Vehicle), as in "My dad wants to go caravanning as a family on holiday this summer."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">99p (short for pence)--99 cents, as in "Can you believe I got this for only 99p?" Speaking of money, if something costs 4.99 you'd say "four pound ninety-nine."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Potter--occupy yourself with something pleasant, as in "I'm fine to potter about by myself."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bruv--slang for brother, as in "Hey, you alright bruv?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Spiffing--a very posh way of saying excellent, as in "We had an absolutely spiffing time, old chap." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Chippie--local chip (french fries) shop, as in "I'll pop down to the local chippy."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pernickety--persnickety, as in "This job is full of painstaking, pernickety work."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gorgeous--delicious, as in "You've got to try this gnocchi; it's gorgeous!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rough Sleeper/sleeping rough--a homeless person who sleeps outside, as in "Some churches offer sections of pews to rough sleepers during the day." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These last few are rude words and I include them to be thorough in my efforts to point out as many differences between British and American English that I can find in print. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The "s-word" in the UK is pronounced "shy-t" and is spelled like the American version but with an "e" on the end. It is used exactly the same way, but many think it sounds a lot posher. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Speaking of the "s-word", "shat" is the past tense version. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fanny baws--this is a Scottish word meaning stupid bastard, as in "Shut up fanny baws."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This last one is a group of words describing...well, I think it is self explanatory. Americans have their own list but some of these are purely British.</span><br />
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Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-7969879325485119852016-07-21T19:16:00.001+01:002016-07-21T19:16:49.943+01:00So You Think You Know Britain Part 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shops in the UK close much earlier than in the US. Some shops close at 6pm on weekdays and earlier on weekends, if they are open at all. In the US stores are typically open 10am-9pm and some grocery stores are open 24 hours a day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Eggs come in a variety of sizes from 4 to 15 in a package. It is much more convenient than only being able to buy 6 or 12 at a time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Within the boundaries of the greater London area is the original City of London, often called "the square mile" because that is the area it covers. The square mile has its own police force (City of London Police rather than Metropolitan Police Service) and an ambassador called the Lord Mayor of London. They also have a really cool crest with two dragons (pictured in bottom left corner of the ad below).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Monopoly at McDonalds has region specific names. Instead of Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Pacific Avenues they have Regent, Oxford, and Bond Streets. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A4 sized paper is the standard used in the UK. A4 is about 8 1/4 x 11 3/4 inches whereas the standard measurement for paper in the US is 8 1/2 x 11 inches and is called "standard letter paper" or "8 1/2 by 11." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I recently sent a letter using a Freepost address. This is where a business pays for the postage instead of the sender. I've only seen this with business reply letters in the US but freepost seems to make a lot of sense. Instead of paying for business reply envelopes that may never be mailed back, you only pay for the letters that are actually sent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In England and Wales you have 42 days (21 in Scotland) after the birth of your child to officially register the birth and therefore provide their name. In the US you are expected to complete the birth registration forms at the hospital and provide the baby's name then, sometimes after less than 24 hours. It can be more expensive and more of a hassle to wait to name your baby, which is why it is really common for American parents to have decided on the name in advance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the US 1-800 numbers are often provided to contact a company. These numbers are free to call. In the UK these calls are 0800 numbers and can cost up to 40p a minute. I had to make some calls last month and had an additional 40 pounds added to my bill!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Alcohol sales at grocery stores in Scotland are limited to 10am-10pm. I couldn't find any clear information about whether England has similar limitations but it sounds like it might be store specific in England.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This gesture (the v-sign with the back of the hand facing outwards) is offensive in the UK and is similar to giving the middle finger. I've heard (but there is no historical backing to this) that it originated during the Hundred Years' War. The French cut off the index and middle fingers of captured English and Welsh longbowmen so they were no longer threats. Uncaptured longbowmen would make this gesture as an act of defiance to their enemy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This gesture is sometimes referred to as 'sticking two fingers up.' </span></div>
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Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-86214553440066428832016-07-09T08:34:00.002+01:002016-07-09T08:34:43.905+01:00Queen's English as a Second Language Part 13<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bric-a-Brac--miscellaneous, as in "we pay 39 pence a kg for your bric-a-brac donations"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Trainers--sneakers, as in "I ruined my new trainers in the mud yesterday."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">rather clever--very smart, as in "You think you're rather clever, don't you?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Holiday--vacation, as in "Where are you going on holiday this summer?" This can be abbreviated to "hols" as in "I went there last year on hols." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bloke--guy, as in "I met a bloke from Bristol in the pub." Bloke is used when talking about someone and not to someone. So you wouldn't say "What's up blokes?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">University--college, as in "Where did you go to university?" This is also abbreviated "uni" (pronounced you-knee) as in "I haven't done that since uni." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Buy-to-let--the purchase of a property specifically to rent it out</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This next one is about grammar. In the US, we would say "KLM is offering" but in Queen's English KLM is seen as a group and therefore a plural. So they say "KLM are offering..." However, I have heard people use it either way, even the same person may flip back and forth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Regaine--Rogaine (I think Regaine is a better name considering the purpose of the product)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUrbOHHSodhY-eLxk6sEOgbFLbaCmElGtrBvf6Do4V2xH9sMY0FOtbSeME9zmi0gejXnJESZmbI93yoUEVE3251dCLcEEVx_iVVUVUFqg7ir77YKmTvGBoVbPUn1R70S4SYECI4vzaqk/s1600/IMG_5990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUrbOHHSodhY-eLxk6sEOgbFLbaCmElGtrBvf6Do4V2xH9sMY0FOtbSeME9zmi0gejXnJESZmbI93yoUEVE3251dCLcEEVx_iVVUVUFqg7ir77YKmTvGBoVbPUn1R70S4SYECI4vzaqk/s640/IMG_5990.jpg" width="574" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Give it some welly--give it some energy. "Put your back into it" is a phrase common in the US that essentially means the same thing.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuI6qm9Lg1hQGtjumYFXmKmjUICkWErlD3v03ZV2wLAgJiCTsE2OsRJZq1e9ABDgTCdGyRnq3P0q9jWB2Fnuvq0UTh4uCzlFKMDOnLZzExtcTaE6g0Eav23lCsc3ja73vbbjWIIlsCMgg/s1600/IMG_6146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuI6qm9Lg1hQGtjumYFXmKmjUICkWErlD3v03ZV2wLAgJiCTsE2OsRJZq1e9ABDgTCdGyRnq3P0q9jWB2Fnuvq0UTh4uCzlFKMDOnLZzExtcTaE6g0Eav23lCsc3ja73vbbjWIIlsCMgg/s640/IMG_6146.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Proper fond--really like, as in "I'm proper fond of these chips."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Getting on/getting on a bit--getting old, as in "My parents need more help as they're getting on a bit now." </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitstXjRYQIme9SksdFaCan6Bqv1ePLFwK_oEHnp96mFChceZVquerv8AP1dfk5681LZxJKjlT7MFprSm_f7kIqAgUKXEr8h8g_hjABACjKAohKrM5tsk4mbUUjHX1NLh_W-GJu8Cj3d0M/s1600/IMG_6607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitstXjRYQIme9SksdFaCan6Bqv1ePLFwK_oEHnp96mFChceZVquerv8AP1dfk5681LZxJKjlT7MFprSm_f7kIqAgUKXEr8h8g_hjABACjKAohKrM5tsk4mbUUjHX1NLh_W-GJu8Cj3d0M/s640/IMG_6607.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bill sticker--someone who puts up notices or adverts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dead--very, as in "He is dead sexy." It's common in the US to say "I'm dead serious" but that's about it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzy-A7ZNc9uZPxivo2UAZv1r5TLFrsrVc3pCVocvIKPi-YqqcMk3DRz4Y0Zyj7Ed0SfTRNo1Ys2xPukTRXlyY4KZ1rzi9ok8jkDEpG9nAUb4e-OwwRyc5yB-hPmgEgPIqoncJxEB7s6tA/s1600/IMG_7269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzy-A7ZNc9uZPxivo2UAZv1r5TLFrsrVc3pCVocvIKPi-YqqcMk3DRz4Y0Zyj7Ed0SfTRNo1Ys2xPukTRXlyY4KZ1rzi9ok8jkDEpG9nAUb4e-OwwRyc5yB-hPmgEgPIqoncJxEB7s6tA/s640/IMG_7269.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-8582374635128997352016-06-28T23:05:00.001+01:002016-06-28T23:05:09.867+01:00Things I Miss About America<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I haven't struggled too much with homesickness while living abroad, but there are a few things I miss about living in the US. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've had "American style" pancakes at several places in London but they are missing some pretty key elements: size, heaping amounts of butter, and endless fake syrup. I do like the British way of putting jam and whipped cream on pancakes but nothing hits the spot quite like real American pancakes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One thing I miss that I can't find here is American sprinkles. The UK has 'hundreds and thousands' but they are a crunchy version of sprinkles. I miss soft sprinkles that are super colorful and get stuck in the grooves of your teeth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Also, Mexican food in America is wonderful. Cheese smothered enchiladas, fried tacos, and large portions of beans and rice. Mmmm, delicious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Americans love giant glasses of ice-cold water. We love ice in almost all our drinks, in fact. What I wouldn't give for a Route 44 Cherry Coke from Sonic right now. Crushed ice is the best of the best, in my opinion. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cmeXHwCyUZE/VjwNq8TYIiI/AAAAAAABLaI/tfY9fRBa-SY/s1600/IMG_8449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cmeXHwCyUZE/VjwNq8TYIiI/AAAAAAABLaI/tfY9fRBa-SY/s1600/IMG_8449.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After you've consumed 44 ounces of soda, you are going to be in desperate need for a "pit stop." I definitely miss how many places offer free toilets to the public. Gas (petrol) stations, grocery stores, rest stops along the highway...the list goes on and on. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFomeDpePKF7mLL7NnZuHUKlBlQh8SgF9-m_2Mu66eUPtXAlx1f5jhUcdIl7G6a6P3uoavEqQwGWcRDK2OZSIi1VcvOsBgSMk00OVOeS1pp2eTx9Y6d9aNRR3VMZut8CihEBwa7hlfNkk/s1600/DSCN4028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFomeDpePKF7mLL7NnZuHUKlBlQh8SgF9-m_2Mu66eUPtXAlx1f5jhUcdIl7G6a6P3uoavEqQwGWcRDK2OZSIi1VcvOsBgSMk00OVOeS1pp2eTx9Y6d9aNRR3VMZut8CihEBwa7hlfNkk/s640/DSCN4028.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I miss grape Tootsie Roll Pops, still and sparkling juices, fruit snacks, and everything else grape. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Grape flavored foods aren't really a thing in London. Purple Skittles and Starburst are black currant flavored and there is also black currant juice but it just isn't a good substitute for grape. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One thing I don't miss about my life before London is driving. I hate driving, keeping up with the maintenance, filling up with fuel (petrol), washing the windshield (windscreen), and did I mention the actual driving? Even with all its faults, I love public transportation. </span><br />
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Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-31928975265401816252016-06-21T12:53:00.004+01:002016-06-21T12:53:46.916+01:00Somerset House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back in February I went on two tours of Somerset House with my brother-in-law. One was about the ancient palace on the grounds and the other focused on the current building. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Construction of the original Somerset Palace was commissioned in 1549 by Edward Seymour, the Duke of Somerset and Lord Protector of King Edward VI. It was a 2 story house with elaborate gardens that stretched to the river bank. Before it was finished, the Duke of Somerset was overthrown and executed at Tower Hill. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Queen Elizabeth I (then Princess Elizabeth) lived at Somerset House as construction slowly continued during the reign of Queen Mary I, her half sister. When building the current Somerset House, they saved money by using rough and unpolished materials for the parts that would remain unseen, shown below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Stuarts started a tradition where they gave Somerset Palace to the queen, starting with James I's wife, Anne of Denmark. She renamed it Denmark House and hired Inigo Jones for renovations and additions. One addition was a Roman Catholic chapel for Henrietta Maria of France, wife of Charles I. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The gravestones from the Roman Catholic church are the only remains of the original Somerset Palace and are found in "the Deadhouse," an area below the current Somerset House. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Somerset Palace was used as headquarters for the army during the English Civil War and fell into extreme disrepair in the decades that followed. It was mainly used for storage and was finally demolished in 1775. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The current Somerset House was built as a national building that contained public offices including: salt, tax, navy, lottery, and hawkers and pedlar offices.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It took decades to complete the current building due to financial issues under King George III (featured in Roman dress in the statue pictured below) and successive monarchs. Finishing decorations were still being completed as late as 1819. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, Somerset House is a major arts and culture center with loads of exhibits, concerts, and an ice-skating rink in the winter. I enjoyed both free tours we attended at Somerset House. It was fascinating to learn more about this amazing building in central London. </span>Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-13038060458143452282016-06-14T09:23:00.000+01:002016-06-14T09:23:05.266+01:00Two Temple Place<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Two Temple Place is a historic mansion home in Embankment, close to the river Thames. It was purchased and renovated i</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">n the late 19th century </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">by William Waldorf Astor, the wealthy American businessman.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">William Waldorf Astor was born into a wealthy family, spent some time practicing law and politics before moving to England with his family. His move was preceded by a family feud over who would be the "official Mrs Astor" in social settings. He even went so far as faking his own death to disappear from public view during this apparently tumultuous time (this ended up backfiring as the press found out about it and mocked Astor). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After moving to England he acquired two newspapers, purchased and renovated several historic buildings (including Hever Castle, Anne Boleyn's childhood home), and became benefactor to many charities. He was granted a title of nobility because of his philanthropy. He was given the title of Baron and was later elevated to the rank of Viscount. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Astor must have been an avid reader as his renovations included several artistic renderings of literary characters. The staircase has seven mahogany carvings which represent characters from <i>The Three Musketeers</i>, Astor's favorite novel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The panels on the door to the Great Hall depict nine heroines of the Arthurian legend including The Lady of the Isle of Avelyon; Elaine, the lily maid of Astolat; The Lady of the Lake; Guinevere; and several more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The frieze in the main hall includes characters from <i>The Last of the Mohicans</i>, <i>The Scarlet Letter</i>, and <i>Rip Van Winkle</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Two Temple Place is only open to the public a few weeks a year and features a different exhibition annually. Their next opening is in January 2017. I am glad I was able to tour this incredible historic home for their 2016 open dates (I was way more interested in the house than the temporary exhibit). </span></div>
Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-80585366011038127322016-06-10T15:31:00.000+01:002016-06-10T15:31:54.471+01:0018 Stafford Terrace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A while back I toured 18 Stafford Terrace with my friend Kate. The home was purchased by Edward Linley Sambourne in 1875. He worked as a cartoonist for <i>Punch, </i>a humor and satire magazine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The home's internal decor has been preserved by Sambourne's children and grandchildren and gives visitors a spectacular view of Victorian life. Edward Sambourne did not make a lot of money as a cartoonist but still wanted his home filled with the popular furnishings of the day. To accomplish this he purchased chipped china and displayed them in a way to hide the imperfections. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The wallpaper throughout several rooms was made from leather and purchased from Japan. Another cost saving technique Sambourne applied was that he did not put the expensive new wallpaper behind framed art, mirrors, or anything else hanging on the wall. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our guide told us that Victorians liked rooms with dim lighting and kept the rooms dim with curtains and dark stained glass. It was also en vogue to have lots of little trinkets and furniture filling the room. Today we see this as unnecessary clutter and gauche. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Below is a self portrait of Edward Linley Sambourne in the style of his drawings. You can also see a closer view of some of the Japanese wallpaper. When his children were grown, Sambourne turned the attic nursery into his office where he would work at his easel. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sambourne was not a classically trained artist and would take photographs of himself or paid models in different poses so he could produce drawings quickly and more accurately than freehand. The museum has thousands of these [sometimes rather ridiculous] photographs filed away with some on display in the bathroom. In fact, Sambourne has been declared by some "The King of Selfies." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">18 Stafford Terrace is one of the best preserved Victorian homes I've ever seen. The guided tour was excellent and I would recommend to anyone interested in historic homes. </span><br />
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Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-64390649056169787602016-05-11T16:15:00.002+01:002016-05-11T16:15:25.168+01:00So Much Food, Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Workshop is known around London for their coffee but they should be known for their breakfast. I went a few weeks ago with my friend, Heather. She tried the eggs benedict and I had the french toast. Both were delicious!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Several markets have stands selling the Brazilian dessert called brigadeiros. They are like little balls of brownie batter covered in more chocolate. My favorite is the Oreo (shown below with black and white sprinkles). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One Friday evening Warren and I went out with friends for oyster happy hour at Wright Brothers Mermaid Oyster Bar. I typically don't go out for oysters but for 1 pound each they were a great deal. And really good, too!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Mary, Kate, and me with our oysters</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I went to Nordic Bakery near Golden Square a while back with my friends Lisa and Mark. I've been here before but this time I got a pastry filled with potato, egg, and butter. I was surprised to find that it was delicious.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kate told me about a Polish place called Ogniska in South Kensington. We went there for lunch one day and tried the salmon blinis (a savory pancake with toppings) and pierogi (dumplings filled with potato and cheese). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An American style pizza place, NY Fold, opened last summer. I prefer the pizza at Franco Manco and Pizza Pilgrims over NY Fold but it was still pretty good. But they did have fountain soda with free refills which is very unusual in London.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Last fall Blu Top Ice Cream and Vicky's Donuts teamed up for doughnut sundaes at The Crown and Anchor in Brixton. I tried the Castro which had bananascotch ice cream covered in salted chocolate crackle shell inside a chocolate glazed doughnut.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Providores in Marylebone has a delicious brunch menu. I tried the stuffed french toast with bacon and was not disappointed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've heard great things about Butchies friend chicken and was pleased to see their stand at the Feast of Saint George in Trafalgar Square last month. Warren and I split a chicken burger and it was amazing! I'd definitely get it again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Meringue Girls were also at the Feast of Saint George so I tried both a watermelon meringue and this meringue sundae shown below. What could be better than meringue, you ask? Meringue topped with frosting, crushed nuts, and berry compote, of course!</span><br />
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<br />Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-29685228724574528782016-05-04T21:54:00.000+01:002016-05-04T21:54:16.238+01:00So Much Food, Part 1<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I realized that I haven't done a compilation on food since last August! It was a bit too long with everything I've tried so I'm breaking it into two posts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My friend Kate loves Ottolenghi so one night we met up with Pamela and Mary for dinner. We all shared dishes so we could try lots of things. I only took photos of four of them, but we tried seared tuna, aubergine croquettes, beet salad, and aubergine salad. Everything was delicious, especially the beet salad!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Most days Piccadilly Market is nothing special. There are booths selling antiques and people who will make you a belt while you wait. But on Mondays the market changes into a bustling street food market. There was a huge queue at the Peruvian booth so I figured it must be worth trying. I got the chicken with rice and it did not disappoint.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While at Piccadilly Market I was introduced to Cakehole, a bakery stand with amazing cheesecake. Yes, this will definitely happen again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I know I've mentioned the salt beef sandwich at Brass Rail in the Selfridges Food Hall before, but I went another time with my friend Heather to try the reuben. It was even better than the salt beef. I always love the pickle/gherkin at Brass Rail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bloomsbury Farmers Market is my new favorite weekday food market. Even in the middle of winter, there were tons of booths and people there for lunch. I got a mix of three different kinds of pasta from a place with an insanely long queue. I had pasta with red sauce and olives, pesto and mushrooms, and gnocchi with salmon. The pesto was by far the winner in my opinion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Molly Bakes in Dalston has gotten a lot of publicity for their freakshakes. It is a milkshake with brownies, cookies, marshmallows, sauces, and whipped cream. Warren tried the peanut butter, Lisa tried the salted caramel and I tried the raspberry. They were all delicious and I loved that the raspberry had pop rocks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even though it looks delicious, the food at STAKEhaus was a bit disappointing. I've had better steak and chips in other markets (specifically at Maltby Street Market). Luckily I'd used a half price voucher I'd received from Kerb so it wasn't a huge investment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My friend Pamela and her mom wanted to try Top Dog, the restaurant started by Marissa Hermer from the reality show Ladies of London. The hot dogs were really great! I tried a beef hot dog with apple-slaw (bottom left in the photo below). Marissa actually came in while we were there and was nice enough to take photos with us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">My new obsession is the 'biskie' from Cutter and Squidge. I love the salted caramel one that is a cookie sandwich filled with buttercream frosting, marshmallow, and caramel sauce. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I read about Fischer's kaiserschmarrn in Time Out magazine so Lisa and I went there for brunch one Saturday morning. Kaisershmarrn is a shredded pancake named after the Austrian emporer Franz Joseph I who was particularly fond of it. Ours came with stewed fruit and a sweet soured cream. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My friend Kate loves salt beef sandwiches and says the best one in London is from Northfield Farm at Borough Market. Warren and I gave it a go and I have to agree with Kate...definitely the best! The mustard is a bit spicy for my taste but overall it was delicious. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My sister told me about this place she likes in Belgium called Aux Merveilleux de Fred. There is one in South Kensington that I now frequent more often than I'd like to admit. My favorite thing there is the brioche with chocolate but they also have these meringues topped with frosting and covered in chocolate shavings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">La Gelatiera in Covent Garden has these adorable baby cones! And what's even better is that the gelato is delicious. I usually prefer ice cream over gelato but la Gelatiera might make me change my stance on that. </span><br />
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Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-63293459841480936702016-04-25T15:34:00.000+01:002016-04-25T15:34:08.110+01:00Queen's English as a Second Language Part 12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Toilet/WC/Ladies--restroom/bathroom, as in "Where is the ladies?" or "I need to use the toilet." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Flyover--overpass, as in "The traffic on the flyover is always packed."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lush--great/amazing, as in "I had the most lush milkshake last week."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kind regards--way to end an email or letter. In the US I typically signed my emails "Thanks, Rachael" but here I use "Kind Regards," "Best," or "Best Regards"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Parcel--package, as in "When is the parcel expected to arrive?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Single File Traffic--one land road, as in "Harrow Road is single file traffic due to construction."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fab--short for fabulous, as in "I saw the most fab skirt on Oxford Street today" or "You must try the ice cream at Udderlicious. It's fab!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Treacle (specifically black treacle)--molasses, as in "I don't care for the taste of treacle."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ring--call, as in "I'll ring you later."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bloody--mild swear word to add emphasis, as in "fan-bloody-tastic," "bloody good idea," or "I can't see a bloody thing!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tick--check, as in "I ticked so many boxes today."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overtaking--passing, as in "Be careful when overtaking other motorists on the motorway."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Post/Postbox--mail/mailboxes, as in "Has the post come yet?" or "I need to run this to the postbox."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Landslip--landslide, as in "The trains are backed up due to the land slip."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scoff--scarf or stuff your face, as in "I scoffed an entire package of Jaffa cakes last night."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where to start on this one...I'll just say that if this were in the US it would be called something like, "I must color now"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Posh--sophisticated, as in "I don't know any posh words" or "Wow, this new routemaster is so posh."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Air con/air co--a/c, as in "I love the Circle line mostly for the air con."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh crumbs--exclamation of surprise or worry, as in "Oh crumbs! I spilled on my trousers."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6l5L3UcJEMqz6lOYe7v4kzbgk-5OkAFp5mUbcxlIj9vQQDZr5vS11P0EaAUtSNWI7s0uMQlQwlGEaCq879RefdxpGIkVSmN3q9HEh8L6o2RkyE4QJ1VjvriRBaTqvZ2k3_UgWS4SJ1wQ/s1600/IMG_4370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6l5L3UcJEMqz6lOYe7v4kzbgk-5OkAFp5mUbcxlIj9vQQDZr5vS11P0EaAUtSNWI7s0uMQlQwlGEaCq879RefdxpGIkVSmN3q9HEh8L6o2RkyE4QJ1VjvriRBaTqvZ2k3_UgWS4SJ1wQ/s640/IMG_4370.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whilst--while, as in "I finished reading my book whilst waiting for you."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chips--fries, as in "I'll have a burger with a side of chips."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Twat--a vulgar term for idiot, as in "[insert disliked politician's name] is a real twat."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAJ55SADd5B2Jm3DKIhospDASbe2wZcypjnz8SGmskOODYhHebzGsE7ZrW8vdQPC8CzcqVIiCIEHhJIEL3363N1LaxZHbwFv7mb3qryd_hVv38gk9xr0eLWwF6G95mQ80bmdLLoE1bE4/s1600/IMG_4464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAJ55SADd5B2Jm3DKIhospDASbe2wZcypjnz8SGmskOODYhHebzGsE7ZrW8vdQPC8CzcqVIiCIEHhJIEL3363N1LaxZHbwFv7mb3qryd_hVv38gk9xr0eLWwF6G95mQ80bmdLLoE1bE4/s640/IMG_4464.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Splendid--wonderful, as in "The show last night was splendid!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fit--hot, as in "His mate is well fit."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bap--roll (typically filled like a sandwich), as in "I love a bacon bap."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Roleplay--dress up, as in "I've heard roleplay games are essential to children's development."</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I apologize this photo is blurry, it is off an escalator and I tried so many times to get a clearer picture with no success</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chambermaid--housekeeper, as in "You have a chambermaid? How posh!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tatties--potatoes (I think this is from Scotland), as in "My mum makes the best tatties."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pay point--register, as in "There is a huge queue at the pay point."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surgery--one-on-one meeting with politician and constituents (not to be confused with surgical theatre at a hospital)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Toastie--grilled cheese/panini, as in "I want a cheese toastie at Borough Market for lunch."</span><br />
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Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-52153123946356221572016-04-17T21:21:00.001+01:002016-04-17T21:21:39.605+01:00Istanbul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Over Easter Warren and I met up with my sister and brother-in-law in Istanbul. It was a cold weekend but we had a great time seeing all the sights and eating all of the foods. Seriously, we tasted everything we could. More on that later.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">In front of the 'Blue Mosque'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Warren and I headed to Topkapi palace first thing Friday morning and almost had the place to ourselves! Topkapi is an Ottoman palace where the sultans lived between 1465 and 1830. We also toured the harem, the private quarters for the sultan's concubines and courtiers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I went to Istanbul for the first time in 2009 and was really struck by all the beautiful tiles lining the interiors of so many buildings. They were just as amazing this time. I especially love the ones with Arabic writing seen in the photos in the upper left corner and the right hand photo. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Istanbul's signature building is the Sultanahmet Mosque, built in the 1600s. The interior is lined with over 21,000 blue </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Ä°</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">znik tiles which is why it is often referred to as the blue mosque. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another top sight in Istanbul is the Aya Sofya (or Hagia Sophia in Greek). It originated as a Christian church in 537 and was converted to a mosque in 1453 which makes it a fascinating mix of two religions. Mosaics of important figures in Christianity are still being discovered underneath plaster walls. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The food in Istanbul is incredible. We ate some old favorites but also tried a few new things. We tasted (starting in the top left corner moving clockwise) pudding made out of chicken breast, clotted cream covered in honey, lamb with mashed eggplant, sour cherry juice, pide (Turkish pizza), pistachio baklava, kunefe (a dessert made of syrup, melted cheese, and pastry the consistency of shredded wheat) and kebabs. The middle photo is of Yedigun, a more delicious version of Fanta.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Basilica Cistern was built in 532AD. It was built to store fresh water (up to 21 million gallons) for the Great Palace and surrounding buildings but was closed when the Byzantine emperors moved from the Great Palace. It was rediscovered in 1545 when a visiting scholar heard stories of locals drawing up water or even fish from their basements. He investigated what was below and discovered the cistern.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Two of the 336 marble columns have stone carvings of Medusa heads. There are several theories of why one Medusa head is upside down and the other is sideways. One idea is that Byzantine builders only saw Roman relics as reusable rubble. Another is that it was done this way because early Christians put pagan statues upside down as a statement about their faith. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our last day we went to Kariye Museum, a church where the walls and ceilings are covered in mosaics and paintings. There has been a church or mosque on this site since 536AD. The current building is from the 14th century and was turned in to a museum in 1945. It is a bit harder to get to but definitely worth a visit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We did a lot of shopping throughout our weekend in Istanbul, our favorite being the spice market. Vendors would call out invitations to come to their shop and some were funny enough to say things like, "Let me help you buy something you don't need."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We had such a great time in Istanbul and came home with some great souvenirs and memories. I'd love to go back again as there is so much more to see. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-71400446895308313932016-04-04T21:52:00.000+01:002016-04-04T21:52:22.348+01:00Lambeth Palace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Back in February I was able to tour Lambeth Palace, the London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury and his family. Because of an error with the booking site there was only one other person on the tour with me. So we essentially had a private tour and I was able to take some photos of the inside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Chapel is the oldest part of Lambeth Palace dating back to the 1200s. It was badly damaged during World War II, particularly the roof and stained glass. It was restored using donations from congregations around the world and each seat in the quire has a flag from one of the donating countries. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Great Hall is where the Archbishop received and entertained guests with feasts and banquets. One of these guests may have been King Henry VIII as it is known that he stayed at Lambeth Palace. On a day to day basis the Great Hall was used as sleeping quarters for the staff and servants of Lambeth Palace who did not have homes of their own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The south front of Lambeth Palace is the entrance to the Archbishop's apartments, offices, and state rooms. Bath stones were used to build this part of the palace but they were damaged from the soot and grime from Waterloo Station (built ten years after the palace was completed) and pollution from nearby factories. You can still see the discoloration of the stones around the door. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The State Drawing Room was also badly damaged in World War II. A replica ceiling of the original design was only finished in 1999. Hanging on a wall in this private sitting room was a painting always said to be Catherine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII. Staff from the National Portrait Gallery noticed the painting and found (after a lot of research and x-rays) that the painting is actually Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII. The original portrait is now hanging in the National Portrait Gallery and a copy is displayed in the room at Lambeth Palace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Guard Room was probably built in the 14th century and the name "the guard room" first appears in work records dating back to 1423. Sir Thomas More was asked to take the Oath of Supremacy in this room. This would have acknowledged Henry VIII as supreme head of the English church. Sir Thomas More refused and soon after was found guilty of treason and beheaded.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My favorite part of the Guard Room were these carvings of faces at the end of the roof beams. I especially like the one on the left because I think it looks like the person is nervously biting their nails. I imagine them doing this during a tense meeting like the one with Sir Thomas More. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lambeth Palace has beautiful gardens and even has a view of the Houses of Parliament. You can see one of the towers popping up over the fence in the middle of the photo below. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is a lot of sad history to Lambeth Palace. During the English Civil War, it was occupied by soldiers of Parliament and was intentionally damaged. The soldiers even broke open the tomb of a former Archbishop and threw out his bones in the stable yard. During the Peasants' Revolt in 1381, angry mobs stormed and ransacked the palace. The Archbishop escaped to the Tower of London but that was also stormed and he was beheaded by the mob. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even with all the turmoil in its history, Lambeth Palace is a beautiful place to visit. The gardens will be open to visitors (for a £5 donation to the host charity) on the first Friday of every month from now until October 2016. </span>Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-65435999593100161662016-03-23T09:47:00.003+00:002016-03-23T09:47:44.150+00:00Museum of Childhood<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A couple months ago my sister and brother-in-law were in town and we went to the V&A Museum of Childhood. </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The museum was opened in 1872 by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) and was originally used to display items from the </span><a href="http://smithandchips.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/wallace-collection.html" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Wallace Collection</a><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">. It started to focus on services for children in the 1920s and became an official Museum of Childhood in 1974.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Female prisoners from the Woking Gaol (jail) laid the fish scale pattern floor and students from the South Kensington Museum Mosaic Class created murals for the south wall. The day we went it was really busy with families and school groups, and many were enjoying the cafe. The museum has collections of toys, doll houses, children's clothing, furniture, and games from different time periods and countries.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We came to this museum to see a special exhibit on Britain's Child Migrants. It was heartbreaking as it discussed the children of poor families that were sent alone to commonwealth countries between 1869-1970. Below are examples of propaganda posters that were used to entice people to send their children off to a better life abroad. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Many children were given homes in exchange for their work on farms. Sadly, the children were often seen as laborers instead of members of the family. They weren't allowed to go to school and were expected to work horribly long days. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The exhibit followed one particular school in Australia that was set up for these child migrants. The children suffered horrible abuse and were sometimes told their families back home had died and they lost any opportunity to see them again as adults. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We watched part of a documentary at the museum discussing the Child Migrants Trust, whose goal is to help former child migrants find information about their families and reunite them with surviving members. It was so sad to hear the stories of people who lost out on their childhood with their families but I am glad we saw the exhibit and learned more about this part of history. </span>Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-21439964302252003812016-03-14T16:25:00.001+00:002016-03-14T16:25:30.831+00:00Dr Johnson's House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dr Samuel Johnson was a writer in the 18th century. In 1746 he was commissioned to write the Dictionary of the English Language and moved to a house in Gough Square to work on this immense project. My friend Kate and I toured this house which is still set up how it would have looked during the time Dr Johnson lived there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Samuel Johnson was </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">known to be a very robust character and a great conversationalist. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He was </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a social person and counted many famous people as close friends including David Garrick (the actor) and Elizabeth Carter (the poet). The little cupboard on the right side of the photo below was the powder room, where one would sit to have their wig put on and powdered. It was also used to store wigs when not in use. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dr Johnson's house was not very busy the day Kate and I visited so we were able to have some fun with <a href="http://smithandchips.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/panoramic-group-photos.html" target="_blank">panorama photos</a> and not disturb anyone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Samuel Johnson was a devoted tea drinker and was recorded to have drank 25 cups in one sitting while visiting a friend. The cups were not as large back then but even with a smaller cup that is a lot of tea! He commented about the occasion saying, "...I swallowed five-and-twenty cups of her tea, and did not treat her with as many words." Even on a typical day Johnson was known to drink 14 cups in one sitting. The cartoon below commemorates his love of tea. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The writing of the Dictionary of the English Language was a huge undertaking taking 8 years to complete and required 6 assistants. It listed 40,000 words defined in detail and included at least one quotation for each (often Milton or Shakespeare quotes). It was the most extensive and complex English dictionary at the time. Johnson was guilty of imposing his opinions on the definitions. For example, his definition of oats is "a grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The house at 17 Gough Square was built at the end of the 17th century. It has four floors and many still have the original features from the period, even though it fell into disrepair in the later part of the 19th century and was badly damaged during bombings in World War II. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Along with the beautiful wood floors the house has an open staircase and the original 18th century anti-burglar devices on the front door. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Outside in the square is a bronze statue of Johnson's favorite cat, Hodge, sitting on a copy of Johnson's Dictionary. Also featured on the statue are two oyster shells, which was Hodge's main diet (oysters were very inexpensive back then). Johnson's love of his pet set him apart from his 18th century contemporaries. He was once quoted as saying, "...he is a very fine cat, a very fine cat indeed."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Samuel Johnson is known as the second most quoted Englishman (the first being Shakespeare). My favorite quote from him is: "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." Well said, Dr Johnson. </span>Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-29617234561953120772016-03-06T13:57:00.000+00:002016-03-06T13:57:01.928+00:00London Transport Museum<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A few weeks ago I went to the London Transport Museum with my friends Mary, Pamela, and Kate. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I love public transportation and museums with great gift shops, so this was a great combination for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The museum starts off in 19th century London when it was fashionable for the wealthy to travel by horse-drawn cabs. The idea of horse-drawn buses (below right) came from this and those were replaced by horse-drawn trams (below left). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I love the design on this original bus ticket. So much lovelier than our current Oyster transport card. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The world's first underground railway opened in London in January 1863 between Paddington and Farringdon (a route Warren is very familiar with). The original trains for the underground were steam powered and the carriages were gas lit. Not as comfortable as our current system of electric trains where some lines even have air conditioning! The London Underground used to have their publicity posters made by established and up-and-coming artists. These ones below were some of my favorites on display. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It seems the tube has been a place to advertise for a long time now. I love reading the current ads while I commute around the city but this old ad was too good to not take a photo. I also loved seeing the old tube map in the model carriage. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The museum had a live bus map projection showing the different routes around the city. It was fun to find the bus I take most often and watch it go around my neighborhood and beyond. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After finishing at the London Transport Museum we went to lunch at Meat Market. Since there were four of us we were able to try several sides including the fried macaroni and cheese, onion rings, and fries. Everyone loved the food (which is lucky for me because Meat Market is one of my favorites). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another successful day out in the city! I loved the London Transport Museum, and their 2 for 1 voucher through <a href="https://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/london-transport-museum" target="_blank">Days Out Guide</a> made it more affordable, leaving more money to spend on the delicious lunch. </span>Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-8784954646696820672016-02-26T22:45:00.001+00:002016-02-26T22:45:36.065+00:00Leicester<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of the days I was in Nottingham my friend and I popped over to the nearby city Leicester (pronounced "Lester"). In 2012, Leicester was in the news because a research team found the remains of King Richard III in a carpark near the cathedral. His body was originally buried in 1485 in Greyfriars church in Leicester but the church was later destroyed during the dissolution of monasteries by Henry VIII. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In March 2015 Richard III's remains were reburied in Leicester Cathedral. The coffin which is buried under the floor was crafted by a direct descendant of his sister and the raised tomb is made of stone from a quarry in North Yorkshire, which is especially fitting as he was the last king of the House of York. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Most museums in Leicester are free which meant we had low expectations but they ended up being really great! We started at the Newarke Houses Museum which is made up of two historic homes: Wygston's Chantry House and Skeffington House. The interior of the homes alone were well worth the visit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The museum also had displays of storefronts from the 1950s. We had some questions about the way the prices were written but the museum staff weren't very helpful. Luckily, we ran into a man who was visiting the museum with his granddaughter who answered all of our questions and shared some of his memories of the old money system. I've already forgotten most of the details but I am glad farthings, shillings, and half pennies are no longer used because it sounded very complicated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They also had this old punch clock with a warning that reads, "...any employee known to ring in or out any number other than their own will be liable to instant dismissal." This machine looks much more complicated than anything I've ever used to clock in for work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of Leicester's most famous sights is the Jewry Wall which is part of the Roman town's public baths. It is one of the tallest original Roman walls in England.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Inside the Jewry Wall Museum we saw a really well preserved Roman mosaic floor and had a fascinating chat with the knowledgeable museum workers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My friend is studying Anglo Saxon literature so the museum worker made sure to show us the remains of an Anglo Saxon woman who was found on a construction site. I was impressed with how nice her teeth were but apparently the Anglo Saxons didn't eat refined sugars. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The museum guys recommended we visit the Church of Saint Mary de Castro. There is some speculation that Geoffrey Chaucer married Philippa de Roet, a lady-in-waiting to Edward III's queen) in this church in 1366. Also, King Henry VI was knighted in this church as an infant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">St Mary de Castro is unique in that it has two naves. The original chapel was exclusive to the royal family so another chapel and nave was added for others to worship. The original external wall is now an interior wall but received some renovations during Victorian times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our last museum in Leicester was the Guildhall where we learned that the city suffered greatly during the outbreaks of the plague. I couldn't resist taking a selfie with this mask of a person with the plague, as horrifying as it was. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am so glad to have been able to visit Leicester. It was a great city and we enjoyed many lovely chats with people at the museums and churches. It was especially interesting to speak with people who took part in the reburial ceremony for Richard III since it feels like history is still being made. </span></div>
Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-61315595569042328752016-02-20T17:35:00.001+00:002016-02-20T17:35:59.645+00:00Nottingham<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I just got back from a trip to Nottingham to visit a friend of mine who is studying at the university there. She is a big history fan like me and we had a great time touring around Nottingham and other nearby towns. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I love when a town leans in to what most people associate it with, in this case Robin Hood. As we walked up to the castle we took Friar Lane and then turned onto Maid Marian Way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We also saw many shops with Robin Hood logos and selling related merchandise. The local travel card for busses and trams is also called Robin Hood. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW20LwoQRnQ68TjMlZOt8oTHZebtccwxSVNbxT3XGVjtojW1ZJS_n7UA5_k8Rs-jtk_beeG-F_UbOz0ZxYTW7GJmM67PBasM-lJD9jN-rP0CiS7qQuUM5ii22LWP9oTuYkN2j6JbHoT6g/s1600/More+Robin+Hood+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW20LwoQRnQ68TjMlZOt8oTHZebtccwxSVNbxT3XGVjtojW1ZJS_n7UA5_k8Rs-jtk_beeG-F_UbOz0ZxYTW7GJmM67PBasM-lJD9jN-rP0CiS7qQuUM5ii22LWP9oTuYkN2j6JbHoT6g/s640/More+Robin+Hood+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had to go see the man himself, or at least a statue, as we headed up to the castle. The stories of Robin Hood were an oral tradition told by travelling storytellers dating back to the late-medieval period. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nottingham has more manmade caves than any other city in Britain with over 500 caves found so far. These have been used as homes, tanneries, pub cellars, store rooms, and air raid shelters during World War II. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Walking the streets of Notts (as the locals call it) we came across so many exceptional buildings. I thought that the buildings in Nottingham looked well maintained and it was fun to see a Taco Bell in the lower part of a beautiful old building. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Lace Market was once the center of the world's lace industry and was full of warehouses and salesrooms. These have been converted to modern stores, flats, and restaurants and is a very trendy part of town. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We went inside St Mary's Church which has parts of the current building that date back to the 14th century and the reign of Edward III. As is common with most old churches, it was renovated in Victorian times and the stained glass comes from that time period. It is currently under renovation again with loads of scaffolding and pieces of stained glass removed. It was still beautiful even under renovation, but it didn't photograph very well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One building I was really excited to see is Wollaton Hall, an Elizabethan manor built in 1588. It was used as Wayne Manor in the most recent Batman movies and is five miles away from Gotham, Nottinghamshire which is where some think Gotham City got its name.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Prospect Room inside Wollaton Hall is situated above the Great Hall but has never been used in the history of the house. There is not an easy staircase to access the room, especially if one were dressed in a formal Elizabethan attire. We had to climb up a very small spiral staircase to enter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We went out on the roof on our tour and the guide told us that it was traditional for homeowners to throw parties on the flat roof. It fell out of style after people who had too much to drink fell over the side of the house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wollaton Hall has a rich history including its use as a base for the U.S. 508th Parachute Regiment before they took part in the D-Day landings. Our guide said his mother used to tell stories about the American soldiers she met who were staying at Wollaton Hall. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This beautiful building has survived many tragic damages including a fire in 1642 and attacks by Reform Act rioters in 1831. But it has been restored each time and stands as a wonderful example of Elizabethan architecture in a lovely part of England. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I really enjoyed my time in Nottingham and I think it is because the city felt vibrant and bustling, the local people were really friendly, and I had a great hostess for my time in Notts!</span></div>
Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-84071599244291971812016-02-14T12:02:00.000+00:002016-02-14T12:02:49.590+00:00Galentine's Day<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As fans of Parks and Recreation know, February 13th is Galentine's Day, a day to celebrate your best girlfriends. I celebrated this year in the traditional way...eating waffles. In the words of Leslie Knope, the founder of Galentine's Day, "Friends, waffles, work. Or waffles, friends, work. Doesn't matter, but work is third."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My favorite place for waffles that doesn't require a reservation months in advance is Electric Diner in Notting Hill. Although I've been a few times when the waffle iron is broken, they made sure it was in good repair for Galentine's Day!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here I am with Lisa and Suzette...some of my favorite London gals</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After brunch, Lisa and I went shopping on Regent Street and Covent Garden. We didn't end up buying anything because the sugar overload from the waffles made us feel slightly sluggish, but we did come across the end of a parade celebrating the Chinese New Year which was really cool.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All that walking around meant we were up for more sugar (a must when celebrating any holiday invented by Leslie Knope) so we went to Cereal Killer Cafe for their stacked hot chocolate. I tried the salted caramel and Lisa got the Nutella.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is a closer look at my salted caramel hot chocolate. It had chocolate chips, caramel flavored milk, a bite size millionaire bar, and loads of whipped cream and caramel sauce. Delicious!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am lucky to have such amazing friends here, especially since I live far from my family and friends back home. I had a great time spending an entire day celebrating friendship.</span>Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-66375672041204007282016-02-08T17:32:00.001+00:002016-02-08T17:32:49.410+00:00Sisters Don't Shake Hands...Sisters Gotta Hug<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Warren's sister came for a visit and we made the most of her time in London. We visited Windsor Castle and were able to see the semi-state rooms (only open September to March) which are my favorites. The semi-state rooms were the private apartments of King George IV and follow suit with his very expensive and lavish style. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next day Margo and I headed to Oxford where we toured the Bodlean Library and went inside the University Church of St Mary the Virgin (picture below). It was a lovely church with hardly any visitors so it felt very peaceful compared to the busy streets of Oxford. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then we ate some chips at The Eagle and Child pub, where the informal literary group "The Inklings" used to meet. I enjoyed sitting in the pub and imagining Tolkien and Lewis discussing books or troublesome students from the university.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Back in London, we went to the Albert Memorial in Hyde Park. </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">It was commissioned by Queen Victoria after her beloved husband, Prince Albert, died of typhoid in 1861. </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">It was raining really hard that day so we basically had the memorial to ourselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Across from the Albert Memorial is Royal Albert Hall. We went on a guided tour of the inside of the concert hall which we both really enjoyed. I was surprised to learn that it cost the same amount of money to build the Prince Albert Memorial and the Royal Albert Hall. On the tour we saw the theatre seats that are owned by the Queen as well as her private stairway and entrance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This part of town is sometimes called "Albertopolis" because the land was purchased using funds made from the Great Exhibition of 1851, which was mostly driven by Albert. The money made from the exhibition also funded the Victoria and Albert Museum. The photo below shows the chimney (no longer in use) for the Royal Albert Hall. I found it interesting that it is separate from the building and how tall it is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Later in the week, Margo and I traveled to Bath to escape the bustling city and "take the waters" (well, maybe not the latter). The Royal Crescent is always impressive. The architect John Wood designed and built the facade for these 30 townhouses. The person who purchased the townhouse was responsible for building the back part of the house. The view from behind Royal Crescent shows the different roof heights and doesn't have the uniformity that the front has. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I always love a beautiful church and Bath Abbey is no exception. I've seen the outside before but this time I was able to go inside on a sunny day to see the stained glass in its full glory. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Margo and I had afternoon tea at the Library Lounge in the County Hall Marriott one rainy afternoon. The food was delicious and we had a great view of the river. I especially loved the sweet and savory scones. The sweet ones come with a strawberry jam that is made specifically for the Library Lounge, and the savory scones have a cream cheese and chive spread. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I enjoyed Margo's visit immensely! We really covered a lot of ground in a short time and it was wonderful to spend loads of time talking and catching up. </span><br />
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Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-35225399211413742582016-02-05T23:16:00.001+00:002016-02-05T23:16:37.923+00:00So You Think You Know Britain Part 7<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In America we have TJ Maxx, but in the UK it is called TK Maxx. It is the same store, just a slightly different name. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Londoners hate pigeons. There are signs in the touristy parts of town reminding people to not feed them, because no self respecting Londoner would feed these nuisances. I had someone ask me why I had vermin on my phone case, referring to the picture of pigeons. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some homes actually use this type of key for a main lock, which I never saw used back home. I only know the American English term for it (a skeleton key) but I'm not sure what they are called in England (they probably just call it a key). To me it looks like the key they would use in The Secret Garden, not an everyday flat key. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Waldo is called Wally here! The Where's Wally? book series originated in the UK so Wally is the original name but has different local names for international versions. I never thought of Waldo as local to North America, but what do I know? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Leave it to the Brits to make everyday items look fancy. The red mailboxes here are much more decorative than the blue ones back home. This middle photo is a dog waste bin in Regent's Park, and the last photo is of a police call box that is no longer in use. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When I think of pie, I think of apple, lemon meringue, or even pecan. But these pie dishes are intended for a savoury pie like steak and ale, chicken and ham, or mushroom and leeks. That's not to say that they don't like desserts here, they just call them puddings instead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The national minimum wage in the UK varies depending on a person's age. I was disappointed that it is currently only £6.70 per hour (under $10) for workers over 21, especially considering London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. In the US, the minimum wage is $7.25 but some larger cities have raised it due to the higher living costs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm always impressed by how much money you can have in just coins in the UK and Europe. In the US, if you have a pocket full of coins it may only be worth $5 at the most. Any guesses as to how much this handful of coins is worth in US dollars? Answer next week in the comments section. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After many road trips through America, I can say that the cheapest food is usually at a grocery store. I assumed it was the same here, but as you can see below, the can of soda purchased at a small convenient store was only 65 pence, but the same can costs 71 pence at the grocery store. I know it is only a difference of 6p, but it still took me off guard!</span><br />
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Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-28702344825958527592016-02-03T11:41:00.000+00:002016-02-03T11:41:31.336+00:00Queen's English As A Second Language Part 11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Push the boat out--splurge, as in "I think we can push the boat out and have champagne tonight."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Buckets--a lot, as in "I cried buckets when Matthew left the show."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Way out--exit (used in the Underground)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Flatmate--roommate. In America we use the term roommate regardless of whether you share an actual room, a flat, or a house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pies--meat pies, not sweet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Savouries--salty snacks</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fire Brigade--Fire Department</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is one about pronunciation. If you said this in an American accent, it doesn't have the same cute meaning. It is said more like "tuh-may-dohs" instead of "tow-mah-toes".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I know I've done both "carrier bags" and "rubbish" in earlier posts but I thought this bag was cute. A carrier bag is a plastic bag and rubbish means bad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Partner--significant other, as in "Remind me your partner's name..." In England they use the term "partner" to cover any situation including spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend (long or short term). In the US I wouldn't have called Warren my partner but I do here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Brilliant--a term to describe anything, including a way to agree. As in "If you follow me I'll show you to your table." "Brilliant." Or "Just enter your pin now." "Brilliant." This photo is a screenshot from a time I had to accept new terms and conditions for an app. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nan and Grandad--Grandma and Grandpa, as in "My grandad just turned 90!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Half Term--school holiday or spring/winter break, as in "Why is the bus so crowded? Is it half term already?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Car Park--parking lot, as in "It took me ages to find the car in the car park!" Also note "High Street". I've done that one before, but it means the main street with shops.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Swish--fashionable or posh, as in "We went to a swish hotel for our anniversary dinner."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tipple--an alcoholic drink, as in "Sherry is her favourite tipple."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jelly--gelatin as in "My mom always put oranges in the jelly when I was a kid." Jelly in America is a fruit spread similar to jam but a bit thicker. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are very popular there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The face you pull--the face you make, as in "She pulled a face when I told her I didn't want to go."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Faff--waste time, as in "We can't faff around forever!"</span><br />
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Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-46269986240453097712016-01-25T10:16:00.001+00:002016-01-25T10:16:02.540+00:00Panoramic Group Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I often find it a dilemma on how to take a group photo on a trip. The issue is either that I'm not in the mood to ask a stranger, I'm afraid my iPhone will get stolen, there is a communication issue, or there isn't anyone around to ask. For the last few months I've been working on perfecting the panoramic group photo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is a Pano feature under the camera settings on </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">more recent iPhones and iPads (or I'm sure there is an app that can be downloaded). The way I set it up is to have the group stand in the normal line with one space open at the end for the photographer. Then start the pano and when you get to the person in the middle stop moving and keep the phone as still as possible. The person standing in the first position leaves the group and takes the phone from the photographer. Then the original photographer walks behind the group and takes their place in the photo at the end of the line. The second photographer continues with the pano like normal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After several failed attempts at doing a pano group photo I've learned a few strategies. Stand in the middle of your subject matter (if you have five people, stand lined up with the third person--include yourself in this count) or if there is a building or statue you want as a focal piece, square yourself with it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another tip is to consider the height of the tallest piece of your subject matter (I cut off the top of Highclere Castle in the first photo but kept our feet in full view). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The biggest thing is to try hard not to shake the phone because that will end the pano. It can be difficult but with some practice you can do some really fun things with your photos! My brother-in-law orchestrated my favorite pano in the photo below. My sister and I alternated letters in the 'I amsterdam' sign one morning before all the tourists arrived. This is our pinnacle pano photo, but I'd love to be upstaged by a clever reader.</span><br />
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Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-80063425345971494172016-01-21T14:39:00.000+00:002016-01-21T14:39:27.102+00:0010 Things to Be Ready For When Traveling To India<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Full disclosure: India was one of my least favorite trips. This list started out as a list of things I found surprising when traveling in India but a friend of mine pointed out that a lot of the things come across as negative. My intention is not to be hard on India, but these were just some things that I wasn't expecting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. I was unaware that "smoke" was a forecast. I'm familiar with cloudy, rainy, sunny, and maybe a few others, but seeing this forecast took me by surprise. But boy, was it accurate!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. India was much colder than I expected. My packing list included shorts and light shirts but when we checked the forecast days before we left, I started scrambling to figure out what to wear since it was going to be a high of 71 F for most of our trip. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. It seemed that wherever we went, people wanted to take photos with us. It was mostly fun (I only turned down a photo op once when we were really short on time), although I preferred when people would ask to take photos with us rather than trying to sneak one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4. I've travelled to countries where there are a lot of stray dogs on the streets but I was still surprised to see so many animals on the street, especially cows, goats, pigs, plus loads of dogs and puppies. To my surprise, we did not see very many cats. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5. I brought some food along with me but I incorrectly assumed we would find a grocery store or bodega to buy snacks at some point. The most we found were little stands selling dusty bags of expired chips, a few candy bars, and soda/water. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A typical stand with provisions</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6. I've been really bad lately with trying to learn the local language before traveling and in preparation for this trip had read that we'd be able to get by with just English in India. However, this is one trip where I wish I had studied the language a bit beforehand. I was surprised at how difficult it was to communicate in English with taxi/tuk tuk drivers, hotel staff, and others we came into contact with.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An example of a tuk tuk that we used several times in India</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">7. As an American I am very familiar with disposable cups, but I was surprised that the disposable cups in India were handmade out of clay! People would drink chai out of little cups and then smash them on the ground. The lassi place we went to in Varanasi used larger versions of the disposable clay cups. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">8. My brother-in-law was really looking forward to eating a bunch of samosas, but surprisingly we never found them on a menu. We saw a lot of them being made and sold at street vendors but we read beforehand to avoid eating street food. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of the fancy, non street food establishments we tried</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">9. Horn honking is encouraged by other drivers to alert as you pass them. I now see how necessary it is because drivers don't stick to one lane and it sometimes felt like a game of Mario Kart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">10. Bombay belly is real. I had hoped that I could avoid stomach issues by eating at reputable restaurants, taking probiotics, and drinking a lot of lassi. I discovered how wrong I was as I puked my guts out in our hotel lobby in Mumbai. Amazingly, Mumbai is still my favorite city even after missing half our time there due to illness. Here I am looking pretty rough with the only thing I could keep down for a few days, 7Up. </span><br />
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Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-26434969129797822202016-01-17T21:37:00.001+00:002016-01-17T21:37:14.342+00:00India Top Ten<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After spending many hours sorting my photos, I decided the best way to sum up our trip is to limit it to my ten favorite sites and ten things that surprised me about India. I'll start with my top ten best India moments. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Taj Mahal</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was concerned that the Taj Mahal would be overhyped and may not be as impressive in person. I had no need to worry because it was amazing. The grounds are very large so even though there were a ton of people we didn't feel crammed. It is clean, beautiful, and huge with the most impressive mosaics I've seen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Sunrise Hindu Ceremony</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One morning in Varanasi we got up at 5am to watch a ceremony that is performed twice daily (sunrise and sunset). Young women from a religious school chanted while young men from the school performed the different stages of the ceremony, most involving fire or smoke. It was beautiful and fascinating to watch. Our guide told us that this is a fairly new ceremony so I couldn't find any more information about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Boat Tour on Ganges</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the morning ceremony, we took a boat to the northern end of Varanasi. We got our first look at the burning ghat where Hindus are cremated. We were so fascinated by what we saw that we decided to walk to the burning ghat for a closer look later that day. Photos are not allowed at the burning ghat but anyone is allowed to walk through the area. The burning ghat is especially sacred as it is believed that people who are cremated there will be released from the cycle of reincarnation. Male mourners carry the body wrapped in orange fabric to the ghat where the workers place the body in the Ganges river before placing it on one of the many fires. It was a solemn experience to see how other cultures handle end of life for loved ones. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Varanasi Street Food</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On our guided tour of Varanasi we stopped for breakfast at a stall full of locals. We tried this vegetarian dish with bread that was delicious and then had a dessert called jelebe, which was a crisp, fried sweet filled with a syrup. Also in Varanasi is a delicious lassi place where we tried apple pomegranate, strawberry banana, and banana chocolate coconut. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. Mumbai</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love big cities and Mumbai was no exception. The architecture was incredible, the shopping was excellent, and the city had a busy vibe that was energizing. I was surprised to read that Mumbai doesn't see much tourism, especially from foreign visitors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. Ranakpur Temple</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This Jain temple in Rajasthan was built in the 15th century as a show of devotion to Adinath, the founder of the Jain religion. The temple is named after the provincial monarch who supported the project. The temple is massive with 80 domes and 1,444 individually engraved pillars. Our audio guide mentioned that if you crawl between the legs of one of the carved elephants inside it would bring good things to your life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. Pushkar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This town is on a holy lake and has 52 bathing ghats (a ghat is a flight of steps leading to the water). Even though the main streets were busy with people, some of the areas around the lake were peaceful and we were able to sit and enjoy the beautiful view. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. The Great Kebab Factory</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We mostly ate vegetarian dishes while in India but we went to this restaurant that was recommended by a friend. They had a set menu and brought more of whatever item you wanted. The fresh fruit with strawberry and mustard sauce, the boneless chicken, and the lentils were my personal favorites. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. Safari Camp</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We stayed one night in a tent at a safari camp where we rode camels to watch the sunset. I really enjoyed riding a camel and thought it was a smoother ride than a horse but getting on and off was a pretty big challenge! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After sunset, there was a performance of traditional Rajasthani dancing and music. They even got us involved and taught us some of the dances. At one point one of the dancers balanced a stack of pots on her head while dancing, standing on glass, and picked something off the ground with her teeth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10. Forts, Forts, Forts!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We toured many forts in Rajasthan in northern India including Kumbhalgarh, Jaisalmer, Mehrangarh, Amber, Agra, and the Red Fort. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The earliest fort was built in the 5th century and the oldest in the 18th century. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each one was different from the next: some were intricately carved, some had been used as palaces, and some had heavy walls surrounding them. I enjoyed each fort we toured and never got tired of them. </span><br />
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Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407250767181789433.post-14511923421600474912015-12-21T18:49:00.001+00:002015-12-22T10:36:42.213+00:00Holiday TimeI'm holidaying in India so I won't be posting <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">until mid-January. If you want to see photos before then, check out my Instagram account Smithandchips. </span><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wXFRXUyzdczCVKKXrTJuQZBcqJ_iYaknjNhmjO1UY7qN7diCaEu2abIlx5z-xoppFb95ktAluctWHofcEd0wzm30Y-hKIG7gXKxrTXhllyETCqCSSlZbulVD8az5z2cwcapK9KiSEd4/s640/blogger-image--1721246872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wXFRXUyzdczCVKKXrTJuQZBcqJ_iYaknjNhmjO1UY7qN7diCaEu2abIlx5z-xoppFb95ktAluctWHofcEd0wzm30Y-hKIG7gXKxrTXhllyETCqCSSlZbulVD8az5z2cwcapK9KiSEd4/s640/blogger-image--1721246872.jpg"></a></div> </div>Rachael Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09929084727969073936noreply@blogger.com0