Strangers on a Train and Much More!

Hello All!

It has been a while since my last update, I know. Apologies!

Me with Edinburgh Castle in the Background

Our trip to Edinburgh, Scotland was fabulous. Went to Edinburgh Castle—which for all you Harry Potter fans is where JK Rowling unveiled the 6^th book—and then did a bus tour of the city. Saw the Scottish Parliament; it is one of the ugliest buildings ever and well worth googling to see more the monstrosity than is in the picture below. The next day I went to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is the Queen’s official residence in Scotland as well as the home of many of Scotland’s monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Part of the palace even dates back to Mary’s time!

Scottish Parliament!

Although Edinburgh was well worth the visit, I was sadly disappointed to find how over-run the city is with tourists. The “Old City,” as is called the historical part of Edinburgh wall to wall tourist shops, street vendors, and tour buses. I haven’t seen so many Americans since arriving in the UK as I did in Edinburgh! Nonetheless, I bought a UK version of Harry Potter 7 and found Heathwood Plaid before we made our way back to London via train.

Me with Palace of Holyroodhouse in Background

But as much fun as there was to be had in Edinburgh, I must admit that the most amusing things happened on the traveling to and from Scotland. As we are silly Americans looking for the cheapest deal, my roommate and I booked trains on the way there that had a layover. A 1AM TO 6AM LAYOVER!!! We huddled in the cold for hours…

On the way back we were thrilled to have a train taking us straight to London! However, as I approached my seat, I found two guys sitting where I should be. I quietly told the man in my seat that I thought he was in the wrong place, when I am suddenly and angrily yelled at for not speaking up but a blustering—and quite dirty looking—Welsh man. I step out of the way, not sure what to do, when another passenger approaches and offers help. He tells these men that they are indeed in the wrong seats and need to move. Well, then Mr. Angry Welsh Man starts to yell at this guy, saying I didn’t have the ticket a moment ago and that I am a rude girl. I point out to Mr. Angry Welsh Man that it’s not him that is in my seat but his friend. Finally the two move, and I am able to take my seat! Turns out Mr. Angry Welsh Man didn’t have a ticket at all! But he made sure to tell me, as he exited the train, that “Love, you are very rude and I am (here is raised his voice and scrunched up his face) VERY upset by this.”

The rest of the week passed uneventfully. Went to see a Hugh Hughs performance at the Barbican that was very funny and well worth seeing again if he tours in the US. Visited the National Portrait Gallery, where they keep all the portraits of the rich and famous of Britain. Then saw an very broad interpretation of Faust at the Young Vic. The show itself was amazing, but I was a bit disappointed how different the story was from Marlow’s Faust.

Oh yes, The Raindance Film Festival began this week. I am volunteering as an usher, which means I get a free shirt and can go to any screening I want as long as its not sold-out. Have been meeting a lot of European filmmakers, and not surprisingly their gusto for the industry is like any you find amongst film fest volunteers in the States.

This week, I am off with the other BBC students to Wood Norton to take a very intense multi-camera course. We will be in class from 9am to 10pm every day from Tuesday to Friday and will be staying in hotels close to the BBC building. I’m not sure if I should be excited or wary…

Cheers!