8 May 2005 - fish, chips and a whole lotta pounds

a recap of some recent impressions regarding london, england:

- scattered showers means scattered. the weather was changing every ten minutes in cambridge between sunny, dreary and pouring rain. this is no exaggeration.

- the buildings are very old to the point that its surreal. you think to yourself, that you are merely yet another person walking by the same building that has witnessed so much throughout the years. it seems inconsequential perhaps to the bldg, but it is time itself that gives it character, and it affects each individual on some level.

- cambridge was stunning. i never knew that green could be so green that you could practically taste it.

- the english countryside is idyllic, serene, and fulfilling. it makes a person want to run or rest.

- the tower of london is also very old (circa 1066) and it is incredible just how many ppl have been beheaded there! real beefeaters (retired military men) still live there with there families, and they are forced to wear beefeater liveries. at least they don't have to think about what to wear the next day.

- still amazed at how this country is so fascinated with its monarchy, which is practically functionless. for example, even a box of cereal has the queen's seal, or prince's seal , or both to validate its reputation. i felt relieved that that morning's weetabix was not only rich in wholesome wheaty goodness, but also approved by her royal majesty. awesome.

- fish n chips. its very fishy. the chips are french fries. the fish is cod. or plaice. or halibut. or... anything, really! didn't drink beer.

- everything is expensive. converted to USD$, it is twice as much. this is one of the biggest pitfalls of london. i have seriously not found a single thing worth paying for. sad.

-st paul's high mass this morning. by far one of the most touching experiences i've had since i was here. the boy's choir was incredibly, their voices rolling softly off the marble columns, shafts of light descending upon the large crucifix. latin, though a dead language, seems mightily alive when chanted. the whole experience was hair raising. i felt my soul fearing god.

- we had dinner tonight with my grandfather's father's brother's grandson. chinese blood ties run long and deep. i had no idea who this person was, until now.

that's all for now! paris on wednesday, then madrid!