The Tor, the Chalice, & King Aurthur

My first full day in glastonbury has been interesting! I woke up early and headed out to visit the Abbey Ruins. The Abbey was the first christian church in England and the ruins are nearly 2000 years old. It is also the site of King Aurthur and Guinevere graves. It was lovely and I enjoyed walking about the grounds.

I then walked up to the Chalice Well, about 1 1/2 miles from the center of town. It was a gorgeous walk and I saw a lot of very old English houses. Houses that were built in the 15th and 16th centuries! It's incredible! I arrived at the Chalice Well in good form and I decided to buy a large bottle to take some healing waters with me. In case you are unaware, the Chalice Well has been a sacred site for thousands of years. The Druids and the Celts first used it and there are Yew trees (Sacred to Druids) all about. The Christians came later and there is a lot of Christian legend surrounding the well. So, today, it is still considered a sacred site by all. I saw Druidic High Priestess using her wand to summon the energy of the rocks right along with Christians lighting votives and leaving them at the site of the well. It was fascinating. The gardens are gorgeous and as I wound my way around the waterfall, I found myself at 2 Yew trees that had been there for centuries, if not longer. It was incredible and I placed my hand on the trunk of both. There was a light wind softly rustling the leaves, and i imagined that they were speaking in whispered voices as they most certainly had for the ancient Druids. I continued along the path to the Lion's Head. This is where the healing waters rush out of the earth for the first time. This is where you drink and reflect. There is also a wading pool that you can submerge yourself in. It was a bit nippy, so I simply ran my hands to the cool water. I filled my large bottle and took a sip. It was heavy with iron and minerals, but the taste went away after a couple of drinks. So i sat on a bench and quietly drank my water and thought about this and that. I then refilled my bottle and continued up to the well itself. It was very peaceful and i can understand why people are drawn to it. It has a wonderful energy.

After I found my way back to the gate, I headed over to the footpath that Leads up the Tor and ultimately to the Tower of St. Michael. I had no idea it was so big. It is quite literally a vertical climb to the top. It was a sunny day, so i was determined. It actually was not that bad - perhaps it was the healing waters. I made it to the top of the Tor and the views were astonishing. You can see all of Somerset, Wiltshire, and Dorset counties from the top. Yes, it's that big! I stepped into the Tower and the moment I entered an incredibly strong wind suddenly tore through the Tower. I thought it would dissipate, but it was sustained and continued. In fact, it continued until I had begun the descent. The wind was so strong that I nearly was knocked over. I walked around the top for a bit, then headed back down. With the Tower on my back, the wind suddenly died abruptly. It was very disquieting. The air was completely still. So, I continued back down and walked the 2 miles or so back to town. I opted for a different route which took me through more of the neighborhoods. I loved it!

Once I got back into town, I stopped by the supermarket and picked up a few things for the next couple of days. Oddly enough, Glastonbury seems to be more expensive than London! I suppose because it's a very touristy place. restaurants are ridiculous. Since I forgot to eat lunch, I decided that i could afford dinner out. I had a beef burger and chips for £8. It wasn't that good, but it was organic and fair trade and sprinkled with faery dust.

OK... so Glastonbury is a fascinating place. It's a mix of old hippies, young hippies, schizophrenics, and tourists. The shops are very cool and offer everything from tarot cards and crystals to faery wings and hand made organic beauty creams and such. The town seems to be centered around the avant garde... around Paganism and ancient tradition. It's a fusion of old and new and I think it's great. I certainly would not want to live here... a bit to manic and chaotic for my taste. Odd for such a place place. But it is definitely worth a trip! Although, I really did not need to stay 2 full days. I saw everything today. So, tomorrow will be a relaxation day full of shopping and reading (they have a lot of great books here!!") and such! Then I head out to Durham on Monday.

Well, I'm off to wander. I'll post again after I get to Durham!

Psychics and Mystics and Crystals... Oh MY!!

So, I left London this morning. There was a series of misadventures and miscommunication that made the day very interesting! I went to Paddington Station to catch the train to Bristol. All was going well and then I missed the first train because the 2nd digit on the front board wasn't working or something so I went to Platform 1 instead of platform 13. Oh well... there was a train coming at 11:30. So, I make my way to the correct platform, but my ticket wouldn't scan. The conductor came over and told me that my ticket was only valid from the Waterloo station. Ok.... so, I headed all the way across town to Waterloo station, and waited for the next train there which left at 12:20. Finally, I boarded the right train at the right station! Oy vey. I just kept thinking that this little drama was played out for the amusement of my Buddhas. So, I chuckled to myself and thought of what lessons I could take from it. Hmmmm... perhaps make certain that i go to the right station?

The train ride was very long. It took about 3 hours to get to Bristol. the ride was Nice! I journaled the entire way, so it passed by very quickly. A sad girl sat across from for part of the journey. I wondered what she thinking of. Arriving at Bristol Temple Meads, I headed to the TI office to find out which bus I needed to take for Glastonbury. That is right... Glastonbury is a weee bit of a town that is not serviced by any trains. ~So, I walked down the hill and found the bus stop. I stood there waiting and struck up a conversation with an older gent waiting as well. he was interesting and heading for Glastonbury as well. The bus took over an hour to get to the little town. I thought I would die several times. The bus was going like 60 mph around these tight corners and hugging the edge of the road, which of course dropped off into a ravine. But I made it alive and in one piece and Richard walked me to the hostel and gave me some pointers about pubs and such. By the time I checked in and paid (£42 for 3 nights), it was well after 5pm. So, I decided to drop my bags off and take a walk. Immediately, I met a guy named Steve. I was admiring some New Agey type books in a shop window. He came out of the store and came up beside me and started chatting me up. He was a long haired, hippie teacher from North Yorkshire here on holiday. He had terrible teeth but was a genuinely nice chap. He told me that there is a Psychic Fair going on tomorrow, so that should be fun! We said I goodbyes and I headed out to window shop (everything seems to close at 5 or 6 here) and find something to eat. While I was out and not doing much, I decided to update this blog!

So.... that's brings me to real time. I'm here now typing away in Glastonbury, England... right in the heart of Somerset! I travelled through the Cotswolds and it is gorgeous. Lots of sheep! Any - hoo.... tomorrow should be fun! I'll be visiting the Abbey ruins, the Psychic Fair (Of Course), and wandering!! It will be great!!!

Oh... don't forget to read below. I've been posting in segments, so there are often more than one in a day. Well.... I'm off to ride the Astral Plane back to my hostel!

Don't Rain on My Parade....

So, my 3rd day in London was off to a sleepy start! After my night of boozin' with the Scottish boys, I was bit out of sorts and didn't get out of bed until after 9am. I didn't even get down the stairs until a bit after 10am, so I missed the free breakfast. No worries, the breakfast sucks anyway. My feet were still hurting from all the walking I had done so I took the Tube to Westminster Abbey. The line was not too terrible, so I was lucky. When I left, the line was nearly at the street. It was still crowded and I can't imagine even more people crowding in. So, I began around the Royal Tombs. I was attempting to revel in the history, when the Americans flooded in. Now this will further illuminate the "Ugly American" comment I made in the last post! The Abbey is an amazing place, even for a non Christian like myself. It contains centuries of history and human drama. The Americans were loud and obnoxious, their voices resounding off the abbey walls. I could not escape it. They were everywhere. And the mother and daughter duo that seemed to be following were the worst! The daughter was a student at some college and and was making comments about useless she thought European history was and so forth. They were speaking so loud that everyone around could here them. I tried to walk away and skipped several tombs because I wanted to get away, but I could still hear them. That's how loud they were being. I tried to block it out, but I went into the next and there were different Americans lounging LOUNGINg on one of the tombs!! It was incredibly disrespectful! At that point I gave up any attempt to get away, and simply went through the Abbey. I made a bee line for Poet's corner and of course the memorial to Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. I found it ironic that I was in a christian church viewing a memorial to scientist, considering the church set out to murder all free thinkers and scientists and imprisoning those they did not kill. but that is a blog for another time.

I enjoyed the rest of the Abbey and thought of the many people who have walked the halls. After the Abbey, I walked across Westminster Bridge to visit the Florence Nightingale Museum. t was OK, but nothing worth mentioning. She was an amazing woman, but everyone knows that. So I headed over to the London Eye and took my flight. It was cool, but I'm not certain it was worth almost $30. After my flight, I walked across to Jubilee gardens and had a picnic lunch of extra mature English cheddar, organic Toffee yogurt, banana, and carrots. Yes, I'm eating very healthy! i continued to walk along the Thames. I stopped by the National Theatre, which was fabulous and I plan on taking in a show when i return, before heading to the Tate Modern. It was a wonderful museum! I really enjoyed seeing Jackson Pollack's "Birth" in person. I had already seen Degas, Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, etc etc at the National Gallery, but I have not yet seen any Chagall?? I love the modern artists. I wanted to go to the Dali Universe, but it was a bit expensive, and as much as I love Dali, I had to pass. Perhaps when I come back....

Anyway, after I finished at the Tate Modern, I walked across the Millennium Bridge to St. Paul's Cathedral, but it was closed for some special ceremony. So, I walked back over the Millennium Bridge and headed for the Globe Theatre. I took a tour and it was great! they were in rehearsals for an original play, which was fabulous! I also chatted with a guy about working in London! Very exciting! Since it was getting late at this point, I decided to head back to the hostel. I walked down to Blackfriar's Bridge and crossed the Thames (again) and caught the tube back to Kensington.

I decided to stop by the store to pick up some water and turkey for dinner. That's where I ran into Al. I was looking at Pita, and he started chatting me up. He was actually cute and I seriously considered going out with him. He walked around the store with me and suggested a nice Irish Cider for me to try. I have not figured out why so many men are hitting on me... am I different here? Are the men different? Or is it a bit of both? Hmmmmmm...... Anyway, I was so exhausted that I ended up in bed fairly early.

My last full day in London began early and marked the FIRST day of rain! I headed out to Kew Gardens early and arrived right as they were opening! Please see my separate post regarding my visit 2 posts below! It was wonderful! So, after wandering about Kew for a bit, I headed over to Notting Hill. It was fabulous! I love all of the shops and it had a definite artsy vibe. I walked up and down Portobello Rd. and a bunch of other streets I can't remember! Then I headed over to Kensington Palace. en route, I passed by the various embassies, which were amazing. Kensington Palace was actually a bit disappointing. It was interesting to be in the place where Princess Dianna lived. The King and Queen Apartments were interesting as well. And the King's staircase was gorgeous. I headed out hoping to be able to walk through the garden and maze, but it was raining a bit too hard and I was exhausted, so I headed back to the hostel. After all, I was leaving in the morning and needed to organize my bags for the Journey! I must say that the hostel SUCKED monkey's ass. I had to change rooms 3 times and there was no water on the 4th and 5th floors (where I was)!! They are still in construction! They shouldn't be open yet, but oh well. Lesson learned. But all hostels are going to a bit grubby. Goes with the Territory!

I Heart London!

Let me just start with saying that I absolutely LOVe it here! From the start, I have been very comfortable here. I have not gotten lost once and the Tube is very easy to navigate. I must have lived here in another life... perhaps that is the draw!

Any-hoo... My flight was on time Monday and we touched down a bit after 7 am London time. The flight was horrible and didn't sleep much at all. So, I was exhausted, but the adrenaline pumping and I didn't notice much. I went through Immigration and Customs without a hitch. I wasn't searched or anything. I stopped by the tourist info desk and was talked into buying this damn Big Bus ticket. So, not worth it! But oh well. So, after that I turned myself around and headed for the doors. I stepped out and took my first breath of European air. Heavy with exhaust and anticipation... I loved it. After my first ciggie in a new land, i headed back in to catch the Tube to the hostel.

The ride was not that long and I enjoyed the scenery. On the train, this little girl was with her father and after the conductor announced all the stations, she turned to her father and said (please read this in a high pitched little girl british accent),"Daddy, are we going to Cockfosters?" I nearly laughed out loud. She was only about 4, perhaps five, and she was clutching a pink princess lunchbox. She immediately reminded me of Chloe. Once I arrived at the Goucester Rd. station, I headed up to the street. My first thought was that it reminded of NYC and it still does. Cosmopolitan, eclectic, and rich with history and life. My hostel was only a few blocks away, but I wasn't allowed to check in until after 2 pm. So, I splashed some water on my face, locked my pack to the chair, and hit the streets. I had a bit of an adventure finding a toilet, but I will spare oyu the details. I stumbled into the Natural History Museum and all was well. I walked back to the Big Bus stop and caught the bus. I rode on the open top level and took in the city. We rode all around Kensington and I got off at the Marble arch in Hyde park. From there, I caught the red line bus and rode up top through Soho, Picadilly, and Covent Garden... all the way to Westminster. That is where I got off and I thought that I would visit Westminster Abbey. However, it was closed. So, I walked all around Parliament and saw Big Ben. Then I headed to Westminster Pier and caught the boat headed to Tower Bridge. It was included in the price of the Big Bus ticket, so why not! I enjoyed the view from the river Thames. The cruise ended at Tower Bridge and I walked over to the Tower of London. As I walked through the gates, I touched the heavy dark doors, running my hand along hundreds of years of history and realized that I was in London. It was crowed and over run by French children on a school trip. I rode past the Crown Jewels on a human conveyor belt and thought it odd. I strolled the various towers, attempting to absorb the history and drama of it all. When fatigue finally overpowered adrenaline, I found my way to the tube, where I was given an Oyster Card and added credit to the account. I headed back to the hostel, and after showering (an adventure unto itself) and figuring out what I wanted to see the next day, I collapsed.

My second day in London started bright and early! I woke around 7:30 am of my own accord. I got ready and was out the door by 9 am. I walked to the V & A Museum, but it did not open until 10 am. Then I walked to Harrod's, but they didn't open until 10 am. Sensing a pattern, I decided to walk to Buckingham palace, as I was to see the changing of the guards today! I got to Buckingham Palace about 10 am and there was already a crowd. So, I decided to stake my place and simply wait. It was the second sunny day in a run in London, so people were out in force. Anyone who knows me knows how I dislike such crowds. But I stood my ground until about 11:15 or so. The police were preparing the crowds for the ceremony and apparently, I was in front of a gate. So, needless to say, I was moved, and I was pissed. I pretty much missed the entire thing! So, lesson number 1: If you go to Buckingham palace, make sure you are NOT infront of one of the gates that open and get there EARLY - esp. if it is a nice day.

I walked around the corner, lightly fuming to myself, and headed to the Royal Mews. It is in the back of the Palace and is the Royal Stables, Carriage House, and Riding School! It was much more enjoyable and the carriages were lovely! No ugly Americans here! The whole Changing of the Guards fiasco was made worse by "Ugly Americans." Loud, obnoxious, pushy, arrogant people who seemed to be everywhere. They make me cringe and unfortunately, they have colored many experiences. But more on that later....

I strolled through St. James Park, which is gorgeous, and headed to the Guards Museum and Downing St. After snapping pictures of the rather nondescript residence of Tony Blair, I headed to Trafalgar Sq. and ate lunch on the steps of the National Gallery. I headed into the Gallery and thoroughly enjoyed the museum. It smelled of oils and canvass. I then headed over to the National Portrait Museum and walked through the Faces of Fashion exhibit. I wasn't overly impressed with the general exhibit, so I only spent about an hour there. It was getting late in the afternoon, so I decided to stroll through Picadilly Circus, into Soho, and through Covent Garden. After Oxford Circus, I found a grocery store and spent about an hour or so having fun looking at the various nibbles. I had a fun conversation with a punky brit about digestive biscuits and bought enough food to last the duration of my stay in London. I went back to the hostel, had dinner, and was preparing to go to bed when 4 half lit Scottish boys stumbled into the room. They had just come from a concert and were clutching brown bags of cider. They asked if I would mind if they drank in the room. So... I thought about it for a brief moment. I could demand that they go down to the lounge and simply go to bed, or I can have a laugh and chat. So, I said no worries and they offered me a Strongbow Cider. I was surprised to find that I liked it! So, we talked and drank until about 3:30 am. The room was spinning went I finally went to bed.

Ok... so that's is the adventures of my first couple of days. I will write more in a couple of days and fill you in about my last couple of days in London!!

Kew Gardens....

Ok... I decided to write a separate post about my trip to Kew Gardens. It was unbelievable! I spent about 4 hours rambling the various pathways. I got there about 9:30 am right as they were opening, so I was pretty much alone. It was a bit dreary today, but in a way, it added to the environment. A light misty fog settled over the gardens and the quiet was inescapable . I wound my way through the gardens and purposefully veered away from the main paths, often opting for the dirt walkways. They were generally the best all around. I walked through Badger Sett, which is a man made badger den and strolled past the Queen's former country home. I then sat on a bench beside the Lily Pond and had a picnic lunch with the ducks, geese, and swans. There were so many birds, most of which I had never seen before. Sitting beside this pond, quietly reflecting, it is not difficult to understand why such places has offered inspiration to so many poets. Walden, Emerson, Thoreau....

After I had my lunch, I found another dirt path leading in the general direction of Victoria Gate. A few steps in and around a bend, it was like I was transported to another place and another time. I thought my grandmother and started to cry. I'm sure she loved the garden....
After I composed myself, I continued down the path, crossing under the Ruined Arch and ultimately finding my way back to Victoria Gate.

The gardens are wonderful! If you ever find yourself in London, you must go. Even if you are not into gardening per say, you will find the place magical. Assuming, of course, you have a soul....

Foggy London Town!

Okay.... let me start off by saying that I L-O-V-E Love London! I have been running around like a mad woman for the past few days! I don't even want to stop! I can't really write a full blog right this second, but I will be able to once I head out on Friday!! suffice it say that I am having a GREAT time!! Just got back from the Globe theatre where I chatted to a guy about theatre and possibly staying in London as an actor!! It was GREAT! I have met so many great people already. And I have never been hit on so much in my life! Not counting trolls... These guys are actually cute! The guy who just walked around the grocery store with me was very cute and I may go out with him tomorrow!

Any-hoo.... I have to run. But I promise to write a proper entry full of aventurous tales in the next few days!

Well... I'm off to try this Irish cider that Al recommened!!

Ohhhh... I'm Leavin' on a Jet Plane....

Ha ha!! Yeaaaahhhh!! This will be my FINAL post Stateside!!!!!!! I am beside myself! I'm all packed - though not as lightly as I had hoped - and I'm ready to go! I can't believe my departure has FINALLY arrived!! And I have SO MANY AMAZING things lined up!! I still can't believe that I will be walking among the Stones at Stonehenge!! You will have to check back for Pics!!

I'm not really sure what else to say at this point. If you know me, then you know the past couple of years have been really shitty. But not anymore! I've already made some arrangement for my extended stay in London after my little adventure. I will be doing a bunch of Theatre workshops, auditioning, and meeting with London agents (several US agencies have London offices, so that got me started). And since I am a Union actor, I am automatically eligible for British Actor's Equity. Now, that definitely helped TONS!! They have reciprocal agreements with Union members. And, I have found a place to stay that is right in the heart of it all! So, I have plenty to look forward to!!!

Also, my creative energy is starting to spark and stir. Finally. I was wondering if it was dead. I haven't written anything of consequence in a horrifically long time. It will be interesting to see where it leads! Perhaps I will write an amazing play that I will star in and will open in a fabulous West End Theatre!! OK.... that is probablt going a bit overboard, but you never know. And I am dramatic by nature!! Oh, and let's not forget crazy! :)

Anyway... I have to run! So much to do, so little time! The next time I write, it will be from London!

My Pilgrimage to Stonehenge - Amazing News!!

I am SOOOOOOO excited!!! I have made arrangements for me to have "Special Access" to Stonehenge on Friday the 13th at sunset - after the tourists have left from their roped off prison!!!! What does that mean, you ask?

Well, it means that I will be granted entry to the ACTUAL stone circle!! I will be able to walk in and all around the stones! I will even be able to TOUCH the stones!!!!!!! I only have 1 hour, but it will be AMAZING!!!!! I will be able to watch the sun set over the 5000 years old stone circle!! Can you tell I'm excited??!!?? The vast majority of people who visit Stonehenge are only allowed to walk along this roped off pathway and admire Stonehenge from a distance. However, a select handful of people are allowed special acces a day, at sunrise and sunset.

So, my plan for the day is to visit Avebury in the morning. Avebury is the site of an even larger stone circle / ceremonial ground. Although not quite as dramatic as Stonehenge. It encircles a huge portion of the town itself! You are allowed to walk amongst the stones here. So, it's a great place to really feel the experience. I'll putter around and take an early lunch. I'll probably pack a picnic and enjoy the English countryside! As long as it is not too wet! Then I will head over to Stonehenge and enjoy the area in preparation for entering the circle. After my hour is up, I will grab a quick bite and head back to Salisbury. It will be an AMAZING day - one I will never forget!!