Took a Bath in Wales

     Yet another essay is due, the deadline tomorrow. Actually, make that two essays. And I'm going to London to celebrate the Champions league. The next twenty four hours will be long, to say the least. The two essays are on John Lock as a response to Descartes' rationalism and the economic development methods employed in post Mao China.
     I blame today's ramblings on a week's worth of little sleep. Coming up: Mom's visit, hectic week, and maybe some stuff in between.

     Holy cow, my mom came to visit me in Oxford! It was her birthday present to me. I mean, doesn't every soon to be 21 yearold dream of spending their birthday with a nagging mother? Not me. However, I was surprised to realize there would be no nagging involved, just a good time. Mom, if you'r reading this, I love you. Thanks for spending the week with me. 

     Mom caught up on some much needed sleep, of which she doesn't get much of at home (she's supermom). Once rested, we walked through Oxford and the surrounding countryside. We hiked through a local village and up a nearby hill for an awesome view of the city of dreaming spires.

     In the Oxonian fashion, we attended a debate at the Union Society on whether the twenty first century belongs to the East or not. I believe the case was sufficiently made for the affirmative, but a resounding - and impartial - speech by the secretary general of the commonwealth posed a greater question "Will the century belong to you?  Will you seize the day?" We ate meals at Jamie Oliver's restaurant and the Eagle and Child, both very good. After some days, we left for the Cotswolds, Bath, Cardiff, and the Brecon Beacons.

     The Cotswolds were pleasant, comprised of rolling hills speckled with farms and quaint medieval villages.

     We went on a walking tour soon after arriving in Bath. A wizened, witty guide showed us the ins and outs of this ancient Roman city. I'd liken Bath to Verona, with its Oolitic Limestone streets, ancient monuments, imposing hills, and easy living. Aside from the tourists, Bath is a gentle place. 

From on top the hotel

The wellspring of the ancient Roman Baths

     It was great to experience Bath and the Cotswolds. Next up, Wales. We crossed the bridge onto the Welsh peninsula, and the first thing we noticed were the signs marked in two languages. Wales, all of a sudden, felt like a different world. We stopped in Cardiff for lunch; and to be honest, the city was a bit plain. Nonetheless, it was a good palette cleanser for what was to come: the Brecon Beacons to the North. The Beacons, a National Reserve, gets its name from the small light houses -beacons - that sit atop the myriad small mountains. Medieval Earls and Generals once used the light houses to send warning messages to one another of impending attacks. In certain valleys, once-great fortresses now stand solitary and stark against the blue sky and green pastures. And in those pastures? Sheep. They say there are thirty sheep to each person; I think maybe there are more. The lamb dishes at the local pubs were really delicious. We pulled in for the night at a cozy B&B and hung out with friendly locals at the pub downstairs. The early morning and late afternoon were especially beautiful in the Beacons, as a dim fog enveloped the lakes and mountains in the moors.  The landscape, the food, and the people, I could easily go back to Wales for some more.


Does your flag have a dragon?



Your cousin, sir, was delicious.

 

     Mom left Monday morning. Since then, it's been a hectic week. Evan Waksler, Monatrice Lam, Martina Mok, and Sophie Adelman all came to visit on different days of the week. Hanging out with them, my books, and microsoft word, left me with little time besides. Still, I made time for dinner with a new friend, Cecilia. Tomorrow is the Champions League in London and I'm going down for the day with my flatmate, Longhao and his friend from Birmingham. Rooney vs. Messi, I'd pick *cough messi cough* Rooney anyday.

     

Time to get back to the library,

Later