Theology, North Wales, The Gregory and The King in the Car Park

In the vein of the good Doctor Watson I'll start this post chronologically backwards...

(And yes, I know the picture is too large for the screen. It was intentional because Wales is too awesome for proper description. ;))

North Wales

It's truly impossible to adequately describe the breathtaking beauty of North Wales. We visited many parts of the little nation this past weekend including Llandudno, Swallow Falls, Betws-y-Coed and the awe inspiring Caenarfon Castle of William the Conqueror. I took more pictures than could possibly be necessary but even still I feel I've done it an injustice. The green fields, tree studded mountains and rolling oceans of North Wales are past material description. One simply must see this nation for ones self. Put it on your list because by the end of this post you'll have but a taste of the true splendour.

This was my first trip to a place in which English is not the primary language. In Wales everything is written in both Welsh and English and nearly everyone I met spoke English but the foremost language on every sign and many a tongue is that of Welsh. It a lovely language that to my poor unpractised ears sounds like a vowel-less disaster. I love it. Sans Japanese I find Welsh to be the most beautiful language I've ever heard. Though the writing is nigh on impossible to pronounce. We gave up trying with every word save 'Pergyl' which is the Welsh word for 'Danger' and with it's glorious terrain is seen often...and it's enormous fun to shout aloud. Try it. ;) I also made the acquaintance of a very charming Welshman while strolling along the beach...

Isn't he precious? We were just walking along and there he was! He must've been napping when the tide went out then came scampering down to the water when we happened by. It was really the chance of a lifetime, something I'll surely never forget. :)


Unfortunately since we're doing a great deal of travelling this month I've been unable to attend New Life on Sundays. It's only been two weeks and I already miss the lively little church. Several times during my stay here I've been informed of the differences in religion between the UK and the US. Apparently the US has a reputation of being an extreme 'religious' country. Being an American I've had to sadly correct that false idea. The main difference in religious ideas between the two countries is that here in the UK Christianity is still a large part of the state. Royal marriages involve many Biblical aspects, cathedrals and churches are plentiful and a cross or prayer or the mention of God in public places is not thought of as 'politically incorrect'. In the US of course this is completely the opposite. Churches are plentiful but the government pushes God and anything to do with Him as far out of their sphere as possible. Christianity thrives in small, sincere pockets but it is certainly 'cool' in the US to be anti-Christianity. I really am not saying that one country is any better than the other because I really don't know, but I've definitely noticed the difference.

We've also had some very fascinating historical events whilst here. Anyone else heard of Richard III?? Well, the other day while just before class it was announced that THEY FOUND HIM. Yes. King Richard III was found in a car park not far from where I live! It's crazy. It's just crazy to be this close to history in the making. They had minute by minute reports on the news as they were doing the DNA testings. It all seemed so unreal as they announced, "King Richard III has been found at last." I think the most incredible thing about being in England is that one feels so close, so very close to history, to time itself. Richard fought Henry VII and died on the battlefield only an hour train ride away. It's humbling.

I've also begun to settle a bit into the 'English' life. Spent two charming evenings in local pubs, The first was at the The Gregory last Thursday night and the second at the Prince Albert in Llandudno. Not being much of a drinker of course (not to mention poor as a church mouse), I didn't indulge in anything stronger than Earl Grey at either but had some marvellous conversation. Theology at one and politics at the other. ;) Pubs apparently are much different from American 'bars'. There's no smoking allowed in ANY buildings in the UK so no dingy smoke-filled rooms. And pubs are much more oh, family oriented perhaps? While at the Prince Albert with my Welsh friend Graham I saw many a family with children, it was a nice calm setting. They had several 'tellys' on to watch the football match but none louder than necessary. It was a most enjoyable time. I recommend the British pub to any and all! :D

Finally I really must comment on the health here. Not the health care but the health status of Harlaxton specifically, everyone is constantly ill! The students I mean, not so much the faculty. Some people have even had the same thing twice. One girl was complaining that no here knew how her voice really sounded as she'd been sick the entire time! It's crazy. Thanking God that neither my roommate nor myself has even been remotely under the weather once as of yet. I truly put it down to proper rest and the grace of God because that's the only thing I really do different than anyone else. No party time for me thank you, when 10 rolls around...it's time for bed. :) And as such, good night until next weekend. It's off to Stonehenge tomorrow!!!

B. J. Tucker


Something I Miss Now: Real Thunderstorms.
Something I Will Miss: Coronation Chicken. (It's to die for, seriously.)

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Photo Album Link(s) -
Life At Harlaxton 2013 Sub Folder #4 - North Wales Part #1
Life At Harlaxton 2013 Sub Folder #5 - North Wales Part #2
Life At Harlaxton 2013 Sub Folder #6 - North Wales Part #3

Aslan Has Won!!!

This picture is deceptive. Aslan has won thus the snow has fled. All's green and lush around Harlaxton Manor. Still cold though. Which still isn't bothering me much. Have a majorly busy weekend ahead of me. Papers to write, books to read, exams for which to prepare. Ah yes, and fish and chips in less than an hour. At least it'll start off right. :)

These past two weeks have been interesting. I've learnt some things and forgotten some things. For example, I intended for this to be a once a week blog, I'd post every weekend yet....no clue what happened to last weekend. I don't think I did much of anything but I don't really recall...and they say alcohols' a good idea...I can't remember what I did without drinking.

We took a coach to Stamford on Wednesday. It was fantastic. Brandy had never been on a double decker before thus we sat on the top on the way there. It was wonderfully windy that day so it felt more like a boat than a coach. Stamford is a gorgeous little town. They have seventeen churches. Seriously. Not all are in use but all are open for visitation. We managed to see four of them in the few hours we had to explore. I was 'gobsmacked' as per usual. All Saints' Church was by far the most incredible. It dates as far back as the 12th century but only a portion of the original stonework remains. The rest is oh so much more modern...as in 13th century. It was amazing. The most beautiful stained glass windows adorn the walls with the most lifelike of faces.

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St. Martins' is beyond comparison. Having now seen many incredible English churches I was still not prepared for the giant statues and TOMB in St. Martins'. You just never know what you might find. :)

I'd left my bag in our seat on the coach but one of these irritating adolescents tossed it aside thus we were booted from our view on high. Even in the little things I notice Gods' hand. In something so small and seemingly insignificant as losing your place on a half hour coach ride. There was no more room up top thus Brandy and I was told to go to the very front of the lower level. We were seated with the only other 'mid'twenties' person here and Dr Green, one of the coolest professors on this campus. He and I struck up a conversation about films and television and discovered we had very similar tastes. Within minutes we were naming actors such as Charlton Heston, Ingrid Bergman and Errol Flynn as favourites. It was fantastic. But the best conversation was when I described one film as 'dodgy' and Brandy asked what the heck I'd just said, she'd never heard such a word. Dr Green informed her that was a perfectly good word...a battle of British English versus American English began. It was two against one thus rather short lived. :P If we'd kept our upper level seats we both would've been asleep within minutes. Instead we had a blast. The Lord works in mysterious ways! :)

Ever Amazed,

B. J. Tucker

Something I Miss Now: My Family.
Something I Will Miss: Double decker coaches.

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Photo Album Link(s) -
Life At Harlaxton 2013 Sub Folder #3 - Day Trip to Stamford