Cheers To You

As you may or may not have guessed, I am home and glad to be back.

However, I cannot leave London and Europe without expressing how much the entire time meant to me. The lessons I learned are hard to describe yet I feel I have been taught through experience, things I could never get at Ball State.

Therefore, I am grateful to all that took the time read everyday or ever week. There is more to come, so don't stop reading because there is plenty more to write on about my 3 1/2 months in Europe, as well as on other topics that will come up in OUR own exciting country.

I hope to outline my trip in detail in the next couple days and pick most exciting times, favorite places, things and experiences, as well as least favorite things and tips for trips to Europe.

More to Come. . .

Athens (cont.)

After trudging back to Damareos and avoiding the metro, tram and bus system, I proceeded to subject myself to a significant amount of rainfall. This came after I arrived back in Athens having taken the metro from Pireaus to Syntgma.

Once I arrived at the Pagration Youth Hostel, I took notice of how wet my pants and feet were. This would not bear well considering the fact that our rooms don't even have heat, let alone an instrument for drying "stuff." So I did the best I could and hung my pants on the end of the bed. It was at this time I met two lads, American's to which I would be sharing the room with that night. They were from Oregon and Los Angeles respectively and were on a 4 week holiday from school, which translated to a backpacking trip across Europe.

That night I did the usual, got on the internet, although it was being a bother, ate a Gyro and took a nap. I would never have thought of wasting time in Athens but, as my clothes were soaked and it was a constant downpour, I thought it OK to take a break and rest. After climbing into bed about midnight, another roommate appeared this one much older, reiching of cigarettes and Ouzo. I did my best to control my gag reflex and attempted to go to sleep, which didn't take an attempt at all, because I was out like the light that I switched off after said roommate climbed into his bed.

Suddenly and without restraint I awoke and jumped up at about 3:30 a.m. and didn't know why. Sooner than later I found out what had awakened me, as I also realized that my two American comrades were awake as well. At the time I realized the cause for my pause in the REM state, I was disgusted beyond belief, as were my American friends. Ouzo man had taken it upon himself to enter into the loudest and most inconsistent snoring performance I have ever heard. Louder than one Justin Heredia and twice as loud as one Robert Snyder (Uncle Bob).

By this time, I soon discovered my disgust as well as the other American's disgust as they began pounding the walls. At this time I figured I wasn't going to go to sleep, so, I rose and headed to the lobby, computer in hand. As I plugged the cord of my computer into the European adapter and then power strip that dangled from the wall, I heard one of my roommates yell, "HEY!" trying to awaken Ouzo man or just shutter him enough to make him stop. It didn't work, obviously because they (Americans) began a display of noise that surely awoke the rest of Damareos (street). One got up and slammed the door to our room, continued pounding the walls while the other began picking up his bed and slamming it on the floor. I was in tears, I was laughing so hard by that time. For whatever reason, he stopped snoring finally and I crept back into the room and went to bed after utilizing the internet for about an hour.

When I awoke, ear plugs pushed deep into my head, I dressed quickly and discovered my pants and shoes to be no drier than when I hung them up 10 hours earlier. However, I headed out, said goodbye to the American's who looked as if they had been up all night for some reason and made my way to the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

After I walked around the perimeter of the temple, which is merely 16 columns left of an original 140, with no roof and plenty of empty space, I headed toward the Roman Forum/ Acropolis. On the way toward the Acropolis I bought a postcard, stamps and wrote some corny stuff on the card that I will surely beat home. I took a dirt path once, I circled the entire Acropolis and found my self in the Plaka and then at the Roman forum. It was more remains, though intense considering the fact they had been sitting there since Emperor Augustus moved the forum from the Agora to this piece of land in 150 B.C. or something.

After walking around the area, I picked up a rock and headed to find something to eat, which translated into: Gyro stand. After eating a Gyro for the 4234840349th time I walked down toward some markets, I had read about and found that like at part of the Portobello road market, people just throw junk on the ground and stand by it. For example: old Nokia cell phones, trumpets, underwear, beach balls, curtain rods, driving manuals, porno tapes, etc. Once I realized that this is all there was I turned back and headed toward Plateia Omonia, a square close to the central market.

After hiking up the road, which I've found is a common occurrence in Athens; always climbing, never going downhill unless it’s raining which causes a person to slip on the marble sidewalk, which I've done, twice. I made it to Plateia Omonia, bought an ice cream cone and basked in the 70 degree sun for about an hour. I noted at this time that I was a minority in this square along with the whole of Athens. Nothing but brown skinned Greeks and middle easterners around enjoying the sun the same way I was. However, it does do a lesson on how minorities feel in the USA and has taught me a bit more than I ever could get at home. I think everyone should experience what I did at Plateia Omonia someday; it would go a long way to help the outlook of so many Americans who looked at minorities as bothers.

But, after I arose I made my way down Athinas street heading toward the Central Market, having added to my tan or rather burn. The central market was non-operational however, as it was Sunday I didn't think about that. But, I trudged on with the Acropolis in my sights and one more trip up the ancient hill in my ambitions.

I spent another hour at the Acropolis, attempting to get the nerves to ask someone to take my picture for me. After I succeeded the sun was pouring down, making me sweat and making me realize once again that I was in GREECE! How incredible!

Making my way down I headed toward the National Gardens, bought a drink and then headed through the green expanse prior to going to Sytgma and listening to a free concert, where I didn't understand the lyrics. At this time I took notes of my day, giving reason to the amount of text in this post. I sat for a while in the shade, giving my pasty white complexion a break before I headed toward Fillopapaus Hill, supposedly the hill offering the best view in all of Athens.

Once I wandered past the Acropolis and then up the hill I soon found out that the assessment of the hill was correct. There was free range on the top, allowing anyone the ability to walk anywhere without any real danger while offering some of the best views of a metro area in the entire world. Now, that is an editorial comment but if you were there, there would be no way that you could disagree unless you are severely biased for one reason or another.

I did the camera switch and then walked around until I found a spot where I camped out until the sunset.

As the sun set behind the mountain to the west right by the sea, I thought of how lucky I was to be there and that once again this was the view of a lifetime. As the sun fell slowly down behind the mountain I sat up, cold as the wind was picking up and headed back up the hill a bit, which I had descended slightly to get away from the other people that crowded the top of it for the same site. I headed for the opposite side of the rock, which offered the best view of the acropolis and there I sat and waited for the time to come when it would be illuminated. I took notes while I was waiting and then mid sentence I looked up as it was getting very dark and the entirety of the Acropolis stood illuminated. It was as if it was a dream. A postcard view for me alone with no one around. I sat for a while did the camera switch and then descended keeping my eyes transfixed on the site as I descended.

After having reached the base of the hill I headed back to Damareos, about a 30 minute walk, or 10 minute metro ride. I vowed for the walk, as I always do and arrived just in time as I my stomach began to rumble. And, I guess you know what followed. Yes, for the final time I attended the Kebab/Gyro shop, where the guy knew my face by then and knew my order, wishing a "Good Nat," as I left. I ate and headed back to the hostel, experiences in mind and heart and Gyro in hand.

Ferry to Paros

Planning to get up early at any time is difficult for some people. For me its usually a piece of chocolate cake, especially when I have something exciting to do, as I did today.

At this moment I am aboard the Blue Star Ferrie "Blue Star Paros" preparing for departure for the island of Paros.

When I finally arose from my slumber this morning I checked out, again, gave the owner of the hostel my sheets and blanket and then headed for Monastiraki metro station. The walk took me at least 45 minutes as I tried to remember my way down the thin and Greek language named streets. As I made it, I purchased a ticket for €0.80 and then grabbed the train to Pireas.

After 7 stops, I minded the gap and left the platform. I made my way to the exit and saw for the first time the inner harbor, laden with cruise and ferry ships. With thoughts (worries) in my mind about getting a ferry ticket, I ducked in the first travel agency booth I saw and waited. The middle aged Greecian man running the desk was on the phone, with another phone ringing the entire time. As he paused from one call, I said "English," to which he said, "English yes, yes,." At that moment I asked him if I could get the cheapest ferry ticket possible to Paros. He told me there was a ticket for 5:30 p.m., later than I wanted but I bought it for €29 along with a return from Paros for tomorrow morning.

After that, my mission was accomplished so I decided to wander down the busy main street that ran parallel to the harbor. The street was buzzing with traffic and the sidewalk wasn't any less busy, as mopeds will cut through sidewalks whenver they see right, bringing back memories of Florence and Rome. I ducked into a McDonald's, as I do in every country to see what they had special on the menu. Offered at this McDonald's was a shrimp burger as well as a "farm" burger and beer on tap, as usual. The patrons were all smoking inside, heavily and it made me think of how restaurants used to be everywhere.

After leaving, i headed down the street adjacent to the McDonald's, busy with a daily market I had read about in my "Top 10 Athens" travel guide. The market offered mostly produce, which is never a disappointment, along with screaming booth owner's advertising their "superior" fruits and veggies. After passing most of the produce dealers I turned left into a warehouse-looking part of the market that was full of men with white aprons stained in blood. Ok, ok, the blood was from the meat they were selling and like in all countries in Europe the displays are not modest. Whole skinned lamb hung from each booth along side displays of freshly cut port and sausages.

After passing through the warehouse that reiched of death, I took in a fresh breath of air and turned left to looked at all the vendors selling flowers, some real and some fake. I wandered a bit more after that grabbing another Gyro along the way for €2.30, the most expensive and worst yet, and then I walked back towards the docks. I had close to 5 hours before my departure and my back was hurting from my backpack that seems to get heavier every day. So, doing my best Otis Redding impersonation, I plopped down and whistled his tune in my head.

The breeze was blowing in from the sea and the sun was out shining, while I sat in shirt sleeves soaking up the rays, which I'm sure I will have to wait on at least another month back home. At that moment I realized how truly incredible it was that I was sitting on the main dock of Pireas, Athens, Greece. Four months ago, I never would have dreamed I'd be here.

After my break, slid my arms through the straps of my pack, grabbed my camera case and headed back to where I had come from. After grabbing a bottle of water from a lady that had to point out how much I owed her for it, I continued on, walking down some of the same streets I had walked earlier. I settled down close to where my ferry would be coming into port at 3:00 p.m. about 2:15 p.m. and layed out once again on my outstretched sweatshirt, leaning my head against my pack, while soaking up the rays.

As my ferry came into port about 3:00 p.m. I followed it along the dock until it backed up and all the passengers came spilling out. After I watched the unorganized mess of people leave the ferry I made my way back up into town.

Wandering and wondering what the words on the signs meant. I thought, there might be something I really want in one of these shops but with them only using “their” language there is no possible way I would ever know.

(I got up at this point in typing because I headed outside)

As 4 p.m. drew close I headed back toward the ship and boarded once I got there. I toured like I’d never been on a ship before and to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever been on a ship this big before. Unlike all of you out there who have been on a cruise or cruises. But, lets just call it even as I’m in Greece, on the Aegean Sea right now.

I made my way to the top deck and took a seat, noticed there were four American girls close by so I left. The other day I met some American’s and they couldn’t believe I was American, they said when I started talking to them they thought I was from Europe. So, to all of you, if I’m different, be prepared.

The ship was not to leave port until 5:30 p.m. therefore, I had plenty of more time to sit in the sun and get add to my sunburn that I just noticed I slightly have. In the mean time, I sat, read my book and listened to my iPod.

As the ship left port, I stood and did the camera switch (note; you must have read the previous entry) before I waved at a man standing by the lighthouse point just before we left the harbor. And, guess what; he waved back.

Αθήνα = Athens

I'm here, in the land where signs look like this: Μέγαρο Μουσικής. Yes, I'm in Greece and where are you? Most of you are close to 6,000 miles away.

But, don't fret, you could be having as much trouble as I am at reading signs and getting around.

I am happy to be here though and today was eventful as I toured the Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Agora, and Lykavittos Hill.

This morning I awoke to a headache and so, I did what I felt was best and went back to sleep. After I awoke and rose, I made my way out of the hostel.

I soon found out that I didn't need my jacket and sweatshirt and shed both. I made my way toward the Acropolis and on the way stopped and admired the Japanese tourists admiring the Panathanaic Stadion. It doesn't matter where I am, they seem to follow me; Athens, Venice, Rome, London, Berlin; they're everywhere!

Anyhow, i pulled myself from those sushi making, camera yielding, samurai sword making people, and headed toward the gardens adjacent to the Acropolis.

As I passed by the Temple of Olympian Zeus I snapped pictures, about the only thing you can do and then continued on. Reaching the gate to the Acropolis, I brandished my CWC student ID card like those tourists are known to brandish those swords and watched the gatekeeper as she summoned me through the gates, free of charge.

After Sigourney Weaver allowed me in I made my way up the Acropolis, pausing to switch between my digital and my video camera, giving them equal time, as they tend to quarrel in their shared bag. I passed by said tourists and continued pausing every so often, switching cameras back and forth. As I reached the summit, I slipped in mud and dropped my camera down the hill; no not really. Gotcha!

I did slip in mud however and the result is staring at me right now on my shoes, or rather I'm staring at it. I reached the Temple of Athena Nike and continued the camera switching, trying to avoid the group of Italian adolescents that I thought I'd left on Via Della Corso in Rome.

I checked out the top of the rock and it was seriously one of the most impressive things I've seen in my short 22 year life. To see the Parthenon, was simple amazing and now, since I've seen the Parthenon Marbles at the British Museum in London, I've seen the whole thing. I admired the view and admired some more before descending the slope, and heading toward my next stop.

Once I climbed down the opposite side of the Acropolis I made my way over to the Agora and wandered around there for about an hour before sitting down and planning the rest of my day, along side my fighting camera's because of the larger amount of time I used my digital in the Agora.

After we were all finished I continued through the Agora before I headed down one of the main streets in the Plaka neighborhood, known for its tourist trappiness and now, great Gyro booth. I had a gyro at a place I can't either spell or pronounce and continued until I found the train station I am going to need tomorrow. Once there and thoroughly confused with the ticket system, although its cheap, I continued toward Lykavittos Hill.

Now, I have climbed mountains and slopes, snowy surfaces and brush lands; but I have never felt I was going to pass out more than today when I was climbing that hill to get to the top. After admiring the sweat now pouring down every nook and cranny I have, stopped and admired the view that now is the best view I have seen in all my 22 years of being alive.

To describe it is impossible and to look at pictures will not do the trick either. But, surprisingly there was very little wind and I did the camera switching again.

After I felt that it was enough, I descended, carved my name on a cactus leave (everyone else had) and then made my way back to the hostel.

Tonight I sat on my computer for a while and listened to the Reds game before going and getting a Gyro at some place I can't spell or pronounce, but it was good and all for €1.70.

Tomorrow, I am arising early to catch the train at the train station I found before I go to to catch a ferry to the island of Poros or Paros, depending on your source. I will be staying the night there and the day and coming back to Athens on Saturday.

Cheers until next time!

A Greecee Good Time

Well, the time has come. After dropping my bags at Excess Baggage at Earls Court I'll be on my way to Greece.

I will be arriving in Athens about midnight Athens time and 5 p.m. East Standard Time. Talk to you soon.

Final Night in London

Tonight we had our final dinner at the Prince Alfred pub on Queensway. Tonight was the last time most of us will be together as some of us, including me, are leaving on separate trips tomorrow.

There were also awards for the night for every member of the London Centre group. I received the "Most Birthdays in a Calendar Year" award.

To explain, on Facebook, a social networking sight, a person can list their birthday. Every now and then, I will change my birthday to see who wishes me a Happy Birthday. I tell people that I do it to boost my confidence but I really do it because it is very funny to watch the same people time after time wish me a Happy Birthday.

On one specific Wednesday trip, I had changed my birthday to that specific day, I boarded the bus and everyone wished me happy birthday. This led to my explanation of why i did it and the rest is history.

more to come later. . .

Opening Day

Its opening day and the Reds are on the radio. What could be better? Well I could be in Cincinnati but its OK, I'll just listen to MLB radio on the computer. There is a rain delay so you know what that mean. . .Banana Phone!

Anyhow, here is some fun reading for baseball fans today. A special story about a special player.

Jon Fay has his preview here, specifically about NON-arguably the most underrated pitcher in MLB as well as some fun facts on his blog, here. Dayton Daily News has a article about Dusty Baker's sleepless night, and some information about the cuts that have been made to get the roster down to 25.

Reds.com has their preview here, so let's play ball!

New Jib Jab

In 2007 | Funny Jokes at JibJab

London Livingspace and Mary Poppins

Knight Helmets, Chinese Takeout (Again) and the 390

Yesterday, after the hangover (not literal) of an incredible theatre performance turned by London's best cast (bias), Becky, Amy and I traveled to Portobello Road Market.

As I had intentions of doing a number of things, I thought there is no way I will spend all day at this place but, let me tell you this thing is big.

Noting that the market is broken up into three sections, well four sections, we began going through the antique section that is at the beginning, closest to Notting Hill Gate. Sifting through the immense crowd and ducking into the occasional shop we looked at old silver, tea pots, knight helmets, kilts, coins, glassware, and old camera's.

The next section was the food. The initial part was mainly market style produce stands but travelling further and further toward the Midlands, we found Uganian and German food stands juxtaposed to one another. Although I didn't have Uganian food, I did have a Bratwurst with onions on it from the motherland.

Continuing on, the third section began and there were more vintage clothes than I have seen in all my days as a citizen of earth. However, there were several interesting stores and stands that had textiles and whatever you would like to put on, that has become the fashion of today. (however, not noted in the V&A)

After going through the clothes we got to the fourth section, what I like to call; "The crap no one wants, thrown on the street," section. And that is what we got to see before realizing it was almost 2 o'clock and we had been there since 10 a.m.

At that time we headed back toward the flats. Having purchased spinach, limes and mint at the market we headed for Tesco where I purchased bread and cheese. Now, I know what you are thinking, you were thinking I was going to make omelettes and mojito's, well if you did then you were right. And that is just what I did before we headed out last night looking for a jazz club, not finding one, getting Chinese takeout for the 47849823th time in a row before taking the 390 bus back to Leinster Terrace.

Department Store Opera Singers and Defying Gravity

Although I felt juxtaposed against all who were actually shopping at the store, it was an incredible experience walking through Harrod's on Thursday.

After journeying through the Victoria and Albert Museum for over two hours, seeing everything from sculpture to the history of fashion, I set off on a wonderful day which will highlight as one of my favorite days in London.

As the days fleet and the time here seems like a dream, I have been cramming more activities in the last week or so than stuff I'll have to cram into my suitcases on Tuesday.

Thursday started as Kyle, Becky and I awoke early, hopping on a bus headed toward Victoria station. Were we taking a train somewhere? No. We were going to buy tickets to the best show this side of Les Miserables: Wicked.

After hopping on the bus we wandered through Kensington and stopped in Notting Hill. We walked back to Kensington High Street, and I watched Becky shred "Paint It Black" in the entrance of PC World on the ever-famous game, Guitar Hero.

After failing in an attempt to buy something, I made my way to the V&A. I started in the British design section and then moved to sculptures, maps, ironwork, and then fashion.

For those not in the know, the V&A is a history museum of design for the fields I just mentioned. My favorite part was the history of men's and women's formal wear, reaching back into the late 17th century.

More to come on the V&A later

After departing I made my way in the rain, sun, rain, sun, rain, sun before arriving at Harrod's, deep in the heart of Kensington

Upon entering this mecca of plasticine faces and commercial bliss, I wasn't that impressed. It wasn't until I began wandering deeper and deeper into Harrod's that I realized why this is a special place.

The Egyptian escalator is perhaps the most bizarre thing I've seen in London aside from the Animal's in War monument, but was breathtaking in its design and use.

Making my way up the levels stopping periodically on each floor to check it out, a women with canned music supporting her was belting Ave Maria for what seemd an eternity. It was so good but yet so different than an experience at Elder Beerman, the closest thing we have in Indiana to a Harrod's.

As I reached the top I made my way back down and then to the food emporium and grocery area which is attached to a number of cafes. While walking through all the fresh meat and produce sections, that are grown for King's (and priced for them, mind you), I began hearing the voice of yet another singer, a man this time, belting his heart out.

As I turned the corner the scent of fresh garlic and burning wood floated into my nose. There amongst a crowd of people was a brick oven pizzeria with a chef, dressed in full regalia, throwing pizza dough in the air and singing in Italian a piece from an opera. It was incredible and what was better, was that the crowd of people mirrored my thought on it as they snapped picture after picture.

After this experiece I made my way out, smile across my face and made my way toward Hyde Park. At this time I walked through the park around the Serpentine, as the Sun was out in full form by then. I stopped for tea at a cafe on the Serpentine before walking straight through grass and mud to Leinster Gardens.

At 6:30 p.m. Kyle, Becky and I made our way to Queensway where we all topped up our Oyster Cards, before grabbing Chinese takeout and running to catch the number 148 bus to Victoria. As we scarfed on the bus, we ventured toward the Apollo Victoria theatre to see Wicked.

The show started at 7:30 and didn't disapoint from the start. It was every bit as good as the Wicked I saw in New York last year, with a different spice of English linguistics.

As the intermission drew closer and Defy Gravity began the hair on my neck stood and I sang along with Alphaba as she rose above the stage. In my mind, that is the best song or part in a show I've seen and as I've become somewhat of a theatre aficionado, you should listen to me. No, but really it was incredible.

After the show we made our way to Picadilly Circus and then to a bar to meet most of our group before we headed back toward Oxford Street, the Cornish Bakehouse and then home on the 390 bus.

The End and Greece are Near

In a few day my semester in London will be over and I will depart on a trip to Greece.

On 2 April I 'll be leaving the UK and London and heading to Zurich, Switzerland (layover) and then Athens, Greece. I'll be there for 5 nights and then flying back to London 7 April and then out of London 8 April for the United States.

I haven't booked my hostel yet but will either tonight or tomorrow. I'll let you know the details.

I have my hostel booked now and am staying at the Pagration Youth Hostel in Pagrati, Athens, Greece, for the first two nights and the last two nights. The third night I am staying at Simeon Apartments on Neorian Bay on the island of Poros.

I leave Wednesday 2 April at 1:50 p.m. from London Heathrow airport. I have a layover in Zurich, as I told you and am scheduled to arrive in Athens at about midnight, Athens time.

From there I will be leaving Monday 7 April at 2:10 p.m. and will be arriving in London after Zurich at about 7:00 p.m. London time. From there I do not have plans for accommodations but am researching my best options.

On Baseball and the Reds

Baseball is one of the authentic American establishments that goes with BBQ and Apple Pie. It is America's pastime and always will be, even with the emergence of the NFL and the rise of a fast paced society that has pushed baseball aside time after time. Baseball is why I love summer, it is what reminds me of my favorite times in life, and it is one of the central ties to me and my dad.

When I was younger and still living under the hoop of my basketball goal at 10 S.W. 14th Street, I remember warm summer nights as the sun would go down, the smell of the grill and the sound of Marty and Joe on the small transistor radio my dad would leave at the top of the steps on the deck. On the beat down grass that turned to dirt by the time August came around by that goal me and my dad would play basketball while my mom finished up dinner at the sink that left her viewable to us in the back yard. Baseball was there at that time and as a young kid I didn't realize that it was essential to those summer nights and times with family.

Now, I think, Baseball has become very important to me because of these memories and because of the love my dad shared with the game and the little transistor that his grandpa had. Times are a changin' now and I am spending my summer in Muncie, attending classes and working for The Star Press. But, there will still be nights at home this summer with basketball in the backyard, dad minding the meat on the grill, mom finishing up dinner in the kitchen and the Reds on the radio.

Hope Springs Eternal in the Queen city

Baseball is almost here and the anticipation from this baseball fan has reached epic proportions, similar to the week leading up to Christmas for a 6 year old boy.

Optimism in Tampa Bay, drama in New York, and sleeplessness in San Francisco in the wake of an interesting Spring Training, leads me and other baseball fans up to the 'real' opening day on March 31.

As I've put off mentioning the Cincinnati Reds for nearly three lines, the time has come for my optimism on my team this year. For the first time in my own modern age of really caring about baseball I feel the Reds are going to be a surprise team. And although they play in a cracker box, the pitching staff COULD overcome its home surroundings and be one of the best in the league.

With the emergence of Johnny Cueto and his potential as a frontline starter, which I projected in the middle of last year, the Reds have a legitimate pitching prospect that LOOKS like a young Pedro Martinez, according to a number of reputable sources. And while Josh Hamilton is absolutely raking like no one in history, Edinson Volquez has looked every bit of what the Reds were hoping for when they traded Hamilton. Volquez has continued to look like a front of the rotation starter, with nearly a 7/1 SO to BB ratio and having given up only 6 earned runs all of Spring Training.

As if that wasn't enough the bullpen looks much better, according to more reputable sources including Hal McCoy, Jon Fay and Jayson Stark. The addition of Francisco Cordero has legitimized the closer's spot and pushed David Weathers back to his true role as setup man, despite 33 saves last year. The move, although extremely expensive for a small market team, has some saying that the Reds are really contenders this year just from one move and makes them TRUE players in the division with the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers.

However, I feel that if the Reds do have 4 legitimate arms in the rotation there will be no contest this year and perhaps in the next few years. The offense has been there for some time waiting on the pitching to catch up and while I don't like Corey Patterson in CF I don't think it will matter come August with this guy waiting in the wings.

Before and After

Now, before you say I've seen that picture, note that this is the day I got to London. The second one is today. And although I am standing on my tip toes with my neck stretched, note the obvious weight loss from a change of diet, walking and exercising regularly. Don't worry I am healthy, for those that think I don't look it.

Egg, Mayonaise, Ham and Cress Sarnie?

A most delightful aspect of British life and culture comes in a plastic triangular carton, three inches across and six inches long. These incredibly delicious representations of British cuisine at its best come in the most obscure combinations, yet are enjoyed by millions every day; including me, today.

Yes, the sarnie, as we British call them, or sandwich for the noobs out there, is a staple of increasingly fast British lifestyle and can be found in nearly every Iraqi grocery store, petroleum station and department store in London.

The truly interesting thing about the sandwiches though, which are opened faced to show their brilliant colors, is the odd combinations as I noted earlier. Just today I had for myself a ham, egg, mayonaise and cress sarnie, a mainstay in any British diet. Other combinations available today were: smoked cheese and turkey; cucumber, bacon and mustard; wenslydale, lettuce and orange rellish (which I just had to have one day last month).

Now we all know that the fourth Duke of Sandwich, an Englishman, gave the food staple its name but what you didn’t know is the inventiveness of the British in regards to combinations which are not limited to ham and cheese.

About this time you have begun to salivate or, in what I'm guessing, you have clicked your mouse on the red X at the top having realized what the minority of readers have not yet, that I'm am full of utter rubbish.

About the sarnies though, I have been unable to Google with any amount of success more of the combinations, but if they come available I will make sure to provide you with them, because through their oddity they are quite entertaining. Hmmm, maybe that is a ploy to get tourists to try them.

Happy Easter!

AND, I baked two Apple Pies!

More on that Later. . .

London, Oh London

This weekend marks the second to last weekend I'll be in London. I know, I know that is sad, but hear me out.

I figure at this point I have seen ALMOST everything I want to see and done almost all I want to do in London, BUT on second thought I have not.

The fact of the matter is that London is too great of a town, and place to scrunch into even a three month stay and I want to illustrate some of my favorite things starting with the area in which I live. (sorry for the lack of illustration.)

I live in on Leinster Gardens in Bayswater, close to Paddington in the central belly of what is London. I enjoy a fine urban living atmosphere, much different than that of my living condition in Richmond and even Muncie. I rely on public transportation, be it the London Underground or the Bus service that is run by the same London Transport Authority.

My most used individual areas of transportation are the Bayswater, Queensway, and Paddington Underground station as well as the no. 94 bus that picks me up and drops me off on Bayswater, right in front of Leinster Terrace (which become Leinster Gardens).

Just tonight I made my way via Paddington Station and the Bakerloo line to Charring Cross to meet a couple of my aunts friends, who I consider my friends at this point, for a pizza and talk prior to a concert they were attending. After a brief talk over dinner I made my way to Parson's green, on the District Line to find a restaurant entitled "The Fest." This restaurant utilizes women, as waitresses, dressed in German outfits while showing sporting events on televisions scattered throughout the bar.

However, as I made my way down there (10 stops from Charring Cross) I soon realized that in this residential area, and more importantly the restaurant was not going to be inviting to me tonight. Approaching the outside of "The Fest" I read a sign on the door which said "Private Party." (You know what that means as I do) So I left and headed back the way I came toward Parsons Green Tube Stop.

After arriving at Parsons Green, the actual Green and/or Park space I found a bar on the corner that intrigued me and as i had nothing else to do and no where in particular to go, I thought why not try out the local Hammersmith and Fullham atmosphere in the form of a pint, or two, or three.

I walked into the bar, entitled the "Swan" and ordered a pint of a real ale I had not had before, which I have been doing since I arrived in London. It was called Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter and it was rather good. A bit fruity in the beginning but definitely bitter at the end, as I like it. I stood next to the bar and drank down as I took in the atmosphere.

After almost gulping down the first one I belly back up to the bar and ask the barmaid for a "Freeminer Speculation." This is yet another I have not heard of. The first sip sends me on a ride of non-content. I enjoy the beer but it is not, by far, my favorite, especially in the Ale genre. I drink it slowly and enjoy it for what it is, all the while taking in more of the atmosphere; the couples, the groups, the older man spilling his beer onto the floor as he stands at the bar and the families.

Hmmm, yes, the families. Until now i have not really thought about it like this but the fact is people in Britain take their families to pubs, which often times are restaurants, but more importantly pubs. While choking down the pint of Ale, I watched as a lad of probably around 6 grasped the bar and balanced himself along the brass foot bar that ran the length of the bar. I watched as his father asked him what he wanted to drink. And then I watched as his father allowed him to try the Stella Artois he had just bought for himself, which the youngster gave an uninspired face in response to.

I guess when I first arrived I took in all that was different and this was one thing that was. Families in bars. I thought it strange because in the U.S. it is almost a crime, punishable by jury to bring a kid not barely kindergarten age into a place where grown men come to drink their problems away.

However, as I pondered over the fact that I have become accustomed to this in the UK, I also was quick to distinguish between the classy establishments (The Swan) against the not so classy (Ye Old Cheshire Cheese).

I began to think, as I was on my third pint and final for the stop, that although families come to eat in these establishments, I have not once seen someone bring their young kids into places that are considered nothing more than boozers and might as well throw the menu out. I figure that in the UK, they are comfortable with their drinking enough that distinguishing between the family restaurant, which is often a pub, and a boozer, like some I've been to, is not that hard.

Anyhow, I left there after three pints and headed toward Parson's Green, taking the Tube toward Westminster and then changing at Charring Cross heading North on the Northern Line toward Leicester Square. After running into a couple arguing and clogging the escalator, I made my way out and then wandered to the nearest pub. The pub, also clogged with people, served as merely a urinal prior to my quick departure toward China Town.

After arriving in the Red area of London I found a restaurant that seemed to suit my fancy, serving King Prawn Fried Rice and Won Ton Soup.

I pushed my way into the Fried Duck and ordered prior to hearing the waiter argue with the group next to me. I also ordered tea, by the way, which was 0.50 and was unlimited, make a note.

The meal was excellent and filled my tummy to the brim. After paying the 10.50 i owed I left and headed down Shaftsbury Ave. toward Oxford Street, before hopping on the no. 94 bus back to Leinster Terrace.

A Couple Funny Video's

Last Week

Last week I had a visitor and I got to play tour guide through the windy streets of London.

As you may or may not know, Andi made the 4,000 mile journey across the Atlantic to see London and more importantly, yours truly.

Sunday

Sunday I made the journey to Gatwick airport to pick up Andi. After waiting in the international arrival area I spotted her and walked up behind her and asked her if she needed someone to carry her bags for her. To say the least we were both excited to see each other.

After purchasing tickets and making the journey to Victoria station, we boarded the tube for her initial journey on the London Underground.

Soon after we made it to the flat and quickly departed for a long walk through Hyde Park and then down Oxford Street where we picked up the no. 15 bus.

For those of you not in the know, the no. 15 bus is one of the most scenic routes. We took the 15 down Oxford Street, navigating through Oxford and Picadilly circuses as well as Trafalgar Square, the theatre district, Fleet Street, past St. Paul's Cathedral and ending at Tower of London. The entire time I played tour guide telling Andi about everything she was seeing and also throwing in stories of my adventures at all the individual places.

Once we arrived at Tower of London we headed toward the Tower Bridge, which is adjacent and then turned after taking pictures of course, back toward Tower of London, where we began our river walk back toward the palace of Westminster.

Along the way I told her about all the sights along the river, throwing in facts that I remembered from the walk that I took all those weeks ago with Lyndon and the rest of our group. We also talked about the week and it was so nice to have her there to finally share some of what I have enjoyed for a couple of months.

After we got to the Millennium Bridge we crossed it and headed into Tate Modern Art Museum, where we warmed up a bit and walked around. I showed her the highlights and then we continued on the South Bank of the river. Once we got to Westminster Bridge she was ecstatic at the sight of Big Ben and the sunset that seemed to be timed just right behind the palace.

Continuing on, slowly, we passed the palace having crossed the bridge and headed past Westminster Abbey prior to walking to Pimlico station where we hopped on the tube and came back here. That night we got Chinese food, Orange Chicken and King Prawn fried rice and talked about the week ahead.

Monday

We headed to my class, which wasn't meeting that day as we soon found out, and instead headed down Edgware Road and then down to Maida Vale where we walked on the canal's of Little Venice. We stopped at a traditional famous British establishment; Starbucks, for a bite and cup of coffee. Afterword we walked back to the flat and then headed back toward Hyde Park in the pouring rain. After walking and taking the brute of the storm, we escaped into Primark and some other stores along Oxford Street prior to heading back to get ready for dinner that night and the musical we were to see. I bought tickets to see Spam A Lot at a discount ticket broker off Shaftsbury Ave. that came with a special deal. For 25 pounds a piece I bought two tickets for the show and for a 2 course dinner at Sugar Reef restaurant in Picadilly Circus, a short walk from the theatre.

We departed for dinner after cleaning up back at the flat and had our dinner at Sugar Reef, which was surprisingly good. I had a baked chicken with roasted potatoes while Andi had a pasta. Soon after we finished we walked to the Palace Theatre for the show, which did not dissapoint. The show was a compilation of original story from Monty Python and the Holy Grail along with original songs that were every bit as ridiculous as the original movie. Very funny however and I think she enjoyed it as well.

After the show we walked through Soho and Chinatown prior to walking back to Oxford Street and taking bus no. 94 back to Leinster Terrace.

Tuesday

Hal McCoy's Blog

Hal McCoy, the Cincinnati Reds beat reporter for the Dayton Daily News has a blog entry that might be of interest to those that remember the good ol' days. I certainly don't.

Enjoy and be sure to check the Real McCoy often.