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windemereSo, on Thursday I trekked off to Leicester to attend the university's open house for the MA in Museum Studies. I was suitably blown away. Now I dearly hope that acceptance letter comes in the mail. At least I know they got my application. Needless to say, going to school there would be awesome.
And then I caught 3 trains in 2 hours to Oxford.
Never doing that again. Erika and Gyuri (I think), her boyfriend, met me at the hostel (and in case you think my getting to the hostel on my own was some great achievement please know that it's a block from the station) and we went up to the Eagle and Child for dinner.
::grins::
Cutest pub ever, and the food was quite good too. I really wouldn't have cared. And then we went down to another pub and met a few of Erika's friends for a pub quiz. We lost...horribly (being mostly 20-somethings, and Erika and I being not English), but still had fun. And then we went to bed because we'd all been on the go all day. Travelling is exhausting no matter what kind you're doing.
Erika's classmates (etc) kindly invited us for brunch Friday morning at their residence. And it was the best bloody brunch I think I've ever eaten. And there was faaaaaaaaaaar too much of it. We managed to make it last until after noon. And then Erika took her boyfriend and I sightseeing to all the pretty colleges and landmarks around Oxford (pictures will be forthcoming). And it was cold and sunny and beautiful. I got to see where she lives and where she goes to school and where the "higher ups" spend their time, and the filming sets for HP and Golden Compass and it was awesome.
And then there was the booksigning. Now, despite what you may be thinking this is neither the reason I went to Oxford nor the reason I had such a great time. But it contributed to both. I knew about it in advance, at least.
It was supposed to start at 5:30, and because the day rather got away from me, it was 5:30 by the time I arrived at Borders...to find 500 other people already there. At least the line-up was inside. Now, for any of you who have ever attented signings you know what's it like. For those of you who haven't, you probably don't want the boring details. It involves a lot of standing around.
My amusement for the hour-long wait was the following: having already read most of John Barrowman's (that's Captain Jack to you) autobiography, the fact that half the people in line were 5-12 year old boys was hilarious. This is not a kid's book people. Not in any way shape or form should anyone under the age of 16 read this book. But since it was the only thing John was signing, there were all these little boys walking around clutching the book. ::snickers:: John helpfully pointed out that if any of them did decide (or their parents let them) to read it, be sure to forward any questions to a responsible adult.
I feel so sorry for those adults.
But it was worth it all, and I have a pretty book signed by both John and his sister (who co-authored...edited) and it is well worth the read, because it really does give one an excellent view of how John really is in real life...think Captain Jack without the women. But that's a generalization.
Let me, however, point out to those of you not in the know, and apologies in advance for the swearing - Jack started it:
John Barrowman is just as fucking gorgeous in person as on TV, on stage, and in pictures. See proof: http://pics.livejournal.com/eldanna/gallery/0000h3z5 and signatures which are for viewing purposes only.
Also, his sister said she liked my scarf. :D Needless to say, that's become my favourite item of clothing now.
Erika dropped her boyfriend off at the station to catch a train back to London and then we went off to find another pub for dinner. I don't actually remember what one we ate at, but OMG. Mushrooms in garlic with fresh bread. OMG. It's better than escargot, and I don't often say that. Like never, actually. And then we went for 'dessert' in the freezing cold. And then we went to bed.
We met for shopping (I wanted a t-shirt) and tea before I had to catch my train out this morning. I had a really great time, and it'd be nice to go back in the summer (warmth) and explore a bit more 'round abouts. Still, was lots of fun even in the cold (and at least it was dry).
And then I caught 3 trains in 2 hours to Oxford.
Never doing that again. Erika and Gyuri (I think), her boyfriend, met me at the hostel (and in case you think my getting to the hostel on my own was some great achievement please know that it's a block from the station) and we went up to the Eagle and Child for dinner.
::grins::
Cutest pub ever, and the food was quite good too. I really wouldn't have cared. And then we went down to another pub and met a few of Erika's friends for a pub quiz. We lost...horribly (being mostly 20-somethings, and Erika and I being not English), but still had fun. And then we went to bed because we'd all been on the go all day. Travelling is exhausting no matter what kind you're doing.
Erika's classmates (etc) kindly invited us for brunch Friday morning at their residence. And it was the best bloody brunch I think I've ever eaten. And there was faaaaaaaaaaar too much of it. We managed to make it last until after noon. And then Erika took her boyfriend and I sightseeing to all the pretty colleges and landmarks around Oxford (pictures will be forthcoming). And it was cold and sunny and beautiful. I got to see where she lives and where she goes to school and where the "higher ups" spend their time, and the filming sets for HP and Golden Compass and it was awesome.
And then there was the booksigning. Now, despite what you may be thinking this is neither the reason I went to Oxford nor the reason I had such a great time. But it contributed to both. I knew about it in advance, at least.
It was supposed to start at 5:30, and because the day rather got away from me, it was 5:30 by the time I arrived at Borders...to find 500 other people already there. At least the line-up was inside. Now, for any of you who have ever attented signings you know what's it like. For those of you who haven't, you probably don't want the boring details. It involves a lot of standing around.
My amusement for the hour-long wait was the following: having already read most of John Barrowman's (that's Captain Jack to you) autobiography, the fact that half the people in line were 5-12 year old boys was hilarious. This is not a kid's book people. Not in any way shape or form should anyone under the age of 16 read this book. But since it was the only thing John was signing, there were all these little boys walking around clutching the book. ::snickers:: John helpfully pointed out that if any of them did decide (or their parents let them) to read it, be sure to forward any questions to a responsible adult.
I feel so sorry for those adults.
But it was worth it all, and I have a pretty book signed by both John and his sister (who co-authored...edited) and it is well worth the read, because it really does give one an excellent view of how John really is in real life...think Captain Jack without the women. But that's a generalization.
Let me, however, point out to those of you not in the know, and apologies in advance for the swearing - Jack started it:
John Barrowman is just as fucking gorgeous in person as on TV, on stage, and in pictures. See proof: http://pics.livejournal.com/eldanna/gallery/0000h3z5 and signatures which are for viewing purposes only.
Also, his sister said she liked my scarf. :D Needless to say, that's become my favourite item of clothing now.
Erika dropped her boyfriend off at the station to catch a train back to London and then we went off to find another pub for dinner. I don't actually remember what one we ate at, but OMG. Mushrooms in garlic with fresh bread. OMG. It's better than escargot, and I don't often say that. Like never, actually. And then we went for 'dessert' in the freezing cold. And then we went to bed.
We met for shopping (I wanted a t-shirt) and tea before I had to catch my train out this morning. I had a really great time, and it'd be nice to go back in the summer (warmth) and explore a bit more 'round abouts. Still, was lots of fun even in the cold (and at least it was dry).
