Wroxton Nostalgia and Taking Chances

As I sit here this August 28, listening to the splattering of rain as hurricane Irene storms down upon Jersey, I can't help but think of another rainy place: an island northwest of Europe, full of castles, tea and cars driving on the wrong side of the road.  If you don't like the weather, just wait five minutes, goes the saying there.  If only I had such luck right now...

But alas I am not in England.

Three years ago, however, I was.  Or rather, I was flying over the Atlantic with my boarding pass proclaiming my "World Traveller" status and reading Kushiel's Avatar, a fantasy adventure novel that just so happened to follow another world traveller.

I often tell people that my time in Wroxton, England was the best time of my life.  Sometimes it seems like a silly thing to say, especially as the time between then and now stretches and I grow ever further away from those memories.  Little moments slip away into the recesses of my mind; memories fade and curl at the edges, turning sepia in my mind.  Can it really have already been three years since I waited in Newark airport, eager and nervous, looking around at all the people who seemed to already know each other and worrying how I would survive the semester with only knowing 1 other person?

It's always scary to go to a new place without knowing anyone, or only knowing one or two people.  It was scary then, and it's scary now (as I am moving to Virginia).  However, sometimes in life, it's those scary moments that you need.  Just do it.  Wroxton was scary at first, but it was ultimately what I needed, and I look back on those days with nostalgia.  Hopefully now will be the same thing, and it will be a chance to forge new, exciting memories.

Hunker Down with a Book This Weekend

Mirror, Mirror is awesome so far! I actually am not really that far along in it, but the writing is absolutely beautiful - in fact I even wrote about it on my travel blog! I have plenty of time to read this weekend with the impending storm coming. There's nothing like curling up on the couch, sipping a cup of hot chocolate and reading a good book. :)

How to Travel Without Leaving Your Couch

Are your vacation plans stuck in the driveway this weekend?

As Hurricane Irene whips its way up the East Coast, families are evacuating or preparing to bunk down for the weekend.  Vacations to the beach are cancelled as people retreat further inland.

If you're dreading a long weekend spent indoors, looking for something to do, why not check out your book shelf?  (Or Amazon or whatever store you get your ebooks off of).  I know the books I bought years ago that are now gathering dust are certainly looking appealing to me.  Which is why I finally started Mirror, Mirror.

Stop, wait, I know.  This isn't my Arts & Entertainment blog for book and movie reviews.  It's a travel blog.  So why am I writing about books?

For years, I had never traveled further than North Carolina (and I barely remembered that family vacation).  Instead of me travelling to far away lands, my form of escape came to me within the pages of a good fantasy travel story.  Fantasy epics that sweep across vast worlds -- I can't wait to get my hands on them!  I think every great fantasy story has a little bit of a travel story built in.  After all, in order to write a good fantasy story, you need to develop and define a fictional universe and in order to do that, you need to explore it.

My gateway to other worlds

The top shelf of my bookcase is reserved for my favorites, and on it you can find the entire Harry Potter series, His Dark Materials, The Old Kingdom Trilogy by Garth Nix, Kushiel's Avatar and The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice.  And I would contend that all of these have large travel elements to them.  Harry Potter?  Travel? Yes! Harry explores what to him is a whole new world and culture after learning of his wizard heritage.  That means an exciting trip to Diagon Alley (and a run in at "the bad part of town", Knockturn Alley), a train ride to Scotland, exhiliriating (ha) hiking outings through the Forbidden Forest and of course, let's not forget that they spent the majority of Deathly Hallows camping.  If you're familiar with any of the other series, then the travel elements in those are much more obvious.

So what am I currently reading?  Mirror, Mirror by Gregory Maguire.  Other highlights of his include Wicked and Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister.  Wicked is full of travel and the map at the front of the novel becomes a necessity.  So I am very much excited to have begun reading Mirror Mirror, which is a retelling of Snow White.  Though only 30 pages into the novel, I have already read beautiful descriptions of the Italian countryside where the story takes place.

The world was called Montefiore, as far as she knew, and from her aerie on every side all the world descended. [...] She was more familiar with the vistas, the promising valleys with their hidden hamlets, the scope of the future arranged in terms of hills and light. [...] Too far from anywhere important to serve as a casale - a country house - it crowned an upthrust shoulder of land.  (Maguire 5-6)

Such a beautiful description of the land.  Succinct vocabulary choices, unique ways of phrasing it.  I love it.  This is how I like my travel writing - it should be inspiring.  It should make me long to go there and see it myself.  Forget "ways to save money by booking this crappy hotel".  I want travel to be romantic.  It's how it should be, I feel.  A chance to appreciate the beauty of the world and the people living on it.

So that's why this weekend I'm vacationing on my couch, curled up with a good book and dreaming of magical, far off places.  It sure beats FarmVille!

Work Cited

Maguire, Gregory. Mirror Mirror.  New York: HarperCollins, 2003.

Just started reading Mirror, Mirror by Gregory Maguire. He has such a way with words. Beautiful descriptions. Loving it so far.

Day Trip Suggestions: Grounds for Sculpture

If you're looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon, the Grounds for Sculpture is a great place to visit. Whether you're with family, with friends or on a date, it's fun for everyone. They have sculpture replicas of paintings (including Monet's bridge), as well as modern sculpture and even some "interactive" sculptures that you're allowed to touch. The grounds make a beautiful backdrop to the many sculptures displayed there.

Here are some pictures I took while there:

YouTube Movies

The American President is one of my favorite movies, and while I happen to be watching it on Encore right now, one day I probably will not have access to the many channels my parents get thanks to Verizon Fios. So I was delighted when I (re)discovered that YouTube has movies!

I love the screenplay so much in this movie; not only is it quick and witty, but heartfelt and meaningful. You just don't come across awesome monologues like the one that President Andrew Shepherd gives at the end of the movie.

I was looking on YouTube for clips of The American President to share on my Tumblr; I figured there were so many awesome quotes and scenes that I was bound to find something worth sharing. And then the first thing that came up was the actual movie.

This will be great when I do move out and won't be able to afford getting movie channels.

Here's the link to The American President on YouTube. It's $2.99, which is a little bit less than renting a movie On Demand.

I know that a lot of college age students will try their hardest to avoid the ever-increasing movie ticket prices and will scour the internet to find a way to watch movies for free, often at the cost of the security of their computer from malware. I honestly think it's ridiculous, and as an aspiring artist myself it's greatly frustrating to see people undermine the value of art by being so selfish as to refuse paying for it. People today expect to get everything for free or as cheap as possible. They refuse to understand or acknowledge the value of something. Well, anyways, that's enough of my rant today. Just remember that good movies are worth their price!

Reasons to Vacation in New Jersey

Despite the fact that, as my boyfriend so freqently likes to point out, I was born in Ohio, I consider myself to be a Jersey Girl - and with pride. No, I am not at all like the stereotypical beach bimbo you might see on The Jersey Shore. But I do love Jersey and it does not get enough credit for how awesome it is.

Until now!

My boyfriend shared an article with me, "Ten Things N.J. does better than other states", which made me reflect on just how awesome NJ is!

One of MY favorite things about Jersey is that it's prime location not only puts you within easy access of both New York and Philadelphia, but, like Item #7 in the Top 10 article (on page 3), you also have a temperate climate that puts both lush mountains and sandy beaches right within your reach.

It's easy to take the state you live in for granted, and rereading this reminded me that there are always great things about your state that, because they're always there, you just forget about. So even if you don't live in NJ, take a moment to stop and realize what great things are lurking just around the corner. Every state has its claim to fame and advantages. So if you're trying to plan a vacation, don't forget that there could be adventures waiting within the distance range of your car.

Reliving the Odyssey with the NY Times

A fabulous article appeared in my Google Reader today from the NY Times: "Lost in the Odyssey"

I've been meaning to write something about travel within fiction and this was a perfect opportunity to bring it up.  As the article says, "One of the founding works of Western literature may be a travel story about getting lost".

Sometimes in life there are moments where you long to get away, to find adventure in a faraway land.  And unfortunately in life, very often you can't act on that desire.  Thus - travel fiction.  Instead of getting lost in Venice (which, I assure you, is quite easy to do), you can get lost in a story.  A much more affordable way of experiencing a far away land.

I would love to be able to trace this writer's footsteps in his journey to follow Odysseus', especially considering that I am longing to go to Turkey.  Alas for now all I can do is live vicariously through these awesome pictures of the Odyssey Journey.

Lessons from The Conspirator

In high school U.S. History, we are taught about the great deeds that President Abraham Lincoln performed in service to his country, and how one fateful night in the theatre resulted in his untimely death.  We are taught the words that his assassin, John Wilkes Booth, shouted after leaping from the balcony - "Sic Semper Tyrannis!"

What we are not taught (or at least, what I fail to remember being taught) is not only that there were more conspirators behind this plot that were hanged, but that the only woman in US history to be convicted and hanged by the US Federal Government was accused as one of those conspirators.

What our history books fail to teach us, Robert Redford portrays in his 2010 movie The Conspirator.  Starring the dreamy James McAvoy (whose credits include the acclaimed Last King of Scotland and the recent box office hit X-Men: First Class) and Robin Wright (most known for her roles as Jenny in Forrest Gump and of course, Buttercup in The Princess Bride), The Conspirator follows attorney Frederick Aiken in his attempt to defend Mary Surratt.

The movie is not about her innocence or guilt, and makes it clear that Aiken himself wasn't sure.  The movie is about justice and due process of law.  We cannot fight to uphold the rights of the constitution if we do not honor it in the courtroom itself.

Amendment VI of The Constitution of the United States of America states:

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence. Source/Reference

According to my boyfriend, who is by no means a constitutional lawyer, but demosntrates clear passion for the law and for history, "Over the years, this has been interpreted to mean that as the defense, you have a right to all the evidence and a right to know all the witnesses that the prosecution intends to call."

Such rights were denied Mary Surratt. As portrayed in the movie, her defense had no knowledge of the prosecutions' witnesses before they appeared in court and she was not tried by an impartial Jury, but tried by prejudiced military generals who later allegedly influenced by Secretary of War Stanton (the trial was a military tribunal).  In addition, the prisoners were, IMHO, held under cruel and unusual punishment, presenting yet another violation of the Bill of Rights (though the BF explains that such a label as 'cruel and unusual' would have to be decided by a judge).

The Conspirator is a lesson in history that every student ought to learn.  Our country would be in a much better place if there were more leaders with the conviction and belief in justice like Frederick Aiken (who interestingly enough went on to help start The Washington Post).

Movie Review

The movie itself moves rather slowly.  You must be a true lover of history to appreciate it.  It's a shame because I do think that the story is interesting and the message important.  If teachers did ever show this movie in class, students would probably sleep or talk through it.  It's not a movie that will arouse any interest in history that is not already there.  James McAvoy and Robin Wright were, of course, brilliant, as to be expected.  The movie also features many other big name stars, such as Kevin Kline, Tom Wilkinson, Alexis Bledel, Evan Rachel Wood, and Justin Long.

It's a well done movie overall; however, it doesn't really pack the punch that a lot of other movies do.  Who is going to choose a historal drama over ... actually come to think of it there weren't many exciting releases back in April... but who is going to choose it over an action movie (like Source Code) or a romantic comedy?  It doesn't appeal to the average movie goer.  This saddens me because I do feel like it's an important story.

Other Thoughts

One part of this movie that particular struck home with me, although it was only very briefly touched upon, was the use of the media in influencing the public's assumption of Mary Surratt's guilt.  Though there were no television shows to take clips out of context, as our media so much loves to do today, there were still newspapers and there were still sensational headlines.  It is an important reminder for citizens today that the media must not convict those on trial.  That is the responsibility of the jurors.  "Innocent until proven guilty".

We can't blame the media for being biased and for writing what they believe.  As much as I personally feel that the media should hold itself responsible for public opinion, and should attempt to strive as close to the objective truth as possible, humans by nature seem unable to do this.  I do wish, however, that the general public as a whole would learn to read what they read with a grain of salt.  Do not assume that someone is guilty simply because an anchor on CNN or on Fox news tells you so.  Use your brain.  Read multiple sources.  Determine that the Truth lies somewhere in between and always think with an analytic mind.

Weekend Fun: Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

Sometimes travel means more than relocating to a different climate, region, or culture.  In some sense, it means traveling to a different time.  Maybe not in actuality, but in thought and imagination.  When you visit a castle in Germany, you're not just looking at a pile of stones.  You're standing in a piece of history.  When you climb the dizzying staircases, you have to watch your step on the slippery, worn down stones because before you, thousands of others climbed those stairs.

This is probably my favorite thing about travel, truth be told.  I have stood in the Roman Baths in Bath and wondered who else has gazed upon those waters, stood before Stonehenge and dreamed about all the other people that walked across those fields.

It can be difficult to get that same rush of excitement in America, given that many places here simply are not as old, especially since I'm generally more interested in medieval and renaissance times over more recent history.

Thus the natural solution to my time travelling dilemma: the Renaissance Faire!  (Yeah, I know. "She's a super geek, super geek, she's super geeky!")

While renaissance fairs have a stigma of being a refuge for the super-nerds, they do offer entertainment for all types of people, especially for families. At both the Pennsylvania and New York fairs, there are rides and games for kids. At the same time there is entertainment for adults - for example, at the New York fair, there's Dextre Tripp, a performer who delights in danger and is known to juggle a chain saw, ride a unicycle on a tight rope, and light himself on fire.

And while the fair tend to encompass such expansive time periods that they often start to feel confusingly anachronistic (at the NY fair you can find Robin Hood AND Queen Elizabeth I walking around), they are still a great source of historical enrichment. For example, we watched a show that briefly summarized the War of the Roses using humor, which I feel is one of the most enjoyable ways of learning history.

This weekend, I attended the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire for the first time with my sister and her boyfriend. I have visited the New Jersey faire and the NY faire, so it was exciting to check out a new place. We mostly just walked around, looked at shops and played games, and had a relaxing day just enjoying the atmosphere of the place. Here were some of my impressions:

Historical Accuracy

As usual there are always blatant anachronisms, which is part of the fun but also can get kind of silly.  For example, there was a Mexican place and a pizza place.

We didn't go to any shows; however, while munching on hotdogs and nachos in one of the many picnic areas, two actors appeared and delivered a quick comedic reenactment of their "War of the Roes: Part 2" skit, which was amusing and accurate.  I know my boyfriend was frustrated with the historical inaccuracy of the NY Ren Faire's flag for the one Muslim knight they had in the jousting match at the end.  Naturally there was an actress as Queen Elizabeth I, which the NY faire has, too.

Food

There is food for everyone.  They have pizza, Mexican, German, burgers and hot dogs, gyros, salad, smoothies, etc. While fair food can often be ridiculously overpriced, my nachos were only $3. However, most of the meals offered are heavy junk food. Delicious junk food, but still junk food.

Ease of Access

The PA Ren Faire is just off of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  So if you're coming from south Jersey, it's easy to shoot across.  Coming from further north, you can take 78, although you have to take the 22 exit to 343 to 72 (ie it's a little more complicated).

All in all, the PA Ren faire was fun and entertaining.  The layout is large and it feels like there's a lot to explore and a lot to do.  There was more than we could get to; we were so busy exploring we didn't get to check out the shows which we'd probably like to do if we ever go back.  Is it better than the NY Faire?  I would just say they're different and each one has its pros and cons. It's a great place for a family day trip.