I said I wouldn't update until after i'd come home from Prague, apparently i'm a liar. The thing is i'm in a limbo currently. I'm staying at a hostel in Birmingham as I couldn't get an early enough train from York tomorrow to make my flight. So here I am, a few minutes before 7 and there really isn't much to do besides perusing the internet and reading. I'm not about to go out in a city I don't know and in an area that is almost but not quite considered dodgy. The hostel itself is nice enough but i'm pretty sure this is a converted industrial warehouse and there's an interesting/questionable metro line across the street. (Don't freak out mother, i'm locked safely away inside.) So now I will be favoring you with my rambling thoughts:
It is a truth universally acknowledged...that no matter where you are in the world, a Starbucks is close at hand. (Name that book!) So far I've been good and haven't ventured into one. Mostly because I tend to drink tea that is quite cheap at local places. I won't say I have not been tempted. There is a Starbucks in York that may possibly possess the most intricate interiors of any Starbucks around. Georgian, crowned moldings in high ceilings with touches of ivory and pale green. If ever you visit me this is something that must be seen. Well today I gave in and took refuge in the Victoria Square Starbucks in Birmingham. Mostly I just wanted somewhere warm to sit and read my book before venturing off in search of food. Despite small differences, I could have easily been in Santa Barbara, Chico, New York, or London. It's a wonder within itself to how they never deviate much from the standard model, not that I mind, I quite like the decor so I really have nothing to complain about. I snagged a comfy love seat, something I rarely am able to do no matter where I am, and ordered my grande chai latte (no need to deviate from the usual!) There I sat with my book on my lap thinking how simple it was that just by walking into this generic chain coffee shop I could attain a feeling of home. You could say it's sad, how capitalism causes these huge chains to take over the world, even I make disdainful comments when I see the fourth Starbucks in a row on an afternoon jaunt. But the truth is, it's actually a comfort. So when here I was in a city i'd never been to, on my own, knowing not a soul, that I found home in a Starbucks.
New subject. The other night I tagged along with my friend Amanda to Catholic Society for a discussion on religion and science. Apparently the society is for Christians in general although most of the people I met were Catholic. The conversation was very interesting, I didn't input anything as I have a very basic opinion, nothing strong in either direction. I think there is nothing wrong in being a Christian and believing, studying, pursuing science. There were people who were very adamant about separate spheres and differing definitions of 'certainty' and 'faith' in belief. It was a lot of fun and I've already signed up to go on their tour of Leeds Cathedral in two weeks. Perhaps my favorite part was that after meeting at the campus chaplaincy and having this hour and a half discussion everyone put their opinions aside and headed to the pub for a drink. I think it's great that there is that balance of seriousness and socialness. Plus its good to meet people in a different atmosphere and I really enjoy having at least some link to church/religion while i'm away from home.
My minutes are nearing expiration so i'll leave you there. I might have to transfer my attention over to my journal now. Cheers from B'ham!
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