Bill Bryson and Some Beer

Excuse me if I fall asleep halfway through this post. Not because I find myself boring or the writing of my ever so popular blog tedious in any way, in fact I'm simply updating because I thought it would be a lovely break from worrying about papers, research deadlines, oh you know, the usual. Also because I've been reading Bill Bryson and how could one not feel the stirrings of inspiration after reading his entertaining adventures? I'll leave you in suspense no longer and enlighten you as to why I am so tired.

It happens that I went on a pub outing last night with some lovely English lads, Martin, Liam and Matt, with the full knowledge that I had a seminar at 9:15 this morning. To be fair, it was my idea that we went on this jaunt, the reason being the recent introduction of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale on draught at Pivo, a world beer free house in town. We had a leisurely stroll through the English mist into town stopping off at the Rose & Crown on Hull road and the Five Lions on Walmgate before reaching my Mecca, only to be slapped in the face by a sign stating "Sorry, Sold Out!" hanging mockingly on the SN tap. Well, I’ll say! After boasting all evening, all year in fact, about the greatness that is the only real American ale worth drinking, to be thwarted by a little sign! Well I had a word with the bar tender to find that it was immensely popular (well of course it is!) and that they would be getting more on Friday. Instead I tried a very interesting German beer that when I asked was described as a "grown up's beer." Well after making a fuss about the lack of Pale Ale and putting on that I was an expert on the merits of beer I couldn't turn away from the "Grown Ups" even though there was a very tasty looking cherry lager right next to it. Good to try but probably won't be getting it again especially now that Martin has determindly decided that it smells like sausages. Looks like I’ll be going back to Pivo this weekend though to try for a third time to get my beloved SN. Still had a good time out with the lads discussing beer, overused phrases and the wonder that is the many regional accents of the UK. Fun comes at a price and mine was a severe lack of sleep and a spread of lectures/seminars until 5:15 but I’m young, I can sleep later.

Have been keeping busy the last few weeks and can’t believe it’s nearing March, where does the time go? We had, what I believe to be, our last snowfall of the year last Thursday. There was enough on the ground for some ambitious Alcuinites* to construct an igloo, two life size snow people and a polar bear in the quad. They definitely put Julio to shame. It only took a couple days for the snow to disappear and be replaced by lovely spring like weather. Mid 40s, I wore shorts while doing my laundry. It was great. I love the snow and it was fun while it lasted but I’m thoroughly ready for spring, especially now that the daylight is lingering a wee bit longer.

Of course last Saturday was Valentine’s Day. Not wanting a holiday to pass us by unnoticed my flat mates Ellen, Martin and I put together a highly atmospheric evening for ourselves. The kitchen was magically transformed into a Parisian café complete with French music from the 40’s and candles as our only source of light. About half way through our meal we realized we could have easily been in wartime Britain or France, which added another fun element to the evening. Ellen and I prepared the dinner of ranch chicken and heart shaped potato cakes while Martin provided the decadent chocolate cake from Marks & Spencer. He also played the perfect gentleman acting as our waiter and giving each of us a red rose, how sweet. I also got some fun packages from home containing sweets, movies, a very lovely pair of earrings (thank you grandma) and one of my favorite shirts that my mom was thoughtful enough to spray with my coach perfume so that now I sporadically find myself standing by my wardrobe with my nose in my shirt trying to soak up as much of the scent before its gone. It goes without saying that this was my best Valentine’s Day to date.

Last Friday I had my first day of “work” at Barley Hall. I’m working as a volunteer at the front desk with the hopes of becoming a room steward in a month or two. Barley Hall is a medieval hall set up as a living history museum meaning a lot of the furniture etc are replicated so you can feel around and not be barred by those annoying red ropes when looking at the hall. It dates to the 13th century and is right smack dab in the middle of town in between Stonegate and Swinegate, great names right? It’s not the busiest time of year so currently I spend most of my time sitting and chatting with who ever I’m working with or else wondering around the hall. Tomorrow hopefully will be a bit busier because of the Viking festival this week that is drawing in the tourists. Not only tourists get excited for the festival though. Locals, like me, will also be enjoying the vast number of activities and events on offer. Particularly the Viking Battle on Saturday evening for which I am very excited. Vikings from all over the world will be joining up with the Anglo-Saxons to take on the Normans in 1068, does it get more exciting than this?

Now that I’ve relieved my writing itch I can retire to something a bit mindless. I’ve rented Nights in Rodanthe on iTunes and am thoroughly looking forward to curling up with a cup of tea and watching what promises to be a tear jerking chick flick. Sometimes you just have to play into that womanly stereotype.

*Members of Alcuin College i.e. Me.