Although the title may sound negative, it simply reflects the long journey we have undertaken, but first I must talk about the Atlanta Aquarium. Our day began late, Jo and I overslept by about an hour, then we had to pack and drive to Atlanta. Time was moving on, we finally entered the Aquarium about 3pm. It is an amazing place, with separate Aquaria for different types of habitat. They have dolphins, Beluga whales, mantra rays, and various sharks. Those are just the large creatures, there are also lots of different types of small fish, frogs, and American alligators. We went to Gunbeaux for food, before heading to the airport. Atlanta airport has a new international terminal, it is about 10 minutes drive from the existing terminal. We arrived at the gate about an hour before boarding. The flight left on time and arrived in Amsterdam early, so we had an easy transfer to the little BAe 146 for the 40 minute hop to London City. After a short wait for our bags, which we began to think were still in Amsterdam, we passed through customs. Going through customs is an experience I hate, I'm always expecting to be stopped and detained for no better reason than they can. Then we took the DLR, the Jubilee line and the main line to Billericay. The total time in transit was about 13 hours, I slept for barely 2 of those.
Showing posts with label Auburn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Auburn. Show all posts
Saturday, January 05, 2013
Thursday, January 03, 2013
American New Year: Last full day
Another reasonably quiet day because we have to return the car to Hertz by 10am. I took Karen to work and returned home. About 20 to 10 we left for the car rental place. I have driven 1271 miles in the two weeks we have been here. There are some things that I'm still getting used to - there are normally no sidewalks (pavements), nor are there always borders between properties so it can be difficult to know where to turn. I have missed the right entry a number of times.
I spent some time looking at the passage for next week's sermon, and drank one of the beers Robert brought me.
We picked Karen up from work and got lunch from Firehouse Subs. They got Karen's order wrong, but the food was OK. Once Karen was back at work we returned home and watched the Liverpool game, then went for a walk. Jo had been out this morning, so we walked around the estate, the went towards the Village Mall. Only about 15 minutes later we were crossing the vast car park on this side of the Mall. It takes about 1200 cars. We went through the Mall and into Applebees for a desert and a coffee. They had no cream, so the coffee and tea had to be drunk black. Then we returned to the house as the sun went down. Sunrise was at 6:44 and sunset at 16:49. By the time we got back it was almost completely dark.
For our evening meal we went to Olive Garden, the food is excellent, and for once the service was also excellent, there's always a down side though, in this case it was the young people in the next booth, particularly the one in the middle facing me. who were excessively loud. Then Karen drove us back home in time to watch Moonshiners.
I spent some time looking at the passage for next week's sermon, and drank one of the beers Robert brought me.
We picked Karen up from work and got lunch from Firehouse Subs. They got Karen's order wrong, but the food was OK. Once Karen was back at work we returned home and watched the Liverpool game, then went for a walk. Jo had been out this morning, so we walked around the estate, the went towards the Village Mall. Only about 15 minutes later we were crossing the vast car park on this side of the Mall. It takes about 1200 cars. We went through the Mall and into Applebees for a desert and a coffee. They had no cream, so the coffee and tea had to be drunk black. Then we returned to the house as the sun went down. Sunrise was at 6:44 and sunset at 16:49. By the time we got back it was almost completely dark.
For our evening meal we went to Olive Garden, the food is excellent, and for once the service was also excellent, there's always a down side though, in this case it was the young people in the next booth, particularly the one in the middle facing me. who were excessively loud. Then Karen drove us back home in time to watch Moonshiners.
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
American New Year's Day
When we returned home yesterday the TV had arrived, so this delivery at least had worked well. Today is a quiet day, we were late home last night, but still awake at 7am. Time to catch up with the blogging, and enjoy Karen's American breakfast - pancakes, maple syrup, bacon (freshly cooked), scrambled eggs, and cinnamon bread. Then more time spent learning the tablet while Job finishes her knitted blanket.
We went out to the local Crackerbarrel for lunch. There was a long wait for a table, and an even longer wait for food. Karen spoke to the manageress, and the service improved. She also gave us our meal for free.
As it seems impossible to get to a drive-in, I will have to settle for seeing The Hobbit in a regular cinema. There is only one in Auburn, so it is an easy choice. The next 2D show is at 8:55, which is rather late. It means that we won't be back until midnight. The cinema is a huge multi-plex, our theatre is almost empty. The seats are very comfortable, and the building is reasonably clean. The Hobbit has been criticized for being too long, everyone agreed, except me. It is so long since I have read the book that I can't remember a lot of the details in the story. The key points I recognize, but the dwarf history I do not - time to re-read the book.
We went out to the local Crackerbarrel for lunch. There was a long wait for a table, and an even longer wait for food. Karen spoke to the manageress, and the service improved. She also gave us our meal for free.
As it seems impossible to get to a drive-in, I will have to settle for seeing The Hobbit in a regular cinema. There is only one in Auburn, so it is an easy choice. The next 2D show is at 8:55, which is rather late. It means that we won't be back until midnight. The cinema is a huge multi-plex, our theatre is almost empty. The seats are very comfortable, and the building is reasonably clean. The Hobbit has been criticized for being too long, everyone agreed, except me. It is so long since I have read the book that I can't remember a lot of the details in the story. The key points I recognize, but the dwarf history I do not - time to re-read the book.
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
American New Years Eve
It is New Year's Eve. 2012 is almost over, 2013 is almost here. Karen and Robert's Christmas present is due to arrive today, I wonder if deliveries here are as fraught with difficulty as they are at home. We have decided to visit Chewacla state park. It is only a few minutes away, and it will be the first proper walk we have had since arriving. The GPS announces "right turn", as I look left there is the park entrance -two enormous sliding black gates. We turn left and pull up by the entrance kiosk. Entrance to the park is $2 per person. The park ranger provides us with a trail map and advises us that the waterfall is where new visitors start. We drive around the park, up the hill steadily to the main parking area, a sign points into the trees 'trail to waterfall'. Really, that's a trail? There doesn't appear to have been either human or animal in that direction recently, so we make our way through the trees. The fallen leaves are covering loose rocks, about the size of a child's fist, and I now realize that my first mistake of the day is quite serious. I didn't bring my walking boots, yesterday's park has given me an entirely false expectation. This is the real outdoors - well it is if you ignore the restrooms, water taps and barbecues Slowly and carefully we proceed down a rain gully, at least there the dry leaves have been removed and we can see the rocks.
The waterfall is really the overflow of the dam that is responsible for the lake, we follow the sound to get there. There are some very large tree trunks that have been washed over the waterfall, l'd to see it in full flow. We then walked along the edge of the lake trying to spot birds, there are a few, but only a few. The woods must provide less food than it appears capable of producing.
We walk for about thirty minutes, it is the furthest we have managed since arriving. Soon the trail is blocked by a fallen tree, this is only an obstacle because we are not properly dressed. Anyway, it is time to return, so we make our way back, and choose a different path to reach the road, it turns out to be a mush easier route.
Close to home, we pull off the road into Flint's Crossing, and eat at Panera Bread. The food is really good, the cost is rather high and the portions on the small side for America, so I wouldn't score it highly on the value for money scale.
Later one of Robert's friends arrives to take us to the Gridiron football game, the Chick fil-A bowl - LSU vs. Clemson, it is near Atlanta, so it is a long drive. On arrival, we eat at Varsity, the biggest burger bar I have ever seen, it has multiple rooms to eat in and also has a drive in, so you can eat in the car. Everyone who visits Atlanta will eat there, including presidents and the King (Elvis). They have pictures to prove it, it is an amazing place.
We then head to MARTA, the City train service, and purchase a breeze card to get us to the stadium and back. I put a $20 note in the machine for a $10 fare and get 10 x $1 coins back. I'd forgotten that Americans had a dollar coin, I assume they still hate it -I certainly do.
The stadium seats near to 80,000 and is a sell out, although only 67,000 odd are actually there. Free tickets have that effect. We are seated at the Clemson end, 7 rows from the top. The field is small, but I can see it all, which is important as I am trying to learn the game. There is a touchdown almost immediately for each side, LSU score first, then the game settles down, and I start to get the idea of 10 yard advances and 4 stops (downs), fake plays and flag on the field. LSU start to have the upper hand. It is a game of two halves, each split into halves again, but these breaks are barely noticeable in the game, which appears to be all wait and a few seconds of explosive action. The half-time show is made up of three marching bands, a stunning show, then we settle down for the second half, but almost immediately we are called down to level 1 where there are seats available 8 rows from the front. Once seated, we realize we have missed a touchdown, LSU are taking a strong lead. In the final quarter, Clemson begin a comeback. They are two points behind with two minutes to play left. The atmosphere in the stadium is electric, the announcer pleads for order at the end of the game, and reminds people not to go on the field. At the start of the final play, Clemson need a field goal to win. They are inside the final ten yards on fourth down, the clock is stopped at 2 seconds. The goal is scored, and the noise is deafening. I could not have been at a better first game. Football is a very technical sport, I hope I can keep in touch, at least now I will have some idea of what's happening when the Super Bowl is on.
We return to the packed train, the mood of the crowd is friendly, with lots of chat between strangers, yet there has been little alcohol sold.
In the car on the way back, we talk about the church plant that Robert's friend is planning. He has a brilliant vision and is planning carefully and listening to God for direction, to make a church that disciples well, but doesn't become a show, like so many of the US churches are.
The last day of 2012 and the first hour of 2013 were so exciting.
The waterfall is really the overflow of the dam that is responsible for the lake, we follow the sound to get there. There are some very large tree trunks that have been washed over the waterfall, l'd to see it in full flow. We then walked along the edge of the lake trying to spot birds, there are a few, but only a few. The woods must provide less food than it appears capable of producing.
We walk for about thirty minutes, it is the furthest we have managed since arriving. Soon the trail is blocked by a fallen tree, this is only an obstacle because we are not properly dressed. Anyway, it is time to return, so we make our way back, and choose a different path to reach the road, it turns out to be a mush easier route.
Close to home, we pull off the road into Flint's Crossing, and eat at Panera Bread. The food is really good, the cost is rather high and the portions on the small side for America, so I wouldn't score it highly on the value for money scale.
Later one of Robert's friends arrives to take us to the Gridiron football game, the Chick fil-A bowl - LSU vs. Clemson, it is near Atlanta, so it is a long drive. On arrival, we eat at Varsity, the biggest burger bar I have ever seen, it has multiple rooms to eat in and also has a drive in, so you can eat in the car. Everyone who visits Atlanta will eat there, including presidents and the King (Elvis). They have pictures to prove it, it is an amazing place.
We then head to MARTA, the City train service, and purchase a breeze card to get us to the stadium and back. I put a $20 note in the machine for a $10 fare and get 10 x $1 coins back. I'd forgotten that Americans had a dollar coin, I assume they still hate it -I certainly do.
The stadium seats near to 80,000 and is a sell out, although only 67,000 odd are actually there. Free tickets have that effect. We are seated at the Clemson end, 7 rows from the top. The field is small, but I can see it all, which is important as I am trying to learn the game. There is a touchdown almost immediately for each side, LSU score first, then the game settles down, and I start to get the idea of 10 yard advances and 4 stops (downs), fake plays and flag on the field. LSU start to have the upper hand. It is a game of two halves, each split into halves again, but these breaks are barely noticeable in the game, which appears to be all wait and a few seconds of explosive action. The half-time show is made up of three marching bands, a stunning show, then we settle down for the second half, but almost immediately we are called down to level 1 where there are seats available 8 rows from the front. Once seated, we realize we have missed a touchdown, LSU are taking a strong lead. In the final quarter, Clemson begin a comeback. They are two points behind with two minutes to play left. The atmosphere in the stadium is electric, the announcer pleads for order at the end of the game, and reminds people not to go on the field. At the start of the final play, Clemson need a field goal to win. They are inside the final ten yards on fourth down, the clock is stopped at 2 seconds. The goal is scored, and the noise is deafening. I could not have been at a better first game. Football is a very technical sport, I hope I can keep in touch, at least now I will have some idea of what's happening when the Super Bowl is on.
We return to the packed train, the mood of the crowd is friendly, with lots of chat between strangers, yet there has been little alcohol sold.
In the car on the way back, we talk about the church plant that Robert's friend is planning. He has a brilliant vision and is planning carefully and listening to God for direction, to make a church that disciples well, but doesn't become a show, like so many of the US churches are.
The last day of 2012 and the first hour of 2013 were so exciting.
Monday, December 31, 2012
American Sunday
We slept well in the enormous bed, but still woke before the alarm. Breakfast was to be at Robert's friends, so we picked it up on the way in from Hardees. Then drove to the first place the 'Never Lost' GPS didn't know - Robert's friend's house, they have been there for five years.
We ate breakfast then drove to their church, quite a distance away. The North Glencoe Baptist Church was on Christmas break. The third choice preacher was on duty, he is normally the High School Pastor, and responsible for media, the band was even more up to date thsn usual. The sermon was well constructed, but was really three sermons in one. He was preaching on Habakka - Habakkuk to the rest of us. His constant mispronounciation began to grate a little, so much so that Karen looked up how to say the word - have-a-KOOK.
Back at the house our host had prepared Hawain Stack, a base of rice topped with chichen in a sauce and various salad itens (including pineaple) placed on top. It is a family recipe, and very good.
Having eaten we decided to go for a walk, so we drove to the local park. The park has a tarmac trail (path) to follow around the trees. It is used by all sorts of people, mostly though it is set out for a game. There are things that look a little like rubbish bins, but their sides are made of chains, a little way away, through the trees is a concrete platform, you stand on the platform and throw a frisby into the 'bin'. You are prevented from doing this by the trees in the way, so will need another try from within one pace of where your frisby lands. That, of course is too simple, so there are different types of frisby, to produce distance, curves, and accuracy. We watched someone practicing. We walked around the trail twice, once in each direction, then said good bye to our hosts and headed back to Auburn. The first stop was foe fuel. Normally I have to pre-pay for my fuel because I don't have a ZIP code but here the man in charge unlocked the pump and Iwas able to pay in the usual way. He was from Bahrain and was studying in the USA. He said he was not expecting the situation in his country to improve, so would not be able to go home. The drive home was the hardest I have done. American drivers drive on main beam too much and drive too close to the car in front. For miles I could feel my face lit up from the reflection of headlights in the wing mirrors. Its a problem I have to deal with at home too, but very rarely for so long. I arrived home exhausted.Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.9
Saturday, December 29, 2012
American Christmas: Little White House
We went into Warm Springs and found the only open restaurant, they had almost sold out of food, but we got barbecue in a bun and some lemonade.
We then returned to Auburn, where I got my Christmas present - a Samsung Tab2. In the evening we went to Niffers for a meal. Here we found that American service is not always so great. The food though was good.
Friday, December 28, 2012
American Christmas: Sales
This morning we decided to visit the Davis Arboretum, it is part of the university, but is open to the public. It is the coldest morning since we arrived, one degree Celsius, with a slight breeze. Parking is allowed because it is holiday time, so we parked close to the entrance. Most of the trees are deciduous, but there are a few firs and hollies to give some colour. The breeze freezes our fingers, and makes control of the camera difficult even on a point-and-shoot. There are some small birds, rather chaffinch like, but they are very active and it is difficult to see more detail. Here are a couple of pictures:
Leyland Cypress
Long leaf pine
Binomial Nomenclature Gnome
From the Arboretum we went to the Village Mall, to warm up, and to find some things we still needed to get for Karen and Robert. We also found Jo a Christmas present. The sales are on, so we didn't pay as much as we could have. Then it was back for lunch - sandwiches, the first time we have made sandwiches in America. After lunch we visited Walmart for supplies, and struggled to find things when we didn't know the name.
The sunsets here are stunning.
Later we went out to Zoe's Kitchen for tea. Kabobs (kebabs), rice, salad, pitta bread - unexpectedly good and a quite expensive cookie.
From the Arboretum we went to the Village Mall, to warm up, and to find some things we still needed to get for Karen and Robert. We also found Jo a Christmas present. The sales are on, so we didn't pay as much as we could have. Then it was back for lunch - sandwiches, the first time we have made sandwiches in America. After lunch we visited Walmart for supplies, and struggled to find things when we didn't know the name.
Later we went out to Zoe's Kitchen for tea. Kabobs (kebabs), rice, salad, pitta bread - unexpectedly good and a quite expensive cookie.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
American Christmas: Boxing day
"Boxing day" has to be explained, so if you need an explanation follow the link. I've heard other explanations than the ones recorded here, but these are also ones have heard. For us it is a quiet day. After the drive back from Douglasville (90 minutes) we have a quick breakfast, including some real coffee (a rare treat these days) and then take things easy. Jo and Karen go off to Hobby Lobby to get wool and other places for bits and pieces for lunch. Robert and I skype with Andy, Jess and Leo.
After lunch Karen and I watch Dr Who: The snowmen (2012 Christmas special), and the introduction of the new assistant. Neither of us like the line about a family crying on Christmas eve, nor do we like the idea that 'Sherlock and her assistant' are married. In places it is too flippant. Otherwise its a good story and develops a new mystery for the series to unravel. The new assistant seems to be a good character.
In the evening we went to one of Roberts friends for a meal. Robert had spent the afternoon cooking a turkey, so we were all hungry, having smelt the turkey cooking. They have a new house, on a new estate (don't know the american word), where the (p)lots are marked out, but only some of the houses built. That strikes me as a much better system - get the land, then get the house built as you want it. That way you don't have to rely on a builder to complete the whole estate.
There was more new food to try, okra - which was OK, another cheese ball (lovely), macaroni cheese (solid, not with runny cheese sauce), very nice, green beans (not salted, very nice), cabbage (very nice), grits with cheese (very nice) and ham and of course turkey. It was a lovely meal, but a complete diet breaker!
The food was served buffet style. Before we were invited to collect our food our host gave thanks to the Lord. It is so good to be in a house where I don't have to remember to give my own thanks silently.
As a special treat they had found Christmas Crackers, so I was required to give them the run down about crackers. We pulled the crackers, they made a good 'crack' and we found the toy, jokes and paper hat. The jokes were awful, in the best tradition of the Christmas Cracker.
So, boxing day was quiet and relaxing, with good company and good food.
After lunch Karen and I watch Dr Who: The snowmen (2012 Christmas special), and the introduction of the new assistant. Neither of us like the line about a family crying on Christmas eve, nor do we like the idea that 'Sherlock and her assistant' are married. In places it is too flippant. Otherwise its a good story and develops a new mystery for the series to unravel. The new assistant seems to be a good character.
In the evening we went to one of Roberts friends for a meal. Robert had spent the afternoon cooking a turkey, so we were all hungry, having smelt the turkey cooking. They have a new house, on a new estate (don't know the american word), where the (p)lots are marked out, but only some of the houses built. That strikes me as a much better system - get the land, then get the house built as you want it. That way you don't have to rely on a builder to complete the whole estate.
There was more new food to try, okra - which was OK, another cheese ball (lovely), macaroni cheese (solid, not with runny cheese sauce), very nice, green beans (not salted, very nice), cabbage (very nice), grits with cheese (very nice) and ham and of course turkey. It was a lovely meal, but a complete diet breaker!
The food was served buffet style. Before we were invited to collect our food our host gave thanks to the Lord. It is so good to be in a house where I don't have to remember to give my own thanks silently.
As a special treat they had found Christmas Crackers, so I was required to give them the run down about crackers. We pulled the crackers, they made a good 'crack' and we found the toy, jokes and paper hat. The jokes were awful, in the best tradition of the Christmas Cracker.
So, boxing day was quiet and relaxing, with good company and good food.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
American Christmas: Christmas eve
Another early start - we were woken before 6 AM by noises outside, it sounded like heavy rain. After a while, when I am properly awake I decide to call the credit card company. Robert suggested Skype. Great idea, I ran the sound test, but my microphone is not working. It has the same problem as my Windows 7 laptop at home - two microphones on one device and neither working. I tried deleting the device and restarting, but the problem is not cured. Back to the phone. I call and get an answer straight away and after the inevitable security grilling I am told he has no idea why the transaction was declined, and that it will not happen again. I struggle to believe him. The call costs £6, mainly because it was answered straight away.
As we eat breakfast there is just the sound of rain and the occasional blast from the heating. It is quite dull, an odd atmosphere.
At last we begin our journey to see Roberts family in Douglasville. It is a 90 minute drive away. On the way we see a wrecked Christmas in the shape of a badly damaged car on the median (central reservation). There are no barriers on the interstate between the carriageway and the median. The car is being recovered, but there is next to no delay to the traffic flow. Happily we are not involved in any incident and reached Robert's mother's house safely. After a greeting and a few minutes chat we moved on to his brothers house for lunch. We had Brunswick stew and barbecue - a tradition, and very pleasant.
In the afternoon we went to the mall to look for the shoes that Mike wanted us to get for him. It was busy, but nowhere near as crowded as it would be at Lakeside. Here I was asked to talk more because they love the accent, that was the first time it had happened to me, and would happen another twice during the day. It was also the first time I have been asked for ID while making a purchase. At least the card is working. There is a roundabout in the mall - the first I have seen - what confusion is causes, despite the signs ( OK, perhaps just 'yield' is not enough). Roundabouts are everywhere in the UK, and definitely improve traffic flow.
Then off to Lithia Springs Baptist church for the candle lit service. Its a long time since I've taken communion outside my CofE tradition, this service was very different. As with all non-liturgical service there are elements that are missing or hard to locate. Here I missed the confession / absolution, but I won't let that ruin the experience. The choir sang some of the songs, and the congregation sang some songs with them. The strange and uncomfortable thing for me was the applause at the end of the choir items. We occasionally get applause at Christ Church when the children have done something - usually as a 'volunteer', and I'm not really comfortable with that, but they are children and it is good to make them feel that extra bit special. As adults we should know that all we do in church (and outside, but that's a different debate) is done to glorify God. We should not be seeking the approval of people, but of God (Gal 1:10), so by extension we should not be giving it. The sermon was good, the opportunity to speak to those who attend rarely was well taken and the message about who Jesus is and what he has done (died for our sins) clearly presented. Communion was a very different experience. Small pieces of purpose baked bread were distributes among the congregation, and eaten at the same time by all. Then small cups of wine were distributed and drunk at the same time by all. The words that Jesus used were repeated, but there was no attempt to bless the bread. This is a good thing, as it reminds us only of the act and is therefore a purer act of remembrance. What is lost is the sense that we are all eating from the same loaf. We sang 'Away in a Manger' to a tune I didn't know.
After the service we went to Waffle House with Robert's friends and their children. Waffle house is always open. It is a diner - so you eat at tables or the bar. We had to wait for adjacent tables to become clear. The food is basic, but satisfying. We ordered a big plate to share - we tried hash browns, which are very different for the English version, less formed and stuck together, and grits. Grits has a strange feel in the mouth - hence the name, and a bland taste. In that respect it is like porridge, and like porridge it is normally eaten with something added. Jo didn't like it, but I did.
Then there was a long foggy drive back to Auburn.
Things I like about America - in no particular order
Police and recovery teams don't block the road.
Shops don't close at midday on Christmas eve.
Large churches, well attended
Being English here
Things I don't like about America - in no particular order
National Rifle Association
Drivers who don't understand roundabouts
As we eat breakfast there is just the sound of rain and the occasional blast from the heating. It is quite dull, an odd atmosphere.
At last we begin our journey to see Roberts family in Douglasville. It is a 90 minute drive away. On the way we see a wrecked Christmas in the shape of a badly damaged car on the median (central reservation). There are no barriers on the interstate between the carriageway and the median. The car is being recovered, but there is next to no delay to the traffic flow. Happily we are not involved in any incident and reached Robert's mother's house safely. After a greeting and a few minutes chat we moved on to his brothers house for lunch. We had Brunswick stew and barbecue - a tradition, and very pleasant.
In the afternoon we went to the mall to look for the shoes that Mike wanted us to get for him. It was busy, but nowhere near as crowded as it would be at Lakeside. Here I was asked to talk more because they love the accent, that was the first time it had happened to me, and would happen another twice during the day. It was also the first time I have been asked for ID while making a purchase. At least the card is working. There is a roundabout in the mall - the first I have seen - what confusion is causes, despite the signs ( OK, perhaps just 'yield' is not enough). Roundabouts are everywhere in the UK, and definitely improve traffic flow.
Then off to Lithia Springs Baptist church for the candle lit service. Its a long time since I've taken communion outside my CofE tradition, this service was very different. As with all non-liturgical service there are elements that are missing or hard to locate. Here I missed the confession / absolution, but I won't let that ruin the experience. The choir sang some of the songs, and the congregation sang some songs with them. The strange and uncomfortable thing for me was the applause at the end of the choir items. We occasionally get applause at Christ Church when the children have done something - usually as a 'volunteer', and I'm not really comfortable with that, but they are children and it is good to make them feel that extra bit special. As adults we should know that all we do in church (and outside, but that's a different debate) is done to glorify God. We should not be seeking the approval of people, but of God (Gal 1:10), so by extension we should not be giving it. The sermon was good, the opportunity to speak to those who attend rarely was well taken and the message about who Jesus is and what he has done (died for our sins) clearly presented. Communion was a very different experience. Small pieces of purpose baked bread were distributes among the congregation, and eaten at the same time by all. Then small cups of wine were distributed and drunk at the same time by all. The words that Jesus used were repeated, but there was no attempt to bless the bread. This is a good thing, as it reminds us only of the act and is therefore a purer act of remembrance. What is lost is the sense that we are all eating from the same loaf. We sang 'Away in a Manger' to a tune I didn't know.
After the service we went to Waffle House with Robert's friends and their children. Waffle house is always open. It is a diner - so you eat at tables or the bar. We had to wait for adjacent tables to become clear. The food is basic, but satisfying. We ordered a big plate to share - we tried hash browns, which are very different for the English version, less formed and stuck together, and grits. Grits has a strange feel in the mouth - hence the name, and a bland taste. In that respect it is like porridge, and like porridge it is normally eaten with something added. Jo didn't like it, but I did.
Then there was a long foggy drive back to Auburn.
Things I like about America - in no particular order
Police and recovery teams don't block the road.
Shops don't close at midday on Christmas eve.
Large churches, well attended
Being English here
Things I don't like about America - in no particular order
National Rifle Association
Drivers who don't understand roundabouts
Monday, December 24, 2012
American Christmas: Start of Christmas
For Jo and I this is not a strictly true title, we had Christmas with our family before we came for our two weeks away, but I'll go with it for now, as it is true for the trip.
I was woken at 6:10 this morning by a flashing phone, carefully put on silent to allow me to sleep. My credit card company was calling to check that my card had not been cloned. "Press any key on your keypad to continue" I did. Nothing happened. It read me a number. I called it back, I do not need my card blocked. I failed the security check, so had to phone in again. The CVV or expiry date had been entered incorrectly twice - trying to buy from Walmart on the web, then going by their call centre because they can't take foreign credit cards. The calls from my mobile cost £20. Some of the information I was given was completely wrong. This is not a good start to the day. Poor customer service!
The day got better when Karen made breakfast. Pre-cooked bacon, scrambled eggs, pancakes with maple syrup , cinnamon cakes (from a tube) and filter coffee.
Then we set off for to Callaway Gardens, it wasn't known by the GPS, perhaps I got the zip code wrong, anyway we chose something close and followed the signs from I85. My credit card was declined at the entry booth, so I had to use the expensive alternative. It reminded us of Centre Parks, though it was much bigger, with driving from place to place an essential element. We took a look around the horticultural center, where I learnt that the Mediterranean habitat is the most threatened and the most diverse for plant life in the world. Then we went to lunch. A long queue and only one person serving. So the service was slow, the food basic, but acceptable. The real attraction is the butterfly house, which we visited after lunch. After that we went to see the birds of prey display. The birds seem to enjoy buzzing the crowds. Finally, the pioneer log cabin. I took 105 pictures in all today.
We did not stay for the light show, it was too expensive, but we did see some of the lights on the way out. On that basis we were all glad we had chosen not to stay.
Just down the road (8 miles ish) away is FDR's little White House. Sadly we were too late - it was closed, at least the route back was now different from the route there.
Once back home Karen cooked tea and we had the start of Christmas as we opened presents from the immediate family.
I missed attending church, but we have had a good day with Karen, and an enjoyable evening with Karen and Robert.
Things I like about America - in no particular order
Showmanship
Things I don't like about America - in no particular order
Tourist rip-offs (I don't like them anywhere).
Adverts on TV
I was woken at 6:10 this morning by a flashing phone, carefully put on silent to allow me to sleep. My credit card company was calling to check that my card had not been cloned. "Press any key on your keypad to continue" I did. Nothing happened. It read me a number. I called it back, I do not need my card blocked. I failed the security check, so had to phone in again. The CVV or expiry date had been entered incorrectly twice - trying to buy from Walmart on the web, then going by their call centre because they can't take foreign credit cards. The calls from my mobile cost £20. Some of the information I was given was completely wrong. This is not a good start to the day. Poor customer service!
The day got better when Karen made breakfast. Pre-cooked bacon, scrambled eggs, pancakes with maple syrup , cinnamon cakes (from a tube) and filter coffee.
We did not stay for the light show, it was too expensive, but we did see some of the lights on the way out. On that basis we were all glad we had chosen not to stay.
Just down the road (8 miles ish) away is FDR's little White House. Sadly we were too late - it was closed, at least the route back was now different from the route there.
Once back home Karen cooked tea and we had the start of Christmas as we opened presents from the immediate family.
I missed attending church, but we have had a good day with Karen, and an enjoyable evening with Karen and Robert.
Things I like about America - in no particular order
Showmanship
Things I don't like about America - in no particular order
Tourist rip-offs (I don't like them anywhere).
Adverts on TV
Sunday, December 23, 2012
American Christmas: American Saturday
Certainly not a typical Saturday in America, but the flags are at the top of the flag poles again, and the son of God is about to be born. Things are looking up.
Today we went into Auburn to have a look around the University and the town in general. We had heard the story of the oak trees at Toomers Corner last night. Follow the link to read the story for yourselves. The trees are not dead yet, but they are certainly not flourishing. We got a lemonade from Toomers drug store and walked around the University campus, especially their 87,000 seat gridiron stadium. We saw a statue of Bo Jackson among others. We had watched a TV program about him the previous evening. He is a unique individual, the like of which we are unlikely to see again.
It was a pleasant, if chilly morning, but the sun was warming up the air, and the people. We drove around the outskirts of the campus to see some of the student accommodation. Then off to Countries Barbecue for lunch. It looks like it could do with rebuilding, a wooden shack - just the type of building we get told exists all over the south. Smoke drifts out of the roof, as you enter the building you can almost taste the smoke.
It is dark and smokey, but not unpleasantly so. We are greeted in the usual friendly American way and seated at a basic table. I have asked for typical Southern food, and am recommended to order corn bread.with the Barbecue.
Here is what I got - the huge portion was something I had expected to see in America all the time and was pleased NOT to see, because I can't leave food on a plate. It was a lovely meal, the corn bread reminded me of a slightly dry cupcake - it had a sweet taste. This nice meal got even better when the waitress came to our table and informed us that our meal had been paid for. Amazing! So, thank you very much to the kind person who paid for us, I hope you get to read this. So often we only hear of the bad things people do, but its these little acts of graceful kindness that show what people are really like. America gets better, these people are the best of America.
We went to Tiger town to get some Christmas presents, it was not too busy.
In the evening, after deciding the drive-in was too far, we went to Ruby Tuesday's. It looks like a cross between TGI Fridays, with the bar in the middle & Harvester with the serve yourself salad bar. The salad choice was rather limited though. I tried sugar snap peas - fat mange-tout, but very tender. I was finally defeated by the quantity and had to return some food.
Things I like about America - in no particular order
Cheap parking - 25 cents for 30 minutes
Friendly people
Things I don't like about America - in no particular order
Dollar bills of different denominations that are all the same size.
Today we went into Auburn to have a look around the University and the town in general. We had heard the story of the oak trees at Toomers Corner last night. Follow the link to read the story for yourselves. The trees are not dead yet, but they are certainly not flourishing. We got a lemonade from Toomers drug store and walked around the University campus, especially their 87,000 seat gridiron stadium. We saw a statue of Bo Jackson among others. We had watched a TV program about him the previous evening. He is a unique individual, the like of which we are unlikely to see again.
It was a pleasant, if chilly morning, but the sun was warming up the air, and the people. We drove around the outskirts of the campus to see some of the student accommodation. Then off to Countries Barbecue for lunch. It looks like it could do with rebuilding, a wooden shack - just the type of building we get told exists all over the south. Smoke drifts out of the roof, as you enter the building you can almost taste the smoke.
It is dark and smokey, but not unpleasantly so. We are greeted in the usual friendly American way and seated at a basic table. I have asked for typical Southern food, and am recommended to order corn bread.with the Barbecue.
We went to Tiger town to get some Christmas presents, it was not too busy.
In the evening, after deciding the drive-in was too far, we went to Ruby Tuesday's. It looks like a cross between TGI Fridays, with the bar in the middle & Harvester with the serve yourself salad bar. The salad choice was rather limited though. I tried sugar snap peas - fat mange-tout, but very tender. I was finally defeated by the quantity and had to return some food.
Things I like about America - in no particular order
Cheap parking - 25 cents for 30 minutes
Friendly people
Things I don't like about America - in no particular order
Dollar bills of different denominations that are all the same size.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
American Christmas: Worst and Best of America
Have car will travel. So we went to Montgomery, about 1 hours drive from Auburn. Montgomery was the focus for the Civil Rights movement. I put 400 Washington Avenue into the GPS and off we went. South on I85. An uneventful drive - just what I wanted. Montgomery is the state capital, which makes the story that follows even more remarkable. We were headed for the Southern Poverty Law Centre. It has a memorial to those who died in the struggle for equality. The memorial is outside, a slate grey stone disk with the names of the victims carved into the top. Water rises from the center of the disk and flows over the sides. The bible verse "Amos 5:24 - We will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream." provides the theme. The first problem was parking. The meter takes quarters (25 cent piece), one for 30 minutes. I found out how long by putting one - the only one we had - in the meter. AM I SUPPOSED TO JUST KNOW? We got some more quarters from the the guy on the entry desk and returned to the meter. Inside the memorial are the stories of the victims, and a video presentation. We were the only people in the museum at the start of our visit. I put my name on the justice wall. One of the computers was showing the desktop, not the wall of names, it had an unlicensed copy of windows - in a law centre dedicated to justice!! We walked around the area and saw the church and some of the City buildings. Then we drove to the remains of the bus station We were given the tour, inside instead of out because of the cold wind. Again we were the only people there. It is an arts centre with various exhibits reflecting on the movement and the struggle. Not the outcome though, the struggle is not over. The to get lunch. We were recommended Isaiahs. It was closed for the holidays. We found another place to head for but we were 12 miles away back on I85. We left at junction 3 and stopped at Captain D's. We had the two piece fish meal - two pieces of deep fried fish two hush-puppies (corn balls deep fried) over cooked, over salted green beans and steamed broccoli. We were served by a typical UK McDonald's employee. No chat, just attitude.
We returned to the city centre and the Rosa Parks Library. We parked in the Plaza - we were the only people there. No photos we were told many times as the only two in the video theatre. This is a really good exhibition, with re-enactment of the events on the bus, the cars that were used in the bus boycott and the actual letters Dr King wrote. Again personal attention by an enthusiastic guide.
Thoughts
Montgomery - is a ghost town, where are the people? Tumbleweed!
Just as in Northern Ireland, some of the crimes committed have not been investigated properly. That should happen - there is no statute of limitations on murder, or shouldn't be.
Civil Rights movement - should never have been required, but as it was we can only be impressed and inspired by their non-violent approach. I remember hearing about it as a child, but not really understanding what was happening. Now I have a better understanding. This area suffered from extreme prejudice, similar to apartheid in South Africa, and it was overcome without a terrorist campaign - rest of the world take note.
In the evening we went to Hamiltons an up-market restaurant in Auburn, with friends of Karen & Robert. I had the Tuna - the best tuna I have ever eaten - by far. Good food & good company makes for a great evening.
Things I like about America - in no particular order
Lemonade that tastes of lemons
Refills
Restaurant service
Things I don't like about America - in no particular order
The assumption that people know what is required.
Tourist information is there but hard to access, heritage is not well served.
Too much ice, too little drink (UK dislike too)
Worst and best of America
The reaction to Captain D's back at home was well below 'not impressed', so that would qualify as the worst.
The treatment of the Freedom Riders was appalling and really is the worst.
Hamilton's must rate as the best - service, food all great.
The people who guided us were the best, as were the Freedom Riders themselves.
spolier - it gets better tomorrow.
We returned to the city centre and the Rosa Parks Library. We parked in the Plaza - we were the only people there. No photos we were told many times as the only two in the video theatre. This is a really good exhibition, with re-enactment of the events on the bus, the cars that were used in the bus boycott and the actual letters Dr King wrote. Again personal attention by an enthusiastic guide.
Thoughts
Montgomery - is a ghost town, where are the people? Tumbleweed!
Just as in Northern Ireland, some of the crimes committed have not been investigated properly. That should happen - there is no statute of limitations on murder, or shouldn't be.
Civil Rights movement - should never have been required, but as it was we can only be impressed and inspired by their non-violent approach. I remember hearing about it as a child, but not really understanding what was happening. Now I have a better understanding. This area suffered from extreme prejudice, similar to apartheid in South Africa, and it was overcome without a terrorist campaign - rest of the world take note.
In the evening we went to Hamiltons an up-market restaurant in Auburn, with friends of Karen & Robert. I had the Tuna - the best tuna I have ever eaten - by far. Good food & good company makes for a great evening.
Things I like about America - in no particular order
Lemonade that tastes of lemons
Refills
Restaurant service
Things I don't like about America - in no particular order
The assumption that people know what is required.
Tourist information is there but hard to access, heritage is not well served.
Too much ice, too little drink (UK dislike too)
Worst and best of America
The reaction to Captain D's back at home was well below 'not impressed', so that would qualify as the worst.
The treatment of the Freedom Riders was appalling and really is the worst.
Hamilton's must rate as the best - service, food all great.
The people who guided us were the best, as were the Freedom Riders themselves.
spolier - it gets better tomorrow.
American Christmas: Acclimatisation day
"In America you need a car". I've said it many times, and in this part of America it's true. In the big cities, probably not so true. The first task today is to pick up a car. Robert has done the leg work and sorted out some options. The first has a charge of 25 cents a mile. The second is Hertz, so we drive over to the other side of Auburn (which may not be geographically correct, but it was through the centre). They look at my International driving permit, my driving license, and ask almost no questions. I choose the expensive - high peace of mind - insurance option. We spend a few minutes sitting in the car under the canopy in the driving rain outside Hertz, fiddling with the GPS (sat-nav) before I realise that I have to put the City name in first. (Always read the prompts!). We then follow Robert back to their home.
Next stop Walmart - to get a couple of pre-paid, no contract cell phones. My mobile works here, but Robert cannot read the text messages, which may be something to do with his contract, but Jo's doesn't work at all. The Walmart website and store are quite different. I end up with TracFone.
Then we head off to the Hospital where Karen works looking after the babies of the workers. A nice tall red brick building that's easy spot in the 'low-rise' Auburn landscape. There's a little food kiosk in the reception area, and we choose toasted sandwiches and muffins. We sit at the table and chat and eat. Its good to be with Karen again.
After that we drive into Opelika and wander around. If I was to mysteriously appear in Opelika I would know I was in America. The grand City buildings, the large churches, the wide roads, the space between houses, the style of the houses, the number of pick-up trucks, and the fact that they are almost all reasonably new is just some of my evidence. We browse a few shops and stumble on the East Alabama Museum. What an amazingly diverse collection. From an Indian canoe (dug up in Florida) that is thousands of years old, to an X-ray machine for checking that children's shoes fit correctly, from a collection of dolls of British Queens, to the history of magnetic tape, from toys to military history and a working flood light from the WWII prisoner of war camp. We were the only visitors and got the unofficial guided tour. From a tourist experience point of view it doesn't get better.
On our arrival in the fog at Heathrow I'd remembered that I hadn't packed my medication. That's an expensive mistake I'd thought. I did have my prescription though, ready in case it was needed to get through customs. We inquired at the hospital pharmacy who suggested we go to Urgent Care. We arrived 10 seconds after closing time, but the receptionist pointed us to the nearest one - no distance away. Once there I had to fill in 7 pages of details - lots of repeats, then got to see a doctor. He confirmed my blood pressure was a little high and gave me a prescription. We talked about cars - Hyundai (who have a massive new factory in Auburn) and Toyota - more recalls. He chastised his assistant for not listening when he had to repeat the details, but it was all very friendly. A prescription was sent to Target, and we drove over there to pick it up. The medication and the visit cost about $64, which was much better than I feared.
It is now quite late, so we ordered food from Chilis which Robert and Karen collected. It arrived in huge polystyrene containers, which were only half full, but it was a nice meal, and there was plenty.
Things I like about America - so far - in no particular order
Up is on for electrical switches
Wide roads
Friendly, enthusiastic staff - who want to help.
Easy parking
Things I dislike about America - so far - in no particular order
Waste - too much packaging - too much throw away stuff
Over Friendly, over enthusiastic staff
Next stop Walmart - to get a couple of pre-paid, no contract cell phones. My mobile works here, but Robert cannot read the text messages, which may be something to do with his contract, but Jo's doesn't work at all. The Walmart website and store are quite different. I end up with TracFone.
Then we head off to the Hospital where Karen works looking after the babies of the workers. A nice tall red brick building that's easy spot in the 'low-rise' Auburn landscape. There's a little food kiosk in the reception area, and we choose toasted sandwiches and muffins. We sit at the table and chat and eat. Its good to be with Karen again.
After that we drive into Opelika and wander around. If I was to mysteriously appear in Opelika I would know I was in America. The grand City buildings, the large churches, the wide roads, the space between houses, the style of the houses, the number of pick-up trucks, and the fact that they are almost all reasonably new is just some of my evidence. We browse a few shops and stumble on the East Alabama Museum. What an amazingly diverse collection. From an Indian canoe (dug up in Florida) that is thousands of years old, to an X-ray machine for checking that children's shoes fit correctly, from a collection of dolls of British Queens, to the history of magnetic tape, from toys to military history and a working flood light from the WWII prisoner of war camp. We were the only visitors and got the unofficial guided tour. From a tourist experience point of view it doesn't get better.
On our arrival in the fog at Heathrow I'd remembered that I hadn't packed my medication. That's an expensive mistake I'd thought. I did have my prescription though, ready in case it was needed to get through customs. We inquired at the hospital pharmacy who suggested we go to Urgent Care. We arrived 10 seconds after closing time, but the receptionist pointed us to the nearest one - no distance away. Once there I had to fill in 7 pages of details - lots of repeats, then got to see a doctor. He confirmed my blood pressure was a little high and gave me a prescription. We talked about cars - Hyundai (who have a massive new factory in Auburn) and Toyota - more recalls. He chastised his assistant for not listening when he had to repeat the details, but it was all very friendly. A prescription was sent to Target, and we drove over there to pick it up. The medication and the visit cost about $64, which was much better than I feared.
It is now quite late, so we ordered food from Chilis which Robert and Karen collected. It arrived in huge polystyrene containers, which were only half full, but it was a nice meal, and there was plenty.
Things I like about America - so far - in no particular order
Up is on for electrical switches
Wide roads
Friendly, enthusiastic staff - who want to help.
Easy parking
Things I dislike about America - so far - in no particular order
Waste - too much packaging - too much throw away stuff
Over Friendly, over enthusiastic staff
American Christmas: To Auburn, AL
The day started at 3 A.M. GMT. We were up and preparing ourselves to leave. Put the final things in the suitcases, weight them, to be sure it isn't over 23 kg (50lb). Load them into the car. It is a horribly foggy meeting, so initial progress was slow. Mike was driving us. He swerved, "Can't see a thing!"
"Slow down then", I replied.
"Living on the edge"
"I don't want to live on the edge, I just want to live"
He slowed, but once we got on the main roads things were not so bad. We arrived at Heathrow in plenty of time. The check in process was straight forward enough, if slow, I even managed to use the automated check-in. Then it was through security and breakfast in the departures area. We were in the last row at the back of the plane, which was over subscribed.
The fight had two retiring stewardesses on board, they all work very hard throughout the flight. We were kept supplied with water, but by the end of the flight I was very dry and still suffering from a dry throat.
Last time we visited Atlanta the immigration queue was unbelievable, this time they opened the US Citizens desks to all us foreigners - which speeded thing greatly. I sent Robert a SMS message to say we'd landed. He couldn't read it - not sure why. It didn't matter - @Karen Litton & her husband Robert were waiting for us at the exit, and drove us to their home in Auburn.
After a quick shower we all went to Walmart. That can count as one of our 25 things, that we are still slowly getting through. Then Karen cooked us a late tea. - very nice. We went to bed about 21:30 CST, we had been awake about 24 hours.
"Slow down then", I replied.
"Living on the edge"
"I don't want to live on the edge, I just want to live"
He slowed, but once we got on the main roads things were not so bad. We arrived at Heathrow in plenty of time. The check in process was straight forward enough, if slow, I even managed to use the automated check-in. Then it was through security and breakfast in the departures area. We were in the last row at the back of the plane, which was over subscribed.
The fight had two retiring stewardesses on board, they all work very hard throughout the flight. We were kept supplied with water, but by the end of the flight I was very dry and still suffering from a dry throat.
Last time we visited Atlanta the immigration queue was unbelievable, this time they opened the US Citizens desks to all us foreigners - which speeded thing greatly. I sent Robert a SMS message to say we'd landed. He couldn't read it - not sure why. It didn't matter - @Karen Litton & her husband Robert were waiting for us at the exit, and drove us to their home in Auburn.
After a quick shower we all went to Walmart. That can count as one of our 25 things, that we are still slowly getting through. Then Karen cooked us a late tea. - very nice. We went to bed about 21:30 CST, we had been awake about 24 hours.
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