You have to go back more than a century and a half to catch the beginnings of the Victorian spirit. We'll be exploring major historic factors that shaped this spirit, and literary perspectives that both supported and critiqued it. And we'll be discussing the contributions the Victorian era made--particularly thinking about those that have some influence on our lives still.
In other words, we want to look beyond a stereotype of Victorian life to see and understand the complexities and changes that characterized this era that dominated 19th century England.
What are your "beginning" perceptions of the Victorians?
In other words, we want to look beyond a stereotype of Victorian life to see and understand the complexities and changes that characterized this era that dominated 19th century England.
What are your "beginning" perceptions of the Victorians?
Hello!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Cherrie Carnaghi and I am a student with Ashford. During my high school years and travels through the US, I met many and Englishman/woman! As a history buff, my favorite periods were the Revolutinary War, Civil War and the Victorian era and its influence in America. Favorite authors were Bronte, Austen, and Georgette Heyer. The last wrote romance novels during the Regency period. My perceptions are that the purtanical aspects during the Queen's reign were not as prudish as one would believe. Lord Byron is an excellent example of the Libertine; not to mention his affair with Caroline Lamb and his half sister Augusta! I am thrilled to at last go beyond the borders of the US and visit history abroad!
This class is fantastic. I love it. I am learning so much and really enjoy blogging. Who knew?
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteMy name is Machele. I am overwhelmed with this opportunity to go to England. I love the theater and studying about Shakepeare and Jane Eyre.I have no preconceived ideas because I never thought I would get this far. Visiting all of those places you only read about or see on T.V. is fascinating.
Hey everyone--
ReplyDeleteMy name is Randy and I'll be joining everyone on our trip to England. I am more interested in the history aspect of our trip than the literature (English writers bore me to sleep), but the whole trip should be exciting.
Howdy Ya'll!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Mark, and I am a blogging virgin. ("Hi Mark!") This should be a thoroughly interesting experience for all of us; for my part, I am excited at the prospect of the trip itself, but have only started to reacquaint myself with English literature since attending Ashford. Really do not have much in the way of preconceptions about the Victorian era, but like what I am reading so far—certainly more palatable than British cuisine! Looking forward to meeting all of you in time; I go by “Q” by the way.
Cheerios.
Q
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI would like to try to read Jane Eyre. I am looking on Amazon.com. Can someone steer me in the right direction as to which one to get. I have not got a clue. There are different years and different ISBN numbers. HELP!
God Bless!
Machele
Hello Everyone! My name is Delesia and I am amongst the excited to visit England. I had no idea that AU would lead me to this point. I am very grateful for the opprotunity. I love Literature and I look forward to learning about these writers in their home towns. I have no preconceptions about the Victorian era. I do look forward to meeting you all.
ReplyDeleteI have the audiobooks of both "Jane Eyre" and "Return of the Native" if anyone is interested. For those less computer savvy, I can snail a CD to you; for those (more so than I) who might have an ftp site to which I can upload these, please advise. As an open access (public) blog, please don't put any addresses or personal information here. Get in touch with me via e-mail instead; my address is in the e-letter Kerina sent out a week ago.
ReplyDeleteHi everyone!! I am so excited about going to England, and also about actually meeting people who go to AU! I have never been out of the continental U.S. and am still realziling that I will be going abroad. History is not one of my favorite subjects, so I know next to nothing about the Victorian Era, other then the fact that it was an era. I on the other hand love to write poetry and read (though at the current moment my favorite flavor of book is paranormal romance), I found Eyre interesting, as well as some of the poetry from that time. I have yet to read Return of the Native. To be forewarned I LOVE photography so when we do all meet,please let me know if you don't want to be in any pictures- I don't want to anger anyone by taking a snapshot. Only a month away...=)
ReplyDeleteForewarning back atcha Amanda: Should you want a good picture of me, you must keep one compositional aspect firmly in your mind when framing your shot . . . Distance.
ReplyDeleteQ
Machele -- Here is info on books. (One change from earlier; we're using a single poetry anthhology of poetry, rather than a separate one for Romantic and Victorian periods.) Anyone who has already purchased the two separate books may use them. They contain the poems we'll be considering--but the single volume is more manageable.
ReplyDeleteJane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Norton Critical Series, 3rd edition. ISBN 0-393-97542-8
The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy. Norton Critical Series, 3rd edition. ISBN 0-393-92787-3
Romantic and Victorian Poetry, 2nd ed. Ed. William Frost. ISBN 978-1-40670-236-1
Hi everyone. I am looking forward to meeting all, and the experience this trip will bring. I have all ways enjoyed history. Especially English history. This is our roots. That is why America is America. I have said many times I was born in the wrong country, and the wrong era. Yet, my luck I would have probably been born into a pauper’s family and would have served the wealthy. So, on that thought I am happy just going to see England.
ReplyDeleteI have a question. Is there any free time in London to see other sites? Like a museum or such.
ReplyDeleteI had the same question as Tracie too. Will we have any free time in London?
ReplyDeleteOur time in London will be relatively unstructured. We will try to make some suggestions about Victorian landmarks and museums that might be of interest.
ReplyDeleteI plan on going to see Phantom of the Opera while I'm in London...anyone else interested?
ReplyDeleteHi Randy,
ReplyDeleteI would love to see the Phantom of the Opera. Just say when and I am there.
I am in. I have not seen the stage version as yet!
ReplyDeleteFor Drs. Lowe and Clugston: I managed to find an excellent combilation of works of poetry: The Columbia Anthology of British Poetry by Carl Woodring and James Shahpiro. ISBAN 0-231-10180-5. I am hoping this is a good choice for I did not know about the others listed. Also, I discovered 19th Centruy Women Poets, An Oxford Anthology ISBN 0-19-818483-2
ReplyDeleteOkay, has anyone started the Return of the Native yet? Any opinions? I thought it was going to move and I was mistaken. It is taking a while to get going. Good luck
ReplyDeleteMachele and Cherrie--
ReplyDeletePhantom tickets are 51 pounds (about $85) for 8 or less people. There are group rates of 9 or more and again at 15+. If we get more people interested I will contact the ticket office to find out what those rates are. The day and time would be Thursday Sept. 24 at 7:30pm and it lasts for 2hrs. 30min.
Machele and Cherrie--
ReplyDeleteIf we purchase individual tickets (not seated together) we could get the "cheap seats" (balcony) for 32 pounds (about $53).
Also for anyone interested tickets for Madame Tussauds (the world famous in wax )is $21.
ReplyDeleteI am up for both! I really want to go to the Madame Tussauds Wax museum. My grandfather back in 1971 was able to visit London and told me that it is a must see if I can go. =) I cant wait for the trip.
ReplyDeleteOh just wanted to make sure, there isn't any books we have to buy throw the school are there? Just as long as we get copy's of the books we need that were already said about?
Ashley, I have not been able to track books from the school for our class. I got the cheapest copies of the Native and Jane Eyre. Also, the anthologies I purchased I paid pennies for! The deliver fees were more the books.
ReplyDeleteRandy, put me in for both the Phanton and Mdm. Tussauds Wax museum. I love that stuff! Do you know of anything else with group rates? As to the balcony, that's fine by me. And although I would love to sit with my team; it is not necessary. My inner child will be fine...LOL! I'll just wear my Den Mother hat. Did you know, Q voted for me? LOL!
ReplyDeleteFar be it from me not to wax operatic as well; sounds a little touristy, but fun . . . then again, we're tourists! Not being one to attend live shows, except perhaps at Disney parks, I understand it is generally considered polite to show one's appreciation for opera not so much with applause, but rather with one of those little canned air-horns, yes?
ReplyDeleteNoooooo! You wouldn't? Air-horns, I mean. And please tell me it is not a euphemism for the other air horn....(giggle)Phantom is not so much operatic as it is musical. You know, they break out in song instead of a multitude of dialog! LOL...Anyway, you must come away with us. Truly, you must. It'll be fun. We can have some warm beer and nuts after the show and bag on it! Bye the by, I love Disney parks.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone looked into the books Katherine and Dan recommended yet? I have spent too much on reading already. And, how's it going with the reading? It has been slow for me.
ReplyDeleteIt's British Literature, it's suppose to be slow reading (aka boring). What an American writer describes in a paragraph it takes 3 pages for a English writer ;)
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteMy name is Berna Landen(nee Clugston). I live in a small city in Ontario, Canada. I am not taking the course but my brother asked if I would like to join the group on the tour to England. How could I resist! I am really looking forward to this adventure. I work in the medical field so the switch to English Literature has been both a joy and a challenge. I am working my way through the "very detailed" Jane Eyre book.
I am enjoying reading your comments and am looking forward to meeting each one of you.
Some of my "beginning" perceptions of the Victorians include: strict, dutiful, submissive, "a woman's place is in the home", "children are to be seen and not heard", BIG hair and even bigger clothing. One of my favourite Victorians is Florence Nightingale.
Talk to you later. Take care.
Hello Berna, nice to meet you. I used to work in the med profession as well. I had the same perceptions of the Victorians too. However,strict, dutiful, submissive, "a woman's place is in the home", "children are to be seen and not heard", lingered well into the 1960s (LOL!) and the BIG hair and even bigger clothing pretty much described the 1980s and 1990s. All that shoulder padding! We looked like line backers for the Rams.
ReplyDeleteWith reference to Florence Nightingale, she was a strong influence in my working in the medical profession early in my teens. Candy-Striper; Nurse's Aide, later bookkeeper for Chiropractors and Admin. Asst. for Radiologist in Brunswick, Maine. Will you be joining us for the Phantom?
Howdy Berna!
ReplyDeleteSince you are the sister (as opposed to wife) of the good Doctor, can we perchance impose upon you for at least one good embarrassing anecdote of your youth spent with (the then lowly mortal) Wayne, before he became so esteemed and laurelled? Not now of course; we wouldn’t want anything in print, er, electrons, uh, whatever . . . .
Welcome aboard!
Q
Q...I do believe as the poet of the group you are definately going to make my job as Den Mother interesting; to say the least! {:-}), LOL!
ReplyDeleteRandy, I love a good mystery. I have noticed (with the exception of Agatha Christy, and a few others), that the English mysteries had a tendancy to build suspense a mite longer than the American versions, as well. Why is that I wonder?
ReplyDeleteDelesia and Amanda, where have you been? Would love to know how your packing is going...Have you read any of the books yet. Amanda, I want to exchange the picture taking process with you. I plan on over-loading my computer. Bye the by; my friend and I are planning on doing a special album of the trip. I was thinking of doing it as a process of our meetings; journies, et al. A journal actually. I know Q you are not big on having your picture taken; however, as your Den-Mother, you are expected to cooperate (somewhat...LOL!). After I get the pictures set up, we were thinking of posting it in a special blog of some kind. I am not totally certain yet how it will get done. My friend and I are working on the details. We just thought of it today. Interested?
ReplyDeleteCherrie--
ReplyDeleteI plan on bringing my digital camera as well as my laptop so feel free to steal some pics from me if you so desire.
You can add me to the list of Phantom of the Opera, and anything else. I am having a slow read of The Return of the Native. I have three books are there anymore?
ReplyDeleteThanks Randy. I will take you up on that. You said you're bringing your lap top and I am bringing my netbook. We should be okay then...Tracie, glad to know you will be with us at the opera and the rest. I know the Native is slow. So, was Jane. In the meantime I think the only other reading is the anthology of 19th Century Poetry. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Norton Critical Series, 3rd edition. ISBN 0-393-97542-8
ReplyDeleteThe Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy. Norton Critical Series, 3rd edition. ISBN 0-393-92787-3
Romantic and Victorian Poetry, 2nd ed. Ed. William Frost. ISBN 978-1-40670-236-1
Scroll up and check out Dr. Clugston's remark. I reprinted here for you but he indicated that the made a change.
Hi all,
ReplyDeleteI want to see anything and everything while I am in London. Tickets to madam and the phantom. I play music so any type of musical is right up my alley. If it is too much opera it will relax me to sleep. I am going to bring my digital also.I want to bring my camcorder but I do not know how to use it yet. Also I will bring my phone with internet. I do not want to keep up with my laptop. If anyone wants to email me pictures I would love that. As for the reading I have not been able to get there yet. How do we pack. Does anyone know? Count down is on.
Good question! What type of clothing? I have googled the weather..a little on the cool side. Any suggestions? Cherrie, Thank you, i do have all the books listed. Working my way through all.
ReplyDeleteDr. Lowe
ReplyDeleteHow are we suppose to coordinate at the airport gate?
I have this vision of the Drs. holding up Signs at the boarding gate where we catch our flight to Manchester, England. I also have a great picture of us trying to con other passengers out of their seats so that we can sit as a group if our seats weren't arranged that way already!
ReplyDelete{:-))+ What fun! As seaned travel to England suggested we layer. Bring an umbrella. However, I am buying mine in England along with a hat. I am a hat person. That may be my indulgence to myself.
After what they have seen from us on this blog, disguises may be more likely than signs. . . .
ReplyDeleteHi ALL
ReplyDeleteCherrie I think I will buy a umbrella in London also. I can not wear a hat because I have a ponytail and braids. I have to go as easy as possible. Is anyone else going through L.A.? I am taking the 8:35 a.m. flight from L.A. TO Newark. My husband is going to drive me to the airport I think. I might catch the shuttle. I live in Santa Ana, Ca. Close to Disneyland. If that is close to anyone I would be happy to hook up with you and carpool or share a shuttle.
Hi Again,
ReplyDeleteIf anyone is on facebook I would love to correspond with you through pictures. My personal email address is lavenderluvishere@yahoo.com. My work email is mharris@westviewservices.org. You can contact me through either.
God BLESS,
Machele
OMG! Why hadn't I thought of that? Emails. I do not have facebook yet. I can bearly keep up with our blog and I do so because it has been so much fun. My personal email is: cccarn07@yahoo.com. By all means, everyone, contact me there if you like. I check it daily.
ReplyDeleteWow I have to keep up with the blog. Haven't looked at it in a few days and I missed a lot. ^_^ If anyone has facebook I have that too ...also my email is vikingvixen1657@aol.com ...I am bring my digital cam along as well. I love taking pictures and will share my pictures with anyone who wants them. I think I will also buy an umbrella there too instead of packing one more thing, who knows they may have some cool umbrellas there since it rains a lot from what I have been told.
ReplyDeleteOh!! I cant wait ^_^
We should plan someway of knowing who everyone is before we get to the airport so we can all find each other. Maybe somehow post pictures of each of us or something? I have never travel alone before so I'm a little nervous I guess. However, I know my excitement will out shadow my nervousness. ^_^
Hi Ashley! We missed ya. I am a short, dumpy, little Italian lady with "sorta" red hair. Brown eyes. I usually wear my hair up in a clipy "thingie" (in case you are wondering Q; I love that word!). I also wear glasses (I am 58 after all). I will have my backpack, a big brown hand bag; and once we get to the luggage carrol, I will have that as well. *_*
ReplyDeleteI put my picture on my blog account, and will likely be wearing either something from the Sesame Street line, or my Trojan t-shirt that has been personalized to read "...Because 85-98% of the world's terrorists could have been avoided." on the back.
ReplyDeleteUmmmmmmm,Q? I think the Sesame Street line might be more appropriate. After all, we do want to set a good example (this is Den Mom speak of course). LOL! And I do hope you realize the word Terrorists is not condusive to feeling comfortable at the airport. Not that I am not anxious to see this shirt. You cannot imagine what is running riot through my head! Wear it when we have fish and chips! *+*
ReplyDeleteYea!! I am not alone. I am 50 and was wondering if I was going to be the oldest. Layering is proably the best. How is everyone's reading going. I downloaded the return of the native on audio book and it is wonderful. When I am driving...I am reading. I have short brown hair and about 5'. Not sure what I am wearing. Something comfortable. Can not wait to meet all. I have a face book acct. tkrose601@msn.com
ReplyDeleteThe more I read and study the Victorian era, I realize this was a time of great change in England. A time of peace. It shows in the writings.
ReplyDeleteHi Cherrie
ReplyDeleteThank you for your response to my message. And yes I would love to go to the Phantom. Let me know how I can submit my payment.
Berna
Hello Berna,
ReplyDeleteRandy said at this time tickets are sold out. Trying to coordinate payment might be tricky. What I suggested is this: We land in England and see what our options are as a group, or going al a cart but going together. Randy gave me this website to browse:
http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com/the_show/
Let me know what you think! I look forward to meeting with you,
Best, Cherrie
Hey Guys!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Elizabeth Verseman and I am sorry HAPPY that I can finally post on the blog! My computer has been taking its own vacation for about 6 weeks and on Sunday it is now...I pray..fixed! Today is my birthday so it has made me very happy! Anyway, I can not wait for this trip and to meet everyone. I have never been to Europe and I can not believe I am now getting the chance to go. I have read most of the posts and I know people are looking to hook up via email or facebook. I am on facebook and my email is elizabeth1_v@hotmail.com. I live in St. Louis and will be flying into Newark via St. Louis. I think I get in about 3 hours before our flight out. If anybody is flying out of St. Louis let me know and we can carpool. I know we get some free time in London and a friend of mine told me about a tour that takes place at night that goes around the city telling you the "ghost stories" of the city. She loved it. I am going to look up the info on line and try to go if anyone wants to join.
Can't wait to meet everyone!
Elizabeth
Happy Birthday Elizabeth!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth! Happy Birthday and welcome to the Wild Bunch! Would love to join you for that night time tour. I love ghost stories, mysteries, history, science, and Eng. Lit. In the meantime, I do believe most of us will be experiencing the 3hr lay-over at the NJ airport. What we could do is this: We are all going to have to check our bags again at the customs area. After we should head to our boarding gate, meet up there, and then find a place to snack and shoot the breeze and become acquainted. We may get split up on the plane. Hey Gang? What do think?
ReplyDeleteCherrie,
Bye the By, Elizabeth, check out the email that Dr. Clugston sent us. Our email addresses should be there. Some us have our names before the address. Look forward to the chit-chats. *+*
ReplyDeleteI arrive from Portland and have just short of 4 hours at Newark so I'll find a place and save some seats :)
ReplyDeleteI believe that we don't deal with customs until we get to Manchester. I am flying Continental so when I get to Newark I will not have to go through the strip search again ;) It will be bad enough going through the one here in Eugene because the DHS Agent is a friend of mine, and to tell you the truth, he's not that cute (this is Eugene aka Lil' San Fran).
Hey all. Happy Birthday Elizabeth. Glad you could join us. I am coming in via Texas. I may have the longest lay over, I should be at the gate around 2. I am up for ghost stories.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys for the birthday wishes! I had a good day. I found a couple of website for the nights tours on is www.london-walking-tours.co.uk and the other one is jack-the-ripper-tours.com. The second one is the one I think my friends went on and loved, they said the Beefeaters get in on it and it is a lot of fun. it looks like it is about 14 US dollars to go.
ReplyDeleteI am flying Continental into Newark as well, so I should be okay until we get to Manchester as well. I think Cherrie has a great idea. Tracie and Randy you guys might be there first so to save some seats would be great! As for spotting each other, I am not hard to miss because I am 6 feet tall. :) Thanks Cherrie for the tips on Dr.Clugston email. I will check it out.
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI will be looking for you. We will save seats. How is the reading going?
Good evening all! My name is Linda, and I am looking forward to meeting everyone! I have never been to Europe, so I am thrilled to be part of this group; and from what I have read so far, I think we will have a great time! Count me in for fish and chips, the Phantom, Picadilly Square, the double decker bus ride, and any other explorations!
ReplyDeleteI live in New Jersey near the shore, and I have two teenagers, ages 15 and 15 at the moment (they are 9 months apart; my daughter was born Nov 2003, my son born Aug 2004) It was like having twins!! I work full time as a manager for a health insurance company, and have been tied up with projects and other duties, so this week is the first chance I had to use this blog.
I do not know anyone else in this class, and I will be traveling alone, but I look forward to making many new friends! So to Jody, Cherrie, Q, Machele, Ashley, Tracie Rose, Katherine, and Dr Clugston, I look forward to getting to know you through this blog. (If I omitted someone who is on the blog, my apologies; it is 12:10am and I am a bit sleepy!!)
I am overwhelmed.I forget to post because I get so excited reading everyone's blog. Thanks for the picture on facebook Randy. I know who to look for.I will arive in Newark 2 hours before the plane to Manchester leaves. Since I am slow,and going to a town I have never been in; I will make my way to the other plane as fast as possible.To everyone that is on this blog and the people that have not found the time to post anything; God Bless you! I look forward to meeting you. You cannot miss me I am heavy set (fat) and I have a ponytail and braids. I do not know what color my hair will be. It may be streaked with Gray or my hairdresser may decide to color it. In any case I look forward to starting class next week, posting and finally getting to know each and every one of you as we travel through history. I know; I am so dramatic.
ReplyDeleteOh Machele I love it! I never know from time to time what color my hair will be either! Right now it is a strawberry blonde. It was quite red a few weeks ago but the sun bleaches it out. Anyway, Randy, save those seats. I check my bags in at the SeaTac here in Washington and therefore, they should be going straight through to Manchester as well. I am short. I wear my hair up in a clippy thing so it is sorta a pony tail. I have dimples and brown eyes. Elizabeth, I think I know the tour your are talking about where the Beefeaters get in on the scare. I am definatly into that! And the Jack the Ripper! I have been having internet issueI s all week and discovered my router is defective. I have not been able to get my new netbook to access internet. So, if someone can access the info Randy spoke about for the Phantom let me know the full details. I got lucky and managed the blog. If we are all sure we want to see the Phantom and we now number 9 or more, I'll front for the tickets. And you can pay me in London. Sound good?
ReplyDeleteHey Cherrie,
ReplyDeleteThanks. I definitely want to go to the Phantom. I will be glad to pay you or even send you the money if you are are willing to do that.I want to do that walking tour also. I have been working my second job and have not had time to do much of anything else. Happy belated B'day Elizabeth. We will have to celebrate when we meet up in England. I see the guidelines of what to take and wear. I have done no shopping but I am a last minute person. Does anyone else have a B'day or anniversary while we are in England? I love celebrations. God Bless!
Hi Cherrie,
ReplyDeleteI definitely want to go. I will send you the money, just let me know where. That makes three of us. My hair dresser decided to color my hair two weeks ago, a dark brown with some blonde. It is rather nice to change from time to time. I have short hair and stand 5'. We will definitely be a great bunch together. We are going to have soooo much fun. What an incredible experience!
Okay then. I am going to email Randy to get full details and make arrangements and see if we can even get to see the Phantom. In the meantime, if we need a celebration party let's celebrate the fact that we have some dynamic people forming this tour group! First or second night? Maybe we should celebrate the whole trip!
ReplyDeleteOkay, Gang. I just got an email from Randy with the website to get the tickets going. The group rate is for 10. I do believe we have 10 interested for Phantom. Now, we need to decide what night we want to go. Take a look at the itinerary and get back to me no later than tomorrow evening. Tickets are going fast. There were 4 seats together in the balcony. And I believe those came to $46.oo US dollars. If that is a good rate for everyone, Then I will proceed. But I won't do anything until I hear from you tomorrow. Thanks, Cherrie
ReplyDeleteI think the Wednesday night show will be the best for us because the itinerary shows us having dinner at the Kensington hotel Thursday night from 6-7:30 and Wed. is clear and an "on our own" dinner night. Phantom starts at 7:30, so what do you think of having our "Fish N' Chips" night early enough to catch the Wed. time?
ReplyDeleteCherrie,
ReplyDeleteI am a go for the balcony, Wed. night, and Fish & Chips. Let me know where to send money? Count me in!
send money to: C.Carnaghi
ReplyDelete815 124th Street SW
#31
Everett, WA 98204
$46.00 even. If there's a tax, etc. I'll let you know. How does that sound everyone?
Hi Cherrie
ReplyDeleteWednesday night, balcony, and fish and chips sound wonderful to me. I am in.
Thanks.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCherrie,
ReplyDeleteI am mailing you the payment today! Thanks so much for all your hard work to make this happen!
Hello everyone - I would love to join you all on Wednesday.....OK if I tag along? If so, I will mail payment to the address above, thanks!
ReplyDeleteHello everyone...
ReplyDeleteand WOW!! I have been reading all this for like an hour!! I am sorry I havent been active on the blog..I don't have internet at home and I got this new job typing policies and I have typed like, 15 hours a day so I can have money for england...and it has been a tremendously bad week. Anyway...if there is still time I would love to go to Phantom of the Opera and madams tussauds with everyone...fish & chips too. My pictures will all be on film...I am old school with my photography camera from highschool. Technology is not, persay, my best friend. I have read Jane Eyre and am struggling with Return of the native...it moves so slow...oy. I love the poetry though. I thought Jane Eyre was pretty good once you got down to nitty gritty parts of it...poor everyone in that story. I wish I could get on here more and talk with you all...I can't wait to meet everyone. Oh, I am coming from Indiana...me, my dad, my sister and her boyfriend are leaving the night of the 14th and driving straight to newark...were we will then proceed to sleep...hopefully till the 16th.
OH! I forgot my email adress and facebook email. my email is mrsnew81608@yahoo.com, and my you can find me on facebook with angelb_tch111@yahoo.com - this is an address from a long time ago...
ReplyDeleteI have been reading more and it seems like everyone is really awesome...only 12 more days!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is Amanda by the way.
Hello everyone! My name is Omiko Anderson and I’m very excited about going to London in the next week. It seems that a few of you have already gotten acquainted---sorry I’m a late bloomer on the blogging. Anyway, this will not only be a rewarding educational experience for me but it is the first time in my life I’ve traveled out of the states alone. I look forward to meeting each of you and hope to tag along for future events in London since it appears that I’m to late for the Phantom of the Opera. I’m on Facebook too.
ReplyDeleteI everyone, it is not too late to join the group! However, Q I cannot access PayPal. I can't even order the tickets. Apparently, my internet is down and I cannot make long distance phone calls outside the US! someone contact Randy and see if he can call me at: 425-322-3700. For some odd reason, I can get incoming calls. I will get those tickets if it kills me! LOL! Thanks. so does that make 10 now?
ReplyDeleteI just posted to our Blog area as well. I made the same comments. I see that my post finally posted.
someone call me! I want to get these tickets ordered before we lose the 09/23 evening seats! We are all going balcony, okay?
Hey Everybody!!!! As you may have heard from Randy this AM we had trouble or rather I did with acquiring the tickets. So, this is what I learned from my banks. 1. Contact your credit card companies and your banks and let them know that you will be traveling abroad and that you may be using your cards for purchases or writing checks for same. Also, make 3 copies of your itinerary, your passport, the cards you will be using and the phone #s for emergency to contact your banks and credit cards offices. You will need to make copies of your driver's license and any emergency contacts that know you are out of the country. One set of papers should go in an envelope and seal it write your name across the flap BIG and then seal it with scotch tape. You will have the hotel put that in a safe for you and when you leave make sure you get it back. The second set of information goes with a family member (unsealed of course) the third set you need to keep in a carry on in a secret place. This information was given to me by my bank and Continental airlines for in case of emergencies. If items get lost or stolen. So, that is what happened with me. I tried to use my card and because it was an Overseas Exchange # the credit card company blocked my account!!!!!! Therefore, I am ordering tickets for Q, myself, and Ashley? and Omika. Correct? Q, I can still get them, my card has cleared.. Please advise me because I am getting the tickets in the morning. Randy, I can get yours as well.
ReplyDeleteHi Cherrie
ReplyDeleteI mailed you a check for $46 on Friday, you should get to tomorrow or Thursdays morning. Thanks for sharing the info about making three sets of copies of our documents!
I did call my bank today to advise I will be in England 9/16 - 9/26, they notated my account to ensure I will not run into trouble using my cards.
Some additional info I would like to share - I also called my cell phone provider (Verizon) and they are adding international calling to my Blackberry for the time I will be in England. Also, I called HP to see if I would run into any trouble bringing my mini laptop when it comes to using a converter to plug into the electric in the UK. They advised that HP products are globals, so if anyone else has an HP they are bringing, it should be OK.
I logged into our Ashford Blackboard over the past few days, and do not see anything for our class work or discussion boards....are our assignments this week to be done via blog? I had some computer problems this past two weeks, my teenage daughter accidently downloaded spyware onto my school laptop, and after the Norton Antivirus team removed the virus, I found some of my files were gone - including my folder of emails that pertain to this class!!
Help!! Any info that my classmates could share would be most appreciated!
Linda
No problem, I will be buying tickets tomorrow am. I believe I still have a good count of 9, for 23/09 7:30 pm. If I have problems I will contact the gang again! LOL! this has been the most fun I have had in weeks!
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone! here is something else I just learned tonight. (I am so thrilled I have my internet back! I have been lost without a phone as well. Okay. for all of us bringing cameras and laptops: Make certain you get them registered at customs. They will give you small sheet of paper with the serial numbers of your camera(s) and laptop(s) and any other item that could be misconstrued for declaration purposes. In otherwords when we return we do not want to pay duty fare on items we already owned! Also, if these items are lost or stolen the #s can be tracked or flaged! Good information huh?
ReplyDeleteThanks for all that information Cherrie!!
ReplyDeleteHi Tippy, no problem. After what I went through this morning with my credit card - if I can make someone else's life easier - I am for it! Oh yeah! I have Verizon as well and a Blackberry too! thanks for the reminder I need to go Global! LOL!
ReplyDeleteOkay, here is my head count for tickets: Correct me if I missed someone:
ReplyDeleteQ, Randy, Myself, Linda, Omika, Amanda, Machele, Tracie, and Berna. That's 9. which is good because that is the minimum of a group rate.
To the Wild Bunch: I checked the classroom and nothing is open as of yet. Try tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteCherrie,
ReplyDeleteDo not worry about me, I bought my ticket. Thank You
Did you get me too Cherrie? =)
ReplyDeleteWell, I hope everyone else has an easier time accessing the classroom. For some reason I am not enrolled in the class, but Ashford is working on it. Oy.
ReplyDeleteHello All!!! It seems I have gotten to this party a little late, but I suppose better late than never! I am really excited about this trip, as I have been talking for many years (well before I began @ ashford) about going to London. Can't wait to meet all of you, and thanx so far for all the tips i have read on here. See you soon!!!
ReplyDeleteI GOT THE TICKETS!!!!!!!! Linda, I did not forget you, not to worry. Here we go, I have 9 tickets; 1 each for: Linda, Randy, Q, Berna, Omika, Amanda, Machele, Ashley, and Me. If I forgot someone - please forgive me - it was not intentional. There is time to buy tickets for 09/23 @ 7:30p. Her Majesty's Theartre @ Piccadilly. Dial this # 001-44-207-834-7231. They were great there. Here is our seating arrangement: Balcony B-25 to 27; C-25 to 27; and D 7 to 9. We are arranged 3 seats behind the other. We will be together! And we are doing Fish and chips (vinegar and salt or bread and butter. As the good Dr. said, business Casual is d'rigor! In the meantime, the tickets are waiting for us at the Box Office (not Will Call. That was fun explaining what I meant) and here is the confirmation # (they call it Booking Reservation #)71736888. In the meantime, the tickets are under my name and I must present my credit card. But I thought we should know the Bk. Res. #. I hope I did good.
ReplyDeleteYes, Ashley, I did. You are with us on the grouop to go to see Phanthom.
ReplyDeleteAshley, sorry I forgot to mention you in the list. However, I got your ticket to Phantom.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for being so patient. Hey Q! You still hanging in there? I read you were a busy dude!
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone, here is something I researched and thought to share. It will help with all our electronics we are bringing into England.
ReplyDeleteTip: Register Items Before You Leave The United States
(08/21/2009)If your laptop computer was made in Japan—for instance—you might have to pay duty on it each time you bring it back into the United States, unless you could prove that you owned it before you left on your trip. Documents that fully describe the item—such as sales receipts, insurance policies, or jeweler's appraisals—are acceptable forms of proof.
To make things easier, you can register certain items with CBP before you depart— including watches, cameras, laptop computers, firearms, and CD players—as long as they have serial numbers or other unique, permanent markings. Take the items to the nearest CBP office and request a Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad (CBP Form 4457). It shows that you had the items with you before leaving the United States and all items listed on it will be allowed duty-free entry. CBP officers must see the item you are registering in order to certify the certificate of registration. You can also register items with CBP at the international airport from which you’re departing. Keep the certificate for future trips.
Hi Tracie,
ReplyDeleteI got your check. I will be bringing it with me to the airport. Thank you so much. I am so sorry it was such a mess on my end. However, it worked out okay...Right?
Hello again! So I realize that noone is going to be on here at this time of night/early morning, but I just wanted to say.......I ALSO GOT TICKETS TO THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA! I saw everyone's post, and I knew I wanted to go. Unfortunately I won't be sitting with you guys, I think my tickets is in the Stalls F18. Hopefully, I can still enjoy Fish and Chips with you guys if you don't mind. I have to say with each passing day, I get more and more excited. What about you?
ReplyDeleteHi Lynnette,
ReplyDeleteAt 58 years of age you become a night owl. I have trouble sleeping so this is the time I take to read my assignments and catch up on blogging. Yes, please join us for fish and chips! I plan on having mine with a Guinnes. And maybe I'll flash the Queen's guards. Or at best, fake it! LOL!
So I have a question that anybody can answer....Cherrie you may know this already, but what do I need to bring with me so that I can use the electrical outlets. Some things say you need a special adapter, others say your charger may already work with their plugs, and I don't know what to think. So I would appreciate any help anyone can give. Thanx again.
ReplyDeleteAlso does anyone know about internet? May be a stupid question, but my laptop is wireless. Do I need a cord? Does the hotel have wireless?
ReplyDeleteLynnette,
ReplyDeleteI bought an international adapter at wal-mart about three years ago. I had to have it for a trip to Italy. It is inexpensive and comes with different plugs for the different countries. It worked great in Italy. Hope this helps. I can not help you on the internet question. I have chosen to leave mine at home.
Can anyone tell me how class is going? I still have no access and better yet no way to call anyone! I cant believe it is already wednesday...the trip seemed so far away and now its here! Hope everyone is doing well.
ReplyDeleteAmanda
Lynnette--
ReplyDeleteIf your power cord for your laptop says it's "input" is in the range of 220V used in England all you need is an "adaptor" (under $10 at most places like Target) if not you will need a "convertor" which will be in the $50 range.
For example my laptop says "input 100-240V" which is in the range of the 220V for England.
Lynnette, I was advised to bring a universal adaptor. think about curling irons, etc. And although some newer equipment may work, you are not guaranteed against a power surge.
ReplyDeleteCherrie
Some hotels will have internet access. they will charge you however, So be careful. Call the hotels. I haven't been able to until recently because I had local internet issues of my own. Your best bet would be to call your cell phone provider and look into global packages and see if your cell phone is global capable.
ReplyDeleteI have a blackberry storm; my cell is global capaable. RE: The Int'l rating...some services charge 99 cents per minute. Some will have unlimited data features along with an Int'l roaming feature for the local area (meaning while you are in London, etc). I suggest if you want to stay informed with loved ones at home, look into the data features. For instance, mine has unlimited access to emails; and other data features. Yet, I will pay a rate for text messages of 5cents per incoming and 50 cents for outgoing. This works well for me. I want my netbook strickly for notes and storage of pictures from my Nikon. I can check emails from my cell and that feature pleased me more than anything else. I hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteTippy email me and I will send you information:
ReplyDeletecccarn07@yahoo.com
Thanks Cherrie. I just got near a computer again and I am finally in class!! I have posted my intro but not assignments- I wont be able to do that till tomorrow. Oy. Only a few more days....
ReplyDeleteAmanda
Congrats!!!!!!!! Noticed you in.
ReplyDeleteSorry guyz...been busy! Thank you to all of you who answered my questions. I'm going shopping tomorrow, to get all my last minute things. I AM SOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!! Cherrie, you mentioned on a previous post about registering items with CBP.So I looked on the website, but it didn't tell me where the nearest CBP office is to me. This may be a dumb question but, is this something I can only do at the airport? 6 more days.....
ReplyDeleteHello Dr. Clugston,
ReplyDeleteQ asked me to contact you to let you know his email system is down,
Thank you, cherrie
Hi Linda,
ReplyDeletegot the check today (9/11) thank you very much.
See ya soon
Tomorrow...Tomorrow...I love ya Tomorrow...you're only A DAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am in New Jersey!!! The traffic is INSANE!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe are in ENGLAND!!! Hope everyone had a great (though definitely sleepy) first day and that we all continue to enjoy this emmensely.
ReplyDelete