Winchester Cathedral

During this part of my Oxford semester I get to hear a lot of lectures on British history (not so exciting) and take some amazing field trips (very exciting!). After a long four days of lectures on kings killing one another and fighting against the pope, raising taxes, building castles, going to war, etc, I got to board a double decker bus along with all my fellow students and head off to Winchester England to see the famous Winchester Cathedral.

The Cathedral has been in existence in some form since 1079. One of the amazing things about the Cathedral is the architecture which changes as you go into different areas. Two main parts of the cathedral are Norman in style (you can tell by the round arches and plain pillars), the cathedral construction was continued, but the style was change to Perpendicular Gothic (evident by the pointed arches and ornate carving and scrollwork). When closely looked at, you can see changes in the design of the cathedral. Evidently there was no "Master Plan" during the time of construction. Workers made things up as they went along. Window styles change, pillars don't always work out (there is one pillar that just ends, it doesn't do anything!), and fire required the rebuilding of several parts.

Our tour of the cathedral was led by Jonathan Kirkpatrick, one of our Junior deans. He is an amazing history buff and also attended primary school in the nearby Winchester College Boys School. He was able to tell us many interesting and funny stories about the city.

Our tour of the cathedral included a scary climb to the top of the tower and a walk along the roof. Access to the tower is through the narrowest, steepest winding staircase I have ever seen in my life. The picture of Nellie's roommate Laurie (below) gives a glimpse into the tight quarters and steepness of the stair way. We were able to see the bell chamber, housing the sixteen bells of the tower as well as the ringing chamber where the bells are rung. The view from the top of the tower was great! We could see all of Winchester.



Descending the stairs (not an easy operation), we went through a different door and found ourselves above the roof of the cathedral, probably 75 feet above the floor. We walked through the rafters and were able to witness the amazing craftsmanship with which the building was constructed. Rafters the size of oak trees cris-crossed the space and huge wooden pegs held everything together.

The picture at the left of of the cathedral knave. Note the amazing vaulted ceiling. When we were walking in the rafters, we were on-top of the ceiling! The goal of the gothic perpendicular style is to draw your attention up (toward heaven).

Bathrobe Blizzard

I previously posted pictures of the great Prague spring blizzard which Nellie and I had the privileged (?) of being a part of. You may have wondered where we were during all the excitement. The answer, is on the 26th floor of the Corinthia Hotel-- at the pool!!

During our research on things to do in Prague, Nellie found a five star hotel that allows guests to use the workout and pool facilities without actually staying at the hotel. Lucky for us, we chose the right day to relax poolside! After working out in the gym for an hour, we had "home church" next to the pool and then jumped in while watching the snow fall all over the city. The view from the pool was amazing (see the snow picture from my previous post).

Pool side home church was nice and relaxing, but was more out of necessity than anything. Through our exploration of Prague, we did not come across a single active church. Yes, there are many large cathedrals and "church shaped" structures, but they were not living churches, just empty shells; tourist points on a map. Prague is in desperate need of Christian influences. As it has only recently come out of communist dictatorship, men and women are desperately needed to build up the church in this area.

My favorite part of Sunday was the amazing bath robes that the hotel provided for us. Having never experienced the luxury of a bath robe before, I felt like royalty. Nellie laughs at me every time I mention it. Unfortunately, for some strange reason, I don't have a picture of my amazing bath robe. You'll just have to take my word for it!

The Corinthia Hotel is has a little bit for everyone. Later in the week, Nellie and I returned to eat at the Beer and Bowling Bar. After a wonderful Czech feast, we bowled three games. Nellie is an amazing bowler and a fierce competitor! The hotel provided a great place to relax after dark.

Watching a blizzard while swimming in a pool is a great experience. You really should try it!

Views From the Air

On our first full day in the city of Prague, Nellie and I wandered over to Old Town Square. This square is a central point in the city. It is surrounded by magnificent buildings, towers, and churches. We climbed the Old Town Hall Tower which was built little by little starting in 1338. From the top of this vantage point, we could see all the way across the city. The red terra cotta building tops provided a colorful display. Being able to see the breadth and scope of the city during my first day was very nice. Later on I learned that at one point Prague was larger than both London and Paris. Its size since then has remained constant, while that of London and Paris has grown.

This was what we saw from the top of the tower. The building in the distance is St. Vitus' Cathedral located in the center of Prague Castle. Note the color of the buildings. We were amazed by the beauty of the contrasting colors of the buildings.

If you look at the picture from my previous post that has the twin spires, you will also see the Old Town Hall Tower where I took the above picture. You can also see the river which separates the town into two distinct parts. Looking at these two pictures will give you some perspective as to the expanse of Prague.

This is Tyn church. The Gothic style architecture is much more impressive from the outside than from the inside. Gothic churches tend to be oriented toward style and impression rather than function. Prague is well know for its Gothic architecture which can be seen throughout the city.

Here you can see the actual square and the roads leading into it. Note the white, pink, and yellow buildings in the center.

On the day that Nell and I climbed the Old Town Tower, it was sunny and cold. We were not prepared for what happened the next evening-- six inches of snow! The spring blizzard that we experienced would have been the talk of the town in Michigan. The people of Prague didn't seem too concerned however. After the Saturday evening/Sunday morning snowstorm, skis began to appear in the hands of men and women as the rode the metro or walked from place to place. The next time that Nellie and I climbed to a high vantage point to look over the city, the view was quite a bit different as snow had settled onto the tops of the houses and streets.

The next few days were very cold and windy. We alternated between walking outside and visiting museums and shops to thaw out. Thankfully, there was always a McDonald's nearby at which we could sit and melt for a while! One thing that did surprise me was the complete absence of Starbucks, that great commercial giant, from Prague. They seem to have stores in every city in the world. I guess they haven't made it to the Czech Republic yet!

The snow and cold had no effect on our enjoyment of the city. We were able to do almost everything that we had planned on plus a few bonus stops along the way. The transportation system made traveling from one side of town to the other easy and relatively simple.

Hope you enjoyed these aerial view of Prague. If you are looking for a European destination, I would definitely recommend a stop in the Czech Republic!

Return to Oxford

Dear family, Friends, Citizens and Strangers:

I am back at my desk with fingers eager to write about the many adventures and sights that Nellie and I experienced during our Spring Break trip to the city of Prague. We were unable to find a suitable location in Prague to update blogs, and so over the next few days we will try to post pictures, stories, and thoughts from our journey. As with any monumental experience, describing everything that we saw and did would be impossible (and would probably bore you to tears). I will attempt to give you some of my favorite moments and pictures, and Nellie will do the same. The best part, is that we come with the pictures and stories! So if you want to hear more, please don't hesitate to e-mail or leave a comment!

Overall, our trip was a great success. We navigated the bus, metro, air, and tram systems of two countries and a foreign language! Prague is packed full of history, some tragic and sad, and some triumphant. We saw the important points of Prague's history and heritage including Stare Mesto (Old Town Square) Nove Mesto (New Town Square), the Astronomical Clock, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, the Jewish Quarter, churches, performance houses, stadiums, and some neat coffee shops and Resteraunts.

Now that I am back in Oxford, I will be re-focusing on my studies which begin in earnest tomorrow. Looming in the near horizon is an important essay on the development of American Literature, two case studies on British culture, some field trips to important British landmarks, and daily lectures on British history and culture. Although there is a lot going on, I will add more posts from Prague as I have the opportunity to do so. For now, please enjoy a few of our many pictures!

This pictures is taken in front of the River which divides Prague into two distinct areas. Visible behind me are the tall spires of St. Nicolaus Church and St. Vitus' Cathedral

One of the most enjoyable adventures that Nellie and
I had was a cruise along the Vltava River.

This view of Prague is taken from the Castle Steps looking across the river into Stare Mesto (Old Town Square) The single spire near the center of the photo is the Town Hall Tower on which the famous Astronomical Clock can be found. Across from that tower is the impressive double spire of the Tyn Church.

On the road again

Today I finished my final tutorial with Dr. Emma Plaskitt, turned in my essay proposal, returned my library books, and attended my final lecture! Tomorrow I will be packing, helping Nellie cook some snacks for the trip, boarding the bus for the Gatwick airport, and flying into Prague, CZ.

Nellie and I will be in Prague from 10pm tomorrow evening until Wednesday morning. We have a long list of things to do and see (which you can read on Nellie's blog) and are ready for whatever other adventures come our way.

We would appreciate your prayers while we travel. Pray that we would be safe and find our way around the city easily; that our hostel would be nice and the weather would cooperate; that we would be able to relax and re-energize for the last month of the semester.

It is our hope to continue to update our blogs and post pictures throughout our trip. The wonder of wireless internet connections has made this possible! Please check back in the coming days for pictures and stories!

Oxford Vs. Cambridge

Today, two football (soccer) titans clashed for school bragging rights on the grass pitch at the Oxford University Sports Complex on Iffley Road. The Oxford Blues met the Cambridge Blues in pitched battle and featured American footballer (and my roommate) Josh Stevens. Oxford vs. Cambridge is the equivalent of Michigan vs. Michigan State, or, dare I suggest, Michigan vs. Ohio State. The meeting of these two teams is like a battle between Darth Vadar and Luke Skywalker, Cowboys and Indians, Hatfields and the McCoys, Israelites against the Philistines.

The weather was chilly and clear, perfect for a hotly contested match. The first half was scoreless as both teams played defensively. About five minutes into the second half Cambridge headed a ball past the Oxford keeper in a wild scramble around the net. The crowd erupted in cheers.

Shortly after Cambridge's first goal, Oxford was awarded a direct penalty kick at close range. The initial kick was saved by the keeper, but the rebound was promptly kicked to the back of the net. Unfortunately, the goal was called off as the Cambridge keeper had left the line after the initial kick. Oxford was awarded a second attempt at netting their first goal but was foiled by the Cambridge keeper who played brilliantly throughout the game.

Oxford had several chances throughout the final period, but was unable to capitalize. Tension was thick in the stands and on the sidelines. The pressure was mounting. With only a few minutes left in the game, Cambridge netted their second goal after Oxford pulled their keeper for an extra attacker. The game ended at a 2-0 score. For this year, bragging rights go back to Cambridge.

This Oxford/Cambridge game took place between both schools second (JV) football teams. Varsity will take the field in London at the stadium of Premier League team Fulham on 2 April.

Oxford (dark blue) and Cambridge (light blue) chase after an airborne ball.

American students showed up in force to support Josh Stevens.

This couple was spotted watching the game.
Who is that cute girl and the lucky guy?

**Associated Press, London**

Today: March 01, 2006 at 20:19:46 GMT

New Subway Station Named For American Oxford Student

By Lyra Jenkins
ASSOCIATED PRESS

LONDON, England (AP) -

London Tube officials opened up the newest tube stop today amidst great fanfare. The stop, which connects the Piccadilly and Circle lines, has been under construction since late November. The announcement of the station name was greatly anticipated during the construction. Station naming rights are highly coveted and bitterly contested. To the cheers of locals, London Tube director Tim O'Toole announced that the newest stop would be named for American student Nellie Kananen. Ms. Kananen is currently reading English at Oxford University and is finishing up her Bachelors degree. She plans on moving back to the States after term where she will be teaching primary students.

"I'm really honored" said Ms. Kananen. "I have been completely blessed by the wonderful treatment of the British people."

The Nellie stop will be open for travelers beginning 2 March.

AP Photo: Ike McKinnon