…when the Romans first came here, nineteen-hundred years ago.”
Certainly Joseph Conrad had a way with describing how incredibly ancient, and seemingly timeless the British Isles remain. Many of us can trace our ancestry back to those very shores… perhaps that is the draw. Thus, I shall embark on a bit of my own journey, certainly not into the heart of darkness (let’s not get too dismal, here), but one for educational purposes, entertainment, etc. For the uninitiated, my study abroad trip is to last for a total of six weeks, and is conducted through Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University. Studies include two courses, HON 378: Culture and Society in England, Ireland, and Scotland, and HON 379: Romantics, Victorians, and Moderns in England, Ireland, and Scotland- the Response to Nature and Science. These courses will be taught by two Barrett professors, not in a traditional brick-and-mortor style setting, rather in a fashion I would describe as on-site, in a bit of an archeological spirit (though less invasive).
I will be in London, England from 16 May through 7 June. 7 June marks a flight to Dublin, Ireland, where I will spend eight days, flying to Edinburgh, Scotland on 15 June. I will spend the remainder of my time in Edinburgh, returning to the United States on 27 June. I will update you all on my whereabouts, activities, experiences, and whatnot as I travel, hopefully with due diligence, as I am prone to lacking consistency when it comes to writing in journals, blogging, and the like. Do bear with me if this is not a daily exercise, though I will try my hardest to make it so. There will be both written reflections, if you will, and a great number of photographs uploaded to this blog, so I do imagine that it will be somewhat entertaining for those of you reading.
With that, I shall sign off. See you all in five days!
P.S. If you have any suggestions about where I should go, or what I should do, feel free to email me (cecurtis@asu.edu) or contact me through the lovely Facebook page. Feedback would be appreciated, as well, as would some contact with my mates back home. I believe you can comment on posts. On that note, as well, I do have a Skype account set up (with no idea how to work it- help!), and my phone will be operational overseas (for limited use only, please). Ta!
traversingtheisles 
Sounds terrific! I’ve spent some time there over the last few years and I have a few recommendations:
* Hix for dinner and drinks in Soho.
* Day trips to Oxford and Cambridge. Rowing punts in Cambridge and a pint at The Anchor. The Pitts River museum in Oxford.
* London has the best Indian food on the planet. My favorite fancy place is Zaika but it is *very* expensive.
* If the weather is nice a day trip to Brighton is great.
Have fun! I’ve spent a bit of time in Dublin too (will just miss you, in fact) so I’ll try to send another list of suggestions.
Thank you for the suggestions! Might you know of a pretty good fish ‘n chips shop in London?
A night in the museum?
anyway, othere than your missive on FB, I am missing your stories of the midwest, err Eire. Get getting.