One Year Later . . .

On this day last year, I was in Paris celebrating the finish of the Tour de France.  After much wandering and an all-nighter in a Parisian café, I caught the Eurostar back to London and prepared for the London Olympics. 

So much has happened in the past 365 days . . .

The short version is that I am now teaching journalism at the University of Kansas and expanding my public address responsibilities to include the USATF Master's National Championships and the KU Women's Soccer team.  The highlight of the year has been the birth of Mac Morris, the newest member of my adopted family.  I can still count the number of babies I've held on one hand, but 7.5 hours is a record that might never be broken.

If anyone is still following this blog, I hope that I have been able to share with you the wonderful stories that I have lived over the past two years.  If not, give me a ring and we'll share a drink and I'll catch you up.  Cheers! 

Chariots of Fire

Without a doubt, Chariots of Fire is my favorite film of all time.  The fact that I saw it the night before my first ever track meet has been one of the best coincidences of my life.  Not only is it about two of England's most successful and inspirational athletes, it also touches upon some of my family's biggest influences.  From its opening scene, the film held me captive with its wonderful storytelling and compelling soundtrack.  I have watched it so many times I know nearly every line by heart and that enabled me to really enjoy the stage adaption that is currently playing at the Gielgud Theatre in London.  It is difficult to describe how the running scenes come to life on stage, but the audience is truly in the midst of all the action.  The timing of this production fit so well into my Olympic experience, and I'm not afraid to admit that I had tears in my eyes during the final scene in which Vangelis' famous theme blasts out as the cast takes its curtain call wearing the 2012 Team GB uniform.

The stage rotated in a complete circle. 

A figure eight track also ran around the audience.

Eastbourne & Brighton

The southeast coast of England, from the White Cliffs of Dover all the way to Land's End,  has been a family favorite for generations.  The fact that my parents met at its mid-point in Southampton is probably fitting.  This week, I returned to Eastbourne and Brighton for a final glimpse of the seaside.

Sea mist at Beachy Head

Skies have cleared at Beachy Head and Eastbourne.

The seaside town of Eastbourne 

The famous Brighton Pier

Punch & Judy has entertained since 1662.

And some modern day entertainment . . .

  

Father's Footsteps

Yesterday, I travelled to Rochester in much the same way as my father did in the 1950's.  The train took me through his hometown of Snodland and stopped at Strood, where I walked across the bridge into Rochester.  King's School Rochester was founded in 604.  Yes, it's over 1400 years old!  Next to the school is a medieval castle and next to that I had a drink in a pub in which my father drank his very first pint in 1956.  Of course, the pub was built in the 12th Century, so it's been around awhile.
From Rochester, I walked to the next town of Chatham and climbed up the hill to the Naval War Memorial that was featured in the Michael Caine film, Last Orders.  The term 'Last Orders' has a double meaning.  It's the British term for 'Last Call' in the bar, as well as a dying man's final request.  I highly recommend this film which also stars Helen Mirren and Bob Hoskins.

The cathedral at King's School Rochester

Medieval castle in Rochester

Naval War Memorial in Chatham

Toasting my father's school 

Day In The Country

A typical day in the country with my aunt:  First a nice lunch in a pub once visited by Charles II in 1651, while fleeing Oliver Cromwell.  This was followed by a short drive to a small town festival/carnival, which was preceded by the smallest parade I've ever seen.  Finally,we returned home for a village cricket match just down the road.  Definitely an itinerary not available in the USA.

The George and Dragon in Houghton, Sussex

Cozy nook inside pub

Don't get the Mexican-hatted locals leading the parade

Parade led to this carnival in a field

Village cricket on the green

Heavyweight batsman

Sussex Bound

This week, I'm spending a few days in Sussex with my parents, who are staying with my aunt.  Today, we hiked along the ridge of the South Downs, hunting for wild blackberries.  Following a delicious pub lunch, we headed down to the coast for another stroll along the seaside.  The weather cooperated and it was a fantastic final day for my parents who will return home tomorrow.    credit my aunt for most of today's pictures.

Taking a break up on the South Downs

Fresh blackberries never tasted so good.

Taking a break down at the seaside

First into the English Channel at Rustington

Doing our Chariots of Fire impression