Behind the Times

Wow.... I just realized how long it has been since we updated. Admittedly we have had internet from the pub down the street, but usually we only spend about 20 minutes catching up on emails, then they must close (suppose it is those long days we are spending). I guess I will update on everything since then.

Let's see....

On the 7th of July we headed to CAT which is the Center for Alternative Technology which is located in Machynlleth (still can't pronouce it, though I gather it's very throaty). We spent from Tuesday to Saturday there, where we were living at a "hippie camp." We lived in one of their eco dorms where all the water was heated by the sun or a fire in the fireplace, all the electricity came from solar panels, wind turbines, or a hydro system. All in all it was really cool, though we were not prepared for the boonies. We had been told to bring nicer clothes for our trip.... and here we needed hiking boots and clothes we could trash if necessary.

While we were there I spent a couple days learning about hempcrete construction as well as specifying materials located on site for a new building they will be soon building. Corey on the other hand participated in a daylighting module where he studying a space, then suggested improvements for the lighting situation. The major downside to the whole trip was that we were only served vegetarian food, which would have been alright, except a lot of it wasn't very good.
Corey has most of the pictures from the week on his camera, but here is one of me and a couple of the other girls in our hempcrete making gear (outfits 1pound from the thrift store). And since lime is a bit toxic (the binder in the hempcrete) we had to wear some awesome protective gear.

We also learned the rules to Cricket.... and then played a modified version out at the beach.... Corey played a bit...


The last night that we were in Wales they took us all to a place to sing Kareoke. While I didn't join in on the fun (trust me no one needs to hear me sing) Corey did... and sang some Backstreet Boys with the other guys on the trip.... they got a bit into it.

When we got back to London, we checked back into Passfield Hall... sadly our room isn't nearly as good as the first time, though still quite spacious. The morning of the 13th we were able to meet with a guy named Sam who was one of the architects that helped designed the Serpentine Pavilion. It was quite interesting to talk to the architect of it, since most of what we know is put out by the gallery itself.

A quick brief on the pavilion, every year they commission an architect who hasn't ever done a project in UK to design a temporary structure for their lawn. The structure stands for about 4 months, then is deconstructed, and some rich person has bought it, and has it as an art piece for their lawn. This year it was based on clouds... quite cool all in all.Later that day we went to Beaufort Court, which is a reuse of a historic egg farm.... which used to be used to make Ovaltine.... interesting really.

This day was quite busy as in the evening we visited Grimshaw's office. It was very cool, and both Corey and I would have worked there.... also seems you can get your US architecture license if you work there, which would be cool.... if only they were hiring.

The next day we traveled to Oxford, where we toured Sue Roaf's Eco House. I've been there before, so I don't have much to say about it, other than it performs wonderfully with a small Scandinavian fireplace and natural ventilation.
The house itself looks quite normal (especially for the area) from the front.... and really internally.... it just performs much better.

We also toured Oxford university. Which was cool, (and it only cost 3000 pounds a year to go there if you are a UK resident) but also very traditional. Ball gowns for dinner and robes for classes.... It seemed great, though that sounds like a lot of getting prissed up for me.

The next day we walked around Greenwich.... which was kinda alright, but not very interesting. That evening we toured Laban, which is London's school for contemporary dance. I guess considered the primo dance school of the UK. It's quite interesting, though the bright colors bother the eyes after a while.

The next day we went to Chiswick Park.... where the motto is "enjoy work" and that's what they do. They overlying company provides everything for everyone. They rent out games if your kids must be with you, they rent bikes for your lunch break, they bring in fun activities on Fridays, and pretty much anything you can imagine... all for free to the employees of the buildings. The companies do have to pay a small fee... but overall their employees are more productive because of their environments, so all in all they are saving money. While this is an unoccupied space, it is quite nice. and provides excellent daylight to everyone (no flash).

Later that day we went to the Victoria and Albert Museum, where we looked at the architecture collection. Many amazing drawings done by great architects. There was also a fashion show going on, but I could only hold Corey's attention for so long (otherwise I wouldn't have left the fashion show).

Lastly that day we went to Norman Foster's office. He is considered one of the greatest architects of his time.... though all in all he is crap. They allowed us into two parts of the office (one more than the last time I went) the entry doors... and just up the stairs (next to the entry). They are so secretive they won't tell anyone about what they have done or what they are working on... We got a brief talk on a building that has been open since 2002.... and it was less than we could read in books. They are basically jerks..... and Foster runs an awful sweatshop. Obviously they wouldn't let us take pictures (we might let out their architectural secrets from the lobby)

Over the weekend we spent in Brighton, where I went on my study abroad a few years back. It was great, even though I didn't see any of my friends.... apparently one of my friends was getting married... so everyone was gone. I sadly don't have many pictures cause Corey took them. But it was windy as usual, and beautiful. We came back Sunday night, and got a bit delayed because someone trespassed on the line two stops away (i.e. someone got severly electricuted because they thought it was a good idea to cross the tracks, even though they are live).

We came back and CJ (my friend from Applebees) was in town, so we hung out a bit and he crashed in our room. The next day we walked around a museum about the docks... a bit boring.... then headed to Camden Town (where all the cheap venders are..... it's really fun) At the end of the day we went to As You Like It at the Globe Theatre. The first half was really good, but we had to stand, and sadly my knees couldn't stand anymore so we went home. But I heard the end was quite good as well. We instead slept and more importantly weren't standing.

Finally we are to today.... Somehow I've gotten through all that quite quick (considering what is going on). Today we went to have lunch with the architect Anne Thorne, then toured a project of the firms. They are big into sustainability, as well as socially concious. So we toured a social housing project they did call Angell Town. It was cool, and didn't feel like the projects, even though it was.
Otherwise, Corey and I are doing well... we've been having a good time, seeing the sites. It is a bit bittersweet that we are coming home in a week and a half. There are things we need to do and would like to get back to, but at the same time it would be nice to stay here for a while longer. And as I say goodbye for the day (and it shouldn't take this long to post again) I shall leave you with a great picture...

Hi All!

We are fine by the way.... I know it's been a few days. We got in to London Saturday morning to find out they don't provide free internet like they said they did on their website. We were all a bit irritated about that, but what ever. We all found a coffee shop with free wifi and this is the first time Heather and I have made it down here to fill you all in.

The room Heather and I are staying in is soo nice. it is a double (single sized) room with huge double hung windows on three walls (five windows in total). We opened the top and bottom of one and the bottom of the others and it keeps it literally 15 degrees cooler than the rest of the building (which is quite uncomfortable) making our room perfect. Unfortunately we will only be in that room for the next night and will be staying in Whales for a week in the boonies with some Welsh students. We have to move out of our current rooms and return after Whales but in different rooms :-(

Anyway, we have been walking tons and using the Underground (Subway system) a lot! Saturday once we got into London and checked into our rooms went on a long walk just Heather and I through Trafalgar Square along the Promenade to the Buckingham Palace (the Queens Palace) then back to the British Parlaiment (Big Ben). Our feet were so tired we took the Tube (Subway) back to our dorm. Whew.

Yesterday was fun too. We ate our full English breakfast then rode the Tube to Cambden Town (hundreds of stands that sell cheap cool stuff (clothes, accessories, the works). It was great. Then we got sandwiches and went to Regents park in an attempt to go see the Serpentine Pavilion (which is actually in Hyde). We ate lunch in Regents in the shade of a tree to escape the beating sun. Next it was off to Hyde Park for us. Gorgeous! The Serpentine (body of water in the park) was great with row boaters afloat and huge green trees. We found the Serpentine Pavilion but because it isn't done until the 12th we couldn't get a great view of it and just took pictures over the fence. This pavilion is something a different architect designs each year and they build it in the summer. We are actually going to be presenting our charette projects in this pavilion at the end of our trip to any and all that want to come! That is quite exciting. We picked up some brews on our way back to the dorms and relaxed in the courtyard.

Today was the best of London so far. We first met at St. Pauls Cathedral and got a long in depth tour of the church. We also climbed 567 stairs to the very top of the dome of the church and got a great view of all of London. It was a bit cloudy today but it was clear enough. We wandered a bit saw the Boiler atrium of the Tate Modern and a new building by Alsop. Next we took a ride on the London Eye which takes about half an hour and we got awesome views and was a fun ride. We then made our way to the coffee shop and are on our way to get some thai food...you know the rest :)

Loves and we will treat you with pictures soon. I hope to get internet in Whales, but we might not. If not we will get back to you on the evening of the 12th.

Cheers,

Corey and Heather

The blog with no pictures...

So today we have walked all around Liverpool, and seen the sights. Well a few, our bodies are just getting too tired from the constant walking that we did for the first week and a half that we can't stand nearly as long as we used to be able to. We find ourselves sitting far more often, and our shoes are wearing holes in them... quite literally (though note we used the same ones when we toured New York for two weeks last summer.... and have worn them a lot since them, so they are quite old)

As far as what we have seen, we walked past a beautiful old cathedral which is a few blocks from our hostel, though we didn't go in, the first time past it was closed, and the second time, we just wanted to sit. We then walked down the edge towards where the touristy things should be, found a brewery, and tried to find a way in, but couldn't, so no tour for us. We then walked down to the Albert docks and walked around looking for some lunch. We found a nice crepe place and had a bite before heading to the Tate Liverpool to look at the galleries. After we walked around a bit more before heading home to do some work on the internet, as well as sketch and take notes in our journals. Sadly, there are no pictures of our touring because someone forgot to put the memory card back into the camera after blogging last night. Oh well. Tomorrow we are off to Birmingham for a night, then to London for a few days until we head to Wales to do a design charette with some Welsh students. Should be good times!!!

Reporting In...

Hello following friends and family,

It's been about 3 days I think. Our last post left you in Newcastle with our friendly Bulgarian couch surfing hosts. The morning of the 29th we headed into Newcastle to see the sites. Our host Yassen and his wife live in a 1970s housing development called the Byker Wall. At the time it was a very revolutionary development designed by Ralph Erskine. Although it has become quite run down over the years with increased crime and vandalism. The city has began to focus their attention on the Byker Wall as it has always been a recognised area of the city. So, the point of that was to make aware that as we explored the city, it was obvious a lot of improvement was needed throughout. It was a bit dirty North of the river that runs through the city. Don't get me wrong though, the city is that kind of picturesque neat looking city, and there is a lot of culture in it.

On the South edge of the river, there was a lot of newer construction. The Sage building designed by Sir Norman Foster was quite cool actually. It is a big bubbly outer shell of metal cladding and Northern facades. Inside was pretty awesome though. The lobby opens up to a large central space all the way up to the shell with all the auditoriums contained in more regular volumes inside the bubble. Quite cool and very Foster like.

There was also a large art gallery that was a reuse of an old industrial building kind of like the Tate Modern. This building had a lookout deck upon which one could see all of Newcastle. Also, an indoor viewing room that overlooked West at the Sage and along the river. It was very cool from these spaces to get those views of the city.

Of course, there was the sweet Gateshead bridge. This pedestrian bridge tilts to open long ways to lift the walking arc to allow for boats. very unexpected...

There was also the new Library with some good South shading and a nice atrium space; and of course all the neat old buildings and monuments.

We left Newcastle very early the 30th to get to Manchester, England. I accidentally slept too long so we just brushed our teeth and walked to the bus station to get to the train station. Once in Manchester the first thing we did was take showers in the hotel we stayed at. Ahh we felt so much better. The rest of the day we walked around Man. looking at the interesting new buildings. There were some nice facades with good rhythm. Then for lunch, we ate at Wagamama's! Woot for fun authentic Japanese cuisine where everyone sits in a long table across from whom they are with.

We then found the Urbis building which is this big glass building wrapped in a double facade. Little to our knowledge, it is an art gallery with a cool elevator that ascends at a 45 degree angle instead of straight up. Sure was a lot of glass.

Today, we woke up and walked around Manchester a little more then decided to head to Liverpool a bit early and got into Liverpool about 2pm. We walked about a mile to our lodge and I have been typing this blog. We are about to see the city and get some dinner a little later. We want to get to London, our bodies are so tired. We are hoping we can cancel our second night here in Liver pool and get to Birmingham for a night and get to London on Friday instead of Saturday morning. The lodge probably won't let us cancel our second night because it isn't 24 hours before we check in, but it is 24 hours before tomorrow night.... lame.

And we're off into the city via foot...

More travels than time....

Time has flown by, and we have finally made it into a place where we have wireless again! So I suppose this update shall be quite lengthy, though hopefully we will be updating more often after this.

Since Bergen a lot has happened. On Monday Margunn drove us from Os to Berge to visit my uncle and his family. The drive is about 4 hours, but we had a few stops on the way which was nice. The first was on a ferry, and then we stopped at my dad's cousin, Magne's, house to say hi and eat our lunch since it was his 60th birthday. We continued on to Berge, and stopped at the place my grandparents/a bunch of other relatives are buried. Once we got to Berge, Corey and I walked around a bit, and checked out the farm, and the view of course.
We all sat down to a nice dinner where Corey and I just listened to a bunch of people talking around us, while we shoved our face full of food. After dinner, Per Trugve (my uncle) and Leiv Magne (my cousin) took us up to a place where the cows used to be taken for the summer. Luckily there was a road most the way up as it was a very steep climb, but we still had to trudge up the last little bit. The view from up there was beautiful, and we got lots of nice pictures.
The next day (the 23rd for those keeping track) we hopped on a bus, and rode for 8 hours to Drammen, really about as fun as it sounds. The only good thing was that it didn't seem to take that long. Once we got there, my Aunt Kjellaug Maria and her husband Per Ove picked us up and we went on a little walk before heading back to their house for some dinner. After that we went up a spiral tunnel through the middle of the mountain that took us to the top to see over Drammen.

On the 24th we headed into Oslo, first we stopped at the viking museum to look at some rad boats from about 850 AD. Then we walked down to the water and took a pedestrian ferry into Oslo, where we went up and looked at the Royal Palace. We stood around and watched the changing of the guard, which was quite long. We felt bad for the people in uniforms because it was so hot out for us, and they were wearing many more layers.
After Oslo we went back to Drammen, and then the next day we left for Glasgow. We stopped along our drive to visit my cousin Tor Einar at his work. We hung out for a while, and then watched him blow up some rocks. It was pretty fun, though since it was in the city, the explosion was quite tame.

Our flight to Glasgow was nice, and short, and we arrived at the place we were staying quite easily. The 26th we took a little walk around Glasgow, checking out the buildings, and visiting some of the shops. Then the morning of the 27th just as we were leaving the city, we went on a tour of the Glasgow school of Art. That building was very neat, and very detailed. We both enjoyed it a lot. Sadly we could not take pictures inside, but I promise it was rad.
Finally on the 27th we reached Edinburgh. After getting off the train it seem like a million miles before we reached our hostel. Our hostel was cool though as it was in an old church. We dropped off our bags and rushed to the Scottish Parliment. We sadly made it 15 minutes after the last tour, but were still able to see the chamber. Then we walked around the city for a while, and took a ton of pictures. And now we are nearly caught up. Today, we woke up and went to the Royal Botanical Gardens where they had many very pretty plants and great landscape. We then walked around the city some more and took some pictures of everything, including Dynamic Earth, and the exterior of the Parliment. Then this evening we caught a train to Newcastle where we are couchsurfing for the first time. Our hosts have been great so far, and are very lovely people. Tomorrow is more walking and pictures.... let's just hope my body holds together, as I'm feeling more and more like my feet will fall off soon. That is all for now, hopefully we should have internet until the end of the trip now... If not we will have it tomorrow and then at least get it again on Friday, so keep in touch!!


Heather and Corey

A quick note

Just writing a quick note as we wait to board the plane to Glasgow. We had a great time visiting Norway, and seeing a lot of my family. Soon we will post the pictures and stories from the past three days, though be warned there are a lot of them. We visited Berge, where my family is from, and then took a long bus ride to Drammen to meet an Aunt who took us around Oslo where we met a couple more cousins and another aunt. A very eventful week, but now we begin our journey through the UK, starting in Scotland and working our way down.

Heather and Corey

A Beautiful Day in Bergen

This blog is going to be a bit long but it will be almost a week or maybe a little longer until we are able to write another.

Today, we were showed around Bergen by our great hosts Margunn and Gunnleiv. We were also accompanied by Ingfrid, Gunnleiv's sister.

To start off the day we were treated to a proper Norwegian breakfast which consists of various bread and/or crackers with many different toppings: sliced meats, jams, cheeses, etc. served open on the bread. Juice, and tea were offered drinks too. To top it off there was the most delicious mayonnaise that comes in a container like a tube of toothpaste here, yum!

We all headed to the Edvard Grieg Museum where we saw his home in it's original form (perfectly maintained of course) and his grave site as well (which instead of being dug down was cut into a 15 meter cliff side). There was also an amazing small concert hall we were able to go into. This nicely designed building included green roofs and what seemed at eye's glace to be a great acoustical space.

From the Museum, we drove then walked up to fantoft stavkyrkjen, an authentic Norwegian church. The church was originally build in 1150 but burned down in 1992. By 1997 the church was replicated in its original footprint to as-close-to exact originality. It was a beautiful church that really gave me an insight to historic Norwegian architecture.

Next stop, we picked up Ingfrid. From her apartment we could see all of Bergen from above. It was a magnificent view.

After the pick up, we began our tour of the Bergen central. We first took a lightrail up a steep mountain to a famous lookout where we could see all of Bergen from an aerial view. Almost 180 degrees of clear line of site was possible. Lunch next: RudolfSuppe (Reindeer Soup) for me and a chicken soup for Heather. We shot a few pictures of Johanneskerken (a gothic like church in town). We passed the fish market and looked at a new ship docked in Bergen worth a grand total of $300 million (currently the 6th most expensive yatch in the world). A gorgeous three masted yatch caught my attention as well. A stroll by Bryggen took us way back to year 1770 when we saw the leaning houses lining the street. Next to these is a fortress (Rosenkrantz and Håkenshallen) with several old buildings in it. The wall was very cool, it still had the old cannon openings that have a small hole for the barrels of the cannon. Apparently there is still a building in Bergen that has a cannonball in one of its walls from during the war.

That concluded our day tour of Bergen. Once we got back to Gunnliev's home, Margunn gave a very cute cake for our getting married. It was adorable and very tasty with a white cake and fruit cream filling in between.