Dorset Day

Now that I was staying home for the weekend, this meant that I could go to Dorset (it was a trip that was cancelled and we had gone to Stonehenge and Bath instead). Sara, Emily and I met at the Waterloo station (Em and I were late...due to our sleepiness we hopped on the line going away from Bank...whoops). We made it though and bought our tickets, at a group rated discount at that! It was going to be a two hour ride I believe. I needed some coffee, Sara wanted cards, and Emily wanted a drink. At Starbucks, I grabbed a sandwich and went to the counter. I said I would like a double espresso as well and handed the lady my sandwich. She handed it off to another girl and then I was only charged 1.75. I paid but looked confused. I met Sara at the end of the counter and told her they took my sandwich from me soup nazi style. It was a cold sandwich too so there could be no thought in warming it up. Sara laughed at me and I told her I don't understand why no one seems to understand what I'm saying. Two days in a row...just no good luck. It was fine though because I just got a croissant instead and that tasted splendid.

We chatted and played cards and acted silly on the train. We were going to have to get off at some point to get on the train behind us b/c the one we were on wasn't going to stop at the stop we wanted. The ticket guy didn't really tell us all of the correct info. We also talked about the Paris incident and these girls were flattering me too much haha. I was feeling some serious love from all of my study abroad friends. I have gathered that I am very nice and according to Emily I adapt to who I'm around. I guess that makes me a flexible friend ;) Anyway...

When we made it to Dorset, we had to take a taxi from the train station to Durdle Door/Lulworth Cove area. From there is was just exploring and hiking. It was incredibly beautiful. The water was a majestic blue and green that I don't think I could ever truly capture in a photograph. The beach was made out of stones; every single one was unique and gorgeous (I grabbed a handful). It was a weird contrast from the Great Lake sand. There were little caves along the side and it was a sunny, clear day...perfect for the beach side. There were a good amount of people out sun bathing and having picnics...more than I thought. I can't imagine just coming out to this beautiful area in the same manner that I would go to South Haven back home. After awhile we walked a mile in the other direction to Lulworth Cove. It was a quaint town with a couple of shops and restaurants. Once again it was a beautiful area to explore and we had some food there (it wasn't that good...a bit bland, but my peppermint tea was excellent. Sara had a bad experience with her burger...even after the second time they didn't get it right) and then we wandered some more. There was a helicopter and some emergency vehicles that came, not really sure what happened but obviously something did. We ran into this guy that painted seashells and stones. Everything was so beautiful with color and some had fine print writings on them. We all bought at least a little something and asked to take his picture...once again I wish I could post that right now...I don't want to spoil it! He was very kind and quite funny. He was glad we asked. He said many don't and just take his photo, then he pulls out his camera and takes theirs! He said they usually look quite confused but some just smile, completely oblivious haha.

We weren't able to go to Lulworth castle because they were doing some reconstructing of the sort. So after we had our adventure in the area we took a taxi back to the train station. We slept some on the train and when we got back we tried to see a movie but there wasn't something we could collectively agree on to see, so we went to eat instead. We ate at another Italian restaurant and I had this chicken with mushrooms and onions along with a salad. The girls had dessert but I needed some real food despite how tempting it looked.

Side note, we told a local directions to the tube before this happened. He said this was the most embarrassing day of his life because he lives here and had to ask foreigners for directions. It was funnier than I'm making it sound. He basically was looking for the Waterloo tube which is located under the Waterloo overground but you have to go in the overground and then down to the tube. In short, it's not located like all of the other tubes so I guess I could understand. He also didn't really seem like he would be in the Waterloo area often so it seemed legit. I don't think I have mentioned this in my posts yet but I have chatted with quite a few travelers and helped them with directions. Everyone approaches me because I seem nice and like I know what I'm doing from what I understand haha.

I forgot to mention how I told Sara and Emily all about me and the millions of things that I love. I think I'm pretty cool haha, hopefully they think so too. It started when I was trying to think of things that I love so that I could cheer myself up due to the recent Paris let down. I'm sure I seem really weird between my interests in owls to zombies to ballet. I think in the end I made it clear that I love almost everything and I'm pretty well rounded and open. Enough about me.

Well I think that is all for my Saturday stories. I wish I could describe Dorset more for you but really if you want to know, you should go yourself. =) Soon you will be able to see my photos!