Books I Took Pictures of but Didn't Buy

 

We went to a good amount of bookstores on this trip during our free time and I miraculously only ended up buying 3 new books. Here are the books that I pondered, but ultimately left behind to purchase at a later date for the sake of my wallet and suitcase.

A translated Japanese novel that covers the question "What can one afford to live without?"

A translated Korean novel that covers the delicate relationship between a traditional mother and her progressive daughter. 

A Korean language novel called "I will become your sea" 

Cannot find this one anywhere so maybe I should've forked over the 25 pounds.

A novel covering the personal relations between a young korean refugee in Tokyo and the Japanese girl she tutors.

Covering the time after the Balkan Wars, filled with uncertainty and ghosts from the past.

A translated Japanese novel that follows seven children as they discover a portal to another world that allows them to escape school and search for the key which will grant them any wish they desire.

Chinese college students of different faiths interact within the walls of their institution.

Not sure if I will ever get this one, it has more bad reviews than good so I should save my money.

Just as the cover says, One murder. Fifteen Suspects.

The layout seems interesting from what I skimmed and you can never go wrong with a good murder mystery. 

Chinese language stories for Chinese language learners.

The story of alice in wonderland in the Korean language. 

Two boys developing their friendship in 1930s Germany.

A sequel to the Boy in the Striped Pajamas, which I didn't even know had a sequel.

Birds of the British Isles

Yes I know those are squirrels not birds, but I thought they still deserved to be shared cause they're so darn cute. 

I saw so many new birds on this trip, so I feel that they deserve their own blog post.

Brown Rock Pigeon at Kensington Gardens

Sleepy Rock Pigeon at Tower of London

Egyptian Goose at Kensington Gardens

Hooded Crow by our Hotel in Dublin

Sassy little Jackdaw at the Kelpies

Common Wood Pigeon by our hotel in Edinburgh

Great Tit in a random court in Edinburgh

Eurasian Coot in the River Thames

Friendly Mallard at the Kelpies

Herring Gull and Her Babies outside our hotel in Dublin

Stock Dove in Greyfriar's Kirkyard, London

Lesser Black-backed gull in Edinburgh

European Starling in its natural habitat, Scotland, Europe

Rook at the Kelpies

Eurasian Magpie at the Kelpies

Cozy Rock Pigeon at the Tower of London

Eurasian Blackbird at a Church in Edinburgh

Barn Swallow at the Three Bridges, Scotland

European Robin in a neighborhood by Keat's House

Carrion Crow in Edinburgh

Rock Pigeons at Edinburgh Castle

Seen but not pictured include, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, House Sparrow, Yellowhammer, Eurasian Wren, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Common Buzzard, Common Gull, Common Chaffinch, Eurasian Blue Tit, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Bank Swallow

Dubliners: An Interesting people

 

Out of the three cities I have to say, The worst of the inhabitants had to have been in Dublin. Joyce was right to have a love-hate relationship with this city, because I hold similar sentiments. 

I think the men of Ireland to be similar to this can of guinness I saw on the street, Trash. 

First, we had the man sitting on the James Joyce statue shouting obscenities and threats into his phone. 

Then, there were the two chaps who inviting themselves to our group dinner table and proceeded to ask way too many questions for comfort.

Let's not forget the two grown lads in the park who thought it appropriate to laugh and make jokes at a couple of girls enjoying the flora of the park. 

Top it all off with a failure of a comedian who checked all the boxes of joking about things that should not be joked about.

I completely understand how this guinness slogan came to be, because an Irish women should never sacrifice her own well being for an Irish man. 

I have no qualms in regards to the women of Ireland, they were all lovely. The female comedian saved the show with her lovable and hilarious remarks on Americans, and the cashier that checked me out at the guinness storehouse was absolutely the sweetest. I feel so remorseful that they have to deal with Irish men in their daily lives. 

I've also never smelt as much weed out in the streets as I did in Dublin. Seems like they're developing their reputation with other illicit substances as well.

If the Ravens Leave the Tower of London, London Shall Fall

London has existed for over 2000 years, surviving through conflict after conflict, standing strong after the blitz and rebuilding itself even stronger. It seems nothing could tear this wonderful capital down, right? Wrong. London is doomed if these birds ever decide that they've had enough being held captive at the Tower of London. 

I assume that these birds must feel very powerful at having the existence of an entire capital resting on their shoulders. They are essentially the tiny deities of London, if they are not appeased who knows what could happen. One wrong move from the raven keeper and the destruction of an entire city will be his fault. Personally, that's a bit too much workplace stress for me. 

Though I wonder, how exactly London shall fall if these Ravens were to declare its destruction. Perhaps, St. Paul's Cathedral will crumble to dust. 

Maybe the fake London bridge will fall as well.

What if Big Ben breaks free of Elizabeth Tower?

And the gold of the Victoria memorial melts into the river Thames.

Worst of all, every statue in London will be free of bird poop, except for Churchill's.

These Londoners better treat their ravens right, or they may live to regret it.

Edinburgh, But It's Actually Falkirk

 

Something that really stood out to me in Edinburgh happened on our free day, and wasn't even in Edinburgh. Our awesome bus driver Arthur had the brilliant idea of taking those of us who were willing to see the Kelpies out in Falkirk. The bus drive there was great, with the whole bus being treated to views of bright yellow rapeseed fields and herds of fluffy sheep. 

Seeing those big ol horsies when we pulled up was magical. There's just something about seeing absolutely humungous 100 foot horses that really makes you feel tiny. Here's a picture of a pigeon on one of the kelpies for scale. (The pigeon is on the mane)

The Kelpies was a nice little breather from the bustle of the Old Mile and the other touristy spots of Edinburgh. It was nice to take in the fresh air, look at all the cute dogs, listen to birdsong, and grab a little snack. The gift shop was also such a nice little surprise. They offered such a nice assortment of cute Kelpies merchandise and had the cutest little wildlife pins available at the register for a small donation.

I don't think I'll ever be able to forget my experience at the Kelpies, especially since I almost got sick on the bus ride back, but it holds a special place in my heart as one of the most refreshing experiences on the trip.