Visits and Vacation

Hello there. Since the last post we have had a bit of excitement (though not too much!). I have finished Spring term and am now on vacation, though busy writing term papers and getting to work on my dissertation. Ryan has been working away at the shop, and has been promoted to 'keyholder' which means he gets paid slightly more to open and lock up the shop.

A couple weeks ago I went on a class trip to Geneva, and had the privilege of visiting the United Nations, as well as a number of international non governmental organizations in the city. Overall the trip was great. All of the places we visited were very interesting and we learned a lot about human rights in practice. Of particular interest was the OMCT (world organisation against torture), who offered us internship opportunities as well as a plethora of free books, and the UK delegation to the UN Human Rights Council, who gave us a government's perspective on the international human rights system. After a year of theory and criticism, this trip was really an inspiration for me--an opportunity to remember why I care about human rights and how it is possible to make the world a better place after all.

A funny big chair outside the UN, meant to draw attention to the problem of landmines. (Notice it is missing one leg in the rear).

Soon after I returned from Geneva, my sister Kendra and her husband Chip came to visit us. We have been thoroughly enjoying having them with us in the UK. Last weekend they went up to Scotland for a three day tour of the highlands, and then on Sunday we went up to meet them, staying for a couple of days with our friends in Dunbar and showing them around Edinburgh. Now we are all back in London where they have been setting off from daily on little trips to the surrounding area, including Dover on Wednesday, Cambridge on Thursday and Stonehenge and Bath today. I went along with them on the trip to Dover and had a great time at the castle, which included a fascinating tour of the complex's extensive underground tunnels, which were used as a hospital and command center during WW II.

Over the weekend they are moving to a hotel near Hype Park, but we will continue to show them a good time around town!


Here I am at the edge of Dover Castle and the edge of England. Notice the coast of France off in the distance behind me!!

A big catapult inside Dover castle.


The castle gatehouse.
The castle keep.


Aside from all this, I am now in the thick of training for the marathon I will run on May 11th on the Isle of Wight. This week I will run 18 miles, and then next week 20!! I have been steadily building up distance and fitness with lots of running, as well as strength training and cross-training on my bike and in the pool. My goal this year is to finish a whole hour faster, in around 4 hours 30 minutes. I can't wait for the race to see how I do this year!

Finally, Ryan and I are packing our bags this month to head out on a cycle ride from Scotland to London (or as close as we can get in 7 days) going along the famous Pennine Way to raise money for development work in Darfur, Sudan. Wish us luck along the way! It is sure to be lots of fun.

love as always,
Alletta (and Ryan)