Baa, Baa Black Sheep

"The man who looks for security, even in the mind, is like a man who would chop off his limbs in order to have artificial ones which will give him no pain or trouble."

--Henry Miller

Today was probably the best day of my trip thus far. I enjoyed being at the branch here in Carlisle--the people that work here are amazing.

When I came to work this morning, I was told that I would probably be staying in Carlisle for the remainder of my trip, however, at lunch time that changed to a possible unknown location--I would be trading with someone at another branch. But by 5pm I was given the opportunity to choose my own destiny. I can stay here or go to Sunderland on the Northeast coast--the original location I was to be at for the full 2 weeks. So, after a few minutes thinking and pondering out loud, I decided that I wanted a change in scenery. Of course I did NOT take into account the plush Marriott that awaited me in Durham (that was already pre-paid, an arm and a leg, to be exact), just south of Sunderland. Nor did I take into account that I would get to see the other side of the country ;). So there you have it. The Northeast coast it is.

I am going to the Lakes District tomorrow with Nina, one of the girls from the branch here. She will be my tour guide. I am sooo excited. This will be the only trip I've taken away from the hotel besides the one I make to work everyday. We are going for a walk in the "mountains". Yay! I have been dying for some opportunities to take some pictures of the natural scenery!

Here are some facts about Carlisle:
Carlisle is home to a church parrish that U.S. President, Woodrow Wilson's grandfather was the pastor of. Carlise has a castle (who knew?). I'm pretty sure there is only a hand full of "proper" restaurants here, the rest are pubs--a wanna-be restaurant with a bar the length of the entire building. Nothing is open past "half five" (5:30pm) except for on Thursday, when places are open until 7:00pm. I am staying on the rowdiest street in town. They will even close the entire street down at 9pm tonight so that everyone can run around drunk and not have to worry about getting hit by a car. Speaking of cars, it's probably the whole country, but it's not like America here where the pedestrian has the right of way, NO, if you so much as put a toe on the street you are fair game! ALWAYS LOOK RIGHT FIRST! Betting stores and dedicated slot machine facilities (yes, in different store fronts) are all over the place here. Other than all that, Carlisle and the surrounding areas have a population of approximately 100, 000 people and about 2 million sheep. I know I said 1 million sheep and I had named them all, but it seems that they have multiplied and replenished the stock two fold while I was here. I haven't named any of the new 1 million so if you would like in on the fun, I am currently starting a non-profit, called "Name the Carlisle Sheep". And for just £1, you too can adopt and name your own cute, little sheep! Send funds via Paypal or by mail, addressed to Jen Robinson. I mean "Name the Carlisle Sheep Fund".