"Who seeks shall find" - Sophocles

I woke up today feeling differently. I felt hopeful or excited or something that I can't explain. The closest I can get to describing it would be to say that I felt refreshed. Maybe this trip has given me a new outlook... It has been a long few weeks, and we've all grown surprisingly close. I've actually met some people that I would like to talk to or have coffee with in the future. I think I might miss my fellow pilgrims. It's kind of funny that at first, all I wanted to do was go back to Oxford. Now, all I want to do is anything but go back to Oxford! I spent so much time couped up in my dorm room with my books thinking that I was living. All that I was really doing was reading about people who were actually living... unlike me. This journey allowed me to see the world first hand. Being constantly exposed to nature for the past few weeks has made me more appreciative of this Earth. I never particularly enjoyed being outdoors before, but that has definitely changed. I've been noticing other changes, too. I'm finally using my voice. I have been talking so much more. All of these interesting, talkative characters forced me to open up to them. I am so grateful that they did. I feel a lot better about myself and about life. I guess it is perfect timing because the Host says that we will be in Canterbury in the next hour or so. You know what I just realized? I left Oxford looking for a change, and I will arrive in Canterbury finding it.

"Dressing is a way of life."- Yves Saint Laurent

Today as I traveled with the guildsmen I was very offended. They, in so many words, bashed the way I dress, saying I wear too much black and not enough color, and went on and on about how I need to update my wardrobe. Albeit I've never been the most fashionable person, but I never thought that I dressed that bad. I suppose though I could use an update of my wardrobe. I guess between school and studying back at Oxford I never really had time to do any kind of shopping. So then to town it was where the the guildsmen outfitted me in the latest fashions, and I mean top of the line stuff. I felt sort of foolish at first because I'm not used to so much color, remember I've worn black nearly all of my life. However the clothes felt so good and I looked pretty snazzy, if I do say so myself, and I think I've found myself a new favorite color...blue!!! Now I could really get used to this if it weren't for how ridiculoulsly expensive this whole shopping spree cost. Thank goodness I didn't pay for it!!! Well we're on our way back to our lodging and I can't wait to show off my new look! Talk to you later!!!

"The wisest have the most authority" - Plato

I rode with The Sergeant at Law today, and boy does he ever have an ego. He acts like he knows everything, but strangely enough, I really don't think he does. It seems as though he's putting on a big front, just like the nuns and the knight. What posers we have here. I'ts especially boring this trip, because this man keeps talking trying to sound wise and well-known, AND I don't have any more books left to read. I read all my books and unfortunately I am broke and have no money to purchase another one. I guess I'm just going to deal with him. He's going to tell his tale soon anyway. Maybe it will be better than just listening to him talk about the law and what he knows about life. Well, I hope so. I'll write again tomarrow.

"To be happy we must not be too concerned with others" - Albert Camus

After having such a wonderful time at the village yesterday, I was reluctant to get back on the road. Unfortunately, the show must go on, and so it did. I rode beside the Manciple for today's trip. I don't think we had even made eye contact before today. We managed to have an in-depth conversation, though. He mostly talked about his job, and I mostly listened. He's a big shot at some law firm, which makes perfect sense considering his apparent wealth. He owns some of the nicest suits I have ever laid eyes on. Also, he wears Prada sunglasses. It's ridiculous. I've never been the fashionalbe type and that's fine with me. I'm fine wearing simple clothes. Clothes are meaningless anyway because tomorrow, no one is going to remember what I wore today.

"This book fills a much-needed gap."- Moses Hadas

I finally finished the Harry Potter book and the ending was so awesome. I won't tell you what happened because that would just ruin it, but I would have to recommend it. The whole time I was on the edge of my seat. I couldn't wait to see the kind of trouble that Harry, Ron, and Hermoine would get in. Now I can't wait 'til the next one comes out!!! At first the whole idea of witches and wizards seemed sort of preposterous, but now I've kind of warmed up to the idea, I mean I know they don't exist but the idea of it is kind of fun which is a total change for me. I'm starting to realize that learning doesn't always have to be so serious, but rather it should be fun.

"Beware the barrenness of a busy life" - Socrates

Today was unique and out of the ordinary. We were passing through this quiant, little village that looked like fun. The Host, the man leading us on this journey, decided that we should spend the day there. We did not disagree. I think we all needed a break from riding around on horses all day every single day. It was nice to stretch our legs and feel like a part of society again. I've been around the same twenty or so people for the last twenty or so days that it's a wonder I haven't went insane. Anyway, the first place I went to was a local pub to get a bite to eat. I didn't have much to spend so I just got a cup of soup, but it was nice to actually eat. I haven't much on this trip. Food is scarce... especially when you have the Miller hogging it all. After my meal, I roamed the streets and people watched. I enjoy people watching tremendously. The people in the village seem friendly, although I didn't actually speak with any of them. Finally, I went searching and found a beautiful spot by a stream to sit and read Harry Potter. I sat by with my book for a few hours, and it was so peaceful. It was a successful day.

"His ignorance is encyclopedic."- Abba Eban

The sun has just risen and everyone's up and about getting ready to continue on our journey. We are getting close to Canterbury by now and I can't wait to see the shrine of Saint Thomas a Becket, after all we have traveled a long way to get there. Right now I can smell the bacon and pancakes the Cook is preparing for breakfast...mmmmmmmm...can't wait. Last night though before I went to bed the wierdest thing happened, there was screaming and fighting and when I left my quarters to see what it was all about I saw that the pardoner and summoner were at it again. What is it with these two? They always seem to be arguing about something and this time was no different. They were arguing over who's better at what they do...disgusting...I mean they are both incredibly greedy people willing to take from those who have so little. I couldn't believe it, but they finally settled down and I was able to get a half decent night of sleep. Well the Cook's calling everyone to breakfast so I better hurry before the Franklin eats all the bacon!!! Bye!

"A room without books is like a body without a soul" - Cicero

I'm starting to become glad that the public voted Harry Potter as the book I should read. It's getting interesting. I can really relate to Harry, too, even though he is a bit younger than I am. He's kind of got that dark, quiet, and mysterious thing going on. It still kind of annoys me that the plot is so farfetched, though. Witches and wizards have never existed and never will. It's the kind of stuff the Doctor would believe in. Yet, if you take out all of the nonsense of the book, it's actually quite good. Anyway, it's late at night so I should probably get some sleep. I just wanted to fill you in on the progress I'm making in my reading. Goodnight all!

"When one has tasted it he knows what the angels eat."-Mark Twain

I just started my new book today, a lot of useless information if you ask me. Do people seriously believe in witches and wizards? I suppose though I can tough this one out. It was a gorgeous day out today and I think there's supposed to be a bon-fire later, and believe it or not I'm actually pretty excited. The cook whom I met today while preparing my breakfast was making all of the food for the dinner before the bonfire tonight. Everthing looked so good except for the pussing ulser on his left leg...gross!!! I almost didn't want to try the food, but I couldn't resist because it just smelled so good, and boy oh boy did it taste even better. I had no idea that food could taste soooo good. I can't wait 'til dinner, maybe we'll even roast marshmallows. I'll let you know how it is though. Bye!

"An honest man is always a child" - Socrates

Hello! So, the journey is continuing along smoothly. The weather is so nice today that I can't help but be happy. I rode beside the Skipper, and even that was enjoyable. He is quite the character. He may come off as horribly mean, but I think that he is actually a good person at heart. He has just been brought up a different way than most. He has lived his life on the ocean as a sailor, and it has made him pretty tough. He told me a few stories about making prisoners walk the plank. It scared me a little, but he thought that they truly deserved it. I know that he would never do that to an innocent person. The only thing I can't completely defend him on is his stealing problem. He is a bit of a thief. Every time someone on this pilgrimage is missing something, it's automatically assumed that the Skipper took it. I feel bad disliking him for it, though. I'm not the richest person in the world, and the Skipper isn't either. I sympathize because I know all too well what it is like to go to extreme measures because of not having enough money. I have to borrow off of my friends all the time. The Skipper basically does the same thing.. just without asking. Well, I'm going to go hide my Harry Potter book. I wouldn't want it to wind up missing.

"They certainly give strange names to diseases."-Plato

The weather has since cleared up and hopefully it will stay that way, but I think they're calling for rain later this week. Oh well. I rode with the doctor today on our way into town, an interesting man to say the least. He tried to tell me my horoscope, but to tell you the truth I think it's all a load of crap. I can't believe that people would actually pay him for the things he tells them. People, please he bases it all off of astrology!!! Anyways, when we arrived in town I finally found a bookstore and picked up the book you guys recommended, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." I can't wait to get started, but I'll be sure to keep you posted.

"Death is not the worst that can happen to men" - Plato

I woke up to big raindrops pelting me this morning. I sat up quickly and realized that it had just started to storm. The sky was so dark that I thought it was still night. It was actually 9:30 in the morning. I knew right then that it was going to be a bad day. The rain is always foreboding. I think that riding along side the Pardoner and Summoner was half the reason my day was horrible. They have seemed like nice guys thus far, but after having a conversation with them, I dont think they really are. For some reason, they gave me a weird vibe. They are best described as shady. The Pardoner even rode with his wallet on his lap. He may be more untrusting than I. He told a story about the pitfalls of greed. It was a creepy tale that kept me interested. It ended with three brothers dying over their desire for money. It was some heavy stuff. I am glad that money is the last thing on my mind.

"Man - a being in search of meaning" - Plato

I finished my "Zen" book, and I'm kind of upset because now I have nothing to read. It made me think about life, especially mine. It was a very deep book. I wish that I could find someone on this trip to talk about it with. I bet my profressor has a lot to say about it. Which reminds me... I've been feeling a bit homesick. Ahhh. I don't know why I'm never content! Maybe I should start to look at things in a more optimistic view. You know, the glass is half empty sort of thing. Oh well. I need to stop at a bookstore.

"Life must be lived as play" - Plato

Wow, I'm surprised! I've finally met some people that seem to be nice and genuine. Today I met the Plowman and the Parson. The only complaint I have about them, if any, is that they don't particularly smell that pleasant. Well at least the plowman. Hey that's ok though, regaurdless if they wear Calvin Klein or not, they are both very good and vitruous men. I'm not exactly a churchgoer, because I never seem to have the time, but they kind of give me a hope about religion, and whats next after this. Almost everyone I have met so far were morons, talked gossip and were loud and obnoxious. These guys don't seem to care for any of that though, and quite frankly, I admire that. Ok, it's getting late and the Franklin is telling his tale right now. I'm going to pretend like I care about it. I'll write again tomarrow if I'm in the mood.

"To perceive is to suffer" - Aristotle

I decided that today was going to be the day to truly experience this trip. When I woke up, the sun was shining and there was not a cloud in sight. It was one of those mornings that make you feel alive. I was in such a rare state of mind that I even decided to ride beside the Wife of Bath! I do not know what got into me. I guess I wanted to be around someone as lively as I felt. It was a smart choice. She told a tale about what women really want. It kept me entertained, and I even let out some laughter. She can actually be humorous at times. I think I may have wrongly judged her. I even learned a few things. Maybe if I knew earlier that women want power and independence, I could have made Annabelle Lee happy. I guess I will never know...