"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...

"An honest man is always a child" - Socrates

I think I've met nearly all of the pilgrims by now, and today I had the distinct privelage of riding with the Reeve. He's not as bad as everyone makes him out to be. I guess, from what others have told me, he lies and steals from his lord, but hey who hasn't lied before right. So far he is the only one who has really befriended me and I think maybe we could get along with each other well, but I'll be sure to keep my eyes and ears wide open. As far as the book goes its starting to get very interesting. I'm nearly half way through, and I feel a bit rejouvinated now a days. The horse he's doing well, looking more plump than ever, ever since the Franklin took him out for a stroll the other night. Well we're about to start traveling again here so I've got to go. Talk to you later.

"Education is the best provision for the journey to old age" - Aristotle

Hello again. So it is day five of my trip to Canterbury. I have been reading as much as possible to avoid conversation, yet, it is proving to be a difficult task. The Miller rode beside me today. I groaned when I saw him coming but I could not completely ignore him. I have not talked to him before today because there has been no need. I hear almost everything he says because he is so loud and obnoxious. He has the mouth of a sailor, and he does not censor himself at all. He never gets tired of talking about how strong he is, but I sure get tired of it. I have never been very concerned with outward appearances. He does make me feel a bit self-conscious, though, considering I am so scrawny. But I do not care. I know that there are more important things in life than being built. A strong mind is much more vital than a strong body. Anyway, I am honestly going to try to enjoy this trip more. Wish me luck!

"Thou shouldst eat to live; not live to eat"--Socrates

I suppose four days have already passed and I'm feeling exhausted. I can't eat, I can't sleep, and I'm only a quarter of the way through my latest novel "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance," but it's one of the best I've ever read, quite insightful if I do say so myself. But the real reason I've been having trouble sleeping and am feeling so exhausted is because of a man known as the Franklin. From what I hear he can throw quite the shindig, but that's part of the reason I came on this pilgrimmage, to get away from all the crazed college partiers, and now I have to deal with one on this veeeery long journey...GREAT!!!!!. Night after night it's all you can eat and drink, you would think it would get tiring after a while,but no the other pilgrims seem to find this all entertaining and enjoyable. I'm not sure if I could ever get the same enjoyment out of it as they do, but hey maybe I should try to make more of an effort to fit in around here after all that is the reason I've come on this journey; to make a change, but for now I am content with who I am. I'd love to hear what you have to say though. Leave me a comment and I'll get back to you as soon as I get a chance. Until then take care.

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle" - Plato

I've sucessfully avoided The Wife of Bath today, but I found some new people whom I was introduced today. I have met the Yeoman and the Nun. They seem like nice people, but something seems very fake about them. I feel like I'm surrounded by "posers"! Is anybody genuine anymore? The only way I can escape these people is by reading "Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintinence", my book. I seem to be the only intelligent person who reads, although I also spend more money on books than clothes or even food. I'm really hoping all these people aren't mindless and fake, because I don't think I can handle this stupidity. It's night time now and I think I'm going to read then crash. There's this rich fat guy who seems to be having a party, and it's distracting me from reading and sleeping. I guess I'll have to just ignore them. Have a Good Night, because I'm not going to!

"At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet" - Plato

It is day two of my journey. I had the displeasure of meeting the Wife of Bath today. I already knew of her because of her reputation. She has had so many husbands that I don't even know the exact number. Anyway, she decided to strike up a conversation with me about I don't even know what. I stopped listening to her after a few minutes. She never stops talking, and she laughs way too much. It gave me a headache. Everyone else seems to like her because they think she has charm or something. I do admit that she has some weird alluring quality.. but I don't like it. Actually, she reminds me of my first and only love. I cringe when the Wife of Bath smiles because I only see Annabelle's smile. Annabelle broke my heart. She ripped it out, threw it on the floor, and stepped on it. The year I spent with her was a lie. I loved her with every inch of my soul. I understood her and she understood me. I thought we were going to be together for eternity. I lost all faith in humanity after our seperation. It just goes to show you that there isn't a God. And if there is, he is cruel.

Be slow to fall into friendship; but when thou art in, continue firm and constant" - Socrates

And so I have decided to heed my professors advise and go on this so called pilgrimmage to Canterbury. So today we started on our journey at the Tabburd Inn, 29 of us I do believe, and the first people I had a chance to travel with were the knight and the squire, and my o' my did their horses seem overfed. Well anyways the knight...I suppose he's alright. Although he seems to talk on and on about all of the battles he's been in(sometimes enough is enough...if you know what I mean), I did learn a few things about weaponry and so forth. Now the squire on the other hand is waaay to energetic for me...chill out! But anyways, as far as the pilgrimmage goes so far so good, I've even started on a new novel "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance." Talk to you later!

"Happiness depends upon ourselves" - Aristotle

I've decided I need a change. Don't get me wrong: I love being a college student. I love reading and learning. Nothing makes me happier than aquiring new knowledge. Unfortunately, it seems to be the only thing that makes me happy. I happen to be surrounded by idiots who ruin my day. No one seems to understand me. All they want to do is party and slack. They don't understand the value of a meaningful conversation. I can't relate to them in the least. They probably don't even know who Aristotle is. I can't be in this environment anymore. My philosophy professor mentioned something the other day about an upcoming pilgrimage to Canterbury. It would be an adventure and a great change. I think that I might need to get away for awhile. I'm not sure if I'm going to go or not, but I'll keep you posted.