As I begin to feel more and more like a Londoner, all the little differences of American and England have increasingly become apparent. I've had the opportunity to observe some of these, mainly at our local pub, The Old Swan. For instance, apparently, in London, if you are an American proudly singing your national anthem after USA scores a goal to tie the game, you will get beer thrown on you and get death stares from the jerk who did it. Alas, I have had more pleasant experiences in my conversations, aside for the one when a drunken teenager got in an argument with me because I voted for Obama instead of, get this, RON PAUL, and then later tried to convince me that the American Government put bombs in the world trade center in order to make sure that the planes would destroy the buildings on 9/11. Keep in mind he said all of this while wearing a Yankees hat, and you can understand why he is not one of my British friends. A more intriguing conversation, however, was with a teen who is about to finish his A-levels, the English equivalent of graduating High School. In England, you choose your future career at around age 15, and are pretty much glued to this profession since changing career paths is very difficult. He and I discussed with pros and cons of both systems, with America offering more breadth of an education and choosing a career later in life, and decided that neither is better, but just different. One of my more enjoyable conversations, especially since earlier in the night the owners husband of the pub made fun of my tattoos and told me that I am only in England to "take a piss" at the locals, meaning I am only there to strut my American stuff and make fun of the Brits. Despite my trying to convince him otherwise, I did see his point when my group burst into song with the American Anthem....
Onto what I have been doing this week. Monday has turned into my tourist day. Melissa and I went to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard ceremony and to check out my future home, of course. We also ventured to Parliament and Big Ben, as well as Westminster Abbey. Melissa paid to do the tour of the abbey, but in my quest to be frugal, I decided I would wait to see the inside and go on a Sunday for church, which I planned on doing today, but felt a little too hungover to pray. And with that nice segway... onto the clubs. Full of creepers, but so fun at the same time. Last night we went to the club Ministry of Sound. Drinks are ridiculously expensive at clubs, so we pre-gamed (or "pre-funked" as they say in Washington state, apparently)at the flat with the Old Swan bartenders, who came with us to the club. After an awkward encounter with our Graduate Resident, Philip (no worries, drinking is allowed in the flat, although I'm sure this very posh man did not appreciate his extremely drunk residents destroying his tea time...) we left for the club, an had a great time dancing and meeting up with some other Arcadia students and interns. It was definitely a fun night out for sure.
And now, the best part of my trip so far.. THE ROYAL ASCOT!! A horse race similar to the Kentucky Derby, but with far better hats, far better bets (I bet on the color of the queens hat instead of a horse... lost but oh well) and far better guests. Point in case: Queen Elizabeth was at one point 20 feet in front of me! I found an amazing fascinator to wear, and must say that life without a hat now is just not the same. We had some fun encounters with some boys from the country side helping us bet and some cockney language lessons from some old men (stairs in cockney are called apples and pears). I had so much fun, and even though I got a bit sunburned (sorry, poppy!) it was an amazing day to say the least. I hope that I get to go back one day! Check out my pictures on Facebook!
On a sadder note, I was given the news this week that one of my favorite teachers from LFCDS, Mr. Genger (Daddy G) died in his sleep. My thoughts and prayers have been with the Genger family all week. I wish I could be there on Tuesday to say a final goodbye.
I'm off to Paris this week Tuesday through Thursday to spend some time with Lauren Bank! Excited for my first trip, Au Revoir!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Museums and Theatre galore
The theme of this week was museums. It rained everyday, so I decided to take advantage of the wonderful museums and galleries that London has to offer. The first one I went to was the Victoria and Albert museum in South Kensington. I enjoyed the cast collection that was there, but besides that, the whole museum was a little bit of a bore. However, my Phi Mu sisters will be interested to know that I had many quatrifoil sightings here! The next day Melissa, one of my roommates, and I traveled to the Natural History Museum. Everyone has been making such a fuss about this museum saying how amazing it is, but I have to say I was a little let down. I enjoyed the Dinosaurs, the biology exhibit, and the precious stone collection, but besides that, there wasn't much to see. I did, however, get to see the homunculus statues that I have learned far too much about by Dr. Christ, so that was fun.
At this point in my post you may be wondering if I have just had a terrible week. I did get a bit home sick in the beginning of the week, and really regretted not getting a phone that I can call home with, but I powered through and still found ways to enjoy the city. I decided that I needed a couple of "me" days, doing only things that I wanted, and alone. The first me day was spent at the Freud Museum. The psychology nerd in me forced me to travel all the way to Swiss Cottage, but I am very happy that I did. It was so cool to see the office that Freud worked in, especially the infamous couch his patients would lie on. I bought a mug for my future office, and a post card to send to my lab professor. All in all, this was definitely my favorite museum so far. I spent the second me day out shopping before my class. I went to Primark, a ridiculously cheap store in Oxford Circus, and finally bought some un-scratchy sheets. I decided to save the rest of my money and window shop, which was terribly difficult, but I was still able to enjoy the circus without buying too much.
Wednesday night Gordon and I met up with Sandy and saw the Queen musical, "We Will Rock You." AWFUL, TERRIBLE SHOW!! The actors singing was actually quite good, however the acting, plot, dancing, you name it was terrible. I enjoyed the music, after all it was Queen, but the show as a whole was just horrible. Waste of 28 pounds if you ask me. The next night made up for it, though. I went to see "After the Dance" with my class and teachers, which was a wonderful drama about British life after the first world war. Such a thought provoking show with interesting and complex characters, and brilliantly talent in each of them. The show was 3 hours but did not feel as long. It was definitely a good show for us to start with, as I am sure we are going to have a lively discussion on Tuesday about it.
Tomorrow I am off to Stonehenge and Bath, and then cheering on America at a Pub for the World cup. USA! USA! USA!
Cheers!
(ps- Go Hawks!)
At this point in my post you may be wondering if I have just had a terrible week. I did get a bit home sick in the beginning of the week, and really regretted not getting a phone that I can call home with, but I powered through and still found ways to enjoy the city. I decided that I needed a couple of "me" days, doing only things that I wanted, and alone. The first me day was spent at the Freud Museum. The psychology nerd in me forced me to travel all the way to Swiss Cottage, but I am very happy that I did. It was so cool to see the office that Freud worked in, especially the infamous couch his patients would lie on. I bought a mug for my future office, and a post card to send to my lab professor. All in all, this was definitely my favorite museum so far. I spent the second me day out shopping before my class. I went to Primark, a ridiculously cheap store in Oxford Circus, and finally bought some un-scratchy sheets. I decided to save the rest of my money and window shop, which was terribly difficult, but I was still able to enjoy the circus without buying too much.
Wednesday night Gordon and I met up with Sandy and saw the Queen musical, "We Will Rock You." AWFUL, TERRIBLE SHOW!! The actors singing was actually quite good, however the acting, plot, dancing, you name it was terrible. I enjoyed the music, after all it was Queen, but the show as a whole was just horrible. Waste of 28 pounds if you ask me. The next night made up for it, though. I went to see "After the Dance" with my class and teachers, which was a wonderful drama about British life after the first world war. Such a thought provoking show with interesting and complex characters, and brilliantly talent in each of them. The show was 3 hours but did not feel as long. It was definitely a good show for us to start with, as I am sure we are going to have a lively discussion on Tuesday about it.
Tomorrow I am off to Stonehenge and Bath, and then cheering on America at a Pub for the World cup. USA! USA! USA!
Cheers!
(ps- Go Hawks!)
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Discovering London
When I heard that my classes would only be 2 days a week, I was worried about what to do with my time, but now I don't think I will have enough time to squeeze in all there is to learn about London!
This week was full of Arcadia orientation, walking, pub exploring, walking, and meeting lots and lots of people. Did I mention we walked? My feet hurt so bad, but it's worth the pain... although the fact that my shoes are very tight because my feet are swollen is a little unnerving.
I could go on for days about what I have been doing, but I think I will just hit the highlights.
- The day I woke up at 3:30am ended up being my best day here, so far. I explored the area around my university, Islington. It is a very quaint neighborhood with a lot of beautiful brick buildings and fun little shops. Islington is about 45 minutes away by tube from Notting Hill, so I have to leave very early for class, but I have discovered I rather like the tube, it's a great place to people watch!
- That same day I went on a scavenger hunt with 2 of my London birthday buddies. That's right, there are 4 people in my program who were born on July 1st. We thought that teaming up together to complete the hunt would bring us luck, and I guess we were right because one of the pictures we took won us 3 passes to the London Eye! Unfortunately, I can't post pictures on here, so look at my facebook page!
- I awoke at a normal time on the third day, thank god. I began the day by visiting what has become my regular spot, Cafe Diana, to get a coffee. Much to my surprise and delight, the owner saw me walk in and knew my order, after just one visit! I love this place, there are pictures of Princess Diana everywhere, and since she was one of my role models growing up, it is becoming the best part of my day.
- I decided to change my class from Sex, Gender and The City to Play Critique. In this class we will be going to shows every week and critiquing them. I am so so so excited for this, it is going to be amazing.
- I was assigned my first project with one of my flat mates, Gordon, and two girls from the other Arcadia residence, Thoresby House. We traveled to Brick Lane and explored. It was cool, but not as amazing as everyone made it out to be. However, I have heard that it is very different at night, so I would like to go back some evening. The next day we presented the area to the other participants, and learned about various areas of the city. I found out that there is a Freud Museum, and the psychology nerd in me is aching to go.
- Found one amazing aspect of London Universities that no American one will ever live up to, they have pubs in the Student Union. Before our presentation Gordon and I went down there and threw back some pints... you know, to ease our nerves about presenting :)
-Had my first London Club experience. It was fun and... interesting. And I guess that's all I can say, since family will be reading this.
- Today I went to the absolutely fantastic open air market, Portbello. It was filled with people, antique shops, and little produce stands. I bought a hat, 2 scarves, a shirt and A LOT of fruit, all for around 25 pounds. Living cheaply in London is definitely doable, you just need to know how to do it. I know I will return to buy gifts here! They have a bunch of Scottish shops selling tartan, and I found the Welsh Campbell clan, now all I need to do is find the Lamont!
- I went on a boat tour today and enjoyed the River Thames. The tour was so so, but I was able to go to the one point in the entire world that I have always wanted to go, Tower Bridge. I had a huge smile on my face crossing it, took about 10 pictures, and replayed the London episode of "Friends" in my head.
I promise not all of my posts will be this long!
Cheers!
This week was full of Arcadia orientation, walking, pub exploring, walking, and meeting lots and lots of people. Did I mention we walked? My feet hurt so bad, but it's worth the pain... although the fact that my shoes are very tight because my feet are swollen is a little unnerving.
I could go on for days about what I have been doing, but I think I will just hit the highlights.
- The day I woke up at 3:30am ended up being my best day here, so far. I explored the area around my university, Islington. It is a very quaint neighborhood with a lot of beautiful brick buildings and fun little shops. Islington is about 45 minutes away by tube from Notting Hill, so I have to leave very early for class, but I have discovered I rather like the tube, it's a great place to people watch!
- That same day I went on a scavenger hunt with 2 of my London birthday buddies. That's right, there are 4 people in my program who were born on July 1st. We thought that teaming up together to complete the hunt would bring us luck, and I guess we were right because one of the pictures we took won us 3 passes to the London Eye! Unfortunately, I can't post pictures on here, so look at my facebook page!
- I awoke at a normal time on the third day, thank god. I began the day by visiting what has become my regular spot, Cafe Diana, to get a coffee. Much to my surprise and delight, the owner saw me walk in and knew my order, after just one visit! I love this place, there are pictures of Princess Diana everywhere, and since she was one of my role models growing up, it is becoming the best part of my day.
- I decided to change my class from Sex, Gender and The City to Play Critique. In this class we will be going to shows every week and critiquing them. I am so so so excited for this, it is going to be amazing.
- I was assigned my first project with one of my flat mates, Gordon, and two girls from the other Arcadia residence, Thoresby House. We traveled to Brick Lane and explored. It was cool, but not as amazing as everyone made it out to be. However, I have heard that it is very different at night, so I would like to go back some evening. The next day we presented the area to the other participants, and learned about various areas of the city. I found out that there is a Freud Museum, and the psychology nerd in me is aching to go.
- Found one amazing aspect of London Universities that no American one will ever live up to, they have pubs in the Student Union. Before our presentation Gordon and I went down there and threw back some pints... you know, to ease our nerves about presenting :)
-Had my first London Club experience. It was fun and... interesting. And I guess that's all I can say, since family will be reading this.
- Today I went to the absolutely fantastic open air market, Portbello. It was filled with people, antique shops, and little produce stands. I bought a hat, 2 scarves, a shirt and A LOT of fruit, all for around 25 pounds. Living cheaply in London is definitely doable, you just need to know how to do it. I know I will return to buy gifts here! They have a bunch of Scottish shops selling tartan, and I found the Welsh Campbell clan, now all I need to do is find the Lamont!
- I went on a boat tour today and enjoyed the River Thames. The tour was so so, but I was able to go to the one point in the entire world that I have always wanted to go, Tower Bridge. I had a huge smile on my face crossing it, took about 10 pictures, and replayed the London episode of "Friends" in my head.
I promise not all of my posts will be this long!
Cheers!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
I'm here!!
Hello from across the pond! I've been in London for about 24 hours and love it dearly already. Everything is so charming and the people seem very pleasant. It rained all day yesterday, but I asked some shop keepers about the weather and they said it doesn't rain as much as foreigners expect, and I really hope they weren't just messing with me! I live in Paddington, a very small neighborhood part of the larger Kensington/Notting Hill area. It is 5:30am here, and I have been up since 3:30am, trying to fall back asleep, but I have given up all hope, so decided to start my first "real" day in London bright and early. I'm annoyed that I woke up so early, but I was asleep by 10:30 last night, something I haven't done since middle school probably, so I think my body is confused. None the less, I plan on exploring a bit, find an early opening grocery store, and stop by a cafe. Later, my group is going to City University, where my classes will be held. Then we have a "scavenger hunt" in London. Not sure what this will entail, but it should be interesting! My week has been pretty much planned out for me, but next week I will begin class on Tuesday, so I believe my real London experience will begin then!
Yesterday I spent the day shopping for essentials, including horribly scratchy sheets, which I partly blame for my early awakening. I met all of my housemates, 25 of us total! We are all here with Arcadia, but some are interns and some, like me, are just taking class. I thought I would be traveling with people from all over the US, but it turns out that almost all of the interns are from Indiana University. I was worried about this, but so far I have made some what I hope to be good friends. We were going to go to a pub around the corner from us last night, but I guess when we made these plans jet lag hadn't set in yet, and we ended up crashing. I had fun exploring yesterday with them, and learning my way around here. In fact, after only about 5 hours of being here, a Londoner came up to me and asked me for directions, and much to my friends shock and awe, I was able to point the local in the right direction. Thank god for my amazing sense of direction!
So far my hardest adjustment has been not having a phone to call/text home with. I bought one that will only work here, but I miss my iPhone so much. I still carry it around with me, almost as a security blanket. I started texting so many times yesterday, and then realized I couldn't. But thank goodness for facebook. Expect random wall posts from me just like my random text messages!
Of note, my room is on the 5th floor of an old Victorian building. I hate it already, but hopefully it will kick the laziness right out of me!
Cheers!
Yesterday I spent the day shopping for essentials, including horribly scratchy sheets, which I partly blame for my early awakening. I met all of my housemates, 25 of us total! We are all here with Arcadia, but some are interns and some, like me, are just taking class. I thought I would be traveling with people from all over the US, but it turns out that almost all of the interns are from Indiana University. I was worried about this, but so far I have made some what I hope to be good friends. We were going to go to a pub around the corner from us last night, but I guess when we made these plans jet lag hadn't set in yet, and we ended up crashing. I had fun exploring yesterday with them, and learning my way around here. In fact, after only about 5 hours of being here, a Londoner came up to me and asked me for directions, and much to my friends shock and awe, I was able to point the local in the right direction. Thank god for my amazing sense of direction!
So far my hardest adjustment has been not having a phone to call/text home with. I bought one that will only work here, but I miss my iPhone so much. I still carry it around with me, almost as a security blanket. I started texting so many times yesterday, and then realized I couldn't. But thank goodness for facebook. Expect random wall posts from me just like my random text messages!
Of note, my room is on the 5th floor of an old Victorian building. I hate it already, but hopefully it will kick the laziness right out of me!
Cheers!
Friday, May 28, 2010
an attempt to un-waste my time
In my never ending search for scholarships and grants for London, I came across one that seemed simple enough: In 250 words, describe 5 things you cannot travel without. I love writing, so this was an easy task (well, easy until I realized I had to cut down my original 600 words to 250). I was getting ready to send it, and then I re-read the assignment: For 2010-2011 school year study abroad applicants only. Winners will be notified September 1, 2010. Well fuck. But to make those 2 hours go un-wasted... here is my essay!
Packing up my belongings for my upcoming semester in London, my mind races as I throw things in my suitcase. As I weigh the chances of me actually wearing my sequined trimmed tunic, I look up and see a picture of my family. Now this I know I can’t be without for 8 weeks. I glance at my mother in the picture and realize that not everything I need can be packed. She taught me to always appreciate other cultures and their uniqueness, a lesson that is sure to come in handy. My father’s face jumps out at me next, a man who values an education above all. I grab my new travel books, briefly flipping through the pages as I pack. My brother’s smiling face reminds me to bring my journal. He would tell me to write down everything and to spare no detail because my journal will help keep this trip alive. I see my sister, and realize I have yet to pack the most essential item of all: my camera. She would tell me that a photo is more special than any souvenir money can buy. There is no way I could remember the vast beauty of Europe with out snapping a photo. Zipping up my suitcase, I know that even if I did forget something, I have my 5 essentials with me, making me ready to hop the pond and start the most amazing 8 weeks of my life.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Getting ready to leave!
Hey all! Keep up with this blog to follow me on my many travels this summer! I'm planning on going everywhere and anywhere, even if it means I'll be living on crackers for the next 3 months, I don't care, I want to explore all that Europe has to offer!
I leave for London on May 31st (21 days!!) and I can't wait (hence me starting this blog so much in advance..). I'm beginning to realize everything I have to do before I leave, and it is getting overwhelming! My biggest task will be learning more about my host country, England. I should probably wait until I'm finished learning all about human anatomy and biology, since I have finals this week.... but none the less, this should be a fun task. I have always been fascinated with the United Kingdom, which is why I chose to go there to study abroad. My program is through Arcadia University, and I will be taking a course called "Sex, Gender and The City(i.e. London)" I'm so excited for this course, its going to be so awesome taking a course like this in one of the city leaders in sexual revolutions. I know I will be thinking a lot about Austin Powers while taking this course...
I had a dream last night that I was in a Starbucks in London, and the only thing that was different was that the tables were enormous and everyone had a British accent. Let's hope I get to experience a little more diversity than this while I'm on the other side of the pond!
Stay tuned for more posts!
-Maggie
I leave for London on May 31st (21 days!!) and I can't wait (hence me starting this blog so much in advance..). I'm beginning to realize everything I have to do before I leave, and it is getting overwhelming! My biggest task will be learning more about my host country, England. I should probably wait until I'm finished learning all about human anatomy and biology, since I have finals this week.... but none the less, this should be a fun task. I have always been fascinated with the United Kingdom, which is why I chose to go there to study abroad. My program is through Arcadia University, and I will be taking a course called "Sex, Gender and The City(i.e. London)" I'm so excited for this course, its going to be so awesome taking a course like this in one of the city leaders in sexual revolutions. I know I will be thinking a lot about Austin Powers while taking this course...
I had a dream last night that I was in a Starbucks in London, and the only thing that was different was that the tables were enormous and everyone had a British accent. Let's hope I get to experience a little more diversity than this while I'm on the other side of the pond!
Stay tuned for more posts!
-Maggie
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