Ok...so I've been bad.I already am not keeping up with the blog.My lovely Vivian reminded me of this and you know...when someone tells you to update your blog that you're falling behind.I thought I'd split up Weeks 4 and 5...and challenge myself to remember what happened two weeks ago! It's amazing how time flies.After such a rocky start for study abroad,I now just love it.I love doing something new (almost) everyday and I love finally feeling like I'm becoming an expert on another city.There's always a new experience to be had! So here was my Week 4 account:
Monday - The weather was super lovely...I do remember that! I had lovely lunch with a girl from one of my classes and a guy who she lives with.They remind me so much of people I know that it's scary.The guy,Jason,even used the word 'grumpus' (?!?!) We sat out in St. James Park and explored a bit.I actually think St. James is my favorite park.It's the smallest but it's also the cutest! We had yummy ice cream and people watched.
Tuesday - Day off! On Tuesday,we ventured out to the Tate Britain.It was fun...though one of my less favorite museums (although with all the museums being free it's hard to even utter the words 'least favorite').The one thing I LOVED was the room of Whistler paintings because I took an annoying Art History class last year (Milroy) and we focused on Whistler for like two classes so I knew alot about the paintings already.After Tate Britain,we wandered,ate at a pub,went to Westminster Abbey and then ended up wandering to Parliament.One simple inquiry about how much it cost led us to find out it was free and we began our journey into the British govenment.It was to put it simply : AWESOME.The inside of the building was gorgeous and we actually got to sit and watch the House of Commons debate...in all their British faux polite bitchiness.It was a dream.Later that night,I ended up meeting people at a pub called Green Man,somewhat far-ish from where I live,known for their "special cider".The place ended up being super cool with such a nice bartender and we had many adventures that night...ending in me experiencing the joy (sarcasm) of the night buses and getting home laaaaattteee.
Wednesday - Honestly...I can't really remember what happened this day! It's been two weeks,cut me some slack :P
Thursday - Thursday,the day of a million classes is always...interesting.On this Thursday,in my Creative Writing class we ended up doing an excercise where we had to have our shoes off.I told you...interesting.I went with my friend Jen to a U.K. chain called Nando's where our student coupons allowed us to get free half chickens! COUPONS! My day did not end there.I ended up going out with some of my hallmates to a really cheap pub where we had lots of fun times and I introduced them to the word 'pre game' which apparently is a really amazing word for Brits.Who would have thought? I rounded out the night by letting a friend drunkenly convince me to buy last minute tickets for a Saturday day trip.Never a dull moment,never a dull moment.
Friday - Friday was my other day off and it was time to finally head to the Victoria & Albert Museum in Kensington - a trip I made with two studnets from different London colleges (I don't discriminate).We represented King's,LSE,and UCL.We had so much fun in the little interactive areas of the museum,where we got to try on Sherlock Holmes coats,make our own coat of arms,and generally be children.Unable to find somewhere to eat lunch,we actually ended up eating in the dining hall of ANOTHER London university.Then we headed down to the Tower of London and walked across the Tower Bridge.I was able to pop home for a second (literally) before heading out to meet a friend at The Old Vic theater where we saw a play called 'Design for Living' that was EXCELLENT.It's set in the 20's/30's and is somewhat risque - about two guys and a girl who all have a relationship.We both loved it and even ate ice cream in our seats (special flavor Hokey Pokey) during intermission! Finally,I had to call it a night because I had to wake up for ...
Saturday - Day trip to Windsor,Eton,Oxford! I was on the tour with about five other Americans.We had an Iranian tour guide who spoke half English but had a crazy personality to make up for it (he said if you came back 7 minutes late,you had to sing a song for the bus and dance...then he made a woman do it later).We went from place to place...walking around Windsor,seeing the uniformed school boys at Eton,going to some tiny tiny town where we fed ducks,and then ending up in Oxford which is too pretty to qualify as a university.It was a busy day (complete with a screening of 'Kate and Leopold' on the bus) and we ended the night back in London,eating at a slightly funky and very cheap pub.I was so exhausted when I got back that I ended up falling asleep pretty quickly.
Sunday was as always my work day so not much happened! But thus ends my account of Week 4! I'm writing this as I sit in my college campus's computer lab,waiting for a friend to go have...PANCAKES! Basically my reason for mentioning this is pictures will follow (to be edited in) and an account of my past week,including Amsterdam/Bruges will come shortly.I really am trying to get back on track with my blog...alot does happen though so it makes it hard.
Week 4 rounded out a month of me being in London and it also made me start to realize how I'm going to miss it when I go.There are some things I really miss about America (including family,friends,and Wes) but there are also some really great things about London that I'll miss - mostly it's the experience of being abroad where life is always exciting.I spend most of my days out of my room,have given up day napping,and generally just DO MORE and honestly,I think that's a great way to live life!
Now I must run to eat pancakes!!!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Week Three - Seeing the Sights
It's already getting hard for me to remember to keep up with this blog! But I do want to keep people in the know and I also want to keep this one post a week thing going so I can look back when this is all over and have an account of my times.
This week has been full of excitement.Honestly,the best thing about studying abroad is SO much happens in one week.As much as I love Wes (and I miss it so much) you can look back on a week there and maybe not that much happened - here the same cannot be said! Let me take you through my days this week:
Monday - I had a minor snafu in the morning which caused me to almost be late (for the class in which the professor frequently calls out late comers) and had to run to class.I made it with three minutes to spare! After class,I did a ton of walking.I finally bought a new camera at Argos,walked around Piccadilly Circus,walked through Chinatown,and went to the National Gallery where I had a chat with a young artist type.The National Gallery is overwhelming (in a good way) and while the old stuff was fun - I LOVED the newer things and it made me realize how much I love 19th Century art because I've taken so many classes on it.Monday night,we went to the Ministry of Sound,a famous London nightclub and had some night time excitement.
Tuesday - My day off is always fun.The day started at a pub called O'Neills which was lovely.Going to Europe makes you realize how relaxing it is to just go to a pub in the middle of the day and enjoy a meal with a glass of wine.Then it was on to The Globe to see Henry IV Pt. 1!!! It was super exciting: the weather held up,the production featured Scripps from The History Boys,and the actor who played Falstaff was AMAZING.The only minor issue was standing for three hours but hey,it only cost five pounds! Afterward,we tried out Wagamama,a British Asian chain where I got a giant portion that was able to last me for two dinners.SCORE.
Wednesday - To be honest,not much happened on this day.I had my Modernism in Australia class which I just can't help but like because the professor is so enthusiastic.I had lunch in Covent Gardens which is my default favorite place.It was a bit a nasty day,if I remember correctly.I'm sure more happened....but I can't tell you what haha.Oh! At night,we went to Oxford Street because they were having some discounts at night.Top Shop was insane but I ended up buying instead a pair of shoes at another store.Love my new shoes....but perhaps I shouldn't have spent the money.
Thursday - My day was filled with classes as Thursday usually is for me.In my Creative Writing class we had to take off our shoes.My teacher is eccentric but also fun.I do like Thursdays because I get to see two of my new Brit third year friends.I learned that I have the same ride home as one so we chatted just about future plans.It's kind of crazy how if I was a full time Brit student,I would be gearing up for graduation about now.At night,my hall went to Truffle Shuffle,basically the students 80's night.It was SO crowded! I don't think I've ever been in a more crowded place.
Friday - Another day off! I started the day walking around Borough Market,which always lasts at least two and a half hours.I got an AMAZING baguette made before my eyes and found out you can eat in the outside area of Southwark Cathedral right next to Borough Market.It's gorgeous and on a beautiful day,like it was,there was nothing better.Then we had a nice long walk,stopping to snap some pictures of Big Ben and hitting St. James Park and eventually Hyde Park,which is gigantic! Central Park is like a baby compared to Hyde Park which has green as far as the eye can see.We continued our epic walk by going down Oxford and Regent Streets (the main shopping areas) before finding The Crown,a cute pub where I got fish and chips and of course another glass of wine.I was so pooped when I got back but had to rest up for....
Saturday - MY FIRST DAY TRIP! We went with a small tour to Stonehenge and Bath! The trip started veeeeerrrryyy early.I almost missed it because there was tube confusion and I ended up having to get on and off the train three times.Luckily,I made it on time and we set off with our tour guides - the robotic Fiona and the charming (and...eccentric) Tony! Stonehenge was kind of crazy because of how surreal it looked but the highlight of the day was Bath which was adorable.We just walked around through the streets because wandering was just plain fun.We hit up a pub - The Beau Nash which had the best deal ever - 4.95 for a big sandwich + alcoholic drink.I got some fudge,took lots of pictures,and it was overall a fun time.
Sunday is not worth mentioning because I had to spend it catching up on all the work I didn't do the other days.Overall,the week was a blast.I'll save my thoughts on today for next week's post but the weather has been GORGEOUS! After this week is over,I'll have been her for about a month and suddenly,I'm starting to think about how I'll miss it.
Anyway,that's all for now...below you can find a few pictures.I'm busy trying to work out travel dates but it looks like I may be booking a trip to Amsterdam/Bruges for next weekend!
This week has been full of excitement.Honestly,the best thing about studying abroad is SO much happens in one week.As much as I love Wes (and I miss it so much) you can look back on a week there and maybe not that much happened - here the same cannot be said! Let me take you through my days this week:
Monday - I had a minor snafu in the morning which caused me to almost be late (for the class in which the professor frequently calls out late comers) and had to run to class.I made it with three minutes to spare! After class,I did a ton of walking.I finally bought a new camera at Argos,walked around Piccadilly Circus,walked through Chinatown,and went to the National Gallery where I had a chat with a young artist type.The National Gallery is overwhelming (in a good way) and while the old stuff was fun - I LOVED the newer things and it made me realize how much I love 19th Century art because I've taken so many classes on it.Monday night,we went to the Ministry of Sound,a famous London nightclub and had some night time excitement.
Tuesday - My day off is always fun.The day started at a pub called O'Neills which was lovely.Going to Europe makes you realize how relaxing it is to just go to a pub in the middle of the day and enjoy a meal with a glass of wine.Then it was on to The Globe to see Henry IV Pt. 1!!! It was super exciting: the weather held up,the production featured Scripps from The History Boys,and the actor who played Falstaff was AMAZING.The only minor issue was standing for three hours but hey,it only cost five pounds! Afterward,we tried out Wagamama,a British Asian chain where I got a giant portion that was able to last me for two dinners.SCORE.
Wednesday - To be honest,not much happened on this day.I had my Modernism in Australia class which I just can't help but like because the professor is so enthusiastic.I had lunch in Covent Gardens which is my default favorite place.It was a bit a nasty day,if I remember correctly.I'm sure more happened....but I can't tell you what haha.Oh! At night,we went to Oxford Street because they were having some discounts at night.Top Shop was insane but I ended up buying instead a pair of shoes at another store.Love my new shoes....but perhaps I shouldn't have spent the money.
Thursday - My day was filled with classes as Thursday usually is for me.In my Creative Writing class we had to take off our shoes.My teacher is eccentric but also fun.I do like Thursdays because I get to see two of my new Brit third year friends.I learned that I have the same ride home as one so we chatted just about future plans.It's kind of crazy how if I was a full time Brit student,I would be gearing up for graduation about now.At night,my hall went to Truffle Shuffle,basically the students 80's night.It was SO crowded! I don't think I've ever been in a more crowded place.
Friday - Another day off! I started the day walking around Borough Market,which always lasts at least two and a half hours.I got an AMAZING baguette made before my eyes and found out you can eat in the outside area of Southwark Cathedral right next to Borough Market.It's gorgeous and on a beautiful day,like it was,there was nothing better.Then we had a nice long walk,stopping to snap some pictures of Big Ben and hitting St. James Park and eventually Hyde Park,which is gigantic! Central Park is like a baby compared to Hyde Park which has green as far as the eye can see.We continued our epic walk by going down Oxford and Regent Streets (the main shopping areas) before finding The Crown,a cute pub where I got fish and chips and of course another glass of wine.I was so pooped when I got back but had to rest up for....
Saturday - MY FIRST DAY TRIP! We went with a small tour to Stonehenge and Bath! The trip started veeeeerrrryyy early.I almost missed it because there was tube confusion and I ended up having to get on and off the train three times.Luckily,I made it on time and we set off with our tour guides - the robotic Fiona and the charming (and...eccentric) Tony! Stonehenge was kind of crazy because of how surreal it looked but the highlight of the day was Bath which was adorable.We just walked around through the streets because wandering was just plain fun.We hit up a pub - The Beau Nash which had the best deal ever - 4.95 for a big sandwich + alcoholic drink.I got some fudge,took lots of pictures,and it was overall a fun time.
Sunday is not worth mentioning because I had to spend it catching up on all the work I didn't do the other days.Overall,the week was a blast.I'll save my thoughts on today for next week's post but the weather has been GORGEOUS! After this week is over,I'll have been her for about a month and suddenly,I'm starting to think about how I'll miss it.
Anyway,that's all for now...below you can find a few pictures.I'm busy trying to work out travel dates but it looks like I may be booking a trip to Amsterdam/Bruges for next weekend!
The set of Henry IV Pt. 1!
(More pictures to come when blogspot stops being a bitch to me!!)
(More pictures to come when blogspot stops being a bitch to me!!)
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Week Two: Getting Academic
So this post will be severely lacking in photo updates but there IS a reason for this.My camera which was already being annoying back home has decided to just stop working.The plan was to go to Argos (basically the Brit Target but more to the point) to buy a new one but I didn't get around to it.I'm hoping though to get a new camera this week so expect MANY pictures!
This week I started classes! My schedule looks like this:
Mondays - "Americans in London and Paris" lecture and seminar - So far the content of the class seems interesting.The professor seems good but she was very harsh about people being late to the first lecture.She kept mentioning how late people were when they came in.It was....awkward.Still,it seems interesting.I met a girl in this class who is taking 3/4 of the same classes I am!!
Tuesdays - FREEDOM! I intend to use this as a big exploring day.This week I went with Study Abroad students Jen and Christian to Buckingham Palace! It was so worth the price of admission.I can't believe people actually live there! We had fun and below you can see a pic I stole from Jen's facebook.This coming Tuesday,we're going to see Henry IV Part 1 at the Globe! We had standing seats so cross your fingers for no rain!
Wednesdays - "Modernism in Australism" seminar - This class was my random addition but the professor seems adorable.He already made references to 80's movies and American musicals! I still really know nothing about the topic but I'm sure I'll be an expert by the end.I met another Study Abroad student in this class and we had lunch/coffee at my new favorite Brit coffee chain,Cafe Nero.
Thursdays - "Elizabethan Shakespeare" lecture and seminar,"Creative Writing:Drama" - My busy day but I really like both these classes! Apparently,the woman who teaches the Shakespeare one is like one of the leading Brits on the subject and while my first impression of her was that she seemed old and strict,she really seems quite the opposite! The nice thing is that I finally met some British students from my year in these classes.Score.This Thursday,I also went with a Study Abroad student,Katherine,I met at orientation to Covent Gardens for dinner.It's my favorite place,pretty much.
Fridays - FREEDOM! This Friday,I met a friend of Christian's from Wales and found out the only thing King's make easy is taking out library books! The library is an experience really - it looks like a palace.On Friday night,we also went to this Thai restaurant/pub (I know) called "The Miller" across the street from me....very awesome vibe.We'll def go back so I'll try to take some pictures when I have my camera.
This weekend it was pouring and since I haven't really adjusted to that yet,I was a horrible Study Abroad student and didn't do much during the days.I did however end up roaming around Borough Market,the AMAZING market right down the street from me,for hours and I predict many trips there to come.I also had my first experience with the student club venue Tutu's.This week I intend to make up for my lazy weekend by seeing some more sights - and getting a new camera.
I guess that's all for now.I'm still trying to get travel plans together but I do have tickets to see my lovely Viv in Paris and my parents are taking me to Brussels when they come in.I also have to start buying theatre tickets because my Creative Writing class requires us to see at least four shows! Anyway,I am starting to like it alot here,though I still need to find my routine (and we need to find OUR pub which has yet to happen since they're all so crowded).I leave you with a picture outside Buckingham Palace!
This week I started classes! My schedule looks like this:
Mondays - "Americans in London and Paris" lecture and seminar - So far the content of the class seems interesting.The professor seems good but she was very harsh about people being late to the first lecture.She kept mentioning how late people were when they came in.It was....awkward.Still,it seems interesting.I met a girl in this class who is taking 3/4 of the same classes I am!!
Tuesdays - FREEDOM! I intend to use this as a big exploring day.This week I went with Study Abroad students Jen and Christian to Buckingham Palace! It was so worth the price of admission.I can't believe people actually live there! We had fun and below you can see a pic I stole from Jen's facebook.This coming Tuesday,we're going to see Henry IV Part 1 at the Globe! We had standing seats so cross your fingers for no rain!
Wednesdays - "Modernism in Australism" seminar - This class was my random addition but the professor seems adorable.He already made references to 80's movies and American musicals! I still really know nothing about the topic but I'm sure I'll be an expert by the end.I met another Study Abroad student in this class and we had lunch/coffee at my new favorite Brit coffee chain,Cafe Nero.
Thursdays - "Elizabethan Shakespeare" lecture and seminar,"Creative Writing:Drama" - My busy day but I really like both these classes! Apparently,the woman who teaches the Shakespeare one is like one of the leading Brits on the subject and while my first impression of her was that she seemed old and strict,she really seems quite the opposite! The nice thing is that I finally met some British students from my year in these classes.Score.This Thursday,I also went with a Study Abroad student,Katherine,I met at orientation to Covent Gardens for dinner.It's my favorite place,pretty much.
Fridays - FREEDOM! This Friday,I met a friend of Christian's from Wales and found out the only thing King's make easy is taking out library books! The library is an experience really - it looks like a palace.On Friday night,we also went to this Thai restaurant/pub (I know) called "The Miller" across the street from me....very awesome vibe.We'll def go back so I'll try to take some pictures when I have my camera.
This weekend it was pouring and since I haven't really adjusted to that yet,I was a horrible Study Abroad student and didn't do much during the days.I did however end up roaming around Borough Market,the AMAZING market right down the street from me,for hours and I predict many trips there to come.I also had my first experience with the student club venue Tutu's.This week I intend to make up for my lazy weekend by seeing some more sights - and getting a new camera.
I guess that's all for now.I'm still trying to get travel plans together but I do have tickets to see my lovely Viv in Paris and my parents are taking me to Brussels when they come in.I also have to start buying theatre tickets because my Creative Writing class requires us to see at least four shows! Anyway,I am starting to like it alot here,though I still need to find my routine (and we need to find OUR pub which has yet to happen since they're all so crowded).I leave you with a picture outside Buckingham Palace!
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