This past week has been full of performances, tea, and getting severely lost in London. Ahhh where to start....
Last Saturday I met a friend, Claire Horton from home for dinner which was nice to have that connection to home. Unfortunately halfway there, I realized that it was a Saturday. On the weekend certain tube stations are closed so they can work on them. Of course the ones I needed were closed. So I got off my first tube, and couldn't get on another one, so I was basically stuck and had little idea where I was. So I went up to the street, found the first bus, got on and prayed that it took me to the right place, or just in the right general direction. And by some strange twist of fate, it dropped me off exactly where I needed to be, and I met Claire at that same bus stop like 3 minutes later. I doubt I'll ever be that lucky again.
However, after getting lost and an amazing dinner at Pizza Express, I saw Matthew Bourne's dance production of Cinderella. I won't go into all the details, but basically it was amazing. The choreography was so innovative and instead of a fairy godmother there was a male dancer that portrayed an angel. Basically, if I could dance any role that I've ever seen performed, it would be that. I also saw the show War Horse with the rest of my class here on Monday. The story was very touching, I have to admit I even cried once or twice. But the most incredible thing was the puppetry. The story was based on the relationship between this boy Albert, and his horse Joey during WWI. There were 3 people responsible for the movement of each horse and it was so intricate and believable that I found myself completely neglecting the actors controlling the horses and just looked at the puppets. The wheels are already starting to turn for Circus in Winter.......
This week I also visited Camden town, Greenwich and Chelsea. Camden is kind of the punk area of London, with really great food and interesting markets. And I found a great boots for 20 quid. But no worries family, I do not have any new tattoos or piercings. While visiting Greenwich I stood on the Prime Meridian and went mudlarking. Mudlarking is basically where you go on the beach and look for interesting artifacts. All we found were some rocks and what looked like animal bones. But it was still fun. I also went to Trafalgar Tavern, where Charles Dickens was known to hang out and write. I didn't do too much in Chelsea, but found a great cookie shop called Ben's cookies where my roomate and I split some amazing cookies including double chocolate, triple chocolate, cranberry & white chocolate, & milk chocolate & orange. And I'm sure whoever reading this knows my love of all food!!!
Also one of the highlights of this week was taking a jazz dance class on Thursday at a studio called Pineapple. The class gave me a great workout and was perfect to start getting me back into shape. Plus I'm still feeling its effects today.
Oh yeah, I've also been actually taking classes and studying this week too! In my British Life and Culture class, I learned how to make a proper cup of tea and also ate some traditional food including Jaffa cakes, Victoria sponge cake, and Black pudding (which is pig's blood, I'm not a big fan of this.....but I still tried it). I also spent an entire class listening to the music of The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks, not a bad way to spend a Tuesday in class.
These next few weekends are gonna fly by. Next weekend I'm going to Portugal to visit my cousins Josh & Amy and am soooo excited to see family!!! Followed by a weekend in Dublin, and then my spring break which is still yet to be determined.
I've heard that it's been a little cold in the States, it's even gotten down to around 30 degrees fahrenheit in London, which is cold for here. Why not sit down and have a cup a tea?!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
All you need is love!
So I've officially been here for a little over a week, and I'm still absolutely loving it!! I had my first full week of classes which included British Life and Culture, Theatre, British Fantasy Literature, and History of British Pop Music. We haven't done too much in any of the classes yet, but am excited for what's to come. Wednesday is our class field trip day and this week we visited Westminster Abbey and Churchill's War Rooms.
I started in Churchill's War Rooms, which was in a basement and was the location of the British government during WWII where they kept track of what was happening during the war, and had very important meetings. It was incredible how small the rooms were, which were stocked with only the essentials. The maps that took up the entire wall, phones covering the rooms, and creepy statues of people really took me back to what it would have been like during WWII. I wish that my family that is full of history nerds would have loved it!! Next I went to Westminster Abbey where we toured the inside for over an hour. I went there about 5 years ago, but it was so different this time, because my professor was so knowledgable about the history, and I know the history now of some of the famous people who are remembered and buried there. I saw everything from Poet's corner, the memorial to the unknown soldier, and the coronation chair. (Which as only left the Abbey twice ever) Speaking of the coronation chair, there were numerous news cameras outside of the Abbey when I was there, because it was exactly 100 days before the royal wedding. And thus the countdown continues. After seeing Westminster, we continued to walk through St. James Park and went all the way to Buckingham Palace. Unfortunately the Queen was not in, what a busy busy lady.
Now for all the Beatles fans out there, I went with a group of friends Friday morning to Abbey road and attempted to get the infamous picture at the zebra crossing on Abbey Road. While it was not perfect (we were slightly off on our spacing and feet but whatever), it was really great and I didn't get hit by a car. Which was a miracle. If you didn't know, Abbey road is very very busy, and at zebra crossings, cars have to stop and get very annoyed by the 20 tourists hanging around trying to get their picture while crossing the road. Also, in front of the recording studio on Abbey road, there are thousands of messages and names written on the wall with sharpie which actually have to get painted over about every 6 months because the wall gets so packed with song lyrics and messages.
While it's been a busy week traveling around to the famous sights of London, there was still time to go to the pub this week and relax where I found out that live music acoustic night is on Thursdays at The Green Man. I know where I'll be every thursday night from now on. Also as a last side note, I bought a plane ticket for my first holiday to Dublin in 3 weeks. I can't wait to start traveling!!
Just me chilling in front of Westminster Abbey.....
A picture from inside Churchill's War Rooms. One of the main rooms where they had phones that called directly to Churchill's office, one of the maps with dozens of pins, and of course one of the creepy figurine people.
I tend to randomly take pictures of birds...ergo the black and white swans and random black birds. P.S. these were birds around St. James Park where they covered the sidewalk..it was kinda scary. They were like the squirrels in muncie, aren't afraid of people at all.
The wall on Abbey Road by the zebra crossing, with all the signatures and song lyrics.
Infamous picture, enough said
Me on Abbey Road. More pictures to come soon!!!
I started in Churchill's War Rooms, which was in a basement and was the location of the British government during WWII where they kept track of what was happening during the war, and had very important meetings. It was incredible how small the rooms were, which were stocked with only the essentials. The maps that took up the entire wall, phones covering the rooms, and creepy statues of people really took me back to what it would have been like during WWII. I wish that my family that is full of history nerds would have loved it!! Next I went to Westminster Abbey where we toured the inside for over an hour. I went there about 5 years ago, but it was so different this time, because my professor was so knowledgable about the history, and I know the history now of some of the famous people who are remembered and buried there. I saw everything from Poet's corner, the memorial to the unknown soldier, and the coronation chair. (Which as only left the Abbey twice ever) Speaking of the coronation chair, there were numerous news cameras outside of the Abbey when I was there, because it was exactly 100 days before the royal wedding. And thus the countdown continues. After seeing Westminster, we continued to walk through St. James Park and went all the way to Buckingham Palace. Unfortunately the Queen was not in, what a busy busy lady.
Now for all the Beatles fans out there, I went with a group of friends Friday morning to Abbey road and attempted to get the infamous picture at the zebra crossing on Abbey Road. While it was not perfect (we were slightly off on our spacing and feet but whatever), it was really great and I didn't get hit by a car. Which was a miracle. If you didn't know, Abbey road is very very busy, and at zebra crossings, cars have to stop and get very annoyed by the 20 tourists hanging around trying to get their picture while crossing the road. Also, in front of the recording studio on Abbey road, there are thousands of messages and names written on the wall with sharpie which actually have to get painted over about every 6 months because the wall gets so packed with song lyrics and messages.
While it's been a busy week traveling around to the famous sights of London, there was still time to go to the pub this week and relax where I found out that live music acoustic night is on Thursdays at The Green Man. I know where I'll be every thursday night from now on. Also as a last side note, I bought a plane ticket for my first holiday to Dublin in 3 weeks. I can't wait to start traveling!!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Rain rain go away
My first weekend was very productive, but seemed to go by so quickly. I've had some trouble sleeping with the time difference and the fact that my small single bed has springs that poke me right in the ribs. So Friday night, I took some Tylenol PM, so I could hopefully have one good night sleep, well it worked since I woke up at 1:30 pm. At least I got a good nights sleep for one night.
I had no big plans this past weekend but was able to buy a cell phone (the plans aren't very good over here, but I found the best one I think), hairdryer, and groceries. Not to mention check out some of the local shopping. I haven't bought anything yet, but have scouted out the best places which include Primark (a store that is really cheap and has some cute things, but it is crazy busy all the time. Imagine Black Friday shopping then times that by 5) and Top Shop, a store I fell in love with when I visited London 5 years ago. On Sunday a group of us also walked through Hyde Park, a beautiful park in the city. On Sundays, artists set up their work on the north side and you can walk up and down looking at their pieces and buy the artwork. I haven't gotten anything yet, but am keeping my eye out because I definitely plan to bring some art back to the States.
Finally today was my first official day of school!!!! The weather forecast said it was supposed to be nice weather and not rain which is perfect because today we did a 3 1/2 hour walk by the Thames River and around Westminster and Tower Bridge. However, the city of London had a different idea. In true London fashion it was a down pour in the morning and finally stopped raining around 1 which is when we finished. I wish the weather was a little nicer so I could enjoy the walk more, because no matter how amazing the sites are, when your shoes and socks are soaking wet and your feet are cold, there's only so much fun you can have. But, the information that my professor Phillipa provided was so fascinating. I never knew how interesting British history, especially the royal families, was. Each person in my group was given a person to research and then tell the group of their history. I got Anne Boleyn. I'm sure many of you already know something about her, but I knew very little and enjoyed discovering her history. Which included how she was beheaded because she could not give the king Henry VIII a son, even though their daughter continued on to become one of the greatest Queens in London, that ruled without a man by her side.
Throughout the past week I've also had some amazing food. I went to a great coffee shop, Costa which is a main chain in London and got my first cappucino and pastry. The cappucino was ok, I'm not a huge coffee person, but the pastry was incredible. If I could I would buy a bunch and ship one back to everyone I know. P.S. it had chocolate in it!!
I've also found some great hole in the wall places where I've gotten some baklava and spanish tapas. I also have rediscovered the joy of Kinder Bueno. A great chocolate bar, with hazelnut cream in the center. Doesn't sound too shabby right??
However, it was an adventure to get my Kinder Bueno. The short version is that I was at a pub with a group and decided to go with a friend to the Tesco Express, our local small minimart grocery store about 1 block away. After about 5 minutes, we came out to our friends that said they saw a fight right outside the pub we were at down the street and they had called the police. It was nothing too serious, and I don't know the exact details besides there was a broom and a belt involved. The fight was between some locals, and didn't involve any of us at all, so no worries. The ambulance was there and helped two of the guys. It was a little intense but that's a big city for you. But..... on the bright side, I got my kinder bueno.
Below are just a few pictures I've taken since I've been here. I need to take alot more and will post some later.
Here I am on my first day of school in London ready to face the rainy weather!! Just like the pictures I used to take on my first day of school in elementary school.
A quick picture with the Tower Bridge. It was still raining.........
It finally stopped raining so I was able to get a picture with Big Ben and the Parliament building. Quick fact, did you know that Big Ben refers to the bell inside the tower, not the actual clock or structure??
I had no big plans this past weekend but was able to buy a cell phone (the plans aren't very good over here, but I found the best one I think), hairdryer, and groceries. Not to mention check out some of the local shopping. I haven't bought anything yet, but have scouted out the best places which include Primark (a store that is really cheap and has some cute things, but it is crazy busy all the time. Imagine Black Friday shopping then times that by 5) and Top Shop, a store I fell in love with when I visited London 5 years ago. On Sunday a group of us also walked through Hyde Park, a beautiful park in the city. On Sundays, artists set up their work on the north side and you can walk up and down looking at their pieces and buy the artwork. I haven't gotten anything yet, but am keeping my eye out because I definitely plan to bring some art back to the States.
Finally today was my first official day of school!!!! The weather forecast said it was supposed to be nice weather and not rain which is perfect because today we did a 3 1/2 hour walk by the Thames River and around Westminster and Tower Bridge. However, the city of London had a different idea. In true London fashion it was a down pour in the morning and finally stopped raining around 1 which is when we finished. I wish the weather was a little nicer so I could enjoy the walk more, because no matter how amazing the sites are, when your shoes and socks are soaking wet and your feet are cold, there's only so much fun you can have. But, the information that my professor Phillipa provided was so fascinating. I never knew how interesting British history, especially the royal families, was. Each person in my group was given a person to research and then tell the group of their history. I got Anne Boleyn. I'm sure many of you already know something about her, but I knew very little and enjoyed discovering her history. Which included how she was beheaded because she could not give the king Henry VIII a son, even though their daughter continued on to become one of the greatest Queens in London, that ruled without a man by her side.
Throughout the past week I've also had some amazing food. I went to a great coffee shop, Costa which is a main chain in London and got my first cappucino and pastry. The cappucino was ok, I'm not a huge coffee person, but the pastry was incredible. If I could I would buy a bunch and ship one back to everyone I know. P.S. it had chocolate in it!!
I've also found some great hole in the wall places where I've gotten some baklava and spanish tapas. I also have rediscovered the joy of Kinder Bueno. A great chocolate bar, with hazelnut cream in the center. Doesn't sound too shabby right??
However, it was an adventure to get my Kinder Bueno. The short version is that I was at a pub with a group and decided to go with a friend to the Tesco Express, our local small minimart grocery store about 1 block away. After about 5 minutes, we came out to our friends that said they saw a fight right outside the pub we were at down the street and they had called the police. It was nothing too serious, and I don't know the exact details besides there was a broom and a belt involved. The fight was between some locals, and didn't involve any of us at all, so no worries. The ambulance was there and helped two of the guys. It was a little intense but that's a big city for you. But..... on the bright side, I got my kinder bueno.
Below are just a few pictures I've taken since I've been here. I need to take alot more and will post some later.
A quick picture with the Tower Bridge. It was still raining.........
Friday, January 14, 2011
Mind the Gap
After 2 flight cancellations, and being stuck in Heathrow for 2 hours, I'm finally in London!! It's been a busy two days and with the 5 hour time change, I never know what time it is or what day it is. So I will try my best to recap....
Although I had 2 flight cancellations, over half of the group I was going with missed their flight from Chicago to London and had to sleep in the airport. Luckily I was able to get on both of my flights even though they were slightly delayed. Gotta love that random Indiana snow storm!! Therefore I was only on a plane with one other person from Ball State, and once we got to Heathrow it took a few hours to connect with our professor and the other 6 students who got in early. But I figure hopefully the majority of my traveling issues are behind me for the rest of my time here. (Probably not, but trying to stay positive!)
My first night here I just got settled into my flat, that I share with 7 other girls. While it's not huge, it's better than a hostel that I would share with hundreds of people. The only major downside is my shower is about 5 inches too short. Hooray for being a jolly green giant. Oh well. And of course my first night here there was a group of us that went to the pub. I ordered a Strongbow, which I've been craving for quite a while since it is only offered at The Claddagh in Indy and some chips. I also was somewhat adventurous and tried a friends chips with mushy peas. Yes that's right, french fries with smashed peas on top. But it was actually really good, who would have thought. I finally crashed at like 10 pm, since I had only gotten a few hours of sleep on the plane.
The rest of the time, all 31 of us have been going through orientation at the school I'll be attending, City of Westminster College and getting acclimated with London. The school was actually just rebuilt and opened at the beginning of the year, and our room is located on the 6th floor where we have a beautiful view of the city. I also bought my oyster card, which lets me ride the tube (London's version of the subway but much cleaner) and the bus as much as I want. Of course on the tube you must always remember to mind the gap. Last night I had dinner and walked around Piccadilly Circus (London's version of times square kind of). Even though London is a big city, it is surprisingly easy to navigate.
As for what's next, I have the next 2 days off to get ready for classes to start Monday, possibly start planning some trips outside of London to visit family and maybe even do a little shopping!! While I miss my friends and family from Indiana all the way to Las Vegas, I'm so excited to be here in London. However, I would like to send all my love to my family who will be attending my Grandma Mary's funeral tomorrow. I wish I could be with all of you and celebrate such an incredible life. I truly treasured my last few days in Indiana before I left with all of my family.
And so the London adventure continues....
Although I had 2 flight cancellations, over half of the group I was going with missed their flight from Chicago to London and had to sleep in the airport. Luckily I was able to get on both of my flights even though they were slightly delayed. Gotta love that random Indiana snow storm!! Therefore I was only on a plane with one other person from Ball State, and once we got to Heathrow it took a few hours to connect with our professor and the other 6 students who got in early. But I figure hopefully the majority of my traveling issues are behind me for the rest of my time here. (Probably not, but trying to stay positive!)
My first night here I just got settled into my flat, that I share with 7 other girls. While it's not huge, it's better than a hostel that I would share with hundreds of people. The only major downside is my shower is about 5 inches too short. Hooray for being a jolly green giant. Oh well. And of course my first night here there was a group of us that went to the pub. I ordered a Strongbow, which I've been craving for quite a while since it is only offered at The Claddagh in Indy and some chips. I also was somewhat adventurous and tried a friends chips with mushy peas. Yes that's right, french fries with smashed peas on top. But it was actually really good, who would have thought. I finally crashed at like 10 pm, since I had only gotten a few hours of sleep on the plane.
The rest of the time, all 31 of us have been going through orientation at the school I'll be attending, City of Westminster College and getting acclimated with London. The school was actually just rebuilt and opened at the beginning of the year, and our room is located on the 6th floor where we have a beautiful view of the city. I also bought my oyster card, which lets me ride the tube (London's version of the subway but much cleaner) and the bus as much as I want. Of course on the tube you must always remember to mind the gap. Last night I had dinner and walked around Piccadilly Circus (London's version of times square kind of). Even though London is a big city, it is surprisingly easy to navigate.
As for what's next, I have the next 2 days off to get ready for classes to start Monday, possibly start planning some trips outside of London to visit family and maybe even do a little shopping!! While I miss my friends and family from Indiana all the way to Las Vegas, I'm so excited to be here in London. However, I would like to send all my love to my family who will be attending my Grandma Mary's funeral tomorrow. I wish I could be with all of you and celebrate such an incredible life. I truly treasured my last few days in Indiana before I left with all of my family.
And so the London adventure continues....
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
1 week left!!
So I officially have 1 week left until I leave for London. And it's finally hitting me that I'm leaving to go study in Europe for 3 months. I've been planning on studying abroad since high school after my sister Megan went and it's so crazy that the time has already come!
Being typical Erin, I've already started about a million lists to make sure I have everything and hopefully will have everything packed by Sunday/Monday so if I need to change anything (aka take out stuff because my suitcase is too heavy) I have plenty of time. Well, that's the plan at least. I also got my official plane itinerary today, and realized that I will be on my flight from Chicago to London for almost 8 hours. HOORAY!! Of course my mom has already reminded me alot to keep stretching my legs and walk during the flight. And our flight gets into London around 6:30 am, and I'm sure as soon as I arrive, there will be no time to sleep, as I go to my flat and explore London, trying to get used to the London time difference which I believe is 5 hours.
I will be living in a 2 bedroom flat, with 3 other roomates. The flat not only includes a living room and kitchen, but a washer and I think dishwasher so I don't have to search for a laundromat, or whatever they call laundromats in London!!! I'll be busy with classes during the week, Monday-Thursday and then have a long weekend for traveling which I will definitely utilize.
Counting down the days til I say goodbye to Indiana and ello to London! Can't wait to see all of my fellow London travelers in a week!
Being typical Erin, I've already started about a million lists to make sure I have everything and hopefully will have everything packed by Sunday/Monday so if I need to change anything (aka take out stuff because my suitcase is too heavy) I have plenty of time. Well, that's the plan at least. I also got my official plane itinerary today, and realized that I will be on my flight from Chicago to London for almost 8 hours. HOORAY!! Of course my mom has already reminded me alot to keep stretching my legs and walk during the flight. And our flight gets into London around 6:30 am, and I'm sure as soon as I arrive, there will be no time to sleep, as I go to my flat and explore London, trying to get used to the London time difference which I believe is 5 hours.
I will be living in a 2 bedroom flat, with 3 other roomates. The flat not only includes a living room and kitchen, but a washer and I think dishwasher so I don't have to search for a laundromat, or whatever they call laundromats in London!!! I'll be busy with classes during the week, Monday-Thursday and then have a long weekend for traveling which I will definitely utilize.
Counting down the days til I say goodbye to Indiana and ello to London! Can't wait to see all of my fellow London travelers in a week!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)