The places we go...

As I have said before, classes are much different here.  In the past two days it had come extremely apparent that we are no longer in Philadelphia in terms of class trips.

For example, Monday we had class from 9 in the morning until about 5 at night.  However it only involved about an hour of lecture.  We met for History of modern design at Foundation House at 9.  We started our lecture and finished up at about 11:00.  Our professor then gave us a fifteen minute break to grab some food, and walk down to the Victoria and Albert Museum where we would compare the pieces that were on exhibit from the Aesthetic and Arts and Crafts Movements.  Next we left the Victoria and Albert Museum to meet with our professor for British Culture and Visual Media at the Tate Modern Museum.  This is home to works by Picasso, Dali, Monet, Warhol, and more.

Pablo Picasso "Bowl of Fruit, Violin, and Bottle"

Monet "Water-Lilies"

Niki de Saint Phalle "Shooting Picture"

Andy Warhol "Self-Portrait"

Millennium Bridge, which we walked over from the tube station to the Tate Modern Museum.

Yesterday we didn't have our normally scheduled class because we visited the Tate Modern Museum on Monday.  Instead, I slept in a little, went and got a nice breakfast at a new cafe that opened down the street and did some Sudoku.  One thing that is nice about sitting and eating here is that they don't rush you at all, in fact, most of the time we feel like we can't find the waitress.  This is partially due to the fact that most waiters and waitresses are salaried and do not depend on tips.  Another, is that sometimes people just need to enjoy their food!

Brick Lane

A few days ago a group of four of us decided to visit Brick Lane.  We left our rooms around 2:00 pm so we didn't spend the whole day there, but just enough time.  When we first got there we walked up and down the street, and then finally went into a indoor market of food, handmade clothes, decorations, vintage clothes, jewelry, and anything else you could imagine.

View down the street.

There was so much amazing food.  This is just an example of the typical lay out.  There was Mexican, Indian, Turkish, and Japanese food in stalls just like this.

Some of the things for sale.

Another view of the market.

I ended up getting a Turkish Lamb wrap which was delicious.  It tasted like a mix between Greek and Indian food.

It was a quick visit but it was another opportunity to visit a different neighborhood in London and get our bearings around the city.

Stonehenge and Bath

I could not come all the way across the Atlantic and live in London for three months without visiting Stonehenge. Yesterday we visited Stonehenge and Bath on a day trip that was organized by FIE and included in the program fee.

We started off our day at about 7:15 am, after getting dressed and packing our bags with all the necessary items: sweatshirt, umbrella, camera, extra lens, water bottle.  Those were the necessary things but of course there were extras in my bag to keep me entertained on the bus ride since FIE warned us that we might be stuck in awful rush hour traffic on our ride back.

Anyway, we left South Kensington at about 7:45 am.  From there we drove for 45 minutes to an hour, I honestly couldn't tell you exactly how long since I fell asleep.  Our tour guide began to give us some history about Stonehenge as we got closer.  When we finally got there it met all expectations and I was so eager to get out of the bus and walk around it.

According to our guide, only two-thirds of the stone is above ground.  Also, the top pieces are not just resting on top of the supporting stones, they are actually carved to fit the form of the to of the stone.

The audio guides that we received told us about the history and the theories behind why the circle is here, what it was used for, and why it is so different from other stone circles scattered across the UK.  However, what I remember most is that one theory is the Merlin brought the stones here as a memorial to British who were killed by the Saxons, on the order of King Ambrosius, brother of Uther Pendragon.

After we finished walking around Stonehenge, listening to the audio guide, taking photos, and stopping at the giftshop for a post card or two, we headed to Bath on the bus.  According to the guide, there is no easy way to Bath, just twisty back roads.  Luckily I didn't get car sick as I usually do.  Once we got there we went right into the Roman Baths and toured the museum.

British countryside from our drive back to London.

The Roman Baths, which were built to harness the healing powers of the natural hot spring that the complex sits on top of.

A secondary floor would have been on top of these tiles so that a furnace could push hot air under the floor and warm it.

The first thing I heard after exiting the Roman Baths was "Pinball Wizard", these two were extremely good at playing.

After we exited the Roman Baths we had time to eat and explore Bath for a few hours.  We found food, and did exactly that.  At one point we ended up at a small market.  They had everything from door knobs to flatware, to vintage cameras.  Finally we returned to the bus at about 3:00 pm and headed back to London.  Again we took some twisty roads with some great views, and I didn't get car sick!  Over all, a great day.

Sunny Day in London

It has been raining just about everyday since we arrived in London.  I know, London is known for the rain, and I expected it and was fully prepared.  What I didn't expect was how cold it would be!  Luckily I put a few extra long sleeve shirts and jeans in my bag before I zipped it up.  However, today was relatively sunny, and no jacket was required!

First we had class, History of Modern Design, at 9 am.  Our class is suppose to run from 9 am to 1 pm, however not all of that time is spent in lecture.  Our professor lectured for about an hour, followed by viewing half an hour of Dorian Gray, the movie adaptation of Oscar Wilde's book.  After that we had a group ticket to the Cult of Beauty exhibition.  The pieces were relevant to what we were discussing in class.

So far the largest difference I have seen between classes here and the US is that I can actually go see the pieces that we discuss!  In the US, we would be looking at pictures and discussing their influences, but here we go down the block and see the piece in person.  Now that may not sound like much, but often time the scale that you imagine a painting or vase in, is very wrong.  For example, we looked at a picture of a vase that we all thought was about a foot tall, when we went to the British Gallerias at the Victoria and Albert Museum, it was two and a half to 3 feet tall.

I didn't take any photos in the exhibition, I was more focused on attempting to draw a piece, and taking in as much information for our discussion afterwards.

I may have mentioned that the last time I went to the Victoria and Albert Museum I sat in the courtyard, well this time a few of the people in the group stayed, ate, and talked.

Courtyard of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Two of my classmates and I at the small pool.  Little kids, girls in prep school uniforms, and adults were all playing in the water.

A view from the walk back to our rooms from the Victoria and Albert Museum.

STUDY Abroad

The first day of class was Monday.  It was interesting since it still hasn't felt like I am here for school.  We have classes generally in the morning and then that leaves our afternoons free.

Our program right now is twelve people, but half way through the summer another group of Drexel students will be coming and joining us.  Because of that we have classes in two sessions, 2 classes each session.  The first session of classes I am taking History of Modern Design and British Culture and Visual Media.  The twelve of us are in the same classes which is nice since these aren't the type of classes I generally take.

Monday we had History of Modern Design at 9 am to 1 pm.  From looking at the syllabus she tries to break up the class time in between lecture and field trips.  The first day we went to the Victoria and Albert Museum.  She took us into the British Galleries and we choose a piece from a specific period of time and then researched the style, function, and other important things about the piece.  It is interesting but again, I am a little worried considering this class is extremely different from classes that I am used too.

Tuesday we had British Culture and Visual Media at 9 am to 1 pm.  Again, our professor was very interesting.  This class was more up my alley, or at least it held my interest more.  He spoke to the differences between Great Britain, the United Kingdom, and the relationship between all of the countries that are part of the UK.

Foundation House, where our classes are held.

I have started planning weekend trips with people so far I am going to Stonehenge, Brighton and Wales through FIE and we have plans to take trips to Dublin, Scotland, and Amsterdam.  Also Dad and I have started planning his trip and it includes time in Paris!  Aside from those trips I am hoping that on my free days during the week I can take day trips to Cambridge, Oxford, and Greenwich.

Speaking of the rest of my time here, we did a side trip to Soho at Oxford Circle the other day.  We had the end point of a vintage store that one of the girls in the program heard about, but on our journey there we found a few fun things.

Attempting to figure out where to walk.

Johnny Cupcakes, Andre this is for you!

On the instruction from a local, we ended up walking down the wrong street from Oxford Circle.  However, it was okay since we ended up going to Liberty of London, where I bought a gift, and saw some really beautiful things that I don't think I would ever be able to afford, but it was fun to look!  We also realized that the British do not understand our sarcasm all of the time.  On of the girls with us asked about the price on a necklace and sarcastically asked if it was cheaper if it is a gift.  Instead of a smile we got a plain, "No, same price if it is a gift." No smile.

We finally figured out that we were heading in the wrong direction so we back tracked and found out way to the store.  I ended up buying two scarves for 3 and 5 pounds, pretty affordable for London I've found.

The end point, Absolute Vintage.  I ended up buying two silk scarves.

One of the scarves.

Happy Father's Day

Yesterday was Father's Day.  I have the best Dad in the world.  For that reason I was very sad when I realized that I would be across the ocean for not only Father's Day, but also his birthday.

My Mom had the idea for a Father's Day present that he will never forget.  She wanted to surprise him with tickets to see Paul McCartney and a trip to come see me in London.

We skyped around 7pm my time and 2 pm their time.  Initially we talked about what I had been doing the past few days.  A few minutes into it my Mom handed him his first present, the tickets to see Paul, and he was very excited.  Next she handed him a card from me, which I had signed before she dropped me off at Newark.  Inside I wrote "We have a date at Abbey Road!  I can't wait to see you on July 21st."  Then my Mom handed him the itinerary for his flight.  It took a minute for it all to sink in, but he was excited, very excited.

After we told him and it was all setting in. I'm so glad that we were able to surprise him!

I already have a list of things that I want to experience with him.  I can't wait for him to see all of the Beatles attractions.

Victoria and Albert Museum

Today was the first day that FIE hadn't scheduled some thing for us to do.  Today was also the first day that it did not rain and that it was sunny.  So, I spent the morning figuring out when I could travel and to where as well as getting ready to go the Victoria and Albert Museum.  Since it is still in Kensington and it was a nice day I took a few detours while walking there so I could get use to walking around.

Anthony, Marie-Elena, I found dolls that are creepier thank your Mom's bride doll.

Bust of Homer.

A court yard in the middle of the museum right off of a surprisingly good cafe.

This is just the chandelier in the lobby.

I only visited the British Gallerias which covers British history from 1500-1900.  Each room was about a decade and there were tapestries, clothing, books, paintings, ceramics, and sculptures from each time.  Their aim was to tell you who was around, what was popular, what was available, and what was happening politically and economically.

Since I only saw the British Gallerias I will definitely go back, probably one day after class.  Also I would go to each a small lunch as their tea looks pretty good and all of the travel books and sites I've read recommend it.

Also, I have a question for any photographers out there.  Mainly Uncle David and Mathew, most museums have a no flash policy.  I don't know enough about my camera do to the aperture and f-stops by myself so I just switch it to the no flash setting and try to use the lighting on the exhibits to help my photos.  Any suggestions?

Blue Badge Tours

In between the last two days I've done a fair amount of exploring, however it has mostly been in Kensington.

FIE arranged for two tours for our group.  One was a guided bus tour through out all of London, which made it easy to see where all of the attractions were compared to each other.  The second was a guided tour of Kensington.  Both of the guides gave us a lot of useful information as well as a lot of fun facts, which I am sure I will remember more than the useful information.

First a few pictures from the bus tour of London.  We were able to stop near Westminster Abbey and take a few photos but we didn't go into it.

Westminster Abbey.  Yes, this is where Prince William and Princess Catherine got married.

Big Ben and the London Eye.  Fun Fact:  Ben is actually the name for the bell that is rung at the top of the hour, not the clock or the tower.

Changing of the guards

Buckingham Palace, sorry the Queen wasn't in residence.

My roommates Emily, Brittany, and I.

Next was our guided tour through Kensington, the district that we live in.

The Albert Memorial.  Fun Fact:  When Albert died she went into mourning for the remainder of her life and build many memorials, statues, and even a music hall in his name.  This particular one has Europe, Africa, Asia, and America represented at each corner, the base is lined with about 170 to scale sculptors of famous composers, architects, poets, painters, and sculptors.  Also the memorial is surrounded by representations of agriculture, engineering, commerce, and manufacturing.

Hyde Park

Kensington Palace.  This is where Queen Victoria was born, Queen Anne and King William III died, and where Prince Charles and Princess Diana lived with while Prince William and Prince Harry were growing up.

RINGO STARR! I'm the greatest.

It goes without saying that I love the Beatles.  To go farther, I love Ringo.  It has become a tradition with my Dad to see Ringo each time that he comes to the area.

Before I left a family friend, Fred, sent my Dad and I an e-mail with a link to an article about Ringo and Paul.  There was one line that mentioned that Ringo would be going on tour this summer.  I was slightly disappointed that I would miss a chance to continue the the tradition, so I checked Ringo's website to see when he would be in the US.  It turns out that he was actually touring in Europe and he was going to be in London the day after I arrived.  Of course I was going!

I took the tube and a train to Hampton Court and then walked to the palace.  I was under the impression that he would be playing at a palace that was converted into a concert venue.  What I actually found was a stage set up in a courtyard of a palace that is still used as a tourist attraction.  The history was long but the main fact that I remember was that Henry VIII once lived in Hampton Court Palace.  My seat was in the fifth row from the stage and slightly off the the right.  It was the closest I have ever been, it was amazing.

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace

Ringo on his drums

Edgar Winter, Wally Palmer, and Ringo Starr

Edgar Winter on the sax next to Ringo.

This All Starr Band featured Edgar Winter, Gary Wright who wrote Dream Weaver, Rick Derringer from the McCoys, Richard Page from Mr. Mister, Wally Palmer from the Romantics, and Gregg Bissonette.

Once I got there and the show started I realized that this line up was the same as I had seen last summer, apparently Ringo Starr and the All Starr band tours one year in the US and the next through out Europe.

Overall the show was great, nothing less than expected. Ringo had his typical banter with the audience.

Audience Member: Ringo!!!
Ringo: Yes, that is my name! What?

Audience: Ringo you are the best!
Ringo: No, I am the greatest.

Just a few I can remember, but one of the best things about Ringo's performances is that he talks to the audience and makes jokes.  He also would rather showcase the talents of all of his friends than be the center of attention for the entire show.

It all began...

Today is my fourth day in London.  At least I think it is my fourth day,  because of the time change and a few days of my sleep schedule being off I still have to double and triple check what day it is.

Anyway,  in the past few days I have realize that when I talk to people from home I will be asked and answer the same question, a lot.  I thought some of you may rather read more detailed answers and see some photos.  You never know how many times I've said what I did any particular day or week and after three or four times, I tend to leave out the little detail, which are just as interesting as the big stuff.

Let me start from the beginning.

The planning for this three month adventure started about a year ago.  I was organizing my plan of study for school to make sure I could fit my double concentration and teaching assistant plans.  I was organizing, big shock there I am sure.  Anyway,  I realize that it could be possible for me to do a study abroad experience.  I wanted to ask my parents what they thought, but first I had to figure out if I actually wanted to do it.  Study abroad always seemed like something everyone else did, or that people whose majors were relevant to the countries they were traveling to.  The more I thought about it the more I realize that I probably would not have the time, funds, or flexibility to do something like a term abroad until I retired from whatever career path I choose.  So, I asked my parents.  They loved the idea, but of course were anxious about me going abroad for three months.  But they are parents, they are suppose to worry about me so that I can have experience like this and enjoy it rather than worrying to much.  Mom and Dad, thank you!  I love you guys.

I applied for the program during summer term of 2010, and then I waited; for 9 months.  I was officially accepted into the program along with eleven other Drexel students at the beginning of spring term, which is around March or April.  From there everything went pretty quickly.  I had a full load of credits at school, I was working as an RA, and trying to get as much quality time with as many of the important people in my life as I could before June 15th.

The second week of June came really quickly.  Before I knew it I had finished finals, moved out of my room, and was at Marc and Christine's engagement party.  Of the next four days I spent two days trying to relax at the shore, even though I was constantly making lists in my head and writing down packing/to-do lists, and then I spent two crazy days packing, organizing, and finally my Mom drove me to Newark airport.

Some how I managed to pack this:

and this

Into this:

Dog not included of course.

Checking in, exchanging money, and getting through security went smoothly.  Nothing eventful happened except for the fact that my bag was 24.4 kg and the limit before Virgin Atlantic starts charging for overweight bags is 25 kg.  Instantly I thought I had packed to much, but now that I am here, I actually packed just enough.  After security all I had to do was wait.  I had plenty in my carry on to pass the time: sudoku puzzles, my iPod, and travel books with highlighter and post-its.  Between waiting to board and the flight 8 hours later we landed in London.

A friend of mine, Brandon, who is also in the program, was on the plane.  We passed through customs easily. From there we went to collect our baggage.  I spotted mine easily, thank you red luggage with gold vines and elephants.  Next we set out to find where we were staying, which was pretty each.  We got on the tube and went straight for the Heathrow airport to the Gloucester Road stop on the Piccadilly Line.  After that a four or five block walk and we were here.

The company that Drexel works with to make all of this happen is the Foundation for International Education (FIE).  I am staying in one of the residents buildings, Metrogate.  The address is in the side bar.

Street sign where our building is

The apartments on our street are beautiful.

FIE had a welcome bag on our bed and an orientation schedule for the next few days.  Thursday was just a short orientation of the building and the surrounding area, as well as a few vouchers so that we could get dinner easily on our first day.  Friday was our academic orientation as well as an opportunity to meet all of the professional staff.