One of the best things about my classes over here are the field trips that we get taken on. I think that this is the program's way of ensuring that even the most apathetic of students will be forced to go out on at least one or two cultural outings. I love these trips because I don't have to pay to see many of the things that I would otherwise have to shell out £10 for.
Yesterday we went to St. Paul's Cathedral for my history class. I would pay the admission price to go again.
It is an absolutely beautiful cathedral with amazing views of the city. As soon as we entered the cathedral, our professor immediately had us set out on the long climb to the top. The cathedral has three different galleries as you go up. The first gallery, called the Whispering Gallery, is at the base of the domed ceiling and it gives you a stunning view of the quire and the area leading to the alter. It's called the whispering gallery because apparently if you are whispering at one wall it can be heard across the dome. I didn't get a chance to try this out, but I really want to go back and see if it's true. As I was walking around the whispering gallery, the choir started preparing for the five o'clock mass. Although they were more than 30 meters below, the sound of their voices floated up to us, providing a stunning background music to the scene.
We then continued up to the Stone Gallery, where we got an amazing view of the city of London. Once again there was that striking contrast between the old and the new, with the London Eye looming against the sky in one direction, the Globe Theatre nestled against Tate Modern Museum across the Thames, and the Tower Bridge cropping up to the East. Unfortunately, this was as high as we could climb that day. There is one more gallery farther up called the Golden Gallery that I really want to go back to see.
After we descended from the galleries, we explored the crypts. The one thing that stunned me most about St. Paul's was how clean everything was. The crypt was extremely well lit and well preserved, standing in my mind as a sharp contrast to Westminster Abbey. At Westminster it was very well kept also, but you could appreciate a bit more the history of the building. You could see the dust and the age of the place in the corners. St. Paul's was absolutely immaculate, and to some extent the crypt felt almost like a museum.
Once we were done in the crypt, our professor suggested that we walk over the Millennium Footbridge and look back on the cathedral. It was the perfect time of day to do this. It was dusk and the street lamps were just turning on, casting the perfect glow around the cathedral dome. After crossing I walked down the south bank walk way and up to the Westminster Bridge before taking the tube home. It was a beautiful walk in the early evening, and as I walked the whole city was lighting up.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Team Rally Holds It Down
It's always the nights that start out quietly that end up being the most fun, and last night was a prime example.
Three of my flatmates (Ashley, Katie, and Steph) and I went out last night to a pub up by Notting Hill called the Old Swan. The Old Swan, along with many of the pubs around town, is running a sale this January of £5 meals. The pub was great. It was a really cozy place with leather couches and booths, and we settled into a corner for a great meal. After a filling dinner, we were all feeling a little sleepy and just about ready to head home and have a quiet evening.
On the way home we decided to stop at another pub, the Churchill Arms, mostly because it was named after Winston Churchill, and also because (as my flatmate Steph pointed out) there was an Irish flag hanging outside. It was another great pub. Katie and I tried pints of London Pride, which was delicious. I'm becoming a fan of the more bitter, traditional ales. We were debating our next move when Steph got a phone call from a friend saying that a bunch of people were going to the University College of London bar called The Rocket. It sounded promising, especially when two other friends told us that they would be going there as well.
We decided it was time to rally.
We shed our post-dinner sleepiness, and ran back to the flat. After getting ready, we made it over to The Rocket. The place was fantastic. It was full of students from all over London, the music was blasting, and everyone was dancing and having a fantastic time. I love the music that they play over here. It's a great mix of 90's US hits, modern main-stream, and throwbacks. Last night we heard everything from The Black-Eyed Peas (Pump it-- I thought of you, Mary!) to The YMCA and Sir Mix-A-Lot. There's a lot of techno too, but fortunately The Rocket didn't play an overwhelming number of techno songs.
I had a great time dancing the night away with my friends, and we'll be sure to make it back there at some point soon.
This morning we all slept late, and then got up and decided to go out to brunch. There's a place around the corner from us called the Muffin Man (no, sadly, it is not on Drury Lane). We had a fantastic (and inexpensive) brunch and tea.
Another quick note... I forgot to talk about the inauguration this past week. Our administration had a viewing at our classroom building and it was nice to be with such a large group of Americans to celebrate such a historic moment. It was also very cool to see how excited the British people were about our inauguration as well. We went over to Imperial College that night to have a celebratory pint, and everyone was buzzing about the inauguration.
The media over here really talks a lot more about international politics than our news at home, and a large majority of the people I have spoken to are better informed about American politics and policies than many US citizens that I know.
It's actually okay to be recognized as an American right now because so many people are excited to ask you what you think about Obama. But, as one of our lecturer's told us at the beginning of term, everyone is especially interested in Americans right now because of the changes that are (hopefully) going to happen in the next four years, and as such it is a time for all of us to be very aware that the way we act is a representation of our country.
Three of my flatmates (Ashley, Katie, and Steph) and I went out last night to a pub up by Notting Hill called the Old Swan. The Old Swan, along with many of the pubs around town, is running a sale this January of £5 meals. The pub was great. It was a really cozy place with leather couches and booths, and we settled into a corner for a great meal. After a filling dinner, we were all feeling a little sleepy and just about ready to head home and have a quiet evening.
On the way home we decided to stop at another pub, the Churchill Arms, mostly because it was named after Winston Churchill, and also because (as my flatmate Steph pointed out) there was an Irish flag hanging outside. It was another great pub. Katie and I tried pints of London Pride, which was delicious. I'm becoming a fan of the more bitter, traditional ales. We were debating our next move when Steph got a phone call from a friend saying that a bunch of people were going to the University College of London bar called The Rocket. It sounded promising, especially when two other friends told us that they would be going there as well.
We decided it was time to rally.
We shed our post-dinner sleepiness, and ran back to the flat. After getting ready, we made it over to The Rocket. The place was fantastic. It was full of students from all over London, the music was blasting, and everyone was dancing and having a fantastic time. I love the music that they play over here. It's a great mix of 90's US hits, modern main-stream, and throwbacks. Last night we heard everything from The Black-Eyed Peas (Pump it-- I thought of you, Mary!) to The YMCA and Sir Mix-A-Lot. There's a lot of techno too, but fortunately The Rocket didn't play an overwhelming number of techno songs.
I had a great time dancing the night away with my friends, and we'll be sure to make it back there at some point soon.
This morning we all slept late, and then got up and decided to go out to brunch. There's a place around the corner from us called the Muffin Man (no, sadly, it is not on Drury Lane). We had a fantastic (and inexpensive) brunch and tea.
Another quick note... I forgot to talk about the inauguration this past week. Our administration had a viewing at our classroom building and it was nice to be with such a large group of Americans to celebrate such a historic moment. It was also very cool to see how excited the British people were about our inauguration as well. We went over to Imperial College that night to have a celebratory pint, and everyone was buzzing about the inauguration.
The media over here really talks a lot more about international politics than our news at home, and a large majority of the people I have spoken to are better informed about American politics and policies than many US citizens that I know.
It's actually okay to be recognized as an American right now because so many people are excited to ask you what you think about Obama. But, as one of our lecturer's told us at the beginning of term, everyone is especially interested in Americans right now because of the changes that are (hopefully) going to happen in the next four years, and as such it is a time for all of us to be very aware that the way we act is a representation of our country.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
To Market, To Market
The end of this week marks the end of my first full week of classes, and I am liking them a lot so far. I also had my interview for my internship this semester and I am really excited about what I am going to be doing. I'll be working for the Dalí Universe, an art gallery located right next to the London Eye, that displays an impressive amount of work by the Spanish artist Salvador Dalí. The gallery houses the Mae West lips couch, which is a focal point in the larger gallery room. The gallery also sells some of the artist's works, as well as different works by Picasso... I was very impressed when I saw the pieces in the show room that they have for sale.
During my internship, I'll be working for the gallery's events department, although I will most likely get to work in a variety of departments around the gallery. The staff isn't very large, which excites me because that hopefully means I will be able to get to take on more responsibility. In the events department, we cater mostly to corporate clients, with rooms for cocktail hours, sit-down dinners, as well as meetings. The gallery provides a stunning back drop for any event with its black walls and large sculptures that are a great way to get people talking. Although we don't start our internships until the end of February, the interview has gotten me very excited for the second half of my semester.
After some successful and exciting interviews yesterday, three of my flatmates and I headed up to Camden to check out London's student scene. Camden is a really cool part of town, comparable, many say, to the East Village in New York. At night the area attracts a wide variety of young people into all different types of music.
We went to a club called KoKo, and stepped into a disco ball-light-drenched, pop/rock infused world. KoKo is an old theatre that has been converted into a club. The floor in front of the stage has been leveled out and turned into a dance floor, with each of the floors above remodeled into posh sitting areas for those who'd rather watch than dance. Hanging above the whole scene, instead of the dramatic chandeliers that adorn the ceilings of your standard theatre, is the largest disco ball that I have ever seen, possibly the largest disco ball in the city of London. The light it threw off bathed the entire venue in flecked, sparkling light.
Although we weren't huge fans of the bands that played, we really liked the music that the guest DJ's blasted in between sets. It was a great experience and we're going to keep our eyes peeled for a night with some bands that we know, or will enjoy a bit more.
Today, two of my flatmates and I ventured up to Notting Hill to experience the famous Portobello Road Market. The market takes over Portobello Road every Saturday and sellers hock their wares on the bustling street corners, with bands and buyers spilling out onto the streets. You can buy and sell just about anything here, in one stall I saw a collection of old fashioned Candlestick telephones. Although we didn't make it up to the market until after noon, there was still plenty going on in the area. We saw a wide collection of pocket watches, jewelry, china, and sterling sets tea sets, all jostling for space on the crowded sidewalk.
Portobello Road Market is also a great place to try out your haggling skills. I tried (and failed) to bargain with a jeweler for a gorgeous garnet ring. Although I managed to get him down to £15, from his original price of £18, it still wasn't quite cheap enough for me. It was an exciting experience that I would highly recommend. And, conveniently, after exhausting yourself by battling through the crowded streets, you can treat yourself to a delicious crepe, waffle, or even an American-style hot dog.
It's been another fun and busy week over here across the pond, and I am continually surprised by how many things that I have started adding to my Must-Do/See list. My flatmates and I have started to combat this by creating goals for the semester. Hopefully I'll hit all the places on the list, and keep you all posted on the exciting happenings here in London town!
During my internship, I'll be working for the gallery's events department, although I will most likely get to work in a variety of departments around the gallery. The staff isn't very large, which excites me because that hopefully means I will be able to get to take on more responsibility. In the events department, we cater mostly to corporate clients, with rooms for cocktail hours, sit-down dinners, as well as meetings. The gallery provides a stunning back drop for any event with its black walls and large sculptures that are a great way to get people talking. Although we don't start our internships until the end of February, the interview has gotten me very excited for the second half of my semester.
After some successful and exciting interviews yesterday, three of my flatmates and I headed up to Camden to check out London's student scene. Camden is a really cool part of town, comparable, many say, to the East Village in New York. At night the area attracts a wide variety of young people into all different types of music.
We went to a club called KoKo, and stepped into a disco ball-light-drenched, pop/rock infused world. KoKo is an old theatre that has been converted into a club. The floor in front of the stage has been leveled out and turned into a dance floor, with each of the floors above remodeled into posh sitting areas for those who'd rather watch than dance. Hanging above the whole scene, instead of the dramatic chandeliers that adorn the ceilings of your standard theatre, is the largest disco ball that I have ever seen, possibly the largest disco ball in the city of London. The light it threw off bathed the entire venue in flecked, sparkling light.
Although we weren't huge fans of the bands that played, we really liked the music that the guest DJ's blasted in between sets. It was a great experience and we're going to keep our eyes peeled for a night with some bands that we know, or will enjoy a bit more.
Today, two of my flatmates and I ventured up to Notting Hill to experience the famous Portobello Road Market. The market takes over Portobello Road every Saturday and sellers hock their wares on the bustling street corners, with bands and buyers spilling out onto the streets. You can buy and sell just about anything here, in one stall I saw a collection of old fashioned Candlestick telephones. Although we didn't make it up to the market until after noon, there was still plenty going on in the area. We saw a wide collection of pocket watches, jewelry, china, and sterling sets tea sets, all jostling for space on the crowded sidewalk.
Portobello Road Market is also a great place to try out your haggling skills. I tried (and failed) to bargain with a jeweler for a gorgeous garnet ring. Although I managed to get him down to £15, from his original price of £18, it still wasn't quite cheap enough for me. It was an exciting experience that I would highly recommend. And, conveniently, after exhausting yourself by battling through the crowded streets, you can treat yourself to a delicious crepe, waffle, or even an American-style hot dog.
It's been another fun and busy week over here across the pond, and I am continually surprised by how many things that I have started adding to my Must-Do/See list. My flatmates and I have started to combat this by creating goals for the semester. Hopefully I'll hit all the places on the list, and keep you all posted on the exciting happenings here in London town!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
LOOK LEFT, LOOK RIGHT... The cars might as well be coming from the sky
Hello all! I've finally begun this to catch you all up on what I'm doing here across the pond. So far things have been going very well over here. I live on Lexham Gardens in South Kensington; it's a beautiful street, full of families and young people.
Although I really like the city so far, there are a few things that I haven't adjusted to yet. Number one amongst these things would have to be the cars driving on the wrong side of the road... I can't get used to it. I have to second guess myself every time I cross the street, so I don't get run over. Fortunately, the English do realize that most people aren't used to this, and have painted LOOK LEFT, and LOOK RIGHT on most curbs before you step into the street. I also haven't gotten accustomed to knowing that I am being filmed all the time. During orientation one of our lecturers told us that we are, on average, filmed about 300 times a day and that there is roughly one camera for every nine people, whereas in the US there is one camera for about every 100 people. There are cameras everywhere and while it definitely is a great thing for safety, it is also a little bit too Big Brother for me.
The people here have been very friendly. BU has an affiliation of some sort with a local science and engineering college, Imperial College, similar to MIT. Imperial invites BU students to its on-campus pub and to many of their student nights. It's a fun place, and it's nice to get to meet British students. Also the beer is cheap, only a pound sixty for a pint of Blackthorn cider (Sorry, JD. It's delicious, boys; don't judge me!), so we like to stop by there for a pint or two.
London is absolutely beautiful! The architecture here is a great mix between modern and classic. Today I went to the Tower of London with my friend Darah, and from the Tower Bridge you could see the tower and many other old buildings set against the modern backdrop of London. Unfortunately I have no pictures to show you right now, because I brilliantly left my camera at home. Hopefully it will be here soon, so I can share with all of you.
The Tower of London was amazing. The Beefeaters give tours of the grounds every 3o minutes, and it was really an entertaining afternoon. The Beefeaters actually live on the premises, which would seem very cool, except the Tower Gates are locked at 10 pm every night. As our Beefeater told us, this is very convenient for raising a teenage daughter (I'm glad you never got that idea, Dad). The crown jewels were stunning-- almost too much to take in at once. When you're looking at them it is so hard to believe that all that bling is real, but then you see the enormous vault doors at the entrance and exit, and it starts to sink in how precious the collection is.
After Darah and I visited the Tower of London, we walked across the Tower Bridge and explored around the other side of the Thames. We had a traditional English dinner of fish and chips and real English ale, which was actually delicious! I hope that everyone back home is doing well and surviving the cold... it was a sunny, warm day with temperatures in the 50s over here!
Although I really like the city so far, there are a few things that I haven't adjusted to yet. Number one amongst these things would have to be the cars driving on the wrong side of the road... I can't get used to it. I have to second guess myself every time I cross the street, so I don't get run over. Fortunately, the English do realize that most people aren't used to this, and have painted LOOK LEFT, and LOOK RIGHT on most curbs before you step into the street. I also haven't gotten accustomed to knowing that I am being filmed all the time. During orientation one of our lecturers told us that we are, on average, filmed about 300 times a day and that there is roughly one camera for every nine people, whereas in the US there is one camera for about every 100 people. There are cameras everywhere and while it definitely is a great thing for safety, it is also a little bit too Big Brother for me.
The people here have been very friendly. BU has an affiliation of some sort with a local science and engineering college, Imperial College, similar to MIT. Imperial invites BU students to its on-campus pub and to many of their student nights. It's a fun place, and it's nice to get to meet British students. Also the beer is cheap, only a pound sixty for a pint of Blackthorn cider (Sorry, JD. It's delicious, boys; don't judge me!), so we like to stop by there for a pint or two.
London is absolutely beautiful! The architecture here is a great mix between modern and classic. Today I went to the Tower of London with my friend Darah, and from the Tower Bridge you could see the tower and many other old buildings set against the modern backdrop of London. Unfortunately I have no pictures to show you right now, because I brilliantly left my camera at home. Hopefully it will be here soon, so I can share with all of you.
The Tower of London was amazing. The Beefeaters give tours of the grounds every 3o minutes, and it was really an entertaining afternoon. The Beefeaters actually live on the premises, which would seem very cool, except the Tower Gates are locked at 10 pm every night. As our Beefeater told us, this is very convenient for raising a teenage daughter (I'm glad you never got that idea, Dad). The crown jewels were stunning-- almost too much to take in at once. When you're looking at them it is so hard to believe that all that bling is real, but then you see the enormous vault doors at the entrance and exit, and it starts to sink in how precious the collection is.
After Darah and I visited the Tower of London, we walked across the Tower Bridge and explored around the other side of the Thames. We had a traditional English dinner of fish and chips and real English ale, which was actually delicious! I hope that everyone back home is doing well and surviving the cold... it was a sunny, warm day with temperatures in the 50s over here!
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