Yesterday we had a grand adventure, in other words, a really long day. It began with a walking tour of southwark led by Vinter, which was really cool. It was focused on Shakespeare's London, what was there physically as well as the culture. We spent the afternoon at the Tower of London and I think we saw EVERYTHING, except for the torture exhibit because that is disgusting. I was with Beth for most of it, so she understood my desire to take pictures of really random things. I ended the day with Live Free Die Hard, adrenaline pumping, but still asleep by 10:30 after an entire day of my feet.
This morning was entirely devoted to Poli Sci homework. I went to Regent's and read for 4 hours and only got anout 55 pages read. It takes me so long to read this stuff!! It was an odd because when I was in the sun I was too hot, but in the shade the breeze made it too cold. Ah well. Tonight we went to the Globe again, The Merry Wives of Windsor. The play was really fun, but we were groundlings again and my feet are tired! More homework tomorrow and then church.
This post was mostly just solid "I did this and then I did this" but hey, I'm going to bed :)
Toodles
Saturday, 13 September 2008
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Ok, I Wrote the Paper
Tuesday night we went to a play about American politics. The acting was overall rather terrible, but I thought the philosophical issues they dealt with were really pertinent and interesting. After the play I had to write the dreaded Shakespeare paper. I have discovered something interesting about myself in the last week. I had suspected this before, but now it has been proven. Even if I don't like a book when I read it, if I study it in class enough and delve into the intricacy and artistry of the text, chances are that I'm going to like the book once we're done talking about it. Ok, I admit it, I like Timon of Athens. Sorry flatmates.
Well, the paper's written. It took me staying up until 4, but in fact, I don't actually hate it, but will see what my prof thinks. I met with her about it on Wednesday, which was helpful in clarifying and unifying my thesis. I ended up just chatting with her about productions of Shakespeare for a while afterwards, which was lovely. I really do like her.
Yesterday was a pretty chill day, just class and a meeting about my internship later on. I'm excited about it, another new thing to explore and more new things to learn. I'm working for what appears to be a rather small publishing company, which is good because it means that I'll be given responsibilities beyond getting coffee etc. Last night we watched August Rush; that's such a good movie. It's good for my soul. I remember seeing it in the theater and being so wrapped in the world because no part of that movie is silent. There's always some sort of noice, the city or light music or something else. It's the kind of movie that makes me more aware of what's around me, aware of the music inherent in everything.
Tonight I went to Institute at church. I didn't find out until I got there (late, thank you tube) that it was actually the last day of their summer semester, so instead of a lesson, they were just having a dinner get together. I'd already eaten, and I almost ran away, but I ended up just staying there and meeting a bunch of new people, which was perfect. We have a big day of stuff tomorrow, a tour of Southwark and then the Tower.
Even 7 years later, I still spend this day holding my breath.
Sleep tight!
Well, the paper's written. It took me staying up until 4, but in fact, I don't actually hate it, but will see what my prof thinks. I met with her about it on Wednesday, which was helpful in clarifying and unifying my thesis. I ended up just chatting with her about productions of Shakespeare for a while afterwards, which was lovely. I really do like her.
Yesterday was a pretty chill day, just class and a meeting about my internship later on. I'm excited about it, another new thing to explore and more new things to learn. I'm working for what appears to be a rather small publishing company, which is good because it means that I'll be given responsibilities beyond getting coffee etc. Last night we watched August Rush; that's such a good movie. It's good for my soul. I remember seeing it in the theater and being so wrapped in the world because no part of that movie is silent. There's always some sort of noice, the city or light music or something else. It's the kind of movie that makes me more aware of what's around me, aware of the music inherent in everything.
Tonight I went to Institute at church. I didn't find out until I got there (late, thank you tube) that it was actually the last day of their summer semester, so instead of a lesson, they were just having a dinner get together. I'd already eaten, and I almost ran away, but I ended up just staying there and meeting a bunch of new people, which was perfect. We have a big day of stuff tomorrow, a tour of Southwark and then the Tower.
Even 7 years later, I still spend this day holding my breath.
Sleep tight!
Monday, 8 September 2008
The Thinks I Think
Nothing particularly of interest today, class and homework. I went up to Regents Park for a little while this evening to continue to plough through Twelfth Night and it was really nice to just be around green and away from the noise and smell of the city. Don't get me wrong, I leave my window open at night because I love the sounds of the street, but it is also quite lovely to get away from that.
It is amazing how much I walk here. No day includes less that about an hour of walking; last Thursday I think I figured that between a walk for History of London, standing through Timon, and talking on the phone with Ben, I was on my feet for almost 7 hours. Goodbye lethargic life of summer!
The lights in our living room are too dim. It's kind of like the bedrooms at the cabin (for those who know). There are a few wall sconces and a couple table lamps, but all told, not enough. I'm going to need to find a library or somewhere like that to study so that I can actually concentrate and not be distracted by my oh so fascinating flatmates and the internet.
I have a paper that I should have been writing tonight. I know what I want to write it on (Apemantus from Timon) but I have no idea what an interesting thesis on that subject would be. Hopefully I'll figure it out by tomorrow evening because I want to have a draft by Wednesday so that I can embark on my masochistic practice of taking everything I write to my prof. Good luck to me.
Welcome to the things I think about when there's nothing else to think about!
My love to everyone at home. You have no idea how little things remind me of all of you. I hope all is well.
Hugs
It is amazing how much I walk here. No day includes less that about an hour of walking; last Thursday I think I figured that between a walk for History of London, standing through Timon, and talking on the phone with Ben, I was on my feet for almost 7 hours. Goodbye lethargic life of summer!
The lights in our living room are too dim. It's kind of like the bedrooms at the cabin (for those who know). There are a few wall sconces and a couple table lamps, but all told, not enough. I'm going to need to find a library or somewhere like that to study so that I can actually concentrate and not be distracted by my oh so fascinating flatmates and the internet.
I have a paper that I should have been writing tonight. I know what I want to write it on (Apemantus from Timon) but I have no idea what an interesting thesis on that subject would be. Hopefully I'll figure it out by tomorrow evening because I want to have a draft by Wednesday so that I can embark on my masochistic practice of taking everything I write to my prof. Good luck to me.
Welcome to the things I think about when there's nothing else to think about!
My love to everyone at home. You have no idea how little things remind me of all of you. I hope all is well.
Hugs
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Adventures, Sorry
Greetings All! Sorry I've been lax in my duties; a series of long days led to exhausted nights and no interest in removing myself from my cozy bed to blog once I'd realized I'd forgotten.
Thursday we were groundlings. We saw Timon of Athens at the Globe, standing in the middle. Considering the raw material they had to work with, the play was actually pretty good. The guy who played Timon was quite good (he managed to make me like the character) and Apemantus was everything I could have hoped for. Being on the ground meant that many of the actors entered and exited through us. We all happened to be standing right on a line that they used a lot, so we were stepping out the way for actors coming through. It was very odd getting so close to them, but it was also really cool. The set was also really cool; there was a net suspended above the audience that actors on ropes dropped through into the groundlings. Pretty sweet.
It poured on Friday - Erin and I walking to the British Museum got completly soaked. After slogging through wet all morning, our afternoon visit to Fleet Street was actually quite pleasant. All told, not the most fascinating of days.
Yesterday was a grand adventure to Hampton Court Palace. I know I'm a nerd, but it was totally cool getting tours around a place where Henry 8 lived. We traveled there by train and I came to the realization that I love travel, just moving in general. Driving, train, flying, the tube, I love it all. Hampton Court was rather expensive, but it was totally worth it.
Church today, that and trying to get myself to do work. Homework on the weekends really just doesn't compute. Ah well. I'm going to try and figure out how to post pictures on this to share my adventures with you visually. I hope all is well in the states!
Love,
A traveling groundling
Thursday we were groundlings. We saw Timon of Athens at the Globe, standing in the middle. Considering the raw material they had to work with, the play was actually pretty good. The guy who played Timon was quite good (he managed to make me like the character) and Apemantus was everything I could have hoped for. Being on the ground meant that many of the actors entered and exited through us. We all happened to be standing right on a line that they used a lot, so we were stepping out the way for actors coming through. It was very odd getting so close to them, but it was also really cool. The set was also really cool; there was a net suspended above the audience that actors on ropes dropped through into the groundlings. Pretty sweet.
It poured on Friday - Erin and I walking to the British Museum got completly soaked. After slogging through wet all morning, our afternoon visit to Fleet Street was actually quite pleasant. All told, not the most fascinating of days.
Yesterday was a grand adventure to Hampton Court Palace. I know I'm a nerd, but it was totally cool getting tours around a place where Henry 8 lived. We traveled there by train and I came to the realization that I love travel, just moving in general. Driving, train, flying, the tube, I love it all. Hampton Court was rather expensive, but it was totally worth it.
Church today, that and trying to get myself to do work. Homework on the weekends really just doesn't compute. Ah well. I'm going to try and figure out how to post pictures on this to share my adventures with you visually. I hope all is well in the states!
Love,
A traveling groundling
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Another Day, Another Pound
Only one more day of classes this week. I love not having classes on friday. Poli Sci was my only class today. I struggle with that class because I find the reading fascinating, but when I have to say something it just sounds stupid. Could I please just sit in class and listen to the people who know what they're talking about? I didn't have homework for tomorrow, so I spent a large part of this evening in the park north of our flat. After class I read Timon of Athens there for about an hour, and after dinner I walked around for a while. It's nice to escape so much city for a while and walk around in actual trees. I sware, half of London jogs and they all do it in Regent's Park. Also, all of the males between 15 and 30 are there playing some sort of sport. I managed to only get hit by one football :).
Tomorrow we visit the Globe again, this time for Timon. The play itself is rather lame, very simplistic and boring, but we'll have to see what it's like performed. We're going to be groundlings; whoo hoo for standing for hours. And then the weekend. I want to visit Parliament before it gets back in session and maybe Hampden Court, although it's rather expensive. Do I really want to pay $25 to see a palace? I'm not sure.
Goodnight all, I hope you had a lovely Wednesday.
Tomorrow we visit the Globe again, this time for Timon. The play itself is rather lame, very simplistic and boring, but we'll have to see what it's like performed. We're going to be groundlings; whoo hoo for standing for hours. And then the weekend. I want to visit Parliament before it gets back in session and maybe Hampden Court, although it's rather expensive. Do I really want to pay $25 to see a palace? I'm not sure.
Goodnight all, I hope you had a lovely Wednesday.
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
Tacos! (and Palin, I mean Pain In my...)
The highlight of my day today was, you guessed it, tacos. Yestereday I was talking to a friend and I mentioned a chocolate bar, but she thought I said taco bar and was quite curious as to where we had found one. Unfortunately, we hadn't, but the conversation really make me want tacos. So tonight we performed a culinary experiment and it paid off quite well. Our dinner consisted of tacos of seasoned beef, cheese, and carmelized onions and it was absolutely delicious. It was the first time that we'd eaten beef here, so it was quite a treat. So parents who are worried that all we are eating is pasta, never fear.
I know this isn't a very interesting post, but dudes, do you know what's interesting? Globilization, political science and economic theory. I'm sincere. You know what else is interesting? The amount of coverage the US elections get in the papers here. The headlines of a couple of the main newspapers today were all about McCain's running mate and her pregnant daughter. Hopefully that combined with the scaled down Republican National Convention as a result of Gustav will be the beginning of the end of dear old (old, older than water) McCain because seriously we can't elect him.
Amazed? I am.
Sleep tight!
I know this isn't a very interesting post, but dudes, do you know what's interesting? Globilization, political science and economic theory. I'm sincere. You know what else is interesting? The amount of coverage the US elections get in the papers here. The headlines of a couple of the main newspapers today were all about McCain's running mate and her pregnant daughter. Hopefully that combined with the scaled down Republican National Convention as a result of Gustav will be the beginning of the end of dear old (old, older than water) McCain because seriously we can't elect him.
Amazed? I am.
Sleep tight!
Monday, 1 September 2008
Out of the Weekend and Into the Week
First of all, a formal apology for the title; it was not intended to be so lame, I'm this way naturally.
Greenwich this Saturday began with visiting the Painted Hall, which was absolutely amazing. It was this great giant hall and almost every inch of it was covered with beautifully articulated paint. We also visited the Observatory and did the whole standing in two hemispheres at once. We also looked at a museum thing about how they discovered an accurate way to measure longitude so that sailors would stop getting lost at sea. Pretty interesting, but that was the place at which we spent waaaay to much time. Once we split up, Erin and I went to the Queen's house (Anne of Denmark, I believe, James I's wife) but it wasn't a refurbished home, it was just full of a collection of nautical paintings. We also wandered through the Maritime Museum, full of all sorts of stuff about ships. Anna would have loved it.
Yesterday I went to church for the first time over here and I give it mixed reviews. On the one hand, I was so relieved and happy to be somewhere so familiar that I cried during the opening hymn and passing the sacrament. It felt so good to be doing something that is the same as at home. I brought on a wave of homesickness that I haven't really had to deal with yet. On the other hand, church stressed me out a bit in terms of the responsibilities they might give me and all the activities they want us to do. Sorry guys, I'm not interested in three or four activities a week - I'm busy having a great time in London thanks. Oh well, we'll see how it goes.
For my Poli Sci class today, we went to Reuters, which is a giant news conglomerate here in London. It was a really cool field trip - I learned a ton about the global media industry. Like, this company that we visited makes the majority of their revenue through selling information. In general, and especially in the states, newspaper readers are less and less interested in international news. So because it's so expensive to fund foreign correspondents, they're cutting down and instead buying their stories from companies like Reuters. They also do tons of business news, stocks and prices and stuff. I'm so lucky to be part of such a cool program that arranges stuff like this for us.
Tonight we went to Fragments, which was a group of short plays be Samuel Beckett. Weird stuff. I think I figured out parts what I was supposed to, but on the whole, I don't really know why people clapped forever at the end. Once again, there's a gap for me between what the product is and why the creator was famous.
Well, we're reading Timon of Athens for my Shakespeare class (pretty stupid, if anyone's wondering) and I still have 50 more pages to read before tomorrow. I miss you all so much.
Good luck with school!
Greenwich this Saturday began with visiting the Painted Hall, which was absolutely amazing. It was this great giant hall and almost every inch of it was covered with beautifully articulated paint. We also visited the Observatory and did the whole standing in two hemispheres at once. We also looked at a museum thing about how they discovered an accurate way to measure longitude so that sailors would stop getting lost at sea. Pretty interesting, but that was the place at which we spent waaaay to much time. Once we split up, Erin and I went to the Queen's house (Anne of Denmark, I believe, James I's wife) but it wasn't a refurbished home, it was just full of a collection of nautical paintings. We also wandered through the Maritime Museum, full of all sorts of stuff about ships. Anna would have loved it.
Yesterday I went to church for the first time over here and I give it mixed reviews. On the one hand, I was so relieved and happy to be somewhere so familiar that I cried during the opening hymn and passing the sacrament. It felt so good to be doing something that is the same as at home. I brought on a wave of homesickness that I haven't really had to deal with yet. On the other hand, church stressed me out a bit in terms of the responsibilities they might give me and all the activities they want us to do. Sorry guys, I'm not interested in three or four activities a week - I'm busy having a great time in London thanks. Oh well, we'll see how it goes.
For my Poli Sci class today, we went to Reuters, which is a giant news conglomerate here in London. It was a really cool field trip - I learned a ton about the global media industry. Like, this company that we visited makes the majority of their revenue through selling information. In general, and especially in the states, newspaper readers are less and less interested in international news. So because it's so expensive to fund foreign correspondents, they're cutting down and instead buying their stories from companies like Reuters. They also do tons of business news, stocks and prices and stuff. I'm so lucky to be part of such a cool program that arranges stuff like this for us.
Tonight we went to Fragments, which was a group of short plays be Samuel Beckett. Weird stuff. I think I figured out parts what I was supposed to, but on the whole, I don't really know why people clapped forever at the end. Once again, there's a gap for me between what the product is and why the creator was famous.
Well, we're reading Timon of Athens for my Shakespeare class (pretty stupid, if anyone's wondering) and I still have 50 more pages to read before tomorrow. I miss you all so much.
Good luck with school!
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