7/9/2016 0 Comments CanterburyThis morning I woke up extremely tired and unmotivated. I had planned on taking a day trip outside of London but began to make excuses for not going. The train I was planning on taking to Canterbury came and went and I figured I would have a relaxing day. After a few minutes I was feelng guilty - I only have a few free days. So, I jumped out of bed, brushed my teeth, packed my bag, and ran for the tube. I bought train tickets to Canterbury and just barely made the next train. I had never been on a train before but I think it is safe to say it's my new favorite form of transportation. The out-the-train-window view was beautiful, my first glimpse at the English countryside. Canterbury itself is incredible. It was originally built by the Romans but became a huge pilgrimage site in the middle ages. The famous cathedral, built in 597AD (so crazy), is one of the oldest, most beautiful Christian structures in England. Perhaps the most charming part of the town is the River Stour that runs through it. I bought a historic boat tour and had an amazing time ducking under bridges and learning about the little medieval town. It is the most beautiful and historic place I've ever been. Afterwards, I walked through old buildings and visited a few different pubs. If I have learned anything about traveling so far, it is that you absolutely must fight your exhaustion. Try to do something new each day regardless of how badly you want to go to bed. You may miss out on something amazing.
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I can not believe I have already been here 0ver two weeks . The days go by so fast, all I can do is try to do something new each day. I have not updated this in several days for just that reason. On Tuesday, the art class went to see the Threepenny Opera at the National Theatre. It was hilarious, and surprisingly raunchy. I was most impressed by the diversity and inclusiveness of the show. Actors of all skin colors, heritage, and a particularly talented gentleman in a wheelchair. Love. Oh, and the vocalists blew my mind. I would definitely recommend this while in the city - tickets are only £15. On the following day we were able to tour Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It was an incredible feeling to walk in the footsteps of some of the best athletes in the world. I was very impressed by the sustainability and continued use of the park. All the structures are still being utilized and have a very small ecological footprint. After our tour of the park, we had the rest of the day to ourselves. A friend recommended Laduree, a place in Covent Garden famous for macaroons. So, I headed that way to eat macaroons, walk through markets, and explore the area (which is beautiful).
7/5/2016 0 Comments Independence Day in London?Monday was the Fourth of July, and I'll admit I felt a little homesick thinking about missing out on traditions back home. Instead of dwelling, we decided to make the most of it. It was a classmates birthday, so we went to the top of the Shard (the tallest building in London) to celebrate. There are several restaurants about halfway up and the view is amazing. While beautiful, the cocktails are outrageously expensive and a little strange. My old fashion came with a leaf and sesame pancake that I was supposed to eat simultaneously. I do, however, think the view is worth it. It is certainly cheaper than paying the £25 to get to the top of the building, and you get a drink. Afterwards, we walked around in search for an open pub. No success. It turns out that almost everything in the city closes around 10-11pm. So, we headed to O'Neils in China Town, where you can find your typical American spending a Friday night, The bar played music from 70's rock to early 00's pop. Overall, a fun way to spend the Fourth in a country that, ironically, we are celebrating our independence from.
*Tea was not thrown in the river 7/2/2016 0 Comments British Summer TimeBritish Summer Time is several week long music festival in Hyde Park. I bought a one day ticket with a classmate to see Jamie xx, Kendrick Lamar, and Florence + the Machine. Hyde Park was beautiful and there was quite a bit to do for such a small venue plenty of food, beer, music, even swings! I was completely impressed by the main stage which was completely covered in leaves and the giant oak trees stood on either side. SO cool. Of course, the music was awesome too. It was great to finally see Florence - and in her hometown. It was an awesome festival and a perfect night for good music and new friends.
7/2/2016 0 Comments The Camden MarketToday I discovered Camden Town, one of my favorite areas of London thus far. The Camden Market is only a short tube ride away from my room and it did not disappoint. Quirky street performers, eccentric shops and artists, paddle boarding, good food, jewelry, books, cameras, clothes, etc., etc.
7/1/2016 0 Comments The British MuseumEarlier this morning, my class and I walked to the British Museum. At a mere fifteen minutes away from our classroom, the museum has one of the best collections in the world. A few highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles (from ancient Greece), Hoa Hakananai'a (an Easter Island statue), and the entire ancient Egyptian wing. The museum is also one of the largest buildings in Europe, so I was not able to see the entire collection quite yet. The good news: all London museums are free. So I will definitely be back. This visit was an assignment for my art class. While walking through the museum, I had to pick a specific item that interested me and then write a brief (400 word) description/background on it. I chose the Gayer-Anderson cat. It was created sometime around 600BC in ancient Egypt and probably represents the goddess Bastet in some way. I chose the cat because Egyptian history fascinates me and it stood out among the stone carvings surrounding it. After walking around longer than I planned on, I ate at the Museum Tavern across the street with a few classmates. I definitely recommend this combo if you love history and pub food.
7/1/2016 0 Comments Shakespeare's GlobeLast night, my class and I went to the Shakespeare Globe, an oak-and-thatch, open air, replica of his original theater. We got there early enough to stand and lean right up against the stage. The interior of the theater is beautiful, with bright orange petals hanging from the doorways and white orbs overhead. We saw "A Midsummer Night's Dream", and although I read the play in highschool, this was quite different. It was a quirky, modern-age Bollywood mashup of the play I know. There are song bursts from Bowie and Beyonce, sexual innuendos, and modern jokes/tweaks. I thought it was a brilliant blend of Elizabethan culture and our own. What a clever way of keeping the comedy aspect of the play alive.
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