7/19/2016 0 Comments BloomsburyI am fortunate enough to be able to say I live in central London. The International Hall (IH) is about a three minute walk from Russel Square Station where I can hop on the tube and go just about anywhere in the city. There is a lot to see in London, and I realized that I had not taken enough time to explore the Bloomsbury area where I'm staying. Like the rest of the city, there is a lot of history here. My room faces a beautiful park where Virginia Woolf would sit and read. George Orwell lived directly next door to IH, and Charles Dickens house is directly behind my classroom. The AHA/GEO center is roughly a ten minute walk from IH and you'll pass loads of adorable cafes (I recommend Tutti's) and picture perfect 17th century homes. The center itself dates back to the same century so it definitely has character. The stair steps are about three-quarter the size of my feet (I wear a size 8) and my classroom still has the original wooden paneling. Just south of the center is Theobalds road which eventually runs into Southhampton row. Both streets have great spots for lunch breaks. If you like Vietnamese, I recommend Banh Mi Bay, amazing and inexpensive. Further down Theobalds road is the British Museum and LOTS of places to eat. If your looking for pubs, the Marquis Cornwallis, Lamb, Rugby Tavern, and Perseverance are the closest. I visited all besides the latter. The Lamb and Rugby Tavern have a little more character, but I wouldn't order food. Lastly, and perhaps the most convenient part of the area, Bruinswick Square is directly outside of IH. It is essentially an outdoor shopping mall and has food, coffee and shopping. Waitrose is where I did all my food shopping and Boots is great for cosmetics. Tescos is right across from Russel Square and it is comparable to a 7/11. It is also one of the only places open 24 hours. Nearly everything in London closes around 10pm (or 22:00). So Tescos is a lifesaver when it comes to late night snacks and bottled water.
Tip: I wouldn't try the Tescos sandwiches
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I finally made it to the quirky city of Brighton today with several classmates. We caught an early train and made it there before noon. It was a beautiful day with rare blue skies. I think the entire country thought it would be a good idea to visit the beach today too, it was crazy! We sat on the pebbly beach, dipped our toes in the water, walked down the pier, and (of course) ate famous fish N' chips. I also had the worst margarita of my life, it came in a martini class and didn't seem to have any tequila? Anyway, I really wanted to make the trip to Beachy Head (England's tallest chalk cliffs) from Brighton. We bought tickets to Eastbourne by bus, an hour journey. Though it was beautiful drive, it was terrifying. We sat at the top of the double decker bus on the skinny, country roads and the driver flew down them. We did, by some miracle, eventually make it to Eastbourne. Unfortunately, when we finally figured out how to get to Beachy Head from there, we had missed the last bus. So, we had a couple pints and got back on the bus towards Brighton (it wasn't quite as bad the second time). Tip: don't buy margaritas in England 7/14/2016 0 Comments Fleet Street to Swan LakeRather than class, I had two excursions today. Andrew Whitehead, my international news instructor took us on a tour of Fleet Street, London's old newspaper district and one of the most historic areas in the city. From there, the Arts students ran to catch a tube to the National Theatre for Swan Lake. I wasn't sure if I would like the ballet, but it was absolutely captivating. Is it too late to become a ballerina?
7/13/2016 0 Comments Abbey Road StudiosBy some miracle, I was not scheduled one class or excursion on this fine Wednesday. Though I originally planned to go to Brighton, I ultimately decided that may be better to save for a weekend and chose to explore London a bit more instead. So, I finally made the trip out to see Abbey Road Studios. As cliche as it is, I love the Beatles. I grew up with their music, blah blah. Anyway, this was very exciting for me. From Russel Square, it takes about 30min to get there by tube, but it only a short walk away from the St. Johns Wood station. The crosswalk is filled with family's trying to recreate the iconic Abbey Road album cover, some with their shoes off. Poor motorists trying to go on with their day are lined up waiting for a chance to get past them. Of course, I had to walk across. It was surreal to walk in the footsteps of such greatness, despite how touristy the place had become. The actual studios were closed to the public as they are still used. However, a shop opened up directly next door with all the Beatles merchandise a cliche fangirl can imagine.
7/10/2016 0 Comments ShoreditchThis morning, on my near-impossible quest to find a bagel in the city of London, I ended up exploring the streets of Shoreditch. The neighborhood was once industrial before it was abandoned in the second world war. Before long, young artists flocked to the area, filling the empty warehouses with art studios and makeshift flats. Today, it has sadly become subject to gentrification and most of the artists have been priced out of their homes. The closest comparison I can make is to trendy SE Portland, with its vintage markets, dancing hairstylists, and coffee served out of old taxi cabs. Still, I couldn't help falling in love with the wonderfully weird streets of the East End. Vibrant street art still covers the walls and buildings. I walked the entire length of Brick Lane and passed dozens of markets with street food to die for, a Jimi Hendrix impersonator, and a thriving Bangladeshi community towards Whitechapel Road. It highlights the character and diversity that I love so much about this city. And yes, I did find a bagel (beigal?). It was rainbow. I wouldn't recommend it.
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.
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.
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