Anyways, for those of you who haven't figured out yet why I'm standing in front of the Tower Bridge, it's because I'm studying abroad in London for two months. Thus far it's been an incredible trip, and even though I've been here before, I feel like every day I find something new and discover more about British culture. Sounds a bit like a pamphlet when I put it like that, but it's true. Here's some stuff I've done while I've been here.
Some Of The Stuff I've Done While I've Been Here:
A) Gone to Classes: I keep forgetting I'm in classes...between the long weekends and Britannic distractions, it's easy to forget I'm here to study. I like all the classes I'm in; they're all electives that interest me, but that I wouldn't have had the time to take at JMU. Here's the list: The London Theater, Writing in the Public Sphere, Culture by Design, and The Online Travel Blog (which is why you get this spiffy blog to read).
B) Seen Two Plays For My Theater Class: Warhorse and The White Guard, both of which strongly exceeded my expectations. Warhorse was all about the tech: the full-sized ridable puppets of horses were breath-taking. The White Guard was a powerful tragicomedy, juxtaposing humor with more serious issues, something I particularly appreciate. Random Note: I met several of the cast members of Warhorse at a pub the night of the World Cup game between England and USA. They're nice guys/gals.
C) Been in Old Buildings: Tower of London, Westminster Abbey (See Right), and my favorite: St. Paul's Cathedral. I had a free day one week ago, so I went by myself to check out the cathedral I'd failed to see on my last two visits here. It was beyond breathtaking. I just sat in the nave for 40 minutes and looked around. Then I made the 15-20 minute spiral-staircase climb to the top of the dome. I'm not going to give away how epic that was. You have to do it yourself. I liked it so much I did it twice.D) Gone Up The London Eye: You know that huge ferris wheel right across the Thames from Parliament? I went up in it. Honestly, though, I thought that climbing the dome of St. Paul's was more satisfying. Can't deny the view was spectacular, though.
E) Perused Open-air Markets: Londoners shop differently than we do. Their stores are smaller, more local, more copious, and more personal. It makes sense that such a culture would breed a plethora of open-air markets. I love exploring the stalls; it's at once both exotic and personal. And the quality's a lot better than that of a supermarket.
F) Imbibed Coffee and Tea: I came expecting drink tons of tea, but it seems like coffee is actually more popular here. There's a great place near where I'm staying called the Forum Café that serves a mean cappuccino for a pound fifty. And it's run by Italians so you know it must be authentic. I actually just got back from a late breakfast there. Pictured Right: Espresso from the Forum Café.G) Gone to Pubs: ...yeah. For the food, of course...Speaking of which...
H) Watched England vs. USA World Cup In A Pub: That was pretty epic. The pub was split about 50-50 Americans and Brits, and the banter, though always friendly, was laid on pretty thick. We both sang national anthems at each other, as well as other vaguely patriotic songs, such as "America, F*ck Yeah," from the movie Team America. It was a good time.
I) Planned Trips: I'm set to go a bunch of places, which are all listed in the sub-header of this blog. Most exciting for me is Marrakech, Morocco, to visit my friend Judd. I'm headed there in two weeks. I hope I don't get malaria.
J) Saw the Queen At Trouping of the Colour: We had tea. Liz is well, if you're curious. She said my haircut complemented my features nicely.
But yeah, that's most of it. I've left some stuff out, but those are (some of the) hilights. I'll try to update this twice weekly while I'm here, so feel free to follow it, comment, or check back. Oh, and if you want to skype me, let me know and I'll send you my ID.
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