Confessions: Part I

I have the sneaking suspicion that no one actually attempts to read this blog anymore, considering I haven't posted in over two months, but I've decided to give it one more go. Several things have prevented me from updating this little travelogue on a regular basis: laziness, busy schedule, the fact that King's College wifi is slow as balls and uploading a single picture sometimes takes ~10 minutes. The most prominent reason for my reticence, though, is a little more serious and a lot more personal. To put it mildly, study abroad and I have a very tenuous relationship. (I submit the fact that I'm writing this entry from my front porch in Cinnaminson - I decided to come home for 12 days of my spring break- as Exhibit A) For me, study abroad is like an acquaintance from class who I've been partnered with for a major project. Study abroad seemed like someone I'd get along with, study abroad is enjoyable in small doses, study abroad should contribute to a worthwhile academic and social experience. But as the hour grows late or the project hits a rough patch, study abroad becomes the (perhaps undeserving) subject of much frustration, anger, and general ill-will.

Now London/being abroad is certainly not all bad. Going to visit Emily in Edinburgh and planning our upcoming Turkey/Greece/Italy adventure? Incredibly exciting! Getting asked for directions around the city by British people and answering them in my American accent? Fills me with a bizarre sense of pride. Scrubbing into an open heart surgery? Really freaking cool. Eating pizza on the bus and sneaking cider into the movies with Johanna, Gray, and Melanie? Much more fun and less stressful than an average Haverford Wednesday night, for sure. But feeling lonely and abandoned and counting the days until I get to come home permanently is certainly not the greatest.

The intention of this post isn't to complain or elicit sympathy, just to be honest about my experience abroad. After all, if you can't be honest on the internet...
I'm really glad that the vast majority of my Haverford friends are having a great time studying abroad, and I hope they continue to do so. I also know that I'll come back to the states in June with some valuable life experience, some fond memories, and some sweet souvenirs. Like I said, it's not all bad. I suppose study abroad just isn't my cup of tea (England pun most certainly intended).

Identity Crisis?

One of the strangest aspects of studying abroad so far is that I feel myself wanting to be two disparate people. I'll be here for 5 months, so part of me wants to step into the shoes of a Londoner and live the life of an average King's College student. I like the idea that the people I walk by on the way to class or sit next to on the tube have no idea that I'm American. (Unless I open my mouth, of course. That's a dead giveaway.) On the other hand, I'm in a brand new country and have easy access to the whole UK and continental Europe - of course I want to explore, travel, gawk at pretty landmarks, and have as many adventures as possible. I think my goal for the rest of the semester is to strike a balance between these two identities that have begun to emerge - who says I can't attend class in the morning, grab lunch at the campus pub, and then visit Tower Bridge and take an obscene amount of pictures?

While we're on the subject of being a tourist, here's another list and accompanying photo montage!

Requisite London Tourist Experiences, Part I

1. Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square

The National Gallery - note the blue sky, it's a rarity!

Trafalgar Square. There are some pretty sweet statues of Hortatio Nelson and giant lions here.

This apple market in Covent Garden was strangely devoid of apples. Potentially because it's midwinter. Regardless, Josh looks greatly perturbed by the apple shortage.

2. The Tate Modern and surrounding landmarks

Millenium Bridge and the dome of St. Paul's in the background. The inside of the cathedral is absolutely breathtaking.

Outside of the Tate Modern. This (very blurry, according to my camera) neon sign is advertising a current special exhibit of Pop Art.

3. Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben

These are fairly self-explanatory.

4. Harrod's!

Delicious - and extremely sugary - afternoon tea at Laduree, the French tea room in Harrod's.
(Photo credit: Nora Graham)

The pastry counter at Laduree.

5. Buckingham Palace

The palace - a movie was being filmed there the day I visited!

Some very ornate and imposing gates.

A statue in the palace courtyard and the London Eye in the background.

That's all for now! I'll try to update more consistently in the future, but until then: cheers!

**This entry was written specifically as procrastination material for one Darius Rackus. Hope it's sufficient!

For British Eyes Only, or Failures in Blogging

I've been in London for over a week and have yet to post a blog entry - my bad. My time here so far has been a veritable whirlwind of tourism and classes, night busses and tube rides, clubs and pubs, and tons of new people. I'm living on a hall with first year students ("freshers") in Wolfson House, which is located just south of London Bridge. The dorm is a very convenient 5 minute walk from Guy's Campus, where all of my classes meet, and about 2 blocks away from the Thames, should I ever feel like going for a nice river swim. It would take a very long time - and probably prove quite boring - for me to recap my daily activities, so I'll just hit some of the important points...in list form! (I'm a big fan of lists).


But first, here's a picture!




OMG it's a double-decker bus. I am such a tourist.

Things I've Done in London that I've Never Done in America

1. Spent a considerable amount of time using public transportation

London is surprisingly easy to navigate via underground or bus, even for someone like me who was born without an internal compass. Despite the fact that I am directionally challenged, I haven't managed to get lost (yet). The tube system is straightforward and efficient, and busses run 24/7, which comes in handy after a late night. Also, the busses that run after midnight are officially known as night busses, which makes the Harry Potter fan in me very happy.

2. Struggled on a consistent basis to flush the toilet

C'mon, England, your bathrooms are so cold and your toilets have proven unflushable. Seriously, I have to try at least 3 times before my flush is successful. That's just upsetting. At least I can seek some comfort in referring to the bathroom as the loo.

3. Needed to keep track of my change

In the States, spare change is at best used to do laundry and at worst relegated to the bottom of my purse. In the U.K., one coin can be worth the equivalent of over 2 American dollars. Insanity!

4. Injured my foot

Note to self: sprinting to catch a bus while wearing heels is inadvisable.

5. Legally purchased a drink

I keep forgetting that the drinking age here is 18, so every university student is of age when they come to school. To me, this seems like a sensible alternative to undercover police raids of college parties, but what do I know.

6. Nearly caused an electrical appliance to explode

Apparently my hair straightener isn't fan of 220 volt electricity, even with a converter. My attempts to plug it in were met with sparks and smoke. Oops.

7. Went to a museum fo' free!

One of the best things about London so far is the accessibility of its cultural richness. Nearly all of the galleries and museums in the city are free to the public - I explored the Tate Modern last weekend and plan to check out much more art during my five months here. London also has a thriving theater district, beautiful architecture, and an excellent music scene; I'm really excited to take advantage of all the cultural opportunites the city has to offer.

I'm sure this list will grow as I spend more time across the pond, but I think a seven item list is sufficient for now. Time to go ice my foot!