Thursday, December 31, 2009
Back in San Diego
After a wonderful Christmas with the family, I am finally back in San Diego. I am slowly getting settled into my new place and am looking forward to seeing everyone at school after break. Happy new year to all!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
A Touch More Literary
I am fascinated by the disappearing woman – the character that hops on a train and is never seen again. Where has she gone?
Chapter 1: Bristol, December 10-12
I arrived at the train station in Bristol at 10:30pm and rolled my small suitcase as best as I could across cobble stone pavement. I set out to find the Rock n’ Bowl Motel and within a few minutes the suitcase was slung on my back because it wouldn’t stay upright. Eventually, after only one wrong turn and a little backtracking, I arrived and checked in. Since it was a hostel, the light in the room was already off (as expected) so I did my best to find an unclaimed bed. I dropped my things and headed straight back outside.
On my way to an ATM (since it was much easier to pay for the hostel in cash…thus leaving me a little on the short side) I heard live music drifting from a bar, ironically named The Bank. They were having an open mic night and I managed to catch the end of it and make a few friends at the same time. After The Bank closed at one, we drifted to The Lanes next door and stayed until they closed at two. A few goodbyes later and I climbed upstairs to crash. The bed I had chosen was occupied, but not to worry, the one above it was free and my bag and bedding were still on the floor beside the bunk.
The next morning I woke before my alarm. I am not sure you understand the significance of that statement. I never wake up before my alarm, especially when it is set for 8:30. Perhaps it was a mixture of excitement and anticipation, or perhaps it was simply that you feel guilty for staying in bed when everyone else in the room is awake or already gone.
I set out for breakfast and discovered a wonderful little café just down the street from where I was staying. I had the most delicious coffee and a croissant with cheese, tomato, and a little ham. It was the perfect start to a long day.
I headed out from the café with the intention of going to the Old Vic, but ended up going to the cathedral first. I had to stop in at the library to get information because the tourist info centre was closed (perhaps permanently), but the woman there was absolutely helpful and gave me all the details I needed. There was an event at the cathedral, so by the time I was leaving it was nearly full to capacity – 500 people. I passed by the Old Vic and stopped in to see what was playing (Hansel and Gretel), but did not purchase a ticket. I continued through Queen Square to the floating harbour, then headed west following the water. I stopped to see the ss Great Britain and the Matthew, but did not go aboard because of all the other things I wanted to see during the day and the price was too high for just a quick glance. Then I headed on and stopped briefly at Underfall Yard where I saw the wooden frame of a boat that was in the process of being built. Finally I crossed back to the north bank and headed back, stopping to snap photos of the ss Great Britain from across the channel.
At that point I received a text from the friends I intended to meet, so I headed toward the Broadmead area which was back toward the hostel. Along the way I passed Explore@Bristol, the aquarium, and the Hippodrome. At the latter I stopped in to see what was playing – Snow White – but opted not to take the third tier back row seat for thirteen pounds. I continued, stopping for a lunch of a chicken and vegetable pasty. I met and chatted with my friends over coffee but they soon had to leave so they could go pack for a week of travelling.
I returned to the hostel and enquired about things to do, and as a result ended up going to the city museum and art gallery for a half hour until it closed. Then I headed back to the Old Vic to purchase a six pound ticket for Hansel and Gretel. I walked around for a while, ate dinner, checked out St. Peter’s Church, and wandered into the mall for a bit of warmth. Finally I returned to watch the show, which was full of kids but still good fun. After a full day of walking, this simple, easy-to-follow tale was the perfect spectacle for my tired brain (and feet because I finally got to sit). On a tip from the woman at the hostel, I went to Colston Hall after the show and listened to some free live music. It was not too crowded, and people were dancing to the lively tunes. It even got my tired bones moving a bit.
I left before the concert ended, but only because I was completely tuckered and knew I would have to get up early the next morning. I returned to the hostel, jotted a few notes in my journal, took a quick shower, and crashed.
Click here for a map of the area I covered. Purple indicates where I went on the 10th and 12th, blue indicates where I went on the 11th.
Chapter 1: Bristol, December 10-12
I arrived at the train station in Bristol at 10:30pm and rolled my small suitcase as best as I could across cobble stone pavement. I set out to find the Rock n’ Bowl Motel and within a few minutes the suitcase was slung on my back because it wouldn’t stay upright. Eventually, after only one wrong turn and a little backtracking, I arrived and checked in. Since it was a hostel, the light in the room was already off (as expected) so I did my best to find an unclaimed bed. I dropped my things and headed straight back outside.
On my way to an ATM (since it was much easier to pay for the hostel in cash…thus leaving me a little on the short side) I heard live music drifting from a bar, ironically named The Bank. They were having an open mic night and I managed to catch the end of it and make a few friends at the same time. After The Bank closed at one, we drifted to The Lanes next door and stayed until they closed at two. A few goodbyes later and I climbed upstairs to crash. The bed I had chosen was occupied, but not to worry, the one above it was free and my bag and bedding were still on the floor beside the bunk.
The next morning I woke before my alarm. I am not sure you understand the significance of that statement. I never wake up before my alarm, especially when it is set for 8:30. Perhaps it was a mixture of excitement and anticipation, or perhaps it was simply that you feel guilty for staying in bed when everyone else in the room is awake or already gone.
I set out for breakfast and discovered a wonderful little café just down the street from where I was staying. I had the most delicious coffee and a croissant with cheese, tomato, and a little ham. It was the perfect start to a long day.
I headed out from the café with the intention of going to the Old Vic, but ended up going to the cathedral first. I had to stop in at the library to get information because the tourist info centre was closed (perhaps permanently), but the woman there was absolutely helpful and gave me all the details I needed. There was an event at the cathedral, so by the time I was leaving it was nearly full to capacity – 500 people. I passed by the Old Vic and stopped in to see what was playing (Hansel and Gretel), but did not purchase a ticket. I continued through Queen Square to the floating harbour, then headed west following the water. I stopped to see the ss Great Britain and the Matthew, but did not go aboard because of all the other things I wanted to see during the day and the price was too high for just a quick glance. Then I headed on and stopped briefly at Underfall Yard where I saw the wooden frame of a boat that was in the process of being built. Finally I crossed back to the north bank and headed back, stopping to snap photos of the ss Great Britain from across the channel.
At that point I received a text from the friends I intended to meet, so I headed toward the Broadmead area which was back toward the hostel. Along the way I passed Explore@Bristol, the aquarium, and the Hippodrome. At the latter I stopped in to see what was playing – Snow White – but opted not to take the third tier back row seat for thirteen pounds. I continued, stopping for a lunch of a chicken and vegetable pasty. I met and chatted with my friends over coffee but they soon had to leave so they could go pack for a week of travelling.
I returned to the hostel and enquired about things to do, and as a result ended up going to the city museum and art gallery for a half hour until it closed. Then I headed back to the Old Vic to purchase a six pound ticket for Hansel and Gretel. I walked around for a while, ate dinner, checked out St. Peter’s Church, and wandered into the mall for a bit of warmth. Finally I returned to watch the show, which was full of kids but still good fun. After a full day of walking, this simple, easy-to-follow tale was the perfect spectacle for my tired brain (and feet because I finally got to sit). On a tip from the woman at the hostel, I went to Colston Hall after the show and listened to some free live music. It was not too crowded, and people were dancing to the lively tunes. It even got my tired bones moving a bit.
I left before the concert ended, but only because I was completely tuckered and knew I would have to get up early the next morning. I returned to the hostel, jotted a few notes in my journal, took a quick shower, and crashed.
Click here for a map of the area I covered. Purple indicates where I went on the 10th and 12th, blue indicates where I went on the 11th.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
London Photos
The following photos are from my trip to London on Nov 21st.
Random Statue
HMS Belfast
London Bridge
Barbican Centre
London Jazz Festival
Colin Morgan, Katie McGrath, and Bradley James
Group Signing
Bradley James and me
Southwark Playhouse
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Some Notes
I have seen two plays since I last wrote here: T:24's production of Women Laughing at the Gulbenkian and The Tartuffe at Southwark Playhouse in London. The former was a good student production - nothing outstanding but not bad either. The latter was a great show that I happened to go to on a whim and am really glad that I did. I also saw a presentation about the television series Merlin at the Barbican Centre that same day (photos to come later). Overall it was a pretty awesome day trip to London, during which I only got mildly soaked by the afternoon rain (even if I had taken my umbrella it wouldn't have helped in that wind).
The novel for NaNoWriMo is coming along, but I'm quite a bit behind. Only a few more days left so I better start pumping out those words. We had a write-in yesterday, which basically means we all go to someone's house for about six hours and write as much as we possibly can. It was good fun and quite productive too.
I finally booked my next trip - I'll be heading around southern England and a bit of Wales. That's not for another two weeks though.
It seems like I'll be going home all too soon. Didn't I just get here?
The novel for NaNoWriMo is coming along, but I'm quite a bit behind. Only a few more days left so I better start pumping out those words. We had a write-in yesterday, which basically means we all go to someone's house for about six hours and write as much as we possibly can. It was good fun and quite productive too.
I finally booked my next trip - I'll be heading around southern England and a bit of Wales. That's not for another two weeks though.
It seems like I'll be going home all too soon. Didn't I just get here?
Sunday, November 15, 2009
A Few Things
I've been back for a little over a week now so you might be wondering what I've been up to (or not, but I'm going to talk about it anyway).
Theatre! I saw Time for the Good Looking Boy at the Gulbenkian Theatre on campus. I didn't particularly enjoy it, but I think it achieves what it aims to accomplish. It is definitely a show that is aimed at 14/15 year-olds (although it's advertised as 14+) and the audience full of school children seemed to respond well to it. I don't think I've ever been to a performance where there is cheering as the lights go down...before the performance.
This week I will be attending T:24's production of Women Laughing, also at the Gulbenkian. T:24 is the drama society at the University of Kent.
Archery! I am still doing archery (although it was cancelled this past Wednesday due to rain). I went today and there were very few people out there because of the cold. I'm not complaining - that means I don't have to queue to use a bow! On the other hand, until today I never realized exactly which muscles I was using...shooting constantly will show you pretty quickly.
NaNoWriMo! I have opted to participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) for the fourth time. I've met with a group of lovely people at the local coffee shop for writing sessions (which sometimes admittedly turn into general goofing off). I'm at about 15k/25k words (25k is where you should be on the 15th of November, aka the middle of the month). It's still feasible to catchup, but perhaps I should start counting my blog posts in my word count...
Classes? Yup! And of course I am still going to classes, even if it doesn't seem like it according to this blog.
Theatre! I saw Time for the Good Looking Boy at the Gulbenkian Theatre on campus. I didn't particularly enjoy it, but I think it achieves what it aims to accomplish. It is definitely a show that is aimed at 14/15 year-olds (although it's advertised as 14+) and the audience full of school children seemed to respond well to it. I don't think I've ever been to a performance where there is cheering as the lights go down...before the performance.
This week I will be attending T:24's production of Women Laughing, also at the Gulbenkian. T:24 is the drama society at the University of Kent.
Archery! I am still doing archery (although it was cancelled this past Wednesday due to rain). I went today and there were very few people out there because of the cold. I'm not complaining - that means I don't have to queue to use a bow! On the other hand, until today I never realized exactly which muscles I was using...shooting constantly will show you pretty quickly.
NaNoWriMo! I have opted to participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) for the fourth time. I've met with a group of lovely people at the local coffee shop for writing sessions (which sometimes admittedly turn into general goofing off). I'm at about 15k/25k words (25k is where you should be on the 15th of November, aka the middle of the month). It's still feasible to catchup, but perhaps I should start counting my blog posts in my word count...
Classes? Yup! And of course I am still going to classes, even if it doesn't seem like it according to this blog.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
A Little Photo Crazy
Welcome to Edinburgh!
I couldn't narrow down which photos to post here, so the following is a list of links to the unedited versions (unedited because there are so many!). I've attempted to order them geographically instead of chronologically, so if you see a large jump in the picture number that means I probably visited the place more than once.
Five days, four nights, and this is all I packed (clothes, toiletries/essentials, and snacks for the train):
2387.JPG
A few shots from the train window:
2390.JPG
2391.JPG
2393.JPG
2394.JPG
2395.JPG
Random shots around town:
2396.JPG
2397.JPG
2403.JPG
2404.JPG
2406.JPG
2409.JPG
2416.JPG
2484.JPG
2485.JPG
2504.JPG
2518.JPG
2530.JPG
2537.JPG
2604.JPG
2605.JPG
(retakes because it was sunny the day I left)
2625.JPG
2628.JPG
2629.JPG
They were shooting a promo for the upcoming production of Zorro:
2398.JPG
2399.JPG
2400.JPG
The heart - walk around it because it's good luck to spit on it.
2408.JPG
Statue of Hume - apparently good luck to rub his big toe.
2410.JPG
2524.JPG
Writers' Museum:
2412.JPG
2413.JPG
2519.JPG
2522.JPG
High-tech security of the day = a trick step. Robbers in the dark wouldn't know which one to jump so they would trip, generally creating a lot of noise and making your job of throwing them back out on the street that much easier.
2414.JPG
Castle!
2415.JPG
2556.JPG
2557.JPG
2558.JPG (I'm in this one!)
2559.JPG
2560.JPG
2561.JPG
2562.JPG
2563.JPG
2564.JPG
2565.JPG
2566.JPG
2567.JPG
2568.JPG
2569.JPG
2570.JPG
2571.JPG
2572.JPG
2573.JPG
2574.JPG
2575.JPG
2576.JPG
2577.JPG
2578.JPG
2579.JPG
2580.JPG
2581.JPG
2582.JPG
2583.JPG
2584.JPG
2585.JPG
2586.JPG
2587.JPG
2588.JPG
2589.JPG (I'm in this one!)
2590.JPG
2591.JPG
2593.JPG
2595.JPG
2597.JPG
2598.JPG
2599.JPG
2601.JPG
2602.JPG
2617.JPG
2618.JPG
(sunny the day I left of course)
2622.JPG
2623.JPG
2624.JPG
Graveyard - school in the background was the inspiration for Hogwarts in Harry Potter. Apparently there are also tombstones from which J.K. took character names.
2418.JPG
The legendary dog that returned to its master's grave every day for several years:
2420.JPG
2421.JPG
Princes Street Gardens (some with a view of the castle and other buildings):
2422.JPG
2423.JPG
2424.JPG
2425.JPG
2427.JPG (I'm in this one!)
2428.JPG
2429.JPG
2491.JPG
2492.JPG
2508.JPG
2510.JPG
2516.JPG
2517.JPG
National Gallery (and the view from the terrace):
2430.JPG
2431.JPG
2432.JPG
2433.JPG
2434.JPG
2435.JPG
2436.JPG
2437.JPG (I'm in this one!)
2438.JPG
2439.JPG
Another graveyard:
2440.JPG
2441.JPG
2442.JPG
2443.JPG
2444.JPG
2445.JPG
2446.JPG
2447.JPG
Calton Hill:
2448.JPG
2449.JPG
2450.JPG
2451.JPG
2452.JPG
2453.JPG
2454.JPG
2455.JPG
2456.JPG
2457.JPG
2458.JPG
2459.JPG
2460.JPG
2461.JPG
2462.JPG
2465.JPG (I'm in this one!)
2466.JPG
2468.JPG
2469.JPG
2470.JPG
2471.JPG
2472.JPG
2475.JPG
2476.JPG
2477.JPG
2478.JPG
2479.JPG
2480.JPG
2481.JPG
2483.JPG
Scott Memorial:
2486.JPG
Cathedrals (I visited St. Mary's, St. John's, and St. Giles...now it's hard to tell which photos are from which, although they should be in the order I just mentioned.):
2493.JPG
2495.JPG
2496.JPG
2497.JPG
2499.JPG
2501.JPG
2506.JPG
2523.JPG
2525.JPG
2526.JPG
2527.JPG
2538.JPG
2539.JPG
2541.JPG (barely discernible, but that is an angel playing bagpipes)
2544.JPG
2546.JPG
2547.JPG
2552.JPG
2553.JPG
2554.JPG (wedding!)
On the way to Arthur's Seat, including Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace:
2607.JPG
2609.JPG
2610.JPG
2611.JPG (I'm in this one!)
2612.JPG
2613.JPG
2614.JPG
2615.JPG
I tried Haggis! Why? Why not?
2619.JPG
2620.JPG (I'm in this one!)
2621.JPG (I'm in this one!)
Waiting for the train so I can head home:
2630.JPG
Overall an awesome adventure and one I'm very glad I took!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Mini-Post
I apologize for the lack of recent posts. From last Tuesday until Saturday I was in Edinburgh (and having the time of my life!). Eventually I'll get the photos off the camera and post them here.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Incomplete Sentences
Classes: The Brief
The Idiot Colony in the Canterbury Festival – good bordering on great
Group Debate on how the National Theatre should be run – check, done, next thing?
2 reviews and 2 performance analyses – in progress
Group Presentation on Time for the Good Looking Boy – prepared and waiting
2000-2500 word essay on Arts Council England national policy – started…sort of…
Funstuff: where it doesn’t matter if I combine two words into one
Edinburgh trip! During reading week – those are supposed to be for traveling and doing no work whatsoever right?
NaNoWriMo – Do I dare? There are a few locals holding writings sessions.
Halloween – not sure what I’m dressing up as yet
Daylight Savings – I think I finally know what time it is. Maybe. Right now it’s bedtime so good night!
The Idiot Colony in the Canterbury Festival – good bordering on great
Group Debate on how the National Theatre should be run – check, done, next thing?
2 reviews and 2 performance analyses – in progress
Group Presentation on Time for the Good Looking Boy – prepared and waiting
2000-2500 word essay on Arts Council England national policy – started…sort of…
Funstuff: where it doesn’t matter if I combine two words into one
Edinburgh trip! During reading week – those are supposed to be for traveling and doing no work whatsoever right?
NaNoWriMo – Do I dare? There are a few locals holding writings sessions.
Halloween – not sure what I’m dressing up as yet
Daylight Savings – I think I finally know what time it is. Maybe. Right now it’s bedtime so good night!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
A Little Closer to Home
Sure, I could post pictures of famous buildings and statues, but chances are you've seen dozens of photographs of them already. I can guarantee, however, that you have not seen my room (assuming none of my flatmates are reading this). And I finally caught it in a moment of utter cleanliness!
Here's a closeup on the portion of the bulletin board where I keep tickets and other theatre odds and ends (including a pin from War Horse and a signed program from La Cage Aux Folles).
Some snapshots from around town - the first and third are from a tower in the old walled-in section of town (very open to the public now though). The bottom left and bottom right photos are from one of the lower towers that the archers would have stood inside. Middle top has the red and white flags for the Canterbury Festival. Middle bottom captures the beautiful cold blue sky and the tip of the Cathedral.
Another tidbit from my room - kitty has a new friend, a knight from Leeds Castle.
Here's a closeup on the portion of the bulletin board where I keep tickets and other theatre odds and ends (including a pin from War Horse and a signed program from La Cage Aux Folles).
Some snapshots from around town - the first and third are from a tower in the old walled-in section of town (very open to the public now though). The bottom left and bottom right photos are from one of the lower towers that the archers would have stood inside. Middle top has the red and white flags for the Canterbury Festival. Middle bottom captures the beautiful cold blue sky and the tip of the Cathedral.
Another tidbit from my room - kitty has a new friend, a knight from Leeds Castle.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Time for an Update
It seems like it's time for an update, but I have no idea what to write about. I went to London last night and saw The Author at the Royal Court Theatre. I have to write a review on it for my class so perhaps I'll post that later. Keeping busy as usual...
Monday, October 5, 2009
It's Photo Time
A peacock...just wandering around. So begins the trip to Leeds Castle.
I didn't take this out of a magazine or an ad; it was just that gorgeous.
The symbol for the castle, the black swan, decided to drop by.
Another one was even kind enough to pop its head into the frame for this one.
But of course, not to be outdone, this bird had to have its moment too.
The maze of freakishly identical bush walls - we had to get some help from a guy on the tower in the center. This was taken after we made it.
Creepy statue in the creepy tunnel to get out from the maze. I'm sure there's a story here but I have yet to look it up (must've missed the plaque).
Now here's a real dining hall.
Tada! It's a castle! (Still!)
Okay, enough of Leeds. I went to see Shakespeare's As You Like It at the Globe in London. No cameras are allowed during the performance so here is a bare, rather non-descript stage.
The infamous Harrods department store. Don't go there. They have arbitrary rules and act like it's their kingdom so they can do whatever they want. Okay, well look inside, but don't buy anything. Okay, well look inside and maybe buy that one really good looking pastry, but then leave immediately. Or you'll be broke by the time you find the front door.
Tata for now!
I didn't take this out of a magazine or an ad; it was just that gorgeous.
The symbol for the castle, the black swan, decided to drop by.
Another one was even kind enough to pop its head into the frame for this one.
But of course, not to be outdone, this bird had to have its moment too.
The maze of freakishly identical bush walls - we had to get some help from a guy on the tower in the center. This was taken after we made it.
Creepy statue in the creepy tunnel to get out from the maze. I'm sure there's a story here but I have yet to look it up (must've missed the plaque).
Now here's a real dining hall.
Tada! It's a castle! (Still!)
Okay, enough of Leeds. I went to see Shakespeare's As You Like It at the Globe in London. No cameras are allowed during the performance so here is a bare, rather non-descript stage.
The infamous Harrods department store. Don't go there. They have arbitrary rules and act like it's their kingdom so they can do whatever they want. Okay, well look inside, but don't buy anything. Okay, well look inside and maybe buy that one really good looking pastry, but then leave immediately. Or you'll be broke by the time you find the front door.
Tata for now!
Monday, September 28, 2009
A Week in Highlights (because who wants to read the boring stuff?)
I'm writing this from memory and from the few little tidbits I wrote down this past week, so I apologize if it's a tad vague. I've made it super easy for those of you who like to skim: just read the bold stuff.
20 September 2009
Arrival at Kent!
The bus ride from London was fairly uneventful (except for the fact that we were dropped off in Eliot College and had to drag our luggage to Parkwood). Ate a quick bite at Woody’s (the Parkwood bar) and finished unpacking by the end of the day. I don’t believe I’ve ever taken so few things for such a long period of time.
21 September 2009
Some stuff happened…
Mostly recuperating. And getting a student ID. And going grocery shopping in town. By bus. With eight bags between two of us. ‘Twas an adventure.
22 September 2009
10am – Introduction for International Students
Use common sense, etc, etc, etc, student orgs, the end
2:30pm – Meeting with General Advisor
Things are a bit different here, etc, etc, etc, sign up for individual advising
7pm – Reception and Dinner
The international reception and dinner was held in the large hall in Eliot College. It was somewhat intimidating entering and sitting down because the place settings were extravagant (why do I need three forks? (by the way, it’s a rhetorical question (but just in case you were wondering, the answer is for the salad, main course, and dessert))). But the intimidation was eased by the fact that all the other students thought it extravagant as well – we had some good laughs over which glass or utensil to use at which point, and whether the napkin to the left or right belonged to us. There were people from all over sitting at our table, including France, Spain, and Germany. Near the end of the meal there was entertainment on the stage; a member of the Music Society sang her national anthem and a dance club performed a Flamenco piece. Overall, the food was sub par but the company was excellent.
23 September 2009
12:40pm – Individual Advising Appointment
Yes, having only 6 hours of class is normal, and yes, you will be very busy, and yes, I can tell you what the room abbreviations actually stand for, and yes, there is an advisor specifically for theatre. Yay for my advisor having all the answers and being really nice!
2pm – Canterbury Cathedral
If I had to say one thing about the Canterbury Cathedral, it would be that it has gorgeous stained glass windows. If I had to say two things, I would add that it’s big. If I had to say three things, I would add that it’s really, really big. It’s like walking through a history of construction techniques as you see all the renovations through the ages.
After Cathedral – shopping then tea and scones
24 September 2009 & 25 September 2009
Some more stuff happened…which was quite fun but not terribly noteworthy.
26 September 2009
1pm – Archery Club Meeting
I spent Saturday afternoon hanging out with the Archery Club (yea, you read right, archery). I intended to only stay for a little while, but what better way to pass an afternoon than by chatting under the sun with a few friendly blokes while occasionally participating in one of the most awesome activities ever? Plus the field caught fire about halfway through so that was exciting. No really, it did. The neighbor’s bonfire/bbq/lit cigarette/what-have-you spread to the far end of the field. It was quite funny watching the fire brigade try to fit their fire engine through the small break in the bushes to the field. I might’ve been more worried about the fire had it not looked like we could’ve put it out with a bucket – but alas, we had no bucket. The neighbor did try to put it out with a watering can though…
27 September 2009
10am – Leeds Castle
The castle was beautiful and the grounds surrounding it were even more gorgeous. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. The sun was out but it was still cool in the shade. I tried the hedge maze with a friend and we got lost, but thankfully someone in the middle tower helped point us in the right direction. We also took a quick walk through the aviary, but the most interesting birds were outside of the aviary – geese, swans, peacocks – you name it, it’s probably there somewhere. The interior of the castle was not particularly thrilling, but I’m not much of a history buff, so I just admired the general beauty.
28 September 2009
Hey, that’s today! Or at least it was when I started writing this…
10am – First Class: Cultural Policy and British Theatre
Professor + sense of humor + knows what he’s doing = very interesting class + difficult grading = an equation I like
The other students are friendly, although I’m the only American (or non-Brit for that matter). The class size is rather small at about 20 people, so discussions and presentations will be important. I’ll probably have to find a local theatre that I can research, since funding and general procedures are different in the U.S.
6:30pm – Drama Society Meeting
The Drama Society puts on four shows per term, including one at the Gulbenkian. They also put on a Collage Show for short pieces, poems, and whatever else people want to showcase. Although I could potentially work tech for one of these, the last thing I want to do is leave myself too little time for travel and other exciting opportunities. I’ll be stage managing for some time to come, but I won’t be here forever.
On the Horizon
- update blog...check
- a picnic
- that other class
- London?
- sleep…maybe
20 September 2009
Arrival at Kent!
The bus ride from London was fairly uneventful (except for the fact that we were dropped off in Eliot College and had to drag our luggage to Parkwood). Ate a quick bite at Woody’s (the Parkwood bar) and finished unpacking by the end of the day. I don’t believe I’ve ever taken so few things for such a long period of time.
21 September 2009
Some stuff happened…
Mostly recuperating. And getting a student ID. And going grocery shopping in town. By bus. With eight bags between two of us. ‘Twas an adventure.
22 September 2009
10am – Introduction for International Students
Use common sense, etc, etc, etc, student orgs, the end
2:30pm – Meeting with General Advisor
Things are a bit different here, etc, etc, etc, sign up for individual advising
7pm – Reception and Dinner
The international reception and dinner was held in the large hall in Eliot College. It was somewhat intimidating entering and sitting down because the place settings were extravagant (why do I need three forks? (by the way, it’s a rhetorical question (but just in case you were wondering, the answer is for the salad, main course, and dessert))). But the intimidation was eased by the fact that all the other students thought it extravagant as well – we had some good laughs over which glass or utensil to use at which point, and whether the napkin to the left or right belonged to us. There were people from all over sitting at our table, including France, Spain, and Germany. Near the end of the meal there was entertainment on the stage; a member of the Music Society sang her national anthem and a dance club performed a Flamenco piece. Overall, the food was sub par but the company was excellent.
23 September 2009
12:40pm – Individual Advising Appointment
Yes, having only 6 hours of class is normal, and yes, you will be very busy, and yes, I can tell you what the room abbreviations actually stand for, and yes, there is an advisor specifically for theatre. Yay for my advisor having all the answers and being really nice!
2pm – Canterbury Cathedral
If I had to say one thing about the Canterbury Cathedral, it would be that it has gorgeous stained glass windows. If I had to say two things, I would add that it’s big. If I had to say three things, I would add that it’s really, really big. It’s like walking through a history of construction techniques as you see all the renovations through the ages.
After Cathedral – shopping then tea and scones
24 September 2009 & 25 September 2009
Some more stuff happened…which was quite fun but not terribly noteworthy.
26 September 2009
1pm – Archery Club Meeting
I spent Saturday afternoon hanging out with the Archery Club (yea, you read right, archery). I intended to only stay for a little while, but what better way to pass an afternoon than by chatting under the sun with a few friendly blokes while occasionally participating in one of the most awesome activities ever? Plus the field caught fire about halfway through so that was exciting. No really, it did. The neighbor’s bonfire/bbq/lit cigarette/what-have-you spread to the far end of the field. It was quite funny watching the fire brigade try to fit their fire engine through the small break in the bushes to the field. I might’ve been more worried about the fire had it not looked like we could’ve put it out with a bucket – but alas, we had no bucket. The neighbor did try to put it out with a watering can though…
27 September 2009
10am – Leeds Castle
The castle was beautiful and the grounds surrounding it were even more gorgeous. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. The sun was out but it was still cool in the shade. I tried the hedge maze with a friend and we got lost, but thankfully someone in the middle tower helped point us in the right direction. We also took a quick walk through the aviary, but the most interesting birds were outside of the aviary – geese, swans, peacocks – you name it, it’s probably there somewhere. The interior of the castle was not particularly thrilling, but I’m not much of a history buff, so I just admired the general beauty.
28 September 2009
Hey, that’s today! Or at least it was when I started writing this…
10am – First Class: Cultural Policy and British Theatre
Professor + sense of humor + knows what he’s doing = very interesting class + difficult grading = an equation I like
The other students are friendly, although I’m the only American (or non-Brit for that matter). The class size is rather small at about 20 people, so discussions and presentations will be important. I’ll probably have to find a local theatre that I can research, since funding and general procedures are different in the U.S.
6:30pm – Drama Society Meeting
The Drama Society puts on four shows per term, including one at the Gulbenkian. They also put on a Collage Show for short pieces, poems, and whatever else people want to showcase. Although I could potentially work tech for one of these, the last thing I want to do is leave myself too little time for travel and other exciting opportunities. I’ll be stage managing for some time to come, but I won’t be here forever.
On the Horizon
- update blog...check
- a picnic
- that other class
- London?
- sleep…maybe
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Doing the Tourist Thing
Here are a few pictures from the UC group orientation in London. The first three are from Trafalgar Square. I did the typical tourist thing and stuck my head in one of the four lions guarding the tall pillar.
This is a picture of the Parliament buildings near sunset.
Here is the London Bridge as seen from our boat tour on the river Thames.
Hopefully you recognize this. Big Ben is technically the name for the bell inside the tower, not the name for the tower itself. Didn't know that before...
Changing of the guard.
Some of the many stained glass windows in the Canterbury Cathedral.
And last but not least, a group of us had tea and scones at a cozy little shop in downtown Canterbury. It was actually quite good and very filling.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Canterbury Tale In Progress
I apologize for the lack of recent posts, but this week has been rather hectic (in a good way thankfully). I promise I am taking tons of pictures and will post them soon!
Friday, September 18, 2009
I Think I Want to Live Here...But Then I'd Be Broke
Here's a quick update for the moment, and I promise more will come later when I have regular access to internet.
After overcoming the time zone change (I'm now back to my regular sleeping in way later than I should and staying up equally way later than I should) I had the energy to finally truly explore yesterday. I wandered over to Trafalgar Square (hope I'm spelling that correctly) and walked around the surrounding area. I crossed the Thames by bridge, where I had an excellent view of the London Eye and Big Ben. I've stepped inside at least three churches/cathedrals so far, but the names are escaping me at the moment. They were even practicing music inside one and I got to listen for a while before they closed for the evening. I've seen two plays so far: War Horse and La Cage aux Folles. They are very different plays but they were both quite enjoyable.
I did the proper tourist thing and took a bunch of photos, but those will have to come at a later date. That's all for now. Cheers!
After overcoming the time zone change (I'm now back to my regular sleeping in way later than I should and staying up equally way later than I should) I had the energy to finally truly explore yesterday. I wandered over to Trafalgar Square (hope I'm spelling that correctly) and walked around the surrounding area. I crossed the Thames by bridge, where I had an excellent view of the London Eye and Big Ben. I've stepped inside at least three churches/cathedrals so far, but the names are escaping me at the moment. They were even practicing music inside one and I got to listen for a while before they closed for the evening. I've seen two plays so far: War Horse and La Cage aux Folles. They are very different plays but they were both quite enjoyable.
I did the proper tourist thing and took a bunch of photos, but those will have to come at a later date. That's all for now. Cheers!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
In the UK!
I've arrived in London! Well, actually that was yesterday, but I've only just got internet. I'll give the highlights since I've only got 2 more minutes paid for...
Flight went smoothly. Shuttle ride to hotel was long but not bad. Rained a bit on Tuesday, but the sun is peeking through the clouds today. Plenty of small cafes/sandwich shops/convenient stores surrounding the hotel. Just starting to explore.
More later!
Flight went smoothly. Shuttle ride to hotel was long but not bad. Rained a bit on Tuesday, but the sun is peeking through the clouds today. Plenty of small cafes/sandwich shops/convenient stores surrounding the hotel. Just starting to explore.
More later!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Last Day in the USA
The wait is almost over! Tomorrow I leave for London where I will spend a week before heading on to Canterbury. If you want to get in touch with me it'll have to be through email or Skype.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
New Camera
I just got a new camera so I took it for a test drive today. It's a Canon PowerShot SD780 IS and it is super super small (as in, smaller than my phone). Hopefully I'll be able to take some awesome pics while abroad. Here are a couple from the local park.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Unpacking So I Can Pack
As my departure grows nearer, the laundry list of things I need to accomplish seems to keep growing larger (including laundry, ironically enough). I must admit however, I am one of those people who puts a finished task onto the checklist just so I can have the satisfaction of checking it off...
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Back in the Bay
I am back in the bay. The drive wasn't too bad - traffic through L.A. was not nearly as horrendous as expected, even with the smoke from the fire to the east.
Now I am surrounded by suitcases and boxes. Time to unpack so I can pack again in just under two weeks!
Now I am surrounded by suitcases and boxes. Time to unpack so I can pack again in just under two weeks!
Monday, August 31, 2009
First Post
I'm creating this blog in the hopes that I will keep a record of my time abroad. I also hope it will serve to keep any and all curious friends at home satiated with stories.
I will be driving back to the bay area tomorrow and then two weeks later I'm off to England! To answer the question that everyone's been asking: yes, I am excited!
I will be driving back to the bay area tomorrow and then two weeks later I'm off to England! To answer the question that everyone's been asking: yes, I am excited!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)