One more week.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Wait... this tribe or The Other Tribe?
Painted up and dressed out for a show at XOYO this evening!! First time to Shoreditch, and I learned valuable skills in opening bottles that are not screw-cap. Also, my friends are the greatest.
One more week.
One more week.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Old: SGA Campaigning
April 1-5 was campaign week for Student Government Association elections this year. I've been involved in SGA since ole Freshman Council days and even though I wasn't on campus, I was thankfully still able to be involved! I ran for College of Business Administration Senator on the ballot of Engage, a campaign with one of my fellow CHP-ers and GLS-ers. Obviously the whole week is exciting and a little bit competitive.
Each year, a debate is held amongst all the executive candidates. This is the first year I basically knew almost all of them. I guess it's good to have such driven and motivated friends!! Rob and I are the only ones in London who are involved in SGA and we were both running for a CBA Senator position (there are 5 available spots). The debate was to be live-streamed at 1:00 am GMT, so we stayed up despite our early alarms to watch it.
Link from campus failed. Ended up monitoring all the live tweets, which may have been just as fun.
Each year, a debate is held amongst all the executive candidates. This is the first year I basically knew almost all of them. I guess it's good to have such driven and motivated friends!! Rob and I are the only ones in London who are involved in SGA and we were both running for a CBA Senator position (there are 5 available spots). The debate was to be live-streamed at 1:00 am GMT, so we stayed up despite our early alarms to watch it.
Link from campus failed. Ended up monitoring all the live tweets, which may have been just as fun.
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| FRESHCO! |
It was a wild crazy mess, and we got to see a recording the next day. All candidates did really well. I think I really just missed seeing everyone. The results of the election were announced at the end of the week, as well. The campaign Rob ran on (Baker-Atchley) won Presidential and Vice-Presidential positions, while my candidate for Student Services was elected into office. Both Rob and I won our Senate spots (after insisting all GLS London lovelies submit their votes, of course) so everything worked out!
Looks like another great year at UT! I would write a bit more about their policies, but we're watching Game of Thrones after work now....and....that's pretty important......
CHEERS!
Saturday, April 13, 2013
I hope my mother sees this...
Another day, another adventure. This afternoon, I braved the traditional London rain to see a traditional London marketplace. Portobello Road Market is located about 30 minutes away by tube and is one of the most highly recommended areas to roam when you're in town. I saw it online while I was doing touristy research before flying over from the States, so I was pretty excited to finally get over there and see the hype!
The hype was antiques. All. Antiques.
Not really, there were typical vendors as well. Trendy clothes and various jewelry pieces that were clearly ordered in quantities of 150+. For the most part, though, it was individual booths set up and manned by collectors of all kinds. They had their permanently rented spaces with everything organized and priced accordingly. It was a bit like the other markets, I suppose, but this was mostly indoors rather than individual tents. If the salesperson wasn't there, a sheet or curtain was simply hung up to block off their booth and of course they would return the next day to open shop. All I could think was how much my mother would absolutely love this place.
I am far too familiar with the art of antique shops and sales market booths thanks to Gina Roberson. I spent many a middle school Saturday in Charlie's Antique Mall (Hazel, KY. If you haven't been, you definitely should) tagging prices on intricate porcelain cups and odd-shaped iron skillets from an old Mississippi log cabin we once lived in. Her booth had antique oak furniture, 90's Beanie Babies, rocking chairs, silver dishes, Christmas dishes, Easter dishes, and nearly every Longaberger basket and dinnerware you could imagine. Yes, I can identify them. And yes, I can tell you which year they came out and how much it sold for at that time. Same with the Beanie Babies...... no shame. All the packing, unpacking, and pricing was time I got to spend with my mother just talking. Often I would ask what something was or where it came from, and that would lead to a story from her past or sometimes even wishes for the future. It was nice. And as much as I disliked the shop at the time ("Maaaaaahm do we have to?? It's so boring!"), now I look back on it fondly. I learned a lot about sales and displays, random things that people in KY find interesting, and of course my mama. Plus, Charlie's had really, really good ice cream.
So there I was in Portobello! Reminiscing and trying not to buy everything. I debated a long time over a classic porcelain teacup as well as an original Beatles vinyl. Still thinking on that vinyl. I did end up purchasing a canvas painting of London, though, and quickly left before my wallet became too friendly! I rode the bus back and sat in the front of the top level-- rain on the window: prime.
Today was a good day all-in-all! I've still got a lot of adventures to talk about, but this one goes out to Gina.
The hype was antiques. All. Antiques.
Not really, there were typical vendors as well. Trendy clothes and various jewelry pieces that were clearly ordered in quantities of 150+. For the most part, though, it was individual booths set up and manned by collectors of all kinds. They had their permanently rented spaces with everything organized and priced accordingly. It was a bit like the other markets, I suppose, but this was mostly indoors rather than individual tents. If the salesperson wasn't there, a sheet or curtain was simply hung up to block off their booth and of course they would return the next day to open shop. All I could think was how much my mother would absolutely love this place.
I am far too familiar with the art of antique shops and sales market booths thanks to Gina Roberson. I spent many a middle school Saturday in Charlie's Antique Mall (Hazel, KY. If you haven't been, you definitely should) tagging prices on intricate porcelain cups and odd-shaped iron skillets from an old Mississippi log cabin we once lived in. Her booth had antique oak furniture, 90's Beanie Babies, rocking chairs, silver dishes, Christmas dishes, Easter dishes, and nearly every Longaberger basket and dinnerware you could imagine. Yes, I can identify them. And yes, I can tell you which year they came out and how much it sold for at that time. Same with the Beanie Babies...... no shame. All the packing, unpacking, and pricing was time I got to spend with my mother just talking. Often I would ask what something was or where it came from, and that would lead to a story from her past or sometimes even wishes for the future. It was nice. And as much as I disliked the shop at the time ("Maaaaaahm do we have to?? It's so boring!"), now I look back on it fondly. I learned a lot about sales and displays, random things that people in KY find interesting, and of course my mama. Plus, Charlie's had really, really good ice cream.
So there I was in Portobello! Reminiscing and trying not to buy everything. I debated a long time over a classic porcelain teacup as well as an original Beatles vinyl. Still thinking on that vinyl. I did end up purchasing a canvas painting of London, though, and quickly left before my wallet became too friendly! I rode the bus back and sat in the front of the top level-- rain on the window: prime.
Today was a good day all-in-all! I've still got a lot of adventures to talk about, but this one goes out to Gina.
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| One shop that sold mostly crystal, wood furniture pieces, and clocks |
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| Anyone know what time it is? |
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| The rain couldn't keep us down! |
Thursday, April 11, 2013
This city never sleeps at night
Imagine Dragons concert this evening with my favorites. Do we really have to leave?
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Work Post!
Hiiiii all. I'm currently at work with BAB, but without any specific tasks to complete. Thought I'd take a moment to refresh the blog as I noticed I've made only 29 posts over the course of this trip. Granted, many of them were long.
But still. I've got more to share than just 29 posts worth! Hence this list of events that will soon be recorded for my sake and yours:
xoxo
But still. I've got more to share than just 29 posts worth! Hence this list of events that will soon be recorded for my sake and yours:
- Brighton day trip
- Les Miserables
- Warner Bros Studio Tour (Harry Potter nerd alert. #noshame #atall)
- London Eye
- Easter Sunday (breakdancers, ya'll. What?)
- LoneSound
- Cardiff, Wales
- probably some collection of pub photos
- Ceremony of the Keys
xoxo
Monday, April 8, 2013
Sam Wanamaker Festival at the Globe
After a bit of a stressful weekend, I took some time Sunday to enjoy the sights of London on my own! I still have a long list of things I still want to do and places I'd like to see in the city. Some of them many of my peers have already been to or are not interested in, so I figured it was time to overcome that and roam myself. Being a theatre nerd way back in the high school days, obviously I've been plotting a trip to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre since I knew I was coming here. I also saw it in the movie Winning London. Mary Kate and Ashley, anyone??
It was a gorgeous sunny day. One like I haven't seen since..well, since I was in the US. I decided to embrace it (and save my Tube money) and walk over. It was only about 30 minutes or so, and I was able to stop where I liked and take photos. Just me, my music, and my camera. I crossed Blackfriar's Bridge over the Thames and bought a ticket for a tour.
It was really cool how they had it set up. A museum of historical documents, stories, quotes, and costumes greeted visitors at the front before the tour began a bit down the line. The building was actually a replica, as the old one burned down long ago at a site about 300m away from the new one. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and British. i.e. classy. And you could tell he loved the theatre.
As we were about to enter the theatre, he informed us there was a festival later in the day and students from nearby drama schools were practicing on stage right now. That we would have to be very quiet, but he could tell us more facts about the Globe after we came out. My heart leapt a little bit. Students? Actually acting on the historic stage?? Yes. Yes yes yes.
After the tour was wrapped up, I went to the box office to see about attending this festival that magically dropped into my day's agenda. Five pounds for a ticket in the yard? Absolutely sold. I bought one without hesitation. I had a bit of time to waste before the doors would open (I wanted to get there early for a good standing place), so I grabbed and sandwich nearby and a Starbucks treat and continued to embrace the sun and community-like atmosphere that was happening. Other drama students, families, and just local London theatre lovers gathered around the riverside area to support these actors and the arts in general. My heart melted.
All the performances were duet pieces, about 3-5 minutes long each. Whoever set the order of performance did a very nice job, as it alternated nicely with drama and comedy without too much of one mood in a row. I really enjoyed it. Kind of reminded me of old Speech Team days, just goofing around and getting into the roles with ease. Enjoying the stage, I suppose. These students were obviously doing that.
I wasn't allowed to take photos during the event, but I did get plenty along my route and throughout the tour. One kind man did take my photo in the theatre and informed me that he intends to see more plays at the Globe having now taken a tour. I think he was there with his wife. "Been in London for years and years, just never really got into the theatre. But it's got something now, hasn't it?" I actually met quite a few people in my solo adventure. The Ray Prevost in me prodded me to be social (damn it). I spoke with a woman nearby me in the yard, who turned out to be an off-duty steward at the Globe for other plays and events. We discussed London, London theatre, the Globe and its progression, and how it's not actually supported by the government at all and solely relies on tourists, plays, and donations. I suddenly felt better about my 11 and 5 pound tickets, as well as the 8 pounds I spent on souvenirs. (Sorry not sorry, wallet.) I also met two girls, one from Amsterdam and one from Japan, who had just arrived in London with intentions to work and expose themselves to the world a bit more. They both did this on their own, and they were about my age. I suddenly felt more appreciative of the wonderful opportunity that's been handed to me by my university, incredible honors program, and supporting family. [Fun fact: As the primary language in Amsterdam is Dutch, they learn much of their English from American movies and television shows by matching the subtitles with words.]
Overall, spectacular day. I had better sleep now. Much more to do this week and much more to write about. These past few weeks and the few to come are undoubtedly jam-packed with fun European things. I can't believe it's almost over.
Cheers xoxo muah muah byeeee
It was a gorgeous sunny day. One like I haven't seen since..well, since I was in the US. I decided to embrace it (and save my Tube money) and walk over. It was only about 30 minutes or so, and I was able to stop where I liked and take photos. Just me, my music, and my camera. I crossed Blackfriar's Bridge over the Thames and bought a ticket for a tour.
One student ticket, please.
D'you have your ID with you?
Yes, of course.
That's quite alright. Eleven pounds, please. Here you go, enjoy.
Thank you.
Thanks, cheers.
It was really cool how they had it set up. A museum of historical documents, stories, quotes, and costumes greeted visitors at the front before the tour began a bit down the line. The building was actually a replica, as the old one burned down long ago at a site about 300m away from the new one. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and British. i.e. classy. And you could tell he loved the theatre.
As we were about to enter the theatre, he informed us there was a festival later in the day and students from nearby drama schools were practicing on stage right now. That we would have to be very quiet, but he could tell us more facts about the Globe after we came out. My heart leapt a little bit. Students? Actually acting on the historic stage?? Yes. Yes yes yes.
After the tour was wrapped up, I went to the box office to see about attending this festival that magically dropped into my day's agenda. Five pounds for a ticket in the yard? Absolutely sold. I bought one without hesitation. I had a bit of time to waste before the doors would open (I wanted to get there early for a good standing place), so I grabbed and sandwich nearby and a Starbucks treat and continued to embrace the sun and community-like atmosphere that was happening. Other drama students, families, and just local London theatre lovers gathered around the riverside area to support these actors and the arts in general. My heart melted.
All the performances were duet pieces, about 3-5 minutes long each. Whoever set the order of performance did a very nice job, as it alternated nicely with drama and comedy without too much of one mood in a row. I really enjoyed it. Kind of reminded me of old Speech Team days, just goofing around and getting into the roles with ease. Enjoying the stage, I suppose. These students were obviously doing that.
I wasn't allowed to take photos during the event, but I did get plenty along my route and throughout the tour. One kind man did take my photo in the theatre and informed me that he intends to see more plays at the Globe having now taken a tour. I think he was there with his wife. "Been in London for years and years, just never really got into the theatre. But it's got something now, hasn't it?" I actually met quite a few people in my solo adventure. The Ray Prevost in me prodded me to be social (damn it). I spoke with a woman nearby me in the yard, who turned out to be an off-duty steward at the Globe for other plays and events. We discussed London, London theatre, the Globe and its progression, and how it's not actually supported by the government at all and solely relies on tourists, plays, and donations. I suddenly felt better about my 11 and 5 pound tickets, as well as the 8 pounds I spent on souvenirs. (Sorry not sorry, wallet.) I also met two girls, one from Amsterdam and one from Japan, who had just arrived in London with intentions to work and expose themselves to the world a bit more. They both did this on their own, and they were about my age. I suddenly felt more appreciative of the wonderful opportunity that's been handed to me by my university, incredible honors program, and supporting family. [Fun fact: As the primary language in Amsterdam is Dutch, they learn much of their English from American movies and television shows by matching the subtitles with words.]
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| Passing under the Millenium Bridge |
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| The masses have gathered! Many of them with wine in hand |
Overall, spectacular day. I had better sleep now. Much more to do this week and much more to write about. These past few weeks and the few to come are undoubtedly jam-packed with fun European things. I can't believe it's almost over.
Cheers xoxo muah muah byeeee
Tate Museum and the 159th Annual Boat Race
Copied from my post on the GLS Blog. More details and photos to be added:
Cheerio!! I hope my classmates have been informing everyone on all of our adventures. There sure have been a lot of them, and I can hardly believe we only have a few weeks left in this amazing part of the world. Like my peers, I took advantage of the four day weekend we had for Easter! The Brits call it "bank holiday" simply because the bank is closed... Of course, none of us minded getting off work!
Friday, I went out to Brighton with a few friends. We saw the beach for the first time in what seems like forever. Even if it had small rocks instead of sand granules, still counts as a beach!! We had a nice lunch and roamed the city a bit. It may not sound eventful, but honestly it was just nice to explore the UK more and see an area outside the crowded city streets of London. It still amazes me that essentially any city is just a train ride away. Saturday, Sydney and I decided to explore and went over the bridge to the Tate Museum of Modern Art. Like with all modern art, we couldn't help but question some pieces. But that's the fun of it, isn't it?
After an incredibly contemporary Easter Sunday church service (complete with breakdancers and a music video), a group of us headed out to a new part of town for one of the UK's oldest traditions. The 159th Annual Cambridge Oxford Boat Race has been bringing students and spectators to the Thames for, well, 159 years now. It was a very lively scene, very community-oriented. It reminded me a bit of the parades and festivals I used to attend with my family back at home. Vendors lined the sidewalks and event swag was being given out every 20 feet or so. The event's theme was "Which Blue are You?," so we all chose a flag in one of the two shades. I chose Cambridge, partially because it was a beautiful blue, and partially because it was Cambridge. Oxford won in the end, but it was nice to be a part of the excitement and an event that isn't necessarily touristy, but can only happen in London.
Monday, I toured Warner Bros Studios with Sydney, Andrew, and Ryan! Probably one of the most amazing experiences I've had yet. My inner (and outer, really) Harry Potter nerd was in full force, and my camera's memory card nearly filled up.
Cheerio!! I hope my classmates have been informing everyone on all of our adventures. There sure have been a lot of them, and I can hardly believe we only have a few weeks left in this amazing part of the world. Like my peers, I took advantage of the four day weekend we had for Easter! The Brits call it "bank holiday" simply because the bank is closed... Of course, none of us minded getting off work!
Friday, I went out to Brighton with a few friends. We saw the beach for the first time in what seems like forever. Even if it had small rocks instead of sand granules, still counts as a beach!! We had a nice lunch and roamed the city a bit. It may not sound eventful, but honestly it was just nice to explore the UK more and see an area outside the crowded city streets of London. It still amazes me that essentially any city is just a train ride away. Saturday, Sydney and I decided to explore and went over the bridge to the Tate Museum of Modern Art. Like with all modern art, we couldn't help but question some pieces. But that's the fun of it, isn't it?
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| A simple mirror. While very reflective, this piece is still questionable. |
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| View crossing the Millenium Bridge |
After an incredibly contemporary Easter Sunday church service (complete with breakdancers and a music video), a group of us headed out to a new part of town for one of the UK's oldest traditions. The 159th Annual Cambridge Oxford Boat Race has been bringing students and spectators to the Thames for, well, 159 years now. It was a very lively scene, very community-oriented. It reminded me a bit of the parades and festivals I used to attend with my family back at home. Vendors lined the sidewalks and event swag was being given out every 20 feet or so. The event's theme was "Which Blue are You?," so we all chose a flag in one of the two shades. I chose Cambridge, partially because it was a beautiful blue, and partially because it was Cambridge. Oxford won in the end, but it was nice to be a part of the excitement and an event that isn't necessarily touristy, but can only happen in London.
 |
| My Cambridge support flag!! And a nice photobomb delivery from Sam |
 |
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| Cambridge and Oxford rowing! |
Monday, I toured Warner Bros Studios with Sydney, Andrew, and Ryan! Probably one of the most amazing experiences I've had yet. My inner (and outer, really) Harry Potter nerd was in full force, and my camera's memory card nearly filled up.
Again I say: I can hardly believe we only have a few weeks left here. Time to get exploring!! I know I've already made my list... Cheers!
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