Friday, January 14, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
What a great night!
13 January 2011
So this morning I completely overslept.. right through two English lectures! Oops.
Well, at least it sounds like I didn't miss much in Shakespeare, and I'll have my seminar on Monday anyway. Speaking of which, I've got to get reading-- I'm supposed to have The Merry Wives of Windsor and Twelfth Night read for next week!
Waking from my lovely, long rest, I headed to campus for my 12:30 meeting with my tutor, Helen Hackett. Yes, I have a tutor. UCL is on what's called the tutorial system, meaning that I go to lectures once a week, seminar once a week, and then meet with my tutor to decide what I want to write essays on (I can write about literally anything I want) and then my tutor grades my work instead of the professor. I already have to decide my first paper topic for next Friday! Which is crazy, because I haven't even been to a single class yet!
After my meeting, went to Waterstone's bookstore and bought some Shakespeare plays. Also bought a book called "Ways of Seeing" by John Berger because I couldn't resist. Went for lunch with Vanessa at a sandwich shop (tuna on potato again--this time with sweet corn! my new favourite). After lunch, bumped into Hillary and headed back to Waterstones (because I just can't get enough of this bookstore. I frickin love bookstores).
Walked home and did laundry! What an adventure that was. Also showered. Then headed to dinner at an Italian pizza place. Got to see Cameron from Wash U! She's been studying at UCL all year. After dinner, took the tube to Picadilly Circus to go to The Comedy Store, a stand-up comedy club. Had such a fun night! Who knew laughing for for 2 hours would be so much fun, or such great exercise (the equivalent of rowing for 20 minutes)! The comedians did a great job of picking on the Americans, which was pretty hilarious. I decided that a comedy club might be one of the best ways to really understand a culture. Here's what I learned: the British are extremely unenthusiastic compared to Americans. Even their cheering is completely different and much more subdued, kind of like a low, drawn-out "yeuuaaa" rather than an American sounding "woooooo!" They love fat people jokes. But their version of "fat" is more our version of very slightly overweight or slightly chubby. They make lots of jokes about dwarfs too. Northern and Southern England are completely different, Northerners being more working class and Southerner's being the wealthier, white collar crowd. Lots of straight men seem gay. Don't let that fool you. British people are more private with their bodily functions and are more reserved in general.
..except when it comes to barfing on the street, or using public urinals in the middle of the road, both of which I've witnessed in the past week.
But, back to my story, the best part of the night was when one of the comedians said that when people talk about things that happen being "so random" that they're probably not very interesting people. Basically, everything that happens is "random," so really nothing's random. Coincidences happen for very logical reasons, based on varying levels of probability and so there is very little that can actually be considered random-- much less than we normally think. Lesson: Life is random, or else it's not random at all. Either way you think of it, it works. As long as you don't pick out various events as "random" and others as non-random.
So this morning I completely overslept.. right through two English lectures! Oops.
Well, at least it sounds like I didn't miss much in Shakespeare, and I'll have my seminar on Monday anyway. Speaking of which, I've got to get reading-- I'm supposed to have The Merry Wives of Windsor and Twelfth Night read for next week!
Waking from my lovely, long rest, I headed to campus for my 12:30 meeting with my tutor, Helen Hackett. Yes, I have a tutor. UCL is on what's called the tutorial system, meaning that I go to lectures once a week, seminar once a week, and then meet with my tutor to decide what I want to write essays on (I can write about literally anything I want) and then my tutor grades my work instead of the professor. I already have to decide my first paper topic for next Friday! Which is crazy, because I haven't even been to a single class yet!
After my meeting, went to Waterstone's bookstore and bought some Shakespeare plays. Also bought a book called "Ways of Seeing" by John Berger because I couldn't resist. Went for lunch with Vanessa at a sandwich shop (tuna on potato again--this time with sweet corn! my new favourite). After lunch, bumped into Hillary and headed back to Waterstones (because I just can't get enough of this bookstore. I frickin love bookstores).
Walked home and did laundry! What an adventure that was. Also showered. Then headed to dinner at an Italian pizza place. Got to see Cameron from Wash U! She's been studying at UCL all year. After dinner, took the tube to Picadilly Circus to go to The Comedy Store, a stand-up comedy club. Had such a fun night! Who knew laughing for for 2 hours would be so much fun, or such great exercise (the equivalent of rowing for 20 minutes)! The comedians did a great job of picking on the Americans, which was pretty hilarious. I decided that a comedy club might be one of the best ways to really understand a culture. Here's what I learned: the British are extremely unenthusiastic compared to Americans. Even their cheering is completely different and much more subdued, kind of like a low, drawn-out "yeuuaaa" rather than an American sounding "woooooo!" They love fat people jokes. But their version of "fat" is more our version of very slightly overweight or slightly chubby. They make lots of jokes about dwarfs too. Northern and Southern England are completely different, Northerners being more working class and Southerner's being the wealthier, white collar crowd. Lots of straight men seem gay. Don't let that fool you. British people are more private with their bodily functions and are more reserved in general.
..except when it comes to barfing on the street, or using public urinals in the middle of the road, both of which I've witnessed in the past week.
But, back to my story, the best part of the night was when one of the comedians said that when people talk about things that happen being "so random" that they're probably not very interesting people. Basically, everything that happens is "random," so really nothing's random. Coincidences happen for very logical reasons, based on varying levels of probability and so there is very little that can actually be considered random-- much less than we normally think. Lesson: Life is random, or else it's not random at all. Either way you think of it, it works. As long as you don't pick out various events as "random" and others as non-random.
who's this coming up the escalator?
hmmm a (Harry Potter) boy band?
inside London's famous 'The Comedy Store'
Jordan and Hillary in Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square at night
The General
blurry picture of Big Ben, from Trafalgar Square
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Getting acclimated
12 January, 2011
So this is my eigth day here and I've officially been in London for just over a week. This morning I had class-- "The Chapel in Italy." I was a bit worried about this class, since my first art history class on Monday was pretty disappointing. The subject seems interesting but the teacher has no idea what she's doing (she seems really smart but very young and not very capable of teaching a class).
The Chapel in Italy professor though, Alison Wright, is older and definitely a much better teacher. This class seems like it's much more what I'm used to at Wash U. So after class today, I met up with Mollie for lunch at Itsu (sushi-- very good!) and after lunch went to talk to the Anthropology and Archeology departments about taking a class in their departments. The university system is so much more confusing here, and you actually have to sign up with each department individually, because most people only take classes within their own department. They had some classes available though, so I think I may switch!
After talking with the departments, I headed over to the UCL union and signed up for a gym membership! Then I explored the union a bit, and went to the volunteering office to learn about volunteer opportunities to get involved with. I also spoke with the Rights and Advice Center, which is this amazing resource at the union where you can walk in and speak to an advisor to ask questions or advice on literally any topic imaginable.
After that, went to the gym for about an hour. Really a very nice gym. There was a spin class going on, and since all the classes are included with membership I definitely want to try a spin class and a yoga class sometime. After working out, walked home and met up with Amber for dinner. We went to a place called Giraffe in Brunswick Center and it was sooo cute. I will definitely be going back there. Also stopped into the grocery store, then headed back to call it a night when all of the sudden..
My neighbor, Andre, from Romania, was playing futbol in the hallway and said he was really bored and wanted to go for a walk and invited me to go with him. We walked to Trafalgar Square, and I learned that General Trafalgar defeated the Spanish navy through his intelligence, because the Spanish navy was much more powerful at the time, and so the giant stature of General Trafalgar is a symbol of the intelligence of the British people for the Brits. I also learned some things about Romanian culture from Andre. We walked ALL over London, probably for at least an hour. I saw Big Ben! And also plenty of drunk people roaming the streets. Felt strangely outside myself and inside myself at the same time, kind of in disbelief at how drastically different my life has become and how I feel disconnected from my sense of who I am but also more in tune with it at the same time.. I don't know, it's weird and probably doesn't make much sense. I'll have to think about that some more.
Now back in my room, just got off the phone with Avanti from Wash U-- so great to hear from people back home!
So this is my eigth day here and I've officially been in London for just over a week. This morning I had class-- "The Chapel in Italy." I was a bit worried about this class, since my first art history class on Monday was pretty disappointing. The subject seems interesting but the teacher has no idea what she's doing (she seems really smart but very young and not very capable of teaching a class).
The Chapel in Italy professor though, Alison Wright, is older and definitely a much better teacher. This class seems like it's much more what I'm used to at Wash U. So after class today, I met up with Mollie for lunch at Itsu (sushi-- very good!) and after lunch went to talk to the Anthropology and Archeology departments about taking a class in their departments. The university system is so much more confusing here, and you actually have to sign up with each department individually, because most people only take classes within their own department. They had some classes available though, so I think I may switch!
After talking with the departments, I headed over to the UCL union and signed up for a gym membership! Then I explored the union a bit, and went to the volunteering office to learn about volunteer opportunities to get involved with. I also spoke with the Rights and Advice Center, which is this amazing resource at the union where you can walk in and speak to an advisor to ask questions or advice on literally any topic imaginable.
After that, went to the gym for about an hour. Really a very nice gym. There was a spin class going on, and since all the classes are included with membership I definitely want to try a spin class and a yoga class sometime. After working out, walked home and met up with Amber for dinner. We went to a place called Giraffe in Brunswick Center and it was sooo cute. I will definitely be going back there. Also stopped into the grocery store, then headed back to call it a night when all of the sudden..
My neighbor, Andre, from Romania, was playing futbol in the hallway and said he was really bored and wanted to go for a walk and invited me to go with him. We walked to Trafalgar Square, and I learned that General Trafalgar defeated the Spanish navy through his intelligence, because the Spanish navy was much more powerful at the time, and so the giant stature of General Trafalgar is a symbol of the intelligence of the British people for the Brits. I also learned some things about Romanian culture from Andre. We walked ALL over London, probably for at least an hour. I saw Big Ben! And also plenty of drunk people roaming the streets. Felt strangely outside myself and inside myself at the same time, kind of in disbelief at how drastically different my life has become and how I feel disconnected from my sense of who I am but also more in tune with it at the same time.. I don't know, it's weird and probably doesn't make much sense. I'll have to think about that some more.
Now back in my room, just got off the phone with Avanti from Wash U-- so great to hear from people back home!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
"That's so britishy!"
11 January 2011.
Today I took the tube and met up with my cousin Jodi for lunch. So much fun! She's from NYC, but lived in London for the past thirteen years and has 2 kids.
Walked back from Jodi's office building to my dorm and OF COURSE got lost. It's weird, but once I've walked somewhere once here I can find my way back, but I cannot for the life of me find anything on my first try without asking for directions at some point.
Once I found my way back (finally) headed to the grocery store! There's a great center called Brunswick center that's only about 10 minutes walk from my dorm and there's a movie theater (cinema), grocery store, drug store, and plenty of coffee shops and clothing shops. I spent about 10 minutes standing in front of the laundry detergents trying to decide which kind to buy because all the brands are different! There's actually one called "Ariel" which I was very tempted to buy, but instead opted for Method, because I like their handsoap, and it's also non-bio, and comes in a tiny little bottle the size of a ketchup bottle, and has 25 washes! And it also claims to smell great. And no dryer sheets! So I got some fabric softener, which I've never tried to use before. I also spent almost as much time in the toilet paper section. They had toilet paper infused with olive oil and vitamin E. Perfumed toilet paper. Picked up some other essentials like dark chocolate, apples, and smoothie drinks. Also got a fancy Waitrose (name of the grocery store) carrying bag that even has spots to hold your wine bottles!
After the grocery store, headed into a few clothing stores and tried on some beautiful raincoats (one red and one purple) that were on sale, but they didn't end up having my size. Exhausted, I headed to starbucks for a much needed pick-me-up, a soy hazelnut latte. Also picked up a card that I can register online for free soy milk and flavor shots! The starbucks seemed much more efficient than in the U.S.
Came back to my room and relaxed for a bit, then met up with Jordan for dinner. Met up at a pub and I got to have a beer with her lovely British boyfriend! We found a great Turkish restaurant called Tas. Probably the best dinner I've had since I've gotten here! Ten pounds for bread, yogurt dip, hummus, tabouli, lamb shish, and couscous. Such a great find!
After dinner, met up with Hillary and Mollie and had tea and dessert at an Italian place, then walked to the Court for drinks. Met some real-live British guys, Olly, Olly, and Si! They had never heard of Kim Kardashian, which was hard to believe. But they were all about Brooke Hogan. Weird.
Tried out my British accent on them, they were not impressed however. Disappointing.
Wankers!
Today I took the tube and met up with my cousin Jodi for lunch. So much fun! She's from NYC, but lived in London for the past thirteen years and has 2 kids.
Walked back from Jodi's office building to my dorm and OF COURSE got lost. It's weird, but once I've walked somewhere once here I can find my way back, but I cannot for the life of me find anything on my first try without asking for directions at some point.
Once I found my way back (finally) headed to the grocery store! There's a great center called Brunswick center that's only about 10 minutes walk from my dorm and there's a movie theater (cinema), grocery store, drug store, and plenty of coffee shops and clothing shops. I spent about 10 minutes standing in front of the laundry detergents trying to decide which kind to buy because all the brands are different! There's actually one called "Ariel" which I was very tempted to buy, but instead opted for Method, because I like their handsoap, and it's also non-bio, and comes in a tiny little bottle the size of a ketchup bottle, and has 25 washes! And it also claims to smell great. And no dryer sheets! So I got some fabric softener, which I've never tried to use before. I also spent almost as much time in the toilet paper section. They had toilet paper infused with olive oil and vitamin E. Perfumed toilet paper. Picked up some other essentials like dark chocolate, apples, and smoothie drinks. Also got a fancy Waitrose (name of the grocery store) carrying bag that even has spots to hold your wine bottles!
After the grocery store, headed into a few clothing stores and tried on some beautiful raincoats (one red and one purple) that were on sale, but they didn't end up having my size. Exhausted, I headed to starbucks for a much needed pick-me-up, a soy hazelnut latte. Also picked up a card that I can register online for free soy milk and flavor shots! The starbucks seemed much more efficient than in the U.S.
Came back to my room and relaxed for a bit, then met up with Jordan for dinner. Met up at a pub and I got to have a beer with her lovely British boyfriend! We found a great Turkish restaurant called Tas. Probably the best dinner I've had since I've gotten here! Ten pounds for bread, yogurt dip, hummus, tabouli, lamb shish, and couscous. Such a great find!
After dinner, met up with Hillary and Mollie and had tea and dessert at an Italian place, then walked to the Court for drinks. Met some real-live British guys, Olly, Olly, and Si! They had never heard of Kim Kardashian, which was hard to believe. But they were all about Brooke Hogan. Weird.
Tried out my British accent on them, they were not impressed however. Disappointing.
Wankers!
absolutely love this building!!
one of the many pubs around the corner from me, which I have yet to go into
view down my street, Bidborough Street
corner convenience store, open late.
greene king!
and.. wait for it..
so many great names for establishments..
inside The Court
Olly Olly Oxenfree
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)