So...as I have learned this semester...nothing ever goes according to plan. Here I am at 10 am on Dec 21st and I am still in London, and will be for four more days (meaning I don't get home until Christmas). So basically in the last two days this amazing semester, probably the best of my life, has become a nightmare. As of right now 4 out of 40 people in my program are actually home, a few are enroute today and many go home tomorrow. But basically United screwed us over, completely and totally...they basically canceled ALL of there flights until Weds, who does that?? There is literally no snow on the ground, this is an absurd situation. I am now finally ready to leave, and can't.
But as easy as it would be to turn this blog into a giant rant but instead I am going to say how grateful I am that I found amazing friends on this program, this situation has definitely brought us all closer. Yes I will wake up in a holiday inn in London on Christmas morning but I will be with three of my best friends and am flying home with two of them. We are trying to view this as "bonus London days" or as an adventure, trying to do everything we haven't done yet.
Those of you I love at home, well you are the reason I am so upset, I love this city but I miss my family, my friends, my boyfriend, my bed and just being home. And these bonus London days make my break expentionally more chaotic, 2 or 3 days at home then Florida, then New Years, then Sarah and Beth visit...all exciting things but no time to decompress.
But I would like to say again thank you to my amazing friends here, who turn to chocolate and popcorn with me at 12 am and who won't let me cry or be alone for to long. We will enjoy our bonus London days and our bonus together days...we can get through this together team!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Last Day of Internship: Some Reflection
I'm sorry I haven't blogged in a while, I fail yet again. As I am sure you all know my last adventure got canceled...stupid snow, closed the airport -- no Rome trip for me. But instead we had a weekend of epic adventures, essentially mostly markets, shopping and enjoying London. But that isn't what I am writing about today and yesterday...
As depressing as this is it's officially the beginning of the end.Yesterday was my last day of internship and tomorrow is the last day of classes. I am so close to the end and essentially change my mind about how I feel about it a thousand times a day. It was very much a bittersweet day, I spent the day working the Christmas show for 3-5 year olds, which is essentially the cutest thing ever. The entire show takes place on a train and as a result we all wear train conductor hats. My favorite moment of all the shows was when after we let them all into the audience I went to sit in the back (still wearing one of that hats) and this sweet little girl looked at me with huge eyes and asked me "who's going to drive the train?" So precious. But beyond that moment of extreme cuteness in general this internship has done more for me in terms of figuring out what I want to do with my life. From observing and working with all the programs Quicksilver puts on for kids I have figured out that there are ways to combine theatre with education in classroom programs. Quicksilver does all sorts of awesome things like having 9-11 year olds write plays that are performed by real professional actors, shows that teach 3-5 year olds about death through play with everyday objects and story-telling classroom activities. Basically my work has affirmed my belief that theatre is an important vehicle in the classroom, it can be used to build confidence, teach lessons (especially reading) and explore emotional issues. Its also made me more confident that this what I want to do with my life so I have been reading about educational internships in theatres and TIE (theatre in education). Basically even though I have been spending alot of time in a office, doing busy work I have been able to observe the amazing things theatre can do for kids.
And today was my last day of classes which is equally weird and bittersweet. I have learned more about theatre and myself this semester than I normally do in an entire year of college. I am excited to go home and apply the things have learned but also nervous to leave an environment that fosters all the things I believe in. I am also sad to leave all the amazing people I have met here and to leave this wonderful city.
I have no idea what the future brings but I have faith at some point it will bring me back here. And I know now that I can pursue a career that uses everything I am studying and everything I believe in.
As depressing as this is it's officially the beginning of the end.Yesterday was my last day of internship and tomorrow is the last day of classes. I am so close to the end and essentially change my mind about how I feel about it a thousand times a day. It was very much a bittersweet day, I spent the day working the Christmas show for 3-5 year olds, which is essentially the cutest thing ever. The entire show takes place on a train and as a result we all wear train conductor hats. My favorite moment of all the shows was when after we let them all into the audience I went to sit in the back (still wearing one of that hats) and this sweet little girl looked at me with huge eyes and asked me "who's going to drive the train?" So precious. But beyond that moment of extreme cuteness in general this internship has done more for me in terms of figuring out what I want to do with my life. From observing and working with all the programs Quicksilver puts on for kids I have figured out that there are ways to combine theatre with education in classroom programs. Quicksilver does all sorts of awesome things like having 9-11 year olds write plays that are performed by real professional actors, shows that teach 3-5 year olds about death through play with everyday objects and story-telling classroom activities. Basically my work has affirmed my belief that theatre is an important vehicle in the classroom, it can be used to build confidence, teach lessons (especially reading) and explore emotional issues. Its also made me more confident that this what I want to do with my life so I have been reading about educational internships in theatres and TIE (theatre in education). Basically even though I have been spending alot of time in a office, doing busy work I have been able to observe the amazing things theatre can do for kids.
And today was my last day of classes which is equally weird and bittersweet. I have learned more about theatre and myself this semester than I normally do in an entire year of college. I am excited to go home and apply the things have learned but also nervous to leave an environment that fosters all the things I believe in. I am also sad to leave all the amazing people I have met here and to leave this wonderful city.
I have no idea what the future brings but I have faith at some point it will bring me back here. And I know now that I can pursue a career that uses everything I am studying and everything I believe in.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The week in which I see 3 plays, have 3 Thanksgivings and go to two Muesums
This week began, were I left off in the last blog, with the hopes of seeing shows and living London life to the fullest. The adventures began last Sunday night with the first of my three Thanksgivings. This one was hosted by IES and featured 4 or 5 turkeys and a mish-mash of other Thanksgiving food. It was fun but not particularly festive, it involved paper plates and grabbing as much food as possible before running to our respective lounges. But there was turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing so it was not a total loss.
Then on Monday, Charlotte and I went on an epic play adventure. We had planned to go see An Ideal Husband we were going to show up before the show and buy cheap student tickets. But as we all know, things often don't work out according to plan. So of course all the cheap tickets were gone but we had about a hour before shows started and were in a very theatre-full area so we decided to wander and see what other shows we could find. We then stumbled upon A Woman in Black a show some other members of our program had seen and liked, but it was supposed to be scary. For 20 pound second row seats we decided to risk it and I am so glad we did. So scary, at moments I thought Charlotte was literally going to squeeze my hand off but I am so glad we went. Scary theatre is something I had no experience with before I got here and I think I like it. It is much more effective than movies because it is real.
Ooh on Tuesday I went to the Imperial War Museum, which is not really my thing, its a little too depressing but it was definitely a interesting presentation of social history. We went for my Women in London class and we had to find the women in the world war one display.
Then on Weds I saw another piece of somewhat scary or least dark, theatre. I am a intern at the New Diorama Theatre and their piece that week was Schiller's Robbers. It was bizarre and I feel like I probably missed something without truly knowing the history or social context behind it but it was well acted and the staging really innovative. It was in the black box with white chalk drawings on the walls, everything felt symbolic.
Then on Thursday my friends and I had a giant Thanksgiving potluck. Basically first Thanksgiving way from home was a success. Rachel made a turkey and everyone brought some sort of food. I have never been that full in my entire life but it was so delicious.
Friday is mildly irrelevant to the theme of this post but there was shopping and adventuring to be had.
Saturday is Thanksgiving and play number three. For Thanksgiving I went to Neal and Lisa's house (my second cousins) I am basically in love with their children and love any excuse to hold a baby and get feed a home cooked meal. And then Saturday night Emily and I went to see A Glass Menagerie which was basically amazing, the staging was really interesting and it sort of proved to me that revivals can be successful (the show is not dated).
And on Sunday Emily and I continued our weekend of adventure with my second museum of the week, the V & A which honestly is sort of a strange museum, I didn't really understand the correlation between all the exhibits but it has a amazing theatre exhibit, awesome jewelry exhibits and a gallery devoted to Peter Rabbit and Beatrix Potter's drawings so I would call that a success in my book. And that day ended with the discovery of an amazing little crepe place hidden behind the tube station, all in all my first Thanksgiving weekend away from home, though at times difficult was a success.
And this weekend will be (weather premiting) our last grand adventure - Rome!
Then on Monday, Charlotte and I went on an epic play adventure. We had planned to go see An Ideal Husband we were going to show up before the show and buy cheap student tickets. But as we all know, things often don't work out according to plan. So of course all the cheap tickets were gone but we had about a hour before shows started and were in a very theatre-full area so we decided to wander and see what other shows we could find. We then stumbled upon A Woman in Black a show some other members of our program had seen and liked, but it was supposed to be scary. For 20 pound second row seats we decided to risk it and I am so glad we did. So scary, at moments I thought Charlotte was literally going to squeeze my hand off but I am so glad we went. Scary theatre is something I had no experience with before I got here and I think I like it. It is much more effective than movies because it is real.
Ooh on Tuesday I went to the Imperial War Museum, which is not really my thing, its a little too depressing but it was definitely a interesting presentation of social history. We went for my Women in London class and we had to find the women in the world war one display.
Then on Weds I saw another piece of somewhat scary or least dark, theatre. I am a intern at the New Diorama Theatre and their piece that week was Schiller's Robbers. It was bizarre and I feel like I probably missed something without truly knowing the history or social context behind it but it was well acted and the staging really innovative. It was in the black box with white chalk drawings on the walls, everything felt symbolic.
Then on Thursday my friends and I had a giant Thanksgiving potluck. Basically first Thanksgiving way from home was a success. Rachel made a turkey and everyone brought some sort of food. I have never been that full in my entire life but it was so delicious.
Friday is mildly irrelevant to the theme of this post but there was shopping and adventuring to be had.
Saturday is Thanksgiving and play number three. For Thanksgiving I went to Neal and Lisa's house (my second cousins) I am basically in love with their children and love any excuse to hold a baby and get feed a home cooked meal. And then Saturday night Emily and I went to see A Glass Menagerie which was basically amazing, the staging was really interesting and it sort of proved to me that revivals can be successful (the show is not dated).
And on Sunday Emily and I continued our weekend of adventure with my second museum of the week, the V & A which honestly is sort of a strange museum, I didn't really understand the correlation between all the exhibits but it has a amazing theatre exhibit, awesome jewelry exhibits and a gallery devoted to Peter Rabbit and Beatrix Potter's drawings so I would call that a success in my book. And that day ended with the discovery of an amazing little crepe place hidden behind the tube station, all in all my first Thanksgiving weekend away from home, though at times difficult was a success.
And this weekend will be (weather premiting) our last grand adventure - Rome!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
One Month Left - Lists and Reflections
So it's official, I have less than a month left in London, 27 days from today (Sunday) to be exact. And I realized that my blogs have all recently been about all my trips, which are amazing but I feel as if I am abandoning London and all its amazingness. So I am thinking this post will be about some of the great things I have done in this amazing city. The thing I have come to love most about London is how different each part of the city feels, you can take the tube for 20 minutes and be in a completely different world (ethnically, socio-economically and even just culturally). I have also been to so many amazing markets that I will miss dearly, Borough Market is probably my favorite (all food -- a foodie heaven) but I love Brick Lane, Portobello Market, Greenwhich Market and the awesome vintage market Rachel and I found in Islington that I dont know the name of. I have also been to some incredible museums and my plan to cure the Thanksgiving homesickness next weekend is to go to more but some of my favorites have been the V&A Museum of Childhood (so many dollhouses), the Museum of London, the science museum and the National Gallery. I feel like this blog entry is not doing this incredible city justice but really I love everything.
And in terms of classes they are basically incredible, I have one class where we literally only see a play each week and then discuss it in class. I have two other theatre classes, one acting which has been surprisingly interesting as casting is done so differently here and from a potential directors point of view its good to be exposed to. And my second theatre class, theatre industry is amazing my final paper has the thesis: theatre in elementary education is as important as math. My other class, the non-theatre class is actually one of my favorites, its called Women in London and its a history/womens studies class and I love it. We wander around London and learn about the suffragettes, etc and our professor is amazing, she has written plays and curated museum exhibits.
And my internship is pretty incredible to. Even though the work I am doing is more often than not busy work, typing things up, etc. the actual work done by Quicksilver Theatre Company is the sort of work I hope to be doing one day. Not only do they produce and write plays, they also have amazing educational programs. My favorite thing they do is this program called Primary Voices, where 10-11 year old kids write plays and the winning plays (2 from each participating school in the area) will be put on in January by professional actors. I love everything about this program, first of all it makes theatre accessible to kids who would normally not get access to it (lower income families). Other than the obvious self confidence boosters this program treats kids as equals, allows them to interact with adult, professional actors as if they are real professional writers. The thing as an education major I love the most though is the fact that this program allowed kids to address real issues in their lives, many of the plays were about divorce and a few were about poverty and being in foster care (so touching). Quicksilver also puts on amazing shows for 3-5 year olds, like Upstairs in the Sky a show about storytelling and also about death -- (dealing with a dead grandparent). They aren't afraid to address real issues with these kids and they are using theatre as an educational tool in a way I hope to do one day.
But in general this week before Thanksgiving has been a really weird time for me. This is definitely the longest I have gone without going home, the longest I have gone without seeing Joey and even though I did see my family not going home for Thanksgiving is definitely the hardest part thus far. Seeing everyone at Beloit's facebook statuses about Thanksgiving break and knowing my family is getting together is really strange. But at the same time I am not ready to leave London yet, there are so many neighborhoods I haven't been to, so many museums and plays and so much ethnic food to eat. I would love to go home for a few weeks but then I would love to come back here, I have officially fallen in love with this city. And I have met the most amazing people here this is the first time in my life I have been an school environment where I honestly like and am friendly with the majority of the other students. And my girls, my friends I have made here, this experience wouldn't be half of what it was without you guys to go on epic adventures with me.
But since I am here for a theatre program I thought I would finish this blog with a list of all the plays I have seen so far.
"Going home broke, its the only way to go out." No more money and my pants wont fit but I will be happy and done everything. -- The only problem is homework, why are you getting in the way of my London time?
And in terms of classes they are basically incredible, I have one class where we literally only see a play each week and then discuss it in class. I have two other theatre classes, one acting which has been surprisingly interesting as casting is done so differently here and from a potential directors point of view its good to be exposed to. And my second theatre class, theatre industry is amazing my final paper has the thesis: theatre in elementary education is as important as math. My other class, the non-theatre class is actually one of my favorites, its called Women in London and its a history/womens studies class and I love it. We wander around London and learn about the suffragettes, etc and our professor is amazing, she has written plays and curated museum exhibits.
And my internship is pretty incredible to. Even though the work I am doing is more often than not busy work, typing things up, etc. the actual work done by Quicksilver Theatre Company is the sort of work I hope to be doing one day. Not only do they produce and write plays, they also have amazing educational programs. My favorite thing they do is this program called Primary Voices, where 10-11 year old kids write plays and the winning plays (2 from each participating school in the area) will be put on in January by professional actors. I love everything about this program, first of all it makes theatre accessible to kids who would normally not get access to it (lower income families). Other than the obvious self confidence boosters this program treats kids as equals, allows them to interact with adult, professional actors as if they are real professional writers. The thing as an education major I love the most though is the fact that this program allowed kids to address real issues in their lives, many of the plays were about divorce and a few were about poverty and being in foster care (so touching). Quicksilver also puts on amazing shows for 3-5 year olds, like Upstairs in the Sky a show about storytelling and also about death -- (dealing with a dead grandparent). They aren't afraid to address real issues with these kids and they are using theatre as an educational tool in a way I hope to do one day.
But in general this week before Thanksgiving has been a really weird time for me. This is definitely the longest I have gone without going home, the longest I have gone without seeing Joey and even though I did see my family not going home for Thanksgiving is definitely the hardest part thus far. Seeing everyone at Beloit's facebook statuses about Thanksgiving break and knowing my family is getting together is really strange. But at the same time I am not ready to leave London yet, there are so many neighborhoods I haven't been to, so many museums and plays and so much ethnic food to eat. I would love to go home for a few weeks but then I would love to come back here, I have officially fallen in love with this city. And I have met the most amazing people here this is the first time in my life I have been an school environment where I honestly like and am friendly with the majority of the other students. And my girls, my friends I have made here, this experience wouldn't be half of what it was without you guys to go on epic adventures with me.
But since I am here for a theatre program I thought I would finish this blog with a list of all the plays I have seen so far.
- The Merry Wives of Windsor
- Today I Live
- Pieces of Vincent
- Clybourne Park
- All My Sons
- I Drink the Air Before Me (a dance piece so I am not sure if it counts)
- Enlightenment
- Faust
- Ooook (children's show)
- Or Am I Alone? (forum theatre -- theatre of the oppressed done in a homeless shelter)
- Parade
- Hamlet
- Billy Elliot
- My Romantic History
- Deathtrap
- Upstairs in the Sky (at my internship)
- Blasted
"Going home broke, its the only way to go out." No more money and my pants wont fit but I will be happy and done everything. -- The only problem is homework, why are you getting in the way of my London time?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
How many desserts can I eat in one weekend? And other eternal questions answered -- Paris Style
So as you all know I went to Paris the first weekend of November, again sorry for the late post but life has gotten...hectic.That's right, we successfully completed our first weekend trip that was not IES sponsored, totally on our own. And not only that but it was to Paris, somewhere we had been advised not to go because of strikes etc. But I would just like to make it clear now, it was totally safe in that regard, I didn't see one strike or riot and we had no real problems with transportation. That is not to say the trip was not without struggles, as Jenna put it our highs were very high but the lows were very low. It was definately a learning experience.. but still I had fun...let me tell you about itDay1
This day began with me waking up at about 4 in the morning or something absurd like that our flight left at 8 am and we had to get ourselves to Luton airport. So after attempting to wait for a nightbus we jumped in a cab and went to Victoria station where we embarked on our bus ride (about a hour). Then we got on our flight to Paris (it was so short) and before we knew it we were there! So we figured out how to take a train and then a metra to our hostel (good job Rachel) and that was surprisingly painless. We got off the metra and there was the Moulin Rouge and street corner crepe men, our trip had begun! We headed to our hostel, met Jenna and then took off.
It was a amazing beautiful day so our first item of business was a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower. We wandered down the street and bought cheese, baguettes and fruit from street vendors (yum). Then we got on the metra to head to the tower. On this metra ride, 2 of my friends got pickpocketed (and the lows began). So after dealing with that disaster and we finally headed to the tower. And it was beautiful. I had been there over the summer but was not prepared for the beauty that is Paris when the leaves are changing. So we had our french picnic under the tower and took millions of pictures.
After that we headed to Notre Dame stopping at our first bakery of the trip along the way at which Jenna and I had delicious eclairs. After exploring Notre Dame, so beautiful and moving (regardless of the religious aspects.) Then we went on absurdly long walk to find dinner, it was good but not spectacular but the dessert was amazing. I had profiteroles (which is basically my favorite dessert of all time). Anyway when I was younger my dad and I ranked profiteroles in French restaurants around Chicago, so I am somewhat of an expert :) but these were quite possibly top 3. (And yes this entry will in fact be a running commentary on food).
Day 2
On Saturday Rachel and I headed to Versailles, something I was super excited about since I didn't go during my last Paris trip. It was only about a 40 minute train ride and then we were there. When we arrived we discovered the gardens were free and spent probably about a hour (in the misty light rain) wandering and taking in the beauty. Once again I was pleasantly surprised by the fall, by how pretty a garden could be without the flowers in bloom. After we wandered and took our amazing jumping pictures we were getting ready to pay the absurd fee to head inside. And we when arrived at the door the man told us because we had student visas (are students in Europe) we got to go in for free! We wandered the hall of mirrors and the rooms of Marie Antoinette. The only downside was the absurd exhibit going on at the time. Apparently the King was interested in modern art at the time so someone thought it would be interesting to juxtapose really bad modern art with modern art of Marie Antoinette's time. Let me tell you, not a good idea. But regardless the inside was as incredible as the outside. Then we took a train back to the city.
After arriving back to Paris we headed to largest flea market in Paris. We stopped for lunch at cute bistro,met some fellow Americans and then headed out to shop. Parts of the market were a bit sketchy, selling knock-offs and what not but we discovered the hidden treasure of an indoor antique market (which was especially exciting given the pouring rain and our lack of umbrellas). This market was essentially unaffordable but beautiful and after that we went out the flea market and got our Parisian scarfs, jewelry, Christmas presents and more.Then we went to Champs de Elysee and the Arch de Triumph but since it was raining after getting sufficiently soaked we moved into a cafe for coffee and warmth.
After sitting for a while we headed back to the Eiffel Tower area to meet the girls for dinner. This was our splurge meal, 3 course of french food and even wine. It was delicious and very nice to be in a real restaurant. After our amazing dinner we headed back to the tower, to go to the top at night. Since I had been there before I think my favorite part was watching the other girls reactions, the amazement and enjoyment that is seeing it for the first time, sparkling at night. And regardless of the pouring rain the view was spectacular. The only problem was once we got down we realized how wet and cold we truly were. I had to throw out a pair of flats that day but it was so worth it.
Day 3
Our last day in Paris : ( We decided after seeing ht Louvre line that most of us didn't want to wait so I took those girls to my favorite museum in the world the l'Orangerie. It is basically a museum solely dedicated to Monet's water colors. They are the size of the wall and overwhelmingly beautiful. After the museum we did some more rain wandering and souvenir shopping. After that we went the Cafe the movie Amelie takes place in for lunch, super cute and the french onion soup was amazing. Then we climbed to the top of the Sacré-Cœur, another incredible view. We finished our afternoon with wandering all around Paris, just seeing the neighborhoods, the houses and eating as many pastries as humanly possibly. I had gelato that was to die for and a beniget filled with chocolate (who knew that even existed). But then we were cold and wet and had to take a bus to the airport because of train closures. Also I don't recommend riding a airplane with wet shoes, no fun. But then around midnight we were finally made it back to London.
This day began with me waking up at about 4 in the morning or something absurd like that our flight left at 8 am and we had to get ourselves to Luton airport. So after attempting to wait for a nightbus we jumped in a cab and went to Victoria station where we embarked on our bus ride (about a hour). Then we got on our flight to Paris (it was so short) and before we knew it we were there! So we figured out how to take a train and then a metra to our hostel (good job Rachel) and that was surprisingly painless. We got off the metra and there was the Moulin Rouge and street corner crepe men, our trip had begun! We headed to our hostel, met Jenna and then took off.
 |
| Anne enjoying the first Parisian crepe of the trip |
It was a amazing beautiful day so our first item of business was a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower. We wandered down the street and bought cheese, baguettes and fruit from street vendors (yum). Then we got on the metra to head to the tower. On this metra ride, 2 of my friends got pickpocketed (and the lows began). So after dealing with that disaster and we finally headed to the tower. And it was beautiful. I had been there over the summer but was not prepared for the beauty that is Paris when the leaves are changing. So we had our french picnic under the tower and took millions of pictures.
After that we headed to Notre Dame stopping at our first bakery of the trip along the way at which Jenna and I had delicious eclairs. After exploring Notre Dame, so beautiful and moving (regardless of the religious aspects.) Then we went on absurdly long walk to find dinner, it was good but not spectacular but the dessert was amazing. I had profiteroles (which is basically my favorite dessert of all time). Anyway when I was younger my dad and I ranked profiteroles in French restaurants around Chicago, so I am somewhat of an expert :) but these were quite possibly top 3. (And yes this entry will in fact be a running commentary on food).
 |
| Pastry number 1 |
 |
| Notre Dame |
 |
| Profiteroles!!! |
Day 2
On Saturday Rachel and I headed to Versailles, something I was super excited about since I didn't go during my last Paris trip. It was only about a 40 minute train ride and then we were there. When we arrived we discovered the gardens were free and spent probably about a hour (in the misty light rain) wandering and taking in the beauty. Once again I was pleasantly surprised by the fall, by how pretty a garden could be without the flowers in bloom. After we wandered and took our amazing jumping pictures we were getting ready to pay the absurd fee to head inside. And we when arrived at the door the man told us because we had student visas (are students in Europe) we got to go in for free! We wandered the hall of mirrors and the rooms of Marie Antoinette. The only downside was the absurd exhibit going on at the time. Apparently the King was interested in modern art at the time so someone thought it would be interesting to juxtapose really bad modern art with modern art of Marie Antoinette's time. Let me tell you, not a good idea. But regardless the inside was as incredible as the outside. Then we took a train back to the city.
 |
| Hall of Mirrors |
After arriving back to Paris we headed to largest flea market in Paris. We stopped for lunch at cute bistro,met some fellow Americans and then headed out to shop. Parts of the market were a bit sketchy, selling knock-offs and what not but we discovered the hidden treasure of an indoor antique market (which was especially exciting given the pouring rain and our lack of umbrellas). This market was essentially unaffordable but beautiful and after that we went out the flea market and got our Parisian scarfs, jewelry, Christmas presents and more.Then we went to Champs de Elysee and the Arch de Triumph but since it was raining after getting sufficiently soaked we moved into a cafe for coffee and warmth.
 |
| Arch de Triumph |
After sitting for a while we headed back to the Eiffel Tower area to meet the girls for dinner. This was our splurge meal, 3 course of french food and even wine. It was delicious and very nice to be in a real restaurant. After our amazing dinner we headed back to the tower, to go to the top at night. Since I had been there before I think my favorite part was watching the other girls reactions, the amazement and enjoyment that is seeing it for the first time, sparkling at night. And regardless of the pouring rain the view was spectacular. The only problem was once we got down we realized how wet and cold we truly were. I had to throw out a pair of flats that day but it was so worth it.
Day 3
Our last day in Paris : ( We decided after seeing ht Louvre line that most of us didn't want to wait so I took those girls to my favorite museum in the world the l'Orangerie. It is basically a museum solely dedicated to Monet's water colors. They are the size of the wall and overwhelmingly beautiful. After the museum we did some more rain wandering and souvenir shopping. After that we went the Cafe the movie Amelie takes place in for lunch, super cute and the french onion soup was amazing. Then we climbed to the top of the Sacré-Cœur, another incredible view. We finished our afternoon with wandering all around Paris, just seeing the neighborhoods, the houses and eating as many pastries as humanly possibly. I had gelato that was to die for and a beniget filled with chocolate (who knew that even existed). But then we were cold and wet and had to take a bus to the airport because of train closures. Also I don't recommend riding a airplane with wet shoes, no fun. But then around midnight we were finally made it back to London.
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| My favorite Monet |
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| Another favorite |
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| Jenna enjoying one of the many Parisian pastries of the trip |
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Scotland - The Most Beautiful Place on Earth
So I apologize to my readers, this blog entry has been a long time coming since I went to Scotland on the 28th of October (and its now November -- how did this happen?) But I would just like to take a moment to acknowledge the fact that my lack of updates is a good thing, it means I have been to busy doing amazing things to even stop and write. But since I will be here the next three weekends expect much more regular updates, as I have many things to say lately. But first since I am attempting to write this somewhat chronologically --> Scotland.
Day 1
We left the res hall way, way, to early on Thursday morning (around 6:30am) to take the tube to Kings Cross Station (a giant train station) where we boarded our train to Scotland. Needless to say it takes 5 hours to ride a train to Scotland something someone like me (with no ability to sit still) was not that pleased with. Basically a normal person would have slept but I just didn't really know what to do with those hours (though the last hour or so of the train ride was beautiful).
So then we finally arrived in Edinburgh to meet our guide, a short middle-aged man wearing a kilt. He was driving a bright yellow tour bus with the words "Wild & Sexy" on the side and right away I knew this was going to be a strange trip. He provided us with a running commentary of profane jokes and interesting, at times irrelevant information.
The first place we stopped was the Warren Memorial (some sort of Braveheart reference but I am to movie deprived to understand). So we hiked up to the top of the hill and it was the beginning of the indescribable beauty I witnessed over the next few days.
Then we drove around the Scottish Highlands, quite possibly the most beauitful place on earth, full of roaming hills and waterfalls. I have never seen this sort of natural beauty in real life.
After an entire day of traveling (and unfortunately carsickness) we stopped in our first hostel, in Fort Williams. Weirdly, we went to a Mexican restaurant that night and it was delicious. Then we went back to our cute little family owned hostel (it was pouring rain all night) and curled up by the fire. It was delightful.
Day 2
Our day began with a train ride on a real steam train, the train that inspired/used in Harry Potter. Unfortunately we didn't set in Hogwarts Express style seats (those were the first class cars). Though I am not a huge Harry Potter fan I did recognize the romance in riding in an old fashioned steam train with a snack car and a beautiful view the whole way. Scotland is the most naturally beautiful place I have experienced in my life. The highlands are huge cliffs and mountains (something those of us in the flat midwest don't see everyday) all covered in trees with perfect fall leaves in all different colors. I never understood people who loved fall before, and now I do.
After the train ride we grabbed lunch in this cute seaside town (but it was raining too hard to really explore) and then we got back on our tourbus. We were prepared for a long ride to Loch Ness when two wheels literally feel off our bus and we had to wait on the bus for two hours watching a movie. Then when we finally got a new bus it was too late and rainy to ride a boat on the river so instead we stopped and climbed a hill to the Viaduct from Harry Potter (another thing I didn't really understand) but it was another incredible view.
Then more bus riding and we went to a new hostel. This one was particularly cute, owned by a sweet Scottish family who cooked us a traditional meal featuring Haggis (which I was unable to eat), a delicious dessert and they then taught us how to Scottish dance (such a fun disaster). Then we got to spend another night sitting in front of a fire.
Day 3
The first thing we did that morning before embarking on another long drive was stop at the Loch Ness since hadn't the night before.
Once again we spent hours on the bus riding through beautiful hills amazed my more views. After the drive we climbed another hill, this time to see real reindeer. They were adorable and we got to feed them. This walk to the reindeer was probably my favorite part, we got to climb over little hills, bridges over rivers and then literally frolic in the mountains with wild animals.
After lunch and more driving we went to a whiskey factory, I think whiskey is gross but unlike the guiness factory this was a working distillery not a museum so that was interesting to see.
After more amazing scenery and driving we went to Edinburgh which is another great city. Its a larger scenery but manages to have a natural feel. Our hostel was fun since we got to choose our roommates, have a big room and there was conveniently a bar in the basement. Since it was Halloween we all got dressed up in our makeshift costumes, I was a gypsy. Then we went on a ghost tour, which I personally didn't enjoy it was just sort of emotionally manipulative and silly but afterward we went dancing!
Day 4
On our last day in Scotland we woke up pretty early (thank you European early daylight savings time) and Rachel and I went exploring. We did alot of wandering (our first day in Scotland without rain) and then went to Edinburgh Castle (I love exploring old castles).
After going to the castle we went to a coffee shop which is famous for being the inspiration, the place were many famous writers (one of them being J.K. Rowling) wrote. i just love a good coffee shop, especially one with amazing chocolate cake.
After this a few of us went to climb Arthur Seat (a hill with the best view of the city) even though we climbed the wrong track we still got the incredible view and a "photo shoot" ontop of the hill. Then after all of this we got on another five hour train ride and headed home to London! All in all it was an amazing trip. And there are a thousand more photos of facebook so please check them out. Uploading them all to this blog would take forever.
Day 1
We left the res hall way, way, to early on Thursday morning (around 6:30am) to take the tube to Kings Cross Station (a giant train station) where we boarded our train to Scotland. Needless to say it takes 5 hours to ride a train to Scotland something someone like me (with no ability to sit still) was not that pleased with. Basically a normal person would have slept but I just didn't really know what to do with those hours (though the last hour or so of the train ride was beautiful).
 |
| First view of Scotland |
So then we finally arrived in Edinburgh to meet our guide, a short middle-aged man wearing a kilt. He was driving a bright yellow tour bus with the words "Wild & Sexy" on the side and right away I knew this was going to be a strange trip. He provided us with a running commentary of profane jokes and interesting, at times irrelevant information.
 |
| Our bus |
The first place we stopped was the Warren Memorial (some sort of Braveheart reference but I am to movie deprived to understand). So we hiked up to the top of the hill and it was the beginning of the indescribable beauty I witnessed over the next few days.
 | |
| First view of Warren Memorial |
 |
| View from ontop of the memorial |
 |
| Me on top of the memorial -- after a long climb up the hill |
Then we drove around the Scottish Highlands, quite possibly the most beauitful place on earth, full of roaming hills and waterfalls. I have never seen this sort of natural beauty in real life.
 |
| The first view of the Highlands |
 |
| The girls and I in the Highlands |
Day 2
Our day began with a train ride on a real steam train, the train that inspired/used in Harry Potter. Unfortunately we didn't set in Hogwarts Express style seats (those were the first class cars). Though I am not a huge Harry Potter fan I did recognize the romance in riding in an old fashioned steam train with a snack car and a beautiful view the whole way. Scotland is the most naturally beautiful place I have experienced in my life. The highlands are huge cliffs and mountains (something those of us in the flat midwest don't see everyday) all covered in trees with perfect fall leaves in all different colors. I never understood people who loved fall before, and now I do.
 |
| The Steam Train |
 |
| Jenna and I when the train stopped in the Highlands |
After the train ride we grabbed lunch in this cute seaside town (but it was raining too hard to really explore) and then we got back on our tourbus. We were prepared for a long ride to Loch Ness when two wheels literally feel off our bus and we had to wait on the bus for two hours watching a movie. Then when we finally got a new bus it was too late and rainy to ride a boat on the river so instead we stopped and climbed a hill to the Viaduct from Harry Potter (another thing I didn't really understand) but it was another incredible view.
 | |||
| Jenna and Anne frolicking in the mountains (I love this picture so much) |
 |
| The beautiful view |
Then more bus riding and we went to a new hostel. This one was particularly cute, owned by a sweet Scottish family who cooked us a traditional meal featuring Haggis (which I was unable to eat), a delicious dessert and they then taught us how to Scottish dance (such a fun disaster). Then we got to spend another night sitting in front of a fire.
 |
| Our Haggis Dinner (eeew -- but I tried it) |
Day 3
The first thing we did that morning before embarking on another long drive was stop at the Loch Ness since hadn't the night before.
 |
| In front of the loch |
 |
| Another photo of the loch |
Once again we spent hours on the bus riding through beautiful hills amazed my more views. After the drive we climbed another hill, this time to see real reindeer. They were adorable and we got to feed them. This walk to the reindeer was probably my favorite part, we got to climb over little hills, bridges over rivers and then literally frolic in the mountains with wild animals.
 |
| Feeding the reindeer |
 |
| Whiskey factory! |
After more amazing scenery and driving we went to Edinburgh which is another great city. Its a larger scenery but manages to have a natural feel. Our hostel was fun since we got to choose our roommates, have a big room and there was conveniently a bar in the basement. Since it was Halloween we all got dressed up in our makeshift costumes, I was a gypsy. Then we went on a ghost tour, which I personally didn't enjoy it was just sort of emotionally manipulative and silly but afterward we went dancing!
 |
| Make-shift gypsy costume |
 |
| Going out for Halloween! |
Day 4
On our last day in Scotland we woke up pretty early (thank you European early daylight savings time) and Rachel and I went exploring. We did alot of wandering (our first day in Scotland without rain) and then went to Edinburgh Castle (I love exploring old castles).
  |
| Photo on the hillside with the Castle and photo of the Castle |
After going to the castle we went to a coffee shop which is famous for being the inspiration, the place were many famous writers (one of them being J.K. Rowling) wrote. i just love a good coffee shop, especially one with amazing chocolate cake.
 |
| J.K. Rowling Cafe |
After this a few of us went to climb Arthur Seat (a hill with the best view of the city) even though we climbed the wrong track we still got the incredible view and a "photo shoot" ontop of the hill. Then after all of this we got on another five hour train ride and headed home to London! All in all it was an amazing trip. And there are a thousand more photos of facebook so please check them out. Uploading them all to this blog would take forever.
 |
Me ontop of Arthur's seat, overlooking Edinburgh  |
Saturday, October 23, 2010
"I can smell the calories" - My Adventures in Belguim (and the week before)
Sorry this post is super delayed but I am officially the busiest person in the world. I think I am about 2 weeks behind so I will try to cover everything, at least briefly. Last week (October 9-16) my family came to London! It was so much fun even though it did make me more homesick. But the week was awesome, it consisted of toursity attractions and the most delicious food I have had in awhile. While they were here we went to the Tower of London. Here's us outside the tour across from the bridge.
The day they left (Saturday morning) I headed out on my second IES sponsored weekend trip, this one to Iepers Belgium. We left much to early in the morning and spent way to many hours on a coach bus and then on a ferry the size of your average cruise ship. The ferry had multiple restaurants and coach buses were parked on the bottom level. But around 3 in the afternoon we finally got to Ieper. It was beautiful town full of really cute architecture. All of the buildings looked like these ones.
We got there and spent the afternoon in a really interesting museum about World War I. We went to the Menin Gate that evening and attended a poignant memorial ceremony that occurs every night there. I definitely learned more about the war than I ever knew. Poppy's are an important symbol of remembrance and these beautiful wreaths were all over the town and the gate.
After all the tours and depressing (but interesting) history lessons we went to a bar.This bar is famous for its political incorrectness. It is called the 12 Apostles and features religious symbols in a tacky and ridiculous way. But this is where I had my first taste of Belgian beer (and probably my last, much too strong for me, I couldn't even finish it.
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| Rachel and I with our beers |
After beer we made at mad dash for waffles after finding out the entire town closes on Sunday morning and none of the waffle places would be open until after we left for the day. We weren't going to leave Belgium without waffles so we ran to a restaurant at around 930 at night and made it minutes before they closed. The waffles were totally worth the running, they are covered with powdered sugar and smothered in chocolate.
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| The girls and our waffles |
The next morning the girls and I explored the town before embarking on more depressing tours. All of the buildings looked like this, in fact this amazing building housed a simple museum.
This week (post-Belgium) has been extremely chaotic. I went to 3 shows this week, a real forum theatre performance at a homeless shelter. For Beloit people, it was essentially real theatre of the oppressed and it definitely reinforced my interest in pursuing that type of theatre. I also saw a new musical (done by theatre students about my age) called Parade and I am not usually a musical person but I was truly moved by this show. And finally I saw Hamlet at the National Theatre, 4 hours of Hamlet is a bit much for me but it was definitely a well done production. I also went to Stratford yesterday (Shakespeare's home) and was extremely disappointed. First of all it felt like an amusement park/tourist trap and it proved that no one has any real knowledge of Shakespeare's life. We were shown many corny videos and told everything was possibly Shakespeare's. But as part of my theatre education I am glad I went anyway.
And next week is midterms so this blog entry was essentially a study break. After midterms we leave for our midterm break trip to Scotland on Thurs.
The adventures continue!
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