I really wanted to go somewhere this weekend even if it was some place small. I looked through my travel book at what was surrounding London, and what I could cover in a day. I decided to spend the day in Bath. I asked a few people if they would be interested in going for a day, but they were all pretty set on staying in Kensington. I didn't want to waste a weekend just staying in one place, and bought a round-trip ticket to Bath.
I was a little nervous about getting to Earl's Court where the bus was leaving from, find the stop, and a number of other things. I decided to leave a little early making sure to give myself plenty of time to get there. So when everyone else was still fast asleep, I woke up at 6:30 and headed out. I took the tube to Earl's Court, and went to confirm the location of the stop with one of the attendings.
I started making my way to "Stop D", the ticket listed two stops in earls court, and as I was walking a passed "Stop C" and then "Stop E." I'm not going to lie I panicked a little, there were no other stops along the road, so I made my way back to the tube station to double check, but no one had a clue! Finally one of the attendings said that the bus makes stops just up the road, which happened to be the other stop listed on the ticket. But of course I needed to double check again that I was at the right place. I called the number on the ticket to confirm the location of the pick up again, and he suggested I go to "Stop B."
As I waited I began to see buses turn the corner and I anxiously waited for the 403 to Bath. The drive took about three hours and made stops along the way. It was the final stop; I finally made it to Bath!
YOUR HISTORY LESSON OF THE DAY:
I made my way to the Roman Baths, a place with a significant amount of history. It was constructed in 74 A.D. and was only uncovered almost 300 years ago! When the Romans came to what is now known as England they wanted to bring with them traditions and practices from home. They built what many know as "The Great Bath." There is a balcony just above the Great Bath. If you look up you will see ten statues surrounding the entire bath. Each of these is a person of great importance including Julius Caesar, a number of emperor's and governors, as well as the "Head of Roma" which symbolizes the spirit of Rome.
As you tour the Roman Baths you will walk through what has been excavated thus far. This includes the East and West Baths, the Sacred Spring, the Temple, and Temple courtyard. Almost three-quarters of the courtyard have yet to be excavated. Along the way I learned quite a bit about Roman architecture and that there was a reason for the way everything was placed. For example, at opposite ends of the Temple courtyard was the moon and sun, representing opposites and complementary forces in nature i.e. man and woman, light and dark, and hot and cold.
After visiting the Roman Baths, I did what most do before they leave, I sampled the water. To tell you the truth it's just what I expected, it was warm and tasted a little funny, but it was all a part of visting this very historic place.
I then made my way to the Fashion Museum, which was pretty interesting. it showed the evolution of fashion in the UK, and how so much of what was worn back then was inspired by music and the arts, much like it is today. It went through some of the style icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Twiggy. I have to say, I feel a bit more aware about fashion! One of the things mentioned was how some people are just about to put garments together, and are able to make it work. (I think I know someone like that, Mama!)
The rest of the day I walked around and explored Bath. It is such an incredible place to visit. The view, the people, the architecture, it was all beautiful! There were so many older buildings, and you could see a style that was inspired by the Romans in a variety of different ways. And as the day went on, I noticed that the crowds of people walking around and going shopping started to get smaller, and it was only 4:30. I finished making my rounds, and tried to capture last minute pictures of Bath.
I headed back to catch my bus back to school. When I got on I sat down in my seat, and pulled out my copy of Twelfth Night to help pass the time on my journey. I couldn't believe what a great day I had. I may have made this trip on my own, but it was one that I needed to make. Minus the minor panic attacks of finding my bus and making sure I had everything, I feel a lot more confident about facing my future travels. Traveling on your own is always hard, but you'll never know you can do it unless you try.
Pictures: A Day in Bath
Monday, January 25, 2010
"It's London, baby"
The weekend is already here and I made it through my first week of classes! Along with the traveling around Europe and getting better acquainted with London, I am also taking five classes at Richmond University. They are:
History of London
We spend a lot of our class time just walking around London. My professor takes us to places you might not realize have a lot of significance to them, but it’s something that everyone must see when they come to London. He says, “In order to understand London and her history, you have to hear it and be immersed in it.”
British Politics: Inside Parliament
This is one of my most interesting classes of the semester. We talk a lot about the current political climate in the UK and look at the inner workings of Parliament. In addition to reading a number of different texts on the subject, ever few weeks we visit Parliament. We get an inside look at what goes on during sessions and during committee meetings.
Museums & Galleries of London
This class explores a variety of different museums and galleries in London, as well as their unique focus on art. I’ll get the chance to some really interesting and amazing artwork through weekly visits to museums such as the Tate Modern and the National Gallery.
Comparative World Religion
I will be learning in-depth about a variety of religions. We will be focusing on the Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Taoism. In this class I’ll get a better understanding of where and when they originated, where their place of worship is, what are their beliefs, and a number of other aspects to each of these four religions
Shakespeare & His World
London is the best place to study Shakespeare. I will be reading five of Shakespeare’s plays including” Twelfth Night, King Leer, Measure for Measure, Othello, and Macbeth. Along with studying the Shakespearean language I will be going to see three of the five plays I am reading. The last play I will be seeing is Macbeth which will be performed in the famous Globe Theater.
As you can see the majority of what I am taking focuses on British Culture. I only have classes Monday through Thursday, which gives me plenty of time to explore the rest of the UK and Europe as well. What’s great about the classes I am taking is that I won’t be stuck in a classroom the entire time, and I’ll really get to see London. Whoever said that after elementary school you don’t get to go on field trips never went to Richmond!
History of London
We spend a lot of our class time just walking around London. My professor takes us to places you might not realize have a lot of significance to them, but it’s something that everyone must see when they come to London. He says, “In order to understand London and her history, you have to hear it and be immersed in it.”
British Politics: Inside Parliament
This is one of my most interesting classes of the semester. We talk a lot about the current political climate in the UK and look at the inner workings of Parliament. In addition to reading a number of different texts on the subject, ever few weeks we visit Parliament. We get an inside look at what goes on during sessions and during committee meetings.
Museums & Galleries of London
This class explores a variety of different museums and galleries in London, as well as their unique focus on art. I’ll get the chance to some really interesting and amazing artwork through weekly visits to museums such as the Tate Modern and the National Gallery.
Comparative World Religion
I will be learning in-depth about a variety of religions. We will be focusing on the Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Taoism. In this class I’ll get a better understanding of where and when they originated, where their place of worship is, what are their beliefs, and a number of other aspects to each of these four religions
Shakespeare & His World
London is the best place to study Shakespeare. I will be reading five of Shakespeare’s plays including” Twelfth Night, King Leer, Measure for Measure, Othello, and Macbeth. Along with studying the Shakespearean language I will be going to see three of the five plays I am reading. The last play I will be seeing is Macbeth which will be performed in the famous Globe Theater.
As you can see the majority of what I am taking focuses on British Culture. I only have classes Monday through Thursday, which gives me plenty of time to explore the rest of the UK and Europe as well. What’s great about the classes I am taking is that I won’t be stuck in a classroom the entire time, and I’ll really get to see London. Whoever said that after elementary school you don’t get to go on field trips never went to Richmond!
Monday, January 18, 2010
First Weekend in London Part 2
When I woke up Sunday morning I was so excited to see the sunlight streaming in thorough my window. It wasn’t too cold outside it was the perfect day to go exploring London.
But before I could go off exploring, I need to make sure I had everything ready for the “Big Day.” I would start classes tomorrow, and while I was excited about all the classes I had registered for I was still a little nervous and didn’t know what to expect.
I stopped by Ryman, a supply store and picked a few folders and paper, and headed back to my room to get my stuff together. Time flew by and it was mid afternoon, and I knew I wanted to get out and walk around. I figured, I’m going to be here for some time and I need to figure out how to get around on my own.
I decided to head to Westminster for the rest of the day. I hopped on the Tube from Gloucester Station to Westminster; it was only about six stops away. As I walk began to leave the tube station I took the exit towards Parliament. As soon as a stepped out I looked straight up and there was Big Ben. I walked down the bridge and started snapping away trying to get a few good picture of it all.
I headed towards Parliament Square from there, and walked right past the Houses of Parliament. It was incredible. The architecture of the building was so refined and detailed, I couldn’t believe it. As I crossed the street I saw a sign the read “Welcome to Westminster Abbey.” I walked through the gates that surround the church, and walked in. I was fascinated by how everything had been preserved so well. I was standing in St. Margaret’s and the stained glass was absolutely beautiful as the slightest bit of sunlight passes through.
I continued around the square I noticed a number of statues of individuals who had in some way greatly affected the history of London. I am sure I will hear more about during my history class. After circling Parliament Square, I made my way to Trafalgar Square. Along my walk I noticed a number of government building each with guards on horseback outside.
Trafalgar Square is located at the heart of London, and is one of the busiest places I have been so far. There are two huge fountains and a number of sculptures all leading one of many museums. What I found interesting about the museums in London is that they are free to the public, which makes them more accessible to people to go in and understand the history in London.
From there I walked through St. James Park, where in the distance you can see Parliament. There were many people running and walking dogs, I was a little surprised to see that many people didn’t use leashes for dogs. Bonzi, my dog, would go crazy with all the people and kids walking around, he would be gone within seconds!
As I passed St. James Park I walked to Buckingham Palace, it was the second time I had been there, but each time it is a little different. Next time I go back hopefully it will be a little warmer when I go to see the “Changing of the Guards.”
I headed back to Kensington and went to dinner at Giraffe with my roommate. It was delicious; I ordered chips and chicken tikka skewers…yummm! And it’s the end of another day, and classes start tomorrow. Time to go learn something!
Pictures: First Stop: Westminster
But before I could go off exploring, I need to make sure I had everything ready for the “Big Day.” I would start classes tomorrow, and while I was excited about all the classes I had registered for I was still a little nervous and didn’t know what to expect.
I stopped by Ryman, a supply store and picked a few folders and paper, and headed back to my room to get my stuff together. Time flew by and it was mid afternoon, and I knew I wanted to get out and walk around. I figured, I’m going to be here for some time and I need to figure out how to get around on my own.
I decided to head to Westminster for the rest of the day. I hopped on the Tube from Gloucester Station to Westminster; it was only about six stops away. As I walk began to leave the tube station I took the exit towards Parliament. As soon as a stepped out I looked straight up and there was Big Ben. I walked down the bridge and started snapping away trying to get a few good picture of it all.
I headed towards Parliament Square from there, and walked right past the Houses of Parliament. It was incredible. The architecture of the building was so refined and detailed, I couldn’t believe it. As I crossed the street I saw a sign the read “Welcome to Westminster Abbey.” I walked through the gates that surround the church, and walked in. I was fascinated by how everything had been preserved so well. I was standing in St. Margaret’s and the stained glass was absolutely beautiful as the slightest bit of sunlight passes through.
I continued around the square I noticed a number of statues of individuals who had in some way greatly affected the history of London. I am sure I will hear more about during my history class. After circling Parliament Square, I made my way to Trafalgar Square. Along my walk I noticed a number of government building each with guards on horseback outside.
Trafalgar Square is located at the heart of London, and is one of the busiest places I have been so far. There are two huge fountains and a number of sculptures all leading one of many museums. What I found interesting about the museums in London is that they are free to the public, which makes them more accessible to people to go in and understand the history in London.
From there I walked through St. James Park, where in the distance you can see Parliament. There were many people running and walking dogs, I was a little surprised to see that many people didn’t use leashes for dogs. Bonzi, my dog, would go crazy with all the people and kids walking around, he would be gone within seconds!
As I passed St. James Park I walked to Buckingham Palace, it was the second time I had been there, but each time it is a little different. Next time I go back hopefully it will be a little warmer when I go to see the “Changing of the Guards.”
I headed back to Kensington and went to dinner at Giraffe with my roommate. It was delicious; I ordered chips and chicken tikka skewers…yummm! And it’s the end of another day, and classes start tomorrow. Time to go learn something!
Pictures: First Stop: Westminster
First Weekend in London Part 1
I cannot believe how fast this first week has gone. I got to see go around London a little more on Saturday and finally got a good idea of how the Tube works.
In terms of weather it was pretty cold and it was the first of many rainy days that I would witness during my time in London. I and a few other study abroad students had gotten tickets to go see the Tower of London. Although it was pouring up until we were about to leave, it was still very interesting.
We were able to walk through and see a film of the coronation ceremony for Queen Elizabeth II, which was pretty interesting. I can only imagine how exciting and historic it would to be in London as it took place.
There was a viewing of the crown jewels, crowns of previous kings and queens, and nearly everything was covered in diamonds, emeralds, rubies and gold. Sadly I wasn’t able to take pictures at the exhibit, but the image of such historically important items is still vivid in my memory.
As we moved on from the “Jewel House” we went to the White Tower located at the center of the square where were able to see an exhibit on the infamous King Henry VII.
YOUR HISTORY LESSON OF THE DAY:
For those of you who are not familiar with the story and legend of Henry VIII, he belonged to the Tudors. He is most well known for having six wives and because under the rules of the church he was not able to divorce his wife, he became the head of his own church and had two of them executed. While he wasn’t the friendliest of kings, his 37 year reign as king left him a legend. He is also the father of Queen Elizabeth I; she too left a lasting legacy for London’s history.
Later that evening I went to dinner with a group of students in my program at a local pub called Gloucester Arms right near our campus dorm. I tried the ever popular “Fish &Chips” for the first time, and let me tell you that was what every person in the pub had ordered.
After dinner we met up with the rest of the study abroad students to go on the “Jack the Ripper Tour.” It was a walking tour of the area where London’s first serial killer took the lives of five women, and was never caught. At the end of it all were left with was the only a handful of possible suspects and a long walk back to the Tube.
Pictures: Tower of London
In terms of weather it was pretty cold and it was the first of many rainy days that I would witness during my time in London. I and a few other study abroad students had gotten tickets to go see the Tower of London. Although it was pouring up until we were about to leave, it was still very interesting.
We were able to walk through and see a film of the coronation ceremony for Queen Elizabeth II, which was pretty interesting. I can only imagine how exciting and historic it would to be in London as it took place.
There was a viewing of the crown jewels, crowns of previous kings and queens, and nearly everything was covered in diamonds, emeralds, rubies and gold. Sadly I wasn’t able to take pictures at the exhibit, but the image of such historically important items is still vivid in my memory.
As we moved on from the “Jewel House” we went to the White Tower located at the center of the square where were able to see an exhibit on the infamous King Henry VII.
YOUR HISTORY LESSON OF THE DAY:
For those of you who are not familiar with the story and legend of Henry VIII, he belonged to the Tudors. He is most well known for having six wives and because under the rules of the church he was not able to divorce his wife, he became the head of his own church and had two of them executed. While he wasn’t the friendliest of kings, his 37 year reign as king left him a legend. He is also the father of Queen Elizabeth I; she too left a lasting legacy for London’s history.
Later that evening I went to dinner with a group of students in my program at a local pub called Gloucester Arms right near our campus dorm. I tried the ever popular “Fish &Chips” for the first time, and let me tell you that was what every person in the pub had ordered.
After dinner we met up with the rest of the study abroad students to go on the “Jack the Ripper Tour.” It was a walking tour of the area where London’s first serial killer took the lives of five women, and was never caught. At the end of it all were left with was the only a handful of possible suspects and a long walk back to the Tube.
Pictures: Tower of London
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The first of many
Hello from London and welcome to my first blog!
This year has been a year of firsts for me and it's only getting better. I still cannot believe that I'm here. London has been incredible and it's only the beginning of day four. I arrived on Tuesday morning, and took the Underground or "the tube", my first on many times I am sure, to Kensington.
Kensington is one of many neighborhoods throughout London. This is where the upper campus of Richmond University is located. Restaurants, pubs, cafes, small shops and markets line the street. It’s easy to get around; you’re a hop, skip, and a jump away from everything. You can walk to Hyde Park, go shopping at Harrods, or hop on the tube and arrive in Piccadilly Circus to see a show.
Thursday night I went with a group of students to the Comedy Store and got a taste of British humor, and they weren't shy about poking fun at all the students who were studying abroad. There are so many shows and plays to choose from, I wish I could see all of them while I’m here!
My classes start on Monday, and I'll be taking five courses while I am here, most about the history and culture of London. I have only been here for a few days and I absolutely love it! I have so much to see and do here. I cannot wait to share it all with you the experiences, the pictures and all the exciting stories along the way!
Pictures: First Few Days
This year has been a year of firsts for me and it's only getting better. I still cannot believe that I'm here. London has been incredible and it's only the beginning of day four. I arrived on Tuesday morning, and took the Underground or "the tube", my first on many times I am sure, to Kensington.
Kensington is one of many neighborhoods throughout London. This is where the upper campus of Richmond University is located. Restaurants, pubs, cafes, small shops and markets line the street. It’s easy to get around; you’re a hop, skip, and a jump away from everything. You can walk to Hyde Park, go shopping at Harrods, or hop on the tube and arrive in Piccadilly Circus to see a show.
Thursday night I went with a group of students to the Comedy Store and got a taste of British humor, and they weren't shy about poking fun at all the students who were studying abroad. There are so many shows and plays to choose from, I wish I could see all of them while I’m here!
My classes start on Monday, and I'll be taking five courses while I am here, most about the history and culture of London. I have only been here for a few days and I absolutely love it! I have so much to see and do here. I cannot wait to share it all with you the experiences, the pictures and all the exciting stories along the way!
Pictures: First Few Days
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