Entry 2: July 18, 2008

There is so much happening here in London it is hard to find time to do anything but sight see, but today is a bit rainy so I decided I would like to write my online entry. I have finally adjusted to London’s fast paced environment and am sad that I only have two weeks left.

One thing that I am going to miss is the availability to go out and see a play in the West End without any real strife. I have seen a number of plays and musicals but my favorites have definitely included “Phantom of the Opera” and “Wicked.” I have seen the movie “Phantom of the Opera” but seeing it on stage in the West End was incomparable. Since I knew the music to it I found myself singing along silently. The best part about the play, besides the music, was the set and the way the cast used all aspects of the theater. The phantom in particular discovered new places around the stage that I did not even realize were plausible. In the second act, he came from what I thought was attached to the stage until it started moving and the phantom started singing. The musical was fabulous and if you ever find yourself an opportunity to see it you should jump at the chance. “Wicked” was very good also. I knew just a bit about it before I saw it with my family but I did not have high expectations. The musical tells of the “incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz and how one came to be called 'good' and the other 'wicked'.” (http://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk/) It was so witty and so intense that at one point I would be laughing my head off and at the next I would want to cry. In my opinion it was the perfect performance.

Last week I also went to Canterbury. The city was founded first by the Celtics and then in the first century Roman conquers took it over and named it Canterbury. Canterbury is famous for the pilgrimages that ended here in the twelfth century, following Thomas Beckett’s murder in 1170. These pilgrims felt that Thomas Beckett’s tomb offered miracles to those who had visited it, as outlined by Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales”. The cathedral was very beautiful. We were not able to go into the nave because of the University of Kent had graduation ceremonies, but the chorister and the tombs in the back of the altar were well-worth the trip out to the town. We also went on a river boat tour of the city were we learned some more of the rich history of the town. The boatman told us about some of the ruins left by the Romans including the ancient wall that enclosed the city. He also told us that Christopher Marlow, a playwright, came from Canterbury. The day was well spent and I hope that I will return to Canterbury in the future when the nave is open to see the rest of the colossal cathedral.

As you can tell I am keeping busy here in London and making the most of my trip. Wishing all in the States the best!

Entry 1: July 13, 2008

Wow! London is so different than Italy. There is so much to see and do that I rarely find time to catch up on my school work. I have been to several museums so far. My favorites have been the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert. The British Museum was interesting and the audio guide was so great that I ended up spending over four hours looking around and taking in all the history in just that one place. Perhaps the most fascinating artifact to me was the Rosetta stone. I had learned in my history courses back home that this stone dates back to 196 BC and is written in ancient Greek, hieroglyphics and Demotic, which is a form of ancient Egyptian. Before the stone was found in 1799 historians did not know how hieroglyphics were translated. Since the discovery of the stone, historians have now learned the use and translation of most if not all hieroglyphics. It was so remarkable to view this milestone and be a couple of inches from something so pivotal!

The Victoria and Albert Museum was the most wonderful collection of interior decorations that I have ever seen (which is not actually saying much but just know it was amazing!). I was able to see furnishings that I had just learned about in the last half of the Study Abroad in Italy. It was so interesting I spent the entire afternoon reading most of the plaques in the museum.

Another interesting experience so far has been going to the House of Parliament and meeting Members. I have met Sir Nicolas Winterton, who is a member of the conservative party and his wife is also a Member of Parliament. I have also met Charlotte Atkins who is a Member of the Labor party. Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister is also a Labor Member. Talking to the Members of Parliament was so exciting and learning from them about British society was something that I don’t think I will ever forget.

My trip so far has been absolutely wonderful, if not a little bit busy. I am sad to say that I only have three weeks left and then must come home! I hope everyone is doing well at home and enjoying their summers. Hope to see you when I get back. I miss you all!