Entry 3: July 21, 2008

Isn't it crazy how one day you are in London and 12 hours later you have crossed the French border and before you know it you're in Amsterdam? Yes, I said 12 hours...on a bus. It was well worth it, I promise!  London is a great city, but any city can become a bit much or overwhelming at times of course.

Amsterdam was the perfect "getaway" break from the big, bustling city. The craziest part of the whole transportation part was the fact that, after dealing with the French police, our bus (the bus itself) along with all of its passengers loaded onto a TRAIN. Not only did we all get on the bus, but we also went under water in the bus on the train!  Quite a shock to wake up to find yourself in a strangely yellow lit box (meaning the train car). After our long bus ride, Amber, Whitney, Meredith, and I were ready to kiss the pavement so to speak! 

In Amsterdam we used the tram to get around, but it seemed as though everyone else mainly used bikes. I have never seen so many bikes in my life!  I read somewhere that the city is known for its bikes particularly old bikes. The reason for this is that if you have a new bike it is said to be gone within 24 hours. Oddly enough, as much as people build up Amsterdam to be some terrible, dangerous city, I am here to tell you it is an amazing adventurous place to visit!  Of course, like anywhere you must be cautious. We stayed in something called the "bos," which means forest. Well, it was exactly that. I have to admit, although it was rustic, it really added to the uniqueness of the experience all together!  The campgrounds had individual cabins (shower separate from cabins) with bunk beds and a small wooden table. We even brought our own sheets and towels! 

Once we deposited our things we headed out to explore the city. One of my favorite things about the city was the canal ways. Amber and I took a canal cruise that was an hour long and very interesting. There was one building which had over 1,000 windows! Also there was an apartment that the tour guide pointed out to us which happens to be the narrowest apartment/house in the world. Another thing I truly enjoyed about Amsterdam was the slower pace and nicer people (no offense, John Rose). There was so much to see and do, but yet there was no hustle and bustle. Coming back to London it is quite a change. I really enjoyed the great coffee shops that the city is famous for. We went for the coffee (I know what you may be thinking). Amsterdam is really a world in its own. 

Entry 2

There is never a dull moment here in the UK. From museums to shopping to theater to parks, there is an endless supply of entertainment at my very finger tips! This also explains that I am engulfed in the day to day life and school work with barely a moment to spare, but it is highly worth every minute!

Let me update you on what has been going on here. If anyone enjoys the likes of the musical "Rent", then one would enjoy the "British version", as I like to call it, as well. We went to see a performance (at the Globe, but not Shakespearian) called "The Frontline". It was all about general everyday life for those who have the least and deal with the most. Mainly it is about the struggle for the "outcasts" in London today. I also got to enjoy another London treat and musical called "We Will Rock You". It was filled with exciting music by Queen and great costumes. The story was set in the future when supposedly all musical instruments were banned and everything had gone virtual. Two rebels go against the grains and bring back real music. It was a very fun performance! 

That same day I also got to go to the British Museum. This was quite a sight to behold! This elaborate collection of history was utterly astonishing! Actually it was so amazing it was a bit overwhelming, but it's not every day one gets to see actual mummies or the great Rosetta Stone. One of my favorite museums I have visited so far is the Victoria and Albert Museum. It is also a free facility full of changing exhibits. My absolute favorite exhibit I have ever seen in my life happens to be at this museum. The museum was holding a jewelry exhibit with the most beautiful pieces I have ever laid my eyes on!

Aside from theater and museums there is much to see and do throughout London. One particular experience, a rare one at that, was when we went to a place in Hyde Park. This place was called Speaker's Corner. It was unlike anything I have ever seen ... or heard. As we walked up (not knowing what to expect) upon the large masses of people gathering around scattered people on raised surfaces. The people on the raised surface were yelling passionately about whatever they came to express, ranging from religion to pride in sexuality, every type of person was represented in the small space. Two other girls and I got into a long discussion with a group of Muslim girls about our age and were further educated by them. Oh, did I mention that we became the center of a large rally with this group of Muslim girls and a huge crowd that formed around us?  All because we were interested in what they believed and people began to gather and take part in our conversation did these girls become an item of argument. It really was an odd scene to experience. A cultural phenomenon is what Speaker's Corner is! 

We soon leave for our weekend trips, all going our separate ways. Several girls and I are going to Amsterdam! It will be a new and great adventure I am sure!

Entry 1

I am a Mississippi State student from Brookhaven, Miss., joining a group of prestigious Meredith College students that I did not know...What were my parents thinking letting me travel to a foreign country with a group of complete strangers? My thoughts are maybe that it could be one of the greatest experiences of my lifetime?  This is a fact. Of course, preparation was extremely last minute and also rather stressful, but once I had made my way over the great Atlantic things were in full swing. We literally hit the ground running!

Our first destination upon arriving in London was our "home sweet home,” the Maria Assumpta Centre (P.S. I did not misspell that ... the Brits spell "center" - "centre"). The "centre" was quite quaint and pleasant aside from the London madness. It is located in Kensington Square, which is a rather wealthy area of the city. Unfortunately we are SURROUNDED by great shopping. I say "unfortunate" because the American dollar is unfortunately of little value in the "richest city in the WORLD", yes I said it. So everything I purchase is going to be multiplied by two. It is a sad fact, but fortunately most museums and such are free admission.

At the Maria Assumpta Centre the amazing courtyard is filled with every kind of beautiful bloom you could imagine! Especially there are lots of, my favorite, roses. The vivacious colors and gorgeous vines and all that is the garden is compliments of one of the nuns that obviously has a green thumb (indeed!). After we settled in our rooms, we had a full day ahead of us. We took our tired bodies to the tube station (tube = train) near our hostel, and Dr. Webb quizzed us on which tube line (line means route) to take to get to Green Park where we were going to have our picnic. After grabbing a, soon to be overrated, sandwich we enjoyed the strangely beautiful day in the park. The parks in London are probably my favorite aspect (not to mention the incredible architecture also) of the whole city. It was as if time stood still and all the stresses of life were not allowed. I loved it! After a moment of relaxation, we headed off to a guided tour on the famous double decker. Sadly, I will honestly admit I nodded off throughout the entire tour and also the boat tour near the Tower of London. It was an eventful first day, but I think the part I anticipated most (especially by the end of the day) was crashing in my bed for a good night's rest!
 
Now that I have made great friends and hold to high esteem the Meredith College educational system, I am officially living in London. The time here really flies by and we seen and done so much that I could probably write a book describing how great each day here really is! But I won't do that.

For starters we went to Kensington Palace and Kensington Garden, which is where Princess Diana spent her remaining days and many royalty before her lived. The gardens here are absolutely phenomenal. Wimbledon was the next extravaganza and thrill I got to experience. It was incredible to walk into the grounds of the renowned tennis heaven! Of course we had the strawberries with cream as we watched Serena Williams effortlessly defeat her opponent. The weather has been eerily good. I'm just waiting for the rain and clouds to take over.

A free museum experience is one that doesn't come too often, unless you're in London! We went to the Imperial War Museum, which was a top notch facility. There were real tanks and war aircrafts as soon as we walked through the door! We learned much about World War I and II, and experienced what it was like to be in a trench! Later, I met my class (did I mention that we have class here?) at the most famous building in London, Parliament. It honestly is a breathtaking sight to behold. Just to inform those who are concerned that we are not getting enough class time in, I will correct you in saying that we have class every morning, except for the weekends, from 8:30 a.m. to either 10:45 a.m. or 12:15 p.m. depending on the block schedule. I am taking a Parliament class and also a culture class. Both classes are very, very good. Back to the daily excitements. We also went to the Cabinet War Rooms, also called the Winston Churchill museum. This was where the famously known Prime Minister and the government officials stayed during the Nazi air raids to keep safe. We actually experienced London weather on this particular day. It was like a monsoon! I guess every day can't be absolutely perfect. The next museum we visited was the Science museum (also free). They call it fun education, and it was exactly that!

I have been to several markets in my time, but nothing compares to Portobello Road in Notting Hill. It is something one must experience. There are no words to describe the madness, and yet mere wonderful chaos of the whole thing. It is a stretch along this road full of stations selling some cheap and some not so cheap fabulous finds! On a more holy note, one of my favorite places we have been so far was St. Paul's Cathedral. It was an indescribably beautiful and moving experience. If the architecture didn't move you, then the music would hit you like a million angels. Another favorite of mine was seeing “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre! This is something I advise everyone who visits this city to do. It was a great comedy, absolutely fabulous and entertaining no doubt!

Just being on this trip is a privilege in itself, but there are things I have gotten to do that most who study abroad probably do not. For example, on several occasions for the Parliament class, we have gone to meet with individual MPs (Member of Parliament)! We have spoken with Sir Nicholas Winterton, Charlotte Atkins, Lady Baroness Fukes, Don Foster and Dennis Skinner. They were all great in character and very opinionated.

One of the greatest collections of art in the world lies within the walls of the National Gallery. We viewed paintings by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh.

The first week was most unforgettable and incredible. London is a great adventure!