Day Eleven and Twelve -First Days

I promise that I will not normally wait two or three days to blog but these past two have just flown by and I just now have had a minute to sit down. On monday (day eleven) I started my internship at Three Faiths Forum (http://www.threefaithsforum.org.uk/index.html) which is in Kentish Town here is London. All day Monday and Tuesday with a half a day on Wednesday I spend in their office and out in the city, either working on paperwork and research or attending and observing education programs for first and secondary schools. 

Most of my day Monday morning was spent reading over handbooks, educational material, newsletters and whatnot (honestly it was pretty boring). Later in the day after a chat with my supervisor I began to work on one of their projects called Faith and Fashion. Here is the main objection of this project.

"This project is a powerful stepping-stone in enabling young Muslim women to demonstrate their understanding of and commitment to Islam, which they will pass on to future generations – through their own families, community leadership and engagement with wider society. It will help them shape how future generations understand British Muslim identities, helping others to make informed choices about their appearance. The publicity for this project will help shift the public discourse on Islamic women’s clothing to one of Muslim women’s leadership within the community. "

I am currently adding on to the work that one of their past interns had started by looking into Muslim fashion that have walked the run way and the clothing history that Muslim women have worn. My main assignment for day two had been to research fashion and clothing from the Abbasid period. I examined particular aspects of clothing from fabrics, dyes and cuts used in particular garments and from certain types of individuals. For example I found out that it was typical of dancers to wear garments made out of materials of silk or cotton in shades of green, red or pink.

On Tuesday I also had the opportunity to visit Our Lady's Convent High School for an educational secession. The topic for today was Image, Modesty and Clothing. The students break into three groups and read Jewish, Christian and Muslim texts on the topic and then have a short discussion with a speaker from each of the religions. This being a christian/catholic school (and their last day) it was quite surprising to me how open all of the girls were to ask questions. For many of them it was based off of the words they were given. In one group we were examining a Jewish text from proverbs and it said "Fear in the Lord" in conjunction with how a woman should live their life. Many students questioned this. It seemed like a few of the students were ignorant to the fact that many of the holy texts have been translated quite a few times before they could read it in English and thus certain passages and words have a different meanings and connotations. Overall I really enjoyed the experience and one of the students said that she liked my accent :) which almost made my day.

What make my day was that I got to ride in a CAR. For the past two weeks now I have really been missing cars and knowing the fact that i cannot drive for a while. But prior to leaving the school the Jewish speaker Hazel asked if anyone needed a life and Claire (the TFF leader) and I said that we would love one to the nearest underground. While the drive was only 10 minutes it may have been the best 10 minutes that I have had here thus far. Oh and the other thing is that I found out that the next Harry Potter film will come out in a little over two weeks...eek!

Day Eight to Ten

Day eight started early in the morning, with our first class session. The unique thing about today was that we got to go "field trip" to Shakespeare's Globe Theater. Three FIE groups got to go one a tour of the theater with one of their actors. Overall the tour was very informative and fun by leaning information about the origin of the theaters in London to the plays that were performed during Shakespeare's time to what is happening this summer. After a quick lunch at pizza express (across the street) the ladies and I walked our way around the city looking in local shops and bookstores. 

The warmest day so far was day nine, saturday, and 10 students from our group decided to check out Portobello road. While it took forever to get us out the door (2.5 hours) we took a nice walk through the park to the world's largest antique marketplace. Never in my life have I experienced anything quite like this. Now I'm used to the outdoor markets in Appleton and Sheboygan but they can compare in no way to this one. I'm pretty sure that an individual could find anything they were looking for. Some stalls had clothing (for men women and children), some sold fur coats, some sold antique footballs and telescopes and cameras to silverware to contemporary and antique jewelery (basically whatever you want you could find (even brownies and ice cream)). I personally didn't stay that long because I was sweating balls, I can't wait to go back and buy some items before I leave. 

Due to the heat and humidity, my flatmates and I spent most of the rest of the day inside watching Wimbledon. Due to the success that Andy Murray had been having on the courts, the main "show" that we have been getting on our limited amount of cable are the matches. We watched both Andy Roddick and Murray winning matches back to back. Its very interesting to me to see what kind of coverage sports players get over here. Every newspaper, magazine and tv news report has a story about him. From his past and future matches to what his mom thinks while she watches him, to his girlfriends pin collection, Londoners can't get enough of this man and hope that they will bring the country success. It then makes me think of my own allegiances. Should I have any? If I do is it for my native land or is it for the man of the current country I'm in. Do I really care? This I know is yes, but why? Do I wish I could go (yes) but would I go without my brother (no). Overall it was a great activity to lose myself in on this hot and sunny day. 

Day ten and we again have nothing on our FIE schedule. My flat mates and I decide to go over to Kensington Palace (which is literally across the street from our building). Inside we walked through two of their major exhibits going on right now, the state rooms  (this being the furniture of the bedroom of 18 year old Victoria before she became queen) and a memorial to Princess Diana through the clothing that she wore through her regal time. Overall, the building was just amazing from the artwork to the sculptures, clothing, wallpaper and furniture I was truly amazed. The history of the building seemed more alive then it ever has before. 

While my flat mates when to the supermarket I went back to the flat to skype my parents and more importantly say happy birthday to my father :) It was a great conversation but even better that I got to see their smiling faces, which I really have been missing. The day has been much cooler and am getting excited about starting my internship tomorrow!

Day Six and Seven

The start of day six began with my "interview" at Three Faiths Forum. It was more like a relaxed conversation than an interview which was great for me. I got the internship, met some of the people who work there and will get more information when I go in on Monday, and I start the same time as another intern (which is pretty sweet). 

After a short trip to the grocery store the ladies and I went to Platform 9 3/4 (which hopefully won't be the  highlight of my Harry Potter time while here (we think the movie comes out mid July)). We then made our way to The British Museum, while we didn't stay as long as I wanted but, I was very interested in the Egypt exhibitations. I hope that I can go back later and see other parts of the Museum. 

We had no commitments on Thursday (day

 seven) so set out to see The Temple, The Royal Courts of Justice and Covent Gardens. While I was quite interested in the shops and market stalls the most entertaining part of our time there was the magicians, ballown eater and this guy who could hold a bike on his head.  Also, as shown in the picture I could hold and balance himself on a box with one are and 

he also jumped through another man's arms.

We also visited Saint Paul's (the actors church) in Covent Gardens. Overall, the Church was very interesting as it payed tribute to the famous actors and actresses who attended the church in the past including Charlie Chatmin. In the church was also a book signed and covered by a glass container from when the queen who to a service on Feb. 10th 1988. 

Day Six -The Lawrence Bubble

Upon exiting the Lawrence University campus I had high hopes that I would leave the so called "bubble" behind. WRONG. During my time here in London I think that I have begun to realize this so called bubble that we like to put ourselves in, can be adapted to almost whatever situation or city an individual might find themselves in.

Public Transportation: In appleton the easiest and cheapest way to get around the city besides the free (walking and biking riding) is the bus. From campus the nearest bus stop is a short walk away and can cost anywhere from a $1.80 to $5. Most students do not consider this too unreasonable for a trip ti buy "real food" or to go out into civilization. Trips are relatively short and while as long as you won't ride during "rush hour" an individual would have a comfortable ride. Here in London public transportation is one thing you cannot avoid. From the buses to the Underground many Londoners make the "great commute" to and from work every day. While for me it doesn't cost a thing (because it is included in my overall program fee) riding the underground (depending upon where you are going) can become very expensive. The other thing that I have noticed is that the worst place to be during "rush hour" is not driving in you car down a street but, riding on one of the trains.

The Rope Children: Besides seeing Professor Goldgar appear outside of Main Hall, the Rope Children of Appleton has become an obsession of LU students. For those of you who are unaware of who the rope children are they are an assortment of YMCA children who for exercise walk around the town holding unto a rope (pretty self explanatory). These past few days in London I have begun to notice a similar trend. While here children do not hold a rope, for exercise they walk around holding another students hand all lined up in a row. I think that I have am coming to accept the fact that somethings in life never change.

Drunk People: Need I say more....well actually yes. While both in appleton and here in London drunk people are ever present I have also noticed too that many of them like to piss in the public. Unlike the LU campus where students feel that it is their privilege to pee on the seals in front of Main Hall, on a frat house or the now popular from the Hurvis crossing's bridge. From telephone booths to walls, fences and much more drunk Londoners also feel the need to "mark" their territory.

Pianos: In all "non-academic" building on the campus an individual is certain to run into a piano and not far away is a connie itching to play. Currently in London is an "attraction" called "Play Me, I'm Yours: London 2009" where 30 street pianos have been installed on streets, in public squares and parks, train stations and markets. The pianos are there for any member of the public to play and engage with, in other words don't bring the connies because we will lose them in the city.

Day Five -Comedy Show

So I finally have an INTERNET connection. I didn’t realize how dependent (these past few years) I have been on my email account and facebook, and it may also be because I am so far away from friends and family. After figuring out what was wrong with my computer we had our finial orientation from FIE, this one being on our internships. While I am not officially confirmed to internship at this place, I have been placed at a non-profit (religious) organization. My interview is on Wed (so wish me luck) and if I get it (there is no “official” guarantee) I will be “working” for them for 17days. I will be sure to share more information, when I actually start doing stuff for/with them.

 

The only other notable thing for the day is that the FIE students (including myself) had the opportunity to see John Buchan’s “The 39 Steps” which I found truly hilarious. The cast totaled four individuals (with two major characters while the other two individuals changed characters to fit the particular scene). I truly enjoyed the evening (probably because I find British humor at least a little funny while many of my classmates (especially the floor boys who came drunk) fell asleep and found it boring (sucks to be them). During these past days I have gotten to meet a lot more of the students studying with me and learn much more about the city and the surrounding area while making plans for the rest of my stay. 

Day Three and Four -The City

So day three started out early with a bus tour of the inner city of London. On the tour we drove past many of the attractions that we had visited the day before but we also saw a few more. The really great thing about going on the bus tour is that we a guide telling us all about the historical facts behind the buildings/areas of the city and also what is happening in various places in the upcoming days/weeks.

We rode past sights including The Tower of London, rode over the London Bridge, saw 007's (British Intelligents) building, and took a short stop at St. Paul's Cathedral. While I didn't get the opportunity to go inside (because we only stopped for 10 minutes) I know that it is a place I will visit later on!

Later in the day we then had a "walking" tour with the same guide as before of the area surrounding our flat. We walked through Hyde Park which is right across the street from us and saw Kensington Palace (and it's gardens). The Palace is best known today as the residence of the late Princess Diana, where she called home up until her death. Later on in the tour we walked past the pizza place where she used to take her boys. We also saw the Royal Albert Hall which is dedicated to Queen Victoria's husband and a statue dedicated to him for putting together the world first all inclusive market hosting countries from Africa, Japan and of course the USA.

After a short nap we and my flat mate and I went to Piccadilly Circus and meet up with some of the other students from their school.



Day four started much later than the other days since my arrival because I got to sleep in :). After a good nights sleep I decided to spend the morning in the Park. For the most part I spent my time walking around seeing where things were and not following any "paths" this way I never got "lost". I ended up for a half an hour sitting across from the fountains, pretending to read my book (but in all actuality I mostly people and dog watched). I general the park surprised me. There are vast amounts of green spaces where people sat and ate lunch with their families, let their dogs run free or played a variety of sports.

Once my flat mates woke up they came and found me in the park and we went out to shop/eat.
It's kinnda been a laid back day but it certainly has been great!

Day Two - Being a Tourist

Today started at 3:24am when I woke up…jet lag…damn.

I guess you could say that the real day started with a brief orientation from our FIE staff members. At orientation we each received our oyster (unde

rground) pass a general map of the city and tons of other information on cheap places to eat/visit. Once orientation was done it safe to say that we all were excited to move around the city and see some sights. After a short stop back to our flat the ladies and I decided to make our way to Westminster. Before coming tourists for the day we found a little hole in the wall to eat at. The food was fairly cheap (but still good) and we all shared a banana split (which our crazy waitress brought out for us first). After our stomachs were full we proceeded to tour the area seeing the House of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey.

We then walked over to the Churchill Museum and the Cabinet War Rooms Museum and while the ladies went inside I opted no to and instead sat in what little sunshine would peak through the clouds. At the beginning of the day the weather was amazing (it was warm enoug

h to wear shorts) but sitting outside I was then glad that I had changed into pants because it had gotten quite chilly and the clouds were starting to move in. All the other kids from the program I’m in are from the California area are quite surprised by my various clothing options. While I was in shorts they were in pants and jackets. I talked about how in WI one of my favorite things is the ever changing weather and the seasons. They’ve told me that they aren’t use to weather under 85 and that instead of a fall se

ason, one day the leaves are green and the next day they are off the trees. While it seems that we have a lot of differences in how/where we grew up to our college educations, I think it can be safe to say that I am already beginning to form a great friendship and am glad that I have gotten to know more about them and where they have come from.

Anyways after a long walk through James’s Park, w

here I was just fascinated with all of the ducks we headed up to Horse Guards and the Old Admiralty and then over to Buckingham Palace. As many of you are aware, the buildings are truly grand and breathtaking but it doesn’t fully hit you until you see them for yourself in person or till you run your hand along the cool marble. We decided to take a long walk home and enjoy the streets of London. For the rest of the night we have decided to have a low key evening because tomorrow is going to be packed with more tourist events planned by FIE.

Day One

So I caved and have decided to keep a blog about my summer experience in London.

 

I started out my travels very early in the morning by flying out of the Midwest to New York. During my time not only did I phone home and to my LND expert but I also caught up on some much-needed people watching skills. It seems to me that once you leave the Lawrence Bubble it’s like seeing real people for the first time. The New York airport was full of a variety of people. I sat next to a family of four until they w

ent to Amsterdam and ate lunch with a golfer that was headed to Minneapolis. After a long 4.5 hours in the airport I finally boarded the plane but we ended up staying taxied for an hour before taking flight. As the LND expert told me the flight was easy and painless and I arrived at Heathrow before I knew it. The plane proceeded to exit and go through the passport line which only took another 1.5 hours because only 5 tellers were working (lets just say that the lines at Disney World were shorter and a whole hell of a lot more enjoyable).

 

After finding my bags I proceeded to attempt my first trip on the Underground. After talking with a very cute old couple form the area I spent my first pounds and got on. For the most part the ride was smooth and didn’t take as long as I had expected it to, which was a great relief at this point. I hoped off the station and went to check myself into the program. It was here that I received my room assignment Flat 6B (hence the name of the blog).

The building that I am staying in is right across the street from Hyde Park and I am already looking forward to exploring it in the next few days but today my main task was to get my luggage (which was very heavy mind you) up to my flat. Some of you may know that recently I had been complaining because my hall director wanted to put me on the fourth floor of my building next year (because I said it was too many stairs to climb). Lets just say karma is kicking my ass from the amount of stairs that I figure I will be climbing this summer. I was the first person to arrive to the Flat and easily found my room. I have a single and the other three ladies (from Santa Clara) are sharing a room. Unlike the rest of the people in our group we also have a personal sitting area, kitchen and two bathrooms (so I guess I should stop complaining about the steps). After a short introduction and tour of the surrounding area we ladies went go and get some food/supplies for the store and proceeded to eat dinner.

 

Sorry that today’s entry is long (and kindda boring) but I promise that in the future I will be having much greater adventures to tell you about.

 

Until then…cheers