In Which I Find Gainful Employment

Hello All! Yes, it's been forever since I've posted. Consider me approbriately shamed faced. In my defense, London has decided to lead a biological and viral attack on my immune system in the past few weeks, culminating in a nasty 24 hour bug at the beginning of this week. I tell you not to earn your pity (though I'll take that), but so that you don't think I'm just being lazy. I've been at war people!

Enough about my health issues. So, it has been a busy busy time in the past few weeks. On the academic front, I got back my first essay with a pretty decent mark on it. Considering I hadn't written a real essay in four months, not too shabby. Hopefully the next one will be better. In my Early Modern Britain class, we have moved on past the Tudors and on to the Stuarts. And here we thought H8 was self-indulgent: his Scottish kin had the poor treasury working overtime. And, because I do believe my professor has a flair for timing, we are studying WITCHCRAFT this week, right in time for Halloween!! I am very very excited. At the library, which has become my new favorite haunt (couldn't resist), I found a book called The Bewitching of Anne Gunter: A Horrible and True Story of Deception, Witchcraft, Murder, and the King of England by James Sharpe. I'm only 15 pages in and its addicting stuff. Now if I could only be so motivated to read the absolute sea of packets on 'self-fashioning: civility' that I have for my Early Modern Cultural History class. *sigh* As for my Empire and Commonwealth class, we've spent the past two weeks learning about the American Colonies. It's interesting to note that when I was lectured about the American Revolution in my state-side University class, it was given a very negative view. Essentially we were taught that the colonists were being whiny, and we should have just paid our taxes and shut up. Instead a few greedy and wealthy men were able to manipulate an entire country into revoulting against a mother country they held near and dear to their heart. Meanwhile, our lecturer in jolly old England was much more kind about the whole Revolution thing, and presented a more even handled interpretation, citing reasons on both sides of the Atlantic as to why Revolution happened. Wouldn't one think it would be the opposite?

On the social front, the good times keep on rolling. Last Tuesday an attempt was made to go to Ministry of Sound again, but the club was so crowded we didn't get in! We were even on the guest list, but to no avail. Nevertheless, we picked ourselves up, brushed off our knees, and headed over to the Dover Castle for a few pints. Determination, I do believe, overcomes almost any obstacle. This past weekend our flat threw a Karaoke Party, which seemed to be well received by everyone who attended (a nice selection of our friends from neighboring flats). I wouldn't say we were the most in tune band of singers, but we definitly had enthusiasm. And just so you don't think that my social life MUST involve partying, on Saturday we took a nice trip to the National Portrait Gallery. It was a girls day out, our flatmate Matthew having selected to stay in and do some work. I think he took a nap. The trip was fairly successful: Laura was able to see some mad Romantic poets and the like, Francesca got to see the early Tudor Kings & Queens, I got to view some Stuarts, and Tessa took in a sampling of the contemporary pictures along with a few dead white guys. This weekend we're thinking about branching out to some other museums, if only because I have the floor plan of the NPG memorized...

And finally, to get to the topic of this post: I got a Job!! I will be a waiter for an event staffing company. Not exactly earth-shattering, I know, but my first gig is at the Science Museum, so that should be interesting. And the main objective of the part-time job, the paycheck, will be nice too.

And to wrap things up, I must say I have THE BEST flatmates in the world. When my germ-ridden body and home-sick heart had me feeling rather low, they threw me a USA-themed dinner to cheer me up. It was complete with pictures of Bush, McCain, and Obama on the wall, a view of Pittsburgh, American slang on the white board, and a revised version of the preamble of the constitution on the kitchen door. I love my flatmates!!!

The Not Forgotten Project

Yesterday was a throwback to summer as I spent the entire day volunteering for Westminster Archives. The Not Forgotten project that I helped to work on during my internship is finally taking on life. Different primary schools from around the area participate through day long workshops, learning about World War I and the four soldiers featured in the project. Each school focuses on one particular soldier, and yesterday's class happened to learn about the soldier I spent the most time researching, Pvt. Thomas Highgate. It was an exhausting day, having to be at the train station at 7:20 am, but definitely well worth it. Below is the view from the train window as it sped away from Charing Cross.

I spent so much time digging up the facts of Highgate's life that it was quite validating to share the story with other people. The day ended with a short walk to a park in Sidcup, the town the school was located , to see the war memorial that bears Highgate's name. The class gathered around while (on the left) Peter, my former boss and the Education Officer from Westminster Archives, and (on the right) Simon, the head of the Bexley Archives, led the talk.

Again, we couldn't have asked for a nicer day. Which was quite fortunate, considering as soon as I posted last time about the beautiful sunny weather the skys opened up for about a week straight. Since the sun was actually OUT I couldn't resist taking a few shots to prove that sunshine does indeed exist in England. This scene is right behind the War Memorial at the Sidcup park.

Otherwise, life has been rather straight forward here. Loads and loads of reading, which I will continue on with Popular Religion in Sixteenth Century England once I finish this post. Try not to be jealous. Francesca and I did go to Portebello Market on Saturday, which was a fun way to spend the afternoon. We also hit Oxford street so that Ces could get a few items to complete her outfit for cheerleading initiations. (The theme was 'American' so I helped dress her up as a sorority girl.) It threatened to rain the entire time (did I mention I'm in London?), but we lucked out and it held off until right before we got home. I was slightly naughty and got another scarf (fun circles this time!) and some cheap pearl costume jewelry at Portabello. I threw my CV into a few different places at the job fair on Tuesday, so hopefully I will be able to afford to continue to buy scarves in the future.

Now, I must needs get to my reading. My seminar class today has me slightly intimidated, so I want to prepare prepare prepare for next week. Ah, the life of a student.

The Zoo!

Taking advantage of the unseasonably nice weather, we decided to take a trip to the London Zoo and spend the day with the animals. We couldn't have asked for a sunnier, nicer day - especially this late in September. The leaves are changing over here already, which makes me a little sad. It seems too soon! The leaves, though, do put on a good show.

On an academic note, I will finally start classes this Tuesday, over a month later than I normally begin my Fall semester. I have to admit, I'm quite anxious to begin. It's been lovely being over here, but my poor little structured soul needs some direction and schedule applied to my daily life. I've already started my reading lists, concentrating on the Reformation since that will be the topic of my first paper. Also, as it happens, BBC is airing the second season of The Tudors, so my mind has been completely entrenched in the early 16th century. (Wycliffe, Erasmus, and More, Oh My!) Not much else has happened - perhaps next week will be more interesting!

In Which I Succumb to Freshers Flu

Ok, more of a cold than the full-out flu, but my throat feels scratchy enough. Everyone here has warned us newbies about "Freshers Flu", a diabolical virus that strikes down 1st year university students during their first month or so of school. Even speaking to my dear British friend Beth back at IUP, she remarked "*Shudder* I hate freshers - they bring the flu". It really isn't fair, considering I'm in my third year and I haven't even taken place in the marathon clubbing and drinking that makes up Freshers Week. *Sigh*

Although I am now dependent on my Kleenex box and mug of tea, this past week has been fairly enjoyable. Last Friday my flatmates Ces, Laura, and I went to see The Lion King, as our student discount got as 53 pound tickets for 20. The show was really great, especially the costumes that the musical won so many awards for. It was also nice go out and experience a bit of the theater culture of London. I think our next target will be to see Wicked, and (if I have my way) Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

On Saturday my flatmate Ces and I spent the early afternoon at the British Museum, exploring the Egyptians, Assyrians, and various other cultures that liked to morph animals with humans. After expanding our cultural horizons we spent three hours on Oxford street expanding our fashion horizons. Shopping on Oxford street is akin to going to battle: one must be outfitted in the proper armor (fashionable, but comfortable - this is serious shopping here folks), portray an aggressive stance (it's either run people over or be run over yourself), and display an impressive amount of stamina and endurance (of the silent and stoic variety especially - lines for dressing rooms can be soooo long). In the end, our purpose for shopping (find me an outfit for the Ministry of Sound party), was satisfied after 5 minutes in Ces's closet back at the apartment. After we discovered we're the same size in both cloths and shoes I believe she exclaimed "Oh good, now I have a doll to dress up!" As her wardrobe is much more fashionable than mine, I won't complain :D

Monday night was the Ministry of Sound (a club in London famous for its DJs and music) Freshers Party. A good time was had by all, even if it was a little on the crowded side. Nightlife here in London is considered by some to be the best in the world, but you have to be willing to pay for it as well. For those of us on a stricter budget, I think we'll just head to the pub this weekend...

As for this week, well, I've been holed up with this cold. London has decided to turn rainy on us, so motivation to go out and explore has been very little. This weekend the sun is due out again, with a high of 70! Until then, I will continue on conquering my reading lists (or at least finish one book).

In Which a Junior attends Freshers Week

Here at King’s College London the first week of orientation for freshmen is called Freshers Week. A term, I have discovered, which is generally the acceptable method of describing freshmen, however awkward it sounds rolling off my tongue. So far, they’ve thrown parties, had a comedy night, and thrown more parties. Not bad work if you can get it. Enrollment and registration for the entire university is about a weeklong process. I don’t register until Friday, so I am left to my own devices until then. That said, the activites of Freshers Week take on a new appeal. It is slightly intimidating to go through the whole process of being a freshman again – meeting new people, making friends, the whole bit. I am lucky enough to have a very solid group of friends back at IUP who are all very familiar with my little quirks and oddities, and love me in spite of (or perhaps because of) them.

My flatmates all seem very nice so far. Francesca, Laura, and Mathew are all freshmen, while Mae, a Parisian, is an exchange student like me. She is in her fourth year of college, which for her is her first year of graduate school. She is studying theater and English literature, and has an 80 page dissertation due by the end of the year. (eek!) Perhaps I can get her to help me with my French…

In Which I Wear the Worst Shoes for Cross-Atlantic Travel

My first bit of wisdom garnered from my year abroad experience – wear well worn, broken-in shoes for travel. I oh so foolishly decided to wear a new pair of ballet flats that, although comfortable when I tried them on at the store, were a nightmare on my feet. The blisters on my heels are currently doused in Neosporin and band-aids, but still twinge. I am glad to say, though, that my shoe choice was the worst bit of the trip. Everything else went very well, from the lovely 7 hour flight to navigating my way from the airport to the university housing. I believe that part of this is due to my size and 12-year-old-esque face. People are so much more willing to be helpful and kind to children, and I received my fair share of “huns” & “loves”.

The Great Dover Street Apartments is where I will call home for the next 9 months. My room is tiny tiny tiny, and the walls are the most interesting shade of yellow-green, but I’m making do. Least to say, I need to come up with something that will cover the walls. I can only stand mental hospital décor for so long.

My Bathroom


My Room, as viewd from the bed

My Room, as viewed from the doorway

And so, after a little over five weeks of being home, I am officially back in London. It is a weird mixture of comfort and nerves – comfort because the city that I called home for two months this summer still feels like a place I belong, and nerves because this time around everything is different. New people to meet, new areas of London to become acquainted with, and oh yeah, the whole reason I’m over here, a new university to attend!

In Which I Discover I am Not a Hostel Girl

This past weekend I traveled up north to Edinburgh, Scotland. After a lovely 8.5 hour bus ride there it was a welcome relief to stretch and go explore the city. Our hostel, however, had much to be desired. I suppose half of it was the smell, which was the most awful combination of unmentionables. That, and the fact that my friend and I were so very out of place. Everyone else there had blond dread locks and didn't believe in the principle of bathing. Oh well, we only used it to sleep in. Now I know that I was designed to stay in hotels, not hostels.

We started off day one by trying to get to the Castle. There weren't any signs (which we should have considered), so we figured the path would take us up the hill towards the Royal Mile and the Castle. Well, it took us up the hill but blocked all access above and beyond. Besides getting a nice work out at 8:30 in the morning, we did get a gorgeous view of Edinburgh.

The Castle, once we finally reached it, was a very cool place to explore. I couldn't imagine being a prisoner of war there, or actually using it to defend against an invading army. Today it does nothing more than earn revenue for the city as a tourist spot, which is a much more pleasant role all around I should think. The Scottish Crown Jewels are kept there, as well as some very nice paintings of the Stewart Monarchs in the Royal Hall. After spending a few hours touring the Castle we decided to taste a few whiskeys, which then prompted a need for lunch to get some food in our bellies...

Saturday we spent exploring the Highlands, which was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen before. The day was cold - 9 degrees C! - but the sites were gorgeous. Below are some of my favorite pictures from the day.

Here is me on the banks of Loch Ness. No monster I'm afraid but worth the trip nonetheless!