So this is it. I am officially finished with the semester.
And I can't say I'm not happy it's over.
It was a stressful, mostly good stress though.
Things I really enjoyed about UEA:
-the pub quizzes
-the classes
-the professors
Things I won't mind leaving behind:
-3:30 PM darkness
-the party atmosphere
-the 3.50 pound bus fare to and from town
-microwave meals
Overall I enjoyed my semester. I think I am glad I came. I learned a lot about myself and what I can and can't do. Studying abroad is good prep for the real world. It's like a test run because you're not with your parents and you really are on your own. While technology like Skype was a godsend, I really had to be independent. I couldn't just call home when I had a question, like I do when I'm at my home school. I had to think for myself.
All that being said, I want to thank all my loyal readers who have followed my trials and tribulations through England. I'll post periodically throughout my adventures in Europe and continue to post pictures. Since I won't be able to talk to most of you, I wish everyone Happy Holidays and Happy New Year, and I'll see you all on the stateside.
Cheers,
Liz
Friday, December 12, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
World AIDS Day
They unfolded your lives one by one
They laid out your patchwork under the sun
And people gathered from miles around
To witness your quilt spread on the ground.
And then they called out your name
Oh yes they called out your name
Oh and you will live forever
You know that I'll be loving you
Just like a patchwork quilt.
Well there were men and women, mothers and fathers
Sisters and brothers, daughters and sons
And children and babies, and lovers and friends
They all lay before me sewn into one.
Your lives had meaning and your lives had joy
You touches so many peole, many more than you will know
And you wrapped yourselves around me
As I walked along these rows
You're letting me feel your beautiful souls.
I feel the warmth of your lives
Oh and you will live forever
You know that I'll be loving you
Just like a patchwork quilt.
My heart spills over, flowing with tears
I cry for your suffering and
for your shortened years
And I'll take you with me as I walk away
Remembering you who have died with AIDS
Yes, I remember your names
Oh I remember your names
Oh and you will live forever
You know that I'll be loving you
Just like a patchwork quilt.
In memory of those who have died from or are suffering with AIDS or HIV
Saturday, November 29, 2008
A lot more pictures!
Barcelona 2
Barcelona 3
Paris
Enjoy!
Sorry I haven't given you a real post in a while; it's been kind of crazy with work and all. And to make it worse, I lost a whole day of working because I got snowed in at Schipol (that's missing a letter somewhere, I know). Norwich's airport is like a farm with airplanes, and their one snow plow broke on the one day so far that it's snowed. Brilliant.
16 days still I start my travels, and I am counting the hours and minutes. I've got 4 assignments left before then, so things are going to be hectic, but the light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer.
I hope everybody had a good Thanksgiving. While I didn't have off from classes, I went to a Thanksgiving dinner at the chaplaincy. There were about 20 people there, only 4 of whom were American. It was really nice, but amusing. (Oh, and speaking of Thanksgiving, read this article about Bush pardoning the turkeys. It's priceless.)
So I'll post at least once more before the end of the semester, but for now, enjoy the pictures. I'm not the best photographers, but hopefully you'll be all able to live vicariously through them.
Take care!
Liz
Barcelona 3
Paris
Enjoy!
Sorry I haven't given you a real post in a while; it's been kind of crazy with work and all. And to make it worse, I lost a whole day of working because I got snowed in at Schipol (that's missing a letter somewhere, I know). Norwich's airport is like a farm with airplanes, and their one snow plow broke on the one day so far that it's snowed. Brilliant.
16 days still I start my travels, and I am counting the hours and minutes. I've got 4 assignments left before then, so things are going to be hectic, but the light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer.
I hope everybody had a good Thanksgiving. While I didn't have off from classes, I went to a Thanksgiving dinner at the chaplaincy. There were about 20 people there, only 4 of whom were American. It was really nice, but amusing. (Oh, and speaking of Thanksgiving, read this article about Bush pardoning the turkeys. It's priceless.)
So I'll post at least once more before the end of the semester, but for now, enjoy the pictures. I'm not the best photographers, but hopefully you'll be all able to live vicariously through them.
Take care!
Liz
Friday, November 21, 2008
My whirlwind adventures
Hi everyone!
Sorry it's been so long since I've posted, but I've got no time to breathe! I got back from Barcelona on Tuesday, and it was amazing, and Tuesday evening I came down with a cold! Yuck! So I have three days in Norwich, and then tomorrow I am going to Paris for the weekend to see a friend who I have not seen in six years! I can't wait!
So I have many a picture from Barcelona to post, but have not had time to upload all of them. Thus, to hold you over, here is the first album of pictures! Enjoy!
In less than two months I will be home! I can't wait to see everybody!
Take care!
Liz
Sorry it's been so long since I've posted, but I've got no time to breathe! I got back from Barcelona on Tuesday, and it was amazing, and Tuesday evening I came down with a cold! Yuck! So I have three days in Norwich, and then tomorrow I am going to Paris for the weekend to see a friend who I have not seen in six years! I can't wait!
So I have many a picture from Barcelona to post, but have not had time to upload all of them. Thus, to hold you over, here is the first album of pictures! Enjoy!
In less than two months I will be home! I can't wait to see everybody!
Take care!
Liz
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Shabbat at Cambridge
Well, the Jewish Society here finally held an event. We were invited to Cambridge University for Shabbat dinner. I hadn't had a Shabbat dinner in ages, so it was really exciting. Five of us set for a two hour journey to Cambridge.
When we got there, we went to the Orthodox service. I actually felt more comfortable davening the Orthodox service than I did the Progressive one for the High Holy Days. It was much closer to what I was used to.
Afterwards, we had Shabbat dinner. There were easily 80-100 people there. It made me feel like I was back at my home school for Shabbat dinner, and despite not having been to one for over a year, I really started missing my school Hillel. The food was delicious, and the company was great. ironically enough, I ended up talking to three Americans. One was in the Air Force and he was stationed outside of Cambridge. He was from the same area I was. The other two were 20 years old and were hitchhiking around Europe for the year. They were so cool. I traded email addresses and hopefully we can meet up somewhere during our travels.
During the dinner, there was a lecture from a Cambridge professor. It was intense and controversial. He talked ostensibly about Jews in the United Kingdom (and the United States, to some extent) are allowing the Jewish community to desintegrate by not learning more about the Holocaust and not going to Israel. It definitely made me think about my role in the Jewish community.
Lastly we went to their "house," I guess you could call it. It was pretty well hidden, and it was like a big game room. The stuff they had in their was amazing: a wide-screen plasma tv, a pool table, a massage table, and a lot of comfy pillows. It was quite impressive.
So, when we left at midnight, you would think that was the end of our excitement. But no!
Well, first of all, we got somewhat lost on our way home. (Don't ask me how, but the British road system is quite confusing to me, especially with all their roundabouts.) Anyway, once we got back on the right track, the battery on the little car we were in started to fade. It died on the side of the highway, so we got out of the car so no one coming down would hit us. We stood around in the cold and told jokes and waited to hear from the tow company. Meanwhile, our driver had realized he had a friend who was a doctor in King's Lynn, the next town over, and God bless him, this man came out at 3 AM, picked the four of us ladies up, and took us back to his flat so we wouldn't have to wait in the cold. When he got a call about an hour later that the tow truck wouldn't be there for a few more hours (I kid you not-because there was an accident and the only tow truck was occupied), we got a taxi to take us back to school, another 45 minute to one hour ride. We didn't get back to school until 5. I'm writing this at 4 pm, and I have been up for maybe 2 hours. It was a long-ass night, but I had a good time. It beat my normal Friday night itinerary, so it was worth it.
That's it for now. I should go do some work.
When we got there, we went to the Orthodox service. I actually felt more comfortable davening the Orthodox service than I did the Progressive one for the High Holy Days. It was much closer to what I was used to.
Afterwards, we had Shabbat dinner. There were easily 80-100 people there. It made me feel like I was back at my home school for Shabbat dinner, and despite not having been to one for over a year, I really started missing my school Hillel. The food was delicious, and the company was great. ironically enough, I ended up talking to three Americans. One was in the Air Force and he was stationed outside of Cambridge. He was from the same area I was. The other two were 20 years old and were hitchhiking around Europe for the year. They were so cool. I traded email addresses and hopefully we can meet up somewhere during our travels.
During the dinner, there was a lecture from a Cambridge professor. It was intense and controversial. He talked ostensibly about Jews in the United Kingdom (and the United States, to some extent) are allowing the Jewish community to desintegrate by not learning more about the Holocaust and not going to Israel. It definitely made me think about my role in the Jewish community.
Lastly we went to their "house," I guess you could call it. It was pretty well hidden, and it was like a big game room. The stuff they had in their was amazing: a wide-screen plasma tv, a pool table, a massage table, and a lot of comfy pillows. It was quite impressive.
So, when we left at midnight, you would think that was the end of our excitement. But no!
Well, first of all, we got somewhat lost on our way home. (Don't ask me how, but the British road system is quite confusing to me, especially with all their roundabouts.) Anyway, once we got back on the right track, the battery on the little car we were in started to fade. It died on the side of the highway, so we got out of the car so no one coming down would hit us. We stood around in the cold and told jokes and waited to hear from the tow company. Meanwhile, our driver had realized he had a friend who was a doctor in King's Lynn, the next town over, and God bless him, this man came out at 3 AM, picked the four of us ladies up, and took us back to his flat so we wouldn't have to wait in the cold. When he got a call about an hour later that the tow truck wouldn't be there for a few more hours (I kid you not-because there was an accident and the only tow truck was occupied), we got a taxi to take us back to school, another 45 minute to one hour ride. We didn't get back to school until 5. I'm writing this at 4 pm, and I have been up for maybe 2 hours. It was a long-ass night, but I had a good time. It beat my normal Friday night itinerary, so it was worth it.
That's it for now. I should go do some work.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Election day in the UK
Wow. I am hung over. If it possible to be hungover on potato chips, diet coke, and glee, that is.
Since polls didn't close until midnight England time, I decided to join my friends for an all-night celebration in the on-campus bar. We had on CNN, and while I don't mean to say anything negative about my English friends, I don't think they understood what they were sheering for. They knew blue meant good and red meant bad (okay, that was sort of my thinking as well), but they would get excited when states were called with 0% of the polls reporting (my least favorite thing about CNN election results-exit poll projections). My American friends and I sat there, shaking our heads, knowing we had to wait for every last vote to be counted.
That didn't stop me from cheering with everyone else at 4 am, when polls on the west coast closed and California was automatically given to Obama. We knew he had the entire west coast coming his way, so it was no surprise. It was interesting to see how excited all the British kids were about Obama, though. There wasn't a single McCain supporter in the bar (or if there was, they kept to themselves, and I don't blame them).
I went back to my room and planned to just stay up until my 10 am class. That didn't happen. I crashed at 5 and slept right through my class, but woke up for my afternoon class. I am still so overtired. I am very glad I handed in my paper yesterday so I wouldn't have to worry about remembering it for today.
As a sidenote, there was a downside to this election, and that was the ballot measures in Arizona, Arkansas, California, and Florida. AZ, CA (despite the Supreme Court decision), and FL all voted to ban gay marriage, and AR banned adoption rights for gay couples. Colorado voted that life began at the moment of conception. In a world where we can elect a president who will be a champion of change, there are still flaws in the American patchwork that need to be rectified.
Notables: Michigan now allows medical marijuana, and Washington allows doctor-assisted suicide.
But for the first time in quite a while today, i belted Lee Greenwood's "Proud to be an American" in my room. It's not that I was never not proud to be an American, but there was such a stigma attached to this country these last eight years. I feel like Ronald Reagan in 1984: "It's morning in America again."
Yes, Sir, it is. And it's going to be a good day.
Since polls didn't close until midnight England time, I decided to join my friends for an all-night celebration in the on-campus bar. We had on CNN, and while I don't mean to say anything negative about my English friends, I don't think they understood what they were sheering for. They knew blue meant good and red meant bad (okay, that was sort of my thinking as well), but they would get excited when states were called with 0% of the polls reporting (my least favorite thing about CNN election results-exit poll projections). My American friends and I sat there, shaking our heads, knowing we had to wait for every last vote to be counted.
That didn't stop me from cheering with everyone else at 4 am, when polls on the west coast closed and California was automatically given to Obama. We knew he had the entire west coast coming his way, so it was no surprise. It was interesting to see how excited all the British kids were about Obama, though. There wasn't a single McCain supporter in the bar (or if there was, they kept to themselves, and I don't blame them).
I went back to my room and planned to just stay up until my 10 am class. That didn't happen. I crashed at 5 and slept right through my class, but woke up for my afternoon class. I am still so overtired. I am very glad I handed in my paper yesterday so I wouldn't have to worry about remembering it for today.
As a sidenote, there was a downside to this election, and that was the ballot measures in Arizona, Arkansas, California, and Florida. AZ, CA (despite the Supreme Court decision), and FL all voted to ban gay marriage, and AR banned adoption rights for gay couples. Colorado voted that life began at the moment of conception. In a world where we can elect a president who will be a champion of change, there are still flaws in the American patchwork that need to be rectified.
Notables: Michigan now allows medical marijuana, and Washington allows doctor-assisted suicide.
But for the first time in quite a while today, i belted Lee Greenwood's "Proud to be an American" in my room. It's not that I was never not proud to be an American, but there was such a stigma attached to this country these last eight years. I feel like Ronald Reagan in 1984: "It's morning in America again."
Yes, Sir, it is. And it's going to be a good day.
Monday, November 3, 2008
I got posted in the Washington Post travel chat!
Norwich, UK: I'm studying abroad right now and everyone wants to talk about the election. It's number one on their minds as well. The bar is even staying open all night so Americans (and everyone else) can watch election returns come in. We've been talking all about it in my politics courses, and there's a round table next week. Even though I'd rather be in America for this great event, it's really exciting over here, too!
Scott Vogel: That bar might have to stay open into the next day. Nah, let's think positive.
Monday, October 27, 2008
A Proper Post about London
So this weekend was amazing, a much needed break from Norwich. London is an awesome city. If you've looked at the pictures, you've seen that Sara and I went to a million different places. The last time I was in London was 1999, so it was good to see things from a new, more mature perspective. (And yes, i know some people might disagree with me on this last point.)
"Billy Elliot" was an amazing musical. The star of this show was this 13-year old boy who was a phenomenal dancer. The whole show was amazing, but this kid was amazing. He did tap and ballet in the show, along with standard dancing scenes, and he sang. It was incredible.
The next day we went to Notting Hill. They have a street market every weekend. We had crepes for lunch and we saw George Orwell's house. But one of the greatest moments was when we were looking for the infamous blue door from the movie "Notting Hill". We couldn't seem to find it, so we asked a security guard and he says, "oh, you mean the movie door?" and we nod, and he replies, "Grant Hugh? Grant Hugh?" It took me a second, and then I was like, "Oh, you mean Hugh Grant!" and we all had a good laugh. It ended up being disappointing because the door was now painted black. We did get to see the travel bookshop that inspired the story, which was cool.
Our next stop was Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Big Ben was so cool, as were the Houses of Parliament. That's a really amazing location, right on the river. The Millennium Eye is right there too, as is Westminster Abbey, which is another impressive building. We tried to go to Number 10 Downing Street, but all you can see are thick iron gates and guards with nice large guns.
We then headed to Covent Garden for dinner, where we ate at this Italian cafe. We did some shopping there, and then we headed to King's Cross. Now, truth be told (as we found out), there's really nothing to do at King's Cross, but it is where Harry Potter boards the Hogwarts Express every year. They created a separate wall labeled Platform 9 3/4 and put a luggage cart halfway through the wall so you can look like you're pushing through. it was so cool to say we went there.
We then decided to head down to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The Tower of London is freakin' amazing. I love it. We didn't go in it, but it just blows me away. Tower Bridge is also pretty impressive. We walked out on to the bridge and looked out over the river for a few minutes before getting back on the Underground and heading to a friend's house for a party. It was so good to see her.
Now, this section here is redacted because of my readership, but let's just say getting back to my friend's dorm took 2.5 hours, 3 buses, and this was at midnight.
The next day we went to Chinatown, where we had the most delicious Dim Sum. it was the first Chinese food I'd had since coming over here, and I was so glad we went. We then walked around some used bookstores, and i found a book on "The West Wing"! it's not the lightest book, but it was dirt cheap and I had to get it! Yay!
Our trip ended in Leicester Square, the movie theatre district, which was a nice area to walk around. They have handprints around the park like we have Hollywood stars.
All this is in the two photo albums posted previously. Sorry for the delay in this post. it's been a crazy week. November is going to be a crazy month. The 14th I am going to Barcelona, the 22nd I am going to Paris, and the 28th a friend from work is coming up to Norwich! I can't wait!
Leave comments! I want to know how you all are doing!
"Billy Elliot" was an amazing musical. The star of this show was this 13-year old boy who was a phenomenal dancer. The whole show was amazing, but this kid was amazing. He did tap and ballet in the show, along with standard dancing scenes, and he sang. It was incredible.
The next day we went to Notting Hill. They have a street market every weekend. We had crepes for lunch and we saw George Orwell's house. But one of the greatest moments was when we were looking for the infamous blue door from the movie "Notting Hill". We couldn't seem to find it, so we asked a security guard and he says, "oh, you mean the movie door?" and we nod, and he replies, "Grant Hugh? Grant Hugh?" It took me a second, and then I was like, "Oh, you mean Hugh Grant!" and we all had a good laugh. It ended up being disappointing because the door was now painted black. We did get to see the travel bookshop that inspired the story, which was cool.
Our next stop was Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Big Ben was so cool, as were the Houses of Parliament. That's a really amazing location, right on the river. The Millennium Eye is right there too, as is Westminster Abbey, which is another impressive building. We tried to go to Number 10 Downing Street, but all you can see are thick iron gates and guards with nice large guns.
We then headed to Covent Garden for dinner, where we ate at this Italian cafe. We did some shopping there, and then we headed to King's Cross. Now, truth be told (as we found out), there's really nothing to do at King's Cross, but it is where Harry Potter boards the Hogwarts Express every year. They created a separate wall labeled Platform 9 3/4 and put a luggage cart halfway through the wall so you can look like you're pushing through. it was so cool to say we went there.
We then decided to head down to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The Tower of London is freakin' amazing. I love it. We didn't go in it, but it just blows me away. Tower Bridge is also pretty impressive. We walked out on to the bridge and looked out over the river for a few minutes before getting back on the Underground and heading to a friend's house for a party. It was so good to see her.
Now, this section here is redacted because of my readership, but let's just say getting back to my friend's dorm took 2.5 hours, 3 buses, and this was at midnight.
The next day we went to Chinatown, where we had the most delicious Dim Sum. it was the first Chinese food I'd had since coming over here, and I was so glad we went. We then walked around some used bookstores, and i found a book on "The West Wing"! it's not the lightest book, but it was dirt cheap and I had to get it! Yay!
Our trip ended in Leicester Square, the movie theatre district, which was a nice area to walk around. They have handprints around the park like we have Hollywood stars.
All this is in the two photo albums posted previously. Sorry for the delay in this post. it's been a crazy week. November is going to be a crazy month. The 14th I am going to Barcelona, the 22nd I am going to Paris, and the 28th a friend from work is coming up to Norwich! I can't wait!
Leave comments! I want to know how you all are doing!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Go to!
I just saw the Reduced Shakespeare Company perform "The Complete Word of God: Abridged." It was super hysterical. I absolutely loved it, and I needed the laughs. It was absolutely brilliant. Those guys are geniuses.
Check them out: www.reducedshakespeare.com
Check them out: www.reducedshakespeare.com
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Doritos
As most of you know, I can't cook. I don't have the patience for it, I never got the gene for it, whatever. It's not my thing. So imagine my shock when I learn that UEA has no meal plan and we have to cook for ourselves.
Well, I took the easy way out. I buy microwavable meals that are ready in 10 minutes and I am a happy camper. But when you're eating two of these a day, they go quickly, sometimes you have to resort to that fateful S-word.
That's right. Spending money.
Buying food here (hell, buying anything here) is so damn expensive. And while I love going out to eat, spending 5 pounds on lunch (10 dollars) is not my idea of a pleasant dining experience. So while I am making due with microwavable meals, I keep around some snacks that provide nutritional value but rather the comforts of home.
Like Doritos.
I don't know what it is about ranch-flavored Doritos. I was never an overzealous fan of them in the past. But here, they are like bread and butter, a staple commodity in the world of junk food.
I ran out of Doritos last Friday, and planned the very next day to go out and buy a new bag. But it poured. Same for the next day. I'm not going to lie; I felt a little bit of Dorito withdrawal. However, sunny Monday came a long and I was saved. Happy days are here again.
PS-Last night I screwed up a microwave pizza. Note to self: when food comes in a box of two, and you eat one, do not throw away the box. Said box contains important details, like how long said pizza is supposed to cook. Whoops.
Well, I took the easy way out. I buy microwavable meals that are ready in 10 minutes and I am a happy camper. But when you're eating two of these a day, they go quickly, sometimes you have to resort to that fateful S-word.
That's right. Spending money.
Buying food here (hell, buying anything here) is so damn expensive. And while I love going out to eat, spending 5 pounds on lunch (10 dollars) is not my idea of a pleasant dining experience. So while I am making due with microwavable meals, I keep around some snacks that provide nutritional value but rather the comforts of home.
Like Doritos.
I don't know what it is about ranch-flavored Doritos. I was never an overzealous fan of them in the past. But here, they are like bread and butter, a staple commodity in the world of junk food.
I ran out of Doritos last Friday, and planned the very next day to go out and buy a new bag. But it poured. Same for the next day. I'm not going to lie; I felt a little bit of Dorito withdrawal. However, sunny Monday came a long and I was saved. Happy days are here again.
PS-Last night I screwed up a microwave pizza. Note to self: when food comes in a box of two, and you eat one, do not throw away the box. Said box contains important details, like how long said pizza is supposed to cook. Whoops.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Classes and other stuff
I've been meaning to catch this blog up all week, and now seemed like the perfect time to start. I wanted to tell you about my classes.
I am taking:
Popular Culture and Politics
Crime and investigation in Contemporary US TV
New Media and Society
Though I truly enjoy all my classes, Popular Culture and Politics is easily my favorite. My professor is a pretty well known researcher and theorist on the subject, and I am sure I will be citing in my thesis. I like his lecture style, and he's just a lot of fun. (Plus, he showed a clip of The West Wing in class today-who could ask for anything more?)
A lot of the reading I am doing for my classes, though, seems redundant to reading I've done at my home institution. I'm reading articles and I see names like Gramsci, Raymond Williams, and Marshall McLuhan, and words like hegemony, voyeurism, and video verite. Been there, done that. I made a statement in my New Media and Society class and the professor said, "We're going to talk about that more when we get to Robert Putnam and Bowling Alone." Putnam. This will easily be the fourth class where I've discussed his theory. Alas. It's a good thing I like what I'm studying.
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This Tuesday was Rosh Hashanah. I only observed one day this year, which is odd for me, but that's for another blog entirely. I went to a progressive Jewish synagogue. I had never heard of progressive Judaism before. It seems to be strictly British, I think. They don't bow to God during their prayers, which confused me, but as my brother pointed out, that would be putting God before Queen. It was very interesting, and there were only about 20 (really nice) people there. I was the only student. I am going back there for Yom Kippur, though.
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I'll admit. I've been quite homesick since being over here. Thank goodness for Skype. (*If anyone wants to Skype with me, drop me a line and let me know. I'd love to talk! Also, if anyone wants a postcard, let me know.) It's really hard for me to get out, even though I really am trying. But at bus rides costing the equivalent 7 dollars, I can only go into town so much. I've made some friends here, but the evenings (with the exception of Sunday and Tuesday, quiz nights!) are killer. Most of the evening activity here is either concerts (they have a pretty popular venue on campus) or going to the bar. There's nothing else to do in the vicinity of the campus. Thus my nights are spent writing long and tedious blog entries for a few loyal readers. I really wish there was more to do.
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Speaking of things to do, here's what's on my calendar for the next month:
Saturday-day trip to Cambridge
October 17-Reduced Shakespeare Company!!!
October 25-London Film Festival
Pretty awesome, I'd say.
**************************************************************
So that's it. Maybe I should start on my reading for next week, or do more thesis research. Or, as my dad would say, "Do something, even if it's wrong." I'm working on it, Dad, let me tell you.
All right, I'm out! Cheers!
I am taking:
Popular Culture and Politics
Crime and investigation in Contemporary US TV
New Media and Society
Though I truly enjoy all my classes, Popular Culture and Politics is easily my favorite. My professor is a pretty well known researcher and theorist on the subject, and I am sure I will be citing in my thesis. I like his lecture style, and he's just a lot of fun. (Plus, he showed a clip of The West Wing in class today-who could ask for anything more?)
A lot of the reading I am doing for my classes, though, seems redundant to reading I've done at my home institution. I'm reading articles and I see names like Gramsci, Raymond Williams, and Marshall McLuhan, and words like hegemony, voyeurism, and video verite. Been there, done that. I made a statement in my New Media and Society class and the professor said, "We're going to talk about that more when we get to Robert Putnam and Bowling Alone." Putnam. This will easily be the fourth class where I've discussed his theory. Alas. It's a good thing I like what I'm studying.
**********************************************************
This Tuesday was Rosh Hashanah. I only observed one day this year, which is odd for me, but that's for another blog entirely. I went to a progressive Jewish synagogue. I had never heard of progressive Judaism before. It seems to be strictly British, I think. They don't bow to God during their prayers, which confused me, but as my brother pointed out, that would be putting God before Queen. It was very interesting, and there were only about 20 (really nice) people there. I was the only student. I am going back there for Yom Kippur, though.
************************************************************
I'll admit. I've been quite homesick since being over here. Thank goodness for Skype. (*If anyone wants to Skype with me, drop me a line and let me know. I'd love to talk! Also, if anyone wants a postcard, let me know.) It's really hard for me to get out, even though I really am trying. But at bus rides costing the equivalent 7 dollars, I can only go into town so much. I've made some friends here, but the evenings (with the exception of Sunday and Tuesday, quiz nights!) are killer. Most of the evening activity here is either concerts (they have a pretty popular venue on campus) or going to the bar. There's nothing else to do in the vicinity of the campus. Thus my nights are spent writing long and tedious blog entries for a few loyal readers. I really wish there was more to do.
***************************************************************
Speaking of things to do, here's what's on my calendar for the next month:
Saturday-day trip to Cambridge
October 17-Reduced Shakespeare Company!!!
October 25-London Film Festival
Pretty awesome, I'd say.
**************************************************************
So that's it. Maybe I should start on my reading for next week, or do more thesis research. Or, as my dad would say, "Do something, even if it's wrong." I'm working on it, Dad, let me tell you.
All right, I'm out! Cheers!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Shana Tova!
Shana Tova to all my Jewish friends! A happy and healthy new year to you! I wish I was there to celebrate with you!
Here's to a prosperous 5769!
Here's to a prosperous 5769!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Pub Quizzes
There are few things that can consistently make me happy. One is clips from the show, "Whose Line is it Anyway?" Two is "The West Wing" (an obvious answer to most of you.) But since Youtube only provides so much and full video content is not free, I have to find something else to keep my spirits alive. And so I went for the next most blatant target: trivia.
My first pub quiz was for just the international students, and it was fun. The questions were pretty basic but challenging enough. My team tied for first place and we split a box of tchotchkes with the other team.
Last night I went to the quiz at the 21+ bar. it's nice being able to go in there because there are still a lot of kids here who go to the campus bar and get plastered every night, which doesn't thrill me at all. I was talking to the bartenders and they invited me to join their team for the quiz. Turns out their team is brilliant, and even though I couldn't contribute a lot (categories like British children's tv didn't help), I really enjoyed participating. Needless to say our team won and we got free drink vouchers for the bar. Pretty darn sweet.
So there it is. My saving grace. Trivia. Jimmy, I hope you're reading this!
Okay now I have to really go read Foucault.
Cheers!
My first pub quiz was for just the international students, and it was fun. The questions were pretty basic but challenging enough. My team tied for first place and we split a box of tchotchkes with the other team.
Last night I went to the quiz at the 21+ bar. it's nice being able to go in there because there are still a lot of kids here who go to the campus bar and get plastered every night, which doesn't thrill me at all. I was talking to the bartenders and they invited me to join their team for the quiz. Turns out their team is brilliant, and even though I couldn't contribute a lot (categories like British children's tv didn't help), I really enjoyed participating. Needless to say our team won and we got free drink vouchers for the bar. Pretty darn sweet.
So there it is. My saving grace. Trivia. Jimmy, I hope you're reading this!
Okay now I have to really go read Foucault.
Cheers!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
First Weekend
Greetings from Norwich! As my third day on campus comes to an end, I feel it is time for an update.
The university here is much larger than the one at home. MUCH bigger, at least to me. I'm really overwhelmed. It's a very cluttered campus-the organization doesn't really make sense at all (at least not yet). Even the academic schedule is confusing-some of my classses start this coming Monday and some start a week from Monday. And I really don't know which are which.
I've met a lot of nice people, from all countries, not just Britain or America. But it was reassuring to see my college buddies from home those first couple days. I've got to get used to staying out later than 11, though. I'm such a party pooper.
The bar culture is way different. I actually have been hanging out in the bar. I usually have a drink a night, and feel no residual effects, which I like. It's a little loud and crowded in the bar (which is on campus), but I think I'll warm up to it...I hope.
So that's about it. It's pretty later here, so I think I'll end this post. Keep your comments coming! I really want to hear from everybody!
Take care!
Cheers!
Liz
The university here is much larger than the one at home. MUCH bigger, at least to me. I'm really overwhelmed. It's a very cluttered campus-the organization doesn't really make sense at all (at least not yet). Even the academic schedule is confusing-some of my classses start this coming Monday and some start a week from Monday. And I really don't know which are which.
I've met a lot of nice people, from all countries, not just Britain or America. But it was reassuring to see my college buddies from home those first couple days. I've got to get used to staying out later than 11, though. I'm such a party pooper.
The bar culture is way different. I actually have been hanging out in the bar. I usually have a drink a night, and feel no residual effects, which I like. It's a little loud and crowded in the bar (which is on campus), but I think I'll warm up to it...I hope.
So that's about it. It's pretty later here, so I think I'll end this post. Keep your comments coming! I really want to hear from everybody!
Take care!
Cheers!
Liz
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Welcome!
I am Liz, and this is my blog. Actually, my second blog. Here I will be recording my experiences of studying and traveling abroad starting in England and then expanding to Western Europe. I will be studying in Norwich, England, at the University of East Anglia for the semester, taking three Media Studies classes.
My flight leaves tomorrow evening from Washington DC. I arrive Thursday morning at UEA, so this is just a preliminary post.
Just to make people aware of a few things:
-I will not post pictures except for scenery. If you want pictures with me, you obviously have to know me and should email me.
-I will try to post on a regular basis, but I am not guaranteeing anything.
-I will keep the comments open so anyone can post, but I do ask that you identify yourself in your comment. I really don't like anonymous comments, but i want people to be able to post without having to create an account.
So that's it. Hopefully you'll enjoy learning about my trip as much as I will be enjoying the trip itself. Any questions or comments? Shoot me a message.
Signing off,
Liz in L'angleterre
My flight leaves tomorrow evening from Washington DC. I arrive Thursday morning at UEA, so this is just a preliminary post.
Just to make people aware of a few things:
-I will not post pictures except for scenery. If you want pictures with me, you obviously have to know me and should email me.
-I will try to post on a regular basis, but I am not guaranteeing anything.
-I will keep the comments open so anyone can post, but I do ask that you identify yourself in your comment. I really don't like anonymous comments, but i want people to be able to post without having to create an account.
So that's it. Hopefully you'll enjoy learning about my trip as much as I will be enjoying the trip itself. Any questions or comments? Shoot me a message.
Signing off,
Liz in L'angleterre
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