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!
Monday, October 27, 2008
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.
**********************************************************
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!
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!
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