From City to Country

I don’t even know where to begin other than to say that England has surpassed my expectations and has become the most beautiful place I have ever seen.  Friday morning I hopped on a bus to the countryside.  We made our first stop at the ever-so-famous Stonehenge.  A little background knowledge for those of you who are unfamiliar: these stones were placed between 3000 and 1600 B.C. in a circular structure aligned with the rising of the midsummer sun and the midwinter sunset. 

I was in absolute awe the entire bus ride to the city of Bath.  Driving through the curvy, narrow roads and looking out at the view of luscious green fields with roaming sheep and small country villages, I don’t think anything could ever compare to those couple hours.  While approaching the city of Bath, I learned a few “fun facts”.  It is said to be the most gorgeous city in all of England (AGREED!), Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have a house in this city, and it has one of only three shop-lined bridges in the world. 

First in Bath we toured the ‘Roman Baths’, which is a bathhouse that was constructed by the Romans nearly 2000 years ago over the springs so that they could enjoy the benefits of the waters.  It was really interesting to walk through and see this temple.  

 We were given what I called “ancient cell phones” where were able to listen to and gain more knowledge while walking through.

 Women's makeup

After coming out of the ‘Roman Baths’, we came across a British wedding in an absolutely gorgeous cathedral.  All of the women were dressed up wearing hats or some form of fancy headpieces.  It was so cool!

Later that night we got diner and enjoyed the nightlife at the local pub.  I got to enjoy a ‘taste of England’ by eating a gluten free pasty!

The next day, Saturday, we got the privilege to attend a professional rugby match.  I have never watched this sport before, nor did I know anything about it.  I do have to say it was quite interesting.  Not really ‘my cup of tea’, but I am glad that I got to be able to be a part of something so popular here.  Spectators were dressed in Halloween costumes, which I never really got an explanation for.  I also found it interesting that it took people awhile to get into the game.  It was not until after the second half that fans started really cheering, yelling, and getting into the game. 

I experienced my first stay in a hostel in Bath, which I have to say was quite different.  I don’t think I really cared for it that much, but it is a great concept for students traveling in Europe.  And the view was spectacular!

This morning, Sunday, we hopped back on a bus and drove through the beautiful countryside again to a very small village called Avebury, which is home to the largest stone circle in the world.  These stones were set up way back when the Egyptians were building pyramids, so it is said to be even more historic than Stonehenge, but not as worldly known. 

We also got the opportunity to go through Avebury Manor, which is a historic house and important piece to the town.  All I have to say is that it was breathtaking!  The artwork of the interior was impressive, as well as the many gardens that surrounded the house. 

 The toilet

My pictures and words do not even do justice to the beauty of this country.  I had the most difficult time writing this entry and trying to form the words to explain to you all what I just experienced this weekend.  I cannot express how awestruck I am by England.  It is without a doubt a must-see!!!  

Love, Brittany

Night Life

Last night I went to go see a comedy/action play called '39 Steps' and it was hilarious! I have not heard of the story before, but there are 4 actors playing 139 different roles!!! Impressive! The theatre was located in Oxford Circus, which is downtown London, similar to something like Times Square. It was a very small, old theatre that was absolutely gorgeous inside! They would not let us take pictures otherwise I would have something to show you. When we came out there was a man street performing and a bunch of people gathered around. He was hilarious!  Below is a little something.

Classes

My first week of classes is done and it has just confirmed to me how much I am going to love this semester.  All of my classes are a more hands-on approach than in America; very little lecture.  In Britain you are not assigned or given required reading, instead you are given a list of books as a guide.  From there it is your own job to gain as much or as little knowledge about any topic that is discussed in class.  Reading the newspaper and keeping up on current events is pretty much a given here I am learning.  I am curious to see if I am going to like this learning style better or not.  I think it will give me more freedom to focus on the areas that interest me. 

My art class takes place at a different museum, gallery, or architectural place in London every single class, which is very exciting to me!  I am sure I will see so much more than I would have seen otherwise.  I also learned today a bit about the British history and that the country’s official title is the ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’, yes these three countries are technically all one.  The flag also actually has an interesting religious meaning behind it.  It is 3 different crosses combined together and each one represents a saint of England (St. George), Scotland (St. Andrew), and Ireland (St. Patrick).  Scotland and England are also one monarchy, but yet they have two different legal systems, school practices, etc.  They are basically just stuck together and called the ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain’.  I have always wondered about all of this in the past and I was very intrigued while learning the answer today!  I hope some of you are as well!

This weekend I am going to be out of town on a little weekend getaway, so I will not post again until I get back either Sunday night or Monday morning.  Check back then for some exciting stories and many pictures!!!

Cheers!   -Brittany

P.S. - Computer paper here is at least 1 inch longer than in the US and it is just plain white space.  Nothing is printed on it; the margins are just much larger here.  It is driving me crazy because the papers are sticking out of my folder and there is so much excess space!  (And of course it is a waste of trees!)

Picture Update

 We went bowling, which is very popular here.  Their alleys are "retro" style.  It was interesting seeing the bowling social life of London.

 My roommate Nicole and I

 Shakespeare The Globe theatre

 The Queen

"College Life"

My dad messaged me the other day informing me that he enjoyed the fact that I was having a lot of fun, but he thought I was here for school too! Yes, yes I am here for school as well, but we were given a week to get settled in and adjusted to life in London. Now that I have gotten over the initial "OMG I AM IN LONDON" phase, I am beginning to get my bearings and can focus my attention over to the "college life". My classes start tomorrow, which I am very excited for. I am curious to compare the UK teaching style to what I am used to back home. I will be taking general education classes, as well as some elective credits, where I hope to broaden knowledge about British culture.

I am having an absolute blast in my housing unit. I am located in what is called the "student hub" of London, so the building I am living in is filled with college students from around the world. Everyday so far I have managed to meet someone knew and gain a greater understanding of the culture and world around me. I am so intrigued talking to these individuals and learning about their lives. Some things really surprise me like:
-Just how popular our music is all around the world, but yet they have not yet heard recent hits. What is popular here now are songs that were popular in America a year ago.
-Hollister and Abercrombie are popular here and worn among college students instead of high schoolers and middle schoolers.
-Young people grow up and become independent in Europe much faster than in America, in my opinion. 

In just the short time I have been here so far, I am beginning to realize just how much I have already learned about not only the cultures and lifestyles of others that differ from me, but also myself.  I am so glad that my adjustment to life in London has gone amazingly well so far!

-Brittany

British Museum

Today ended up being a cold, wet, and rainy day, so Anna, Matt, and I hoped on a bus to the British Museum for the day! I am normally not a museum person, but I was so intrigued by everything here.  Matt graciously shared his knowledge of the place and became Anna and my 'tour guide' for the day. One of the things I love most about this city is the diversity.  Everyday I walk outside I hear a variety of language being spoken and I see so many different types of people. I have to admit I was a bit worried about fitting in here and not looking like an outsider, but I do not feel like that one bit.  This city embraces diversity and allows everyone to have their own personal sense of style and way of life. There is something truly calming to me about London. It's crazy to me that I have been here for one week and it already feels like home.  I have already made some incredible memories and friendships that I know will last a lifetime and I cannot wait to see what these next 3 months have in store for me.   <3 Brittany

Fashion Week

 Emily, Me, Anna, & Betsy at Fashion Week!

 Anna & I