We were asked to go to one of the villages that make up London and I chose to go to Wimbledon. Yes, the one with the tennis courts.
However, I didn't want to go because of the sport, I wanted to go for the Buddhist Temple. Wimbledon is home of the only Thai Buddhist Temple in Europe. It is actually ran by the Thai government itself and has five monks living there. The temple was absolutely beautiful. There was a garden surrounding it with flower blooming all over and a zen pond to bring even more peace to the area. The temple itself was white with accents of reds and golds. It was breath taking due to the fact that it is placed in a residential area in what still seems to be the middle of London.
Our next stop was the Tennis club but after seeing that it really was just a bunch of tennis courts we turned away and noticed the golf course across the street instead. Now we can say that we have been there but didn't pay an arm and leg to do anything more than that.
We continued on and saw the St. Mary's Church which was suppose to give us an idea of a village church. It did its job. It was beautiful! There was a wide open field in front of the church before meeting up with a cemetery that had head stones so weathered that you couldn't read the names or dates but spring time flowers still laid themselves over the graves. The church itself had a huge blue door and was dark and made of stone with a tall bell tower. The size of it was just right for a small village but big enough to be called a church instead of a chapel. There was no one around except for the squirrels who had decided to inhabit the beautiful cemetery. I loved it. The idea of it being there for all that time and families continuing to visit it through the ages made me smile.
By this time the rain cloud that had been hanging over our heads was not going to wait any longer so we rushed back to the bus stop in the beginning of the storm. I hadn't mentioned the wonderful park that was along this road. It was the first one I had seen that wasn't manicured to perfection. It was a real, honest to God, green area. I really wanted to go play hide-and-seek in it but the rain and mud stopped me from even suggesting it. Oh right, and the fact that I am twenty years old and should be more mature than that. ;)
We got on the bus and rode around to high street, looking at all the cute dress shops that were calling our names but not our pocket books while not getting soaked thanks to London transportation systems.
It was a lovely day of beautiful scenery, temperamental weather and discovering new places.
Sunday 22 April 2012
Reflection Assignment 9
London has been so many things wrapped up all in one. I am so glad I took this trip and took the chance to study abroad. I think everyone should at least do it once in their life or they will be missing out on a experience to grow and become their own person. I would not change a single thing about this trip.
I did not imagine that there would be so many things that I wanted to do or would find fascinating in just this area alone. There is so much history and culture surrounding London that its not shocking for people to spend years just trying to do everything here. I have to say that my favorite part about London is the parks. Every one has a unique feeling to them and when it is sunny and not cold everyone goes and enjoys the wonderful green space that the city of London has so graciously provided in the concrete jungle.
Coming to London has helped me see who I want to be in the future. To be this strong individual who can navigate any city, no matter the language. To not be afraid to go anywhere, to just hop on a train and go without a second thought. My shyness to approach people about directions even if there is a language barrier has completely dissolved and I absolutely love it. There is no need to be afraid of the world around you, it is time that we all embrace it and not fear what we don't know.
Another positive experience is seeing how relationships fair with thousands of miles in between. How well situations can be handled by both people is a good way to open your eyes to what is truly happening.
I also have made friends here that I would have never had the opportunity to make at home. The strong people that I have made bonds with over hours and hours on buses and days in different countries has helped me become closer to people but also to these certain individuals.
This London experience has changed my life dramatically, I will never forget this trip at all for the rest of my life. However, I do plan on continuing my travels and have the chance to compare London to so many other places. There will always be a small part of me in London. I can't wait to be able to share this place with someone I love. To show them the pavements that I have walked over and over, the places I go on a regular basis. The transportation system, or the tube is something that I now have no problem with and can admit when I am lost with a smile instead of embarrassment. All the things that I found to be a little intimidating that no longer even affect me. If it wasn't for the trip I would not get closer to the idea of who I am. All I can say is, Thank you London.
I did not imagine that there would be so many things that I wanted to do or would find fascinating in just this area alone. There is so much history and culture surrounding London that its not shocking for people to spend years just trying to do everything here. I have to say that my favorite part about London is the parks. Every one has a unique feeling to them and when it is sunny and not cold everyone goes and enjoys the wonderful green space that the city of London has so graciously provided in the concrete jungle.
Coming to London has helped me see who I want to be in the future. To be this strong individual who can navigate any city, no matter the language. To not be afraid to go anywhere, to just hop on a train and go without a second thought. My shyness to approach people about directions even if there is a language barrier has completely dissolved and I absolutely love it. There is no need to be afraid of the world around you, it is time that we all embrace it and not fear what we don't know.
Another positive experience is seeing how relationships fair with thousands of miles in between. How well situations can be handled by both people is a good way to open your eyes to what is truly happening.
I also have made friends here that I would have never had the opportunity to make at home. The strong people that I have made bonds with over hours and hours on buses and days in different countries has helped me become closer to people but also to these certain individuals.
This London experience has changed my life dramatically, I will never forget this trip at all for the rest of my life. However, I do plan on continuing my travels and have the chance to compare London to so many other places. There will always be a small part of me in London. I can't wait to be able to share this place with someone I love. To show them the pavements that I have walked over and over, the places I go on a regular basis. The transportation system, or the tube is something that I now have no problem with and can admit when I am lost with a smile instead of embarrassment. All the things that I found to be a little intimidating that no longer even affect me. If it wasn't for the trip I would not get closer to the idea of who I am. All I can say is, Thank you London.
Greenwich and Docklands Assignment 6
This was one of my favorite excursions that we had to do. It all started on a boat down the Thames River on a very cold and dreary day.It didn't help that I had stayed up the night before to finish an advertising paper and the Professor had announced that morning that it could be due on Monday instead. As we trolled down the river we got to see all the different buildings that we had occasionally seen from the street and began to put together where exactly we were on the river in comparison to other places.
When we arrived the group of us walked through the streets of Greenwich and went up to the Royal Greenwich Observatory. When I say up to...I mean we had to climb a huge mountain up to it. We were all gasping for air by the time we made it to the top and everyone had to take a break before realizing that we were where time begins. The Observatory explained that there was a beam of light that shoots out to show the exact like for a long distance that time begins. It was kind of neat to stand on both sides of the Eastern and Western hemispheres. The Museum inside was filled with clocks of all different types that used cogs and wheels from all sorts of life. I loved the view of the city on top of this huge hill more than the museum though, I must admit. You could see so much of the city and it was nice to be able to pick out what buildings are and where they were. It's like we actually know what we are talking about.
After a good walk about in the museum and found that the observatory was closed we headed for the Queens Gallery. While we were walking there, there were groups of children all dressed up in Victorian age costumes as they ran around on the lawn. It was wonderful, I wanted to join them with their pantaloons and laced up dresses. The paintings in the Gallery were all very different from each other, usually there is a theme that is followed but I couldn't put my foot on this one. We continued on to the Maritime Museum, following another group of costumed kids and realized this was much more our style. There were exhibits built to be played with and themes going all through the building, showing the different types of boats and their uses were.
We finished our day by walking through the market, trying on hand produced hats and antique glasses. Some people tried the exotic collection of food that was surrounding the different booths. The smells that came from all different directions were intoxicating but in a very lovely way. All in all it was a wonderful day.
When we arrived the group of us walked through the streets of Greenwich and went up to the Royal Greenwich Observatory. When I say up to...I mean we had to climb a huge mountain up to it. We were all gasping for air by the time we made it to the top and everyone had to take a break before realizing that we were where time begins. The Observatory explained that there was a beam of light that shoots out to show the exact like for a long distance that time begins. It was kind of neat to stand on both sides of the Eastern and Western hemispheres. The Museum inside was filled with clocks of all different types that used cogs and wheels from all sorts of life. I loved the view of the city on top of this huge hill more than the museum though, I must admit. You could see so much of the city and it was nice to be able to pick out what buildings are and where they were. It's like we actually know what we are talking about.
After a good walk about in the museum and found that the observatory was closed we headed for the Queens Gallery. While we were walking there, there were groups of children all dressed up in Victorian age costumes as they ran around on the lawn. It was wonderful, I wanted to join them with their pantaloons and laced up dresses. The paintings in the Gallery were all very different from each other, usually there is a theme that is followed but I couldn't put my foot on this one. We continued on to the Maritime Museum, following another group of costumed kids and realized this was much more our style. There were exhibits built to be played with and themes going all through the building, showing the different types of boats and their uses were.
We finished our day by walking through the market, trying on hand produced hats and antique glasses. Some people tried the exotic collection of food that was surrounding the different booths. The smells that came from all different directions were intoxicating but in a very lovely way. All in all it was a wonderful day.
The East End Assignment 5
One of the assignments was to explore the Bangladeshi community of London. This area is called the East End but is also known as the Brick Lane area. When we first arrived we were told to go to Spital Square and on to Folgate street. The houses there are very close together as you walk down this street but the difference between the newly formed Georgian style and the modern can be only told by the coloring of the houses. We found ourselves soon wondering through cute little shops that were very expensive and a court yard slowly being filled up by vendors to sell things from kids toys to bold pieces of jewelry. One of my favorites had to be the Scrabble board pieces glued onto a ring. As we continued on with our adventure we ran into the Christ Church. This church is absolutely beautiful with its prestigious white surroundings and its clean lines just give it a sense of purity within the church. The feeling of the church is grand and open with little to do about crosses. I had remembered this Church from our Jack the Ripper tour. Now is when the interesting part begins. After turning down to get to Brick Lane the entire environment changed into something new. Every shop began to give off a scent of either curry or incense.
Down the way was a Brewery called the Old Truman's Brewery which has now been transformed into a community centre. From the outside you would never be able to imagine that this was a working Brewery until you see the sign over the walk way. The next stop was the Whitechapel Art Gallery that was actually closed by the time we got there. I was a bit disappointed in that. However, we got to spend more time at the Bell Foundry because of it. When standing outside of this building you would have never imagined that there would be so much history within its walls. As soon as you walk in to the small museum at the front you notice that the frame work for Big Ben is surrounding the front door. That in itself is pretty fantastic. The museum then explains that the Liberty bell was also cast there. We continued on to the back where there were all types of bells, little, big, chimes and even hand bells. A couple of the girls attempted to play Puff the Magic Dragon but failed miserably do the fact the the C was missing. Who wouldn't get a kick out of seeing two girls trying to figure out how to play Puff the Magic Dragon when only one of them knows how to read music. Good Times in the Bell Foundry.
Down the way was a Brewery called the Old Truman's Brewery which has now been transformed into a community centre. From the outside you would never be able to imagine that this was a working Brewery until you see the sign over the walk way. The next stop was the Whitechapel Art Gallery that was actually closed by the time we got there. I was a bit disappointed in that. However, we got to spend more time at the Bell Foundry because of it. When standing outside of this building you would have never imagined that there would be so much history within its walls. As soon as you walk in to the small museum at the front you notice that the frame work for Big Ben is surrounding the front door. That in itself is pretty fantastic. The museum then explains that the Liberty bell was also cast there. We continued on to the back where there were all types of bells, little, big, chimes and even hand bells. A couple of the girls attempted to play Puff the Magic Dragon but failed miserably do the fact the the C was missing. Who wouldn't get a kick out of seeing two girls trying to figure out how to play Puff the Magic Dragon when only one of them knows how to read music. Good Times in the Bell Foundry.
Imperial War Museum Assignment 7
The Imperial War Museum...Where do I even begin?
Upon arrival I was amazed at the huge lawn that was along side the building, it was beautiful. Then the guns came into view and the huge shells surrounded it as a type of cruel decoration. The size of both these items were amazing by the idea of what they were used for already had my stomach in knots.
We walked in and the room was filled with tanks, airplanes and submarines. All used for only one thing. There were people of all ages and nationalities taking pictures of the vast amount of war transportation vehicles. The image of kids playing on all of these items with smiles on their faces and their parents taking pictures of them as if they were sitting in the front seat was one of the most unsettling things I think I have ever seen in my life.
We continued on to the top floor, the holocaust floor. Usually I am very interested in this part of history simply because I didn't think I could ever wrap my mind around the idea of doing such a thing. However, this time was different. I began reading every bit of information that caught my interest but as I got deeper into the exhibit I couldn't take the images that were being shown. The idea of all the horrible things happening seemed so close to me. I don't know how people can take hours just reading about the horrid events. I made it to the turn of the Nazi soldiers rapping the Ukrainian women in the streets and couldn't stand reading anymore information. After rushing through the end of it, the rest of the museum didn't help. We pushed ourselves through the first and second world war and it only made it worse. There was Uniform after uniform of people who didn't make it and those of families didn't make it. It continued on with more pictures of people crying with blood covering them, with a dead body in laying in their arms. I understand being curious in what has happened in the past and only hope that it never repeats itself but putting yourself through living through it yourself is horrific.
After getting out of the building as soon as I could I was talking about how even if I was a survivor I don't think I would be strong enough to live with those images playing in my head for the rest of my life. Also, I will never take my children to a museum like that before they realize what all the machines do. What each bullet can lead to. All in all, I don't think I will be returning there anytime soon.
Upon arrival I was amazed at the huge lawn that was along side the building, it was beautiful. Then the guns came into view and the huge shells surrounded it as a type of cruel decoration. The size of both these items were amazing by the idea of what they were used for already had my stomach in knots.
We walked in and the room was filled with tanks, airplanes and submarines. All used for only one thing. There were people of all ages and nationalities taking pictures of the vast amount of war transportation vehicles. The image of kids playing on all of these items with smiles on their faces and their parents taking pictures of them as if they were sitting in the front seat was one of the most unsettling things I think I have ever seen in my life.
We continued on to the top floor, the holocaust floor. Usually I am very interested in this part of history simply because I didn't think I could ever wrap my mind around the idea of doing such a thing. However, this time was different. I began reading every bit of information that caught my interest but as I got deeper into the exhibit I couldn't take the images that were being shown. The idea of all the horrible things happening seemed so close to me. I don't know how people can take hours just reading about the horrid events. I made it to the turn of the Nazi soldiers rapping the Ukrainian women in the streets and couldn't stand reading anymore information. After rushing through the end of it, the rest of the museum didn't help. We pushed ourselves through the first and second world war and it only made it worse. There was Uniform after uniform of people who didn't make it and those of families didn't make it. It continued on with more pictures of people crying with blood covering them, with a dead body in laying in their arms. I understand being curious in what has happened in the past and only hope that it never repeats itself but putting yourself through living through it yourself is horrific.
After getting out of the building as soon as I could I was talking about how even if I was a survivor I don't think I would be strong enough to live with those images playing in my head for the rest of my life. Also, I will never take my children to a museum like that before they realize what all the machines do. What each bullet can lead to. All in all, I don't think I will be returning there anytime soon.
Join an organisation (Assignment 4)
While in London we were asked to join an organization to bring ourselves closer to people while living here. So a few of the other girls in the program and I joined a dancing class. We would go and learn a few steps to a new dance every day. This let us be embodied with a new group of people but also in a situation where it was all about having fun and it being alright to laugh at each other. The instruction only lasted about thirty minutes and then we would have the instructor at the front of the class to lead us through a couple of songs so we would know when to use the steps. All in all, the class only lasted about an hour.
The first session was the cha cha. Lets just say some of the girls don't exactly know how to move their hips besides in a hula-hoop fashion. When we first arrived we were a little nervous and idly stood in the back, watching the instructor who was at the front of the class. The first couple of steps are always the easiest, usually that have something to do with side stepping and clapping. There were only four steps and when the instructor was done showing us, he would stand in the front of the class and we would follow his lead as he called out the numbers of the steps.
Our Second session was Mambo. The Mambo was sadly exactly like the cha cha and we all followed numbly until I couldn't help but just start dancing like a dork. I was throwing in turns and twists that didn't belong and had to do a few hip bumps with the other girls. Soon I was throwing everyone off but we all got a good laugh at it. This is when we met Carol. Her husband was explained to have two left feet and her son didn't fall far from the tree. She however, loved to dance so here she was.
Our third session was country. I thought this was going to be the most fun but it was a complete let down! Their idea of line dancing was appalling. However, we did have a teacher that was different then our usual. She was not as excited in any way shape or form to be there. We did a few side steps, a couple of cross steps and a boot-scootin boogie boot tap and just went around in a circle with the same motions. It was horrifying.
Our fourth session was my absolutely favorite, it was rock-n-roll time. I was thinking it was going to be Elvis Presley or something along those lines but what do they pull out? Grease Lightening! It was fabulous. I can now do the entire dance to that song and I am proud to say it. The best part though was the pelvic thrust pumping among all the older woman. They started out a bit reserved and then by the end of the class they were thrusting like no bodies business.
I had so much fun in this class and loved the smiles that it put on everyones faces.
The first session was the cha cha. Lets just say some of the girls don't exactly know how to move their hips besides in a hula-hoop fashion. When we first arrived we were a little nervous and idly stood in the back, watching the instructor who was at the front of the class. The first couple of steps are always the easiest, usually that have something to do with side stepping and clapping. There were only four steps and when the instructor was done showing us, he would stand in the front of the class and we would follow his lead as he called out the numbers of the steps.
Our Second session was Mambo. The Mambo was sadly exactly like the cha cha and we all followed numbly until I couldn't help but just start dancing like a dork. I was throwing in turns and twists that didn't belong and had to do a few hip bumps with the other girls. Soon I was throwing everyone off but we all got a good laugh at it. This is when we met Carol. Her husband was explained to have two left feet and her son didn't fall far from the tree. She however, loved to dance so here she was.
Our third session was country. I thought this was going to be the most fun but it was a complete let down! Their idea of line dancing was appalling. However, we did have a teacher that was different then our usual. She was not as excited in any way shape or form to be there. We did a few side steps, a couple of cross steps and a boot-scootin boogie boot tap and just went around in a circle with the same motions. It was horrifying.
Our fourth session was my absolutely favorite, it was rock-n-roll time. I was thinking it was going to be Elvis Presley or something along those lines but what do they pull out? Grease Lightening! It was fabulous. I can now do the entire dance to that song and I am proud to say it. The best part though was the pelvic thrust pumping among all the older woman. They started out a bit reserved and then by the end of the class they were thrusting like no bodies business.
I had so much fun in this class and loved the smiles that it put on everyones faces.
British Interview Assignement 3
As one of the assignments we were meant to interview someone to understand the British society a little bit better. So, I had the opportunity to interview Linda who works at the front desk of our Lovely Vandon House.
Linda has been in London for nine years after leaving her home in Mali, Africa. She is the only one who moved her because of her studies but she expressed how important her family is to her. Family is very important to her which also helps with her following of her Christian faith. She continued to express how important her faith is to her. Every Sunday you can find her at church, bringing herself closer to God. I asked her how she felt about how much marriage meant to her but she didn't really understand the question. So I asked her if two people could live together before getting married. She smiled and stopped to think about it. I could only imagine that she had been asking herself this question for awhile but after a moment to think she responded with the most confident voice she could muster. She explained that because of her beliefs that, no, you should be married before living with someone. She went on to explain that her beliefs are more important to her then anything else. I then moved on from the subject and asked her about her family and why she came to London.
It turns out that she came her to study and received a Bachelors in business administration but came alone. She is the fourth daughter in her family and the first to study abroad like she has. Linda said that she talks to her family all the time and are still very close, even with the distance. The only other relation that has made it to see her was her father.
I moved on to political matters and ask what she thought about the United States. She again smiled and began to try and pick her words carefully before blurting out, "I don't know much about the United States except for the news." Another moment of thinking led her to express that Obama is a good man and is leading the country well and that economically we aren't that bad. She said that the Nation seems to be in a state of improvement in comparison to its last president but she couldn't tell you why she thinks that. That subject didn't last long so on we went to her political in relation to the United Kingdom. She let out a laugh and said she didn't want to get in trouble for saying anything but the Queen is doing "very well." Her exact words were, "She is doing quite fine,doing her job well."Anyone could tell that she was choosing her words the best she could and I'm sure I must of done something to make her feel more comfortable because she began to talk about immigration in the country. The restrictions on the immigrants the come over for both education and work are ridiculous. She explained that you can only work 20 hours a week if you are going to school and for some who have to pay for it all themselves, it is very difficult. Also, with the recession going on there are so many unemployed that it is that much harder to find a job as well. Either way, it is not be handled very well at all, according to Linda.
I ended with asking her about what the differences were between here and her home. The only thing she could think of was the weather. "We don't have snow in Africa."
Linda has been in London for nine years after leaving her home in Mali, Africa. She is the only one who moved her because of her studies but she expressed how important her family is to her. Family is very important to her which also helps with her following of her Christian faith. She continued to express how important her faith is to her. Every Sunday you can find her at church, bringing herself closer to God. I asked her how she felt about how much marriage meant to her but she didn't really understand the question. So I asked her if two people could live together before getting married. She smiled and stopped to think about it. I could only imagine that she had been asking herself this question for awhile but after a moment to think she responded with the most confident voice she could muster. She explained that because of her beliefs that, no, you should be married before living with someone. She went on to explain that her beliefs are more important to her then anything else. I then moved on from the subject and asked her about her family and why she came to London.
It turns out that she came her to study and received a Bachelors in business administration but came alone. She is the fourth daughter in her family and the first to study abroad like she has. Linda said that she talks to her family all the time and are still very close, even with the distance. The only other relation that has made it to see her was her father.
I moved on to political matters and ask what she thought about the United States. She again smiled and began to try and pick her words carefully before blurting out, "I don't know much about the United States except for the news." Another moment of thinking led her to express that Obama is a good man and is leading the country well and that economically we aren't that bad. She said that the Nation seems to be in a state of improvement in comparison to its last president but she couldn't tell you why she thinks that. That subject didn't last long so on we went to her political in relation to the United Kingdom. She let out a laugh and said she didn't want to get in trouble for saying anything but the Queen is doing "very well." Her exact words were, "She is doing quite fine,doing her job well."Anyone could tell that she was choosing her words the best she could and I'm sure I must of done something to make her feel more comfortable because she began to talk about immigration in the country. The restrictions on the immigrants the come over for both education and work are ridiculous. She explained that you can only work 20 hours a week if you are going to school and for some who have to pay for it all themselves, it is very difficult. Also, with the recession going on there are so many unemployed that it is that much harder to find a job as well. Either way, it is not be handled very well at all, according to Linda.
I ended with asking her about what the differences were between here and her home. The only thing she could think of was the weather. "We don't have snow in Africa."
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