Getting in the Groove

Wow. What a lot has happened over the last week. Surprisingly though, despite all of the things I've done, the main thing I've accomplished this week is getting my routine. I now find it totally normal and second nature to hop on and off the tube, walk around my neighborhood, make it to class on time, and I still love it just as much - if not more - than I did the day that I got here. Funny enough, I've been here for two and a half weeks and I have used my umbrella exactly one time. "Foggy" London has given me so much sunshine, and I hate to say that I'm getting used to it. 

I've met an absurd amount of people here and there over the last two weeks. There's the people in my classes, people through ISA, family members, lots and lots of locals from all sorts of places, Elon musical theatre students, the list goes on and on, and the newest addition is that of my three roommates that arrived this week! Natalie, Katie, and Chelsea have all moved in just in time for Laura to go home, and I've had a great time with them so far.

The roommates (from left: Laura, Katie, Natalie, Chelsea, and me!)

Laura and myself with some Elon MT majors studying abroad here as well

So much to write about...I guess I'll just hit the highlights. Last Sunday Laura and I walked to Hyde Park where BBC was hosting a Radio Music Festival and I got to see my favorite performer of all time, Jessie J, sing live. Needless to say, I was sobbing. I couldn't believe that she was there in front of me performing, and she was of course absolutely incredible. 

 


I have been attempting to spend my days experiencing the city, but I also keep finding myself heading back to my "favorites". I have been guilty of trekking to Borough Market more than a few times to grab a bite to eat, and I've also found that we spend most of our nights in the trendy/artsy Northeast areas (Shoreditch, Old Street, Brick Lane, etc.)

The cultural side of London is especially pleasing to me. It blows my mind that living here means that when I'm bored, or down, or happy, or in any mood at all, I can just walk into a museum or see some incredible artwork or watch an amazing performance. I spent last Thursday walking around the British Museum which was absolutely fantastic, and Wednesday I was lucky enough to experience my first Shakespeare show at The Globe Theatre. We went to see Richard III, and the moment I stepped foot into the theatre I was covered in goosebumps. To be in a building (recreation, but never mind) that did so much to shape and mold this thing, theater, that I love so dearly...it was a truly moving moment for me. Then, to get to actually experience Shakespeare's own work being performed so spectacularly, standing in the theater watching it just as people in Shakespeare's day would have - it was astounding. The end found me wanting to cry like a baby, but seeing as we were in daylight, I would have scarred the other patrons for life. Mark Rylance portrayed Richard III, and Roger Lloyd Pack (has done a lot of movies including Harry Potter) was the Duke of Buckingham. The production also did a classical production - using men to play the female parts, and using everything (down to their undergarments) as it would have been used in the original performances. Mark Rylance's performance was nothing short of spectacular, and it was truly a life changing performance for me to watch as an artist. His performance really opened doors to me mentally about classical and Shakespearean theater, not to mention just acting in general, and I hope I get the chance to tell him that someday. 

The last few days have been very restful while at the same time being quite wonderful. I spent Sunday night with Roxie and Heidi as we drove to Richmond to have dinner with some of their dad's side of the family - truly a lovely evening. I took the tube up to Finchley Road on Monday morning to meet Lana, her amazing family, and another cousin, Tammy, for Rosh Hashanah services. We drove to another family member's home in a gated community to park the car, and I was casually told that we were parking right in between Helena Bonham Carter and Kate Hudson's homes. I tried really hard to play it cool, but that was awesome. We then walked to the synagogue and had a lovely morning service followed by lunch at Lana's home, also an amazing day. 

Today I finally made it to Pineapple Studios in Leicester Square, where I took an hour long Jazz dance class. It was fantastic, and I've never sweat so much in my life. I'm really hoping that I can go take classes daily from here on out. That's about it for now! 

A Weekend of Markets

Laura and I had a wonderful weekend full of exploring. We started Friday morning with a walk to Borough Market - a spread of food so beautiful and incredible that I can't even begin to describe it - which is a dangerously close walk to my apartment. We ended up with fresh fruits and vegetables, bread from a local bakery, handmade cheeses, and the best rosemary olive oil I have ever had the pleasure of eating. We then headed to Camden Market where we explored the vibrant, zany stalls for hours before stopping for a drink by the canal. The horse statues all over Camden Market certainly made me think of my Mom as she competed in the AEC's this weekend! We then headed home and made an amazing dinner out of our accumulation from the morning. 

Saturday found us back at Borough Market for lunch and then we had an amazing afternoon walking down the crowded Southbank just steps from my apartment. This weekend was the Thames Festival so the beautiful walkway was packed with people, but we got to see stunning views of the Northbank, Shakespeare's Globe, The National Theatre, and walked across the bridge to St. Paul's Cathedral. All in all an amazing day of site seeing on the Southbank. 

 

 

 

 

Saturday night we finally got to check out the trendy area of Shoreditch and Old Street. We had a wonderful time, and somehow ended up rubbing elbows with the kings of the culinary industry in London and even around other parts of the world. We met top chefs, wine traders, famous culinary photographers - it was pretty incredible. Sunday was a very laid back day, which ended with Laura and I watching the Thames Festival fireworks from my balcony. No complaints here. 

Nights in London

Having my good friend, Laura, here has been amazing. Since none of my roommates are in the UK yet, its been perfect having Laura here to explore with. As I've said before, London is such a difficult place to figure out, especially at night, but we've done our best to tackle some of the city's most bustling areas. Last night was Vogue's Fashion Night Out all around the world, and we took full advantage of our position in one of the world's most fashionable cities. Regent Street, London's shopping Mecca, was an explosion of live music, models, free manicures and hair stylings, cocktails, and of course shopping, as everyone celebrated the fashion extravaganza. We even had our pictures taken by a few different journalists and bloggers that were documenting the night's festivities. 

After fighting our way out of the crowded rose petal covered floors of Juicy Couture - our last stop - we stopped drooling over all of the beautiful clothes and made our way to Hammond Street where we enjoyed one of the best meals I've ever had at a little French restaurant. 

With Friday on the horizon, I have 3 days without class or ISA meetings so we hope to do a lot with the weekend. Today we're starting the morning with lunch at Borough Market and then heading to Camden Town!

When in...London

Usually, when it comes to exploring new cities I tend to enjoy blending in. I think that when traveling one should always stick to the mantra "When in Rome, do as the Romans do".  I did quite well for a day or so, but as per usual Jess the Mess strikes again. I've had an old man dressed entirely in tweed announce to the entire train that I still had a sticker on my pants, fell off of a sidewalk while looking at a Tube map on my phone, stood outside of the FSU building swiping my card over and over again to no avail until someone came behind me and showed me I was doing it incorrectly, and countless other situations that made me look like a complete lunatic. Also, as opposed to NYC, which is very linear and easy to navigate, London is a huge conglomeration of random areas all thrown together and I can never quite figure out which direction I am walking in. In an attempt to explore the Leicester Square area after class, I somehow found myself ambling through Marlyebone, Paddington, and eventually a very ethnic neighborhood near Hyde Park. Not only did this put me in the completely wrong direction, but won me some very strange looks as I clearly had no idea where I was. The point is, despite my countless obstacles and dilemmas, I always find my way on my own and I still haven't stopped smiling, which I guess tells you just how happy I am to be here. 

I began class at FSU Theatre Academy London on Monday. So far I've taken my Intro to London Theatre and Advanced Scene Study classes. My Shakespeare class was cancelled because my teacher was actually performing in a show on the West End (always a good sign when it comes to acting teachers). So far classes have been typical introductions to theatre classes: lots of pushing personal boundaries, losing sense of self, and throwing inhibition out the window. Especially for me seeing as I'm the only one in my classes who didn't come here knowing everyone else in the program. We also went as a group and saw the new musical Matilda, which swept the Olivier awards and comes to Broadway in the spring. It was strange, I thought I was really disliking the show, but by the end of it I was crying so I guess it did something to me along the way. Lots of very talented little kids. I also finally got some lovely family time Monday night when I went to stay with Yvonne and Heidi for the night, getting the opportunity to see Roxie, Sheila's beautiful family, and finally getting to meet Stuart. 

London has given me a stellar introduction so far. I've enjoyed every moment and surprisingly haven't had to pull out my umbrella once. I've had four straight days of warm, sunny weather  (wow, I've only been here for four days?!) and today looks like a fifth one! Off to Camden Market today in the absence of class.

Finally Here!

Well, in what seems like a blur of excitement and nerves, I've finally taken my first step to becoming a "Citizen of the World" by making the big trek over to foggy London. Preceded by a frantic week of events such as leaving my show, "Wild Country" at Hersheypark (an emotional, but very timely ending), driving 12 straight hours home to Georgia (thanks, Mom), numerous hectic shopping endeavors, and the miracle of my renewed passport arriving just hours before I was supposed to head to the airport in Atlanta, my flight to London began with a sigh of relief as I was finally finished with preparation and actually beginning this adventure.

Upon arriving at the airport I was greeted by Tom, an employee of International Study Abroad, who was - to my horror - holding a giant embarrassing sign with huge letters saying ISA. You win some you lose some. We met two other students arriving on different flights and then took a taxi to my gorgeous apartment in the Borough district of London. This beautiful apartment looks over the building tops and the Thames to central London. From my bedroom window I can see the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and Big Ben wakes me up every morning with his chimes. Pretty awesome. I also have the entire place to myself for two weeks because my three roommates don't start classes for a few weeks. 

We've been in a whirlwind of orientations and walking tours, but I've already began to become acclimated - I can work all of my keys, navigate the Tube (kind of), I've been to the grocery store and the farmer's market, so I'm well on my way to becoming a local... Classes start tomorrow and I will be taking Shakespeare, Intro to London Theatre, Stage Combat, and Scene Study. 

Here we go!