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.