Week 2: London Travels | WOU Students Abroad

I cannot believe I’ve only been in London for two weeks, it feels like much more time! I have really gotten in a rhythm here which has been nice. Classes are all going great and the field trips have been really fun. I’ve definitely had to learn some patience when traveling with such large groups, but we’ve seen some great sights so it is worth it. The big trips I’ve taken so far are to Stonehenge and Scotland. I’m in Scotland right now for the weekend and it is amazing. Beautiful country and I wish I could spend more than a weekend here! London is great, but very very busy and Scotland is much more relaxed which is right up my alley. I think that’s why I have enjoyed my Downton Abbey class field trips so much, because we go see these county homes that are miles out in the country and we have to walk to them and it is just so peaceful to be surrounded with nature.

There is a nice balance with the city and the country though so it’s nice to see both sides. Somethings that I’ve learned about the city that surprised me were that the street performers, and the performers in the tube, have to audition and then are licensed to perform in certian spots and at certian times. This just surprised me because at home we have people downtown who just play what and whenever they want, but I like it this way. The players in the tube are not playing during rush hour traffic which is smart because during rush hour the amount of traffic is crazy! And they would just be in the way, plus people would be stopping all the time. Instead they play at night and it is so much fun to hear them and their music floating through the tube. The other crazy thing here are all the motorcyclists who have these clipboards and paper set up on their handle bars while they are driving. Turns out they are studying for the test to become a taxi driver. The tests here to become a taxi driver are very intensive and it takes years before you can be an official taxi driver! Just a few interesting things I’ve learned about the city so far!

Penshurst out in Kent. Very beautiful house and land!

Stonehenge

The tube

Today I really enjoyed the discussion we had in class about the Museum of London; it was interesting to listen to everyone else’s thoughts on the museum as well. One of the biggest topics was about World War 2 and how London really came together giving everything they could to help with the war. It was touching to listen to people opinions, and to see how it affected them as individuals. This was some art work that was leading to the location of the Museum. Their can be art all around us, and all ray can be different.

Graphite Art

The rest of the day consisted of hanging out with our good friend Conner that lives here in London. My roommate Meryem, Gina and Victoria like to call it “a YOILO type of day” YOUR ONLY IN LONDON ONCE! We were taken around London’s small shops, and interesting sky scrapers. Visiting the Covent Garden and my favorite of them all, China Town! I feel like I really got a good understanding on the culture, and the insides of London. I am starting to get the hang of what things are, when to use the right words and I’m more so aware of my surrounding and how to get home. I am starting to feel comfortable and can’t even imagine what it’s going to feel like going home. I really love it here, the people, the music through the streets, and the food, I tell you those fish and chips sure are delicious. At the Covent Garden there took place performances from a variety of singers, magicians, and human statues. For only a couple pence’s I was able to stand next to the silver glitter man. Take a close look, he is floating in thin air! Absolute MAGIC!

Glitter Man

I had been waiting for this day to come, the day to watch The Rock of Ages Theatre perform. The bright lights, and rock and roll staged theme was incredible. Watching how the characters were able to sing and dance with such a rocker style was unreal. The dancers were flashy and hard core! They looked like they were dancing their hearts out. I could feel the energy bouncing back at me. Making me want to sing along with them and get up and put my hands in the air. I felt like the characters really knew how to work with the audience, especially when the audience would respond back to them. This was by far my favorite theatrical production I have seen yet. The rock and roll era was so powerful and really changed how people dress today. The rock is coming back into this time period, and I like it! Below you will see a picture of how colorful the stage actually looked. Lights, lights and more lights.

A walk through London

Jenny

WOU Students Abroad

Tag Archives: Week 2: London Travels

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