tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53002331906780701652024-03-13T12:30:18.332-07:00An American in OxfordAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-84326610929406697482012-11-16T09:52:00.000-08:002013-01-23T09:53:37.325-08:00Return to London!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAXY3cBN1ABoG2fGayqDzEpx_q_B25JeKCQ-f9VVfHuY_wsSpfSUo6bA36w4hjocfeeoB3MEonwE1CX-KOcr1g81fEftTyEQog0PUyrv-pGJadPWcTkA7Pa1xvGcAu7AoMiOEsna9Des/s1600/ik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAXY3cBN1ABoG2fGayqDzEpx_q_B25JeKCQ-f9VVfHuY_wsSpfSUo6bA36w4hjocfeeoB3MEonwE1CX-KOcr1g81fEftTyEQog0PUyrv-pGJadPWcTkA7Pa1xvGcAu7AoMiOEsna9Des/s320/ik.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuGmxPagUju3pD3bCp0VO6oLs0BUThmAWz0Gw-OtZnINBNhf4sfL8VGONrND55I6SnTXJCbMew9Er-LSp6eFTVMxala2PkC0BIVUZGgoSiiEwhH51vK9BRw56WfHlffaVBI4j8JAh764/s1600/ok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuGmxPagUju3pD3bCp0VO6oLs0BUThmAWz0Gw-OtZnINBNhf4sfL8VGONrND55I6SnTXJCbMew9Er-LSp6eFTVMxala2PkC0BIVUZGgoSiiEwhH51vK9BRw56WfHlffaVBI4j8JAh764/s320/ok.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I’ve been enjoying Oxford and London a lot more this week. My friend Melanie and I made a day trip into London and took advantage of a few of the arts opportunities. We arrived into London around 11:00am and headed to the TATE Museum. This museum is well known for its modern art.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJbt4HiwgP5iJc74Vbafe-cMozBYiLZVcLQIxjoI-Z5mB5x5ff9fEBF1qkPliIvf0647tt-2Kc6gWB64NvwgIxojGksCHu_h4N1wkWsjt1xICkyB84BcAUcIyy-8AOitpKZkKCtJwFm4/s1600/hr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJbt4HiwgP5iJc74Vbafe-cMozBYiLZVcLQIxjoI-Z5mB5x5ff9fEBF1qkPliIvf0647tt-2Kc6gWB64NvwgIxojGksCHu_h4N1wkWsjt1xICkyB84BcAUcIyy-8AOitpKZkKCtJwFm4/s320/hr.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjYXrEG__LvZi2SDDWRQLDvm1BDGvISc_V66UCRraQkBHAeVT-MyLYx-ot15RRrRka4N4O2VpOcBlh_pzio6yqM3y39GcyYm-iKcPTAFTrndmM3UvLXIal0Gu9TMOId8zeOFshUH-MOY/s1600/go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjYXrEG__LvZi2SDDWRQLDvm1BDGvISc_V66UCRraQkBHAeVT-MyLYx-ot15RRrRka4N4O2VpOcBlh_pzio6yqM3y39GcyYm-iKcPTAFTrndmM3UvLXIal0Gu9TMOId8zeOFshUH-MOY/s320/go.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We checked out exhibits that ranged from sugar paper and powder to cut-outs of Korean manga.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5LLxxOTCeHOHUA7I4s7v8Bj_Hb2oCqRewOqPJuAt7LZ1IButvF2CsNs9azGLqb22LAytOx-PpYykV4VuGsURiPcVj4MbqfyWrK9BIM7eUTWLa7ALBwCWobu6QmEt4-vfoqfdeguzxZs/s1600/eg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5LLxxOTCeHOHUA7I4s7v8Bj_Hb2oCqRewOqPJuAt7LZ1IButvF2CsNs9azGLqb22LAytOx-PpYykV4VuGsURiPcVj4MbqfyWrK9BIM7eUTWLa7ALBwCWobu6QmEt4-vfoqfdeguzxZs/s320/eg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A huge sugar paper & powder exhibit!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3PwUb-yqcFyiUv-z8RKZQynd99FQroQPIWU2fAm566BIvyko8yhkN_dxvNSRwjkUIsPEI74HDy5jRqqcyu-dcmiVnYQFbmM-biC1pGmz5z4lb9A8F3UowNkoNp-I4yv59JnsPLyK4qE/s1600/he.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3PwUb-yqcFyiUv-z8RKZQynd99FQroQPIWU2fAm566BIvyko8yhkN_dxvNSRwjkUIsPEI74HDy5jRqqcyu-dcmiVnYQFbmM-biC1pGmz5z4lb9A8F3UowNkoNp-I4yv59JnsPLyK4qE/s320/he.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The museum also had a great gallery full of JMW Turner paintings. These paintings elevated the importance of landscape artwork and his works prefaced impressionism.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3F3Yb6jx0qbtxVdbDxGusCclu8lJixuEtl2CnNCljXepZ3XVVhHNz_4kc5FFJkzCGUyD0vct5lJMxPENm7olZinipXwKKKgl_GQyKKOi8ImjLqEFSqI93-_xzmKpDh4fIQdKhNZbhns/s1600/em.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3F3Yb6jx0qbtxVdbDxGusCclu8lJixuEtl2CnNCljXepZ3XVVhHNz_4kc5FFJkzCGUyD0vct5lJMxPENm7olZinipXwKKKgl_GQyKKOi8ImjLqEFSqI93-_xzmKpDh4fIQdKhNZbhns/s320/em.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After the TATE, we played London Tube roulette. Mel chose a random station and we boarded the London Underground (the ‘Tube’ or subway) and headed to Piccadilly Circus. Once we arrived we found a nice little pub called The St. James. I wasn’t sure what to order, so I went with the safety choice of fish and chips, it was definitely the right choice. After lunch we wandered around Piccadilly Circus and looked at shops. After a little walking, we ended up in the more scandalous part of town. We passed a few sex shops, gay stores, lingerie boutiques and even strip joints. After taking in this ‘unique’ part of town we wandered back towards the heart of London.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsibBjxQPPeHqF3RU47WatLl6sSSp7ENcQYWlYt0QHLlMT7YsJIPmAUk3sI5smtUb2pBE7HZDl8s6__Op0qa650HYhE_z3VPIWss27UWhoNeum3aAAHAvtkuKFshy8ikjvdtv2bQ1cIrc/s1600/uh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsibBjxQPPeHqF3RU47WatLl6sSSp7ENcQYWlYt0QHLlMT7YsJIPmAUk3sI5smtUb2pBE7HZDl8s6__Op0qa650HYhE_z3VPIWss27UWhoNeum3aAAHAvtkuKFshy8ikjvdtv2bQ1cIrc/s320/uh.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At a pub in London</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPSoW0lRc12GL6cfkbQOv3yVVgJ43-57RnS96r-MRiC2ixLGzUCt3dyI3moavqKNxLVacFDVCkjAZEo2VIqAAjuq_orHr571tsfb5HlDWzzJeiZ-OVhTgkdthnrVinxNyUv3xd6-eWic/s1600/hu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPSoW0lRc12GL6cfkbQOv3yVVgJ43-57RnS96r-MRiC2ixLGzUCt3dyI3moavqKNxLVacFDVCkjAZEo2VIqAAjuq_orHr571tsfb5HlDWzzJeiZ-OVhTgkdthnrVinxNyUv3xd6-eWic/s320/hu.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mel with a typical window display in the Soho District in London.</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After that we wandered to the Institute of Contemporary Arts, where the ‘Bjarne Melgaard: A House to Die In’ exhibit was on display. This exhibit was very abstract and included paintings and sculptures that were created in partnership with a group of artists who have no formal art education. Most had little or no connection to the art world (several of whom are in drug recovery, face mental or emotional challenges, or suffer from schizophrenia). Drug paraphernalia and genitalia were central themes throughout the exhibit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mppUm06tIRbmgBfrIL-VOI-8kkXoEHgLOXyXCOsulelvkpkiof8GzNqt3A3hzjVDMw3xVEnFQq2DvcGrKVOjfXgxeXJyfnTrSNc9CJ6CtCCEoLr_9-vlVJQLIGKaEdrALwDOzTV4Ab8/s1600/as.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mppUm06tIRbmgBfrIL-VOI-8kkXoEHgLOXyXCOsulelvkpkiof8GzNqt3A3hzjVDMw3xVEnFQq2DvcGrKVOjfXgxeXJyfnTrSNc9CJ6CtCCEoLr_9-vlVJQLIGKaEdrALwDOzTV4Ab8/s320/as.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSmO1KVCQAkZqus-Zi51xSq4OJI8ZjcUFdDI0iHiQtFEM8K0VwXKmqwgM5gt29krDRKZWqBR2tr0RBNjdq49XeUGK5RSqS_oO6CrHzspEJjprCfKsA5W7T5VJy3GWZrbZXRoK7mNx42U/s1600/ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSmO1KVCQAkZqus-Zi51xSq4OJI8ZjcUFdDI0iHiQtFEM8K0VwXKmqwgM5gt29krDRKZWqBR2tr0RBNjdq49XeUGK5RSqS_oO6CrHzspEJjprCfKsA5W7T5VJy3GWZrbZXRoK7mNx42U/s320/ad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NrrIQ_BHslqvSaxKqtBFXcAAavEz8FMQV1H9UV4Kp-Ul9OEnUykmNfTUD3tq8pFDnJLpsz36q2JG772EXKdU3bBvcEAHq2LDeBtlvO1Ct9Gzjf7Bd_yk6pw0zLOACMZ_a05W_39TZzQ/s1600/af.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NrrIQ_BHslqvSaxKqtBFXcAAavEz8FMQV1H9UV4Kp-Ul9OEnUykmNfTUD3tq8pFDnJLpsz36q2JG772EXKdU3bBvcEAHq2LDeBtlvO1Ct9Gzjf7Bd_yk6pw0zLOACMZ_a05W_39TZzQ/s320/af.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZB5KMJ5yyOyPAIlxwhi2_fgIo6a45HGLyDMlspK-nEv85xUwu2f-Jn5aGUK7ltnL1dLGDjRl0c-5URgV2lpp-umrI8pq2WqQPf_Ce97DU2VqKfdr-t7ja6hauJEz4Vh1Y-f-fsmIJio/s1600/ai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZB5KMJ5yyOyPAIlxwhi2_fgIo6a45HGLyDMlspK-nEv85xUwu2f-Jn5aGUK7ltnL1dLGDjRl0c-5URgV2lpp-umrI8pq2WqQPf_Ce97DU2VqKfdr-t7ja6hauJEz4Vh1Y-f-fsmIJio/s320/ai.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3F90DY_3dVtvsDnxyM70phPdki-PMrNJ-uZaZ944JbYZXBtCgH0rgK7cBS5W2B0iniPFpSxCDFGOQANUyjAfgqSuKMg3mzhlSGnaC0J9BPFKMFoU_hTKjcLtY3xIQ3c1q3IcWfxvSMU/s1600/aj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3F90DY_3dVtvsDnxyM70phPdki-PMrNJ-uZaZ944JbYZXBtCgH0rgK7cBS5W2B0iniPFpSxCDFGOQANUyjAfgqSuKMg3mzhlSGnaC0J9BPFKMFoU_hTKjcLtY3xIQ3c1q3IcWfxvSMU/s320/aj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We finished off the trip by going and seeing the West End production of Wicked at the London Apollo Victoria Theater. The production was absolutely fantastic, and the British accents made the show even more entertaining! The theater was really beautiful, and even though Wicked has been playing since 2006, the house was packed! After this excellent day we hopped aboard the bus and returned to Oxford. Needless to say, I love London!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-C9RL7skfalbOmtjjzG24VF3iYDBsZuaxm5YBWCKnN146be-5fotBUFj5G6ESP0O0v2QdB7urlmpI75v1n5i85J877FeTbn5sQLgHrcJ-lYEWJ72qvqYb_mo17o3z75Xb2MVXs25nQoc/s1600/ak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-C9RL7skfalbOmtjjzG24VF3iYDBsZuaxm5YBWCKnN146be-5fotBUFj5G6ESP0O0v2QdB7urlmpI75v1n5i85J877FeTbn5sQLgHrcJ-lYEWJ72qvqYb_mo17o3z75Xb2MVXs25nQoc/s320/ak.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
West End production of Wicked! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFahauwGw3PpUmKsilCMIKz-F2XFtVCQC1r8Gac-wipxTYeYtuQ9m_lBB8-YzsMH-1d6lt-Bs8ERJbv0MPZhI3Hp4LC1UnEZaH1MTMAaGp9hoMoP9eUKq-yoxp6uuYVLnj708c1nAmDyc/s1600/hi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFahauwGw3PpUmKsilCMIKz-F2XFtVCQC1r8Gac-wipxTYeYtuQ9m_lBB8-YzsMH-1d6lt-Bs8ERJbv0MPZhI3Hp4LC1UnEZaH1MTMAaGp9hoMoP9eUKq-yoxp6uuYVLnj708c1nAmDyc/s320/hi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-46781717742267558562012-11-13T09:30:00.000-08:002013-01-23T09:31:06.117-08:00A Little Night Music & Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUYmBctHlfVmm6928pB1Ap_mTcrcVkdX3TN8HI-0tDze0hyUNsrQfIZ68Hrk-Dz-wnEvleuB6rE6AEvtKZ5mEGm8D3EefMst9Ejqx-DfcVKocidJ46N96vHhLvohGeMluiZT2RpuXsow/s1600/night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUYmBctHlfVmm6928pB1Ap_mTcrcVkdX3TN8HI-0tDze0hyUNsrQfIZ68Hrk-Dz-wnEvleuB6rE6AEvtKZ5mEGm8D3EefMst9Ejqx-DfcVKocidJ46N96vHhLvohGeMluiZT2RpuXsow/s320/night.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This week I was able to take in some of the arts here in Oxford. I love that there are classical music concerts as well as other musical opportunities every night of the week here! I attended a production of Stephen Sondheim's 'A Little Night Music' at the Oxford Playhouse. This community production was pretty well done, but the premise of the play was a little odd. The entire musical is about a group of aristocrats sleeping around in Sweden in the early 1900s. My favorite song was definitely 'A Weekend in the Country', seen below:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bZutBlUXUDI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This weekend I also visited the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology with my friend Collier. This museum was the world's first university museum and opened in 1683. It's collection of Greek statues and Egyptian artifacts was really impressive! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnIaRgyqH7SXBPefkpDHL_MRdXbmjrmxUkk_AZqESkve62pQf0C4kLmBvKf4SRh4l3cX87NP131lkCpC73iehnTIrCmb2OqOxoXhJ1moRHPeq_330Ub9zHgtCpVe-TGfu14nedn0YBSM/s1600/ho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnIaRgyqH7SXBPefkpDHL_MRdXbmjrmxUkk_AZqESkve62pQf0C4kLmBvKf4SRh4l3cX87NP131lkCpC73iehnTIrCmb2OqOxoXhJ1moRHPeq_330Ub9zHgtCpVe-TGfu14nedn0YBSM/s320/ho.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There are a slew of museums in Oxford including the Museum of the History of Science, Pitt Rivers Museum, University Museum of Natural History, Bate Collection of Musical Instruments, and the Museum of Oxford.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are a few of my favorite items at the Ashmolean:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHt_0PRPghorgR1cATUkp-aIu_JY_Luxx7znkeTIGwe1xAXJPsy5KMBEVB47-aqGuJruwOkydNHMWMv3hyHeKjhYu3RnWVrLnYWUCC2nAk8Sq4ytLrOwHcHXZakcx1Pj3GHRHRcvsct8/s1600/ijo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHt_0PRPghorgR1cATUkp-aIu_JY_Luxx7znkeTIGwe1xAXJPsy5KMBEVB47-aqGuJruwOkydNHMWMv3hyHeKjhYu3RnWVrLnYWUCC2nAk8Sq4ytLrOwHcHXZakcx1Pj3GHRHRcvsct8/s320/ijo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The crook from a priest's staff</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVqamxY1qBiM6hoQ6uG1pcEK8lU2ZZEkWwuMhpYVMRSzUY_KKGx-On8izDRU1H3Z65ROQxdvTyOVgi3HtURyrWp0omGeIfDejDh5T4_0HuRzwfQwJ2KMrc7Ahx3FiFTAmQl9YHy8BNb4/s1600/run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVqamxY1qBiM6hoQ6uG1pcEK8lU2ZZEkWwuMhpYVMRSzUY_KKGx-On8izDRU1H3Z65ROQxdvTyOVgi3HtURyrWp0omGeIfDejDh5T4_0HuRzwfQwJ2KMrc7Ahx3FiFTAmQl9YHy8BNb4/s320/run.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A Nordic Rune stone</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DKQRfVeh0ZeKCxYpybAK2fc6pU0eDs0rwovXrxzJgybCLonkl5SEPQ2tA7P3W1xANPzeZlaN6pj4tRXjDqxUCPQ2Q9qmjWgMVXdFQqATv7L4m1gtfo4zqFXj1hgl0ys-C4F_8jokrDc/s1600/swd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DKQRfVeh0ZeKCxYpybAK2fc6pU0eDs0rwovXrxzJgybCLonkl5SEPQ2tA7P3W1xANPzeZlaN6pj4tRXjDqxUCPQ2Q9qmjWgMVXdFQqATv7L4m1gtfo4zqFXj1hgl0ys-C4F_8jokrDc/s320/swd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sword with a crystal hilt</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAetYbZrk_qfN8JegNP8Uer71ORhYIUEh1UVSkyM84VMJYa6YUvnQ9-FHeQ6VrZhR5fEKWh6fdobHsLrbV8kSnbr_6O-H56Ibh1npXvP1IcCJgqb8F2VVpu6jPDp38yZ0a6uqZTZH0vk/s1600/vih.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAetYbZrk_qfN8JegNP8Uer71ORhYIUEh1UVSkyM84VMJYa6YUvnQ9-FHeQ6VrZhR5fEKWh6fdobHsLrbV8kSnbr_6O-H56Ibh1npXvP1IcCJgqb8F2VVpu6jPDp38yZ0a6uqZTZH0vk/s320/vih.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Amati instruments</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3p75xt8KGupxzdM65JudwlhxsTr0aSuNxPXPLaklD3k0gJRImUgqx94bYTGkg2gIO49CA875gweAndzeciqknz61FCI9kviwpcEmyHO-8jrPaReS5o6pA0kEcGzHS9yYtZA9ZPCltLXc/s1600/vig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3p75xt8KGupxzdM65JudwlhxsTr0aSuNxPXPLaklD3k0gJRImUgqx94bYTGkg2gIO49CA875gweAndzeciqknz61FCI9kviwpcEmyHO-8jrPaReS5o6pA0kEcGzHS9yYtZA9ZPCltLXc/s320/vig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Early Virginal</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtnni_F45XR3Q7VU6m8DFH5DLuVjGBK9RfdI3JjE9GbYFYUAhhgN7LbQ2hQE_3GszfvRFJGHlEDFaI1zcYwF0BtDIzc_GQGgunfdaYgLobT_yGiG24vGsI1yRnrNmiJAPEff0Ch5GTHU/s1600/gji.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtnni_F45XR3Q7VU6m8DFH5DLuVjGBK9RfdI3JjE9GbYFYUAhhgN7LbQ2hQE_3GszfvRFJGHlEDFaI1zcYwF0BtDIzc_GQGgunfdaYgLobT_yGiG24vGsI1yRnrNmiJAPEff0Ch5GTHU/s320/gji.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Apparently the Romans valued full figured women. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92Taq789Qx7T4AKPnxrzPcnpUjWiZDxULbzQeWvR-oAqYJKfRRx_qIV7th2kK_LlFZzFHXzFtWKTx3vLkDUQX4d0JizSuQggCL80Z2tAnLAOvksuW0kiTY9rjxnyldk-LyYpKqWo5_yE/s1600/okh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92Taq789Qx7T4AKPnxrzPcnpUjWiZDxULbzQeWvR-oAqYJKfRRx_qIV7th2kK_LlFZzFHXzFtWKTx3vLkDUQX4d0JizSuQggCL80Z2tAnLAOvksuW0kiTY9rjxnyldk-LyYpKqWo5_yE/s320/okh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been really nice to be surrounded by so much art and culture. Oxford offers so many opportunities to hear top notch musicians and the museums function off of donations rather than selling tickets. Visitors are also allowed to take photos in the museums here, which is really cool. The mentality is more about exposing people to art and history rather than selling tickets and limiting viewing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My voice lessons have been going really well while I've been in Oxford. My teacher is a counter-tenor, meaning that he sings incredibly high notes. He's awesome enough to have a wikipedia article (because nothing says FAME like a editable internet profile)! Here's a video of him performing a piece from Handel's The Messiah. He's really helped me identify and fix some of my vocal flaws. Laughing about differences in diction and pronunciation has also become common place during our lessons.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/PNurV3cgdms?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nicholas Clapton- Counter tenor</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-16623864874582638532012-11-09T07:55:00.000-08:002013-01-23T07:57:39.174-08:00Gunpowder, Treason, & Plot<div style="text-align: center;">
"Remember remember the fifth of November</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gunpowder, treason and plot.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Should ever be forgot..."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
While some of you may recognize this from 'V for Vendetta', it is a quote that references Guy Fawkes' attempt to blow up the British Parliament on November 5th, 1605. Fawkes and a group of conspirators had placed explosives under the House of Lords in order to blow up King James I. Fawkes' plot was foiled before he could pull it off and from that point on, thankful people lit bonfires around London in honor of King James I's survival.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGrD_AnfR7GcfTEBH8JPSSu9AB5EAmHmGZetZWQ_L8E26Ln5oeTTwUz7Bz0rOGkIRQiBSD27tqhi6ySJw_2JJ-MHXdFlEoUs9Rfd6jLNR6wQWuMIon6V8ezB9fiEcfmNwF9fXJBv24M8/s1600/hk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGrD_AnfR7GcfTEBH8JPSSu9AB5EAmHmGZetZWQ_L8E26Ln5oeTTwUz7Bz0rOGkIRQiBSD27tqhi6ySJw_2JJ-MHXdFlEoUs9Rfd6jLNR6wQWuMIon6V8ezB9fiEcfmNwF9fXJBv24M8/s1600/hk.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Guy Fawkes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWh8IOLvCIbsoApjd7xvzoc7C71z6CqjO12wqWexjlh_0AIt_zahAqeglSfPXqUJAuwyATofzEsr7iWMR_fFZGSFj_nP0IujdvWG6TMc5yMQ5sPv4zkUYqqmf0iVxsk_T9rTcZcVf-YdU/s1600/gj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWh8IOLvCIbsoApjd7xvzoc7C71z6CqjO12wqWexjlh_0AIt_zahAqeglSfPXqUJAuwyATofzEsr7iWMR_fFZGSFj_nP0IujdvWG6TMc5yMQ5sPv4zkUYqqmf0iVxsk_T9rTcZcVf-YdU/s1600/gj.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yesterday we were able to celebrate our first Guy Fawkes Day! We started out by eating curry and having a drink and then headed out to a pub. Our British friends led the way, and we enjoyed a few beers at the pub before heading off to the fireworks show. A bunch of people were gathered around in the open field watching the huge bonfire and watching the fireworks light up the sky. This was our first time experiencing this uniquely English holiday, so it was of course an exciting night!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUsxz58n7N2TpsnXnSAMOaPUGbqddMRB6pyW23hR_EarugN20lCTgR_92_37qNcFWJYq2nf5F8yHwhYD6tBCfHmaXlojbjfj5q65CswF4a-Cv6gYJ2OqWWGXRbUqTnivqd295zUuUFdM/s1600/hu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUsxz58n7N2TpsnXnSAMOaPUGbqddMRB6pyW23hR_EarugN20lCTgR_92_37qNcFWJYq2nf5F8yHwhYD6tBCfHmaXlojbjfj5q65CswF4a-Cv6gYJ2OqWWGXRbUqTnivqd295zUuUFdM/s320/hu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Guy Fawkes Bonfire</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfgnGs7ya16A3HK6yunq6j-yE1W_SRvEda-tLPLNpdIcRT9APJT-8YuLXAFPO6YOVoEN0JZCVn6RSMfl4-h2xUt56PHehS1oR7XA0bvax95qXFXQ1PvmqUtePU8JkNio0-kbxkz0X9EQ/s1600/hi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfgnGs7ya16A3HK6yunq6j-yE1W_SRvEda-tLPLNpdIcRT9APJT-8YuLXAFPO6YOVoEN0JZCVn6RSMfl4-h2xUt56PHehS1oR7XA0bvax95qXFXQ1PvmqUtePU8JkNio0-kbxkz0X9EQ/s320/hi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fireworks!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-45932066925235581132012-11-06T09:49:00.000-08:002013-01-14T09:49:54.536-08:00Cross Cultural Cooking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So our flat has decided to have ‘family dinners’, where each of us cooks a meal for the entire flat. When my turn rolled around I whipped out this recipe for fettuccini alfredo that my mom taught me how to make. It’s the basic alfredo sauce with some diced garlic, the whole preparation just takes about 45 minutes. After making it the first time our British friends got a taste of it and really enjoyed it. I’ve since made it about 3 or 4 times. Chalky, our British friend, even cooked me and some other flat mates green curry in exchange for dinner one night. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMscFnBXSjVUWkw5V3kJfVnbMd93MoFFM4AmCE2Qtg8gOP3UUpXE6La1S8Q0yD_eOfCZ9Wgs5tE5Eumre2tEXk_G5CZPIlsMf-4rull09-pVgQMiuR65SnMk-xNYep5n2kIU2R3gz0dzo/s1600/fhi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMscFnBXSjVUWkw5V3kJfVnbMd93MoFFM4AmCE2Qtg8gOP3UUpXE6La1S8Q0yD_eOfCZ9Wgs5tE5Eumre2tEXk_G5CZPIlsMf-4rull09-pVgQMiuR65SnMk-xNYep5n2kIU2R3gz0dzo/s320/fhi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Preparing dinner with Camille, Justin, & Thomas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last week our French friends invited us over to their flat for fajitas (I was very curious to see how the French handled Mexican cooking). Yesterday we had them over for fettuccini alfredo to return the favor. We had a blast and enjoyed a night of good food, conversation, and hookah. Everyone we have met in Oxford has been very nice, but we seem to have made really good friends with Thomas, Camille, and Pierre. It would be awesome if they could come visit us sometime in the US.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All of my multicultural friends have made my psychology research project a little more interesting as well. Since I’ve been recruiting participants by hand, I’ve used most of my friends as participants. The project investigates the impact of semantic processing of song lyrics, which are in English. Including different participants from all over the world means that the findings will pertain to native English speakers and people who learned English as a second language. Recruitment has been slow as of late, but I’m sure we’ll pull through in the end!</div>
<br />
I feel like all of my posts over emphasize cultural exposure and differences, but it really is an amazing thing. Our friends have been curious about everything from fraternity/sorority life to the prevalence of plastic surgery. We also have found a lot of questions about other cultures as we meekly admit that we are excessively ignorant. Mel and I joke that our view of French culture is based off of Disney's Beauty & The Beast and the following video:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/vJtX-erwFnI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
The club scene is pretty popular among university aged students in Oxford. Since drinking is legal at age 18, clubs, pubs, and bars work harder to appeal to young audiences. Popular music preferences are very similar, but the UK seems to be a little behind on recent artists.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-48311238849043132082012-11-01T10:31:00.000-07:002013-01-03T10:35:01.686-08:00Halloween in England So we returned from Paris and were exhausted for the next day of classes. After sleeping only 3 hours the night before, my only obligations were to attend choir practice and swim practice. I trudged through choir, but swimming didn't really happen. The music department at Brookes is in the basement of the arts building just like the music department at High Point. The coincidence made me happy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjde3BtWDzngLGpyqc2c1kBeKcc0UCBy28WxAN64FSu2pTT44NDd2gz-FRundtc4kDbWMS2DZ99whIRxs4uFIZeDU_z228PX_sB1eji2GVXzsqShyEM-hKl5Gw3p6fGVFq5iCXH7B8u1UY/s1600/snarg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjde3BtWDzngLGpyqc2c1kBeKcc0UCBy28WxAN64FSu2pTT44NDd2gz-FRundtc4kDbWMS2DZ99whIRxs4uFIZeDU_z228PX_sB1eji2GVXzsqShyEM-hKl5Gw3p6fGVFq5iCXH7B8u1UY/s1600/snarg.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Chamber Choir is a little different here. The entire setting is more casual, and practices are only once a week. The conductor and group are excellent, but I kind of miss the HPU Chamber Singers. Either way, we've been working on a lot of Christmas oriented songs for the holiday celebration. My favorite piece is definitely this one by Arvo Pärt. The lyrics are a little repetitive and banal, but the harmony is beautiful: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gGOPckF3iS8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Which was the Son of"- Indiana University Choir</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Beyond that, we came home from Paris right before Halloween so we were all scrambling to find costumes and trying to figure out what we're going to do that night. I had a couple ideas for costumes, but it would be a lot easier if I wasn't a poor university student in a country that automatically diminishes my funds by 1.62. Lesson: Bring a Halloween costume if you're going abroad in the Fall. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3zyKdbTLK7KlaqfXo_SK3Jr8a6HwHLXCvUG0OOxnHRQqnmBuXVqkEhAwYx5YeER45K3usqbs2zknYde7cKKgWtdacZnkwMzWpjaT8b_PA6K4BbAkMCluaPo8tqATXZg9VrVGYU0oU_A/s1600/hsu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3zyKdbTLK7KlaqfXo_SK3Jr8a6HwHLXCvUG0OOxnHRQqnmBuXVqkEhAwYx5YeER45K3usqbs2zknYde7cKKgWtdacZnkwMzWpjaT8b_PA6K4BbAkMCluaPo8tqATXZg9VrVGYU0oU_A/s1600/hsu.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I managed to find a pumpkin to carve!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was a bit depressing because I noticed that the Brits aren't as into Halloween as much as Americans. So, to make sure that the holiday was properly celebrated, we threw our own party and invited our new friends. One of my Australian friends was really excited because she had never really celebrated the holiday. Since Halloween is my 2nd favorite holiday I had to make sure this went well.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8P1Mt067Bqt8BwDJKlwbb9OqQR0tlc3t6sZiEEyFDuMX9-_4ekmFPemBlqZvkBelX7swNKwsHPCokymboGKHb8mZMFLywCGgb5oV2BwAskVmpkxZSoG1UtWFXhyWRVu4ADAIytdeMysY/s1600/hgu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8P1Mt067Bqt8BwDJKlwbb9OqQR0tlc3t6sZiEEyFDuMX9-_4ekmFPemBlqZvkBelX7swNKwsHPCokymboGKHb8mZMFLywCGgb5oV2BwAskVmpkxZSoG1UtWFXhyWRVu4ADAIytdeMysY/s1600/hgu.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aisha, (2 girls I didn't really know), Tanz, and Gzm</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-fO3mu8SAkY8gEr6iXZWk_TxwatlDqKZ7iN1R4dHd1zqFzOeOAMqby5K3Auoj_3rywOVptl-yUgyUY55SmpxKg2b7-Kx5puouxfXCwWaeWg7pxLq_8Q7_Pm-0oPvr0j86AUzZ6dWFXA/s1600/hui.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-fO3mu8SAkY8gEr6iXZWk_TxwatlDqKZ7iN1R4dHd1zqFzOeOAMqby5K3Auoj_3rywOVptl-yUgyUY55SmpxKg2b7-Kx5puouxfXCwWaeWg7pxLq_8Q7_Pm-0oPvr0j86AUzZ6dWFXA/s1600/hui.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Collier, Bank, and Simon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL01nHq0CyQWxZBQ4MsvmotX_NWDzcFuvbo5sGHia8RI5SNiTVqJpWT-LeVaQrs4s1_IqQn1RpHj17_D31xzsoHPTPKx67GrVeSdJEb_pSB3j2Asr37esrlQeKnGw8dJUK6CGlleu4xNk/s1600/nfh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL01nHq0CyQWxZBQ4MsvmotX_NWDzcFuvbo5sGHia8RI5SNiTVqJpWT-LeVaQrs4s1_IqQn1RpHj17_D31xzsoHPTPKx67GrVeSdJEb_pSB3j2Asr37esrlQeKnGw8dJUK6CGlleu4xNk/s1600/nfh.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thomas, Rag, Katie, and Bank</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHpB2wwOCKTtQK_xxzQp3tp7_ut3kWGKtPam92msK5O3e-v-Z0oPwWz_3jjC2Vg79GdcvQDbNhRv0ncWMKZF9Dc_IyiOineM5NLw7UioY_1slKpN3onI9wm0WJsDF1w9g6uw83hKIpWY/s1600/east.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHpB2wwOCKTtQK_xxzQp3tp7_ut3kWGKtPam92msK5O3e-v-Z0oPwWz_3jjC2Vg79GdcvQDbNhRv0ncWMKZF9Dc_IyiOineM5NLw7UioY_1slKpN3onI9wm0WJsDF1w9g6uw83hKIpWY/s1600/east.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sara playing water pong & me as Rambo Harry Potter...still don't know exactly how that happened.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvikeOOADrcH40nON5l6I738XpesYnGYq4ebNEkCzQwLD_aQKkEy5Hp-w5CgZ3sZyU8dC-6XUha3MpC6bgQQEeOYgT84Hk2lngykt4rze50w_wbLOa3pW5qEZVkrq7dIhXJhdJ2Zfack/s1600/gji.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvikeOOADrcH40nON5l6I738XpesYnGYq4ebNEkCzQwLD_aQKkEy5Hp-w5CgZ3sZyU8dC-6XUha3MpC6bgQQEeOYgT84Hk2lngykt4rze50w_wbLOa3pW5qEZVkrq7dIhXJhdJ2Zfack/s1600/gji.jpg" height="279" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some of the HPU ladies!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Over all our party was a success. Even though Halloween was on a Wednesday, we had a pretty good turn out and everyone had fun! I had been worried because initially I wasn't able to find solo cups to play water pong. Most of the people we met were interested in anything that was related to Fraternities/Sororities so of course everyone wanted to play. After buying a pumpkin in the covered market I stopped by Moo Moo's milkshakes and they kindly supplied me with some cups.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LeDL3uyi0xVVwX1E4tcg5t2AON-lg9DUYPHstmRkXHWbkEpKLi2ePFNjAlShHlDcLvRFnFTq5EblYAPc2CsM5RakDYVspFojbpFuLvJgyMkHitOPjLK4mWpM0a8wsPbKLRMTewHaz5k/s1600/easy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LeDL3uyi0xVVwX1E4tcg5t2AON-lg9DUYPHstmRkXHWbkEpKLi2ePFNjAlShHlDcLvRFnFTq5EblYAPc2CsM5RakDYVspFojbpFuLvJgyMkHitOPjLK4mWpM0a8wsPbKLRMTewHaz5k/s1600/easy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks Moo Moo's Milkshakes!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-1312504573151586852012-11-01T09:21:00.000-07:002013-01-14T09:21:51.072-08:00Some Observations It was wonderful to be back in England, and I officially had my first taste of Europe! By this time I was able to confirm a few differences between the USA and the UK/Europe.<br />
A lot more people smoke, which I do not find attractive. It seems like the mentality behind smoking is more non nonchalant, then again I think that the people here are more mellow in general. In my opinion this has it's good and bad points, depending on your standpoint. It's not unheard of for people in Oxford can wear the same outfit two days in a row. It makes perfect sense because clothes don't soil in one day, but at first it seemed like an odd concept to the girls in our group. Religion also doesn't seem as important. A study in 1999 found that only 1.9% of the population attended Church of England (Anglican) services. While Christian organizations exist, they don't seem as prolific or as 'holier than thou'. People are more liberal in general here as well. When discussing politics (not my favorite or most well versed subject) you get a lot of interesting and different opinions because of the various political stances. I mean some of these countries have actual socialist parties etc. The most annoying thing in Oxford and London is walking behind people...THEY DO NOT MOVE. You could be running up behind them and they just chug along like nothing is going on. It's almost comical unless you're in a hurry.<br />
Being abroad has also made the differences among people in the US stand out to me. The northeast and the southeast are very different places in the US, and I don't even know what the people out west are like. I've realized that there really is no token 'American'. So yeah, there are a few of my opinionated observations.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-23389087129959084612012-10-30T20:47:00.000-07:002013-01-02T20:48:09.505-08:00Final Day in Paris<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our final day in Paris was a little stressful. We woke up
and decided to just wander the city for a bit before going to see <i>Le nozze di
Figaro</i> (The Marriage of Figaro) at the Opéra National de Paris. I ate a
Croque-monsieur (French ham & cheese sandwich) for lunch from a small shop
and we packed up our bags. The plan was to leave our luggage at the opera
house, walk around Paris, eat a fancy dinner, go to the opera, and finally
leave France.</div>
<br />
We were given directions from a nice older French lady and were able to check our bags in at a souvenir kiosk in the main lobby (we were only permitted this because the attendant was nice). We then wandered the streets of Paris and indulged in some gelato before locating 'Chez Oscar' for dinner. For my final dinner in Paris I started with a Kir. This is a traditional French aperitif consisting of white wine (traditionally Aligote) with creme de cassis (blackcurrant liquor). I then tried my first, and possibly last, escargot. It wasn't too bad, it just had a lot of garlic. My main course was a delicious and simple lamb dish.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTq1e-2I4f-ELQRxE6kglTwjkcIZHGgPJL2f8mDbuiYzy2TywUAi8MsCNjQxSZKfoU5Zl-34Xx4vaZ10PxdQziquIspWIIAj6wuVs-YkNItPF8Q77FGHQZK2DD7SxKWYvkxZCNdCd1kXY/s1600/bnn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTq1e-2I4f-ELQRxE6kglTwjkcIZHGgPJL2f8mDbuiYzy2TywUAi8MsCNjQxSZKfoU5Zl-34Xx4vaZ10PxdQziquIspWIIAj6wuVs-YkNItPF8Q77FGHQZK2DD7SxKWYvkxZCNdCd1kXY/s320/bnn.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Escargot & kir</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPq6EIdM1aYgQL97AjmSaT5gwqJrfqZYP0GJ-iKuUFgm020yLazoCZUxhNSZTS9hFO8a0nouGcwI4cwt1smUxNLB4tX3j1VbPsIFATQASTWpYhIk3XeSIFOoq8X0tA0NrvINbR2jZTDls/s1600/dii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPq6EIdM1aYgQL97AjmSaT5gwqJrfqZYP0GJ-iKuUFgm020yLazoCZUxhNSZTS9hFO8a0nouGcwI4cwt1smUxNLB4tX3j1VbPsIFATQASTWpYhIk3XeSIFOoq8X0tA0NrvINbR2jZTDls/s320/dii.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lamb!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74XCIZQTsx8PRpn_wrzs9udVZy0_aUYm-RuzEyG_pPQme8_h-LlM3_pBQk9x-z-ssbL3kHA-6e7w5R7QVDVgFXh5NRlHYhV8DZVaJRoR21-rxzVCtI1zilub6I_uxNd8BFP0nYWzCHXA/s1600/bhg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74XCIZQTsx8PRpn_wrzs9udVZy0_aUYm-RuzEyG_pPQme8_h-LlM3_pBQk9x-z-ssbL3kHA-6e7w5R7QVDVgFXh5NRlHYhV8DZVaJRoR21-rxzVCtI1zilub6I_uxNd8BFP0nYWzCHXA/s320/bhg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chez Oscar (not very busy at 5pm)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We finished dinner and headed to the Opera Bastille, the modern opera house in Paris. This opera house was designed in order to make the arts more modern and accessible to the general public, it was inaugurated in 1989. The production of <i>Le nozze di Figaro</i> was outstanding and the acoustics were amazing! The opera by Mozart was sung in Italian and the subtitles were in French, which I could slightly understand. I had a copy of the libretto in English so I was able to read along with the performance.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVprUAQExSsoWVYX1Y9JyGkNXKfrtLvLXvLagtyrokQ-AWwgKdZoIVjs9fzkyIouNVGAPB1EcZMmoujMKZY0KR8v7Je0788SOofhZ6SOhoelUccVLsLODpHYA9bbmlsK5CAoMoTrgdbJc/s1600/paris+opera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVprUAQExSsoWVYX1Y9JyGkNXKfrtLvLXvLagtyrokQ-AWwgKdZoIVjs9fzkyIouNVGAPB1EcZMmoujMKZY0KR8v7Je0788SOofhZ6SOhoelUccVLsLODpHYA9bbmlsK5CAoMoTrgdbJc/s320/paris+opera.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me & Melanie in the Opera Bastille</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgK1KZuDmulHpMJAJeYoVxbOiEXVaOt2-LYO5cswkyeyzS3gbdjkHE0G3URbwB78Pdowln7wQZg8BfWFJbfWSXl5dgHJGgGQ1OXNF6P6e8vvHw-0UsWdurRpuCihUhAXxyovZu3iojkgE/s1600/huj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgK1KZuDmulHpMJAJeYoVxbOiEXVaOt2-LYO5cswkyeyzS3gbdjkHE0G3URbwB78Pdowln7wQZg8BfWFJbfWSXl5dgHJGgGQ1OXNF6P6e8vvHw-0UsWdurRpuCihUhAXxyovZu3iojkgE/s320/huj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Justin, Melanie, & Me at intermission.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Seeing this opera was a big deal for me. It was my 3rd opera and the first time I'd seen a production overseas. I loved the performance and Melanie and Justin even told me that they really enjoyed it. After the performance we bolted to the door, grabbed our bags, and pushed through people to the exit. We had approximately 40 minutes to catch the subway to the train station to catch a train to a bus station to catch a bus to the airport.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a peaceful and wonderful day enjoying fine food and culture we ran through the metro in posh attire and carrying heavy suitcases. We reached the train station with 10 minutes to navigate to our train. We found where the train pulled in, but encountered an impasse. The metro system would only take credit cards for train tickets. European credit cards have smart chips in them (a lot like cell phone SIM cards), and the machines in the metro would not accept our 'swipe' credit cards. So naturally we hurled our luggage over the 4' tall doors of the gates and climbed over them. This worked perfectly, but not 50 yards away from the gates we noticed 5 security guards and a guard dog. Fast forward past 1 train ride and 2 buses and we were attempting to sleep on the floor of the Charles de Gaulle airport, waiting for our plane back to London. The entire night this song from the opera was stuck in my head: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHAjOMp_2sg">Voi che sapete che cosa è amor (You ladies who know what love is, is it what I'm suffering from)</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/NHAjOMp_2sg/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NHAjOMp_2sg&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NHAjOMp_2sg&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-28339185490338779512012-10-29T19:01:00.000-07:002013-01-02T19:07:55.123-08:00Sacre Coeur & Eiffel Tower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_aMa6Yk_aEXTCZl0DIrKZ9d1Rf00kTnxiaCmfE86sY9L1S-sx6r_GYLBVUsgQSuFyDEXfnoRoXgBdbASrwmJyG8jETsWF0EQYngANtwkWPRb5KKnR6wPABQ6jsTryfXyPxBLRplVriU/s1600/hjj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_aMa6Yk_aEXTCZl0DIrKZ9d1Rf00kTnxiaCmfE86sY9L1S-sx6r_GYLBVUsgQSuFyDEXfnoRoXgBdbASrwmJyG8jETsWF0EQYngANtwkWPRb5KKnR6wPABQ6jsTryfXyPxBLRplVriU/s1600/hjj.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
For our penultimate day in
Paris, we decided to check out the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur (or Basilica of the
Sacred Heart) de Montmartre. The church is built on the highest point in Paris
and after walking up over 200 stairs, my friend Melanie and I attended a mass
service slightly winded.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The inside of the church was
gorgeous and the surrounding area is
bustling with shops, cafes, and vendors. Tourists visiting Montmartre should be
weary of 'string men'. These men lure tourists (usually young women) into
conversation and then quickly tie a bracelet around their fingers or hands.
Then they demand payment for the bracelet. They're harmless if you ignore them,
but it was entertaining to watch them circle people like sharks. <span style="color: #002060;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rqkpq6IuKs57YMPwRegTJlEuRuBkkiEFDjFPCcypAYV5Vijbnulnbs84hPrUXS6w0CbipvhM_onPij9vKkhuLxRyKlX1cUyMm7FMMRkcf3WVnD4t4qWt0TaMwNAf7akt7w-R03gQEEw/s1600/hjk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rqkpq6IuKs57YMPwRegTJlEuRuBkkiEFDjFPCcypAYV5Vijbnulnbs84hPrUXS6w0CbipvhM_onPij9vKkhuLxRyKlX1cUyMm7FMMRkcf3WVnD4t4qWt0TaMwNAf7akt7w-R03gQEEw/s1600/hjk.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We looked around the local shops and ate at a random cafe where Melanie kindly shared her cheese plate that had different delicious cheeses. From there we decided to see the Eiffel Tower. We took the metro to the Louvre and decided to walk to the tower so we could see more of Paris by foot. The walk was nice, but we grossly underestimated the distance because the tower looming in the distance always appeared to be a block away.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBR7_pU89vY9ajakz8K2aTDxRgYgv1TFArE7wktNKjC1MCDy9c2HWW8My1L2HmF6p49SEcq4vr0gpUKEr49mX9LmU03gILzYgk6HcXWU87qjrofnOTUJFFPulhneesM_9NmWU-S0DbWx0/s1600/hgh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBR7_pU89vY9ajakz8K2aTDxRgYgv1TFArE7wktNKjC1MCDy9c2HWW8My1L2HmF6p49SEcq4vr0gpUKEr49mX9LmU03gILzYgk6HcXWU87qjrofnOTUJFFPulhneesM_9NmWU-S0DbWx0/s1600/hgh.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We finally arrived to the base of the tower and realized that the tower is huge! The first tier of the tower can be reached via elevator or by climbing 300 stairs. Reaching the second level requires climbing another 300 stairs or taking the elevator. We opted for the elevator for both levels. After waiting in an eternity of lines and listening to a large group of teenage Indian girls chattering, we reached the second level and took some photos of the surrounding city. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5TjLDmfzV9cZw9DDqp41kLw0Q5_nfRgI1cACvuWQDDN2bJG2GrHKjYqnuV36IjlKkxwE_h0xVk-eolag2V3kJhRWvAVnM5zU3rQupC3RgfZTd-ZvL9MkUEGHa04l7JGV7wt88tFPIwE/s1600/hji.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5TjLDmfzV9cZw9DDqp41kLw0Q5_nfRgI1cACvuWQDDN2bJG2GrHKjYqnuV36IjlKkxwE_h0xVk-eolag2V3kJhRWvAVnM5zU3rQupC3RgfZTd-ZvL9MkUEGHa04l7JGV7wt88tFPIwE/s1600/hji.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After chatting with some Americans we proceeded to the third level. There are extremely long lines before getting on either of the lifts, </span>but I suppose that can be
expected at most-visited paid monument in the world.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-GWPpWAyGcAy42TvOnIMAPsXQjUtNlXwegVo0YHy3Gy7yTKtmwCMsrCqy5qium2f0vOY2racJCOPzqb_bO2kgPynIvWy0dc2ToYIaE5509p-2DfHgWfQhGn98kMISYh3036nUIuvaFQ/s1600/ghu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-GWPpWAyGcAy42TvOnIMAPsXQjUtNlXwegVo0YHy3Gy7yTKtmwCMsrCqy5qium2f0vOY2racJCOPzqb_bO2kgPynIvWy0dc2ToYIaE5509p-2DfHgWfQhGn98kMISYh3036nUIuvaFQ/s1600/ghu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me & Melanie at the top of the tower.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4B3d9th47ZgjoeaKgVVz_5vf46HFSjM3ri8exgi_UuLzRbONswgRcKyghiM5bhsefb_Az-7_AcjYaF6F89lROutVn3lIyh6yp4p3nV1GD4wAxrJcF3folFT3l4rp9e89PJLDsYIsjUAk/s1600/hgg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4B3d9th47ZgjoeaKgVVz_5vf46HFSjM3ri8exgi_UuLzRbONswgRcKyghiM5bhsefb_Az-7_AcjYaF6F89lROutVn3lIyh6yp4p3nV1GD4wAxrJcF3folFT3l4rp9e89PJLDsYIsjUAk/s1600/hgg.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every hour at night the tower sparkles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Eiffel Tower is definitely beautiful and worth a visit, but I failed to see now it was romantic. Perhaps it was a combination of fatigue and the long lines...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-53352769995434473682012-10-27T18:04:00.000-07:002012-11-18T18:09:47.710-08:00Paris: Day 2<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our second day in France began around 10 am with a croissant and jam at the hostel. Our complimentary breakfast also consisted of some kind of foreign chocolate cereal and an assortment of juices. After this quick tide-me-over we headed to the Lourve museum. When we stepped out of the metro station we noticed a group dressed in all black with crosses. After reading the banner and listening to their chanting I realized that they were speaking out against using animals as testing subjects.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaoLHLfMt7Y3mpW30Bi5GXK6y6cdBvu5gjZJaHm6s2EDFOdNe2M3YVvYHB2HMJrSpz_as4WW-GGPOiTdNZmAUgk7B6yrZ1S6X4VMN-d8g7TltuUSXGPtw2nscgqgtrswIzOJ2hleKwho/s1600/sh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaoLHLfMt7Y3mpW30Bi5GXK6y6cdBvu5gjZJaHm6s2EDFOdNe2M3YVvYHB2HMJrSpz_as4WW-GGPOiTdNZmAUgk7B6yrZ1S6X4VMN-d8g7TltuUSXGPtw2nscgqgtrswIzOJ2hleKwho/s1600/sh.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Animal rights activists protesting outside the Louvre</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After getting past the spectacle outside, we proceeded into the Louvre’s central courtyard. Seeing the glass pyramid in person was awesome and another reminder of ‘holy crap, I’m in France!’. After taking some touristy photos around the building and with the pyramid, we joined the cue (line) into the Louvre. The Louvre is the world’s most visit museum and spans over 650,000 square feet. Needless to say, we did not get to see the entire museum in the one day we were there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwB9rpy2jgKu48HgObnvMl6sPsbhkRAcCEIGluQkR-R9Q4cHQZDgWdZohnpYA3xbIl2mOb9SJR0-2-E9xM6Ml_xyehTga5LDR6tTQQR8dbxkzdN-QCQmhSc7pRpTRS3UGW938eJ4GYro/s1600/78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwB9rpy2jgKu48HgObnvMl6sPsbhkRAcCEIGluQkR-R9Q4cHQZDgWdZohnpYA3xbIl2mOb9SJR0-2-E9xM6Ml_xyehTga5LDR6tTQQR8dbxkzdN-QCQmhSc7pRpTRS3UGW938eJ4GYro/s1600/78.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmr37jKgvBDkeFTzBKLR1FvQrElqdTdgpRC8ZoE2LmsmcVXavupt1A6U4woxOUerQM_OMuuh6lsLtELoPG9Zh1r5MV8_OM78_U5KGx6Pe5zJKM0nUP1JBXR0Y6gDAGd_NIhC3S4F3HrpM/s1600/fo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmr37jKgvBDkeFTzBKLR1FvQrElqdTdgpRC8ZoE2LmsmcVXavupt1A6U4woxOUerQM_OMuuh6lsLtELoPG9Zh1r5MV8_OM78_U5KGx6Pe5zJKM0nUP1JBXR0Y6gDAGd_NIhC3S4F3HrpM/s1600/fo.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We were able to see a lot of the statues and European paintings, as well as the famous works of art like the <i>Mona Lisa</i> and the <i>Venus di Milo. </i>My favorite painting was Paul Delaroche's <i>Young Christian Martyr</i>, painted in 1855.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9urstgekJiisjzD8rXw2IdPwZLnph87eD6n7DFTXBV2r72OE7CYvD6z4zekeisIdsEIJ66lmaseRyRu7lEYqGk5mzQkwVY2WEZ25rhc1n_vGBG5BP2nCOMD7AtsgDOgAhxyqINR1VGg/s1600/bn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9urstgekJiisjzD8rXw2IdPwZLnph87eD6n7DFTXBV2r72OE7CYvD6z4zekeisIdsEIJ66lmaseRyRu7lEYqGk5mzQkwVY2WEZ25rhc1n_vGBG5BP2nCOMD7AtsgDOgAhxyqINR1VGg/s1600/bn.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Paul Delaroche's <i>Young Christian Martyr</i>, 1855. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0K-gabXcd39gcGV-MRMb61sRSAbRQqB18LdbxrmUgijeYdT-09Usj3dB6jGoPtlBwuDlbIC3JVqeaFd1UWClYnWpSebTmZHWHcJI_Nc8oeutxUTDXTggfEdEnUDD4BL8dcX7-8QWnA8/s1600/uy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0K-gabXcd39gcGV-MRMb61sRSAbRQqB18LdbxrmUgijeYdT-09Usj3dB6jGoPtlBwuDlbIC3JVqeaFd1UWClYnWpSebTmZHWHcJI_Nc8oeutxUTDXTggfEdEnUDD4BL8dcX7-8QWnA8/s1600/uy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chatting with Minerva</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSDndYzt_pPc2F_L9bLzyjDnsgoe0a3gJltiK8o9Nb9WPLyzPBsEqQJ4Z0z-UEOlWNIBwqzL1dCFYDAhoyXoP5DnwCv4qc8aYY5xkW0eSFI5CCrIDzNBk2BodMD0qCY6T69VrKH7a7hI/s1600/wf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSDndYzt_pPc2F_L9bLzyjDnsgoe0a3gJltiK8o9Nb9WPLyzPBsEqQJ4Z0z-UEOlWNIBwqzL1dCFYDAhoyXoP5DnwCv4qc8aYY5xkW0eSFI5CCrIDzNBk2BodMD0qCY6T69VrKH7a7hI/s1600/wf.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Honey Boo Boo Child.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR28ptxLsX6vjFOsepY_UOGav0DpViaVZVjbzXfo6buXUr58Lsi_csa1es3WT_-g_G2hdtOXRTcNb78pMm3rJvEKvKidpYl9PRwu7WiJuZBPDkRk7VVVyNdF0xivuwEuJeDKql6oxeykc/s1600/lk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR28ptxLsX6vjFOsepY_UOGav0DpViaVZVjbzXfo6buXUr58Lsi_csa1es3WT_-g_G2hdtOXRTcNb78pMm3rJvEKvKidpYl9PRwu7WiJuZBPDkRk7VVVyNdF0xivuwEuJeDKql6oxeykc/s1600/lk.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mona Lisa</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL_acI-RLgXjjV33tqAFAG4k8Huoz8dGpRSdh-tNsMkaa7K11ub5fio4GiEwf6ghu39fcnzW18sNhIwifUDj_RJhK5cbp-gUpyVM7LSMd4cpu4V037XVf3QiQgFN-DjmO28yHMtbA1Xg/s1600/jk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL_acI-RLgXjjV33tqAFAG4k8Huoz8dGpRSdh-tNsMkaa7K11ub5fio4GiEwf6ghu39fcnzW18sNhIwifUDj_RJhK5cbp-gUpyVM7LSMd4cpu4V037XVf3QiQgFN-DjmO28yHMtbA1Xg/s1600/jk.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Venus di Milo</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBovVjUw2rLj8KY67-_LK_2E1QbhDlnI0qQxQfoWy5Bw93MWlm-E9f5x1CsyAqk9FkOodgXHkDJx5WerughZJq8WOufNnR-NWCfNy66YuseDg6AvU8ziGa5PlzLV2IUAkUxhdZ91Z0v4/s1600/rd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBovVjUw2rLj8KY67-_LK_2E1QbhDlnI0qQxQfoWy5Bw93MWlm-E9f5x1CsyAqk9FkOodgXHkDJx5WerughZJq8WOufNnR-NWCfNy66YuseDg6AvU8ziGa5PlzLV2IUAkUxhdZ91Z0v4/s1600/rd.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Three Graces</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The beautiful thing about the Louvre is that the entire building is a work of art. The ceilings and walls are adorned with statues and paintings and create an extremely beautiful sight.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu8aNTOUOIjiwSTbaR2WvQDBHV-pcXApF229iCg5Dg2yCh3HXQuGINzj-Bhjw8_zMo6xi8LRL-UpivxtPiqvqqIM8807EXCaz8dl14nqYE_k2kQ58NHdwhW5DBxL2mPXs7BHH19z4DT8/s1600/ut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu8aNTOUOIjiwSTbaR2WvQDBHV-pcXApF229iCg5Dg2yCh3HXQuGINzj-Bhjw8_zMo6xi8LRL-UpivxtPiqvqqIM8807EXCaz8dl14nqYE_k2kQ58NHdwhW5DBxL2mPXs7BHH19z4DT8/s1600/ut.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Trim around the ceiling</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgts0J7O6hXXTUeZDxCMvx3mSO8N-F-VZzODO1oqd5KzgVM3_frCklkN_ktlfO_DWf23mTmlwJa6wgzYtYN-H3dr5EFnKO3Gw4wDb-Px2I90Gd9-ISAXxd891Lxj2fHyjCmhi7Tuuk0PBg/s1600/hi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgts0J7O6hXXTUeZDxCMvx3mSO8N-F-VZzODO1oqd5KzgVM3_frCklkN_ktlfO_DWf23mTmlwJa6wgzYtYN-H3dr5EFnKO3Gw4wDb-Px2I90Gd9-ISAXxd891Lxj2fHyjCmhi7Tuuk0PBg/s1600/hi.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just a ceiling.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-Ltt0hGizEtzZsYbG69k8NCwxmgmT6OWHtYVB1a3kfULkrmnuxrNDrUILgcJcDSkXGjeyu0-2J7cpU6BI7BFoUtHIR_NV58nVObcWCCXdVfxw9p3Dq1aOnbKRwXjXRNNbU5XOZFGTzo/s1600/nj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-Ltt0hGizEtzZsYbG69k8NCwxmgmT6OWHtYVB1a3kfULkrmnuxrNDrUILgcJcDSkXGjeyu0-2J7cpU6BI7BFoUtHIR_NV58nVObcWCCXdVfxw9p3Dq1aOnbKRwXjXRNNbU5XOZFGTzo/s1600/nj.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Room in the Louvre</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zu5xOvSjjhokiIOBv1dohwYkhBqSrwjA0m6XWqlE_k_v6Lt3Mi9nxJxm_uE0chQGGJ_BV2GaECTKA2NckiyWnOojyqRyakVrLyk0jvaCwZoGtfqpDHti0xws11jOHsVxqa1agonm4qc/s1600/ci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zu5xOvSjjhokiIOBv1dohwYkhBqSrwjA0m6XWqlE_k_v6Lt3Mi9nxJxm_uE0chQGGJ_BV2GaECTKA2NckiyWnOojyqRyakVrLyk0jvaCwZoGtfqpDHti0xws11jOHsVxqa1agonm4qc/s1600/ci.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Admiring some statues</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a full day at the Louvre we wandered the streets of Paris for a bit and stopped into a few local shops. We saw everything from putrid cheeses to debonair clothing. A cool thing about antique shops outside of the US is that they have objects that are centuries old. It's almost like browsing through a miniature museum! Having spent the day embracing culture and art, we decided to go out to a club that night. We found a good place in downtown Paris and wound up making some new French friends and having a blast!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OyF-jhMZE1Qco2zozojpwKVjM8Hlqugs_kM2imiIMLVr_upv-o1_t6_i-QhFqYb9ZL2CaNPLSz-6A5_OPtqucWGale3alnxnkwg6vt5jzjab32vJDsOxUngRs1aFOy8Qpmf2HhMLJQ4/s1600/dh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OyF-jhMZE1Qco2zozojpwKVjM8Hlqugs_kM2imiIMLVr_upv-o1_t6_i-QhFqYb9ZL2CaNPLSz-6A5_OPtqucWGale3alnxnkwg6vt5jzjab32vJDsOxUngRs1aFOy8Qpmf2HhMLJQ4/s1600/dh.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before a night out in Paris!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-70937133894040988032012-10-26T16:02:00.000-07:002012-11-18T16:05:12.196-08:00Paris je t'aime.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEs3AnKtMvqcM84qXWXyxo7BGFN-1-VF1mDjUnBbx7MpJlIiOt4OVL82RTUoY2mwlHfQZGTPaAUUrC-X3Iu8Ci42Z0hnCEWxk5oq5Aiq_2g6fhR6GZv-xtG8MXevjWMeLUgwE67RX-No/s1600/sf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEs3AnKtMvqcM84qXWXyxo7BGFN-1-VF1mDjUnBbx7MpJlIiOt4OVL82RTUoY2mwlHfQZGTPaAUUrC-X3Iu8Ci42Z0hnCEWxk5oq5Aiq_2g6fhR6GZv-xtG8MXevjWMeLUgwE67RX-No/s1600/sf.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Paris with my two friends Melanie and Justin. It was my first time traveling to mainland Europe and it was a blast! Getting there involved an 8 hour bus ride that boarded a train under the English Channel. Though the ride was long, we were lucky to meet a Portuguese guy named Philippe who told us about Paris and even helped us buy the proper metro tickets once we arrived.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2TOkTL0JLUOfmAFvuD2LchBJqgnoDBQWPOB-ZnOC4ftEIBNGd6OKeSb74Y2QE_uewF_eMd-FPLhLF7IFup0ML__gOwuRPsn6YfIcrUMfQpQs6LCuyr_nTDmNnU-4WjcVUyLfi4VPQ9k/s1600/se.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuqdAE_Dviy4b1caX3nY1rApspDMh7Ln12yz5ggDUBDcTnyCyzEvQffh-QEv0nrLFvrySfVSb0IIlUflAUyKmoP-U9sAiqbEgmY-jRqn_1P1MjsOPM0BGAAPg0JGUmNAigTXS5wAy1jc/s1600/sw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuqdAE_Dviy4b1caX3nY1rApspDMh7Ln12yz5ggDUBDcTnyCyzEvQffh-QEv0nrLFvrySfVSb0IIlUflAUyKmoP-U9sAiqbEgmY-jRqn_1P1MjsOPM0BGAAPg0JGUmNAigTXS5wAy1jc/s1600/sw.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2TOkTL0JLUOfmAFvuD2LchBJqgnoDBQWPOB-ZnOC4ftEIBNGd6OKeSb74Y2QE_uewF_eMd-FPLhLF7IFup0ML__gOwuRPsn6YfIcrUMfQpQs6LCuyr_nTDmNnU-4WjcVUyLfi4VPQ9k/s1600/se.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></div>
<br />
Notre Dame La Fountaine Saint-Michel<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9b9CAgIS_Zm-7cuwv39JZS9mC4xZKqfdsXh_eULYwlKDqQcCIFQzL7dmXj76ZaC0E4Jobz43ZUAvV3VUHB9q1SPTUOYclURTN_R0BSbMzo6Wy9nOHDovD97ulqCO5Q82DCH4elqPdFDs/s1600/gh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9b9CAgIS_Zm-7cuwv39JZS9mC4xZKqfdsXh_eULYwlKDqQcCIFQzL7dmXj76ZaC0E4Jobz43ZUAvV3VUHB9q1SPTUOYclURTN_R0BSbMzo6Wy9nOHDovD97ulqCO5Q82DCH4elqPdFDs/s1600/gh.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wine presentation</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35m2XXTXyO6aJ2-uNl5aCxmiPnZGYL44GgA95zCY-jBxdFtmghSpke0FmBAVdiqfQuCv1wxx4BgNTjGt3PJuZ3Nf1RgHpwUWXqoL_A-lMOBkQai02V9n70oEJ1zSeWx33KUvuUM8qMz4/s1600/hj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35m2XXTXyO6aJ2-uNl5aCxmiPnZGYL44GgA95zCY-jBxdFtmghSpke0FmBAVdiqfQuCv1wxx4BgNTjGt3PJuZ3Nf1RgHpwUWXqoL_A-lMOBkQai02V9n70oEJ1zSeWx33KUvuUM8qMz4/s1600/hj.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMi4apKp6_gLYZTa9i-cEg4_nILaZo8bZhnWcGn5mnMkW79rGYikcf1KodZHR4Pet_5Vdmq4tDM1E1Ffv-71cqbbop25JuFTnRLCtOE_LslPTZ8SToSO7a4CZN5d0aGfs64Af-shgkDsI/s1600/nk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMi4apKp6_gLYZTa9i-cEg4_nILaZo8bZhnWcGn5mnMkW79rGYikcf1KodZHR4Pet_5Vdmq4tDM1E1Ffv-71cqbbop25JuFTnRLCtOE_LslPTZ8SToSO7a4CZN5d0aGfs64Af-shgkDsI/s1600/nk.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our hostel had a pet cat; meet Jesus.</div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
I had always heard that Paris was dirty and that the people were unkind of foreigners. While the metro wasn’t as clean as the underground in London, it wasn’t nearly as dirty at the subway in NYC. Most of the people we met were extremely nice and helpful too! I think it may have helped that I could initiate a local in conversation in French and then ask him or her politely if they could speak English. My basic knowledge of pronunciation came in handy as well. It’s much easier to ask for directions if you can understand the name of your location.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuaOIzSHkAv4bewuZWv7e5soGl4JthcdSvJbFECVB2NdnkDt_hu5soQ3I8-KwBUtOORNs2d-RiwkWbh-xCVj1EjiTon8aeOpObL8rJSq1jCaQrjhTedQPvQIH9qcWaMRTdgAHV3Y-yBs/s1600/sg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuaOIzSHkAv4bewuZWv7e5soGl4JthcdSvJbFECVB2NdnkDt_hu5soQ3I8-KwBUtOORNs2d-RiwkWbh-xCVj1EjiTon8aeOpObL8rJSq1jCaQrjhTedQPvQIH9qcWaMRTdgAHV3Y-yBs/s1600/sg.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The life-blood of France.</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We arrived around 9am and navigated the metro system to our hostel. The Woodstock Hostel on the Anvers metro stop would be our home for the next 4 days. I highly suggest this hostel to anyone who is thinking of visiting France. The location is right next to Sacre Coeur, a huge Roman-Catholic basilica, as well as many cafés and shops. After settling into the hostel we promptly procured 3 bottles of wine from a corner shop. In France, it is not illegal to drink in public and the drinking age is younger. Just so readers rest easy, we are all over the age of 21, so we can legally drink in the states, but drinking nice wine on the metro and while walking down the street was fun.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsz_CVW9_GbVVP5sW5UgbAsv_D21eSHo15wchzCUSQV_IxoUUb9iqet2stStuZ8TTe7HO0_edzm7OmiQ4pKj4vnRBOzlollP4ID-WciT-XI57TBRZQ7-QX3JsL1-f8sOg3TRKvUxSMhc/s1600/sd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsz_CVW9_GbVVP5sW5UgbAsv_D21eSHo15wchzCUSQV_IxoUUb9iqet2stStuZ8TTe7HO0_edzm7OmiQ4pKj4vnRBOzlollP4ID-WciT-XI57TBRZQ7-QX3JsL1-f8sOg3TRKvUxSMhc/s1600/sd.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Out first stop was to a pastry shop on the corner of a street. The shop employee didn’t speak English, but was very nice as Mel, Justin, and I ordered 3 delicious pastries. The French don’t mess around with their dessert confectionary! After a quick snack we headed to the Cathedral of Notre Dame, which was absolutely beautiful! Many tourists look around the church and then go through the catacombs, but we opted to just tour the main church. It was really cool checking out all of the artifacts, especially because of my Catholic faith. After a few pictures and a quick prayer we left Notre Dame and browsed the shops around the cathedral.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvLNgVwg55amMsyvaUDsAwWbRsDtclLwxdv8g86KBSncraL5g-9D0A7M9iuYwFc80NeFIznJwC2601Vj4h8JxYYm2pwMkWNAklJcvcckuStxRMZAcObmiBzxQOa5itQaCg_RLxtq7vII/s1600/jo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvLNgVwg55amMsyvaUDsAwWbRsDtclLwxdv8g86KBSncraL5g-9D0A7M9iuYwFc80NeFIznJwC2601Vj4h8JxYYm2pwMkWNAklJcvcckuStxRMZAcObmiBzxQOa5itQaCg_RLxtq7vII/s1600/jo.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEkuZt2GYy6_cI64fEprxpG3deoF9jOkQzYmmpG_HaOhwWvyd-1hp_ailEiWnvN7y1uH6tVBjZWzb4lCRfPUGfCqu_9f-PYAlrTSqfmIAhNE2glsgs67hJVEgH52A2decxsfQyglvRYs/s1600/ko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEkuZt2GYy6_cI64fEprxpG3deoF9jOkQzYmmpG_HaOhwWvyd-1hp_ailEiWnvN7y1uH6tVBjZWzb4lCRfPUGfCqu_9f-PYAlrTSqfmIAhNE2glsgs67hJVEgH52A2decxsfQyglvRYs/s1600/ko.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Notre Dame</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mel, Justin, and I were a little tired after the 8 hour bus ride to Paris and the day of walking around Paris, so after a little more wine we decided to have a quick dinner and hit the hay. We found a nice Japanese restaurant and had our first dinner in Paris. While Japanese isn’t quite the expected culinary adventure in Paris, the food was very good. I think as a general rule, all the food in Paris is good. After dinner we retired to our hostel, where we were joined by 3 other people. A couple from Brussels was already a asleep, but our third roommate, from Oregon, was awake. We got to know him a little over some wine and eventually went to bed. Over all, a good end to our first day in Paris.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTSXtAFsPTRb4Ap8ZSGqB1Y2YZPbL3NGNEtJPB_BgWxg57AdZBVQ3nS7MZXxsYVJsqi88iP_-2HsC8j5xP2Di5HTD_0LxGC6YKBq-lRM8jb89WyZHjOGmToFaSXvSnFvymTBSwqCGymc/s1600/io.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTSXtAFsPTRb4Ap8ZSGqB1Y2YZPbL3NGNEtJPB_BgWxg57AdZBVQ3nS7MZXxsYVJsqi88iP_-2HsC8j5xP2Di5HTD_0LxGC6YKBq-lRM8jb89WyZHjOGmToFaSXvSnFvymTBSwqCGymc/s1600/io.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxidR-kSF8wotFb-NvR2GMWYKMR2TLomuVCeDpKdqInwDi3Ecw9TnlvPUMvrof3pW21PVDua989hf9nMuFd17a9JhqH_k_8x1A3WtA0VuWC8CyovPoKjPsH145HmmcKe-oHepSRndjAk/s1600/hi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxidR-kSF8wotFb-NvR2GMWYKMR2TLomuVCeDpKdqInwDi3Ecw9TnlvPUMvrof3pW21PVDua989hf9nMuFd17a9JhqH_k_8x1A3WtA0VuWC8CyovPoKjPsH145HmmcKe-oHepSRndjAk/s1600/hi.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-85391116581134208352012-10-16T16:42:00.000-07:002012-11-18T16:44:32.766-08:00Punting & Ranch Dressing<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The title of this weeks blog represents it's high points. Oxford Brookes has been extremely busy lately. It’s right before the mid-term period, so big assignments are due and there’s quite a bit of work for everyone to catch up on. It’s funny to think that this time next week I will be in Paris! Beyond that I’ve started missing a couple things from the US. One such thing is ranch dressing. I got kind of desperate and ordered some off of Amazion.co.uk. It made me feel better that a roommate or two flocked to it once they realized that I had ordered it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnADXun-SOEtzHbkO9tHORFrIM43xIpAznwYbTT0C5HH2E_7HPkychFj08OPUe_olAcsE-SbsM65K9ZZp-_Q0-RoDDVSMA9qecU6yXP-MXs__iRH4Bn3yWWY6Lv5JueZyyMwugAmvehA/s1600/kk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnADXun-SOEtzHbkO9tHORFrIM43xIpAznwYbTT0C5HH2E_7HPkychFj08OPUe_olAcsE-SbsM65K9ZZp-_Q0-RoDDVSMA9qecU6yXP-MXs__iRH4Bn3yWWY6Lv5JueZyyMwugAmvehA/s1600/kk.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXI3FGsf6rufggH-ym7TDPlaXAbVZWRZV3CzeflfPJP-zBqfXXsNQhdH2Bz5ctvs6MBpwB0SlSfyRo_UjPnUGD-WdTaMvokNDk2Rt8A9RNne_gjf5d5GzUUTI9JSCRRqmd9YkjMo4T1KY/s1600/ik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXI3FGsf6rufggH-ym7TDPlaXAbVZWRZV3CzeflfPJP-zBqfXXsNQhdH2Bz5ctvs6MBpwB0SlSfyRo_UjPnUGD-WdTaMvokNDk2Rt8A9RNne_gjf5d5GzUUTI9JSCRRqmd9YkjMo4T1KY/s1600/ik.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I’m still getting used to the independent style of learning here. I think it’s been a wake-up call for all of the Americans here. I have my first assignment due for my Sound Recording class tomorrow and it’s about half way finished. It’s kind of scary to think that my first assignment for a class is 25% of my entire grade. Either way, I’m really enjoying the class. I learned how to add effects to recordings using a mixing desk in the last lesson. This class is helping approach music from a very scientific and functional standpoint, which is very different from my normal subjective approach to music.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJH0IvMRt-Mv4bK0Z9lahNfgkxwKOqOs79RmSFFvL9OY4FOD_LTEV7yxJdmPBx766Q_aUpFpPS4TD-NGjGnKZqHvdPYh6cW-Ijz0LdiUtG75S2M9XwUEjD3JxrdTovupwvi7v4MlVINc/s1600/pl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJH0IvMRt-Mv4bK0Z9lahNfgkxwKOqOs79RmSFFvL9OY4FOD_LTEV7yxJdmPBx766Q_aUpFpPS4TD-NGjGnKZqHvdPYh6cW-Ijz0LdiUtG75S2M9XwUEjD3JxrdTovupwvi7v4MlVINc/s1600/pl.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Recording studio equipment, expensive and initially terrifying.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBD9Hk9Vf7gdNbon_05Dv5PR6YTAvz6mQMzojG8uXMG4ZmDLRTM3bRqh8Wq_c7xsLW0JQ0hH0xMClSMCVHq16cdBfmUVKQKfiwJdvzFHCDk5vylxNR2_jbTZm61cOLWtH1APgub7vcUg/s1600/oo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBD9Hk9Vf7gdNbon_05Dv5PR6YTAvz6mQMzojG8uXMG4ZmDLRTM3bRqh8Wq_c7xsLW0JQ0hH0xMClSMCVHq16cdBfmUVKQKfiwJdvzFHCDk5vylxNR2_jbTZm61cOLWtH1APgub7vcUg/s1600/oo.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Punting!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In other news I went punting with 6 friends yesterday! Punting is when you literally push a boat down a shallow creek with a long hollow rod. I was the first person to ‘steer’ the boat, which was a learning experience. Let’s just say that a long boat filled with 6 people doesn't heed well to a thin, metal pole. The October climate also made holding the cold, wet pole a real treat. While I wasn't the best captain, my friend Bank was a natural, and some others relieved me of my daunting post. After we got past constantly ramming into the banks of the creek the boat ride was beautiful! The leaves have just begun to fall and there were ducks and geese and people out enjoying the last few weeks of nice weather</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCETvUaMhuuUYJ8DNq4xre0kpwVGfjBzNJ564pqbo5xNxJfbxLQEabZhUahn0eXiDvF11ys5nHKNNh4rKdEku_Z6TDfW8c3Qipi40jZkdzTOGsuhmLkT7ugseOGLcEDmZX0RUTztNpkA/s1600/hj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCETvUaMhuuUYJ8DNq4xre0kpwVGfjBzNJ564pqbo5xNxJfbxLQEabZhUahn0eXiDvF11ys5nHKNNh4rKdEku_Z6TDfW8c3Qipi40jZkdzTOGsuhmLkT7ugseOGLcEDmZX0RUTztNpkA/s1600/hj.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VHB5g718GmAxM2PBqad4XkLgG1lF5ZfoKx629DYl65n9rOS6TiC8NLBUIpgb_-9NHT90H_Op3N4guVPWimmYrdXe8WOMyBsk6DjkYmAdfcmb2Jj6bLeB9yyqET1HWkmtmhu2xLUxCmc/s1600/gh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VHB5g718GmAxM2PBqad4XkLgG1lF5ZfoKx629DYl65n9rOS6TiC8NLBUIpgb_-9NHT90H_Op3N4guVPWimmYrdXe8WOMyBsk6DjkYmAdfcmb2Jj6bLeB9yyqET1HWkmtmhu2xLUxCmc/s1600/gh.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
.</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After the bunting we headed to the Oxford Rendezvous for afternoon tea. We had attempted to go to the extremely posh Grand Café, but sadly they were full when we arrived. I concluded the afternoon with good conversation, a slice of cake, and a cup of English tea. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1wVYTF_r9W1qGu0g1eLOLLsL2QOMuDbxIMm4OMRa7I9ZK8KvsKYzc9m7__zFhKlxomPX6ujFb-3vEqukgJAYnvMPTolsC74FhLrDUiCuD6sSOLGHGmUD3A4pb6NS4zEh-_kByUNRdfU/s1600/lo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1wVYTF_r9W1qGu0g1eLOLLsL2QOMuDbxIMm4OMRa7I9ZK8KvsKYzc9m7__zFhKlxomPX6ujFb-3vEqukgJAYnvMPTolsC74FhLrDUiCuD6sSOLGHGmUD3A4pb6NS4zEh-_kByUNRdfU/s1600/lo.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-32857829304409533362012-10-15T07:08:00.000-07:002012-11-15T07:09:53.788-08:00Oxford Open WeekendA while ago I attended the Oxford University open weekend. It is a weekend that a number of Oxford colleges open their doors and invite the public in free of charge. It's pretty much the mother of all open houses all across Oxford. Needless to say, I was able to see a ton of perfectly manicured lawns, beautiful chapels, and dusty libraries. It's kind of hard for me to believe that people still live in these old, beautiful buildings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_-G9mJ4os1S9uaSdxSEBZAsxrPlIaB0OHDwZJGJ426e1Vz0gpxN40Tp_IdLxRZdnXZ1XdYM1uIhfkeNip1ZwrM5pJvrvqVSpWwhBQKKE5BLHwzT4M0OcMaOmZnr92DUdyJk3Qek43kk/s1600/fh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_-G9mJ4os1S9uaSdxSEBZAsxrPlIaB0OHDwZJGJ426e1Vz0gpxN40Tp_IdLxRZdnXZ1XdYM1uIhfkeNip1ZwrM5pJvrvqVSpWwhBQKKE5BLHwzT4M0OcMaOmZnr92DUdyJk3Qek43kk/s1600/fh.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A typical Oxfordian quad.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EwC348cZIgwA0hkAcy-pk-pKD6Zl3-vSNNjz8eZ44uY1Hdc2mJM-JuvDPCK8UhUm9wmUzCJHPqeamgnhlRBOmXkXpD-PHaZ97V5dT9ME6P2jQXmT9dXHPS-KGpIc3gVXBjprLsXFdU0/s1600/bi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EwC348cZIgwA0hkAcy-pk-pKD6Zl3-vSNNjz8eZ44uY1Hdc2mJM-JuvDPCK8UhUm9wmUzCJHPqeamgnhlRBOmXkXpD-PHaZ97V5dT9ME6P2jQXmT9dXHPS-KGpIc3gVXBjprLsXFdU0/s1600/bi.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and another...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSORy0iUvc0tCJ6OdQl8bABjYiQKzmXFEGuk103GkDNldhqhtJGggKfompotk875K4hTuVsV-MwGg88U6YNc_Is3APE4x1JLwQIhNUOwMfiFaMIX8A22Jk_4r4LN9tzPYTfLDLQnMxD4/s1600/sn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSORy0iUvc0tCJ6OdQl8bABjYiQKzmXFEGuk103GkDNldhqhtJGggKfompotk875K4hTuVsV-MwGg88U6YNc_Is3APE4x1JLwQIhNUOwMfiFaMIX8A22Jk_4r4LN9tzPYTfLDLQnMxD4/s1600/sn.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just enjoying the grass.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I've had the pleasure of meeting some different Oxford University students, so between open weekend and friends, I've been able to take a look into Pembrook, Magdalene, Jesus, Lincoln, Exeter, Christ's Church, and All Souls College. There may be one or two more in there somewhere, but I don't remember the names.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BXgJgRDG85nE_S2877yxtwFytOJ-duoJv-YIwhSh-I6UKZXqTFFI3m9flWOTtnyVAb0OgdUMZbsw1TSIUOeft1Ap2WstRN24fA3DEqX3nQ-qiXJ8ogEb1-rXSJiXTxQ_1bKDFOP_5pk/s1600/rj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BXgJgRDG85nE_S2877yxtwFytOJ-duoJv-YIwhSh-I6UKZXqTFFI3m9flWOTtnyVAb0OgdUMZbsw1TSIUOeft1Ap2WstRN24fA3DEqX3nQ-qiXJ8ogEb1-rXSJiXTxQ_1bKDFOP_5pk/s1600/rj.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chapel at All Souls College</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfMOwlOGRFmbxexR4bT1UcGh0Z5cB_3NV8H-fU8Mnlb_O4yPkyU3XPjTp3pst5-zn-6Rj29ZIzHBiuJRU3A4kXfofnvuSPx8u6MM4FhGMhxguYrYarxlIuDSQRr5lN7rfbgJxcKs7yMU/s1600/fj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfMOwlOGRFmbxexR4bT1UcGh0Z5cB_3NV8H-fU8Mnlb_O4yPkyU3XPjTp3pst5-zn-6Rj29ZIzHBiuJRU3A4kXfofnvuSPx8u6MM4FhGMhxguYrYarxlIuDSQRr5lN7rfbgJxcKs7yMU/s1600/fj.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The back of the chapel</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4K7SvHawFFKopUGmip22_cgaNCkouXPAapcehLXX7yRJC1wwBrCPcEGkL4cwpPUiJsrbfmF2FQCrGMX7NcfGDbWyQgtkINa6sgrAun8Qp1l2a8hX8gZ_9G2yPkr7BU7BMozwa2e9WgrE/s1600/gn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4K7SvHawFFKopUGmip22_cgaNCkouXPAapcehLXX7yRJC1wwBrCPcEGkL4cwpPUiJsrbfmF2FQCrGMX7NcfGDbWyQgtkINa6sgrAun8Qp1l2a8hX8gZ_9G2yPkr7BU7BMozwa2e9WgrE/s1600/gn.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's very typical to see Oxford students or professors walking around the city center of Oxford in formal attire. This includes a suit coat and dress pants and a black gown. It pretty much looks like someone is graduating every day you walk down the streets of Oxford. Many colleges have formal dining halls that require this dress.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURKTKOjnThu6JsCsbL5PUH6xwHaxYmX4qqi_qNEEADGG1Ln3hwnDyAV2astRygcH39hcCqZcgbSxRV1XBDQwUH-jjTdz_Kh_fAjvaUbMnV50RZ1axFWVChvdkwt7fhjIc9Gv2WYbM8Fc/s1600/jii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURKTKOjnThu6JsCsbL5PUH6xwHaxYmX4qqi_qNEEADGG1Ln3hwnDyAV2astRygcH39hcCqZcgbSxRV1XBDQwUH-jjTdz_Kh_fAjvaUbMnV50RZ1axFWVChvdkwt7fhjIc9Gv2WYbM8Fc/s1600/jii.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oxfordian gown (I didn't take this picture)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizav5EV0ECKaed0DMWSxSolzvTvYzJWDE-R5Etq41Ms_Znw9gXQqfRQ5jTZAdpK2yxICvVPc0XvCqozDI1ZybffmtGKb93fWxsAguU09gAnJsIzk_-JKsMhyphenhyphenpK0BhyphenhyphenvervZfzo5SX8gvw/s1600/nu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizav5EV0ECKaed0DMWSxSolzvTvYzJWDE-R5Etq41Ms_Znw9gXQqfRQ5jTZAdpK2yxICvVPc0XvCqozDI1ZybffmtGKb93fWxsAguU09gAnJsIzk_-JKsMhyphenhyphenpK0BhyphenhyphenvervZfzo5SX8gvw/s1600/nu.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jesus College dining hall.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWebC46Xin_j5JfNrl52Y4et5nTbzTymC6kPRtdvoQLkVnDzA2RrMKBHJjW4UA1paKmre4Uz-wDbZQso13N1NzFj03zxyICfEKHWoH6jpKw1KoHUiOM0T90tB4XQLj1tPCLVCjT-wo_Q/s1600/uh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWebC46Xin_j5JfNrl52Y4et5nTbzTymC6kPRtdvoQLkVnDzA2RrMKBHJjW4UA1paKmre4Uz-wDbZQso13N1NzFj03zxyICfEKHWoH6jpKw1KoHUiOM0T90tB4XQLj1tPCLVCjT-wo_Q/s1600/uh.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The set table.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrrzyj6Ql604yXGTec218UhYRk7FuTUCtFvBeJt3n5fA2RUTsiAuTUe1p-fm04ey9wsLqA-zU7vgXLnQJNlS74HGcXNgex-Jlumo2TnOP-GhPiMC4k8VgS1X4pDe71EppBsUYajWns6A/s1600/sd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrrzyj6Ql604yXGTec218UhYRk7FuTUCtFvBeJt3n5fA2RUTsiAuTUe1p-fm04ey9wsLqA-zU7vgXLnQJNlS74HGcXNgex-Jlumo2TnOP-GhPiMC4k8VgS1X4pDe71EppBsUYajWns6A/s1600/sd.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Note the coat of arms for Jesus College</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-24066055477777277192012-10-12T19:04:00.000-07:002012-11-14T19:05:21.665-08:00Mendelssohn and The Fratellis As a music major I love to check out the music scene wherever I travel and Oxford is outstanding for classical music! If I had enough money and time I would attend a different recital/concert/performance every other night. While the tickets aren't expensive for the quality of performances, it is a little pricey for the standard poor collegiate American (the dollar doesn't go far here).<br />
I was very lucky when purchasing tickets to my first concert in Oxford. I called the Oxford Orchestra to reserve tickets and the director of the orchestra wound up answering the phone. After hearing my voice (No matter what I say people initially hear "I'm American") she offered me discount tickets to the performance. I gladly accepted.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2qcfKq_dcDHQDgVfKTZdI1G8BYkbyrsBzrPpjq1I0eZb7VFXQpKfv6JZDODJcDPqIrHNj7ukBrVDmd_BD_4pqMawJ6WlFjDCBRgbCEECyfZJADfce23PqfGJeqmgXRJ-aPXzgAN1Se0/s1600/ff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2qcfKq_dcDHQDgVfKTZdI1G8BYkbyrsBzrPpjq1I0eZb7VFXQpKfv6JZDODJcDPqIrHNj7ukBrVDmd_BD_4pqMawJ6WlFjDCBRgbCEECyfZJADfce23PqfGJeqmgXRJ-aPXzgAN1Se0/s1600/ff.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Exeter Chapel</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_iC8B7EDnHPJm5yYC79aZO4rY1MFDzGaqZhq2hAHAzetixSAn5JQQBew5898VLTyUpeXgEx5LXYZO8ZZhNwad-l9pSICRh5STThiGViDWnPY31-H81OGxOK2_XSQ1uc5WC7TaykvSHY/s1600/oo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_iC8B7EDnHPJm5yYC79aZO4rY1MFDzGaqZhq2hAHAzetixSAn5JQQBew5898VLTyUpeXgEx5LXYZO8ZZhNwad-l9pSICRh5STThiGViDWnPY31-H81OGxOK2_XSQ1uc5WC7TaykvSHY/s1600/oo.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The performance was in the chapel of Exeter College of Oxford University. Each college has outrageous chapels with extreme ornamentation and beautiful craftsmanship. This chapel was less gaudy than others that I'd seen, and the acoustics were wonderful! The performance included:<br />
<br />
1. Mendelsohn's Piano Trio No 1 in D minor, Op. 49. This piece has infectious melodies and a very beautifully swelling (almost bipolar) 4th movement.<br />
2. Haydn's Piano Trio in G Major, Hob xv/25. This work is the more like the typical 'classical music' but has some outrageously difficult sounding piano passages.<br />
3. Piazzolla's The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires (Summer & Spring). Just listen:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goeg4Xw-OJI">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goeg4Xw-OJI</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8rvl1OV66g2m_5NwinXM619axnHODpl85Et88CV9c1gR2wY46eRppqVBKX0mPyf32_qpqPHFDA9trYc2SoDZ52iP6U0aLzhuF5ZD1_TnJL8-xHKwBcmd-pjkIw2wSOO9WihPMr4zUGM/s1600/df.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8rvl1OV66g2m_5NwinXM619axnHODpl85Et88CV9c1gR2wY46eRppqVBKX0mPyf32_qpqPHFDA9trYc2SoDZ52iP6U0aLzhuF5ZD1_TnJL8-xHKwBcmd-pjkIw2wSOO9WihPMr4zUGM/s1600/df.jpg" height="259" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Inside the Chapel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSqpYe_C7szAJYE-3420x5QBPf3D-j_6uonGIVeFJbjxtrKL7Jx6MmAk_HPh6uHesHVsZNYHQ6pCpXZjMTZ7V18H_3c4EXPRfRlFVoObzR05kaisW0FZix2Q_KIv8rUmNaRHQCodWxm4/s1600/kh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSqpYe_C7szAJYE-3420x5QBPf3D-j_6uonGIVeFJbjxtrKL7Jx6MmAk_HPh6uHesHVsZNYHQ6pCpXZjMTZ7V18H_3c4EXPRfRlFVoObzR05kaisW0FZix2Q_KIv8rUmNaRHQCodWxm4/s1600/kh.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I honestly think that the Oxford colleges felt the need to build the most ostentatious house of worship simply to outdo each other. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96HiusR6J2yFjFOkMANM91GVSoZZa3nWrKP2Rah_y45gCaOUHpXidl8qjtF4wSgceQRzBdN6cJ1SBtOv7b5JalMJakAOLrD-k1FRNGty_NKR2u0718w5vUZu72mrvREc_hrBIE0TscBA/s1600/fg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96HiusR6J2yFjFOkMANM91GVSoZZa3nWrKP2Rah_y45gCaOUHpXidl8qjtF4wSgceQRzBdN6cJ1SBtOv7b5JalMJakAOLrD-k1FRNGty_NKR2u0718w5vUZu72mrvREc_hrBIE0TscBA/s1600/fg.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
J.R.R. Tolkien went to Exeter and his head is in the Chapel!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another night this week my roomate Sarah and I went and saw The Fratellis, a Scottish rock band, at a local night club. The show was really good and it was fun to see drunk, rowdy, rock-loving Brits! I even had a go in the small mosh pit that was bubbling up towards the front of the stage.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYzFcoTyd1TTQzm9S6bbFJQuJo3M2HO3I_weu3q4XtQvAJ_dGwgc1RXDQ_b7LiJq8OXltrhsC11HFR5i0OIF5dpWKg_-5uBzidSp2SeTZqVWOVZIo9JGqktHhaI7Dxq1YbKDGcaEssmQ/s1600/dg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYzFcoTyd1TTQzm9S6bbFJQuJo3M2HO3I_weu3q4XtQvAJ_dGwgc1RXDQ_b7LiJq8OXltrhsC11HFR5i0OIF5dpWKg_-5uBzidSp2SeTZqVWOVZIo9JGqktHhaI7Dxq1YbKDGcaEssmQ/s1600/dg.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Fratellis</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRYoIpw3M1FCaLE-J_Q1U15qBQ1XKSoSbvKnicKbJ6LO06bpxgTupOuEZOWPlj1VZYQusxs0CiLumrQMFo_zb9FtZ1otqbarcTufMCUc-k3UCx0J3p6nPS_59h7Vv8SjndO-yisg23VY/s1600/nb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRYoIpw3M1FCaLE-J_Q1U15qBQ1XKSoSbvKnicKbJ6LO06bpxgTupOuEZOWPlj1VZYQusxs0CiLumrQMFo_zb9FtZ1otqbarcTufMCUc-k3UCx0J3p6nPS_59h7Vv8SjndO-yisg23VY/s1600/nb.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Zf_BjKrSTEniNJMqbPa5IcphvYWpqwDbGrD6QGCNePqi_L-rTJuYphfYnwi1x3Q6M4asSklBusL8LKqHOYLHBp1Gsy2FDvnYkUnokuLSg4BsqeooeVEHqnIMQPWlDuECOtG1I4CROsc/s1600/ol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Zf_BjKrSTEniNJMqbPa5IcphvYWpqwDbGrD6QGCNePqi_L-rTJuYphfYnwi1x3Q6M4asSklBusL8LKqHOYLHBp1Gsy2FDvnYkUnokuLSg4BsqeooeVEHqnIMQPWlDuECOtG1I4CROsc/s1600/ol.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me & Sara at the show!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-6032662242052552332012-10-09T17:52:00.000-07:002012-11-14T17:53:41.794-08:00London!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I had a great time visiting my friend Sara in London this weekend. A return bus trip to and from Oxford to London is only £10 ($16.20), so I hope to be making more trips in the future. I met Sara at Victoria coach station and we took the London Underground Tube to her apartment at the Cockfoster stop. The Tube is a lot like the NYC subway, but it’s a lot cleaner, less busy, and easier to navigate. Sara and I arrived to a surprise Birthday party and I was able to meet her roommates (from Belgium, Ireland, the US, and France).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFb3O0LfParv8bZ8rnIudUoFnKCvDnvsK6w5PY97jIcwY_PjwZBZCNmcv5abD9dSi_CmfXmi2sIfH0PqzIefoQ7Bzxib5D5QuecjBl2OcEJflCBDja9tcY7cug0B6QdHNZzTAJcH8yrY/s1600/nj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFb3O0LfParv8bZ8rnIudUoFnKCvDnvsK6w5PY97jIcwY_PjwZBZCNmcv5abD9dSi_CmfXmi2sIfH0PqzIefoQ7Bzxib5D5QuecjBl2OcEJflCBDja9tcY7cug0B6QdHNZzTAJcH8yrY/s1600/nj.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me & Sara outside of the V&A Museum (note the phone booth and bus in the background).</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After a glass of champagne and a slice of chocolate cake, we headed out to a night club and enjoyed the nightlife of London. There are a number of ‘posh’ clubs that are more expensive, but that night we went to a more low-key club. On the way home I stopped by the good old American stand-by : McDonald’s. The quality of the food was no different.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeVWysS-z-zQNbvOlqJMCBwbuIolIssN-3KoQIyHOhZk-VOBgv29orZ5uQTcNJxToGGoLyXpoMmw9px-APokxAsfbfFuyPAmv6QeK386o9DKhm85KF2gC0Vk0QhgdtLOEfpg3JSboRx4/s1600/po.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeVWysS-z-zQNbvOlqJMCBwbuIolIssN-3KoQIyHOhZk-VOBgv29orZ5uQTcNJxToGGoLyXpoMmw9px-APokxAsfbfFuyPAmv6QeK386o9DKhm85KF2gC0Vk0QhgdtLOEfpg3JSboRx4/s1600/po.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Portobello Market (I will be returning to buy Christmas gifts)</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The next morning we woke up and visited the open-air Portobello Market in West London. This 2-mile long market has everything from ethnic foods to tourist kitsch to vintage clothing. The goods and the people of this market place were extremely entertaining and colorful! I could have spent hours browsing through the vinyl, artwork, and other goods, but after a while we decided to hit up one of the free museums in London.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvIDDziRQ1Fw8Dgc3PGq9Tz1gFhh64HafxEoY9eSRgm5RsGRopAiVmCE7_ONoiT_hCflo9R_0N2X7ORphQQDU62MEgrVXgcKvLF6U8UUGyUwioecaMaqe4RNiKq0xIJUheMhxrvRz3zc/s1600/hii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvIDDziRQ1Fw8Dgc3PGq9Tz1gFhh64HafxEoY9eSRgm5RsGRopAiVmCE7_ONoiT_hCflo9R_0N2X7ORphQQDU62MEgrVXgcKvLF6U8UUGyUwioecaMaqe4RNiKq0xIJUheMhxrvRz3zc/s1600/hii.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDdHi7ZCuAvaNf2XP88kmYQLyhTdZ0zQkJULLu9_eRYggNlhFwXvsDaOpuqzKfIiIGysoJxFOHRgA3NbTbCsJo8wTTNZ1brmi5zyjHR4U_MGD6uhry7hF5L8DJVzOO61UHlGnrecjw0A/s1600/hj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDdHi7ZCuAvaNf2XP88kmYQLyhTdZ0zQkJULLu9_eRYggNlhFwXvsDaOpuqzKfIiIGysoJxFOHRgA3NbTbCsJo8wTTNZ1brmi5zyjHR4U_MGD6uhry7hF5L8DJVzOO61UHlGnrecjw0A/s1600/hj.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Roman statues</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJgGpoiUzrHxjcsbuFm5G3wUhiGwLXaQdCkyWR5rN8eksul5uc1F40yWX0g8jjoXWDTlHqnJOR8R5OY0rBhfnAstbh5tFq6u_9kqyucsDbUUOG9rz4_3B7hvhMoo3HPxib3yoLPFT-os/s1600/lm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJgGpoiUzrHxjcsbuFm5G3wUhiGwLXaQdCkyWR5rN8eksul5uc1F40yWX0g8jjoXWDTlHqnJOR8R5OY0rBhfnAstbh5tFq6u_9kqyucsDbUUOG9rz4_3B7hvhMoo3HPxib3yoLPFT-os/s1600/lm.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Old English Peter Griffin?</div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Victoria & Albert Museum is the world’s largest museum for decorative arts and design. Its 145 galleries are organized by country/continent of origin, and cover 12.5 acres! Sara headed to a temporary exhibit on the development of ball gowns, while I headed to the European Renaissance and Roman sculpture exhibits. I took a few pictures of exhibits (which is allowed), so be sure to follow the link from this blog! One of my favorite pieces was an extremely old hymnal that had Gregorian chant written in the old music notation style.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSZILlZIBlC2m3C1GP8VRN2zBw_S2xTtPvED2ephSe2GX24HVxDN_bZNYUYTyf5w-W_Wh0b5-4wsyGxqlNuSrm0PQF09pKyp5BFkPxcEVx5fcUS9QONzsHmZ1c_l74qzJLPu_Ejv6Gxo/s1600/jk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSZILlZIBlC2m3C1GP8VRN2zBw_S2xTtPvED2ephSe2GX24HVxDN_bZNYUYTyf5w-W_Wh0b5-4wsyGxqlNuSrm0PQF09pKyp5BFkPxcEVx5fcUS9QONzsHmZ1c_l74qzJLPu_Ejv6Gxo/s1600/jk.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHNCkO6IIxoYpb9HJ4JCAZfjrmRvxMHXBgtROvo-G-aySZE-0m7Ywe9yUNY9A-l_1WKBAdqCOPhiWI2lN8G5Bf3CBG9jVn-oSqrclACqAy7DkCemZ5Or9myrBXb_xwRRXX8oX7lS-AWM/s1600/jm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHNCkO6IIxoYpb9HJ4JCAZfjrmRvxMHXBgtROvo-G-aySZE-0m7Ywe9yUNY9A-l_1WKBAdqCOPhiWI2lN8G5Bf3CBG9jVn-oSqrclACqAy7DkCemZ5Or9myrBXb_xwRRXX8oX7lS-AWM/s1600/jm.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dale Chiluly 30-foot blown glass chandelier, a nice modern touch for the V&A Atrium. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRn9AXwULgD5f3knXclv2wHkyiWJZtLdiFWW3p1vUS5hkEN6NJR1M80qCGWtuDjiiFPfK6MDumSjxbuPIOlmqMAtoAlqcisQp4uJAmNgt6Gs_3eYowVQyXmbaiO0StRdlIpoYlgxYgWk/s1600/ok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRn9AXwULgD5f3knXclv2wHkyiWJZtLdiFWW3p1vUS5hkEN6NJR1M80qCGWtuDjiiFPfK6MDumSjxbuPIOlmqMAtoAlqcisQp4uJAmNgt6Gs_3eYowVQyXmbaiO0StRdlIpoYlgxYgWk/s1600/ok.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A courtyard in the V&A</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After the museum Sara and I went back to the coach station and pick up our other friend Mel. From there we went to Harrod’s in Knightsbridge. This luxury department store has 7 floors and covers 5 acres, making it the largest department store in Europe. The store’s motto is, Omnia Omnibus Ubique—All Things for All People, Everywhere. It’s a really big tourist attraction, but also a very versatile market. I was able to sample a £200 bottle of whiskey and gawk at a bottle of Louis XIII cognac (priced at £29,000 or $46,980). There was also cheaply priced items such as a £24 bottle of sparkling wine. After only making it through the first two floors in 2 hours (and viewing a £2,000,000 necklace) we decided to go out for sushi.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8DuteiOLhieDAXOLZYFs2NkXE36hbpZ3AHYOxtBzde6IN54nx3J7Qjvjt885FcaBRvk6ENXTSW0HLTy3czy60XLpviNZxYfqZxY8Y2Z5vp2nUwd_jo7kcXN09JDjqeOrSPOflBaHku4/s1600/kk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8DuteiOLhieDAXOLZYFs2NkXE36hbpZ3AHYOxtBzde6IN54nx3J7Qjvjt885FcaBRvk6ENXTSW0HLTy3czy60XLpviNZxYfqZxY8Y2Z5vp2nUwd_jo7kcXN09JDjqeOrSPOflBaHku4/s1600/kk.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Harrod's</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxiIy1MO5WQfiMkuNWk-SuRBLPp97HOiGWzLJlNhgSF2ahQdj2sXHKKpnxL4jk88ciU8bxxXkunULcIv865ewkWoPY49CzG8uNROevfGSYe3k97cAzW3fOdu9gk81QsClXGNsfRGAwoA/s1600/gf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxiIy1MO5WQfiMkuNWk-SuRBLPp97HOiGWzLJlNhgSF2ahQdj2sXHKKpnxL4jk88ciU8bxxXkunULcIv865ewkWoPY49CzG8uNROevfGSYe3k97cAzW3fOdu9gk81QsClXGNsfRGAwoA/s1600/gf.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
An egyptian themed room in Harrod's</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4F4qkDxLrJl5MVz_BPVQvVT4Ui9r-V7x4cpVOomzKt1OP4sn4rKQCrtbQQcUUTVjMXbdVqG0_UPdGqHszXAilK61fKeXhaubqCZNwSuYIUjOdM6VUHU0f6G0p6D0n7HHynu3_cz2M50/s1600/hu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4F4qkDxLrJl5MVz_BPVQvVT4Ui9r-V7x4cpVOomzKt1OP4sn4rKQCrtbQQcUUTVjMXbdVqG0_UPdGqHszXAilK61fKeXhaubqCZNwSuYIUjOdM6VUHU0f6G0p6D0n7HHynu3_cz2M50/s1600/hu.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just wishfully holding some Dom Pérignon.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwL_nmUA4gKmwpol-d6hMaLqcT7pqEi7PA6hyX0s73w-vi4UfHNS1VsufRiaOHRkLtASNv4GNPMZ7-Pqnsvryckxhs_6pTgRkWf_qkVEhJ8lZzvrMGI0DJpAKeJw9jVF9pmP93wrjFhg/s1600/ll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwL_nmUA4gKmwpol-d6hMaLqcT7pqEi7PA6hyX0s73w-vi4UfHNS1VsufRiaOHRkLtASNv4GNPMZ7-Pqnsvryckxhs_6pTgRkWf_qkVEhJ8lZzvrMGI0DJpAKeJw9jVF9pmP93wrjFhg/s1600/ll.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Louis XIII cognac (priced at £29,000 or $46,980)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AyGvQj6zEid-k0j2Hkia0pe9h6uEBIG7iQ71A974-dcl7N66GPskk9v6D4V5G6pbBFm_Zj16yw7BIikRW2kbTlSTvaFvZnpDqI9XdBQVS4x2vd2m6Hjyoc-uaC6LPjRvyqM2KvUAs-s/s1600/mk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AyGvQj6zEid-k0j2Hkia0pe9h6uEBIG7iQ71A974-dcl7N66GPskk9v6D4V5G6pbBFm_Zj16yw7BIikRW2kbTlSTvaFvZnpDqI9XdBQVS4x2vd2m6Hjyoc-uaC6LPjRvyqM2KvUAs-s/s1600/mk.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Harrod's does have some cheaper pleasures...like pastries.</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We jumped back on the tube and headed to Yo! Sushi, near the Thames River and close to the London Eye. It was beautiful to see the Eye and Big Ben glowing in the night sky and the different street performers kept us entertained with music and hip-hop dancing. I have yet to find a sushi restaurant in Oxford, so the sushi and view were a fantastic ending to my trip to London.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKlm3i6EUGmUzxSGaYmkzE-4BORmsiVD4U4ZwFQ9H46VjDYXkxi05SolN1IAGTjSnU44OgAl5ZJt5mM9aj-qt_JpUW2AOzGUe68jdjkyiz2__gS-1pLSkmyTSf-LppGgnyVza00MlVIw/s1600/nm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKlm3i6EUGmUzxSGaYmkzE-4BORmsiVD4U4ZwFQ9H46VjDYXkxi05SolN1IAGTjSnU44OgAl5ZJt5mM9aj-qt_JpUW2AOzGUe68jdjkyiz2__gS-1pLSkmyTSf-LppGgnyVza00MlVIw/s1600/nm.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sushi on a conveyor belt!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The livability of London was really surprising to me. I think NYC is too crowded and loud, but London is spacious and more relaxed. The people aren’t as gruff and the air just doesn’t seem as thick. That being said, I will definitely be returning to London before I die.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmI4AD6gOAkT5xU2seN-tIkcLmQ2Um63y-WrjIRnem_vwIY5vJbt9UBADAH1S9FfuY5BrJ79x8E6c4Qm4nbDW1BQFuDuoxmkTh21IdVILFN0IKleGGL2FsmAMwdxh9grddm97i-jKCaQs/s1600/jdk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmI4AD6gOAkT5xU2seN-tIkcLmQ2Um63y-WrjIRnem_vwIY5vJbt9UBADAH1S9FfuY5BrJ79x8E6c4Qm4nbDW1BQFuDuoxmkTh21IdVILFN0IKleGGL2FsmAMwdxh9grddm97i-jKCaQs/s1600/jdk.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-49295819305341678302012-10-03T17:25:00.000-07:002012-11-14T17:25:45.720-08:00Research Approval & A Trip to London<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Having classes on one day a week is starting to wear me down. I’m finding it very hard to go to sleep at a decent hour when I’ve no direct reason to wake up in the morning. The fact that we have friends hanging around the flat until the early hours of the morning doesn’t tend to help either, but the company is worth the sleep deprivation. I think I’ve realized that I prefer the teaching style in the states, but I may change my tune after a few weeks here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytq4WQoTzjkMNJrKL4fZo8XUf3vJxgCeMBFJCg4Vu7A23KNS-MqwFma6BlXNHvKYhZL-0GUkWcs6WuO8PpV4Oj8F8DOtCaZ-4mKcR3jPk7EXB49DY38Bde-cb7M5hnv40YB46hJgFaHA/s1600/34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytq4WQoTzjkMNJrKL4fZo8XUf3vJxgCeMBFJCg4Vu7A23KNS-MqwFma6BlXNHvKYhZL-0GUkWcs6WuO8PpV4Oj8F8DOtCaZ-4mKcR3jPk7EXB49DY38Bde-cb7M5hnv40YB46hJgFaHA/s1600/34.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
London at night</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I’m taking a trip to London this weekend to visit my friend, and fellow HPU student, Sara. I’m really looking forward to exploring the city more! The last time I was in the city I was only able to see a changing of the guard and walk around, a bit. This time around I plan on dedicating more time to museums, shops, and other local sites.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QsGDlXKQ2o71oG3HRgjOWESVjmFQY1GzzywG5JdbN_Lp_FivC9e216E2gDjG1eIZCytk2wcnbLPhesU3_m4Fd_JN644ReFIMdjlPIvvEbAJ4q1FqS4XrXe9ktb65REjLl74S1y5YOAI/s1600/ggg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QsGDlXKQ2o71oG3HRgjOWESVjmFQY1GzzywG5JdbN_Lp_FivC9e216E2gDjG1eIZCytk2wcnbLPhesU3_m4Fd_JN644ReFIMdjlPIvvEbAJ4q1FqS4XrXe9ktb65REjLl74S1y5YOAI/s1600/ggg.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The guards have to remain very still and silent.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBrwPlMEls6q1vHbF5bubkOHbNKcY5IuMDYE7ZyzvGibfzUA7eyJsq6ufedQBzjxumhn27qVO5dlf-jRK30YSOPWyggwnkqe7lECcPzfY4qPQzHWZWzZioT_bY4p81i5kO-W62A0FtBw/s1600/er.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBrwPlMEls6q1vHbF5bubkOHbNKcY5IuMDYE7ZyzvGibfzUA7eyJsq6ufedQBzjxumhn27qVO5dlf-jRK30YSOPWyggwnkqe7lECcPzfY4qPQzHWZWzZioT_bY4p81i5kO-W62A0FtBw/s1600/er.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I recognize that New York and London are very different cities, but London beats the snot out of NYC. London is so spread out, with beautiful architecture and statues. It’s a very busy city, but nowhere near as dirty or dark as New York. Not to mention that the air is breathable. That’s not to say that New York City doesn’t have its selling points, but I would trade NYC for London in a heartbeat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyrXfzgANklMGDEJKAgtbouxLdLw32yPKWhuZ7k-ba0wEvKZWdyGdOXiS9iGPHse4t97hXRc-NNdmFLtHZgL8YM_2nHiTwo0a2aXon-KVD1nv3NRmWj_bluWwCk8X1GDbJwEl9qKl484/s1600/ss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyrXfzgANklMGDEJKAgtbouxLdLw32yPKWhuZ7k-ba0wEvKZWdyGdOXiS9iGPHse4t97hXRc-NNdmFLtHZgL8YM_2nHiTwo0a2aXon-KVD1nv3NRmWj_bluWwCk8X1GDbJwEl9qKl484/s1600/ss.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some pictures of London buildings/streets.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEDy0pVm0fEd1YUpvw7RTX371kji_JXT29WRKuQGyZ5yNd2HZ_expB6QMJXtNC_3LEnCD-74XJf7dKDcZlcsGiRbCA5yNvkcW9ZJ2RkCoavL08TE5W_xu-bH5ydINjlbQE_RhnklJ9B8/s1600/bn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEDy0pVm0fEd1YUpvw7RTX371kji_JXT29WRKuQGyZ5yNd2HZ_expB6QMJXtNC_3LEnCD-74XJf7dKDcZlcsGiRbCA5yNvkcW9ZJ2RkCoavL08TE5W_xu-bH5ydINjlbQE_RhnklJ9B8/s1600/bn.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqq1UlV8CiTy3FZ4Bwj-zEEFKErsBUbDbFjlX9gbOCIZ0CwOd86lkWJqW3CY065Qt5RKzfDKoGUXqgvRbc3sIDg0lnQaAsuHRnSm3OHMlZOX3n9FGihYNX2ydFxAXgeEStRhz2r4Unabs/s1600/ni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqq1UlV8CiTy3FZ4Bwj-zEEFKErsBUbDbFjlX9gbOCIZ0CwOd86lkWJqW3CY065Qt5RKzfDKoGUXqgvRbc3sIDg0lnQaAsuHRnSm3OHMlZOX3n9FGihYNX2ydFxAXgeEStRhz2r4Unabs/s1600/ni.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidftk6REB0WPs7apmOIbAHWSp3uRpd0NYIa-d_AF21UI98AXZWACdbbxO40J-7zOJnjiRzJxvKrXDSidDwPSKIUyqwtfrUhP2mTwYPw71KObi3Qv8GFXJbxHDkWAyiEa5UMyGD9zbEYo/s1600/nm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidftk6REB0WPs7apmOIbAHWSp3uRpd0NYIa-d_AF21UI98AXZWACdbbxO40J-7zOJnjiRzJxvKrXDSidDwPSKIUyqwtfrUhP2mTwYPw71KObi3Qv8GFXJbxHDkWAyiEa5UMyGD9zbEYo/s1600/nm.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In academic news, my psychology research project should be approved and underway by next week. My research partner and I have been working hard and the design should be submitted by the end of the day. I’m not sure how long the ethics board takes to review such things, but I got the impression from one of my primary investigators that it isn’t a terribly lengthy process. Research always has strict rules for participant wellbeing. It’s been cool, and slightly aggravating, to learn this whole new set of ethics in place in this country.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I’ve also taken part in a few studies through Oxford University and Oxford Brookes. Taking part in these studies is a good way to see how research is conducted across disciplines and is also a great way to make some quick cash. So far I’ve been a subject for a TMS (trans-magnetic stimulation) and nutrition study. The payment from these studies isn’t as much as in the states, but it’s enough to get a week’s worth of groceries or an extra souvenir.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJvMczLP6hkBmDRck0mz1lxHnfu9ED65hpAXZGsUs3cXjQDBnPGdGjp7EPtJUvlcj9aCZJKV4PnfPCQAu_hTN3vkT7ktLODMGI-Fo9neYEPrrAwvX2Br-Y7e1wYGlIRhXa0jD7RM4jIo/s1600/vv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJvMczLP6hkBmDRck0mz1lxHnfu9ED65hpAXZGsUs3cXjQDBnPGdGjp7EPtJUvlcj9aCZJKV4PnfPCQAu_hTN3vkT7ktLODMGI-Fo9neYEPrrAwvX2Br-Y7e1wYGlIRhXa0jD7RM4jIo/s1600/vv.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our kitchen</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXRu_VXZhmNv0-vqU4wPoUDXG7PCH6IqRQf3x09iStOhqlBE3JKMimgi4HXh6U9vktCuSf3c7oUJzPdUvpNVT-BOCmXo5dfQMWfpwjsfeKgRzQ5lmT7HQeXt1gcI2tU7rF-RVEfvT_bQ/s1600/fj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXRu_VXZhmNv0-vqU4wPoUDXG7PCH6IqRQf3x09iStOhqlBE3JKMimgi4HXh6U9vktCuSf3c7oUJzPdUvpNVT-BOCmXo5dfQMWfpwjsfeKgRzQ5lmT7HQeXt1gcI2tU7rF-RVEfvT_bQ/s1600/fj.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Living/Dining room</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Lk1IUfkBA8ejFHr57KrAFEXflNikFYlsuV3NXXraRwpmh316rlamomiGjomSeXfmSkQK3ZgvkNRqq0BdSPT8D64mPmWnMq8q3QbeNB-6eoBYbdEjw8sJoFsrh4BIiiuJt8Ik2bI6SsM/s1600/dk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Lk1IUfkBA8ejFHr57KrAFEXflNikFYlsuV3NXXraRwpmh316rlamomiGjomSeXfmSkQK3ZgvkNRqq0BdSPT8D64mPmWnMq8q3QbeNB-6eoBYbdEjw8sJoFsrh4BIiiuJt8Ik2bI6SsM/s1600/dk.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My bedroom (at the beginning of the trip we called it camp)</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I suppose that’s all for today. I’ll leave you with this random observation I’ve made: Oxford is covered in spiders. I have seen more spiders here than I have seen in my entire life.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-68564735750506905242012-09-29T16:39:00.000-07:002012-11-14T17:04:32.627-08:00Settling in.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This week I was officially introduced to the music department at Oxford Brookes. I auditioned for the Chamber Choir here and made it in, my first rehearsal is tonight! I was also offered the opportunity to perform in a short recital. A music student became unavailable at the last minute, so the head of the department asked me if I was able to perform a set of musical theater songs. I’ve been practicing my pieces, (4 solos and 2 duets with my friend Melanie) religiously this week and hope to represent the HPU music department well. I also went to a meeting of the Opera Society which was fun.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6N7sl8prufcvRtfcR85DeMpBSsIKV311oYvhFtzAwy769BZ78U18xHaqxfmm2U3y8Nz4ILkA4vWG5-h3MXFG_kYpW68qkI6gflo2NSpjXes1m-hwyVOoi4Kn_vZsDPRPGnCpTHO7Fxw/s1600/cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6N7sl8prufcvRtfcR85DeMpBSsIKV311oYvhFtzAwy769BZ78U18xHaqxfmm2U3y8Nz4ILkA4vWG5-h3MXFG_kYpW68qkI6gflo2NSpjXes1m-hwyVOoi4Kn_vZsDPRPGnCpTHO7Fxw/s1600/cc.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christ's Church in Oxford</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It’s kind of funny to see Oxford Brookes advertise clubs and drinking to university students. Since the drinking age is 18 here, it’s not a big deal. Oxford Brookes sponsors club nights on weekends and even through the week. I’ve also noticed that while students drink here, it’s not as big of a deal. Going out to pubs and casually having a pint is a nice past time here. While people still get drunk, I’ve met more young people here who drink responsibly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5QPTnYc9nxJ8o3evxBadf4i8zfbTUc0WZ5ytzdwM6ncdVC-uzoRgXmv9q9MWdmHmXjNNmVUerWs8Pt5SRD8D3ODOVajaf1oMlPK71Yw6ygs5sxpCNxVP4D36JWQkZtbffZesY1npFNM/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5QPTnYc9nxJ8o3evxBadf4i8zfbTUc0WZ5ytzdwM6ncdVC-uzoRgXmv9q9MWdmHmXjNNmVUerWs8Pt5SRD8D3ODOVajaf1oMlPK71Yw6ygs5sxpCNxVP4D36JWQkZtbffZesY1npFNM/s1600/12.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pub crawl with my new friends in Oxford.</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In other news, my housemates and I have befriended a posse of Englishmen. They’ve helped us get used to the English lingo (leading to more than one battle over pronunciation) and even taught us a questionable hand motion or two. We have fun making fun of how the Americans have ‘polluted’ the English language. Along with the English, our housing building contains students from Thailand, China, Hungary, Italy, France, Poland, Australia, and Germany, so I’ve had the opportunity to meet with people from all over the world.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_Bt8HQTcMmnzlPrD3Bjc_T9e_glJFLhFyLccNn3Ng4IXRb7_Gi9PRZdfwjR-gzJ9ed7aI52GyfwAQsKsCQ1hyfbOPMYo927jt0x5nFeCQOne288_POqHvIRLUKH7RkAaqzngXX-8QO4/s1600/ghh.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_Bt8HQTcMmnzlPrD3Bjc_T9e_glJFLhFyLccNn3Ng4IXRb7_Gi9PRZdfwjR-gzJ9ed7aI52GyfwAQsKsCQ1hyfbOPMYo927jt0x5nFeCQOne288_POqHvIRLUKH7RkAaqzngXX-8QO4/s1600/ghh.gif" height="314" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I am always impressed by the fact that people from other countries have a basic understanding of the geography of the U.S. Most people are able to recognize where North Carolina and Tennessee are when I tell them where I am from and go to school. The people I meet also tend to be interested in U.S. politics. I suppose that with such different candidates up at the plate, it’s hard not to be interested in what direction the U.S. is headed. The English that I’ve met so far have been more liberal than people the U.S. That may not be saying much, considering I’ve live in the south my whole life, but it’s interesting to hear a new perspective on some issues.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-74514627747397742222012-09-26T11:06:00.000-07:002012-11-14T06:44:31.404-08:00The Queen's English<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jn3JVzIqVJSEcM8cO3pbc3SRQ2uF6987bwyKQ6p5zI199P6Q_mpEcenUXEr-Kj8Qk_9Ern-k1M6V36pdUZmzXhagcjrAgFeN39S6hNb-6W1ymmYtJQhLaZtFYqw2i6m49W3ZdV446_M/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jn3JVzIqVJSEcM8cO3pbc3SRQ2uF6987bwyKQ6p5zI199P6Q_mpEcenUXEr-Kj8Qk_9Ern-k1M6V36pdUZmzXhagcjrAgFeN39S6hNb-6W1ymmYtJQhLaZtFYqw2i6m49W3ZdV446_M/s320/11.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There's no escaping this word.</div>
<br />
I figure that I can take a break from describing everything we've been doing in England to discuss some of the cultural differences that we've run into. A favorite (or favourite, and the Brits spell it) past time of the Brits and the Americans has been 'why your language is stupid'. The Brits have 'u's in words like colour and flavour. They also pronounce the letter 'z' as <i>zed</i> instead of <i>zee. </i>Other words like 'organise' and 'centre' have obvious variations as well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gaa_vNaruIQulNhSXkGUMLsguwzs-gpDFgDVyEy0cnLEC6rXpaYCrbVMOF72ZUVtVvsT80OHNQWKR2_XZPTKfIFHKXyulmfSk163Aj3immQItJfLWCpXSWFgPEsrFfEhgz2tnoI3znk/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gaa_vNaruIQulNhSXkGUMLsguwzs-gpDFgDVyEy0cnLEC6rXpaYCrbVMOF72ZUVtVvsT80OHNQWKR2_XZPTKfIFHKXyulmfSk163Aj3immQItJfLWCpXSWFgPEsrFfEhgz2tnoI3znk/s320/9.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Hearing the difference between English accents has been really entertaining as well. The northerners here have a more notable, and thicker accents, while the southerners tend to have the more proper sounding, posh London accents that Americans think of when we think of England. It's funny how we speak the same language, yet we have very different ways of speaking.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4IaHGKbDObV7-MaC2BjAE0Hs4zK7U2i6NBZE1dw6xGvHLZ4zi_LyTWOsLmrvOYkWIfO6FgWb4tWCALS9KVYznCM4ZHRJveWVi8QRpXY2G6lQbc4RGK8awX1cB2ATM4qPau1F1YqxZ5E/s1600/44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4IaHGKbDObV7-MaC2BjAE0Hs4zK7U2i6NBZE1dw6xGvHLZ4zi_LyTWOsLmrvOYkWIfO6FgWb4tWCALS9KVYznCM4ZHRJveWVi8QRpXY2G6lQbc4RGK8awX1cB2ATM4qPau1F1YqxZ5E/s320/44.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It has been fun learning some new words and/or meanings here though. For instance the word 'piss' is pretty vulgar in the US, but here is used more casually. In the US there are two meanings 1. angry 2. urinating, but in England 'getting pissed' more commonly means getting drunk. 'Taking the piss out of someone' means that you're joking with them. Speaking of urinating, no one here says bathroom, it's always toilet or the loo. 'Pants' means underwear here, and 'trousers' are pants. There are countless other examples, haha and each one has been really entertaining to discover. My favorite colloquialism is 'cheers'. The English say it as a more casual version of 'Thanks'. Hearing thanks over and over gets annoying, and 'cheers' just has a nice ring to it when the English say it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEpoze4R42unafFl3qxpMBO4AZ_7NJ6xm0h1FuBQzrWjqi1bro6UnF4SjBSTphRJHGjm1GTLOdPWK9y5GOUYLcGvOBS1EM-S00f8xuAJ48pLgfYILNBYrR2_kE7b1h9sDF55LVvgUT9A/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEpoze4R42unafFl3qxpMBO4AZ_7NJ6xm0h1FuBQzrWjqi1bro6UnF4SjBSTphRJHGjm1GTLOdPWK9y5GOUYLcGvOBS1EM-S00f8xuAJ48pLgfYILNBYrR2_kE7b1h9sDF55LVvgUT9A/s320/6.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-22593266033159059302012-09-22T16:31:00.000-07:002012-11-13T16:48:08.324-08:00And I'm a Student Again...<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
This first week of classes has gone pretty well! I’m a bit of a unique case as far as students because I am taking 2 independent study courses. Other than that I'm taking a sound recording class and a course on British heritage & culture. I was lucky enough to schedule my 2 classroom courses on Wednesday, so I currently have class 1 day a week. This will change as I get more depth with my independent studies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1reh3ABmpYDp6yITpLuIyhiIjHPGlRPHS3ub6RabDyPUTxYQeiEnA2T5LM66W3X0LirIlty7lZf54jshY-9G50D9n542fac4-vYBL4WXWUSV4fDTy0wnPmQMz-5iCOlQ1awSKoOubcA/s1600/ll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1reh3ABmpYDp6yITpLuIyhiIjHPGlRPHS3ub6RabDyPUTxYQeiEnA2T5LM66W3X0LirIlty7lZf54jshY-9G50D9n542fac4-vYBL4WXWUSV4fDTy0wnPmQMz-5iCOlQ1awSKoOubcA/s1600/ll.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I found these on a building in London.</div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
My first independent study is through the Oxford Brookes psychology department. Together with a graduate student from California, I am working under two doctorate professors on a social/cognitive project investigating the effects of favorite songs. We’re still ironing out the specifics, but it looks like we’re going to look into the difference between the semantic and musical content of a favorite song, and the impact on mood and self-awareness. I’m really looking forward to learning how research is different or similar in this country, not to mention that this project blends my two passions of music and psychology!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFv9Fsdp73D6Y9iyGtCY7r7ZNI2rIyhDMjKBh2-rTBcOUDBRUI5cCSERpeWKzFDlHqkWJIocvvJqFQJqDCStT5-1OzCUtiZbPtnYjibME4txCGdWpGPkDxcLMrgNxpMgVJG-FtJZOHzU/s1600/kk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFv9Fsdp73D6Y9iyGtCY7r7ZNI2rIyhDMjKBh2-rTBcOUDBRUI5cCSERpeWKzFDlHqkWJIocvvJqFQJqDCStT5-1OzCUtiZbPtnYjibME4txCGdWpGPkDxcLMrgNxpMgVJG-FtJZOHzU/s1600/kk.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My second study is private voice lessons with a professor here. I’ve yet to meet him, but I’ve been told that he’s very good at German. This should be very helpful considering I’m working on two pieces by Schubert. The learning style here at Oxford Brookes is very different from the U.S. My sound recording technologies class is once a week for 3 hours. A lot of the learning is done outside of the classroom, rather than during hours of lecture. Students have to actively and independently seek out educational growth, rather than passively being fed information. The process seems to involve a lot more critical thinking; time (and my grades) will prove whether or not I like it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rhlyFYjo6fjG6Mk37yIpE6xidpfnOZhZUn5iUg2OOXoR-01rBsCQB2UWSjVjnc8wdZJ_2ZQFpQthURTTnIFB6PWyZfkSBYp4W4jfGy9GRFeHdgNYjF7JyiRKG4cZ1XNgXFP5IQKlsOw/s1600/gy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rhlyFYjo6fjG6Mk37yIpE6xidpfnOZhZUn5iUg2OOXoR-01rBsCQB2UWSjVjnc8wdZJ_2ZQFpQthURTTnIFB6PWyZfkSBYp4W4jfGy9GRFeHdgNYjF7JyiRKG4cZ1XNgXFP5IQKlsOw/s1600/gy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They obviously have good taste in Oxford.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I’ve managed to join the club swim team here as well. I’ve only had 2 practices, but it’s been fun so far. Considering that the gym costs an additional £25 a month, the swim team seemed like a good alternative. There are a lot of clubs, sports teams, and organizations at Oxford Brookes. There are even two student led productions, but both of the performances are in the 2nd semester, so I could not participate. The Opera Society, which I plan on joining, is putting on Henry Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas”, and a theatre club is putting on RENT. I’m still hoping to try out for the Chamber Choir. I’m not sure if it would be the same as the Chamber Choir back at HPU, but I am interested in trying it. The little differences between the U.S. and England have been entertaining to say the least.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvRc1oJqgE2wtjamgIRBQf3cOqTqKuZg9_whi2DDJjik4MYiNuZ-QVAUTsjUj4kf3KeSVvE3kkY5gHstDecFCdJPg92pyZ1cFTUp825YzlkTodTlchBCyS8Po5c3uBkfWODf4yVW7omM/s1600/dd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvRc1oJqgE2wtjamgIRBQf3cOqTqKuZg9_whi2DDJjik4MYiNuZ-QVAUTsjUj4kf3KeSVvE3kkY5gHstDecFCdJPg92pyZ1cFTUp825YzlkTodTlchBCyS8Po5c3uBkfWODf4yVW7omM/s1600/dd.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Street scene in Bath.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-82251073532010192012-09-17T16:26:00.000-07:002012-11-13T16:27:46.977-08:00Final Travels<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByZWqnz1nXx_JR2HgmAjcJJp__55RvykgV5u_ZCTyb-eLD4KQGuh0uhGGP2nxXW-Tg_ZZYHuP-NzE2UAf4bl9CxWLlDsY6L71U1QawQzgrzR6XQusls290YiPToxPdamSy2k6M5UauwU/s1600/hj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByZWqnz1nXx_JR2HgmAjcJJp__55RvykgV5u_ZCTyb-eLD4KQGuh0uhGGP2nxXW-Tg_ZZYHuP-NzE2UAf4bl9CxWLlDsY6L71U1QawQzgrzR6XQusls290YiPToxPdamSy2k6M5UauwU/s1600/hj.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyUscPXnBUyUM1EH83ZcfDFEkKfzpwHDV4ZjA3q2PVrx1gNLoGf04nQZmQ6ogMr_TNkTM5-h-kFlUVr8Aq36PS3loznNJNOPtDFjZC2bQwNmm6welrm0ArPZuIdmO6Q6rXbuWaTS8YDw/s1600/gjj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyUscPXnBUyUM1EH83ZcfDFEkKfzpwHDV4ZjA3q2PVrx1gNLoGf04nQZmQ6ogMr_TNkTM5-h-kFlUVr8Aq36PS3loznNJNOPtDFjZC2bQwNmm6welrm0ArPZuIdmO6Q6rXbuWaTS8YDw/s1600/gjj.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
After another day of rest we headed to Bath, England. This city contains the only Roman bath in England. It was built in 60 AD, for the god Sulis Minerva, by Emperor Claudius. We were able to tour this ancient bath house and even taste some of the water from a spring. The city is now a bustling tourist area that has a lot of local shops and Georgian architecture. It is also the setting for several Jane Austen novels. We were able to tour a typical 17th century home to get a better idea of how an upper class family would live in the fashionable city of Bath.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfyoLyX9jcpeeAN6XX1iqRxC1C-mmSeYnvvhI_3nbtKWKi3C4wHeEuOsWRv4eLgBYQFKwOcIbNAY6eix0VaPhhTJxPhaYoE-2R9eNP6UDkYUsXMBqgDT9Rkc5iNm4MDUVRqol09EI73s/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfyoLyX9jcpeeAN6XX1iqRxC1C-mmSeYnvvhI_3nbtKWKi3C4wHeEuOsWRv4eLgBYQFKwOcIbNAY6eix0VaPhhTJxPhaYoE-2R9eNP6UDkYUsXMBqgDT9Rkc5iNm4MDUVRqol09EI73s/s1600/12.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our next outing was to Ironbridge, a city in northern England. It is the home of the world’s first iron bridge (go figure), and an important area for the start of the Industrial Revolution. We were able to see the bridge (built in 1779) and tour Abraham Darby’s iron factory. This factory housed many of the innovations to the metal industry and told a lot about the direction of future innovations.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxJIixHQRRfIx6ibIbj6mgGJ8GWx4oiTR76VjueGLAQ-l4YzYxhniKJ4tdAPc-FxjUFSFpByGlybSkKgiDRe50TU7SYQH4W0dxY0ls6xMNcVD5SbVs2wbMufSr4mvZyVKs8yi6_FyvZ4/s1600/gg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxJIixHQRRfIx6ibIbj6mgGJ8GWx4oiTR76VjueGLAQ-l4YzYxhniKJ4tdAPc-FxjUFSFpByGlybSkKgiDRe50TU7SYQH4W0dxY0ls6xMNcVD5SbVs2wbMufSr4mvZyVKs8yi6_FyvZ4/s1600/gg.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After touring the iron factory, we checked out a huge exhibit of fine porcelain tea cups and figures. We also explored the inside of a huge kiln that was no longer used to bake pottery and popped into a few local shops. There were a number of pottery and glass work stores, and we were able to watch a woman finalize a series of very nice pots.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaJMvZFRMNpwRbUXmXi2ZlyecnlvsRlNYu4Wzsm9xISc3cSnitc4u93IZFf7XBdXGptyBVVGVtNpgIo6TVBdH2gOHrkAYS6FIxDVD6edzF36_n9iT_pOTeziOO2OeSpUc-RTwomjXel8/s1600/gh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaJMvZFRMNpwRbUXmXi2ZlyecnlvsRlNYu4Wzsm9xISc3cSnitc4u93IZFf7XBdXGptyBVVGVtNpgIo6TVBdH2gOHrkAYS6FIxDVD6edzF36_n9iT_pOTeziOO2OeSpUc-RTwomjXel8/s1600/gh.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After a full day of exploring we settled down and had our first official cup of English tea with the traditional scones. The guy in the picture below is John, he was our bus driver during our travels, and a nice man.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMh94FVS0ceetD-I4Nwxlob3mvpOBfvlFoyF3Qze6RDDzgKk3UQ5ZvUc9uekl7yFpWRlpmRq935Fo4EPvbyjWWKadQJntLd1bdEczDI9Q339tW7zdB6oKBecnvVl0wQRu57xShPS0bn-8/s1600/gjj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMh94FVS0ceetD-I4Nwxlob3mvpOBfvlFoyF3Qze6RDDzgKk3UQ5ZvUc9uekl7yFpWRlpmRq935Fo4EPvbyjWWKadQJntLd1bdEczDI9Q339tW7zdB6oKBecnvVl0wQRu57xShPS0bn-8/s1600/gjj.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This week concluded our amazing and tiring 2 weeks of travel across England. I’m glad that it’s over and I can begin my normal life of living in Oxford, but I’m extremely grateful to have a better understanding of some of the different places in England. Now I feel more confident talking to natives and have a better understanding of where their home towns are located. It was fantastic to see the English countryside as well, that is, when I wasn’t sleeping on the coach.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeHeeiB7guYcYHejiId5ihMEWl7pjcHShJtWR8uA4kcLumpFpFmjtIxoBnVdmfmD05cKsGh0qxi1GRBoES1vr0LSDzWrcSi7EuNxTVqXLopWcwiclOa8eOP69XxmzUb1e3UiDuIPXWBY/s1600/fm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeHeeiB7guYcYHejiId5ihMEWl7pjcHShJtWR8uA4kcLumpFpFmjtIxoBnVdmfmD05cKsGh0qxi1GRBoES1vr0LSDzWrcSi7EuNxTVqXLopWcwiclOa8eOP69XxmzUb1e3UiDuIPXWBY/s1600/fm.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
;)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-11286243012744383052012-09-15T07:37:00.000-07:002012-11-13T07:39:13.031-08:00Highclere Castle & Salisbury<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On day 4 of our life in Oxford we were given the day off. It was nice to try and take the time to revamp from the jet lag. Traveling around England and dozing off on a coach is not the best medicine for a 6 hour time difference. We took the day to purchase groceries and better acclimate to our new home. We also went to an old pub called the Angel & Greyhound. Pubs here are like cozy little bars. They mainly serve pints (or ½ pints) of beer and food, while everyone just sits around and relaxes. If there is music playing it is usually older and less annoying than music today. the décor is mostly wooden and simple.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwyETtYZlFou0fhEG_oEscf5h-Qu-tMLD05_QMnb-jWvkTfXYjeWa-YuPTsz4aM-RLc-FRyBremPGoTRoRX9WuxqsjSs3RFtvCvAfyMV-D1IlxPVoSQU2lIq6ZK7-kZlAh4_boxVu2i4/s1600/gg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwyETtYZlFou0fhEG_oEscf5h-Qu-tMLD05_QMnb-jWvkTfXYjeWa-YuPTsz4aM-RLc-FRyBremPGoTRoRX9WuxqsjSs3RFtvCvAfyMV-D1IlxPVoSQU2lIq6ZK7-kZlAh4_boxVu2i4/s320/gg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The fifth day we traveled to Highclere Castle, the site where the TV show Downton Abbey is filmed. Touring the castle was really cool and reminded me of the older/British version of the mansions we have in New Port, RI. The library of the castle was the most exquisite room, displaying a corner-to-corner wallpaper of ancient books on everything from politics to hunting. The other rooms were also impressive with luxurious furniture, beautiful design, and expensive family paintings and tapestries. My mom is a huge fan of Downton Abbey, so of course I got her a nice souvenir.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiV4yAXL34CJR-SoiAVDQ9bSXUXTvccmmJifcwjVvMGG3tVF8fMW3YJMLHJxGHgfZeEPZPNjEoKhDcumKA4-7Rtf7zuI1GuyR8sYlJC8LJG4Bl0aEwsugMfPuU1Mx71xoqOQHGA142Lfk/s1600/3j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiV4yAXL34CJR-SoiAVDQ9bSXUXTvccmmJifcwjVvMGG3tVF8fMW3YJMLHJxGHgfZeEPZPNjEoKhDcumKA4-7Rtf7zuI1GuyR8sYlJC8LJG4Bl0aEwsugMfPuU1Mx71xoqOQHGA142Lfk/s320/3j.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuAtgx4zqrKDYLZwZeGnYigI6wbAUEeiqqoa1u3t2CwYmtL1-0AAcL2OAd0XkqMDH7l77uL4zgfWT6KPsjOn-9a1p3QKh1eJnZBn-wJtCM7AEXLnZGg_vkWeAaBDmIxK7gDZuo0piYJw/s1600/jjh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuAtgx4zqrKDYLZwZeGnYigI6wbAUEeiqqoa1u3t2CwYmtL1-0AAcL2OAd0XkqMDH7l77uL4zgfWT6KPsjOn-9a1p3QKh1eJnZBn-wJtCM7AEXLnZGg_vkWeAaBDmIxK7gDZuo0piYJw/s320/jjh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Day 6 consisted of visiting Stonehenge and Salisbury. The stones of Stonehenge were remarkably large and dated back from 3000 BCE. Researchers are still not certain about how the stones got to their current location, but they do know that the stones hail from all across Britain (over 240 miles away). We weren’t able to get too close to the stones, but we were able to see the formation from 360° by walking around. I even got my picture with a cross-dressing ‘shaman’ who claimed to watch over the stones daily.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zvE-fp82OREpJZx1DvcFK9BxUCifXwj-qwjs7YadICkiz2wU56WNx3uII7XpCW8FUbKR6jwO66n1pSqIU8jLTkeuPRCf1Vyumu5sOEjFCag45X30U8NZdDP7tnwl23KFALkZbmwmvKE/s1600/12f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zvE-fp82OREpJZx1DvcFK9BxUCifXwj-qwjs7YadICkiz2wU56WNx3uII7XpCW8FUbKR6jwO66n1pSqIU8jLTkeuPRCf1Vyumu5sOEjFCag45X30U8NZdDP7tnwl23KFALkZbmwmvKE/s320/12f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnS0YI9xG1Z2m3JpaGZDCrWkU2fgVcTSyzEF-GnBL4HPwY9hZgTwpKMAzU8tdmW0vplb0X8yDoIqSpx9Zh2hrOossnkgWKVkTlexr1itrV4EfjAKDs4BnNxI5vfRWqPFhePJnoS-h1INs/s1600/ghgh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnS0YI9xG1Z2m3JpaGZDCrWkU2fgVcTSyzEF-GnBL4HPwY9hZgTwpKMAzU8tdmW0vplb0X8yDoIqSpx9Zh2hrOossnkgWKVkTlexr1itrV4EfjAKDs4BnNxI5vfRWqPFhePJnoS-h1INs/s320/ghgh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9UQHqQzSbT4QWvbP6DdnJMZhBixyIL7AGVEuHtANH8Usep2F0HQiLG-c7LmQ1lubv6bGUDK7P_Bb6hyDqKiq3eJgQbOgXvK_mNyxsfY6M5aM7IRQFfoYjRVzkCxEQG1m9aheM9Ky_Yw/s1600/uuj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9UQHqQzSbT4QWvbP6DdnJMZhBixyIL7AGVEuHtANH8Usep2F0HQiLG-c7LmQ1lubv6bGUDK7P_Bb6hyDqKiq3eJgQbOgXvK_mNyxsfY6M5aM7IRQFfoYjRVzkCxEQG1m9aheM9Ky_Yw/s320/uuj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After a quick coach ride, we arrived in Salisbury, where we ambled around town, and ate lunch. I noticed that the portions for ice cream here were underwhelmingly smaller than our US standards . After a stroll around the city we toured the Salisbury Cathedral. Built over a century starting in 1220, this Anglican church is a wonderful example of early English gothic architecture. It also totes the most complete original copy (1 of 4) of the Magna Carta, which we were able to view! We learned a lot about the Cathedral and were able to attend Evensong; a musical, evening service before heading home to Oxford.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3G_JcLlHRVd6MyCmZLbLTbqOAkMY2ENggh8Drnx9YyV-NJI0q2E7IWIYd_MzwAYaHBewdnSk6TTIfGYnu4ceWhlX9nAz3lxQ6u0kXfZi0O-Cmxi3T9rrIIBl5Wm47IQ3ia_IhpQw-HM/s1600/joo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3G_JcLlHRVd6MyCmZLbLTbqOAkMY2ENggh8Drnx9YyV-NJI0q2E7IWIYd_MzwAYaHBewdnSk6TTIfGYnu4ceWhlX9nAz3lxQ6u0kXfZi0O-Cmxi3T9rrIIBl5Wm47IQ3ia_IhpQw-HM/s320/joo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFxjEXsPelba281zhdw-NtemsTqUK1qxTZErtfEKO-nJsCZ-icrmhlZA6MUDx6B4NLWtifF9fkkcSJh8OQ5LuNMkzhyphenhyphenppyOn5SFVS6BvNqEmeaM0EJYhZeB9r4F9cm7-0bdiirI6oRRs/s1600/ud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFxjEXsPelba281zhdw-NtemsTqUK1qxTZErtfEKO-nJsCZ-icrmhlZA6MUDx6B4NLWtifF9fkkcSJh8OQ5LuNMkzhyphenhyphenppyOn5SFVS6BvNqEmeaM0EJYhZeB9r4F9cm7-0bdiirI6oRRs/s320/ud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-79613704111646886642012-09-09T05:24:00.000-07:002012-11-13T05:25:16.797-08:00First Time in London<br />
<br />
The first part of this week of activities has seemed to pass very quickly. We’ve been traveling throughout England, exploring various historical sites with our guide and historian, Dr. Peter Forseith. It’s been nice to have all this time to settle in before the other students arrive, but I’m ready to meet some students from England and around the globe!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cFgKt2zr6nK6OglAZimOXvTZa7N24XOFW4_iqAqtyWpa-OFzoeyPIBJt6VAsmxl2ENWsXc9jqf6Y494rH0HJUs3mP5ckz3pa6tFoazWnx0CMTgO_1fSVBjCuIk7mV4Al3S8l-d1KMtk/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cFgKt2zr6nK6OglAZimOXvTZa7N24XOFW4_iqAqtyWpa-OFzoeyPIBJt6VAsmxl2ENWsXc9jqf6Y494rH0HJUs3mP5ckz3pa6tFoazWnx0CMTgO_1fSVBjCuIk7mV4Al3S8l-d1KMtk/s320/12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
On day two we took a coach into London, and briskly walked around the city, taking in the sights and making notes of what to explore later. We were able to catch a glimpse of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Westminster Abbey and of course Buckingham Palace. For some reason, I expected the palace to be a lot more ornate and detailed, but the building has a simple and seemingly functional design.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgxuefUPSlkOF_24_3wThzniqJOwXz8A7N0orPz88ebPkItxOGuxY3hk8RSh4I6jYPc7PEcRfeiPBTo4wFHnMzGUlllKfMVoOkzs1tLCr1TAQK8ZPw3QySKgm9UwXXkmHXR6J46mcEnI/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgxuefUPSlkOF_24_3wThzniqJOwXz8A7N0orPz88ebPkItxOGuxY3hk8RSh4I6jYPc7PEcRfeiPBTo4wFHnMzGUlllKfMVoOkzs1tLCr1TAQK8ZPw3QySKgm9UwXXkmHXR6J46mcEnI/s320/13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The square outside of the royal residence was packed full of people, but we were lucky enough to get a decent view for the changing of the guard ritual. Peeking though the large, iron fence we raised our cameras as the replacement guards approached with a full squad, including band and conductor. The entire process or marching, saluting, men on horseback and police herding people out of the way lasted about 20 minutes and concluded with a medley of ABBA tunes (kind of odd, but whatever). On a side note: most police here don’t carry guns. Police have even been polled, and most state that they would prefer to stick with the taser.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclw9VGIKCIH30e3B0diIG1070RVgJJLlkbXNinOldU7eXQxqVzCZepCp58bdupw7eckUtAXXzZjDcPzuaaLTfPM4T5E0vGHGTzQkLSoqQpcOiisw7lY65kmyOvKmg9kKIYNxVlFl3cDg/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclw9VGIKCIH30e3B0diIG1070RVgJJLlkbXNinOldU7eXQxqVzCZepCp58bdupw7eckUtAXXzZjDcPzuaaLTfPM4T5E0vGHGTzQkLSoqQpcOiisw7lY65kmyOvKmg9kKIYNxVlFl3cDg/s320/14.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
After viewing the changing of the guard we were fed a nice lunch at a local Methodist Church and able to view an exhibit of religious artwork that Dr. Forsaith had set up in a public gallery. Lunch was excellent, as I learned firsthand why the English love their meat pies. My pie, which consisted of beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes was excellent! We caught the coach home afterwards and I was able to resume my unpacking.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPhm027Gnuqw6vyJh84QJ3zZgjAtRfef-QgrZ0a1C1kyst-dsmP-YS9yNXEfzIvEcihyphenhyphenpUgY-1m7b8kuhLr-fZVCsxY535DjuGTX3fl2mnB9LaV-GUz9g9GyztJBVCMNXdkoUA3kQOGw/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPhm027Gnuqw6vyJh84QJ3zZgjAtRfef-QgrZ0a1C1kyst-dsmP-YS9yNXEfzIvEcihyphenhyphenpUgY-1m7b8kuhLr-fZVCsxY535DjuGTX3fl2mnB9LaV-GUz9g9GyztJBVCMNXdkoUA3kQOGw/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Living at Oxford Brookes is very different from HPU from a food/financial standpoint. There is no meal plan in effect, so I now directly purchase everything that I cook/consume. I’ve provided for myself the last two summers, living alone and working in North Carolina and Connecticut, but the price of groceries in England has been a bit of a rude awakening. Either way I am learning the value, or lack there of, of the dollar (£1 = $1.62).<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300233190678070165.post-72727980501630249762012-09-07T04:09:00.000-07:002012-11-13T05:02:42.859-08:001st Post...From a While Ago<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7Mk1XMG4gcruX3opH7lBryUdG6R0QJs3zSxtw8Qc1yCKY7Jj5fzfYtWVVqs09jBxP-dqfuSBSM1x_UWw34Q1uloErWbUyCrUydkoFJ0k6OrpoJRtQ_EbAxkhPPCzvUFARHgklwrP8sE/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7Mk1XMG4gcruX3opH7lBryUdG6R0QJs3zSxtw8Qc1yCKY7Jj5fzfYtWVVqs09jBxP-dqfuSBSM1x_UWw34Q1uloErWbUyCrUydkoFJ0k6OrpoJRtQ_EbAxkhPPCzvUFARHgklwrP8sE/s320/12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So I've been keeping blogs of my time here in Oxford, but I'm not the most tech savy person, so I've yet to post any of them. Bear with me as the dates of posting may not accurately reflect my time spent here in Oxford. Either way, I'll give you some background. I'm a senior psychology & music double major at High Point University spending a semester abroad at Oxford Brookes University. That being said, I've only been out of the US once, so I've been really enjoying my time here in England.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stepping off the plane in Heathrow, it was not hard to see that England is very different from the U.S. After converting my final dollars to pounds, a most depressing endeavor, I found my way to the bus ticket counter and fumbled through my first purchase in the UK. Pounds (£) and pence are similar to the American dollar, with the addition of a 2 pence and a 20 pence coin. The bus ride from the airport to Oxford was when the reality of being in the UK sank in. Turning out of the parking lot and into the left lane nearly gave me a heart attack, until I remembered that people drive in the left lane in England. During the hour long bus ride I gazed out the window taking in the English countryside and listened to the chattering of 2 British students behind me.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Arriving on campus, I was greeted by Dr. Forseith and Dr. Schwitzer and moved into my room. It’s not quite the luxury of HPU housing, but it has a charm similar to camp. I’m living with 4 other HPU students, but my residential block houses a number of foreign students, none of which had arrived on campus. After throwing my belongings around my room we were all called upon to take a quick walking tour of Oxford.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The transportation system in Oxford is very simple: bus, bike, or walk. Students at Oxford Brookes are unable to have cars on campus, so a bus card comes in handy when you want to get around. After catching a short bus into the city centre (not center) of Oxford we arrived at the Bodleian Library. This Library, though it looks small, has a network of underground storage and holds a copy of every text that has been published in England. This is the library of all libraries and access is only granted to those who have properly applied and sworn an oath to never bring fire into the library.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvYPIACUktJyspgtS7hDB_W-jxwZMFpLZgiNkb9kXTV9bG0nHPv9QTw4R5Haq8176zPDx12-qV-Acgqb1HCcLoHaxDqCYQ8xLSs2RwdOX9_2hAsE-fOPFEFB_w-KkEAQTUYqxRl-B0N0/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvYPIACUktJyspgtS7hDB_W-jxwZMFpLZgiNkb9kXTV9bG0nHPv9QTw4R5Haq8176zPDx12-qV-Acgqb1HCcLoHaxDqCYQ8xLSs2RwdOX9_2hAsE-fOPFEFB_w-KkEAQTUYqxRl-B0N0/s320/13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After soaking in the architecture of Oxford and strolling down some streets that are older than the U.S. we stopped for lunch at The Turf. This pub is frequented by locals as well as tourists, and was where I was able to have my first pint of English beer. After a quick lunch we resumed our walking tour and were able to see the grounds of Christ Church and other well-known buildings in Oxford.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCavXV4Cp8JugPFmDs7Ju2i3Bwg5Ic4c14Z-oAiL4izCK9oMUxHukgmjFpcLwsyHlO_y7va63c6WwCMWUyFZSptWek1rSJOj2RKwZoAyTnRlvXzOWmReWOeHstqFpmvlmvIk7rweCxjuI/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCavXV4Cp8JugPFmDs7Ju2i3Bwg5Ic4c14Z-oAiL4izCK9oMUxHukgmjFpcLwsyHlO_y7va63c6WwCMWUyFZSptWek1rSJOj2RKwZoAyTnRlvXzOWmReWOeHstqFpmvlmvIk7rweCxjuI/s320/15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We also learned that ‘Oxford University’ is not actually a physical university. There is a network of universities that operate under the ‘Oxford’ umbrella. In order to get into Oxford University you have to be accepted into the specific university and Oxford University…not the easiest task. All of the university campuses are dispersed among the city streets in beautiful buildings with meticulously manicured lawns and pristine flora.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmzyZcS043cGW8JtUpZVqgwnaI4CkdDcGEg5I-9Un3B78TRuSmepjt4cXpVHm5OnBwNP6ONmHOKOS2vp0KUv6Jx6Hg5Kn6EyEO8_fiES6gcEKV23bGylGXLzrj2Ls57Bw2nTvVT6NkDc/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmzyZcS043cGW8JtUpZVqgwnaI4CkdDcGEg5I-9Un3B78TRuSmepjt4cXpVHm5OnBwNP6ONmHOKOS2vp0KUv6Jx6Hg5Kn6EyEO8_fiES6gcEKV23bGylGXLzrj2Ls57Bw2nTvVT6NkDc/s320/14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I’m looking forward to exploring the city more and excited for the Oxford Open Doors weekend on Saturday. This is the day when most of the universities open their doors to the public for free. I’ll be sure to keep up with everything, so check back periodically if you’d like to see what else Oxford has in store for me.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07286985506763215818noreply@blogger.com0