Tag: London

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After Studying Abroad

Before studying aboard, I was told that this opportunity would be one of my most life-changing, and that I would discover so many new things about myself and the world around me. After studying aboard, I can confidently say that this wasn’t true, at least not for me.

Saying this, I don’t mean that my time in London was a bad experience or that I didn’t benefit or learn from it in anyway, quite the opposite. I had an amazing time and learned so much; however, this trip for me wasn’t “life-changing”, and I didn’t really learn anything about myself and others that I didn’t already know. I was a little worried at first that my study aboard experience was mediocre or not fulfilling because I wasn’t having these fundamental epiphanies. However, I realized that the reason this wasn’t happening for me is because I was in a fairly privileged position to have “known myself” before this trip. For a long time, I’ve known who I am, what I want, where I’m going, and how I fit into this world. I realize most people my age can’t say that and that’s why studying abroad is so transformative for them. Trips like these are where individuals learn things that I already learned a while ago. So…no studying aboard wasn’t “life-changing” for me – at least not that I can immediately see – but it did solidify several things for me.

During many excursions with my classmates, there were some very physical demanding moments in which I could not keep up them. At one point, I found myself hiking alone on the moors of Haworth for five miles.  If I hadn’t known previously that I feel more comfortable in silent moments or that I prefer to go through some hardships alone, always being left behind or excluded might have had a damaging mental impact for me. However, those solitary moments just reaffirmed that I don’t mind being by myself – and that I might, at times, prefer being alone. It also solidified that while people may start the journey with me or aid me in getting there, it’s ultimately up to me to finish it. At any moment, I had the choice of stopping and turning around, of being discouraged that I was much further behind my peers. But I know myself. I know that I will accomplish anything that I say I can, and that my best work is what I do myself, at my own pace. We might have gotten there at different times, but both myself and my classmates were able to see Bronte Falls. They got to enjoy conversation and company, while I (semi) leisurely strolled through the moors, enjoying the scenery, and listening to Lizzo and Miguel.

So, my study abroad experience didn’t completely open a new viewpoint for me, but it did clarify some I already had. And I really loved exploring the Gothic form throughout the course. One of my life goals is to ingest as much and as many literary forms as possible in order to best help other writers, so, any opportunity I have to study a genre is already a plus for me. Add to that interesting texts, an engaged classroom, and a professor who is obviously very passionate about the subject matter, and what comes out is an excellent/memorable educational experience. My time in London may not have lived up to other’s expectations, but it far exceeded my own.

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The Merry Wives of Windsor: An Experience

I am a HUGE Shakespeare fan. I have read so many of his works over the years, and every time that I read one, it reaffirms my belief that he is THE greatest writer this world has ever had. William Shakespeare is my biggest literary icon, inspiration, and crush. So, the chance to see one of his plays at the Globe in London was already preset to be an experience for me. However, I feel that The Merry Wives of Windsor is one that will go beyond individuals like me and be a fantastic experience for all.

One aspect that is built into the experience of watching a show at The Globe is being a “groundling”. In Shakespeare’s time, the average low-class individual would stand in the areas around the stage – seating in the theatre was usually reserved for royalty and the rich. So, to maintain the authenticity of the Globe, individuals can purchase cheaper tickets to be a groundling and stand for the performance – only seating for the intermission. Also, inherent to the plays performed in the original Globe, the actors interact with the groundlings a lot thought the show. For these reasons, I loved and recommend being a groundling. I honestly think it’s something that should be experience once…heavy emphasis on “once”. Being a groundling is a very physical experience and while it does add to the whole atmosphere, being a simple viewer doesn’t in anyway subtract from it. This always relays back to my point of Merry Wives being one of Shakespeare’s plays that is “beyond” him.

The Merry Wives of Windsor is a comedy and one of Shakespeare’s lighter plays. There are numerous instances of gags and dirty jokes and physical comedy throughout. This, along with the fact that this particular adaption is stylized around the 1930s, brings it closer and makes it more connectable to the audience. And EVERY actor within this play has such amazing comedic timing and so physically embodies their role that it holds the audience within the story. So, if you’re a groundling or seated without a cushion, the story and acting pull you away from the pain in your feet or the ache in your back for a moment. If you’re a die-hard Shakespeare fan or if you wouldn’t read him if someone paid you to or if you just want to have a good time, The Merry Wives of Windsor at the Globe in London is an experience that you need.

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Ten Things I Want to Do in London

  • The Doctor Who Shop and Museum

https://www.thewhoshop.com/

As a massive Whovian, I would love to visit/see as many Doctor Who related things as possible. While vague ideas for visiting some of the more famous filming sites are in my mind, a definite must-see is this museum/fan-shop.

  • William Morris Gallery

https://www.wmgallery.org.uk/

While I am not familiar with Morris’ work myself, it has been recommended as a great visit. Located in his childhood home, this museum is said to present a very personal and in-depth look at the Victorian artist. This aspect, along with an entry fee of Free.99, are great motivators to give the gallery a visit.

  • Underground Supper Club

https://supperclub.tube/

One way to pique my interest for an event is for that event to be centered around food. Now place that event inside an old refurbished 1960s tube carriage and I am officially intrigued. With an ever-changing menu prepared by world-renowned chefs, the Underground Supper Club definitely seems like an experience that must be had.

  • Sky Garden

https://skygarden.london/

The Sky Garden boasts of being London’s Highest Public Garden and offers quite the view of the London skyline while surrounded by beautiful greenery. If you reserve a spot in advance, you can experience all that the Sky Garden has to offer for free. The spots available are only for an hour; however, it does present a cheaper alternative to a similar experience like that of The Shard.

  • Old Spitalfields
  • Borough Market
  •  Camden Market

Remember what I said was one way to pique my interest…no, not swear words… that’s right… food. So, you’ll have to forgive me for the fact that three of the things on my list are markets. But these three markets are all said to present different vibes and food experiences, so I’m really interested in visiting them and comparing and contrasting them…for the sake of research of course.

  • The British Museum

https://www.britishmuseum.org/

Besides food, I am very interested in viewing and learning about art and different types of culture. Something the British Museum is said to do very well. The large majority of the museum can be viewed for free; however, there are some “Special Exhibits” that have an admission fee to view. Either way The British Museum definitely seems like a must-see experience

  • BFI

https://www.bfi.org.uk/

The British Film Institute is a charitable organization that focuses on expanding and maintaining the cinematic art in London. Along with several exhibitions and film festivals over the year, BFI screens a variety of different films, both classic and contemporary, every day in their Southbank and IMAX theaters. As a movie lover on the peak of becoming a snob, a showing at BFI sounds like an amazing event.

  • Froth and Rind

https://www.frothandrind.com/

To end this list, I thought we could wrap back to a reoccurring theme that’s been present: food. Froth and Rind is a fine cheese and beer shop located in Walthamstow. With supposedly punny food names and delicious meals, this little out-of-the-way shop sounds like a great stop.

Honorable Mentions:

  •    Doctor Who Walking Tour
  •    BTS Concert
  •    Secret Food Tour of London
  •    Chinatown
  •    Stratford-upon-Avon
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