London Study Abroad

Let's Play a Game

Oh I love games, yes yes I do, and now you all get to join in on the fun...woot!

Okay, so I clearly have some explaining to do as to my severe absence in my updating.....

1) Why does Alissa have no voice?

    a) A great big pelican's beak thrust its way down my throat and snatched my voice box.

    b) On Thursday night I was carried away by the music and sang too loud and too hard at karaoke night, only to regret it later...

    c)  I was having such a political and intellectual conversation with fellow peers that went on for hours, and the next thing I knew, only whispers were coming out, which in the end made my points more defiant and people sided with me.

    d) I have the flu, and this is a side effect

2) Where have I been since no updates have been posted on the blog?

    a)  The great gods of the world said, "Enough! Enough already! It is not fair that you get to share all of your glorious adventures, it is time we take you away and we will write about ours!"

    b)  A handsome English bloke swept me off my feet and flew me to Italy, Greece, Sweden and Ireland.  Whoa. What a trip.

    c)  I lost my flat keys and hardly anyone was around this weekend, so I ended up staying in the park across the street and waited for my flat mates to return from their adventures

    d) I have the flu and therefore nothing worth posting has happened in my life in the last four days. 

If you answered anything but d) to either of these questions, I am afraid you have failed my game.  Too bad.  But when you think about it do I ever sing in public (no!) or can the great gods of the world use and operate today's modern computer? And, as much as I may fantasize about being swept off my feet, I am not looking for it here, and really I am too cautious of a person to ever really act on it. 

I have the flu, a really crappy case of the flu.  Swollen throat, green snot, fatigue, no focus, oh and no voice.  no voice at all.  Emily is pretty sure she has Swine flu, she went to some family friends this weekend to get better, I stayed here, sickly, a bit pitiful, Walter was really sweet making sure to ask if I needed anything.  On the positive side, I didn't have to miss any class and a lot of people traveled this weekend, so the flat was pretty empty which meant i could just sprawl out on the couch and not feel like a hog.  I went to the SoHo NHS Walk in clinic paid my fee and then had a nurse practitioner tell me to rest easy, drink lots of fluids, eat many fruits and vegetables, and well be a big girl and live through it. 

So I've got almost two litres of Orange Juice in my tum tum, eaten lots of fruit, had eggplant and asparagus for dinner (deliciously prepared by Kelsey) and well pumping the liquids down.  I am taking full advantage of my swallowing capabilities for fear that it might leave without my permission.  

Other good news, they fixed our internet here so we have super fast speed, which really means we can skype guilt free in our flat! I also talked to a really good friend from home today, really nice to reconnect if only for just a few minutes.  Ummm. Sill have a paper to write, reading to do, pictures to finish coloring, and sleep! Oh oh Parliament tour tomorrow!

All right be well, don't get the flu, have a good evening dear ones.

Vigil

So tonight I did my own vigil.  I bought a candle, and a lighter.  I asked Kelsey and Walter if they wanted to join me, and we went out to the park across the street.  It was simple, quiet, no agenda, just personal time, and it felt nice.  It was earlier than Guilford's, but I look at it as getting the energy started.  Sending it across the pond to hit the community's center space. 

There is something so special about candles.  They celebrate birth (on cakes), anniversary's, congratulations, religious prayers, and also death (we light a candle on the anniversary of my father's death, September 14th in my family).  They make me smile, they suck me in, they let me focus and tune out the excess noise, the unnecessary commotion, and for just a few moments the light that surrounds the candle encompasses me in a soft clear untouchable bubble.  I like my bubbles. 

So I lit one tonight, in the dark, sitting in the park, took a few moments of silence, where I said my own metta (lovingkindness).  May all beings be happy.  May all beings be peaceful.  May all beings be healthy.  May all beings be safe.  May all beings be free.  That is what I recite when I just have a few moments of silence.  Send that energy out into the universe.  Feel the calm, that can seep into the bubble. 

But at some point the candle must be blown out, or it burns out, and the night continues on.  It may start raining, it might lose focus, the bubble might unexpectantly pop. out of the blue. and life continues on.  Or it doesn't, for those who pass, but at least we have the memories.  

When a moment comes, Light a candle.  Let it take you over.  Embrace it. Even if it is "just a burning candle" sit with that.  Just take a moment for yourself this evening.  Enjoy it. Simmer in it.  Love yourself. 

Sending a big hug.

Hmph

I hope I made someone's day today...or made someone chuckle...or made someone feel better about themselves...as the sidewalk called my name loudly as I legit faceplanted and made full body contact with the wonderfully dirty, uneven, gray ground.  I didn't miss a beat though, fell down and got right back up and continued walking as someone chuckled and asked if I was okay.  My toe hurts a bit, but other than that no injuries. woot. 

I bought a candle today...I'll light it around the same time that the Guilford vigil is scheduled for tonight (the gay hate crime that happened last week), although that is a bit late for me, so I might get a head start a little earlier.  I am definitely sending good thoughts and love to Guilford.

I got my internship! I will be working with London Friend.  They work with the LGBTQ community offering services, groups, helplines, and other resources to make people feel more comfortable with themselves and living in London. It sounds pretty cool, and I want to have my interview and actually meet the people so I can feel more comfortable and confident with the organization.  I think interviews are the first week in october...I suppose that is coming up soon.

Yesterday I really wanted to see art.  I woke up with a pretty sore throat, so did Kelsey, and Emily woke up really sick (potentially swine flu...dun dun dun..) So not feeling so great I didn't work out as hard at the gym, a bit light headed, and made my way out the door dressed and ready for the day.  I wanted to go to the Victoria and Albert Museum, but fearing that I had already passed it I just decided to go into the Natural History Museum.  Bad choice.  Me and dinosaurs....not really a common interest. I walked in, saw some dinosaurs, lots of little kids, really light headed at this point and I decided to leave.  It was one thing to make the decision, but another to actually exit the building.  It took me like ten minutes of winding through the exhibit and people just to get fresh air.  From there I found my way to Foyles, really big and cool bookstore.  Found the tube, figured out the transfers (I really like figuring all of that out, and easier to do on my own than with group of people, but I will say that I was a tourist stopping and looking at my map and saying, shit as I realized I went about 3 blocks in the wrong direction. Oh well. But at least I don't stop in the middle of the sidewalk like so many people do, I must get a bonus point there).  Made it to Foyles, found the book I wanted, Midnight's Children, (we read Imaginary Homelands in my Transnational Studies class by Salman Rushdie, and I really connected to his style of writing and so I thought I would give his book a try.  So far so good, not too far into it though. 

Anywho, relaxed when I got back, had class last night, found out my internship, slept on the cushions of the couch (didn't want to be in my room because of the germs...) and had a midterm this morning.  It went all right, but it was a bit of a slap on the wrist, I need to put just a wee more energy into my studies here.  I am not quite the same student here as at Guilford, I know, hard to believe, but true, I am enjoying not working my buttocks off, but I do need to work a bit more. 

People are starting to visit soon, Daniel is coming, and then his parents (!), my sister and her boyfriend are coming soonish, and my friend Grace will be here at some point.  Still figuring out trips to Scotland, Ireland and Paris.  Oh. Laundry tomorrow indeed, indeed. 

A group of students are going to Istanbul tomorrow for I think 4 days with one of their classes, the flat will be a bit quieter.  I suppose I should make weekend plans that includes writing a paper. Okay, now I am using this blog as more of a to do list instead on an update, my cue to say goodbye. 

Hope all is well, be well dear ones.  Stand strong tonight Guilford.

Stonehenge and Bath!

Okay, I just didn't think it was okay to combine this blog with the one right below...

I had a wonderful Saturday, absolutely wonderful.  Perfect weather and great sightseeing.  We started our adventure (oh by the way this was free, all day, free!) by traveling southwest to Stonehenge, which took about 50 minutes or so.  The stones are around 5,000 years old (wow). I mean talk about old, really old.  There are two types of stones, the blue stones, which are the smaller ones, brought from Wales, they are warm to touch, and some claim they have healing powers.  The second type are the sarsen stones, they weigh about 45 tons, 1/3 of them are still under the ground, and they came from about 20 miles away.  It has been calculated that if there were 600 men, working around the clock everyday, it would take a full year to transport those rocks, big and heavy rocks.  There are two circles, the 30 vertical sarsens stones, and 30 horizonal, and the inner circle has 30 blue single stones.  What is standing now is about 60% of what used to be there (I think I heard the tour guide say that farmers would come and chisel away at the stones...40% of the stones).  There are many theories about Stonhenge, but no one knows for sure, it could be that t was a crop calendar for farmers, a fertility temple, or a temple of healing.  Feel free to make your own story, we were encouraged too.  It was just really cool to stand there is such history.  Men moved those stones, without machines, without the media taking pictures of their every move, and only those men know their own intentions and motives for bringing the stones.  It was just a really neat sight, and in my opinion, so much more than just a pile of rocks.  So much more. 

From there, the coach took us to the Beautiful town of Bath.  Population of about 84,000, tourists about a bijillion.  We entered the Roman Baths, with our own automated tour guide.  It was rather clever actually, each part had a number and I could choose what I wanted to listen to, or skip over.  This is a god system, all museums, and really parts of life should have this, a play, rewind, and fastforward button, with the ability to pause at any moment.  It would be a different way of living for sure.  Anywho, back to Bath.  Walter, Kelsey and I grabbed some lunch, and then walked around for a bit.  I wasn't feeling too good, a bit unhappy in the stomach, but it was fun to just walk about.  We actually found this really cool art exhibit that was off the beaten path.  These two artists, were so good, and so nice to talk to.  One was a sculptor and painter, and the other painted and did digital work.  Really talented mates.  If I had just a bit more money, and room in my suitcase I would have purchased something, well one in particular, but I would not do it justice by trying to explain it.  We all walked out of there with the same  feeling that that made our whole day, right there in a little art exhibit in the middle of a graveyard.  From there we stopped into a church which had some musicians playing the flute, violin, bass and cello, pretty cute.  After a while we loaded up on the bus again and headed home. 

I was pretty wiped, but we met up with Shauna and went and had a nice dinner out.  Then had a nice evening in, a an even better lie in after I eventually fell asleep.

Today included attempt at work, and then viewing Vanilla Sky, and Nottinghill.  I should try to work some more though.  Pictures of Saturday will be posted soon. 

Be well everyone, and please hold Guilford in your hearts right now.

Not okay.

**So I rolled in bed last night, over and over, I am sure it squeaked (sorry Kelsey and Emily), but I just couldn't rest my mind.  And with good reason.  Thanks to Facebook and the Guilford Buzz I was able to read about the gay hate crime that happened on Guilford's campus last Monday and Wednesday.  A crime that I am in utter disbelief about.  For those who haven't heard, you may go to this link to read Kent Chabotar's response at the end of this blog, for a quick summary, I'll include the following that a note was left on a student's door in Bryan Hall that said, "Die you MF fag, no one wants your kind on campus" a few days later a rock with an attached note was thrown in the same student's window that said, "I hope it hits you in the f----ing head faggot.  You don't deserve life like the rest of the world.  It's bad enough without all the gay crap pulling people down.  It's sick, unnatural, and death is almost too good for you.  Almost."

Please just process that for a moment.  Seriously, take a moment, a full minute even to think about these words that have been shared on this campus, a place I truly call home and a safe haven for me.  Where does this hatred come from? How is it that in 2009, these attacks still happen? I know that it isn't just happening at Guilford, but I can feel this one, because this one hits home.  One of my peers (I do not know who) is really angry inside, how have we as a community let this individual slip through the cracks?  Everyone is allowed to have their own thoughts and feelings, I get that, I agree with that, but it is not okay to take action on these thoughts.  And another peer of mine (again, I don't know who) is the victim, hurt, abused, vulnerable, and forced to defend his/her own self time and time again, how can we stand aside and continue to just watch it happen.  I know all of my words here have been said before, I am not adding anything to the table, but I am sitting at the table, I am present, and angry, and hurt, and sad, and disappointed, and really wish I could be with the community that I love at Guilford right now.  I will hold the Guilford community in my heart , especially on the night of the vigil next week, and send good thoughts that way.  For now though, since I am in London, I will continue to sit at the table, make my voice heard here (even in my own flat) and support my fellow peers.  This is not okay.  Anywhere, or at anytime.  Please, just take a moment to comprehend what this all means.**   

http://www.guilford.edu/about_guilford/services_and_administration/campus_life/Bias_Incident_Group.pdf.

Wait for it..........

I'M GOING TO GREECE FOR FALL BREAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Kelsey and I figured it all out, and we are going to the island, Paros, for a week!  We are so very excited.  We spent many hours last night figuring out all of the details, not a fun task at all (thank you David for planning all our family vacations!).  I called David, just to run it by him, he gave us thumbs up, and we tried to book everything and.........the internet didn't work. bummer.  This morning when I woke up about 2 hours later than intended and I booked everything. AND I'M GOING TO GREECE IN OCTOBER!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you can feel my excitement through the computer here, because boy I could jump off the walls right now.  So here's the basic outline, Kelsey and I fly into Athens, stay the night, get an early ferry to Paros, stay in Paros for four nights, be on the beach, relax, beach, relax, drink, relax, sleep, sit, ponder life, relax, and then head back to athens, stay the night (we will have a little more than 24 hours there) do a few sightseeing adventures, and then fly back to London on November 2nd! Sound good?! I think so.  I'm pretty pumped.

I am just glad it all worked out, for not too terrible a price either, and we did it all ourselves, that actually feels really good, and I feel very accomplished.  I feel like David has taught me quite well to do things like this, travel, use public transportation, read signs, be aware, all basic things, but it surprises me how people on the FIE program lack a bit of awareness and common sense when getting around. 

Anywho, oh, I went on a field trip yesterday...I took notes, let me get them out...So my transnational studies class went to Wembley Center yesterday to look at the South Asian diaspora in north west London.  This is in the Brent Burough.  It took us a while, but we finally made it on the tube, and walked to the Patidar Center, and boy we were not in Kensington anymore.  Goodbye poshe, hello real world.  We met Jyoti who is a second generation British Asian, and her ancestors are from the country of Gujarat in India.  She gave us a brief presentation about the Center (offers art class, dance, music,...) told us that Brent is the most culturally diverse borough in the UK,there are at least 164 languages and a lot of immigrants came during the 60's and 70's.  In terms of being a 2nd generation British born Asian, she can generalize that people in her same category lack culture, there is a larger impact of western culture, it makes a difference whether the parents are educated or not, and marriages tend to not be arranged, although some are, but they can be mixed  and partners don't have to be from the same country.  She was interesting, well spoken, and clearly very passionate about her heritage and her roots.  

From there we went to a temple, and then a library, walked around a street, saw many vendors, fruit and vegetables are SO much cheaper here, everything is cheaper in Brent than in Kensington, go figure.  and then, just wait for it, we enjoyed a full indian meal.  I suppose it wasn't technically full, but three courses equals a lot of food any way you put it.  We started with Idly and Vadai (yummy and spicy, good for the tummy apparently (and those who know me know that my ears always perk up when I am told, "good for the tummy", so I ate it up), then Masala Dosa (again yummy, mashed potatoes in a crepe type thing, and then ICE CREAM, with a spongey syrupy ball, what can I say? yummy! all vegetarian, all good for tummy, all really cheap (thank you FIE for footing the bill!) Definitely worth going to again.  

Successful, albeit long, field trip.  Came back, pretty tired, had a chat with one of my roommates, and then went to go plan GREECE! all in all a good day. 

But what's in store for my afternoon you might ask? yeah...still figuring that one out, shower for sure, perhaps homework (ehh) walk around (a bit cloudy outside) wait for people to come home, yeah I'll probably putz around here. Till later...

Be well, have great days all around!

oh what a day

hmmm.....happy happy happy...let's be happy!

So the sky finally decided to let its emotions go and have a good cry today.  It poured....pretty much the whole day.  I had a 9:00 am class, I didn't think I was that tired, but it was painful to keep my eyes open for the first hour and a half, but finally my professor gave us a break, and I put my head on my desk and passed out for a good ten minutes.  I felt much better afterwards.  Finished class, and then picked up a sandwich and headed for the gym.  The receptionist there is actually from Durham NC, and it was surprisingly comforting to meet someone who knows Guilford and the area of Greensboro.  I followed my routine today, except the leg lift machine had 60 pound weights on each side, and I just decided that instead of breaking my back moving the weights that I would just skip that one...but boy...you better watch out when I get back...you might see actual muscle formations....that would be a whole new experience. Except I keep snacking, just a bit of a problem, sort of getting in the way of my goal here. 

Second class went all right, not terribly engaging, worked on planning fall break, but shhh don't tell my prof!  I will let you all know what I am doing once it is booked, but until then I will leave you in suspense! But be excited (and a bit jealous)!

My stomach hurt this evening, but I can't go into detail here, I am working it out, no worries. 

OH! I picked up my freely altered pants!!!! They fit PERFECTLY! Such a good deal I swear.  I think that actually made my day. 

I have some reading to do, and then I think I will color, calm down a bit, oh and enjoy these biscuits that seem to be forcing themselves down my throat!

Have a good night dear ones.

more pictures!!!

Hey guys, I'll 'post a detailed summary of yesterday later, but I wanted to get some pictures up.  again cut and paste, and enjoy!...there are two links.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ViewSlideshow.action?&collidparam=761841055211.129645366211.1252924191052

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ViewSlideshow.action?&collidparam=761841055211.456095366211.1253007863218

We're going on an adventure!

Hello Hello,

I have had two pretty full days, and I think i will do Saturday backwards.  And since it is two in one, it is long.....

Last night a bunch of us went to the ISHBar (International Student House) for some drinks.  Well, we thought there was going to be a DJ and a discount on the drinks, oh, and we also thought it would be hoppin with people...apparently Saturday is not the night to go...who figured?  We did chat with some people though.  Rodrigo, Jorge, and Jake, three young lads from Mexico and Manchester.  Jake and Jorge go to I think it's called the Regents Business School (that could be very wrong though) and Rodrigo works at one of the very very few Mexican restaurants in London.  They were all very friendly and well quite charming I must say.  We had a good time.  Finding our way home was a bit of an adventure, but we managed two buses, a very happy Shauna, an exhausted Walter, and a chance encounter with Jake and Jorge who tried to help us get home, very sweet of them.  It was a fun night to say the least. 

But before all of that, Walter, led Kelsey, Shauna and I on a great adventure.  We started our morning going to Nottinghill to check out the Portabello Market....It was so fun!! Seriously, such a fun market.  There was yummy looking food, weird antiques, clothes, anything you could want pretty much, oh and live musicians.  It was long, and really a lot of fun.  From there we went to Platform 9 and 3/4 (yay Harry Potter fans), and that actually was really fun.  We took lots of pictures.  Next up was the Bourough Market, which has the most delicious looking produce and food that I have ever seen.  Some weekend Kelsey and I will get our produce from these markets.  We then headed to the London Bridge, snapped more pictures (my camera got a good workout this day), and walked along the Thames River.  The Thames Festival occurred this weekend, and we had the full intention to go, but by that point in the day we were all fading, and thought it would be best to just head back to the flat...an excellent idea I must say because I passed out as soon as we got back. 

Saturday was just a beautiful day, the weather was perfect, our activities went so smoothly, we were all flexible and truly enjoyed each other's company. 

Friday...oh my.  I think I will start with the morning of Friday. Part of my gym membership package at Club Kensington is to get a free session with a personal trainer.  They can help set up a routine, talk about nutrition, and other stuff I guess, I thought, hey, it's free, I could use a routine, and honestly it would be good to talk about how to eat even better here.  My appointment was scheduled for 11.  Okay I thought, well why don't I go ride the bike before we start?  that sounds like a good plan.  I ride for about 20 minutes and then meet my trainer, Fadi (yes, pronounced fatty, but he was far from that).  He says, "oh I see you've already warmed up," but not in a "oh great, what a way to start!" but more like, "what were you thinking?" tone.  Oh, this was going to be fun.  So I follow him in, he asks me what I want, I have no clue (I thought it was his job to help me figure it out) I say I want a routine, he says all right, he makes a comment about how I am already sweating a lot even though I only rode the bike for 20 minutes (guilty...I am out of shape).  He then figures out my BMI, which was normal, but my body fat percentage was high according to him, and really how does one respond when you've been told by a perfectly toned attractive young man that you could really lose some weight...I'm sorry?I'll try better? Oh shucks?...I just smiled, and we went on to the next thing.  So he came up with a routine for me, and then he showed me how to use the machines.  This was just funny, except he didn't see the humor in all of it.  I have zero upper body strength, zippo...which was made ever so clear when I couldn't lift one of the shoulder machines, and his comment..."it doesn't even have any weights on it" thanks buddy, way to make be feel like a super star in that moment, kudos to you.  Again, I just took it lightheartedly, and we moved on to the next.  We went around to all of them, and finally ended.  I said peace, and left.  I am glad I did it, it was free, I do have a routine, and I know how to use more of the machines, that is all positive, but he could have been a bit more supportive or understanding of what it is like to be a true beginner, and not be in shape.  Oh well. It's over.  We never did talk about nutrition, but really I think that was for the better. 

Friday night, I saw Yo-Yo Ma perform at the Royal Albert Hall....yes that is right, Yo-Yo Ma.  It was so amazing.  It was him and this group that perform a lot together and they compose a lot of eastern Asian style music, and it just sounds amazing.  I was so happy sitting in such a beautiful hall, with amazing musicians producing such satisfying music.  I think I truly am the happiest when I listen to live instrumental music, I can't help my smile.  All of the pieces were amazing, he was amazing, the drummers were remarkable, I am so glad I went, heard new music with new instruments to me, and had a great time...and plus Royal Albert is literally a block away from my flat, what could be better?  I plan on seeing many other performances there. 

Today (Sunday) was a slow day, grocery shopping, laundry, really yummy dinner, ice cream with Dana and Kelsey.  Tomorrow is class! I better go finish that reading.  I'll try to put up pictures tonight too!!

yay, for making it all the way down to the bottom.  I hope weekends were good all around.  Be well dear ones. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today

I spent a lot of money.  A lot. I went shopping.  I filled my little hearts desire.  I went on High Street Kensington, and hit up all the shops, well not all I had to force myself to walk by H&M because I had already spent too much money, and it would have been bad bad bad to walk in those doors.  So I headed home a very happy girl.  Let's see, what did I get...well, a purse, earrings, a necklace, two sweaters, and two pairs pf pants (FREE SAME DAY ALTERATIONS!), amazing, no joke.  I'll let you know how the quality is when I get them tomorrow (I told them not to rush since I will be around).  Oh and tights, fun tights! Never purchased those before, my horizons are expanding here in this city, oh Clea (my sister) you would be proud of one of my sweaters. 

Walter and I put on our nice clothes (for me my new fun tights and a gray dress from Target, I sure am getting detailed here), Walter cleaned up quite nicely I must say (although it's not like he is dirty to begin with).  Anyways we went to a yummy Indian Restaurant (2 drinks for the price of one, and 25% off...I think so!) We had very nice conversations, and I just had a very enjoyable time.  We then headed out to the theatre to see the play 39 Steps...HILARIOUS.  really funny.  The venue was super cute, very old, underground, I was able to snap a few photos of it before I was told no photography allowed.  After the show, which everyone should see (brief synopsis...4 actors, over a hundred roles, based on an Alfred Hitchcock  movie, man gets falsely accused of murder and he runs away and tries to figure  out what  39 steps is...you have to see it to find out!!)

After the play, a bunch of us went to a pub and had a drink, it was quite lovely.  I talked to my mother when I got back tonight, that was very nice.  I just noticed that my earlier post with a link to the pictures did not actually publish.  I don't know what the deal with that is.  So cut and paste the link below into the navigation bar and press enter.  I don't think you have to sign up with Kodak to see them.  Let me know if it works or not, I think it will, but just let me know!  

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=9pzghsdn.4ggjpycz&x=0&y=-8vort4&localeid=en_US&cm_mmc=site_email-_-site_share-_-core-_-view_photos_button

Okay, it is 1 and people are still up, but I think I will sleep. 

be well.