In with a Sniffle, Out with a Bang!

The plague has arrived! They told us that since we are living in such close quarters, using public transportation and not getting a lot of sun that people would get sick at least once, but I didn’t think that it would happen to all of us! It is ranging from the sniffles to fever but it seems like all of us here have at least one problem with their health. The wastebaskets have been filling up with used tissues and the recycle bin has been getting a healthy dose of empty orange juice cartons. I have been battling a cough for the past week but I am finally reaching the end. I have gone through so many tea bags and boxes of cough drops that the lady at the pharmacy recognizes me when I walk in.

Highlights of this week of sickness:

Made homemade mac and cheese which everyone loved. So that was nice.

Watched Liverpool vs Manchester City at the local pub The Zetland Arms. Liverpool won in the last seconds and the pub went crazy, my first full football match in a pub.

I toured Stamford Bridge and Craven Cottage where Chelsea and Fulham play their matches. I tried to get tickets but they were too expensive. I might just save my money and go to one big match later this semester.

We had another class outing to Down House, where Charles Darwin lived. It was our first really foggy day here in London and it gave the trip a spooky feeling. His house is about 20 miles outside of greater London and the roads are meant for very small cars, not an entire tour bus. There were several close calls with oncoming cars. Thankfully (due to his heavy accent) we couldn’t understand ALL of the curse words coming out of the driver’s mouth, and the trip only took about an hour. Darwin had a pretty nice pad, a huge greenhouse, a nice garden, plenty of room for experiments, and we had tea after the tour.

We went to the Chinese New Year celebration in Trafalgar Square, thousands and thousands of people crammed around a huge stage that housed several Chinese musical acts. The fireworks were a bit of a let down but I think that fireworks are a little more restricted here than in Nebraska. If only they could drive to Missouri to get the good ones.

Have been playing soccer in the park and going on some great runs. Two nights ago I got horribly lost and my 3-4 mile run turned into a 8-9 mile run through the dodgier parts of London. A great way to see the city.

Well, that’s all for now! As I always say, I will try to post more later this week. Cheerio!

Trolling Around

Well, as most people in my group have found out, keeping up a blog can be quite difficult when you are surrounded by so many other interesting things! I think that to keep readers updated with what I am up to I will use the paragraph-form writing less and instead try adopting a list-like style of writing. I would hate it if my blog were listless. (Haha).Oh, before I forget here is Manson Place, where I have been staying:

So, exciting things that I have done this week:

1.The Canterbury Cathedral—The first class outing. Chuck piled us all onto a bus at 7 am and we drove to Canterbury to see England’s most renowned place of worship. The tour was a little longwinded but it was a nice chance to escape the big city. We were given an hour to explore and eat lunch (carrot and coriander soup with French bread-£2.90)

2. The White Cliffs of Dover—The second part of our outing. Dover was only about a 30 minute drive from Canterbury and I could have easily spent more than the 2 ½ hours that we were given to explore. I went on a interactive tour of the secret wartime tunnels and then used the remaining time exploring the castle. A perfectly gray, overcast day to spend walking around a castle by the sea.

3. Playing soccer/football in the park. So for the past two weeks I have been going with three of the other guys to play football in Kensington Park. We have been meeting up with European students who are staying at the nearby Baden Powell House Hostel. I say students but some of them are probably close to 40 (however, the older men are still much better than me.) It has just been nice to get all of the extra energy out while meeting new people. They have all been exceptionally friendly and I really look forward to these games. I will try to get a picture of the group soon. Until then here is a pic of the school team. Kensington Palace is in the background. We were hoping that Will and Kate were watching us place.

4.The museums here are amazing. So far I have only been to the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum and the National Science Museum, but I am planning to go to several more this week. Imperial students get into IMAX movies for free so I went with a large group to see Deep Blue Sea: 3D. An excellent way to start my Sunday.

5.Primrose Hill—Several of us went Friday night to the highest point in London. Although we were lost for about 45 minutes, it was the highlight of the day, being able to look over the entire city. The skyline was lit up and the clouds parted just enough so that some stars could be seen (pretty rare for these parts).

6.It was the start of the Chinese New Year yesterday so Rachel and I went to grab dinner in Chinatown. The place was packed so it took us quite a long time to finally make our way over to a good Chinese buffet. Since it was a special holiday, the prices were fairly high but we found a deal where you could fill a takeout box with as much food as you could carry for £5.00. We sat on the steps of a closed shop and people watched as we ate our noodles.

7. The Artist—I went to see it on Thursday and it was one of my favorite movies of the year. The theatres here are very different, (much smaller and with assigned seats) but the price wasn’t bad since it was a matinee and we are students.

8. Ben’s Cookies—There is a stand right next to the South Kensington Tube stop and it is so difficult not to get a cookies there each time I have to ride somewhere. My top three flavors so far are 1. Triple Chocolate. 2. Chocolate Ginger. 3. Coconut. I am allowing myself two cookies a week so I don’t spend all of my money on sweets.

9. On Wednesday I got a library card for the Central Kensington Public Library. It has a T-Rex on it.

Well, that still turned out to be more of a paragraph style with numbers incorporated, but at least I got another entry done! I promise that more will follow this week. Also, I stole all of these pictures. So thank you everyone for giving me access to them!

Justaquickpost

So far this week has been fairly typical. Well, apart from the fact that we are studying in London it has been typical. I have finalized my spring break plans for the week of Feb 24^th so that is a relief. I will be traveling with five other people to the tip of Spain (Malaga to be exact.) We will be staying there for one week while hopefully enjoying some sun and the beach. The water will still be pretty chilly but the average temperature for when we visit is 68, a pleasant change from London.

We are planning a trip to Darwin’s Down House this weekend, but I am unsure of what day this weekend it will be. Hopefully Sunday. It’s the females turn to cook dinner tonight and it sounds like we are getting ready to eat so I unfortunately have to wrap this up. More to come tomorrow/Friday!

Exploring and Recharging

Well, I have got some catching up to do. Let me start with Thursday the 12^th. One of the girls in our group had read that Leonardo DiCaprio would be showing up at the May Fair Hotel for the J. Edgar premier. Having not seen any celebrities yet, the majority of us agreed to come along. So after our three hour Islamic Studies course, we all bundled up to go exploring. I did not particularly have any great desire to see Leo, but I thought that the experience would be unique. So we all get travel via metro and arrive at one of the poshest Hotels in London. There are already people lining up along the sidewalk even though Leo wasn’t scheduled to arrive for another hour. But who wouldn’t wait an hour to see Leo? Or an hour and a half? Or two hours?

Two and a half hours later, Leo had not yet arrived. The paparazzi who were stationed around the hotel began to get upset and the doorman began telling people to “clear out you lot.” Some of the more diehard Leo fans refused to move, but Rachel and I took that as a sign that he wasn’t coming. Now, the night wasn’t a total loss. I did indeed see some celebrities, just not the celebrities that I planned on seeing. About an hour into the wait, four 20something men ran out of the hotel doors and into a cab. The paparazzi went crazy, screaming and taking pictures, asking them for an interview. Us American students had no idea who they were, but chose to scream and take picture with everyone else. We later learned that they were a popular British band called JLS, who became famous on the show X-Factor. If you so desire, here is a link to their work. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuwTgZOKcf8

We also saw a woman from the British reality show Katie Price. People didn’t get as excited about her.

The both of us, along with two other students, walked the six blocks to Chinatown and paid 6. 90 for an all-you-can-eat buffet. All four of us filled our plates multiple times, the most common complaint of the trip so far has been “I can never seem to stay full!” but after that dinner, we were content for the rest of the night. Definitely a eatery to stop by again.

FIE had provided all the students with a complementary ticket to see Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps in the West End that night. Since we still had a good hour before the show began, the four of us walked towards the theatre district but frequently stopped to check out interesting shops. I bought a very reasonably priced pair of shorts for 6.00 at a local sports shop. So, yippee!

The show was amazing. I had seen it in Minneapolis before but I had no problem seeing it for a second time. The hall was almost completely filled with FIE students who were very receptive of the humor, so that was nice. Overall, not a bad Thursday.

Friday began with a tour of the Tower of London. Chuck, our professor, paid for our tickets and we all met outside the portcullis at eleven. Greg, our Beefeater tour guide, was absolutely wonderful. Mixing in just enough humor with facts to make the tour both entertaining and intellectually stimulating! After the tour, we split into smaller groups to explore; most of us just ended up going to see the torture rooms.

After the Tower of London, we all came back home to plan the night’s activities. Most everyone wanted to go out to see Legally Blonde: The Musical! Or dance at a nearby club. Since I had already spent quite a bit of money on groceries I decided to sit out on both options. Everyone left the flat so I went for a nice long run through Kensington. I made pasta for one and watched the news on the BBC. The National Gallery had extended hours since it was Friday so I admired the paintings (for free) from 6:30-9. I explored almost all of the West End, Brixton and Piccadilly Circus before catching the last train before closing. I met some nice Germans at the Galleries, saw a fistfight in Little Sicily, and used a public trough urinal in the middle of the theatre district. The night was totally free and extremely memorable.

Saturday began with a trip to Portobello Road near Notting Hill. It was a little more touristy than I thought it would be, so I didn’t spend any money on clothes/antiques. I did however but a delicious crepe and a carton of blueberries. Yum! After shopping, several of us went to the park to kick the football around. A big group of European men asked us to play with them, so we had our first real football match. For playing against experienced players, we did pretty well. We won the first game 4-5 but lost the second 3-0. They asked us to come back on Sunday so we will get a larger group and go back then.

That night, several of us decided to just stay in and watch a movie since the week had been so hectic. I got several of my flatmates hooked on the BBC show Sherlock and we are planning on watching the final episode when it airs on BBC Sunday night. A very relaxing change of pace for us.

Well, its time for some homework here. I will try to post several times this week.

Changing of the Guards

We started the morning with the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace since we didn’t have class until six. Having never gone, I was expecting a short, somewhat stuffy show. The first fifteen minutes went as assumed, with the guards marching through the gates in time, the band following behind playing the Royal March. The march ended and with everyone in their respective places, a new song began. I could tell from the start that I had heard the song before and as the song progressed I could place it—“All Night Long” by Lionel Richie. The Queen’s band was playing Lionel Ritchie. They then launched into “Oklahoma!” and were playing the theme to “The Love Boat” and we walked away towards the tube stop. A very surreal moment.

That night we had our first British Theatre class. We walked in the door and it was apparent that we were going to see a show. On the first day. Which was awesome! Our instructor Mark, a delightful British fellow, led us on the tube to the West End where we saw “Blood Brothers” at the Phoenix Theatre (a strange play/musical which revolved around two twins separated at birth. I’m still unsure if I enjoyed it.) We all came back, made pizza and piled into Rachel’s room at midnight to sing “Happy Birthday.” A great day.

Today, (Wednesday) we just had one class and then I took Rachel out for tea at the Kingway Hotel outside Covent Gardens. My first English tea and one that I would definitely experience again. FIE put on a gathering for all of the international students, so the CSBSJU students headed over to Imperial College to eat dinner and meet new people. After dinner, several of us stopped by the Glouchester Arms to see the Liverpool/ Man City game. So now I am sitting on the couch watching “Bridget Jones Diary” waiting to go to bed.

Quick Post

Just got back to the flat for the night. Today was the first day of classes. At eleven I had “The Evolution of Man” class with my SJU Prof Chuck Rodell and then from 2-5 was my “British Life and Cultures” class with a true Brit, Prof Justin Loretzen. I can tell that the “Cultures” class will be great, the professor really seems to enjoy teaching about pop culture and the more obscure facets of British life.

After class, Rachel and myself made dinner for the rest of the flat (potato casserole) Thanks mom! Then since Arsenal was playing Leeds in London we took the tube (12 stops) over to the stadium. It was AMAZING! Even though we were couldn’t go in, it was nice to hear the roar of the crowd. OUT OF TIME WILL POST LATER!

Fish N' Chips

Well, it is almost noon on the first Sunday and only five of my twelve flatmates are up. Yesterday morning was spent walking/driving around London to become orientated with the surrounding buildings. The fact that we are living in the fanciest area of London was cemented in our brains after we saw the entire area surrounding our flat. I think the highlight of the walk was seeing three Ferraris parked in a row next to a jewelry shop.

Later that night we split into groups. One group went to grab some Indian food and I went to go experience fish and chips with the other group. It turned out that I was the only guy who wanted to eat fish, so I was privileged to escort 12 of Saint Ben’s finest to the nearby restaurant. Overall, not too impressed with the small portions that cost 7 pounds, but I suppose I will eventually learn where the best places to eat are. After dinner, we went out to dance at a place called Verve. It was free to get in otherwise it wouldn’t have been worth it to get in, but it was fun to show the Londoners our Minnesotan dance moves. But I had better make lunch. It might be a day or two before my next post since classes start tomorrow.

The Eagle has Landed

Well, I’m here in the flat. Everything is unpacked and I just got back from a run through Hyde Park. I had no idea how close we were to big venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, the Italian Fountain and the Kensington Palace.

The flight went smoothly but I had a bit of trouble when we went to claim our baggage. It took about fifteen minutes for the bags to come out on the revolving strip and it didn’t take long for everyone to claim their luggage….well everyone but me. The conveyer belt stopped with all luggage removed and I stood there empty handed. As I walked over to the Delta baggage claim, a voice came over the airport loudspeaker, “Aaron Menzel, will Aaron Menzel please report to baggage claim immediately.” I sped up my pace.

I could see my bag on a table between two security guards when I got to the front desk. What follows is the conversation:

Baggage Clerk: “Are you Aaron Menzel?”

Me: “Uh, yup. That’s my bag there. Is there a problem?”

BC: “Do you have any firearms in that bag?”

Me: “What? No! Did it set off any alarms?”

BC: “Are you a soldier?”

Me: “No…I’m a student. Crap, is this because I have a US Army bag? Listen, I bought it at a surplus store back home. I promise you there aren’t any guns.”

BC: “Don’t say ‘Guns’ in an airport. Take your bag and leave.”

So that was the stress for the day. Everyone kept joking about soldier of fortune Aaron. Since we had such a large group FIE rented a bus to pick us up and we were taken to our flats. I am in flat 17 with three other guys but the facilities are pretty nice, especially the kitchen. If only we could stop blowing fuses then everything would be peachy. I had to go to the Foundation House to get sign several forms and pick up packets for class and then we took a guided tour of Imperial and the surrounding buildings. We went grocery shopping at Sansbury and went to Imperial’s Pub to talk after everyone was unpacked. Overall, a strange but great day.

Orientation lasted for several hours this morning and we were released at noon. I am planning on going out later tonight with several people to watch the Liverpool game, my first football match in the UK. I’m not certain of what I will be doing tomorrow, but the Natural History museum (three blocks away) seems like a great option. Time for dinner!

Leaving on an Airplane

Well, here I am sitting on a plane hurtling towards England. Nebraska time- 3:34. London time- 9:34. My concept of time? Gone. They keep giving us snacks at incredibly odd intervals. Oh, it’s almost midnight? Well, come on flight staff, you need to get these passengers a second dinner! (Which, I might add, no one could name the orange mush next to the processed chicken.)

So far here is a short list of things that make plane trips bothersome:

1. Uncomfortable encounters with those who do not lock bathroom doors.

2. Uncomfortable encounters with those standing near the bathroom as you try in vain to open the bathroom door.

3. Replying, “Do I have to get it? It’s in a bag stuffed down my pants.” When the gate attendant asks to see your passport.

4. Having an unknown stranger fall asleep on your shoulder. (However, this experience was made slightly better in the fact that he was wearing a sleep mask that had big, white eyelashes painted on.)

But I do not want to seem to negative in this post. I am on my way to London and am more than excited to touch down. So here is a quick list of things that make flying enjoyable:

1. All the water you can drink!

2. The sound the toilet makes. Both terrifying and mystifying.

3. Excellent movie selection :Midnight in Paris, Black Swan and Men in Black.

4. Delayed gratification. Spending 8+ hours in a plane really makes you realize how great it is to be walking around.

We are scheduled to get into Heathrow 45 minutes early, so hopefully the bus that we got to take us to the flat can be summoned early as well. If not, extra flatmate bonding time. As far as I know, the plans for today revolve around unpacking. Although I heard some members of the group talk about seeing Big Ben tonight. Perhaps it will be good to go as a group so that the touristy mob mentality leaves our system.

*Note to Reader: The man sitting in front of me has worked his way through all three Lord of the Rings movies. I believe he is now onto the deleted scenes option. He has refused all snacks and meals, he has not gotten up to stretch or relieve himself, and I have not seen him talking to anyone else. This man can Get. Things. Done.

According to the ever-changing map in the headrest of the seat, we are about to fly over Ireland. I will admit, I will be happy when the plane will be flying over land. Looking at the map and seeing the little white plane in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is a little intimidating and not at all helpful in relieving passenger stress. Perhaps I will issue a complaint to the captain on my way out. Replacing the graphic of the ocean with something like a kind, grandmotherly face who smiles and winks at you, sweetly whispering encouragements. Or making the plane HUGE so that it seems like it is larger than the ocean. Yeah, that’s what I’ll do! Just because it’s 4 in the morning doesn’t mean that my judgment is impaired in the slightest.

Here comes the breakfast trolley! I feel that since we are now almost in London it should be more like the trolley on the Hogwarts Express. One Cauldron Cake for me, Madame! No? Oh, sure this cookies n’ cream brownie can act as a substitute, but I feel like we had these for our midnight dinner. Passengers are waking up now and opening the windows, illuminating the cabin and my bloodshot eyes with Her Royal Majesties’ Light.

But alas Dear Reader, my writing time has come to an end. I hope this post finds you well and I look forward to writing more in the days to come.

There and Back Again

I always seem to reach a certain level of restlessness during school breaks. After countless hours in front of the television, several trips to the Bellevue Public Library and with the pantry sufficiently cleared of all food; I am always ready to return to school. What makes this break different from others is that while I will be returning to class, it will not be in Minnesota. I am lucky enough to spend a semester studying in good ol’ London, England and will be leaving tomorrow (January 5^th.)

I have been counting down to leaving for well over a year now. Going into college, I knew that I wanted to spend a semester abroad, the only question remaining was “Where?” (Well, and I suppose also “How”…. namely “How the Heck Will I Get Enough Money?” So a quick shout out to Mom, Dad, Grandparents and the City of Omaha Parks and Rec department for helping to foot my travel bill.) After thoroughly looking into every program, I finally settled on the London excursion. I mean, how could you go wrong when you can walk out your front door and have (relatively) instant access to grade A theatre productions, top notch football teams (YNWA fellow Liverpool fans!) and the cultural masterpieces that are the British museums?

So, after carefully cramming clothes into my oversized army duffle and saying goodbye to neighbors, family and friends, I think I that I am finally ready to take off into the great unknown. While I am sure that everyone in Nebraska and Collegeville will miss me immensely, I hope that they can find solace by knowing that I will try to bring back as much English tea, Belgian chocolate and knockoff handbags as I can carry. (Well, maybe not the knockoff handbags. Apparently, that is a crime in some countries and this kid wants to keep a relatively clean sheet whilst away.)

So with that, here ends my first blog post. I will attempt to post every other day, but with classes, traveling and the all-around excitement I will be experiencing, that might not always be doable. Again, thank you everyone who made this possible and know that I will be trying my darndest to keep in touch.

G^is la revido!