Well classes started yesterday and all has gone well so far. I made it to every class, got my homework done, have started work on a group project, and have still had time to plan out trips, explore more of the grounds, and remember how hungry I am.
British studies is a class like no other. With lecture early in the morning, you have to sit close or there's a danger you'll fall asleep. Then I have an hour to watch more Downton Abbey (I'm completely addicted). Then seminar. My professor compared my name to the word tomato. He said, "You have to pronounce the 't' like in lettuce." To which I respond, I'm not a vegetable and how do you jump from tomato to lettuce? He then explained how to say his name. It's fun because it makes us sound more British. After British studies I have theater on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday. I get to see four productions all over England and learn about the behind the scenes aspects of productions. Today we started our Tuesday/Thursday class schedule. I have Modern British Politics. It's going to be a lot of fun; however, if we look tired, we get docked points and he notices. Uhhh it's the first class of the day, I'm tired as soon as I roll out of bed let a lone climb down over a hundred stairs walk down a corridor and then another smaller corridor to get to the class room. But I guess I'll have to start having morning tea to perk up.
Oh food. I wish I could say we weren't hungry all the time. Everyone finds themselves in a constant state of hunger. The food is good but bland. The weekend was the hardest because there weren't a ton of gluten and dairy free options. Now though, I eat a gourmet meal basically. Everyone wants to be gluten free to eat the food I get. I just have to ask and wait for it to be prepared on a plate and then I get my vegetables and go. I have eaten more vegetables in the past week then I've eaten in the past two years I think. I also drink juice or tea at every meal because they don't serve a whole lot of drink options. The meals are spaced so that after you trek back and forth to your room a few times you're ready to go eat a cow. But we'll survive I'm sure once we get used to the times.
Last night we got to enjoy some traditional dancers and it was super fun to watch them. They had bells on their legs, and flag things, and sticks for swords. It was entertaining and a nice way to pass some time. I can't wait for activities to start because I need something to do. I'm dying of boredom most of the time and I've already planned trips and so much more. I may join the choir just to have something to do for an hour a week. I applied to be in the student government here because I want to stay involved even across the pond.
We all say the lift and have started doing things a little more British. We learned what some common phrases are and went over stereotypes. It was amazing to find out that non-Americans find Americans friendly, outgoing, honest, and so many more. It's very true. The professors will not directly tell you that you should completely rewrite something, they'll suggest you should revise a few minor things, expecting you to understand them. I cannot wait to see what little British things I pick up here.
We were sorted into houses and I'm in Gregory. It's after Gregory Gregory the founder of the manor. We are currently winning the house competition, although it's only just begun. It completely fits my personality as a house of artists, leaders, and diplomats.
I get to explore London this weekend and can't wait. I get to see Trafalgar Square, the British Museum, Hampton Palace, Runnymede, and so many other amazing places including the Houses of Parliament and King Lear at the National Theater. I'm excited to try out Leon which are all over London. It's a fresh fast food restaurant that offers gluten and dairy free food. I also want to go to a tea shop and start my tea collection and enjoy tea time. I have found this place called Cookies and Scream that I really want to try. It's a vegan and gluten free bakery of sorts that is basically completely edible for me! Hooray!
Tomorrow I'll head back into town to grab some snacks at a grocery store and will have plenty to share about exploring town this past weekend and tomorrow!
Bise Bise
No comments:
Post a Comment