Week Four: Little Britain and Leaving the United Kingdom

This past weekend, ten CCAers and myself took a short holiday (look at me using British terminology) to Great Britain's little brother, and the capital city of Ireland--Dublin. Though it is no longer apart of the United Kingdom, I figured traveling to the neighboring island would continue to educate me on the differences between US and Western European cultures.
Despite the haphazardly organized Luton airport and RyanAir, arrival into Dublin was quite easy. We got into the city very easily, and settled in without trouble. This was the first time I've ever stayed in a hostel, and my experience was mixed. Though I didn't feel unsafe, as the building was well-secured and in the middle of Dublin--right across the street from Trinity College--there was some lingering feeling of unease that pervade the hostel. The extraneous charges for simple necessities aside (charge to use the computer in the lobby, charge to rent a lock for the storage cages in the rooms), I felt uncomfortable not knowing who I was sharing a room with. With 8 beds in one room, and only one other person in my room who I came with, I not only felt that my stuff would be vulnerable to sticky fingers, but just that it was not safe to be sleeping in a room of people who I've never spoken to (and literally never seen--not at night before I went to sleep, and not in the morning when I left). Luckily, we were only there for one night, and by the looks of the other people coming and going throughout the hostel it was populated by youngsters around my age, which (perhaps irrationally) made me feel more comfortable. I didn't hate staying in the hostel, and it certainly was more affordable than the Westin around the corner, but I'm sure that the next time I lodge in such accommodations, my hesitance will persist.
Dublin itself was quite nice. Much smaller than I had envisioned, we walked most of the city within only a couple hours. Like London, it has plenty of beautiful, old architecture, and many small churches spotted throughout the city. And similar to London, the spirit of Dublin was quite high, and the nationalism was palpable. It was wonderful to be surrounded by authentic Irishfolk and get a taste of the culture. Literally--we went to the Guinness factory and tasted the beer straight from its source. As someone who doesn't really like Guinness, I found that the unpreserved, freshly made beer was much better than from the can, or even from a tap in a bar. It was as Irish as Irish gets. We also visited St. Patrick's Cathedral and prayed to the patron saint of alcohol (that's what he is, right?). That night we went on a pub crawl, and the next day a walking tour of Dublin. All in all, I'd say that I had a good time. There was plenty of culture in Dublin, different from London in many ways, and that was the best part of the experience. Seeing first hand just how different the two cities (and nations) are, even if those differences are subtle. From a learning and cultural perspective, the trip was successful. From a tourist perspective...not so much. I spent about 100 euro more than I had anticipated, and the Guinness factory aside, there was not much in Dublin that I can't find in London. I'm very glad I went, but I'm not racing back to Dublin anytime soon.

Until next time,
world traveler
Danny

How to Get Streetwise: The Markets of London

During my time here in London, I've had the pleasure of exploring some of the markets in London. Namely, Camden and Borough markets (as well as some smaller ones).

Camden: I've been to Camden now about three times. The first time I went to Camden market was for this assignment, but the following two were because I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere the first time I was there. Camden was young, vibrant, alternative, diverse, and a pleasure to look at (especially over the bridge). When walking down the main road, the most eye-drawing sights are the awnings and decor atop the shop entrances. They're made of wonderful, colorful art pieces, giant dragons and shoes, and just a whole slew of things meant to draw in costumers. As I walked down the road I saw restaurants, tattoo and piercing parlors, clothing stores, shoe stores, novelty stores, and that's just on the main street. Passing the bridge, I found myself wandering down into an underground line of shops with trinkets, leather goods, clothing, glassware, and so much art I couldn't believe. Being a man who enjoys galleries and craft fairs, I loved walking through the (I can't remember the name but it was surrounded by brass horses) huge space filled with art underground. If I had the money, and the means to get it home, I would've seriously considering buying the awesome art that I saw. However, I did pick up some souvenirs for my friends, including a pocket watch and a necklace with a clock on it.
Once we wandered back the way we came, we crossed the street the opposite way toward some of the food vendors. I noticed almost immediately that the food selection was much more diverse than what I was accustomed to. Not only was there a lack of classically british food, but the majority of the vendors boasted asian influences, and spanish dishes. Even a healthy amount of middle eastern options. I definitely know now where I need to go for Chinese food because I saw plenty in Camden.
The coolest part of the market was probably its history, but also its sense of familiarity. The people walking around Camden screamed punk rock, and it reminded me so much of how London is the home to that genre of music, and rock music in general. Though there weren't many record stores, being a music lover (and the 60s-80s being my favorite period) I felt so connected to that part of music history just by walking around this alternative neighborhood. On top of that, since I'm a California native, I couldn't help but compare Camden to my own familiar home state. I could see the vibe of Camden in certain pockets of LA, where I'm from, but to me, the market screamed "Haight-Ashbury", a very similar, tourist-y and historical, yet still hip and alternative part of San Francisco. And maybe that's why I enjoyed Camden so much--because it felt like I was near home.

Borough: I can't say exactly how many times I've been to Borough market thusfar, since I traveled there with the CCA group, but I actually have to walk directly though it every day on my way to work. Let's just say, I've consumed (pun intended) plenty of Borough market, and I'm not full yet! This place is great. The first time we went there, with CCA, I was starving, seeing The Shard and doing some walking, and there is no better place we could have ended. I gorged myself on endless samples of gourmet meats and cheeses, as well as sweets and goodies. I bought an espresso, and when I thought the free prosciutto couldn't satiate me, I purchased a delicious sausage sandwich (that I still have dreams about). Since that first time in Borough, I haven't had the good pleasure of eating their food again, since all the vendors all closed by the time I arrive for work at 6:00pm, however, this past Saturday was an exception. I had to work a morning shift at the Rose, and when I walked through Borough at 10am it was already bustling, but not nearly as much as it was when I finished work at 1:00pm (and was again, starving). The market filled twice the amount of space that it did when I had come with CCA, and I pushed and shoved my wat through a sea of people, just to explore the parts of the markets I hadn't already eaten....I mean seen. I bought a salame panini, and the most delicious pear-passionfruit-banana smoothie that exists on this planet (not the best combination of foods, I know, but the stomach wants what the stomach wants). Despite so many people that I couldn't lift my iPod in front of my face to change the song I was listening to, Borough market was (and is) fabulous. The atmosphere is all about the food, the food is delicious, the layout of the market, while confusing, feels authentic. Walking through Borough market feels like "oh wow, I am definitely in the heart of London right now". I recommended the market to my friend from college who was visiting, and she has since told me it was delicious. Hooray for taste buds!

Though those are the big two, I've stumbled upon a couple other smaller markets. Right behind Woburn Place on the weekends is a small foodie-market, mainly serving up oriental dishes. I didn't eat anything but it sure smelled great. And as I wandered through Covent Garden on my very first full day in London, I saw a very small crafts and art open air market that my mother would have loved. I hope to stumble upon it again some Sunday afternoon.

With my remaining time in London, I hope to see plenty more that the market scene has to offer. Until next time,
Danny

Week Three: I Could Wile Away the Hours...

My third week in London has been a whirlwind! And like the Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz, at times I found myself feeling as if all the thoughts in my head had up and vanished--it was overwhelming and exciting, I didn't have time to stop and think what to make of it all!
Last Sunday I, along with many members of the CCA program, went to Watford Junction to see the soundstages where a majority of the Harry Potter films were made. Perhaps not the most cultural outing, it was nothing short of a blast for me. I got to try my hand at a new form of public transit, and see the process and making of a franchise that quite literally grew up alongside me, which was very sentimental. I took about 200 pictures (my favorites being the sections that had some of the concept art for certain creatures in the series, and the outdoor portion with the fronts to the Hogwarts bridge and #4 Privet Drive), drank butterbeer, and spent too much money on merchandise. All fun aside (well, not all fun), visiting the Harry Potter lot provided me with an unexpected benefit: I got an inside look at the sets, sound, and artistic design of the world. Being a man of theatre, and someone who is considering going into production as a profession, it was absolutely astonishing to watch short video clips and see pictures of the professionals building all the sets, props, and set dressing that went into Hogwarts. Though I wasn't necessarily going for a professional learning experience, I definitely walked away with one (and a picture of me with the door to the Chamber of Secrets!).
With the start of the week came the start of everyone's internships, mine included (though not until Tuesday night). After everyone came back on Monday, telling me about their first day and their experiences, I was nervous that I might not have the same kind of run-of-the-mill, "here's the toilet, here's photocopier", first day that my friends had had, since I am the only one in the program interested in theatre, and since my hours are so vastly different from everyone else's. I put my worries aside on Tuesday though, and with my head high I went in for my first day. Low and behold, it was nothing to fear. Extremely routine theatre business, in fact, and I imagine I'll be able to handle anything the Rose throws at me over the next five weeks.
That's not to say working for the Rose will be easy; I spent a good portion of my work hours on my feet each night, and I worked Friday night and Saturday morning as well, which is quite unlike the rest of the CCAers. But, on Friday a friend of mine from GWU came to visit London, and I spent the day with her before work, which was a breath of fresh air that I wasn't even aware I needed. Being around the very nice, very funny people in my program has been lovely, but something about getting a taste of home warmed my heart in a way I wasn't expecting. I must be a bit more homesick than I realize...in any case, running around the city coupled with an extra night and morning's work had left me pooped, and I was happy to relax with my buddies during the day on Saturday. Though I did see We Will Rock You, the Queen musical, after work on Saturday, and IT. WAS. A. BLAST. I've never had a theatre experience quite like it. Sure it had a plot, which was thin, and sure there was some acting, which was fine, but the music (from my favorite band of all time) was unbelievable, the singing was unfathomable, and the energy was crazy. I felt like I was at a rock concert, almost watching Queen live. I had to buy a Freddie Mercury t-shirt (canary yellow though, I have to say, is not my color).
All in all, this week rocked me, and I hope my remaining weeks are just as hectic, and just as awesome. Until next time,
Danny

Week Two - The Adventure Continues All Around London and England

One of the most remarkable things about being in London so far is the ease of travel, and the intricacy of public transportation. Though I've been using public transportation my whole life, in one form another, I was absolutely astounded to discover just how expansive traveling in London is. There's the Tube, the bus system, the trains, and cabs.
At first glance the Tube and bus systems seemed overwhelming. Coming from DC, where I've gotten used to actively using the DC Metro subways, I was shocked at the size of the Tube. The amount of lines and stops outnumber the Metro by far, but it seems even the trains are faster. I was never afraid to use the Tube, but it has been a bit of an adjustment planning my routes, since the options for travel are so numerous. The bus system as well--there are so many bus routes and stops, I'm sure that I won't be able to get a handle on that for a while. I don't often use buses in the states, so this will take some getting used to (but it's not overwhelmingly different from the Tube).
One lovely benefit of this extensive system is the distance one can travel with such ease. Having gone to Bath, Brighton, and Watford Junction via trains and buses, I'm starting to realize just how easy it is for locals and natives to live outside the heart of London, and still manage an easy commute. One downside, however, is the time it takes. Because of all of the stops on each kind of travel, it often takes me at least half an hour by Tube, bus, or train, to get somewhere outside of walking distance. My internship, for example, is not too far (at least I think) from Woburn Place, and yet I've found that from leaving the building to stepping foot at the Rose Theatre can take a full hour. Alas, this is how public transit works, and I'm confident that once I get more used to the commute it won't seem so long (and I'll even be able to find more shortcuts!).

Until next time,
Danny

Me and some other CCAers in a black cab (don't worry, the face is a joke!)!

Week One - Pubs, Peeps, and the Program

So...London begins!

After a 10 hour flight, 8 hours of sleep over three days, and getting used to being alone in the most populous place in Europe, I was anxious to get started with the Central College Abroad London program. It was well worth the wait though! The people are awesome, the program extensive, and the city amazing. I've been in London for just a week and so far I've:
 - Explored the West End on my own
 - Walked around Bloomsbury
 - Seen Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre
 - Had my CCA orientation
 - Seen (briefly) the British Museum (which I plan on returning to)
 - Seen Matilda with the Royal Shakespeare Company
 - Viewed all of London from The Shard
 - Walked through (and ate the entirety of) the Borough Market
 - Seen the Globe!!!!!!!!!!!
 - Photographed St. Paul's Cathedral and explored the surrounding area
 - Finally got to visit Stonehenge, a lifelong dream fulfilled!!!!!!!!!!
 - Walked around historic Bath, and drank waters that the Romans once bathed in (seriously, who can say that?)
 - Traveled to Windsor Castle (four trains and two hours later--the learning curve for efficient travelling in London is steep)
 - and, saw even more of Londontown, looking with my new friends for the locations of our internships

And even with all these experiences, I've still had the chance to do things that ordinary Londoners would call mundane. Dining in pubs, for example, is not quite like eating out in the US. Despite an all day liquor license, the pub scene is quite distinct from US restaurants. It's as if the restaurants I'm so used to eating in (you walk in, order food, sit down, chat with friends, pay and leave) were combined with the bars I've obviously never experienced at all in the US because I'm underaged and breaking the law is wrong (you walk in, order a drink, pay, relax with friends with alcohol, and leave). I've found that I quite like the ambience of pubs. Something about a more relaxed attitude toward beer and wine is refreshing. As someone who's never been a "drink to get drunk" kind of guy, I love that I can enjoy a pint of beer without the pressure to outdrink the people I'm with. And I can order food all the while. Two of my favorite things! Relaxing and food. In conclusion: Pubs - awesome.

Another wonderful part of the time I've spent here is the exposure to new and different people. Unsurprisingly, most of the people in the program are from the Midwest, an area of the country that I've spent little time in, and even less time with the people from that region. Though my parents are from Michigan, I've only been there once, when I was quite young, and the thing I'm most familiar with is the accent. It's been both eye opening and interesting to start to get to know Iowans and Illinoisans whose life and college experiences are perhaps are different as possible from a city kid who's spent his whole life in Los Angeles and DC, and whose college has 10,000 undergraduates. And though a lot of the other students are from small schools, I've found that we really are quite similar, and that it doesn't matter the size your school, state, or hometown, but really what's important in making friends is how your personalities match up, and having an open mind about befriending those who might be different than you. One would think that after two years of college I'd be used to making friends with people from all walks of life, but I've still got more to learn (which I'm quite thankful for!).

Finally, the Central College Abroad London program has made the transition into this new environment a breeze. Simply by virtue of experiencing all of these things with 18 other students who I know are going through the same thing I am makes me feel much more comfortable with going abroad. The activities that we partake in after our Contemporary UK Life class kill two birds with one stone: they allow us to start experiencing London (which has piqued my interest in exploring more on my own, and dissuaded my nerves about sightseeing on my own), and it's given the group an excuse to start bonding together. Though I didn't put much thought into it before I arrived in the UK, now that I think about it, the structure of the CCA program makes going abroad a lot easier on the students. The two weeks of activities and bonding prior to the internship allows for a pleasantly easy settling in experience, which makes working in the city, on your own, a much more manageable (even exciting!) process!

All in all, this first week was about all I could have hoped for and more. I can only hope that the rest of my time in London is just as enjoyable, and I'm sure it's all uphill from here.

Until next time,
Danny