So, before I write about the British countryside, of which you have probably already seen my pictures, I have to tell you about A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It was exactly that—a dream of a performance! I don’t know if I have ever seen such a well-performed and entertaining play! The theatre troupe that performed the play was made up of professionals from the globe theatre in London. They are a traveling theatre troupe just like Shakespeare’s original group. And let me tell you—they were talented! We were all laughing nonstop from beginning to end. :)
Paired with the excellent acting was a breath-taking location. The play was performed in the center courtyard of the Bodleian Library. This courtyard is completely surrounded by towering stone walls and cloisters. These walls provide excellent acoustics and a nice echo so that the actors didn’t need to use microphones. The air was open above us and, as the night progressed, we began to see the twinkling stars. I’ve decided that there is nothing to compare to an open-air theatre. It is an experience I would definitely recommend. However, it did threaten to rain at the beginning of the performance (I’m in England, afterall) but the skies soon cleared and we were in for a night of wild entertainment. Thankfully, my group was not sitting in the front row, for those poor souls were often pulled onto stage, kissed jubilantly, or made to do funny antics in front of the audience. :P As the people were laughing, clapping, and literally enjoying every second, I found myself wondering what Shakespeare would have thought. How would he respond if he knew that nearly 400 years after his death, people would still love watching his plays? The thought itself is overwhelming. Congratulations to you, Mr. Shakespeare, you’re still making people laugh.
I can hardly wait for London and the chance to experience the Globe Theatre! Rumor has it that since our professors want us to get “the real Globe experience,” we will be located not in the comfy chairs bestowed upon rich people, but instead in the “peasant’s pit.” As of right now, I can only imagine what that means…
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Gala Part II
For some reason, I feel that I did not do justice to the entire gala experience. There were two stories that were so funny I simply cannot leave them out. The first story is Christine’s shoes. To begin with, you may recall how I have mentioned that the Oxford grass is sacred and not to be touched under any circumstances. Well, I was wrong. In the event of a gala dinner, you actually are allowed to stand daintily on the Oxford grass, sip champagne, and discuss the differences between Spenser and Milton. Well, we were doing just that—standing on the grass, sipping champagne, talking about Spenser and Milton—when I noticed dime-sized holes poked throughout the lawn. At first, I thought it was some sort of yard ventilation. However, I soon realized that wherever Christine went, these little holes seemed to follow. And the longer Christine stood in one location, the deeper the holes seemed to become. Sure enough, it was Christine’s high-heels that had been puncturing the lawn! After trying desperately to “patch” the grass, we couldn’t help laughing about the whole situation. No wonder they don’t want Americans traipsing through the yard!
The second story occurred after dinner as we (well, some of us) were sipping port and munching on smelly British cheeses. It so happened that Dr. Connor had invited a special guest named Stuart Lee to dinner that night. Mr. Lee is originally from Scotland and is a good friend of Dr. Connor and the rest of the professors. Well, as we were all laughing, joking, and having a good time, a giant mouse (we hope it was a mouse) scampered out from behind the fireplace. Before anyone could really react, Dr. Connor jubilantly announced, “Well, I told you all I was inviting Stuart to dinner, but I didn’t realize Stuart Little was coming!” This, of course, brought about even more laughter. Meanwhile, the poor mouse didn’t know how to escape the room and was running around in mouse-sized circles. Thankfully, Dr. Lamb had the courtesy to open the door and let him outside to which Dr. Connor informed the rest of the room, “It seems Stuart Little is late to another dinner party.” We all couldn’t stop laughing.
The second story occurred after dinner as we (well, some of us) were sipping port and munching on smelly British cheeses. It so happened that Dr. Connor had invited a special guest named Stuart Lee to dinner that night. Mr. Lee is originally from Scotland and is a good friend of Dr. Connor and the rest of the professors. Well, as we were all laughing, joking, and having a good time, a giant mouse (we hope it was a mouse) scampered out from behind the fireplace. Before anyone could really react, Dr. Connor jubilantly announced, “Well, I told you all I was inviting Stuart to dinner, but I didn’t realize Stuart Little was coming!” This, of course, brought about even more laughter. Meanwhile, the poor mouse didn’t know how to escape the room and was running around in mouse-sized circles. Thankfully, Dr. Lamb had the courtesy to open the door and let him outside to which Dr. Connor informed the rest of the room, “It seems Stuart Little is late to another dinner party.” We all couldn’t stop laughing.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Gala Dinner
Wow, tonight we had our first gala dinner. This was by far the most elaborate dinner that I have ever experienced. The evening began with champagne and orange juice at 6:15. After chatting in the courtyard, we moved into the dining hall for our first course at 7:00. There were four courses with a different type of wine to match each course. The main course was Roasted Supreme of Chicken with a Cider Sauce served with Mustard Mash, Mange Tout and Courgette. In translation: chicken, mashed potatoes, snow peas, and zucchini. It was delicious. The Vodka Raspberry Panacotta with Flemish Biscuits that we had for dessert was not my favorite…but I did enjoy the biscuit and raspberry. After dinner we moved into more cozy accommodations for cheese, biscuits, fruit, Turkish delight, chocolates, and port. I tried Turkish delight, lychee, and star fruit for the first time. All very good. The lychee was my favorite…it kind of reminded me of a kiwi, except that instead of green it was white and hot pink. Tomorrow we head to Cotswold for another grand adventure.
Class and Tartar Sauce Sandwich
We had our first class in Oxford today. It was held in one of the old classrooms at Brasenose college. We sat around a large table, alongside our professors, and discussed the first four of our old English poems. I felt so intellectual and important to be able to join in this conversation. In Oxford, learning is about having discussion, asking questions, sharing ideas, challenging viewpoints, and defining your own opinions. There is less emphasis on long lectures and unnecessary memorization. Learning is seen as a personal quest. While studying at Oxford, a traditional student is assigned a specific professor with whom they will attend tutorials. These tutorials are one-on-one meetings where the professor will discuss ideas, themes, and content with the students. It is a student’s responsibility to prepare for these tutorials, to answer questions thoughtfully, and to have questions of their own to ask the professor. I am excited to have the opportunity to experience this “tutorial approach” with our own WVU professors here at Oxford.
One of the things that has struck me the most about Oxford is the atmosphere of learning. Education does not just occur in the classroom from 9:00 to noon every morning. Instead, some of the most brilliant ideas are formed over a cup of tea or a pint of summer ale. The students here can’t help being academic: it flows in the culture of the city. Everywhere you look there is record of some greatness that was achieved in the past…I mean, one of the museums even has the blackboard on which Einstein solved the question of relativity!
I am so glad to be a part of this culture. Whether walking through the gardens that inspired Lewis Carroll, seeing the manuscripts in the Bodleian library, or watching a classically performed Shakespeare play, I know that I am going to learn more than I ever imagined.
At 10:30, class was interrupted by a lovely snack of tea and biscuit cookies. No crumpets yet, but I’ll keep you posted. :)
After class, I strolled down to high street to get some lunch. I love lunchtime in England! The English cafés are fabulous. The American paninis, baguettes, salads, and pastries simply do not compare to what you can find in Europe. For lunch, I had sundried tomato and fresh mozzarella on a crispy multigrain baguette, an apple, and a sparkling water all for £3.33. The only stipulation to this price is that you have to order it “take away”—if you want to eat in it’s another 75 pence. My sandwich was delicious; the only weird thing is that there was some type of sauce (which, regretfully, tasted exactly like tartar sauce) all over the top of the sandwich. I didn’t really care though, because the fresh bread and cheese were amazing.
One of the things that has struck me the most about Oxford is the atmosphere of learning. Education does not just occur in the classroom from 9:00 to noon every morning. Instead, some of the most brilliant ideas are formed over a cup of tea or a pint of summer ale. The students here can’t help being academic: it flows in the culture of the city. Everywhere you look there is record of some greatness that was achieved in the past…I mean, one of the museums even has the blackboard on which Einstein solved the question of relativity!
I am so glad to be a part of this culture. Whether walking through the gardens that inspired Lewis Carroll, seeing the manuscripts in the Bodleian library, or watching a classically performed Shakespeare play, I know that I am going to learn more than I ever imagined.
At 10:30, class was interrupted by a lovely snack of tea and biscuit cookies. No crumpets yet, but I’ll keep you posted. :)
After class, I strolled down to high street to get some lunch. I love lunchtime in England! The English cafés are fabulous. The American paninis, baguettes, salads, and pastries simply do not compare to what you can find in Europe. For lunch, I had sundried tomato and fresh mozzarella on a crispy multigrain baguette, an apple, and a sparkling water all for £3.33. The only stipulation to this price is that you have to order it “take away”—if you want to eat in it’s another 75 pence. My sandwich was delicious; the only weird thing is that there was some type of sauce (which, regretfully, tasted exactly like tartar sauce) all over the top of the sandwich. I didn’t really care though, because the fresh bread and cheese were amazing.
My First Run at Oxford
In European cross-country, obstacles (hay bales, mud pits, water, etc.) are often placed in the way of the runners in order to slow them down. I now understand why. England is extremely comfortable for cross-country running. For one thing, it’s completely flat. In Oxford, there are no rolling hills, slight upgrades, or massive mountains—just smooth, even terrain. Another thing is the grass. Kept neat, trim, and crisp, the grass barely raises an inch above the ground. It’s like running on a spring-padded track. Next we have the temperature…a balmy 62° is the perfect weather for a run. And, if that’s a little warm for your liking, there’s often a nice misty rain to keep you feeling fresh. Add that to the overcast sky and you completely eliminate your chance of a sunburn.
As you can see from this description, my first run in Oxford was quite enjoyable. There is an excellent park only a half a mile from Brasenose College. It’s filled with crushed gravel trails (my favorite) and many interesting trees, flowers, ponds, and waterfowl. Behind the park is a bike trail and a series of grass fields for football, rugby, dog agility (!) and various other outdoor sports. These fields were also nice to run on—and unlike the Oxford campus—you are allowed to step on the grass. ;)
As you can see from this description, my first run in Oxford was quite enjoyable. There is an excellent park only a half a mile from Brasenose College. It’s filled with crushed gravel trails (my favorite) and many interesting trees, flowers, ponds, and waterfowl. Behind the park is a bike trail and a series of grass fields for football, rugby, dog agility (!) and various other outdoor sports. These fields were also nice to run on—and unlike the Oxford campus—you are allowed to step on the grass. ;)
10 Tips for Success in England-Learn from my mistakes!
1. When crossing the street, begin first by looking right, and then look left. This may seem counter intuitive, but you have to remember that cars drive on the left in England! Taxi drivers will not be happy if you walk out in front of them.
2. If your sandwich comes with “chips,” this does not means a bag of Lays or Doritos. This means a pile of thick cut French Fries. If you want American chips, you have to order “crisps.”
3. If someone asks you if you want your water with “gas,” don’t be offended. This simply means carbonated water.
4. A pound is more than a dollar. A “bargain price” £30 pair of shoes is not necessarily a bargain.
5. Authentic Indian food is spicy. Even if they say it’s mild, don’t listen. They lie.
6. When inside a church, be careful where you step. Important people are often buried in the floor.
7. Don’t fall in love with a person, just because they have a British accent. You’re in England, everyone has a British accent.
8. The grass in Oxford is sacred. Don’t sit in the grass, don’t step on the grass, don’t touch the grass!
9. Go easy on the tea in the evening. The Brits tend to make it a little strong.
10. Lastly, you don’t need to tell people that you are an American. Believe me, they’ll be able to figure it out.
That's all I've got right now, but I'm sure that there will be more tips to follow…
2. If your sandwich comes with “chips,” this does not means a bag of Lays or Doritos. This means a pile of thick cut French Fries. If you want American chips, you have to order “crisps.”
3. If someone asks you if you want your water with “gas,” don’t be offended. This simply means carbonated water.
4. A pound is more than a dollar. A “bargain price” £30 pair of shoes is not necessarily a bargain.
5. Authentic Indian food is spicy. Even if they say it’s mild, don’t listen. They lie.
6. When inside a church, be careful where you step. Important people are often buried in the floor.
7. Don’t fall in love with a person, just because they have a British accent. You’re in England, everyone has a British accent.
8. The grass in Oxford is sacred. Don’t sit in the grass, don’t step on the grass, don’t touch the grass!
9. Go easy on the tea in the evening. The Brits tend to make it a little strong.
10. Lastly, you don’t need to tell people that you are an American. Believe me, they’ll be able to figure it out.
That's all I've got right now, but I'm sure that there will be more tips to follow…
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Pad Thai + English Beer
We experienced the joys of Thai cuisine for our first dinner in Oxford. Located in a tavern building that is often cited as one of the oldest halls in Oxford, it was another historical food experience. It is interesting to see the blending of Oriental culture with the English culture. Hundreds of years ago, I am sure that the English townspeople never imagined that Thai cuisine would be served in this location. It really speaks to the way the world is getting smaller—cultures are blending and people are more connected then they ever were in the past.
Besides Thai restaurants, there are also a lot of Indian restaurants in Oxford. Since India was a colony of Great Britain, it makes sense that Indian culture is very prevalent in England. One of my professors even joked that since England doesn’t have a clearly defined national food—Indian food should be considered the national cuisine.
After dinner, we all went to get beers at the Turf Tavern. A pint of English beer or port after dinner is a widely practiced English custom. Although I didn't get a beer, it was interesting to experience this tradition.
Besides Thai restaurants, there are also a lot of Indian restaurants in Oxford. Since India was a colony of Great Britain, it makes sense that Indian culture is very prevalent in England. One of my professors even joked that since England doesn’t have a clearly defined national food—Indian food should be considered the national cuisine.
After dinner, we all went to get beers at the Turf Tavern. A pint of English beer or port after dinner is a widely practiced English custom. Although I didn't get a beer, it was interesting to experience this tradition.
Brasenose College
I am now in my dorm room, relaxing after a sight-seeing tour of the Oxford campus. Let me just say, Oxford is amazing! There is so much beauty, architecture, culture, and history. Everywhere I turn I feel as if I am surrounded by greatness.
When we first arrived in Oxford we took some time to freshen up and then headed to a real English pub for lunch. Founded in the 17th century, the pub we dined in has been a favorite for generations of Oxford graduates. Just walking into the pub was awesome…I felt as if I were sitting beside all my favorite characters from a fantasy novel. There was Frodo Baggins in the corner sipping ale and guarding the ring, Eragon listening to Brom tell a tale of the old Dragon Riders, and Harry Potter having a pint at The Three Broomsticks with Ron and Hermione. Besides feeling like a fantasy novel, I also felt overwhelmed with a sense of history. Who knows what famous Oxford graduate might have sat by the very same window? I was eating on some pretty ancient territory.
My group decided to order traditional British foods. I enjoyed a vegetable pasty—Redwall fans, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It was delicious—baked in a flaky shell and filled with yummy veggies, it was kind of like a personal potpie. My friend Shannon had fish and chips. I’d list all the orders, but I’m sure I will write plenty about food in the near future, so I will try to contain myself. I just have to say that I think pasties might be my new favorite thing…and I am delighted to see that there is an entire shop dedicated to pasty baking and selling right in downtown Oxford. :)
My dorm room is quite elegant, for a dorm room. It is spacious and has a window that looks out into a courtyard. Some of the group members got super-lucky and received a room with special features such as a piano or a tile fireplace. I don’t mind though, I like my room’s simplicity. :)
More to come soon, but I am too tired right now!
When we first arrived in Oxford we took some time to freshen up and then headed to a real English pub for lunch. Founded in the 17th century, the pub we dined in has been a favorite for generations of Oxford graduates. Just walking into the pub was awesome…I felt as if I were sitting beside all my favorite characters from a fantasy novel. There was Frodo Baggins in the corner sipping ale and guarding the ring, Eragon listening to Brom tell a tale of the old Dragon Riders, and Harry Potter having a pint at The Three Broomsticks with Ron and Hermione. Besides feeling like a fantasy novel, I also felt overwhelmed with a sense of history. Who knows what famous Oxford graduate might have sat by the very same window? I was eating on some pretty ancient territory.
My group decided to order traditional British foods. I enjoyed a vegetable pasty—Redwall fans, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It was delicious—baked in a flaky shell and filled with yummy veggies, it was kind of like a personal potpie. My friend Shannon had fish and chips. I’d list all the orders, but I’m sure I will write plenty about food in the near future, so I will try to contain myself. I just have to say that I think pasties might be my new favorite thing…and I am delighted to see that there is an entire shop dedicated to pasty baking and selling right in downtown Oxford. :)
My dorm room is quite elegant, for a dorm room. It is spacious and has a window that looks out into a courtyard. Some of the group members got super-lucky and received a room with special features such as a piano or a tile fireplace. I don’t mind though, I like my room’s simplicity. :)
More to come soon, but I am too tired right now!
On to Heathrow…
After sitting on the runway at JFK for nearly an hour, we finally began our flight to London. I had lucky seating a second time and was able to meet another new friend on the airplane. This time, instead of Salt Lake City, my new friend was traveling to Nairobi, Kenya to see her family. If I thought my flight to London was long, Sophie (my new friend) had another 9 hours until she got to Kenya! (Not to mention a 3-hour layover in England…) I really should never complain again.
After chatting with Sophie for a while, I soon discovered that she just graduated with a degree in an early-childhood education. Thus, began an entertaining conversation on teaching, education, college, travel, family, future goals, and that strange traveler’s insurance commercial where meerkats ride on the top of a crocodile's mouth and lions play with gazelles. (In Sophie’s words, “Like, that’ll ever happen!”)
Half-way to Heathrow
Well, I just finished my first dinner of the trip: microwavable airplane food. You know, it really wasn’t too bad, except for the fact that there wasn’t much of it. I chose the chicken and mashed potatoes, instead of the spinach Alfredo pasta. I figured that mashed potatoes were a more British option…not to mention that I also had pasta for lunch, and I don’t particularly care for Alfredo sauce. Haha, okay, maybe I didn’t think twice about choosing the more “British Option.” After dinner, I relaxed by watching The Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I know it’s a kid’s movie, but as a future teacher, I thought that it would help get me the insider’s look on what it is like to be in middle school. I actually quite enjoyed the film and thought that there were some valuable lessons about growing up, staying true to your friends, and being yourself—ahh “teaching moments.” Okay, I know that this is only interesting to 5% of the people who read this, so I will stop. Next update will be from Oxford!
After chatting with Sophie for a while, I soon discovered that she just graduated with a degree in an early-childhood education. Thus, began an entertaining conversation on teaching, education, college, travel, family, future goals, and that strange traveler’s insurance commercial where meerkats ride on the top of a crocodile's mouth and lions play with gazelles. (In Sophie’s words, “Like, that’ll ever happen!”)
Half-way to Heathrow
Well, I just finished my first dinner of the trip: microwavable airplane food. You know, it really wasn’t too bad, except for the fact that there wasn’t much of it. I chose the chicken and mashed potatoes, instead of the spinach Alfredo pasta. I figured that mashed potatoes were a more British option…not to mention that I also had pasta for lunch, and I don’t particularly care for Alfredo sauce. Haha, okay, maybe I didn’t think twice about choosing the more “British Option.” After dinner, I relaxed by watching The Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I know it’s a kid’s movie, but as a future teacher, I thought that it would help get me the insider’s look on what it is like to be in middle school. I actually quite enjoyed the film and thought that there were some valuable lessons about growing up, staying true to your friends, and being yourself—ahh “teaching moments.” Okay, I know that this is only interesting to 5% of the people who read this, so I will stop. Next update will be from Oxford!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Voyage
In Pittsburgh…
In less than 12 hours, I will be studying abroad at Brasenose College at the University of Oxford in England. Oxford is considered by many to be the oldest university in the English-speaking world. With the first record of teaching in 1096, it tops WVU’s 1868 founding by almost 800 years. The three weeks that I will be in Oxford is part of a summer program offered by the West Virginia University English Department. The program will be headed up by a small group of WVU professors who will serve as tutors and guides as we explore British literature. Along with diligently studying the British poetic form, I will also be visiting Big Ben, Stratford-upon-Avon, Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge, Wessex, Cotswold, and the Lake District. :)
Though I am completely excited, I’m a little nervous too. This will be the longest that I have ever been away from all members of my family!
In New York…
Well, the first leg of our journey is complete—with the long one still to come. We landed safely in New York with very little turbulence. I had to hold my breath when they were checking my luggage in Pittsburgh. There is a 50lbs weight limit on baggage and after an hour of rearranging and decreasing extra items last night in my living room, I certainly didn’t want to go through that experience again in the middle of the airport. As I heaved my bag upon the scale, I glanced nervously at the red flashing number: 51lbs, one pound too heavy! I offered my most innocent and winning smile to the bag-checker-man who, much to my delight, looked the other way and slid my bag onto the luggage belt. My second trial came after we boarded the plane in Pittsburgh. The plane was tiny! There were only four seats in each row, with maybe 12 rows total. (I know that there are planes 20x smaller, but this was the smallest that I have ever been on, so needless to say I was a little nervous.) Well, my fears were completely unfounded because the flight ended up being quite smooth. I sat beside a very friendly PT from Salt Lake City. We talked about traveling, cross-country, track, WVU, missionary work, home schooling, foreign language, backpacking, and teaching—some of my most favorite subjects!
Well, it is now 20mins until we board our jet to Europe! Updates soon to come. :)
In less than 12 hours, I will be studying abroad at Brasenose College at the University of Oxford in England. Oxford is considered by many to be the oldest university in the English-speaking world. With the first record of teaching in 1096, it tops WVU’s 1868 founding by almost 800 years. The three weeks that I will be in Oxford is part of a summer program offered by the West Virginia University English Department. The program will be headed up by a small group of WVU professors who will serve as tutors and guides as we explore British literature. Along with diligently studying the British poetic form, I will also be visiting Big Ben, Stratford-upon-Avon, Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge, Wessex, Cotswold, and the Lake District. :)
Though I am completely excited, I’m a little nervous too. This will be the longest that I have ever been away from all members of my family!
In New York…
Well, the first leg of our journey is complete—with the long one still to come. We landed safely in New York with very little turbulence. I had to hold my breath when they were checking my luggage in Pittsburgh. There is a 50lbs weight limit on baggage and after an hour of rearranging and decreasing extra items last night in my living room, I certainly didn’t want to go through that experience again in the middle of the airport. As I heaved my bag upon the scale, I glanced nervously at the red flashing number: 51lbs, one pound too heavy! I offered my most innocent and winning smile to the bag-checker-man who, much to my delight, looked the other way and slid my bag onto the luggage belt. My second trial came after we boarded the plane in Pittsburgh. The plane was tiny! There were only four seats in each row, with maybe 12 rows total. (I know that there are planes 20x smaller, but this was the smallest that I have ever been on, so needless to say I was a little nervous.) Well, my fears were completely unfounded because the flight ended up being quite smooth. I sat beside a very friendly PT from Salt Lake City. We talked about traveling, cross-country, track, WVU, missionary work, home schooling, foreign language, backpacking, and teaching—some of my most favorite subjects!
Well, it is now 20mins until we board our jet to Europe! Updates soon to come. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)