Our time across the pond is winding down. We only have two full weeks until we try to pack up our London lives into two checked bags and a carry-on and head back to Missouri. There’s an odd mix of emotions that goes along with this. A lot of people are antsy, both to get home and to get the most out of the time we have left here. Some people are stressed out by the final projects due here, commitments back home and the nearness of the upcoming semester at Mizzou. Some are getting homesick, and some are just loving life. I’m pretty sure I’ve felt all of these things at one point or another in the past week–my flatmates can attest to this.
We spent this week fretting over grades and final projects. My group and I managed to pull together our presentation in about two and a half days. We present on Monday. Oh, did I tell you none of us get back from Amsterdam until Monday morning? That’s right, five of us are headed to Amsterdam in less than an hour. It will be a nice weekend away from the weird stress I’ve been getting over schoolwork.
Off to Amsterdam now! I hope when we come back from this trip there won’t be any flies buzzing about our kitchen.
As promised, here is the continuation of my recap of the last three weeks.
Week of July 6th
The Guardian: As part of our International Issues Reporting class, our professor organized a group trip to The Guardian, one of the biggest and most well-known newspapers in the UK. The building was newly re-done and very modern. A lot of thought went into the layout and comfort level of the offices. The tour was great even for us advertising students. It was my first time in such a big newsroom, and it was fascinating to see how much goes in to producing a newspaper and it’s online component.
Grade: B The tour was interesting and the color scheme of the office enticing, but our guest speakers were hard to understand and that slightly jaded, slightly arrogant journalist attitude. Wouldn’t want to work there but was cool to see the people who do.
English Tea: How do I even begin to describe this? It was straight out of a movie! Our department at Microsoft went to celebrate the end of a successful financial year at Claridge’s, an old but renowned hotel and tea spot. In fact I read an article where Michael Kors recommended going there when in London! The doormen all wore top hats and suits with coattails. Everything inside was embellished with a “C.” There were chandeliers and velvet columns. The rest of the decor was a mix of greens and creams just like the dishes. Waiters served us champagne and all the tea we could drink. Then came the tea sandwiches and pastries. We had interesting conversations about life in the US, London and all parts of the United Kingdom. (I dazzled them with my knowledge of proper Super Bowl foods and the appeals of Lady Gaga.) The only thing that almost ruined the afternoon were the pistachios hidden in the strawberry tart.
Grade: A+ Even with the nut allergy scare, it was a wonderful and delicious experience. So perfect I’ve turned down all other tea outings since.
Harrods: So big and well-decorated, it could be a museum. Emily and I went there on that Saturday just to take a look. Well, there are about 7 floors to take a look on. Harrods has everything you could ever want, but nothing we could afford. Well, except in the food hall. And that reminds me: all of the department stores here have food halls like little grocery stores. It’s usually over-priced, but still fascinating. We looked around the clothing, the jewelry, the electronic, the toy, the pet, the sporting goods and the furniture departments. (Did you know that you can buy a zebra pelt?) They say Harrod’s has everything you’d ever need, and if they don’t, they’ll find it for you.
Grade B+ A really cool London landmark, but a little too crowded and a little overwhelming for my tastes. Still, it was so cool to see floor after floor and room after room of anything you could ever want.
Tate Modern: I’m all for modern abstract art. I think it’s nice to look at, and sometimes I can grasp the intangible meaning behind it. But when a rope twisted around the ground, gets put in one of the most famous museums in London, that’s where I draw the line. Thank goodness for the Pollack and Warhol exhibits. Monet even made an appearance which was nice. My favorite “installation” was a piece called 30 Pieces of Silver, which was really pretty to look at and also made some sense. I do highly recommend the audio tour to anyone who might go in the future. I would’ve been lost without it.
Grade: B Things a first-grader could draw do not belong in a museum. Cool building if you’re into that kind of thing though.
To be continued…
Another fascinating blog, Rachel! I enjoyed hearing about the tea celebration. I love tea and have often considered instituting my own tea time here in the States. You’ll have to fill me in on the rules. I must say that it seems Microsoft spends a lot of time celebrating. Does it seem that way to you? By the time you read this, you’ll be back from Amsterdam. That means we’ll soon have at least two more blogs to read: Wales and the Netherlands! Of course, this can wait until your school life calms down. Hope the presentation goes/went well. : )