Monday I had another full day of school (9-5). I haven't been taking classes for 8 consecutive hours in the same building since high school, and let me tell you, it's a rough adjustment back. It's a harsh realization that an internship here really is an imposition on your schedule. However, I have no doubts that it will be worth it:)
That night, I went with a flatmate and a few boys downstairs to the Kensington Symphony Orchestra. I live on the South Bank in London, home to London's theatre and music centres. With a student discount, it only cost me £6 to hear a gorgeous three hour concert! How cultured. It also brought my heart such joy when I saw the boys' faces light up when the orchestra began playing themes from Star Wars.
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| We were bored Monday, so we went to the Orchestra. It's casual. |
Tuesday I worked a full day in the House. I dug through old PQs (Parliamentary Questions), which MPs submit to secretaries of state and ministers on a variety of topics ranging from foster child care to drunk driving arrests. MPs are not required to submit any number of PQs, but they are an easy measure to track an MP's interest in holding higher government accountable. Since 2015 marks another Parliamentary election, my MP needs to start asking more questions to stand apart from his opposition. I must have looked through nearly 500 questions, picking out ones that I thought might apply to my constituency. Once certain ones were approved, I submitted them using some very official-looking paper. I'm getting the feeling it's one of those office tasks that is mundane to full-time employees, but it excited me nonetheless haha.
On Tuesday night, we hosted a flat of boys downstairs for flat dinner. We're talking tons of tacos, fun and dishes. I'm really starting to get the hang of searching out people who cook and offering to pay them to cook for me. More than that, "family dinners" are an amazing way to build community and get to know the amazing kids I'll be living with for the next four months.
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| Dinner for 18, anyone? |
Wednesday was class…sounds boring, right? WRONG. I found a cheap coffee shop nearby that will spike your drink with an extra shot of espresso for only 20 pence, and it kept me up all day! I've never been so engaged in the intricacies of British Philosophy and Macroeconomics haha. This mysterious coffee mixture will without a doubt be my secret to success this semester.
Thursday I worked a half day in the House searching for more PQ's. I set up a date to attend PMQ--so many acronyms!-- officially known as The Prime Minister's Questions. Once a week Prime Minister David Cameron is questioned by the opposition in a loud and rambunctious Parliamentary session. You can't attend one of these televised sessions unless you are in, and because of my job, I'm in! I'll be in the gallery on March 20, so look for me if the camera ever pans to a full house view:)
Thursday night ROCKED; one of my roommates turned 21! Now, it is true that in the UK the drinking age is 18, but we still had great reason to celebrate. Our 12 flatmates all cleaned and decorated the apartment. We made a traditional Italian dinner (salad, pasta, the works), topped off with THREE ROUNDS of desert. Now that's what I'm talking about, people. After dinner, we all dressed up and headed to Picadilly Institute, a classic European club. (And by classic, I mean techno music and mannequins hanging from the ceiling. Totally normal here, apparently.)
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| The birthday girl is in the top row, third from the right. We were so happy to celebrate together :) |
Friday we had another session of Inside London, first taking us to the Museum of London Docklands and later the Liverpool Street Station. At the museum, we learned about the history of the slave trade in London, but undoubtedly the coolest part was when we walked around Liverpool. The area heaped with history, and I was amazed at the tales of migrant boroughs, Jack the Ripper, and more. We walked past the Spitalfields Market, where celebrities who live in London are known to purchase antiques, clothes and fresh food. I can't wait to return on a warmer day!
Yesterday (Saturday) the program took a day trip to Stonehenge and Bath. There were only 15 spots for students not in a specific Archaeology class, so I was extremely lucky that I was chosen to go! Stonehenge was beautiful but relatively basic. I mean, when you get there, you stare at the monument for about an hour, but there's nothing more to do in that area. Now hop in your coach bus and drive two hours Northeast to Bath...that's where it's at. This tiny town, known to exist starting in 60 AD, was established by the Roman empire. Therefore, all the architecture was extremely intricate, very reminiscent of Italy. The most breathtaking part of the city was the Roman Bath, where priests, emperors, slaves and commonfolk all gathered to bathe and worship. I couldn't believe the advanced craftsmanship of the Bath...my skills extend to Legos.
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| Stonehenge Solo Shot Success. |
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| My roommate and I in the heart of the Roman Bath. |
And that concludes another amazing week in Londontown! Weather forecasts predict mid-50's this week, so keep your fingers crossed for me :)
Cheers,
C
C, Sounds like you are having a great time enjoying the sights of London while learning so much. The Roman baths looked terrific. Keep a stiff upper lip and continue to have fun!!
ReplyDeleteLove, AME