Week one: accomplished. I feel at home because 1. don’t get lost walking to class anymore, 2. have switched from coffee to tea, and 3. someone asked ME for directions today. I think I cracked the code on How to Look Like You Live in London: wear all black, carry orange Sainsbury’s bag, have earbuds in (what they didn’t know was that I was listening to American podcasts…I guess I’m always a Patriot, never a Tory).
This week has been so busy. The iPhone automatically tracks how many steps you take while the phone’s in your bag or pocket, and I’ve been averaging four miles a day. I’m not really sure how to build up my arms as much as my legs…maybe I’ll start doing pull-ups on the Tube…or carrying groceries back from the store. I’ve had to go three different times this week to pick up different things. But the good news is: I’m actually cooking! Mom and/or Dad, if you’re reading this, I want you to know that I accept your awe and pride and will be making your a lot of couscous with various sautéed vegetables upon my return home. Mushrooms are cheap and delicious.
Okay, observation that needs to be made at the start: every child in the City of Westminster, ruled by her Royal Highness, is riding a goddamn scooter. ALL OF THEM. EVERYWHERE. Didn’t America do this, like, fifteen years ago? They’re like Razor Scooter 2.0.
Anyway…since I last wrote you…last Tuesday we went on a boat ride on the Thames past all of the big touristy sights all the way to Greenwich, where the Royal Observatory and Prime Meridian are. I would be lying to you if I said I didn’t pay eight pounds to go straddle it. Worth the picture.
Wednesday was the last day of orientation so I took the chance to familiarize myself with our neighborhood, South Kensington. It is delightfully close to the Tube stop which has three different lines, and there are many places to eat and little shops. I went into a stationery store and the clerk asked if I needed any help and I said I was just browsing, and joked that I was “new in the neighborhood.” He then proceeded to tell me a short history of the store! People have really been nothing but friendly. I guess it’s the honeymoon stage talking. And as for the Francophone aspect of the neighborhood…I went into one of two French bookstores on my block and the woman at the counter said “bonsoir!” and I briefly panicked because I forgot what that meant (désolé, M. Shee…). It means “good evening,” so I responded in kind, and then got the hell out of there because I was afraid the conversation would continue. This wall art kind of thing is right across the street from me, and I thought it was kind of poignant and evoked Talking Heads…
Speaking of the Tube, I think I’ve mastered it to a relative degree at this point. However complex it is, it seems like it’s relatively easy to navigate. I suppose London has had a long time to perfect it.
On Thursday I had my first class which is British Film and Television Since 1960. This course and my other (London Women’s History from Aphra Behn to the Blitz) are four hours long twice a week because they only have nine sessions. For the rest of the semester, we intern and have one elective class once a week, but I’ll get to that later. Even thought the class was long, it was really interesting, and about Wheaton-sized (16 students). My interested was piqued because this sessions was about British comedy so I got to be the only one raising their hand when she asked if we’d seen shows like Blackadder and Little Britain (thanks, Mom and Dad). I think I also shocked my professor when we were watching a clip from an older show and this guy came up on screen and I said “is he from Keeping Up Appearances?) and she responded with a very enthusiastic nod. I don’t think anyone else had a clue what I was talking about. After class on Thursday we went to this place called Notting Hill Arts Club at which three bands played and drinks were very expensive. Drinks tend to be expensive which is a bummer but probably good because it means I don’t get more than one…or two.
On Friday I had my internship interview at Irresistible Films and I got the job! I’ll be a Production Assistant for them but will be doing work in several different departments. They said they want to give me the most exposure possible. The company is in Shoreditch, which according to the guy who interviewed me is “London’s Brooklyn.” There was a lot of cool street art, which I looked at while I was walking around because I was way too early (and overdressed) for my interview. Typical. My favorite one is pictured below. They have a lot of prestigious clients like Disney, Microsoft, Yahoo, Warner Brothers, BBC…but more importantly they have an office cat.
On Saturday Sara (my roommate) and I went up to Camden Market, which is a hoot. And I had maybe the best falafel of my life, no disrespect to East Side Pockets in Providence. Then, at my dad’s suggestions, we walked along Regent’s Canal which runs from Camden Town through Primrose Hill past the London Zoo and all the way into Regent’s Park. It was a really nice walk but my feet were really tired because I chose fashion over orthopedics (read: bad shoes).
There were seriously birds EVERYWHERE at the Boating Pond in the park…it was almost threatening. There’s a picture somewhere of me chasing them in 2008…I’ll have to ask my dad to find it. Then last night we went and did some clubby things and all got a bit silly, which made today perfect for sleeping in and doing chores.
Anyway, here’s Things I Read and Liked This Week (Although I Don’t Know How I Had Time)
The Hairpin’s “All of Mark Ruffalo’s On-Screen Kisses, from Worst to Best” (I totally agree with the top ranking)
Slate’s “Stop Putting Your Email Address in Your Email Signature”
The Science of Us’ “A Guy Outsource His Anxiety to a Spambot“AND: THE ALBUM TRAILER FOR SUFJAN STEVENS’ NEW ALBUM CARRIE AND LOWELL WHICH COMES OUT ON MY BIRTHDAY
Also, Zadie Smith’s White Teeth which I have been reading on the Tube and it’s set in London and very very good.
That’s all from me this week! I know this was a long one but I’m glad you stuck with me if you’re at this point.
Emily
P.S. word of the week: cheers!