As promised, my first video post:
Episode 1 - A Video Portrait of Pembridge Gardens
Four minutes of video displaying the characteristics of 21 Pembridge Gardens, home to 17 international Birkbeck students in the Spring of 2008.
Enjoy!
----------------
Doors Open Productions
In this video:
Michael Bublé - A Foggy Day (In London Town)
Mazzy Star - Flowers In December
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Friday, January 4, 2008
The Sun Will Come Out
It's been a very busy week and unfortunately that has caused me to be delayed in updating. I believe I left off on Tuesday night, which would bring me to Wednesday. We had more orientation things - talks about academics, safety, UK politics, etc. Later we were coached to the Playhouse Theatre after some free time spent doing some more unpacking. The play was "Tintin" - very British humor. During the intermission, a vendor sold ice cream in the aisles. After the play, most of us ventured out to Prince Albert, a local pub just around the corner from Pembridge Gardens. By the end of the night, we were all tired from travel and the intake of information.
Thursday allotted more free time, after a short orientation session. Anne, Crystal and I trekked down Portobello Road to check out the shops. Some are rather expensive with trendy clothes and shoes, while others contain crammed shelves of souvenirs - postcards, mugs, bags, flags, hats, magnets. My favorite souvenir that I intend to buy at some point is an antiqued metal sign that looks just like the street sign for Notting Hill Gate.
(picture from http://politics.guardian.co.uk/conservatives/story/0,9061,1270560,00.html)
Further down the road, you can find an assortment of antique shops. Trying to save a little money, Anne and I bought hot dogs from a vendor along the street on Portobello Road. We discovered that the shops tend to close early, often before the posted closing time. As the shops began to close, we headed back toward Notting Hill Gate to get some groceries from the Tesco Express and pick up our mobile phones from Carphone Warehouse. Just along Notting Hill Gate, which is adjacent to Pembridge Gardens, you can find almost any shop or service you might need, allowing you to do get all your errands done within the village.
It was another long day, so doing our best to immerse ourselves into the London way of life, we headed to the pub. This time we went a bit farther down Notting Hill Gate and settled on The Champion. There we found a room downstairs where all 17 of us could fit. I tried the cider and found that it was a very interesting brew, and especially good when briskly cold. We again found that the day ends earlier on this side of the ocean, and left The Champion for Prince Albert's once again, who tends to stay open later. We didn't stay too late, though, since there were more activities still to come on Friday.
On Friday, we finally were able to tour campus. It is about a 25-minute tube ride away, near the heart of the city. We saw the academic building where our classes will take place, as well as the library and the University of London student union, also known as ULU, building where most student events take place. The university pub is located there as well. After our tour, 5 of us decided to head over to Westminster to do some site-seeing. Anne, Crystal, Jeff, Joe and I took the tube and got off at the Westminster station. Immediately after you climb the stairs out of the station and step onto the street, you look up and right in front of you is Big Ben.
(picture from Anne Pepe, on facebook.com)
It is quite a sight, especially when unexpected. We marveled at the tower for a bit and then found a small cafe called Cafe Bar Churchill nestled onto the side of Parliament Street. We ate and then were hustled out by our waitress.
From there, we strolled over to St. James's Park, snapped a few pictures, and then walked over to Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church. We didn't go into Westminster Abbey because of the admission fee, but we did enter St. Margaret's Church. Very large and beautiful. We didn't spend much time, and walked past Big Ben again and across the Westminster Bridge towards the London Eye. The London Eye is a huge ferris wheel that turns extremely slowly, so everyone has a chance to enjoy the view at the top. While we were there, Adam met up with us. As we walked toward the Golden Jubilee Bridge on our way to the National Gallery, we saw a few street performers entertaining the passers-by. We spent our time in the National Gallery appreciating the very old paintings in front of us. I felt like I was in the museum scene in Ferris Bueller's Day Off as I gazed at "Virgin of the Rocks." To see a Leonardo Da Vinci piece in person is an extraordinary thing.
Around 5:30 we went back over the bridge to the Royal National Theatre for a free jazz concert. The music was nice, so we found a table and just enjoyed being here in London. We stayed a while, took the tube home and ate some dinner. Then, as it was a Friday night, we decided to go to the pub and then to a club up at Picadilly Circus. The Old Swan was friendly and comfortable. But I was anxious to get to ZooBar, my first time at a club, let alone a London club. When we got there, the music was pounding. The first floor was house music (techno) and the second floor was a mix of pop/rock kind of music. We spend most of our night on the second floor, dancing the calories and the stress of our first week away to Gym Class Heroes and Rhianna. Though tiring, it was a night well spent. Two days later, my feet still hurt from the excess of walking and dancing on Friday, but I could never say it wasn't worth it.
(picture from http://www.zoobar.co.uk/)
Saturday I was so exhausted I slept until almost 4 in the afternoon. I wasn't the only one in the house doing so either. A few of us tried to go to Hyde Park, but found that it had closed after dark. It made me wonder, how can you even tell that the sun has set if you can never even see it? We spent some more time walking around Notting Hill and, in search of another pub, found a street a few miles down Notting Hill Gate that has a multitude of tiny international restaurants and shops. We eventually ended up at The Champion for a short while and then back at home. Many of us stayed in the lounge for a while, hanging out, and slowly we drifted off one by one up to bed.
This morning I woke to up to a surprise: a strange light coming in through my window. I thought to myself, "Why, what is this thing outside? Is that... could it be..? Yes, I think it might actually be the sun!!
*****
Days in London: 6
Days of sun:0 1
*****
Well, I am headed off to Kensington High St. for a bit of shopping, and then hopefully I will finally get to see Hyde Park!
Then, of course there is the cookie bake-off between Mackenzie and Jeff!
I did do some filming this morning, so expect a video entry soon!
Cheers,
B.
Thursday allotted more free time, after a short orientation session. Anne, Crystal and I trekked down Portobello Road to check out the shops. Some are rather expensive with trendy clothes and shoes, while others contain crammed shelves of souvenirs - postcards, mugs, bags, flags, hats, magnets. My favorite souvenir that I intend to buy at some point is an antiqued metal sign that looks just like the street sign for Notting Hill Gate.
(picture from http://politics.guardian.co.uk/conservatives/story/0,9061,1270560,00.html)
Further down the road, you can find an assortment of antique shops. Trying to save a little money, Anne and I bought hot dogs from a vendor along the street on Portobello Road. We discovered that the shops tend to close early, often before the posted closing time. As the shops began to close, we headed back toward Notting Hill Gate to get some groceries from the Tesco Express and pick up our mobile phones from Carphone Warehouse. Just along Notting Hill Gate, which is adjacent to Pembridge Gardens, you can find almost any shop or service you might need, allowing you to do get all your errands done within the village.
It was another long day, so doing our best to immerse ourselves into the London way of life, we headed to the pub. This time we went a bit farther down Notting Hill Gate and settled on The Champion. There we found a room downstairs where all 17 of us could fit. I tried the cider and found that it was a very interesting brew, and especially good when briskly cold. We again found that the day ends earlier on this side of the ocean, and left The Champion for Prince Albert's once again, who tends to stay open later. We didn't stay too late, though, since there were more activities still to come on Friday.
On Friday, we finally were able to tour campus. It is about a 25-minute tube ride away, near the heart of the city. We saw the academic building where our classes will take place, as well as the library and the University of London student union, also known as ULU, building where most student events take place. The university pub is located there as well. After our tour, 5 of us decided to head over to Westminster to do some site-seeing. Anne, Crystal, Jeff, Joe and I took the tube and got off at the Westminster station. Immediately after you climb the stairs out of the station and step onto the street, you look up and right in front of you is Big Ben.
(picture from Anne Pepe, on facebook.com)
It is quite a sight, especially when unexpected. We marveled at the tower for a bit and then found a small cafe called Cafe Bar Churchill nestled onto the side of Parliament Street. We ate and then were hustled out by our waitress.
From there, we strolled over to St. James's Park, snapped a few pictures, and then walked over to Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church. We didn't go into Westminster Abbey because of the admission fee, but we did enter St. Margaret's Church. Very large and beautiful. We didn't spend much time, and walked past Big Ben again and across the Westminster Bridge towards the London Eye. The London Eye is a huge ferris wheel that turns extremely slowly, so everyone has a chance to enjoy the view at the top. While we were there, Adam met up with us. As we walked toward the Golden Jubilee Bridge on our way to the National Gallery, we saw a few street performers entertaining the passers-by. We spent our time in the National Gallery appreciating the very old paintings in front of us. I felt like I was in the museum scene in Ferris Bueller's Day Off as I gazed at "Virgin of the Rocks." To see a Leonardo Da Vinci piece in person is an extraordinary thing.
Around 5:30 we went back over the bridge to the Royal National Theatre for a free jazz concert. The music was nice, so we found a table and just enjoyed being here in London. We stayed a while, took the tube home and ate some dinner. Then, as it was a Friday night, we decided to go to the pub and then to a club up at Picadilly Circus. The Old Swan was friendly and comfortable. But I was anxious to get to ZooBar, my first time at a club, let alone a London club. When we got there, the music was pounding. The first floor was house music (techno) and the second floor was a mix of pop/rock kind of music. We spend most of our night on the second floor, dancing the calories and the stress of our first week away to Gym Class Heroes and Rhianna. Though tiring, it was a night well spent. Two days later, my feet still hurt from the excess of walking and dancing on Friday, but I could never say it wasn't worth it.
(picture from http://www.zoobar.co.uk/)
Saturday I was so exhausted I slept until almost 4 in the afternoon. I wasn't the only one in the house doing so either. A few of us tried to go to Hyde Park, but found that it had closed after dark. It made me wonder, how can you even tell that the sun has set if you can never even see it? We spent some more time walking around Notting Hill and, in search of another pub, found a street a few miles down Notting Hill Gate that has a multitude of tiny international restaurants and shops. We eventually ended up at The Champion for a short while and then back at home. Many of us stayed in the lounge for a while, hanging out, and slowly we drifted off one by one up to bed.
This morning I woke to up to a surprise: a strange light coming in through my window. I thought to myself, "Why, what is this thing outside? Is that... could it be..? Yes, I think it might actually be the sun!!
*****
Days in London: 6
Days of sun:
*****
Well, I am headed off to Kensington High St. for a bit of shopping, and then hopefully I will finally get to see Hyde Park!
Then, of course there is the cookie bake-off between Mackenzie and Jeff!
I did do some filming this morning, so expect a video entry soon!
Cheers,
B.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
I spoke too soon. The day was not over yet.
So, I wrote a bit early I guess.
After having dinner at the hotel with all the other Butler students for orientation, a group of us got left behind by the shuttle going back to Pembridge Gardens. Thus, our first tube ride. I was surprised to find that the tube works just like the Boston T. It's really not difficult at all, as long as you pay attention to where you are going.
Also, I later found out that the building I'm living in is worth around £12 million. And that Sienna Miller has a place down the street. A load of laundry is going to be around £9. That's roughly $20. For a load of laundry.
Here's to my first night in London (and waking up here tomorrow!)
Cheers,
B.
After having dinner at the hotel with all the other Butler students for orientation, a group of us got left behind by the shuttle going back to Pembridge Gardens. Thus, our first tube ride. I was surprised to find that the tube works just like the Boston T. It's really not difficult at all, as long as you pay attention to where you are going.
Also, I later found out that the building I'm living in is worth around £12 million. And that Sienna Miller has a place down the street. A load of laundry is going to be around £9. That's roughly $20. For a load of laundry.
Here's to my first night in London (and waking up here tomorrow!)
Cheers,
B.
There really is a garden at Pembridge Gardens
I have arrived in London.
Despite the fact that it hasn't rained since I've been here, everything is damp. The air is very moist (sorry, Laura, if you are reading) and you can smell it. The bus ride to Pembridge Gardens was overwhelming. I did learn during that time that "to set" means "for lease." At least I think so. And we passed Marks & Spencer!
I am living in a lovely little single room, plenty big enough for me - almost the size of my dorm at Quinnipiac last semester, which was for two people. I have two huge windows that look out back on a quaint garden. I have to share a toilet and shower, but I do have a sink in my room, convenient for washing my face and brushing my teeth. All of the Birkbeck dorms are in the same building as Butler, which means if I need anything, it's right downstairs. I bet that makes you feel better, Mom.
The trip itself was very tiring. It felt a lot longer than it actually was. Carrying my suitcases has made my arms rather sore, but putting my things away and realizing I hadn't forgotten anything made it worthwhile.. even when I carried all three bags up the staircase at Pembridge Gardens (and also carried one of them up an extra floor by accident). I must say that taking a nap and washing my face with cold water has never felt so refreshing.
I made several friends at the airport, many that are going to different schools but that I hope to stay in touch with nonetheless. I've started to use my London city moleskine, and it is already becoming my favorite accessory. Right now, I think the only things I still need are some tissues and some water.
There are orientation events tonight and tomorrow, and tomorrow evening we are going to see a play!
I miss home, I swear...
Cheers,
B.
----------------
Now playing: Manchester Orchestra - Now That You're Home
Despite the fact that it hasn't rained since I've been here, everything is damp. The air is very moist (sorry, Laura, if you are reading) and you can smell it. The bus ride to Pembridge Gardens was overwhelming. I did learn during that time that "to set" means "for lease." At least I think so. And we passed Marks & Spencer!
I am living in a lovely little single room, plenty big enough for me - almost the size of my dorm at Quinnipiac last semester, which was for two people. I have two huge windows that look out back on a quaint garden. I have to share a toilet and shower, but I do have a sink in my room, convenient for washing my face and brushing my teeth. All of the Birkbeck dorms are in the same building as Butler, which means if I need anything, it's right downstairs. I bet that makes you feel better, Mom.
The trip itself was very tiring. It felt a lot longer than it actually was. Carrying my suitcases has made my arms rather sore, but putting my things away and realizing I hadn't forgotten anything made it worthwhile.. even when I carried all three bags up the staircase at Pembridge Gardens (and also carried one of them up an extra floor by accident). I must say that taking a nap and washing my face with cold water has never felt so refreshing.
I made several friends at the airport, many that are going to different schools but that I hope to stay in touch with nonetheless. I've started to use my London city moleskine, and it is already becoming my favorite accessory. Right now, I think the only things I still need are some tissues and some water.
There are orientation events tonight and tomorrow, and tomorrow evening we are going to see a play!
I miss home, I swear...
Cheers,
B.
----------------
Now playing: Manchester Orchestra - Now That You're Home
Saturday, December 29, 2007
And that's when I realized it's not actually just across a pond..
I am leaving the U.S. in 2 days, 18 hours, and 44 minutes.
And I am now realizing that that is very, very soon.
Tomorrow I get to shove a bunch of things into space bags and then vacuum them up. That should suck. ... Get it? Chuckle out loud.
John (my brother) got a couple of notes (I think that is what they call bills, right?) for me at the bank. $150 turns out to be about £70. I am going to be very, very poor when I come home in April.
(viewimages.com)
Am I Ready?
Spitalfield says...
"When you fall asleep tonight
And you ask the question:
Am I ready?
Yes, you're ready"
(Spitalfield - Am I Ready?)
Okay then...
Cheers,
B.
----------------
Today's Links
None Today.. Go outside and take a walk.
----------------
Now playing: The Moldy Peaches - Nothing Came Out
And I am now realizing that that is very, very soon.
Tomorrow I get to shove a bunch of things into space bags and then vacuum them up. That should suck. ... Get it? Chuckle out loud.
John (my brother) got a couple of notes (I think that is what they call bills, right?) for me at the bank. $150 turns out to be about £70. I am going to be very, very poor when I come home in April.
(viewimages.com)
Am I Ready?
Spitalfield says...
"When you fall asleep tonight
And you ask the question:
Am I ready?
Yes, you're ready"
(Spitalfield - Am I Ready?)
Okay then...
Cheers,
B.
----------------
Today's Links
None Today.. Go outside and take a walk.
----------------
Now playing: The Moldy Peaches - Nothing Came Out
Monday, December 24, 2007
The radio's playing Crimson and Clover; London Bridge is safe and sound.
I'm sorry I'm so terrible at posting. I'm also sorry I ruined your lives and crammed eleven cookies into the VCR. But, seeing as I'm bed-ridden this Christmas, maybe I'll post? Though I'm pretty sure Dave and Liz are going to be the only two that read this thing. Brianne's kind of a default.
So, these small town blues will soon wash away. London's just going to be so OPEN: open vintage markets, open countryside excursions, and the entirety of Europe at our disposal. I'm trying to hit some key places: Spain, Norway, Amsterdam, Prague, Wales/Scotland. Hopefully Italy in late February. I love the idea of taking your friends out of the country you grew up in and transplanting them somewhere new. See what we become. I've always believed you don't truly know what your friends are like until you've traveled with them. It's all going to be so exciting :)
Hopefully I can make it to the Spice Girls concert! I'm also dying to go on this Wales Horseback riding trip, but the BU London site where I can buy tickets is currently outta commission. But our school isn't known for its efficiency.
There's also this amazing amazing artist whose gallery I am dying to visit. His name is Peter Callesen, and he designs all his creations using paper. We're talking like full-scale models using delicate white paper/He is incredible. See for yourself:
I can't wait to get to the U.K. We're talking, I won't sleep because I'm afraid of missing anything. My R.A. went last year and highly recommended StrongBow. Really cheap and really good? And cheap is going to be my middle name whilst I'm over there. I'll try to avoid the Ramen though. Wouldn't want my hair to fall out because of all the MSG.
Love Love Love (Love Love),
Xteens
So, these small town blues will soon wash away. London's just going to be so OPEN: open vintage markets, open countryside excursions, and the entirety of Europe at our disposal. I'm trying to hit some key places: Spain, Norway, Amsterdam, Prague, Wales/Scotland. Hopefully Italy in late February. I love the idea of taking your friends out of the country you grew up in and transplanting them somewhere new. See what we become. I've always believed you don't truly know what your friends are like until you've traveled with them. It's all going to be so exciting :)
Hopefully I can make it to the Spice Girls concert! I'm also dying to go on this Wales Horseback riding trip, but the BU London site where I can buy tickets is currently outta commission. But our school isn't known for its efficiency.
There's also this amazing amazing artist whose gallery I am dying to visit. His name is Peter Callesen, and he designs all his creations using paper. We're talking like full-scale models using delicate white paper/He is incredible. See for yourself:
I can't wait to get to the U.K. We're talking, I won't sleep because I'm afraid of missing anything. My R.A. went last year and highly recommended StrongBow. Really cheap and really good? And cheap is going to be my middle name whilst I'm over there. I'll try to avoid the Ramen though. Wouldn't want my hair to fall out because of all the MSG.
Love Love Love (Love Love),
Xteens
Friday, December 21, 2007
Piles and Pembridge
Today is the 21st of December in the year 2007. That means 10 more days until I leave good ole Boston and head straight to classy New Jersey!! That's right.. I get to spend a full 7 hours in the delightful Newark airport before departing for London. I just got an email telling me to put red ribbons on all my luggage so my fellow Birkbeck study abroad students and I can recognize each other. Like a secret code. How fun!
Since I am lacking video again (I know, kick me), here are some piles instead:
I shall call it "The Process of Packing in Three Photographs"
Oh! And here is the likeness of my dorm (according to londonhotels.co.uk):
Outside
(Picture from http://www.londonnethotels.co.uk/Pembridge_Gardens_Budget_Rooms.htm)
and Inside
(Picture from http://www.londonnethotels.co.uk/Pembridge_Gardens_Budget_Rooms.htm)
It's called Pembridge Gardens. Isn't that so British? Looks cozy and bright. Only two tube stops away form Christina!
I can't believe how soon I'm leaving; this past semester felt like a montage, so short and sweet that you barely have the chance to realize it's passing. I hope my time in London doesn't speed away from me as fast.
Cheers,
B.
----------------
Today's Links
MSN Currency Converter - a real tear-jerker
London Street Fashion - showcases fashion found on the streets of London including interviews with the people pictured
The Face Hunter - another London fashion blog, this one's from a fashion photographer!
New Moon -where I will be interning! where I will no longer be interning
----------------
Now playing: Manchester Orchestra - Now That You're Home
Since I am lacking video again (I know, kick me), here are some piles instead:
I shall call it "The Process of Packing in Three Photographs"
Oh! And here is the likeness of my dorm (according to londonhotels.co.uk):
Outside
(Picture from http://www.londonnethotels.co.uk/Pembridge_Gardens_Budget_Rooms.htm)
and Inside
(Picture from http://www.londonnethotels.co.uk/Pembridge_Gardens_Budget_Rooms.htm)
It's called Pembridge Gardens. Isn't that so British? Looks cozy and bright. Only two tube stops away form Christina!
I can't believe how soon I'm leaving; this past semester felt like a montage, so short and sweet that you barely have the chance to realize it's passing. I hope my time in London doesn't speed away from me as fast.
Cheers,
B.
----------------
Today's Links
MSN Currency Converter - a real tear-jerker
London Street Fashion - showcases fashion found on the streets of London including interviews with the people pictured
The Face Hunter - another London fashion blog, this one's from a fashion photographer!
New Moon -
----------------
Now playing: Manchester Orchestra - Now That You're Home
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Visa, not the credit card
Today I got the official email saying that my application for a visa to the U.K. has been approved! Okay, I lied about this being a video post. I apologize. I did include a picture, however, so no complaining please. Now that all of my paperwork and official matter have been settled, I am starting to think about things like am I going to have internet in my dorm?, will I starve from the shrunken portions?, will there be a university gym or will I have to run on the streets?, will "Black Books"* be on basic cable there?, will people think I dress weird?, etc. I'm also trying to remember how to make friends. I think it's something like, ask a lot of questions, find things in common, let the bonding ensue?
Also, I really hope I don't forget socks. I always forget socks.
Cheers,
B.
*"Black Books" - a British sitcom about a cranky man who runs a book shop and two of his mates. I watch episodes of this show online.
----------------
Today's Links
New Moon - where I will be interning!
----------------
Now playing: As Tall As Lions - Maybe I'm Just Tired
Friday, December 7, 2007
Study Ablog
I'm leaving for London in less than a month now - that is, if they actually deem it safe to let me into the country and approve me for a visa. [They let Spellman into Egypt... I think I might be okay] It's going to interesting spending the transition into the New Year in transit to England. I think it will be a great way to spend it, though. There is nothing like a clean start, and I think that is exactly what my semester abroad is going to be for me.
My next post may or may not be a video post. I'm hoping to start doing that, because let's be honest, sometimes you'd rather just watch my pretty face than actually read something.
Also, Hap Ha Birt t M ! (that is half of Happy Half Birthday to Me... get it?)
Cheers,
B.
----------------
Today's Links:
Etiquette in the U.K. - don't do the peace sign backwards!
iPod City Guides - info about London right in the same place as your Jimmy Eat World (or your Rilo Kiley if you're indie or something..)
iSubway Maps - nifty tool for preventing self-misplacement while in London
World Clocks - where the one on the left panel comes from
----------------
Now playing: Jimmy Eat World - Chase This Light
My next post may or may not be a video post. I'm hoping to start doing that, because let's be honest, sometimes you'd rather just watch my pretty face than actually read something.
Also, Hap Ha Birt t M ! (that is half of Happy Half Birthday to Me... get it?)
Cheers,
B.
----------------
Today's Links:
Etiquette in the U.K. - don't do the peace sign backwards!
iPod City Guides - info about London right in the same place as your Jimmy Eat World (or your Rilo Kiley if you're indie or something..)
iSubway Maps - nifty tool for preventing self-misplacement while in London
World Clocks - where the one on the left panel comes from
----------------
Now playing: Jimmy Eat World - Chase This Light
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