Yesterday we visited the old naval city of Greenwich. Sitting right next to the Thames on the outskirts of London, it basically served as the gateway to the empire for over 300 years. But it's most famous contribution to the world is the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) which was established at the Royal Observatory. It is also home to the Prime Meridian, from which all time zones are based. So technically the observatory itself is in both the East and West hemispheres.
This was crucial to the expanding global economy. The Prime Meridian also helped ships determine their position in the seas. They would keep a clock on the ship and at Noon, Greenwich time, they would measure the angle of the sun in their sky. The further the sun was from the noon position, the further they were from home. This was the first time sailors could determine the position laterally not just vertically.
And although these methods are now obsolete due to modern GPS, it was the peak of technology in its day. The Royal Observatory even had a time ball on top that rose and drop every day at 1. This was so all the sailors in the ports knew the time- and when to break for lunch. The ball does the same thing to this day.
But in addition to the historical sites, Greenwich the town also has a lot to offer. We found a quaint little cheese shop on one of the side streets that had more varieties than I ever thought possible. There was goat cheese, French cheese, Dutch cheese, cheese with nuts, cheese with fruit in it, etc. But I, the timid American, just chose the first one that had "cheddar' in the name (I was NOT disappointed). After that we strolled down to the Trafalgar Tavern for a beer while we soaked in the view of the Thames and Canary Wharf, London's financial district. We even sampled the customary whitebait: little fried fish that are native to the Thames. And we're talking the whole fish- eyes and all.
Between its historical significance and unique culture, it was no surprise in 1997 when it was named a World Heritage Site.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
"Should I put the Kettle on?"
This is the informal way of saying "are you staying?" in British. Making a pot of tea is the traditional thing to do when you have company: pull out the fine china, the Earl Gray, and maybe set out some biscuits (cookies) for good measure. And for a nation that drinks almost 200 million cups of tea a day, you can imagine how common of a phrase this actually is.
Today in class, Lyndon taught us the proper way to make a pot of England's favourite beverage (beer is a close second). You start by warming the pot- pour a little boiling water in and just swish it around. This ensures that when you pour the actual water for the tea in it doesn't immediately cool down. Once the pot is warmed, you add the actual tea leaves. The rule of thumb is one teaspoon for each person, and then one for the pot. This way you're guaranteed enough for everyone and there will always be some left for a refresher.
Then you add the boiling water and stir. When pouring you use a strainer that rests on the edge of the cup; this will filter out any leaves. Now it gets interesting (or as interesting as making tea gets). The typical additions are milk, sugar, honey, and lemon. And what you put in your tea can actually say a lot about you. For instance, it's still seen as middle class to add your milk first. This is a holdover from when china was rare and you didn't want it cracking by pouring the hot tea first. While the upper-class would either have fine china that wouldn't break, or enough replacements not to care.
Then again, 95% of the tea drank today is made with teabags. So this traditional process is becoming more and more of a lost art. And I can't ever see Americans giving up their Starbucks for more work and less caffeine. I personally will stick with Diet Coke!
Today in class, Lyndon taught us the proper way to make a pot of England's favourite beverage (beer is a close second). You start by warming the pot- pour a little boiling water in and just swish it around. This ensures that when you pour the actual water for the tea in it doesn't immediately cool down. Once the pot is warmed, you add the actual tea leaves. The rule of thumb is one teaspoon for each person, and then one for the pot. This way you're guaranteed enough for everyone and there will always be some left for a refresher.
Then you add the boiling water and stir. When pouring you use a strainer that rests on the edge of the cup; this will filter out any leaves. Now it gets interesting (or as interesting as making tea gets). The typical additions are milk, sugar, honey, and lemon. And what you put in your tea can actually say a lot about you. For instance, it's still seen as middle class to add your milk first. This is a holdover from when china was rare and you didn't want it cracking by pouring the hot tea first. While the upper-class would either have fine china that wouldn't break, or enough replacements not to care.
Then again, 95% of the tea drank today is made with teabags. So this traditional process is becoming more and more of a lost art. And I can't ever see Americans giving up their Starbucks for more work and less caffeine. I personally will stick with Diet Coke!
Friday, January 21, 2011
It's a Bloody Brilliant Day in the Neighborhood
I thought I'd take this time to give a little insight into where we're living. Of course, you all know I live in London, but it's such a vast city that that's like saying you live in New York City- it doesn't really narrow it down at all. More specifically we live in the City of Westminster, one of the bigger boroughs in the city (here pronounced bur-uh NOT bur-oh). So actually, this isn't very specific either as Westminster stretches from the Thames (Parliament and the Abbey that bares its name) all the way out to our flat on Kilburn. ( Our Flat on Google.)
Despite what the locals have told us (a Taxi driver related it to Harlem) we have found it to be completely hospitable. He probably said that because our neighborhood is mostly black and Arabic, which can make for an even bigger culture shock for a bunch of white kids from Indiana. But it really hasn't been unnerving at all- you begin to realize that Londoners come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. It's not like in the States where if someone has an accent or different color skin you automatically assume they are a foreigner- people here can be 2nd or 3rd generation and still retain their entire culture. In fact, just around the corner (literally) is the city of Brent, which is so diverse that over 55 languages are spoken there.
Of course the main benefit to this diversity is the FOOD! We can walk right up the High Road and get the most authentic Curry, Lamb Kabob, or Halal meat this side of the Mediterranean! The shop owners are all very friendly, and most speak better English than kids I went to high school with. And there's always the more traditional pub- The Queen's Arms- right next door if we want to kick it British style. We are always in there for the free WiFi which has made us quite familiar with the staff and owners. (The girls love to rub it in our face that they often get free drinks during their frequent visits.)
We're also enjoying the location of our flats. Although we could be closer to Central London, the Underground and Bus system makes it really easy to get wherever we need to go. You can see on the map that if we just head down Kilburn High Road, we'd run straight into Hyde Park, and the West End beyond that. Not to mention, we live two blocks over from Abbey Road!
This may not help at all, as I know looking at a map of the city can be quite intimidating. But I promise you, once you've walked the walks and had a look around, it really is quite an easy city to get feel for. Well that's all for now- today we're going to go try and find some locals to play (their) football with.
Any questions, just ask!
Despite what the locals have told us (a Taxi driver related it to Harlem) we have found it to be completely hospitable. He probably said that because our neighborhood is mostly black and Arabic, which can make for an even bigger culture shock for a bunch of white kids from Indiana. But it really hasn't been unnerving at all- you begin to realize that Londoners come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. It's not like in the States where if someone has an accent or different color skin you automatically assume they are a foreigner- people here can be 2nd or 3rd generation and still retain their entire culture. In fact, just around the corner (literally) is the city of Brent, which is so diverse that over 55 languages are spoken there.
Of course the main benefit to this diversity is the FOOD! We can walk right up the High Road and get the most authentic Curry, Lamb Kabob, or Halal meat this side of the Mediterranean! The shop owners are all very friendly, and most speak better English than kids I went to high school with. And there's always the more traditional pub- The Queen's Arms- right next door if we want to kick it British style. We are always in there for the free WiFi which has made us quite familiar with the staff and owners. (The girls love to rub it in our face that they often get free drinks during their frequent visits.)
We're also enjoying the location of our flats. Although we could be closer to Central London, the Underground and Bus system makes it really easy to get wherever we need to go. You can see on the map that if we just head down Kilburn High Road, we'd run straight into Hyde Park, and the West End beyond that. Not to mention, we live two blocks over from Abbey Road!
This may not help at all, as I know looking at a map of the city can be quite intimidating. But I promise you, once you've walked the walks and had a look around, it really is quite an easy city to get feel for. Well that's all for now- today we're going to go try and find some locals to play (their) football with.
Any questions, just ask!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Westminster Abbey
I can honestly say I saw something today that I've never seen before, nor that I ever will again. Westminster Abbey is the home to over 5,000 tombs and memorials of England's most celebrated people. Not just Kings and Queens- but Poets, Scientists, War Heroes, and any other person that has served their Country or God (King Henry VII, Sir Isaac Newton, and Geoffrey Chaucer to name but a few). This now secular cathedral basically serves as a Valhalla for Englishmen. But that's not to say there aren't some American tributes as well: a plaque commemorating FDR, a congressional Medal of Honor awarded by us to the unknown British soldier, even various memorials to American writers in "Poet's Corner".
The weight of history really hits you hard once you step in the doors. To think of all the coronations and weddings that have taken place there over the last 900 years is staggering. Even the original coronation chair built in the 13th Century is still there (and I have a feeling it will be used again in the coming years).
No place has ever truly made me feel so connected to history as Westminster Abbey did today. But the most astonishing part is that it makes you realize "history" is not over by any means; it is being experienced by us everyday! Kings and Queens will continued to be crowned there. Royal couples will still get married there (see for yourself in exactly 100 days). And the greatest minds and hearts of present day will continued to be remembered there.
With this in mind, I lit a prayer candle for my brother Jamie there today. So as you see, history is never over. Plus, I know he'd enjoy the company.
The weight of history really hits you hard once you step in the doors. To think of all the coronations and weddings that have taken place there over the last 900 years is staggering. Even the original coronation chair built in the 13th Century is still there (and I have a feeling it will be used again in the coming years).
No place has ever truly made me feel so connected to history as Westminster Abbey did today. But the most astonishing part is that it makes you realize "history" is not over by any means; it is being experienced by us everyday! Kings and Queens will continued to be crowned there. Royal couples will still get married there (see for yourself in exactly 100 days). And the greatest minds and hearts of present day will continued to be remembered there.
With this in mind, I lit a prayer candle for my brother Jamie there today. So as you see, history is never over. Plus, I know he'd enjoy the company.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
"You sound like you're from London!"
They say time flies when you're having fun. But it must be at a stand still when you're having a ball. It's been almost a week now, but most of us would say it already feels like we've been here a month. This has nothing to do with the speed of clocks, but rather the content of our time.
The first few days stretched an eternity as we slowly explored our new surroundings: learning the Underground, getting lost only to find our way around, and finding the best place to get a pint. I can tell you already that the Underground really is quite simple, not to mention the best way to travel in the city. A funny side note: Londoners DO NOT talk on the tube. So it's always embarrassing when a group of 15 of us Americans hop on and disturb their peace (especially if we're on our way out for the night!) And as far as exploring, there's nothing quite like getting lost and stumbling upon Trafalgar Square- finding yourself staring up at Big Ben. Although technically, nobody can see Big Ben as it is the bell inside the tower, not the tower itself (I know, I'm a pretentious Brit already).
We have found some great places to have a drink though. The George and The Old Bell really stand out as my favourite. It's funny, Pubs are here are more opulent and classic than most churches or courthouses back home. Mind you, they're probably much older as well. The only down side is that most close their doors by Midnight at the latest. Then you have to continue to a club or bar that has a late-night license. This can sometimes be an adventure unto itself! I don't think we've ever walked through Piccadilly Circus without split up.
Time was further compounded yesterday when class started. For our first session, we met ON Tower Bridge at 9:30 a.m. We then took about a 5 hour walk down the Thames as our Professor Lyndon gave us an abbreviated history as only a Brit could tell it. It really puts in perspective when he says "your Revolution" or "our Queen". It also helped that each person in the group received an historical figure to research prior to the walk. Then, once we were at a location relevant to that person, we could hear their story first-hand; it was incredibly insightful to hear Ann Boleyn show us herself where she was beheaded (Tower of London FYI). Not only did this help put certain histories in context, but made remembering the various monarchs much easier. I've been into world history for years, and only now could I tell you the differences between Victoria and Elizabeth or Richard and Henry(s).
But the best part wasn't hearing the history, it was seeing it! That day on the Thames alone we saw Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, The Millennium Bridge, The Tate Modern, Cleopatra's Needle, Parliament, and Big Ben. Then just around the corner was Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, and The National Gallery. We only went in the Gallery for about an hour (yes, like most museums in London, it's FREE) but that was enough time to hang out with some dudes named Botticelli, Monet, and Van Goh.
I promise to have pictures up soon. I already would but it was raining the majority of yesterday and I'm waiting for a nice day to really do it justice. For although this extended week seems to have lasted forever, today is the first day we've actually seen the Sun.
Cheers!
The first few days stretched an eternity as we slowly explored our new surroundings: learning the Underground, getting lost only to find our way around, and finding the best place to get a pint. I can tell you already that the Underground really is quite simple, not to mention the best way to travel in the city. A funny side note: Londoners DO NOT talk on the tube. So it's always embarrassing when a group of 15 of us Americans hop on and disturb their peace (especially if we're on our way out for the night!) And as far as exploring, there's nothing quite like getting lost and stumbling upon Trafalgar Square- finding yourself staring up at Big Ben. Although technically, nobody can see Big Ben as it is the bell inside the tower, not the tower itself (I know, I'm a pretentious Brit already).
We have found some great places to have a drink though. The George and The Old Bell really stand out as my favourite. It's funny, Pubs are here are more opulent and classic than most churches or courthouses back home. Mind you, they're probably much older as well. The only down side is that most close their doors by Midnight at the latest. Then you have to continue to a club or bar that has a late-night license. This can sometimes be an adventure unto itself! I don't think we've ever walked through Piccadilly Circus without split up.
Time was further compounded yesterday when class started. For our first session, we met ON Tower Bridge at 9:30 a.m. We then took about a 5 hour walk down the Thames as our Professor Lyndon gave us an abbreviated history as only a Brit could tell it. It really puts in perspective when he says "your Revolution" or "our Queen". It also helped that each person in the group received an historical figure to research prior to the walk. Then, once we were at a location relevant to that person, we could hear their story first-hand; it was incredibly insightful to hear Ann Boleyn show us herself where she was beheaded (Tower of London FYI). Not only did this help put certain histories in context, but made remembering the various monarchs much easier. I've been into world history for years, and only now could I tell you the differences between Victoria and Elizabeth or Richard and Henry(s).
But the best part wasn't hearing the history, it was seeing it! That day on the Thames alone we saw Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, The Millennium Bridge, The Tate Modern, Cleopatra's Needle, Parliament, and Big Ben. Then just around the corner was Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, and The National Gallery. We only went in the Gallery for about an hour (yes, like most museums in London, it's FREE) but that was enough time to hang out with some dudes named Botticelli, Monet, and Van Goh.
I promise to have pictures up soon. I already would but it was raining the majority of yesterday and I'm waiting for a nice day to really do it justice. For although this extended week seems to have lasted forever, today is the first day we've actually seen the Sun.
Cheers!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Welcome to LondonTown
YES. After three delays, one missed flight, and uncomfortable night spent at O'Hare, we finally made it. We got through customs (with our duty-free liquor purchased on the flight) and made it to the flats around Midnight. Most places in the neighborhood were closed, except a nice little Fish & Chips spot we had to try. Contrary to what we heard previously, they do in fact have Ketchup to put on your chips (fries). Although, salt and vinegar is a much more popular choice.
The flats are perfectly adequate: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, a kitchenette, and a common room (sadly lacking the Gryffindor-esque fireplace of my dreams). The flats sleep 8 but since there's only 7 of us guys, we have one extra bed in ours. The girls are in the other 3 and then there are 2 more occupied by students from Arizona State Univ. My one complaint is that Brits don't use a sheet- just a comforter. That will take some getting used to.
We woke up early this morning and went and got our Oyster cards for the subway (Underground). We have yet to test out this subterranean means of transportation as we spent most of the day walking. After we got our cards, Matt and I went in search of Paddington Recreation Ground to see if we could find a football (soccer) game to join. Instead we ended up getting lost. But found our way back an hour later by spotting the steeple of St. Augustine's, which is just down the road. London is actually a pretty navigable city once you get the hang of it. The hardest part is remembering which way to look when crossing the street! We had a couple close calls and almost ended up as Mini-Cooper hood ornaments.
Then at noon we all went down to Westminster City College for orientation. Lucky for us, the school just got renovated and is quite impressive. We are actually the first Ball State group to enjoy its facilities (pictures coming soon). In addition to that, our classroom is the penthouse of the building. And due to it's floor to ceiling glass windows, we have a 180 degree view of the city stretching from Wembley Arena to Downtown. Another big plus is our Brit teacher Lyndon Sly. Not only is he a fellow Tottenham supporter, but as a local he has great insight into the functioning of our daily lives. Probably the most important info he gave me today was that Londoners don't tip bartenders, although offering to buy them a drink is more than welcome.
After a late lunch at a local pub, we are now back at the flats having a little siesta before going out tonight. Incredibly, it is about 50 degrees outside! But our hopes of comfortable weather were dashed when Lyndon informed us that this is quite abnormal for January, and that it will return to the traditional temperatures next week. Bollocks!
The flats are perfectly adequate: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, a kitchenette, and a common room (sadly lacking the Gryffindor-esque fireplace of my dreams). The flats sleep 8 but since there's only 7 of us guys, we have one extra bed in ours. The girls are in the other 3 and then there are 2 more occupied by students from Arizona State Univ. My one complaint is that Brits don't use a sheet- just a comforter. That will take some getting used to.
We woke up early this morning and went and got our Oyster cards for the subway (Underground). We have yet to test out this subterranean means of transportation as we spent most of the day walking. After we got our cards, Matt and I went in search of Paddington Recreation Ground to see if we could find a football (soccer) game to join. Instead we ended up getting lost. But found our way back an hour later by spotting the steeple of St. Augustine's, which is just down the road. London is actually a pretty navigable city once you get the hang of it. The hardest part is remembering which way to look when crossing the street! We had a couple close calls and almost ended up as Mini-Cooper hood ornaments.
Then at noon we all went down to Westminster City College for orientation. Lucky for us, the school just got renovated and is quite impressive. We are actually the first Ball State group to enjoy its facilities (pictures coming soon). In addition to that, our classroom is the penthouse of the building. And due to it's floor to ceiling glass windows, we have a 180 degree view of the city stretching from Wembley Arena to Downtown. Another big plus is our Brit teacher Lyndon Sly. Not only is he a fellow Tottenham supporter, but as a local he has great insight into the functioning of our daily lives. Probably the most important info he gave me today was that Londoners don't tip bartenders, although offering to buy them a drink is more than welcome.
After a late lunch at a local pub, we are now back at the flats having a little siesta before going out tonight. Incredibly, it is about 50 degrees outside! But our hopes of comfortable weather were dashed when Lyndon informed us that this is quite abnormal for January, and that it will return to the traditional temperatures next week. Bollocks!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Like a Kid on Christmas
Greetings to all those who are reading this for the first time, my name is Matt Holden and along with Jared Windler we will be contributing to this blog about our studies abroad. Currently we are holed up at the Indianapolis Airport waiting to take off, and due to delays it looks like we will remain here just a little longer.
Studying abroad is something we have always talked about, and now that it is coming to fruition it seems very surreal. As if our anticipation wasn't already high enough, these last minute delays are only adding to it! The fact that the next time I will be writing on this blog will be while I'm residing in London is very hard to believe.
This blog will mainly be used to document our adventures abroad for those of you that are at home. Mostly it will consist of comparisons between the two countries and how it affects us as college students.
This story begins with us at the airport, counting down the minutes as if with our arrival christmas comes as well. How it ends however, has yet to be determined. Like you, we have no idea how this series of posts will fit together, but I suppose that itself is the allure of the blog. To see how our story ends, stay tuned!
Studying abroad is something we have always talked about, and now that it is coming to fruition it seems very surreal. As if our anticipation wasn't already high enough, these last minute delays are only adding to it! The fact that the next time I will be writing on this blog will be while I'm residing in London is very hard to believe.
This blog will mainly be used to document our adventures abroad for those of you that are at home. Mostly it will consist of comparisons between the two countries and how it affects us as college students.
This story begins with us at the airport, counting down the minutes as if with our arrival christmas comes as well. How it ends however, has yet to be determined. Like you, we have no idea how this series of posts will fit together, but I suppose that itself is the allure of the blog. To see how our story ends, stay tuned!
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