Study Abroad in London

The Portobello Rd Market is as incredible as the guide to London said it was. There were antiques and small shops for miles. Before we embarked on our mission I found a charming coffee shop in which to check my email, and noticed that it’s really difficult to find a café that serves disappointing cappuccinos, they’re everywhere. The vendors were selling everything from fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, fish, to cooked peanuts, bratwurst, frankfurters, and much, much more. One vendor in particular was selling hand crafted journals made by a family in Hungary which had some of the most beautiful leather work. Some of the books had bunched leather sown into the cover; others were graced with jewels and emblems. After that, we found someone selling fudge of many varieties. From cookies ‘n’ cream, to strawberries ‘n’ cream, to just fudge. The widest selection of fudge and fudge products I’ve seen. Ben, Kim and I, shared them with a French couple that was lost, and, after giving them directions we headed back. I enjoyed a brief snack in my room and trekked back to the Victoria and Albert museum to have a nice long sitting with Rodin in the main lobby w/the other sculptures and do a sketch. I only got about an hour to rough it out though and am looking forward to returning to visit him again.
Riding the tube started out being a thwarting experience, but, as I spend more time in and around it, the tube has become quite familiar. It is almost as if it’s a culture in and of itself. Not just the trains on it but the people in it seem to be more friendly and, comparatively, London is quaint. It is a large town with few natives, but a lot of locals. At times I feel at home in the least expected way. There was a family that was out visiting downtown today, and their children were no different than the children that surround me back home. Almost the same age, no matter what language is spoken the actions are the same. Even the lady across from me couldn’t help but smile the whole ride. The little girl, probably two, was talking almost the whole train ride, whereas most of the passengers are pretty quiet and keep to themselves. It was a welcome change of pace.

The massive, ancient, sculpted Lego’s of Stonehenge were as impressive as Raphael’s masterpieces. Almost as overwhelming, and just as empowering I again was caught in the web of my already mystified mind. I had seen it as a child, but it seemed smaller then. The realization of what can be accomplished when humankind comes together for a common goal. Even without power tools they were able to drag the 40 tons 20 miles. I-M-P-ressive. Afterward, still reeling from the massive rocks, we visited The Salisbury Cathedral that John Constable painted many times. It only took 36 years to build, and was an exciting building to be in. Mystifying, usually when I’ve visited a graveyard, weather or not I’ve known anyone buried there, there is a foreboding, depressing feeling in the air, but this area was uplifting, and a spiritual experience. We ate at this local pub called the Haunch of Venison. While looking for the pub we ran into “Old Man Salisbury” who was very helpful in getting us to our destination. Inside the pub there is a hand that had been cut off as a warning to any one thinking about cheating at cards. On our return home our bus broke down. We waited to be rescued for about 15-20 min. That night we ate the Banana Tree, and saw the night life locals of Hampstead who like hang out outside. Overall, an enjoyable Friday the 13.

Today was the most reflective day I have ever had. Our class went to the Victorian and Albert museum, an unparalleled experience. There was art from across the globe all in one place. Treasures located inside included pieces from Britain to Asia, Constable to Rodin, and everywhere in between. There was a replica of David, which is a lot larger than expected. It was about 1.5 times as big as any of the other sculptures located at the entrance of the museum. They also had a replica of the Greek painting which is quite similar to the School of Athens. Which is a beautiful work depicting the argument of the spiritual world vs. the rational one of Plato and Socrates. Of all the artists I got to spend a moment with one was in a rather large room which contained four HUGE Raphael pieces that were done as cartoons for large tapestries. The cartoons were used to make these incredibly ornate tapestries. They had been shredded for ease of use when building the tapestry. They must have been 10 ft. tall. Really overwhelming, not to sound to Art-type like, but it, seriously, almost brought me to tears. The pieces in that room were so large and overpowering that I could hardly move. I felt as if I had just met Raphael, and got to sit alone with him for a little while. Just in awe, I think I caught quite a few flies while staring blankly at all three of them. There were all kinds of other works located in the museum. Some pottery pieces, some gold crosses and trinkets from the crusades, marble sculpture everywhere, a plaster replica of the Trajan Tower, Chinese pottery, it was all too much to take in for one day. After about three hours I couldn’t take anymore, and I was only on the tip of the iceberg. Being on imagination overload and in need of repair, I decided to call it a day. I will visit again real soon with visual batteries recharged.

The Kenwood House excursion was enjoyable. King’s College, where we are located, seems to be about and hour from downtown, and an hour from the Heath where Kenwood house is. So it’s a bit frustrating to get anywhere. At first, maybe because I was overcome with anxiety and excitement, the trip felt like maybe 20-30 min. to get downtown. Now, I’ve come to the realization that it isn’t as quick as originally thought. Today’s personal trip was into this rather amusing town of Camden. Just outside London, it’s the Mecca for “freaks”. They had about 5 tattoo/piercing shops on the main road just outside of the tunnel exit, and the market there sold so many individual items I could hardly believe it. Weather it’s the black, leather clad, spiky goth dress you’ve been looking for or the glow-in-the-dark rave jumpsuit with a million pockets complete w/white leather nurse mask including breathing holes, they have all of it if your looking to be original. Not only does Camden have the outlandish they also have handmade jewelry made of wood, coconut or bone, as well as, beautiful dresses, awesome jackets, and much, much more. I saw more people with their hair braided, and faces (not ears) pierced than all of London, even in the SoHo district.

Yesterday we had our first day of class. It was exciting to see some of the students really interested, but some, not so much. That is usually the case, I guess. So, we are going to take a trip to Kenwood tomorrow with the class, and I went up with my professor, Ken, to check out the space. The house is small, but will be good for a start into the world of art. The estate, however, is huge and beautiful. Wooded paths with all kinds of people walking their full bred dogs are around the huge yard. There’s a pond in the middle of the lake with the largest swan I have ever seen. I did take a pic of it, but I’m unsure how to get it from my camera, coincidently I might have to wait to put any pics on this blog for you guys. Also, some contemporary sculpture is in the yard. They are beautiful. Most of the painting inside was of royalty, their mistresses, or some meaning that was beyond my interest. It’ll be a good starting point for the rest of the students without any experience in discussing art, and definitely won’t be too overwhelming. I think the walk around the estate will be more interesting. Breakfast today we had omelets, sausage, and croissants which were fabulous. First time I’ve eaten protein for breakfast since we arrived. For lunch we ate at the famous pub near Kenwood that had been there since 1800’s. Inside they held the most delicious fish and chips, the cuisine of London. Afterward, we traveled to the Victoria and Albert museum where we saw the bruised and battered exterior kept as a memorial to the bombings of World War II. We saved going inside until Thursday, and shuffled over to the Lamborghini dealership for a glance at one of the hottest toys on the market. They would only open the door to appointments though so we could only look and drool. We wiped our chins and carried on home for supper.