French girls shop like it's their job! In the stores here they are always waiting in line for the dressing room and for the cash registers, arms loaded with clothes. And, unlike in America where I can shop during the week without much competition, here in France you must arrive when the stores open to have a hope of scoring your correct size and moving about freely. Once lunch time hits, from then until closing, EVERY day of the week, the stores are loaded with french females acting like they are in a race for the new items.
*This is also one of the reasons I hate shopping; the disorder of clothes all messed up and out of size and color order, added to the inconsiderate other shoppers pushing past me or grabbing the exact item i was reaching for, fatigues me.
I haven't really shopped here (I nabbed 5 new things, all in the same store, close to the end of winter when the sales were starting) so I don't feel guilty for picking up 6 more new things for the summer. I shopped around for a few days, comparing prices and making sure I wasn't going to have buyer's remorse, then I purchased two casual summer dresses, a pair of daring heels, a pair of cute flats, a hippy tank top, and a denim skirt. Oh, and, at the market I finally bought a little, leather, hand made satchel that I have been eyeing since I arrived here in September.
I suppose that I am offically fahionably prepared for when I return in May and have days and days without anything to do but soak up the sun and walk the city enjoying the sites. Well, and I'm more prepared for summer in general.
~Tam in Toulouse
Friday, April 22, 2011
Shopping 1
In the one day of complete freedom this week, in between my last exam and leaving tomorrow morning for Easter in the States, I decided to go shopping. Let me go ahead and say that I don't particularly like shopping. I LOVE looking in windows and online, imagining myself in all the pretty clothes, but when it comes time to try different sizes and drag myself from store to store in order to score the best deal, I'm just left with a fatigue and self-doubt that I will in fact look pretty in the things I purchased.
Anyway, a few weeks ago, I decided that I've never had a jean skirt and that I want one before I'm too old to wear one. Technically, I guess you are never too old to wear a jean skirt, but I wanted a shorter jean skirt, and short skirts DO have an age limit. See, I never went through that phase that most kids go through in their early teenage years where they want to don belly baring shirts and barely-cover-the-bum shorts. Outside of dance team, cheerleading, and prom, I was also more of a tom boy until I hit college. Now that I've realized I have curves and I like dresses and skirts, I want things above my knees (a RESPECTABLE distance above my knees mind you). So priority one was a good ole denim skirt.
I went to the store, found a size 6 and tried it on. Although it fit perfectly, with about an inch to spare, in the waist...the skirt seems to 'hug' my legs and bum a little to tight for my self-consciousness to bear. I'd come back in a few days when they had a size 8 in stock.
Today I went back and tried that size 8 only to find that it was severely too big in the waist and would need a belt every time I wanted to wear it. The skirt was also loose enough for me to turn it all the way around, meaning that any movements in the skirt would misalign it. Decisions, decisions...get over my self-consciousness or buy the 8....
I bought the 6, then walked up and down the road about three times alternately telling myself the size 6 wasn't a scandalous purchase and telling myself perhaps I could shrink the 8 if I went back and got it instead.
As I walked, I thought to myself, "How come I can look at other girls in shorter skirts or form fitting clothes or wearing a back baring top and they look perfectly put together and not scandalous at all? But then I put on something even a little form fitting and I constantly worry that everyone is staring at me and thinking in their heads I should be wearing more clothes?"
See why I hate shopping???
~Tam (needs a fashion consultant) in Toulouse
Anyway, a few weeks ago, I decided that I've never had a jean skirt and that I want one before I'm too old to wear one. Technically, I guess you are never too old to wear a jean skirt, but I wanted a shorter jean skirt, and short skirts DO have an age limit. See, I never went through that phase that most kids go through in their early teenage years where they want to don belly baring shirts and barely-cover-the-bum shorts. Outside of dance team, cheerleading, and prom, I was also more of a tom boy until I hit college. Now that I've realized I have curves and I like dresses and skirts, I want things above my knees (a RESPECTABLE distance above my knees mind you). So priority one was a good ole denim skirt.
I went to the store, found a size 6 and tried it on. Although it fit perfectly, with about an inch to spare, in the waist...the skirt seems to 'hug' my legs and bum a little to tight for my self-consciousness to bear. I'd come back in a few days when they had a size 8 in stock.
Today I went back and tried that size 8 only to find that it was severely too big in the waist and would need a belt every time I wanted to wear it. The skirt was also loose enough for me to turn it all the way around, meaning that any movements in the skirt would misalign it. Decisions, decisions...get over my self-consciousness or buy the 8....
I bought the 6, then walked up and down the road about three times alternately telling myself the size 6 wasn't a scandalous purchase and telling myself perhaps I could shrink the 8 if I went back and got it instead.
As I walked, I thought to myself, "How come I can look at other girls in shorter skirts or form fitting clothes or wearing a back baring top and they look perfectly put together and not scandalous at all? But then I put on something even a little form fitting and I constantly worry that everyone is staring at me and thinking in their heads I should be wearing more clothes?"
See why I hate shopping???
~Tam (needs a fashion consultant) in Toulouse
Friday, April 15, 2011
Already?
As I sit in my apartment tonight, switching back and forth between a movie in youtube installments, cruising facebook, obsessively checking my email and visiting various other webpages, every so often glancing about my extraordinarily messy apartment, I cannot believe that this chapter of my life is about to end. What chapter exactly? The chapter of France. My time here has changed me in so many ways, some of which I probably won't discover till I am removed from the experience, and I think this year deserves the title of 'chapter' in my life.
I completed all my courses today. No more class meetings to go to. By the end of this week I will have had all my exams except the one reserved for May, which the professor has assured us won't be torturous. My time here, at least academically, is swiftly coming to a close, and I never expected I would feel anything but joy about that. Except that I do feel something other than joy, I feel a bit sad. I can't even begin to start recounting or summing up everything I've learned here academically. I can't believe that my professors like me and that, language barriers and misunderstandings aside, I liked each and every one of them in some way too. I passed all my courses first semester, though I do not imagine I will pass them all this semester (thank you French grammar ugh), but the two semesters together, aka my year here, still counts as one of the greatest academic achievement of my life - right alongside senior year of high school and senior year of college. I cannot imagine coming back from Easter and NOT going to class.
I don't want to...to sit down tonight and study for a few hours. I don't want to wake up tomorrow and Sunday and study for both days. I certainly don't want to take my exam on Monday and push through this week studying all day and night, every day and night, until the week is over. I can't imagine anyone would want to, but there's a very bright side. I know that this is it. These are my last opportunities to show my French professors that I have progressed with their language. This is my last week of homework and exams and studying for a good long while. So, if I can just stay in this frame of mind, remembering all I've accomplished this year, and thinking of the deserved rest from school that I'm about to get, then I can power through and end this chapter (at least end it academically, since I don't leave till late May) on a very very positive note.
~Tam in Toulouse
I completed all my courses today. No more class meetings to go to. By the end of this week I will have had all my exams except the one reserved for May, which the professor has assured us won't be torturous. My time here, at least academically, is swiftly coming to a close, and I never expected I would feel anything but joy about that. Except that I do feel something other than joy, I feel a bit sad. I can't even begin to start recounting or summing up everything I've learned here academically. I can't believe that my professors like me and that, language barriers and misunderstandings aside, I liked each and every one of them in some way too. I passed all my courses first semester, though I do not imagine I will pass them all this semester (thank you French grammar ugh), but the two semesters together, aka my year here, still counts as one of the greatest academic achievement of my life - right alongside senior year of high school and senior year of college. I cannot imagine coming back from Easter and NOT going to class.
I don't want to...to sit down tonight and study for a few hours. I don't want to wake up tomorrow and Sunday and study for both days. I certainly don't want to take my exam on Monday and push through this week studying all day and night, every day and night, until the week is over. I can't imagine anyone would want to, but there's a very bright side. I know that this is it. These are my last opportunities to show my French professors that I have progressed with their language. This is my last week of homework and exams and studying for a good long while. So, if I can just stay in this frame of mind, remembering all I've accomplished this year, and thinking of the deserved rest from school that I'm about to get, then I can power through and end this chapter (at least end it academically, since I don't leave till late May) on a very very positive note.
~Tam in Toulouse
Sunday, April 3, 2011
LONDON prt 7
*stream of consciousness*
Everyone tells me Wicked is amazing...I hope they are right. I'd hate to spend money on this and abhor it. At least I know where this theater is, and thankfully with this later showing, it's in walking distance of the hostel. Okay now if my bus will come...This is going to be so fun, riding a double-decker red, iconic London bus! And it's so much cheaper than the one way metro ticket too! Ah, here's the bus. Up we go. I must do this the proper way and sit on top, up front. Yay! There's the perfect seat!
(bus pulls away from curb and begins drive to Victoria)
We're going to hit that car in front of us. Nope we didn't, but we came within 6 inches. There goes Big Ben! Last time we'll see eachother ole boy! See ya! There goes Westminster. She's really pretty from this height. Oh biker! Watch out driver! Okay the biker is safe; good. This driver is crazy! We almost took out that sign post! Seems like a straight away for a while. "Victoria" Sweet, that was a nice, short ride and now we are here. There's the theatre on the left all lit up in green!
(left bag in cloak room, re-filled water bottle, - found my seat)
Goodness this is way high. I wonder if people will have to pee during the show....I hope not. Emerald City says the glittering backdrop. My middle name is Emerald. I wonder if I could buy something with "Emerald" on it here. Oh wait, no money left. Ah well, probably for the best. Why is there a pterodactyl over the stage? That's just downright odd. Okay gooey love couple to my left and to my right...it's really not necessary to snuggle into each other. My boyfriend is an ocean and half a nation away. Ugh pet names and deeper snuggling. Please let the show start already.
(lights dim and show begins)
This first song...yeah not so into it. Too much, just too much. Galinda looks like Kristen Chinoworth from here but I don't think it's her. Okay I see, it will be a backstory type deal. Alright let's begin then.
...MAN CAN ELFABA SING! geez she has a set of pipes!...... And the songs, minus the first one, are so good! This is less corny than Oklahoma and less dramatic than Les Mis or Phantom...it's just a great balance between humor and serious spots. It really IS good! ...... Gah, now I'm going to be one of those theater nerds who insists on pretending I can sing "defying gravity" or "popular". They are such great songs, how am I supposed to NOT want to sing them? ....
THAT'S IT? The play ends like the movie? THAT SUCKS! ...OH ! OH ! I SEE! They live happily ever after! Awww, well now I just miss my boyfriend - good thing it's bed time and I can just go right to sleep for that 3 am shuttle to the airport ugh kill me now. And clap and clap and clap. They deserve all the hype, this show ROCKS! A last night in London well spent!!!! And now on to MacDonald's for a last Cadbury Macflurry...mmm GREAT LAST NIGHT IN LONDON!
Everyone tells me Wicked is amazing...I hope they are right. I'd hate to spend money on this and abhor it. At least I know where this theater is, and thankfully with this later showing, it's in walking distance of the hostel. Okay now if my bus will come...This is going to be so fun, riding a double-decker red, iconic London bus! And it's so much cheaper than the one way metro ticket too! Ah, here's the bus. Up we go. I must do this the proper way and sit on top, up front. Yay! There's the perfect seat!
(bus pulls away from curb and begins drive to Victoria)
We're going to hit that car in front of us. Nope we didn't, but we came within 6 inches. There goes Big Ben! Last time we'll see eachother ole boy! See ya! There goes Westminster. She's really pretty from this height. Oh biker! Watch out driver! Okay the biker is safe; good. This driver is crazy! We almost took out that sign post! Seems like a straight away for a while. "Victoria" Sweet, that was a nice, short ride and now we are here. There's the theatre on the left all lit up in green!
(left bag in cloak room, re-filled water bottle, - found my seat)
Goodness this is way high. I wonder if people will have to pee during the show....I hope not. Emerald City says the glittering backdrop. My middle name is Emerald. I wonder if I could buy something with "Emerald" on it here. Oh wait, no money left. Ah well, probably for the best. Why is there a pterodactyl over the stage? That's just downright odd. Okay gooey love couple to my left and to my right...it's really not necessary to snuggle into each other. My boyfriend is an ocean and half a nation away. Ugh pet names and deeper snuggling. Please let the show start already.
(lights dim and show begins)
This first song...yeah not so into it. Too much, just too much. Galinda looks like Kristen Chinoworth from here but I don't think it's her. Okay I see, it will be a backstory type deal. Alright let's begin then.
...MAN CAN ELFABA SING! geez she has a set of pipes!...... And the songs, minus the first one, are so good! This is less corny than Oklahoma and less dramatic than Les Mis or Phantom...it's just a great balance between humor and serious spots. It really IS good! ...... Gah, now I'm going to be one of those theater nerds who insists on pretending I can sing "defying gravity" or "popular". They are such great songs, how am I supposed to NOT want to sing them? ....
THAT'S IT? The play ends like the movie? THAT SUCKS! ...OH ! OH ! I SEE! They live happily ever after! Awww, well now I just miss my boyfriend - good thing it's bed time and I can just go right to sleep for that 3 am shuttle to the airport ugh kill me now. And clap and clap and clap. They deserve all the hype, this show ROCKS! A last night in London well spent!!!! And now on to MacDonald's for a last Cadbury Macflurry...mmm GREAT LAST NIGHT IN LONDON!
LONDON prt 6
*Stream of consciousness from my two theatre performances STOMP & WICKED*
SO excited to go to see STOMP! It's going to be fifty times better than any drumline or any step show EVER. Okay, but wait, where's the address...oh just great, I forgot to write down the address. Well, I assume everyone in London knows the Ambassador's Theatre. Here we go! Show should start in a little more than an hour...
(and hour of walking and asking later)
How can NO ONE in London know where this theatre is? Why couldn't I have remembered to write down the address? It figures I would know more about texmex in London than theatre....ugh priorities of a southern belle. Okay don't cry. MUST NOT CRY. It's fine if I am late, I'll just... MISS SOME OF THE SHOW?!?! Great, I can feel my cheeks getting all hot and my eyes wanting to tear up. I HATE BEING LATE! Okay let's just ask this Waldorf Hilton doorman. Inside he says. Well now if this huge Italian family would finish their turn with the concierge. Oh no, that was definitely a tear down my face! Must not allow any more escapees. Just awesome, now the Italians are noticing my distress. Well at least I'm finally getting my turn. The show starts in 5 minutes! "Yes Ambassador's Theatre that's right." ARG! There go the water works! Well this is highly embarrassing. "Yes a taxi is best I think, thank you. I'm sorry for the tears, really."
Wow, he just threw his hand in the air and here's a taxi; that was like magic! Oh, good, he's talking to the driver, 'cause I don't think I can explain right now. That was so professional and well taken care of. He's a great concierge.
As long as I am making a scene, might as well document it right? Ugh. Maybe they'll turn out kind of artsy....
SO excited to go to see STOMP! It's going to be fifty times better than any drumline or any step show EVER. Okay, but wait, where's the address...oh just great, I forgot to write down the address. Well, I assume everyone in London knows the Ambassador's Theatre. Here we go! Show should start in a little more than an hour...
(and hour of walking and asking later)
How can NO ONE in London know where this theatre is? Why couldn't I have remembered to write down the address? It figures I would know more about texmex in London than theatre....ugh priorities of a southern belle. Okay don't cry. MUST NOT CRY. It's fine if I am late, I'll just... MISS SOME OF THE SHOW?!?! Great, I can feel my cheeks getting all hot and my eyes wanting to tear up. I HATE BEING LATE! Okay let's just ask this Waldorf Hilton doorman. Inside he says. Well now if this huge Italian family would finish their turn with the concierge. Oh no, that was definitely a tear down my face! Must not allow any more escapees. Just awesome, now the Italians are noticing my distress. Well at least I'm finally getting my turn. The show starts in 5 minutes! "Yes Ambassador's Theatre that's right." ARG! There go the water works! Well this is highly embarrassing. "Yes a taxi is best I think, thank you. I'm sorry for the tears, really."
Wow, he just threw his hand in the air and here's a taxi; that was like magic! Oh, good, he's talking to the driver, 'cause I don't think I can explain right now. That was so professional and well taken care of. He's a great concierge.
As long as I am making a scene, might as well document it right? Ugh. Maybe they'll turn out kind of artsy....
YAY! WE'RE HERE! "Do I look okay?" "Yes, you look lovely my dear." "Thank you. Keep the change."
(seated as the lights dim and the theatre doors are closed)
They are sweeping? THEY ARE SWEEPING! Those beats are SO complex, SO cool! They make it look effortless. What now? Lighters? IT IS LIKE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!!! My fingers would get so tired, and no one has missed their turn either. Using lighters with flip tops and the actual flame as a rhythmic/light performance is completely original and completely awesome! Sinks? Surely there's no water in the sinks they are toting around their necks...THEY DO HAVE WATER! AND DISHES! what are they gonna...NO WAY! rhythms on the cups and bowls and sink surfaces! Using the water in the bowls and cups to create different sounds! Okay, what is this one guy going to do now? WE GET TO JOIN IN?! I LOVE CROWD PARTICIPATION! THIS IS SO FUN! Cannot wait to see what the next half brings!
(later after the show is over)
OMG! THAT WAS THE MOST ENTERTAINING, MOST FUN, MOST AMAZING PERFORMANCE I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!! I was so unbelievably lucky to nab a cheap ticket to that! Gotta see that again someday for sure and take some friends! GAH WHAT A GREAT PERFORMANCE!
LONDON prt 5
If you go to London you cannot miss London Tower and Tower Bridge. I had SO MUCH FUN visiting London Tower, aka an old fort/castle which has had a history for housing important prisoners like Sir Walter Raleigh and Anne Boleyn. It's known now for not only it's older history, but for being the home to the Crown Jewels. If you want to see real bejeweled crowns, scepters, tiaras, rings, necklaces, and tableware then you want to visit London Tower. Poking around by myself with my map was fun, I fortunately got there right when it opened, before the groups of tourists arrived, but it was better getting an hour long tour from a beefeater. This older gentleman in a long black, red-trimmed coat and top hat led us around to various spots inside the fort walls, telling us gruesome stories and giving us a general history of the place. He was really witty and very personable which made his anecdotes and history lessons all the more interesting and entertaining. I only got to spend a few hours at London Tower, when really an entire day would have been ideal.
In order to cross from one side of Tower Bridge to the other, I took the bridge tour high up in the air on the enclosed pedestrian walkway. It was a cool little exhibition and tour covering the history of the bridge with some general information about the surrounding area of London and the Thames. I don't suppose there was much to see aside from the beautiful cityscape views to either side, but I thought it was money very well paid!
Before we move on to the two theatre performances I saw, I'd like to mention a few other random things:
Fish and Chips aka fried fish and french fries with a side of green peas is very yummy! I quite liked it the once time I had it while in London.
Scones (pronounced Scon like con but with an 's' before it) are varied in shape, texture, and flavor BUT they are always delicious. Equally worth the time and money is the hot chocolate and the tea in London.
The Cadbury Mcflurries from MacDonald's are to die for...and probably should have been avoided for the sake of my waistline. Really, though those Mcflurries are scrumptious!
I've been missing typical food fare from the states, so when Ross also suggested the Texas Embassy Cantina (aka texmex restaurant) I had to check it out. Besides the Indian food dinner, the other three dinners I had in London were all had at this place and it was SO AWESOME! One night I even caught March Madness on their television at the bar. Sitting there with my texmex, my salsa & chips, and my strawberry margarita, I felt like I was back in America. IT WAS GREAT !!!
In order to cross from one side of Tower Bridge to the other, I took the bridge tour high up in the air on the enclosed pedestrian walkway. It was a cool little exhibition and tour covering the history of the bridge with some general information about the surrounding area of London and the Thames. I don't suppose there was much to see aside from the beautiful cityscape views to either side, but I thought it was money very well paid!
Before we move on to the two theatre performances I saw, I'd like to mention a few other random things:
Fish and Chips aka fried fish and french fries with a side of green peas is very yummy! I quite liked it the once time I had it while in London.
Scones (pronounced Scon like con but with an 's' before it) are varied in shape, texture, and flavor BUT they are always delicious. Equally worth the time and money is the hot chocolate and the tea in London.
The Cadbury Mcflurries from MacDonald's are to die for...and probably should have been avoided for the sake of my waistline. Really, though those Mcflurries are scrumptious!
Ross suggested Indian food, and while I was nervous to figure out Indian food by myself since I've had it all of 3 times in my life, I tried a little place near Piccadilly Circus. The waiter picked out my food and drink which were both fantastic! If I go back to London I'll be eating at the same little place.
I've been missing typical food fare from the states, so when Ross also suggested the Texas Embassy Cantina (aka texmex restaurant) I had to check it out. Besides the Indian food dinner, the other three dinners I had in London were all had at this place and it was SO AWESOME! One night I even caught March Madness on their television at the bar. Sitting there with my texmex, my salsa & chips, and my strawberry margarita, I felt like I was back in America. IT WAS GREAT !!!I even ducked into Starbucks a couple of times while touring the city. How could I bear to stay away from the caffinated, sweet, chocolaty mochas? They certainly don't have Starbucks here in Toulouse after all!
LONDON prt 4
** It is a blessing that the art galleries in London are free! Of course if you want an audio guide or a very detailed map you have to pay/donate but it's so worth it considering there is no entrance fee in the first place!!!
The Tate was interesting. I certainly appreciated the Picasso and Dali among a few other modern artists I know. Mainly though, the artists were unknown to me and their works were similarly uninspiring. I spent quite a while exploring everything in the Tate, but I don't know that it's somewhere I would return, simply because you have to visually sift through all the works in order to come across something you know. At least for me, with my more classical education in art, that's how my experience went. Ah well, it was definitely worth a visit!
I could have spent at least two full days in the British Museum...as it was I spent 5 hours drowning happily in precious works, and then I had to tear myself away. The Rosetta Stone from Egypt, the friezes from the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Greece, gladiator helmets, Easter Island statues, Tiffany glassware, African tapestries, rare coins, the bog mummy ... the list goes on and on and on and when you think you've seen everything, there is STILL more. The great thing is though, that unlike at the Louvre or the Smithsonian, the crowds blocking art works disperse about every 5 minutes for a new batch of admirers, the guards are really kind and helpful and not too overprotective of works so you can get your face within two inches of 2000 yr old works, there is an abundance of bathrooms, benches, chairs, food and shops, and perhaps the best thing is the super cheap media guide with optional tours and little videos on it. You don't get tired and irritable and you don't feel claustrophobic either. Maybe it's because it's free, but there is no harried RUSH to crowd each other in order to see the collection. It's a very calm and serene place. If you so desire there are also free tours every other hour or so and in some rooms an area where an expert allows you to touch the works!!! Simply put, for a humanities kid, the British Museum is HEAVEN ! 
St. Paul's overtook Sacre Coeur as the second prettiest cathedral I've ever seen and established itself right behind St. Peter's. The inside domes have colored glass mosaics that are just breathtaking. The biggest dome is beautifully painted in various chestnuty grey shades to look like old sculptures or engravings at least. The floorspace of the Cathedral is perfectly adorned, not overwhelmed as I personally feel Westminster is, with gorgeous marble sculptures here and there. My visit to St. Paul's took 3 hours; even then I wasn't satisfied that I'd spent enough time! I took the time to listen to the entire audio guide. I then climbed 528 steps (85 meters) up through the inner dome and then the outer dome, climbing increasingly smaller, tighter stairways, to the very tippy top (at least as high as they will allow you to go) of the cathedral. At the top, I looked out over London for quite awhile just marveling that I was up so high. Afterward I descended into the huge crypt to marvel at tombs, memorials, and church artifacts. The cathedral elicited a continual "Wow" from me. I couldn't even find sufficient words. 
Westminster was a mixed bag for me. While I reveled in the history of the space I found it impossibly crowded with both people and sculptures. The dark gray stone wasn't winning any votes for beauty either. Instead of being one continuous space, the abbey seemed cut up into various sections mashed together throughout history, and that's exactly the case. It was pretty, just in a very special way, almost a similar uniqueness that I found in the Sagrada Familia but not as extreme. In Westminster, I was in awe as I stepped into the poet's corner to find myself surrounded on all sides and underfoot by the tombs and memorials of all the famous writers I've ever heard of. On the other side of the screen dividing the space I checked out Darwin and Newton's tombs. Westminster was something I'd love to go back for a morning visit (as soon as it opens) without crowds, because I think then, or maybe on an orderly Sunday of worship, the space could show it's true beauty.LONDON prt 3
There was a never ending list of things you could enter in London...I woke up each morning before 8 and didn't go to bed till midnight and still didn't do a fourth of the top 'sights'.
I had never heard of the Royal Albert hall. I guess I should have since EVERYONE who is ANYONE has played there. The hour long tour I caught on a whim was so informative and fun, and I am really glad I went. At one point in the tour we were allowed into the Queen's private entrance and chamber. I felt very VIP.
Likewise, I knew next to nothing about Winston Churchill's genius during WWII and absolutely nothing about his underground war rooms. The rooms, preserved since WWII, are impressive, and you can walk through them with your audio guide hearing the information and history. After the tour of the underground war rooms I now wonder if the allies would have won the war without them. Yes, these underground rooms with secret plans and secure phone lines were THAT important.
The Belfast can join the category of "British things/sights that Tamra never knew existed but then visited and appreciated". It is a warship moored on the Thames which I briefly ran around on. Huge, sturdy, and loaded with the biggest guns I have ever seen, the Belfast was cool to see. It wasn't riveting exactly, I'm not well versed on war ships or ships in general, but my hour spent on board was an enjoyable one.
I only told a few people I was visiting London, mostly people I knew had gone before and who could give me advice. Among those few, all of them said, "Visit Harrod's." So, I visited Harrod's.... What can on say about Harrod's ? Well, I suppose if you are shopping then Harrod's is Heaven. If you are looking for high tea then Harrod's is also your place. However, if you are me, at the end of a tiring day, with a very VERY limited budget and a growling stomach, and no interest in designer duds then Harrod's is equally frustrating and fascinating. First of all, the store is like a maze...really it's HUGE and the only little maps that I saw are next to the central escalator (which if you take all the way down lands at the Diana/Dody Memorial). Secondly, the cafes seem hidden behind all the glamorous clothes, jewelry, antiques, etc. And don't dare walk through the perfume and makeup level...you'll get sprayed about ten times with who knows what expensive scent. AND YET, the store is really cool. If you WANT to be drowned in perfume you can do it for free. If you are dying to try the best scones in London while glimpsing famous CEO's and minor stars you only have to install yourself in one of the cafes like I did. If you want to buy anything with a name that will make others envious, from bedding to dishes to luggage to clothes, it's all there. Oh my goodness and the two food rooms I found with mountains of truffles and chocolates and candies and pastries!!! If had had ANY money left after tea I would have been hard pressed to choose between all the lovely treats I saw.
Hamley's Toy Store was incredible! I didn't have to be a kid to enjoy the candy shop inside, the staff showing off new toys, the human sized Buzz Lightyear made of legos, the bubbles floating through the air, the Willy Wonka-esque interior. I somehow ended up leaving the store with a bag of jelly beans, a three foot plastic tube of flavored sour powder, and a huge heart tattoo on my hand made entirely of pink & purple glitter! I even scored a photo with a faux Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and stuffed Toto.
Standing in the Globe theater, although it wasn't the original Globe, was surreal. I adore Shakespeare, and to be standing in a perfect replica of the space in which his plays were first performed was crazy! The wooden benches, the painted stage, the open air and thatched roof...they all reminded me that theater in Shakespeare's day wasn't about tricking the crowd with special effects and overdone costumes, but it was about great language, crown interaction, and true performance. The exhibition and tour were fantastic, and at the end of my time at the Globe, I desperately wanted to buy everything in the souvenir shop. For my English major self, the Globe was one of my favorite London attractions.
I had never heard of the Royal Albert hall. I guess I should have since EVERYONE who is ANYONE has played there. The hour long tour I caught on a whim was so informative and fun, and I am really glad I went. At one point in the tour we were allowed into the Queen's private entrance and chamber. I felt very VIP.
Likewise, I knew next to nothing about Winston Churchill's genius during WWII and absolutely nothing about his underground war rooms. The rooms, preserved since WWII, are impressive, and you can walk through them with your audio guide hearing the information and history. After the tour of the underground war rooms I now wonder if the allies would have won the war without them. Yes, these underground rooms with secret plans and secure phone lines were THAT important.
The Belfast can join the category of "British things/sights that Tamra never knew existed but then visited and appreciated". It is a warship moored on the Thames which I briefly ran around on. Huge, sturdy, and loaded with the biggest guns I have ever seen, the Belfast was cool to see. It wasn't riveting exactly, I'm not well versed on war ships or ships in general, but my hour spent on board was an enjoyable one.
I only told a few people I was visiting London, mostly people I knew had gone before and who could give me advice. Among those few, all of them said, "Visit Harrod's." So, I visited Harrod's.... What can on say about Harrod's ? Well, I suppose if you are shopping then Harrod's is Heaven. If you are looking for high tea then Harrod's is also your place. However, if you are me, at the end of a tiring day, with a very VERY limited budget and a growling stomach, and no interest in designer duds then Harrod's is equally frustrating and fascinating. First of all, the store is like a maze...really it's HUGE and the only little maps that I saw are next to the central escalator (which if you take all the way down lands at the Diana/Dody Memorial). Secondly, the cafes seem hidden behind all the glamorous clothes, jewelry, antiques, etc. And don't dare walk through the perfume and makeup level...you'll get sprayed about ten times with who knows what expensive scent. AND YET, the store is really cool. If you WANT to be drowned in perfume you can do it for free. If you are dying to try the best scones in London while glimpsing famous CEO's and minor stars you only have to install yourself in one of the cafes like I did. If you want to buy anything with a name that will make others envious, from bedding to dishes to luggage to clothes, it's all there. Oh my goodness and the two food rooms I found with mountains of truffles and chocolates and candies and pastries!!! If had had ANY money left after tea I would have been hard pressed to choose between all the lovely treats I saw.
Hamley's Toy Store was incredible! I didn't have to be a kid to enjoy the candy shop inside, the staff showing off new toys, the human sized Buzz Lightyear made of legos, the bubbles floating through the air, the Willy Wonka-esque interior. I somehow ended up leaving the store with a bag of jelly beans, a three foot plastic tube of flavored sour powder, and a huge heart tattoo on my hand made entirely of pink & purple glitter! I even scored a photo with a faux Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and stuffed Toto.
Standing in the Globe theater, although it wasn't the original Globe, was surreal. I adore Shakespeare, and to be standing in a perfect replica of the space in which his plays were first performed was crazy! The wooden benches, the painted stage, the open air and thatched roof...they all reminded me that theater in Shakespeare's day wasn't about tricking the crowd with special effects and overdone costumes, but it was about great language, crown interaction, and true performance. The exhibition and tour were fantastic, and at the end of my time at the Globe, I desperately wanted to buy everything in the souvenir shop. For my English major self, the Globe was one of my favorite London attractions.
LONDON prt 2
There were various things in London that you couldn't enter exactly, but that were still worth a visit.
Buckingham Palace was....ok. Really the palace isn't that pretty, and there are so many people standing at the gate nabbing photos that it just becomes silly to stay for long. It's probably way more interesting to visit and tour the inside during the summer months. At least I can say I went!
Standing by Big Ben was cool. Over the course of 4 days I think I took about 100 photos of the iconic clock tower.
Buckingham Palace was....ok. Really the palace isn't that pretty, and there are so many people standing at the gate nabbing photos that it just becomes silly to stay for long. It's probably way more interesting to visit and tour the inside during the summer months. At least I can say I went!
Standing by Big Ben was cool. Over the course of 4 days I think I took about 100 photos of the iconic clock tower.
I didn't ride the London Eye - too expensive ! It was impressive up close though. The street performers took advantage of the crowds around the Eye, procuring money from passers by.
I stumbled upon Craven Street while searching for a pharmacy. While waking down the street my eyes caught two little plaques next to the doors on two houses. Apparently, Benjamin Franklin AND Herman Melville had lived on Craven Street.
The Royal Opera House & Covent Garden were two finds that I stumbled upon as well. I saw the market, caught some street music, and passed by some nice cafes, but I wasn't interested in the area enough to stay for any length of time. If I'd been catching an opera or searching for souvenirs the area would have been perfect!
St. James' Park - next to Buckingham Palace - was gorgeous! I am so glad I visited in Spring! The park has paths lined with happy flowers like tulips, daisies, and daffodils. There is also a small lake to lounge by where you can watch the cherry blossoms and the weeping willows sway in the breeze.
Piccadilly Circus seems like a poorly placed little square to me, honestly. It had been described to me as the London equivalent of Time's Square, and it was, and that's precisely why I didn't adore it as much as Trafalgar Square. Cars and double decker buses whiz by on all sides, ads stream from huge digital billboards, beggars call out for quid, ticket sellers shout the available shows and prices, hoards of people lounge and climb on the fountain so that you feel a bit overwhelmed with sights, sounds, and moving bodies. Even though I like Trafalgar Square more, I still liked sitting perched on the fountain (like everyone else) people watching at sunset.
Trafalgar Square was more my style. The huge expanse of stairs and concrete on which people sat and stood stretched from the National Gallery on one end to a huge statue with 4 large lions on the other end. In the distance Big Ben shone. Over the tops of the buildings the London Eye slowly turned. I really really liked spending time in Trafalgar Square each day just watching the atmosphere change according to the time of day or the local events happening. I visited at dusk when mostly everyone sat eating snacks and having drinks. I visited the square in the morning when tourists teemed the Gallery and the lion statue. I somehow got caught in a huge tax protest on Saturday afternoon, was swept from Westminster up to Trafalgar Square, and stood amongst the protesters with their signs and shouts until I finally freed myself from the massive throng.
All of these places offered nothing more than photo opportunities, history, a moment to rest, and people watching, but they were all a joy to visit and see!
LONDON !!!
London was beyond fantastic!!!
[I have to admit that I was nervous to travel by myself. I'm completely competent BUT you hear stories you know of American girls abroad who are too friendly, too open...who end up with more regrets than good memories about their experiences. However, I'm delighted to say that I traveled tout seul and didn't lose anything or make any unwanted friends or 'misplace' my wallet/passport.]
I've never had the desire to visit London. Really - I'd have rather visited Venice, Paris (again), Luxembourg, Brussels, Greece. Yet, when I realized I had a 5 day weekend, I found myself coming back again and again to London as the ideal destination for a quick trip. Maybe the appeal had to do with the royal wedding coming up. Maybe the appeal grew from my nerves about traveling alone and the comfort I knew I would find in an English speaking country. Perhaps it didn't hurt that EasyJet had great deals roundtrip between Toulouse and London. Whatever the reason, I'm so glad that my tune about London has changed. I LOVE London !
I arrived on a Thursday night, stayed for four days, and flew out at a horrid hour on Tuesday morning (if you could call it morning since it was still dark outside!). Those four days flew by, and I was sincerely sad to leave.
Here are the things I did/saw (I'm going to go ahead and list them so I can just refer back later): Royal Albert Music Hall, Hamley's Toy Store, Buckingham Palace, St. James' Park, Churchill War Rooms, National Art Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, London Eye, Craven Street, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Tate Modern Art Museum, Millennium Pedestrian Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, London Tower, Tower Bridge, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, HSM Belfast, Stomp @ Ambassador's Theatre, British Museum, Harrod's Department Store, and Wicked @ Apollo Victoria Theatre.
[I have to admit that I was nervous to travel by myself. I'm completely competent BUT you hear stories you know of American girls abroad who are too friendly, too open...who end up with more regrets than good memories about their experiences. However, I'm delighted to say that I traveled tout seul and didn't lose anything or make any unwanted friends or 'misplace' my wallet/passport.]
I've never had the desire to visit London. Really - I'd have rather visited Venice, Paris (again), Luxembourg, Brussels, Greece. Yet, when I realized I had a 5 day weekend, I found myself coming back again and again to London as the ideal destination for a quick trip. Maybe the appeal had to do with the royal wedding coming up. Maybe the appeal grew from my nerves about traveling alone and the comfort I knew I would find in an English speaking country. Perhaps it didn't hurt that EasyJet had great deals roundtrip between Toulouse and London. Whatever the reason, I'm so glad that my tune about London has changed. I LOVE London !
I arrived on a Thursday night, stayed for four days, and flew out at a horrid hour on Tuesday morning (if you could call it morning since it was still dark outside!). Those four days flew by, and I was sincerely sad to leave.
Here are the things I did/saw (I'm going to go ahead and list them so I can just refer back later): Royal Albert Music Hall, Hamley's Toy Store, Buckingham Palace, St. James' Park, Churchill War Rooms, National Art Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, London Eye, Craven Street, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Tate Modern Art Museum, Millennium Pedestrian Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, London Tower, Tower Bridge, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, HSM Belfast, Stomp @ Ambassador's Theatre, British Museum, Harrod's Department Store, and Wicked @ Apollo Victoria Theatre.
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