Hammersmith Apollo

Photos: 1 & 2) the Hammersmith Apollo, 3) Ashley and me in our seats

Starting with Saturday night - I went salsa dancing on Charing Cross Road. The club's name was creatively called "SALSA!" and it was a lot of fun. I danced with people from Columbia, Brazil, England, Turkey, and Satellite Beach! lol London is such a melting pot of cultures and it was a great experience and the dancers were quite good (not as good as my partners back home, but then again, I'm a bit biased). I went alone so I didn't get any photos, but the place was very big with a really nice dance floor and a restaurant. I look forward to going back!

On Sunday, Katie, Bridgette, Lennon, Travis and I went to Hillsong Church. This is a very famous church based out of Sydney and the bands that perform the worship songs are renowned for their abilities. The service was held in the Old Dominion Theater- so basically it was like going to see a rock concert. lol The message was good, but the preacher seemed a bit distracted - went off on a couple tangents and didn't stay on track quite as well as he could have. I will try it again to see if he was just having an off week. The music, of course, was amazing. There were thousands of people at our service and they have three services every Sunday and are about to add a fourth. However, the service was 2 hours long so by the time we got out at 2:45, we had less than 2 hours of daylight left. Next time we'll go to the 10:30 service.

About six o'clock Ashley was asking me about how to take the tube to get to Hammersmith because she wanted to go see this comedian (Jimmy Carr) at the Hammersmith Apollo theater. We worked out the route, but she called to see if she could buy last minute tickets and the line was constantly busy. She didn't really want to go alone, especially since she wasn't sure if she could get tickets once she took the tube 30 minutes to get there, so she offered to buy me a ticket if I came with her and there were still seats available. I felt sort of bad about that, but she said her mom would love me for it and she'd rather have someone to go with so I agreed.

The theater was crazy busy when we got there - a scalper out front offered us 2 tickets for 30 pounds, but you never know if scalped tickets are legit, so we just went inside to check at the box office. They did still have some seats and we couldn't believe how good they were. 13 rows from the stage with no one on either side of us! I'd never heard of Jimmy Carr, but it was amazingly funny (though a bit vulgar at times).

On our way home we stopped at a pub near our flat and split a pizza on me and got back at 11:45 only to be told that we had to meet with our professor at 10 am. Ick. I didn't get enough sleep so after the complete waste of our time which was the meeting about what we will be doing for our "London experience" class in the future but don't have set plans for yet, I came back and took a nap. I'm about to go do some reading now, but hopefully we'll go out tonight.

Oh the Craziness ;)

Pictures: 1) Me, Ashley, Bridgette in the ULU, 2) Everyone at the ULU, 3) Nick, Me, Nat at Troy's Pub, 4) Me at the Notting Hill tube stop

Well...let's see. I guess I'll start at Thursday night. All of us went to the club at the ULU at about 10:30 (apparently a lot of bars/clubs close at midnight here - in the states things don't get going until about 11). Anyway, it was Guitar Hero night at the ULU and the people who got up and played were just terrible and besides those few people, it was pretty dead. We were a bit shocked because Thursday nights are big going out nights in Chapel Hill. There were 2 British blokes sitting at the end of our table and one of the girls started talking to them and they offered to walk us to another pub that might be more happening. The 2 guys (Nick and Nat) were about to start film school and law school respectively and both went to Eton for undergrad (which is quite a good school in London).

The pub we went to had 2 floors, but the upstairs was too crowded for all 10 of us, so we went downstairs where there was a live Turkish or Brazilian band playing drums and such. It was a really neat cultural experience, but some of the group were a bit weirded out by the pub (it was hundreds of years old and quite cramped and authentic - we were the only Americans), so everyone except Olivia and I left. I was having a good time just knowing I was experiencing something really authentic - last time I was here I felt like I only did touristy stuff, so this time I want immersion.

After a while the live band stopped and then some salsa/bachata music came on which was cool, except I had no one to dance with :( However, I chatted with the bartender woman who was Brazilian and very nice and Olivia and I talked with the two British guys and learned about British law schools (quite bad - not at all like America) and British music and all sorts of random cultural things. When that part of the bar closed we went upstairs where they played 50s and 60s music - apparently that was/is really big here. I thought it was quite amusing because while I knew these songs (thanks to my parents) most people my age from America would not know/like those types of songs - yet these two guys were rocking out to them. It's really amazing how much of our music they listen to. Anyway, it was a good time and Olivia and I didn't get home till about 1:40.

Yesterday (Friday) I went to the ULU again, but this time for lunch (their food is subsidized so it's cheaper than other places) and read Picture of Dorian Gray for a while. Then I came back to the flat and watched back episodes of my shows (Brothers and Sisters, Grey's Anatomy, Desperate) - eventful, I know, but it was a lazy day because the weather was YUCK. Last night everyone went back to the ULU because it is supposed to be happening on Fridays - but I didn't go because I can't really go out 2 nights in a row and still be coherent. I think I'll go salsa dancing tonight - I'm so excited! :)

Today I went to Notting Hill with Ashley - everyone else went earlier (though I don't know how they got up so early after being out so late. lol I just need too much sleep!). The two of us walked all the way up and down Portobello Road where they have a huge outdoor flea market. I bought blueberries and raspberries since the prices are so much better than at the grocery store. Other than that we just browsed all the stalls - Ashley and I decided if we have money left at the end we'll go back and buy things lol. They have everything from clothes, accessories, antiques, coasters, etc. etc.

It was BEAUTIFUL weather today - sunny, blue skies, fluffy white clouds. It was such a wonderful day to go to Portobello Market. Not until our way back to the flat did it start really getting chilly and grayer. Of course since it gets dark at 4:15...I guess it makes sense that it starts getting colder and such at 3:30.

National Portrait Gallery etc.

Pictures: 1) the street where we live (our flat down on the right)
2) Picture Katie K. took of me looking at St. Pauls - this is in the last blog, but I edited it
3) Ashley and me in Piccadilly Circus
4) I forgot where this was...it was on my way home as I was lost



Today we all met our London Art teacher - she also seems very nice and the most down-to-earth as it were. After a brief intro (we're going to get to go to so many cool exhibitions with that class), we all walked to the National Portrait Gallery (which is connected to the National Gallery). We saw some beautiful photography exhibits. One exhibit were pictures taken by Annie Leibovitz of the Queen in a way that tried to get beneath the face she is always putting on for audiences. The photos were really masterfully shot and quite lovely. We also looked at an exhibition of photos that were submitted for a 2008 photo contest - some were absolutely amazing. Another room had black and white photos of many famous athletes in the nude as a testament to their strength and similar body form as that of ancient Greek athletes. They were tastefully shot so as to cover most sensitive areas, and their poses were lovely. I look forward to going back and seeing the whole gallery.

From there we were set free and walked through Leicester Square and Picadilly Circus, stopping at Pizza Hut for lunch. lol Pizza Hut is quite different here though - it's a sit-down restaurant. The price of food isn't quite as bad as it was last time I was here. The economy is hitting Londoners hard as well and the restaurants are desperate for business. After that some of the girls and I went to Topshop (a trendy London clothing store). I left after a bit (being rather exhausted and not in the mood for shopping) and walked to Covent Garden. I browsed some of the outdoor stands and watched a juggler and gymnast performing in the street for a few minutes. Then I thought I would be able to figure out my way back to our area of town without a map...well, I almost made it. I was going in the right direction when I finally stopped to buy a map (our art teacher wanted us to buy a "London A to Z" map anyway, so it wasn't a waste of money). As it turns out I would have hit a street I knew in about 50 feet from where I stopped. lol Luckily, all the areas within walking distance from our area are safe - most "dodgy" areas of town are on the outskirts. Plus, I like walking alone - no one to catch up to or wait up for.

Now I'm back in the flat and quite tired so I think I'll take a nap before we go out tonight. I think we're going to go to the ULU (Univ of London Student Union) and try to meet some British people.

First day of Class and Walk to the Thames

Pictures: 1) Lion at Trafalgar Sq.
2) overlooking the Thames (I'm on left)
3) National Gallery
4) Looking up at St. Pauls
5) all the girls in front of St. Paul's


Well today was quite a day! First of all, everyone except Ashley got up at 9 am and left the flat at 10 to walk to the river Thames (pronounced Tims). On the way we went through Covent Garden (where, once it is a bit later, there are street performers, outdoor markets, lots of restaurants etc). We then stopped at Trafalgar Square which is directly in front of the National Gallery. A few of us girls climbed up to the lion statues and tried to get on top, but we didn't want to fall and make a fool of ourselves, so we just stood by its backside. One day I'll climb up there, but that metal is COLD especially when its about freezing outside. After that we wanted to warm up so we all went to the Nat'l Gallery for an hour (which is pretty much my favorite place in London). From there we finished out walk down to the river and crossed over. From the bridge were were on, we overlooked Big Ben, Parliament and the London Eye which were all obscured in slowly lifting fog.

After we crossed over and started walking up river toward the National Gallery and Tate Modern, we stopped to eat at a restaurant called EAT. Inventive, I know. I had a toasted tuna and cheese panini. Yum. From there we walked up to the Globe (the new one, the old one burnt down) and took some pics in front of it, then crossed the Millennium Bridge back to the other side of the river which deposited us right in front of St. Paul's. We took some pics in front of the building then got in the tube to get back to the flat before classes at 3.

It was Ashley's b-day today so we left her a card and a cake since she didn't want to get up and go with us. Tonight we got her a cheesecake and we had a little party.

We had Shakespeare class at 3 and our teacher (Ruth) is this amazing old British lady who is just adorable and talks a lot but is quite amusing and interesting. Then we had WWII History class at 6 and the professor (Chris Mann) is amazing - he's very chill and we don't even have a text book but he's a WWII genius so we'll just listen to his lectures and such. I also love his accent...it reminds me of someone I've either met or seen on TV. On a side note, every British accent is slightly different, so you find ones you like better than others etc.

We came back to the flat after that class and ate random stuff until the cake time. Now everyone is sitting around playing cards as I type this blog and listen to their conversation. It is 11:14 here, so will probably go to bed soon. Tomorrow we have London Art class at 10:30 am.

British Museum and ULU

Everyone except me had class today =) so I went to the British Museum. I covered galleries 1-6 today: the Enlightenment, the Sami Magic Drum (features a drum made in Scandinavia in the 1600s by the Sámi people - they have lived there for 3,000 years), Egyptian sculpture, Assyrian sculpture and the Balawat Gates.

The Enlightenment gallery used to be the King George III's library that is now in the British Library - now the gallery is some of King George's collection and many of the 80,000 pieces once owned by Sir Hans Sloane (he was a voyager and collector and after he died his possessions were sold to the Brit Museum and his books to the Brit Library). This is also the man who discovered the cocoa bean which was used in Jamaica - he thought the drink they made out of it was very bitter but when he got back to England he experimented with it and found that when you added hot milk and sugar, you got something delightful - hot chocolate. He sold the rights to his discovery to Cadbury. Anyway, Sloane is a really big deal here in London.


Later, I met the rest of the group in front of Winston House (where they all had class) and we walked to the University of London's Student Union (ULU). We were given a tour of the facilities - they are quite nice (full gym with heated indoor pool, a restaurant, cheap shops for students, a club, a couple bars, and a STA travel agency all inside). I am going to join the Salsa club and maybe the Drama or Harry Potter club (I know, I'm a dork)...I really wanted to join the art club, but they have drawing class during the time when I'll be in class on Wednesday evenings. :( To have gym access it costs 35 pounds a month, so I might hold off on that unless I feel like I really need it - we walk so much I don't see how I could get too out of shape!

Some of us are going to an Indian restaurant for dinner tonight, but I think I'll stay in because I'm not much on Indian food. Perhaps I'll start acting like a student and reading one of the many books I need to get through. Tomorrow I have class from 3pm to 8:30 with 30 minute break in between. I am quite excited as they are the Shakespeare class and WWII history class.

PICTURES:
1) Bedford Square (near my flat)
2) a sculpture of metal covered rocks (this is for you Heather!)
3) Felix Hall Vase, 2nd cen. AD, Roman
4) Bust of Sir Hans Sloane
5) Part of the Enlightenment Gallery

Texting/Calling my new cell and Packages

You can call or text my new cell - the rates for you will be determined by your phone companies, but the incoming calls and texts to me will be free. Therefore, if you have international calling/texting or a calling card you're dying to use, feel free to use it! Again, my cell here is 0791-0917-691.

If you wish to send me a package, it would be best to send it to the UNC Winston House. Address as follows:
Lauren Bailey (flat 18 D)
c/o Acorn Management

19 Bedford Pl

Camden, London WC1B, UK

Orientation and British Library

So I fell asleep last night about midnight, woke up at about 1:20 and I could not fall back asleep until about 4 am, and when I did, it was fitful. We all had to get up at 8 for a day of “orientation.” Needless to say, I’m exhausted. It also did not help that my mattress springs were digging into my ribs. Thankfully tonight should be better because 1, I’m exhausted, and 2, my flatmate Ashley has a 3rd unused bed in her room so I took the duvet off that and put it over my mattress to add an extra layer of padding.

The UNC professor who came over with us (professor Salasi) is a very smart man, but he’s never done this trip before and doesn’t seem to really know all the ins and outs of the program. For example, we are supposed to get library cards for somewhere, and he doesn’t know where or how. *sighs*

They finally fixed my internet so I am now writing from my room which is much more convenient. All of us bought OYSTER cards today (these are swipeable tube passes that get you almost 50% off buying individual fares – you simply put x amount of money on them and then swipe into the turnstile and out of the turnstile).

This afternoon we had a tour of the British Library – it was AMAZING!!! I saw ORIGINAL copies of the Magna Carta (btw, all 4 copies are in England), Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, Shakespeare’s first folio, Beowulf, DiVinci’s journals, and so much more! I didn’t take pictures in there because it was probably illegal and I was afraid if I even took out the camera (even without the flash) I might be jumped by a security guard.

They also have the biggest book in the world at the British Library – a world atlas from the 1600s I think. They also have the smallest book – 1mm squared – it can’t be read unless under super strong magnifiers. It is a children’s nursery rhyme – humpty dumpty or something like that. Cool facts: the British Library is required by law to receive a copy of every single published work in the UK – they have over 200 MILLION books in that location alone. Other storage locations are all over England. The stacks of books go under the library for 22 meters (about six stories or so I think). They also have an amazing six story glass structure in the center of the library which contains the entire library collection of King George III (the crazy one from the last blog). Anyway, his library was given to the British Library after he died with the stipulation that all his books could be seen by the naked eye and accessible to the people – thus they are all there behind the glass and if you are a “reader card” carrying person you may ask to read any that you like. However, to get a “reader card” you have to show prove of address in London and a signature ID and you have to prove that you need access to the library because you can’t get the books you need anywhere else. They favor people who need certain books for research, dissertations etc.

Anyway, the tour was enthralling and I hope I can get a reader card, though I don’t know how I could show proof of London address since I don’t get any bills here. Will work on that…however, after we left there, Ashley and I went to Kings Cross station next door and took the tube with our OYSTERs for the first time the one stop to Russell Square by our flat. It was disgusting weather and I did not feel like walking the whole 20 minutes back. It was warmer today but rained off and on and the sun never came out once.

Tomorrow should be good because it’ll be the first day of classes but I don’t actually have any classes tomorrow so I think I’ll go to the British Museum and start with a particular gallery. Greece? Babylon? Africa? Oh the possibilities…

The Brit Library (notice King's collection on left)




















Me, Ashley, Olivia, Katie B. at these weird standing chairs in the library















the King's collection















Katie B., Lennon, Oliva, Me on this cool book statue at entry