Westminster Abbey was one of our stops on this amazing tour of London, it is the final resting place for many very well known people and also has monuments dedicated to others who’s final resting place are located else where. Some of those who are lade to rest or honored here are : Stephen Hawking, Jane Austen, William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, James Thomson, and many more. It was interesting how they organized how they were all located, they had a science and math corner and an entire section for writers, poets, and actors. Others were also spread out through several others located around the abbey. Something that I found very interesting was the tomb of the Unknown Worrier. It reminded me of the United’s States of America’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They nearly have the same reason of being created, to a keep memory of everyone who died fighting in wars. The one located in Westminster Abbey seems to be the first, while other countries followed suit in creating their own monuments. However it was not the same as the United states of America, there is security at Westminster Abby. However The guards at the US one is almost a performance, and from what I heard a long time ago, Is an immense honor and very selective on who is able to have that Honor. In Westminster Abbey they just have normal security guards and staff watching over things, this also include overlooking the coronation chair. Not only to does the Abby show their support for the dead but they also show respect to a certain select few by displaying their coat of arms on knights and are removed when they pass. I was very fond of one that had a snowy owl and rose, I do not know who it belongs to but I may do some research to find out. I was not expecting to find many names that I recognized at the Westminster abbey. Stephen Hawking is someone I only new by books or news, but one of the greatest theoretical physicists of the modern age was berried right below me. Being in London on this trip has showed me how close history continues to live on around a modern city and reminds me that history is continuing to be created. Making me wonder how I will leave my mark in history? Please enjoy the photos of Westminster Abbey that I have includded.

When I was preparing myself for this trip, I wasn’t at all focused on the social, cultural aspect of London. I was hyper fixated on the theatre we would be seeing and almost disregarded the fact that I would have to navigate London in order to see these lovely productions. Once we got off that international flight however, I was hit with the city. I was so frazzled trying to sprint after Shawn’s impressively fast legs and entirely overwhelmed, exhausted, and delusional once we got our Oyster cards and got on the tube. I didn’t make any observations about how I got on the tube, how the tube was moving, where we were on the tube, or anything that has to do with the actual mode of transportation itself. I immediately however, noticed the ads that were on display when I sleepily lugged my suitcases next to a mix between locals going to work. There was an ad right in front of me the entire 45 minute tube ride that read something like, “There’s thousands of Muslims in London, and you’re still single?”, and then below was a website for single muslims. It immediately reminded me of Christian mingle and I remember thinking “we’re all the same”, and then feeling somehow more comfortable on the tube because of this ad that doesn’t relate to me in any way shape or form. The next day I was far more observant. The tube system was rather easy for me since I have already lived in a city, so I was far more observant of the people than the actual mode of transportation itself. I felt as though we all walked far too slow, we don’t know how to not crowd exits/entrances, and I definitely felt as though others knew we were tourists. I also noticed that on the escalators people don’t just sit and wait to get to the top or bottom. They use them like we use the walking escalators in the airport, it’s just a way to make the steps easier, not make them a ride that takes far longer when you really examine it. The escalators is the worst part for me. They’re claustrophobic, on a huge angle, and I honestly might start just walking up and down them in the express lane to the left while everyone else stands. I think that’s my first step in becoming a local. 

I am so happy that our first show had Ralph Fiennes in it. I deeply enjoyed this production and watching Fiennes in person rather than through the screen. The cohesiveness of the physical movement between and within each actor was so specific it made me not only inspired, but envious of British training. Throughout the entire performance I was in awe of each actor’s connection to one another and to themselves. Each person was so connected to their objective that each choice was motivated, specific, and purposeful. While I did notice some of the accents slip a few times, I felt it was easier to see past because not every single person had an American accent. The show itself was structured really beautifully. I really enjoyed the fourth wall breaks of the reporter and Finnoula. It gave the show this personal, intimate feeling that was already being exuded by the dialogue, but the small soliloquy like moments of narration in the show made the energy more shared rather than just observed. The moments of tension between Ralph Fiennes’ character and everyone else in the show sometimes got so thick that I had to hold the handrail in front of me, they really had me on the edge of my seat. The way that they set and lit the show also greatly contributed to the intimate writing and thrust seating as well. The set was minimal, but the pieces were so specific that they felt huge and almost like characters themselves. The lights fading in and out of dimness and kind of following certain characters through the space gave the stage so much dimension. I became so emotional by the end of the show. Not only because the cast did such good work, but the show was so beautiful, heart-felt, and reminded me how much I want to do this for the rest of my life. It was one of the best shows I have ever seen live and I could not be more grateful for this opportunity. I absolutely cannot wait for more, and to write more about this experience!

In Fayetteville Arkansas if you want to have a cute little get away, you pack up your things and travel 2 hours away to the tourist town of eureka springs. There you eat at a diner, browse through some “let’s go Brandon” T-Shirts at a gift shop and dress up as a pioneer on the frontier at Judge Roy Beans photography. In London if you want to get away, you go to Bath. Bath has ancient Cathedrals, Roman Bath houses, and the roads are lined with beautiful white stone buildings. There are courtyards spread out along the city where classically trained street performers sing opera and play their instruments. You can buy the best bratwurst you’ve ever had at a stand for 2 pounds or pay 20 pounds for 3 ravioli at the restaurant martini (we did both.) There are brand name clothing stores, little chocolate shops, and a really cool bookstore that has those dope sliding ladders. In all seriousness this place was truly unbelievable. From the moment we arrived at the first courtyard we were greeted by the sound of a woman singing beautifully and I was in awe. The ancient bath houses had a delightful audio tour that we all separately listened to at our own pace. Being in a place that was used by so many people so long ago was really mind boggling. What really blew my mind about the bath houses was what social hubs they were. It’s pretty weird now to imagine bathing around so many other people and it feeling social in todays society but truthfully after hearing about all the rooms and people that the bath houses had it made me realize that people 1000 years ago were still people like us. It’s kinda like the lifetime fitness locker room of ancient times; bunch of gender separated rooms of people in towels Except their hot tub was thought to have magical healing properties.

Lord Byron

Among those buried at Westminster Abbey, I was excited to see The Right Honourable Lord Byron. Although I’m not a big fan of poetry, I am a big fan of the traditions of the Romantic movement, much of which he inspired. He lived a varied and adventurous life, congruent with his own work. From him we get the wisdom “Truth is stranger than fiction” and “A drop of ink may make a million think.” Byron traveled much of Europe and the Caucasus in his lifetime. He was the subject of many affairs and much scandal and was likely bisexual by our modern understanding. He died due to his physicians bloodletting him while he had a nasty cold. Overall, he seems to have been an intelligent, bold, even impulsive man with a great love for nature and a belligerent sense of humor. Apparently, when he was studying at Trinity college, out of spite for the rules forbidding him keeping a pet dog, he kept his own bear on campus as there was no mention of them in the code. Effective humor. He was very intelligent, but also very in touch with the sensational. Besides from his various affairs, he engaged in feelings of longing and pain in his poetry. This goes without mentioning his great admiration for nature, especially the sea.

Chucky Dickens

Charles Dickens is among my most read and most loved authors. Great Expectations is one of my favorite novels. Like many other European authors of this period, he wrote very satisfying novels about people suddenly changing economic and social status. He was pretty famous during his lifetime, and helped kickstart the Victorian tradition of serialized stories with cliffhanger endings and audience-influenced story beats. I’ve seen play adaptations of A Christmas Carol and Great Expectations, both of which starred Steven Marzolf as Fezziwig and Magwitch respectively. Charles Dickens is so popular that most people associate Victorian life and aesthetic with his work. He’s had a large effect on American life as well because of his tours of the States, performing readings of his work when he was alive. 

Dylan Thomas

Of everyone buried at Westminster Abbey, Dylan Thomas is among those I know the least about even though I’ve heard or read many of his words. He was one of the greatest Welsh poets and died a long, slow death due to many medical complications in New York City. My favorite quote from him is probably “After the first death, there is no other.” I like to think it means something along the lines of “It’s ok to move on because the worst has already happened which means you’ll only be more prepared to deal with it in the future.” Thomas was pretty popular during his time too. He had his work broadcast during the mid-twentieth century. Many people at the time didn’t understand how he died, but it was likely due to a number of factors. One of them was definitely his affinity for alcohol. In fact, it’s very difficult to find one artist or writer from the British Isles who did not have a relationship with alcohol. I guess they didn’t have bowling yet…

Upon further research they did have bowling back then, so they really had no excuse.

I found the play to be absolutely okay. I am trying to sort the difference between what was me being absolutely drained from the day, and what was me not enjoying the performance. I suppose let’s start with the basics. I was sitting in the house right on the balcony level. I was obstructed from seeing a quarter of the stage due to the walls of the theatre and others in front of me. It immediately set a bad mood for the play. While I didn’t miss a lot of action Down Stage Left it seems, it still changed the way I was able to view the play. 

The set was quite large. Which was interesting for the setting of the play which was supposed to be quite small and crammed. Was the use of the lighting on stage was interesting? Perhaps, it certainly was different seeing some of the lights physically on stage. Unfortunately I personally didn’t like it. The lights turned on in moments that captured the “dreamlike” sense of the play. But it felt a bit forced, like they were shouting in your face “THIS IS THE DREAM SEQUENCE PART, LOOK AT THESE LIGHTS WE PUT ON STAGE DO YOU GET IT?”

I feel as though I should clarify. I have discovered through the analysis and now a performance, that I do not like this play. Part of it comes from the choices of the characters, and part of it comes from the writing itself. It is a sad play that doesn’t resolve. It ends with everything in shambles, worse than how the play starts. While many shows follow that same line of progression, this show leaves a bad taste in my mouth and ends in a depressing way that screams hopelessness. 

The audience really only emoted all together less than 5 times. A couple of chuckles in the first half, and not much else for the remainder of the show. 

British shows and humor I have found to be very dry, something this show is not.. It actually is so full I would say it’s flooding. And due to it taking place in America in the 1930’s with references to decades past, I just don’t think that the British people enjoyed it very much. Or if they did, it was in a subtle manner that was impossible to survey.

I shall end this play review with a review of the British ladies that sat next to us for the first half of the show. They were terrible. When attempting to pass by and walk past they would not say a single word. They would push and shove like children who were restricted by a leash backpack. They stepped on our feet and kicked and stomped on Leah’s bag without asking for it to be moved. There were no apologies and no remorse. A simple “hey would you mind scooting back so I could get by”. None of that. Only childlike behavior. I’m glad they didn’t come back for the second half, good riddance and I hope you disliked your play experience.

Westminster Abbey is a large Chapel that is ornately decorated with details that both pop out and hide in the massively exquisite texturing of the building itself. Its tall spires reach for the heavens while enormous stained glass windows let light into rooms large enough to fit a thousand people.

The ceiling in particular was my favorite part. Their intricate design was something to behold. It created a sense of the heavens with its geometric design and patterns which had such dazzling symmetry. It looked like something out of the movie “Inception”. A mass of design far too complex for any one human to be able to take in days of studying. 

Another aspect I found absolutely fascinating was who was buried here. And of course the memorials for those not. People like Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, Winston Churchill and so many more. To be able to inspect their gravestones or memorials was a blessing and an incredibly humbling experience.

I chose to write about someone whom I don’t know any of their work off the top of my head. A man named Robert Browning. He was born May 7th 1812 in London. His most famous work is the “Ring and the Book”. The story of Roman murder trial told in a twelve book series. He was known for his dramatic verse poems and dark comedy. While he lived a long life, he didn’t start to catch the public’s eyes with his writing until he was in his fifties. His final piece he ever wrote was the poem Asolando, which was published on the same day he died, December 12 1889.

The other writer I chose to focus on was Charles Dickens. While the name is very familiar to my eyes and ears, I actually know frighteningly little about his works. Born February 7th 1812 Charles was a poor child, working in a boot blacking factory starting at age 12. Luckily it was only for three years. Soon after, he was able to begin his career has a journalist at the age of 15. He quickly picked up a knack for writing and soon set his work upon the world. He was a journalist for 20 years. In that time he wrote 15 novels, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, and was always looking for opportunities to perform lectures and readings to the public. A lot of his notable works did not come until later, works including “A Christmas Carol” and “The Pickwick Papers’ ‘. After a successful life and career Charles Dickens passed away June 9th 1870.

The city of bath was very beautiful, I spent a lot of time walking around and exploring. I found the river that runs through the city and followed it a while taking photos every so often. I also had the opportunity to discover the Roman baths that are located in the city. It was very interesting to find out about the history of the romans and the historical importance of the roman baths. It was interesting to see that there was so much belief in the water and its healing or magical properties. I did find my self more interested in the mechanics of how it all worked. The romans were known for very advanced water distribution, allowing them to move water to many places. The fact that they had multiple bath houses all running off the same water reservoir was incredible to think about. I was also fascinated by how they created rooms that closely resemble saunas. They did so by ducting the heat from a fire through hollowed floors and out a vent on the far side of the room. With the rising heat through the floor it warmed up the entire room to feel like a sauna. I know there was a fashion museum at bath but I did not go through it. I did however go through the Jane Austen Museum and only a few doors down from it was the museum for The author of Frankenstein’s Monster. The Frankenstein’s Monster museum also included an escape room but I ended not going into that museum. Bath was a very beautiful city that has a lot of history behind it. There was many very old building and places just like London, however you did not have the feeling of things packed in and close as they possibly could. Another thing that I enjoyed was the views of the countryside, something you don’t get in London with the towering sky scrapers everywhere and was a good change of scenery for a day. The train ride was actual a little disappointing, I thought I was going see a lot of the country side but was faced with a view that was blocked by trees or large embankments with only short glances into the country side every so often. Bath is defiantly a place I recommend spending time at, there are many things to see and do, there are also many shops and stores. Please enjoy some of the photos that I took while at Bath.

Focusing on one food experience is something I could do, but instead I would love to give a general overview of the cuisine I have been able to eat.

Before I left for Europe I remember wanting to try fish and chips in America so that I could see and compare to the pub food that is so popular here.

The fish and chips I received here at the London Pub was LARGE. A much larger portion than what I could eat on my own. But I slowly figured out that even though it boasted in size, it somewhat lacked in flavor. The fried nature of the fish was something to admire at first, but about a quarter into the meal I realized that there really was not much going on. The fish itself held a good texture and fell apart in your mouth, but really held no flavor. The fried outside was fun at first, but it left your mouth wanting more as it was the same repetitive greasy flavor again and again bite after every bite. No variety. I also think they didn’t season the fish at all, it was as plain and plain as could be. It relied on the outside coating to take charge, which as I explained, got old fast. Now is the matter of the chips, again a large amount I was given, but not very high quality. The look and bite of them was great, but there simply was no seasoning! It was like biting into a potato. And I love potatoes, but it was almost as if they forgot to season these well roasted chips. I hate to say but, overall. The Fish and Chips I had in America than what was offered at this pub. I plan on eating Fish and Chips again before I leave to get a better survey of the foodscape.

Now I am no stranger to Tesco as we all have been well acquainted at this point with their Meal Deal. And a meal deal it is. While you won’t get anything to write home about (I find this funny as I am literally writing home about it). For about 4 pounds you get a sandwich, a bag of crisps, and a drink. Once I found out you can instead have a salad is when I truly started to enjoy their selections. Cheap meals that fill you up, not everything will be a 5/5 experience. But I can say confidently that while it’s not the most tasty meal in the world, it certainly is convenient.One of the best meals I have here was one of Gordan Ramsay restaurants. A Street Burger Restaurant. I got the Hell’s Kitchen Burger which was a delicious red onion jalapeno burger that came with a side of crispy seasoned chips and unlimited soft drinks. From the time I walked in, to the time I left, it was 22 minutes in total. Very convenient and fast, it was an overall 5/5 experience.

June 8th, 2022

After reading and studying The Glass Menagerie in class the week before we left for the trip, I was really excited to have the opportunity to see it on West End, as the production was starring Amy Adams. Being passionate about studying the US South, I feel as though Williams wrote this play for himself and the common Southerner but also for others to learn about Southern culture. However, I felt like the British take on the play fell short of Tennessee Williams’s original intentions of the play. There is a specific type of culture that surrounds the US South, and I feel like this play missed the mark and did a lackluster job at showcasing the true culture, as Amanda’s character just grazed over the ideals and behavior of a Southern woman. In my opinion, a way the director could have done a better job would have been to implement food culture to showcase Southern culture. Mealtimes are a way for families to come together in community, share a space with one another, and have difficult conversations across the dinner table together. With the dining room table and chairs seemingly nonexistent, there is not a communal space for Amanda’s Southern identity to combat the identities of Tom and Laura. Through the lack of juxtaposition, the representation of a Southerner in an urban environment was not able to be showcased well on the stage. 

While exiting the theatre, I heard some Britains behind me discussing how The Glass Menagerie was all about the American South and how it showcased the region well, which honestly made me realize how easy it is for someone to critique a take on one’s own culture. It was fairly easy for me to see that this play did not illustrate the South as well as it should have -as I am a Southerner myself- while for the Britains behind me, it was not so easy since they (to my knowledge as a stranger listening in on their conversation) have not lived in the area and really seen the everyday life of the South.

Aside from the Southern culture, I felt like the stage should have had more individualized spaces. There should have been a functioning table, a couch, chairs, etc. I wanted the set to be more representative of a home rather than just one dark stage with a raised platform serving as a table, bed, and chair all in one. I also was disappointed with the director’s choice to have a drop-down screen show the portrait of the absent father. I felt like this screen just served as a distraction more than anything, as pieces of glass and candle work would periodically appear on it. This would take my eyes off of what was happening on the stage and have me fixate on the screen above the characters, which is not what I wanted from the play.  

 I honestly saw the setting and region function better in the script than in this performance. Amanda’s character definitely showcases the ideas of the Old South, which are lost to her children, but there isn’t a collision of cultures but rather just Amanda only showing her own. Through this, there is a lackluster impression of the Old South in St. Louis instead of showcasing rural life combatting urban life. Lastly, in terms of Tennessee Williams himself, I believe that his identity resonates within the play with how the individuals are characterized, as the characters parallel him and his family’s lives.

We learned in class that he views himself as the main character, looking back on his childhood, his mother mirroring Amanda, and Laura being characterized as his sister. Comparing American and British plays, I have to discuss the differences between The Glass Menagerie and The House of Shades. While these two plays do not speak holistically for the two categories, I felt like the acting was so much better in The House of Shades. This makes me wonder if this was the case due to the casting or if it had something to do with the American play being performed by British actors made it a little more challenging. While I loved watching The House of Shades, as I felt like this was the best performed play we have been to on the trip, I definitely feel more connected to the storyline of The Glass Menagerie. This is in part because of my passion for studying the South but also because I better resonate with the ideals and cultures presented in American plays, like The Glass Menagerie.

-Maggie Martin

Good evening everyone! Today was a day full of good food and good entertainment (not just good… but inspiring entertainment!). I had a late start to the day, but when I woke I got some sushi and onigiri from Wasabi again- yum!

Today was also my makeup day for Borough Market! Sad news though, the majority of the market was closed. Because of this, my roommate and I decided to do some more taste testing around Spitalfields Market instead! I absolutely love covered markets, so Spitalfields was the next best thing to Borough. We decided to start off with some matcha boba, which never disappoints. I think this has been my favorite boba place throughout the trip! After boba we decided to walk around Spitalfields a bit and I surprisingly bought some clothes that I ended up liking a lot. I have been wanting to do some clothes shopping in London, but nothing has caught my eye up until today. I’m so glad I got some stuff for good prices too! After shopping, we made our way to the Brick Lane Vintage Market. I love this market!!!! This was my second time going, and I actually bought some accessories this time. I’ll be wearing them for tomorrow’s day out!

After the Vintage Market, we walked back to Spitalfields to try more food. I ended up getting hand pulled noodles with cumin beef, and also a masala chai. This food was DELICIOUS! I’m happy we went back to Spitalfields (for a third time haha) because if not, I wouldn’t have gotten to try so many different things throughout my visits there. I will probably go back again to try even more new things later on during our trip!

After shopping and eating a lot of amazing food, it was time to go to the play of the day, House of Shades at the Almeida Theatre. Going into House of Shades, I did not have high expectations. I read reviews for the production beforehand and they were less than stellar. One reviewer even began his review with the sentence, “What a disappointment.” After reading these reviews, I found out the play would be nearly 3 hours. I was really thinking I’d be bored out of my mind for 3 hours watching a play about a broken family’s political discourse, but House of Shades was so much more than that. This is by far the most moving and gut wrenching production I have seen on this study abroad.

The House of Shades follows the lives of a working-class family over five decades… I’m honestly not sure what else I should disclose about this play, because I want all of its audiences to have the same jaw dropping reaction to its plot that I did; however, I will say this- it is fully worth the time and trepidation it induces. The casting and performances in this play were absolutely phenomenal, and I needed it to be a 4 hour production rather than a 3 hour production! When the show finished, I was in disbelief and awe. This show was genius! There were so many parallels and symbolisms within it that I’m sure once I sit and really think about what I just saw, I will find a lot more connections than I originally perceived. I don’t think I have ever felt this way after a play, and it wasn’t even on the West End! The House of Shades is a must-see. I cannot say too much without ruining the experience that is seeing it for the first time, but it was a beautiful production that has stemmed from an exquisitely written script. Bravo!

And that is that! Tomorrow we have another day trip, and another show, so I’ll talk to you all again tomorrow 🙂