Sunday, January 27, 2008

Masque and Monarchy

Friday night I went to a dramatic performance of the Masque of the Red Death at the Battersea Arts Center. It's sort of hard to describe what it was, but basically the entire building was the stage and the audience members got to explore the whole building while the players enacted their parts in several different rooms. There was also a cabaret show in one area, which was highly entertaining. After that part of the evening was over, we were shuttled into another large room where they had swing dancing and a variety of other performances. It was a very cool (but very weird) evening.

On Saturday Nadia and I went to Borough Market and then to Hampton Court. This whole weekend has been sunny and quite warm so it was a lovely day overall. Pictures:

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Sunny winter afternoon stroll

Random sign. I always wonder how old such things are

Prince Albert Memorial. Appropriately cool sky in the background.

Princess Di memorial

Random area in Hyde Park

Monday, January 21, 2008

Lake Como

Day 2: Lake Como + Miscellaneous Adventures

We got to Lake Como by about noon on Sunday after a short train ride out of Milan. The town is cute and nice and the views are spectacular. We spent all day wandering around the town and getting into all sorts of trouble. To start, we walked around a small part of the lake and some of the town. They had some interesting miscellaneous buildings and churches:After having a stroll through Como: We had an amazing lunch of fish, risotto and calamari in a restaurant a little off the beaten path (which was good as it wasn't teeming with tourists). Then we took the FUNICULAR (which, by the way, is my new favorite word) up to the top of the hill/mountain overlooking Lake Como. Despite the fact that it was a little misty and foggy, the views were spectacular. We spent some time looking for George Clooney's house (as featured in Ocean's 12) and I pointed to a particular gray house that had a swimming pool. I swore it was the one. You'll have to wait until I get to the part about the boat trip for the end of that story!!
After we came down on the fuuniiiiicular, we walked through a small market where I picked up a cannolli and we got some almond cookies (yuuum. needless to say I ate too much this weekend). Then we decided to take a boat ride around the public part of the lake, which was freezing but also beautiful. ALSO, it turns out that I was right about Clooney's house and I was able to pick it out from a height of 2000'! My celebrity hunting skills were spectacular after a year in Los Angeles, I suppose. Some pictures from the boat ride will be posted soon. Then we began our epic adventure back to Milan. We got a train out of a different station that we had come in on because it was (seemingly) more convenient. However, we didn't have time to get a ticket so we just sort of... hopped on the train and hoped for the best. WELL, the best didn't happen. The ticket collector started coming up the train so we had to hop off at an incredibly sketchy station, the sketchiness drastically increased by the DENSE FOG that surrounded us - no joke, I couldn't see more than 20 feet in front of me. We had a cup of tea surrounded by about 10 scary old men. Then when the next train came, it was straight out of the 70s and smelled of stale tobacco and urine. Two and a half hours later, we finally pull into Milan.

To sum up the weekend:
Modes of transportation used: Metro/Tube, Train, Bus, Car, Plane, Funicular, Boat, Tram (all in 48 hours)
Ways I could have died: Fallen off the Duomo, In the bathroom at McDonald's in Como, hit by a train at sketchy station.

Milano!

Europe is cool because you can take trips to other countries for the weekend. I must admit, though, that it's a very weird feeling to be in England, speaking English, take a two hour plane ride, and be in Italy, not speaking Italian. So it was a great weekend full of fabulous adventures, so here we go.

I got out to Stansted (which is not nearly as inconvenient as people say it is) with plenty of time for my flight though I had managed to forget my confirmation number. So I had to call Mark in California to get it for me. Awesome. Flight was only about 15 minutes late. Lydia met me at the airport and we took the bus back into Milan. We had pasta and wine at her place, went out for a beer (12%... yeah) and then went to bed. We were up and out the door by about 10am on Saturday, off to have Milanese adventures. It was good, because Lydia hadn't had time to do a lot of the touristy things so we got to do them all together for the first time.

Okay, Day 1: Milano

The first thing we did was to walk by the church of San Lorenzo which was mostly amusing because he had a Santa Clause hat on his head. We walked by a place with craaaazy looking marzipan! I was pretty excited about it and took a picture. The second thing we did was the Duomo . We walked around inside a bit but as is the case with most Roman cathedrals, it's sparse on the inside. The outside is pretty incredible, and we got to climb to the top (a theme for the weekend). You can walk all around the top and see the city from a bunch of different angles. As it was a sunny day, I got some good pictures:
We went to the Galleria which is a glorified shopping mall and I turned on the bull's balls, which means I'm going to return to Milan. We also took a tour the Teatro alla Scala, which is essentially the home of Opera. Lydia is very into opera so it helped to have a little bit of contextualization. After this we went to the Castello Sforzesco, which is basically a gigantic castle made of brick that creates a huge rock courtyard in the middle. We assume that they just wanted it to seem bigger, so left a hole in the middle. The REALLY exciting bit of that adventure was when we walked through to the back of the Castle, we found France! France was actually surrounded by a lovely park with a pretty pond and some nice public art. We had a bit of a stroll before turning back to continue exploring the Castello. We took a tea/coffee and cake break on our way back to her apartment for a rest. And let me say this, the Italians may know their coffee, but this is how tea was served (I do have to note that it took another three or four minutes for us to get the waiter's attention and have him bring me a tea bag): In the evening, we went for Chinese food and karaoke with some of Lydia's friends. It was good fun. Yes, you read that right. Chinese food and karaoke in Italy as my true Italian experience...

Thursday, January 17, 2008

First rugby match... back in action

Well, I was really looking forward to our first rugby match yesterday.

TO START - Originally, we were supposed to meet at Waterloo at 11:40 to catch the train. I had to make a stop on the way so I had left at 11, but then I received a text message that we didn't need to be there until 12. But it seemed stupid to turn around so I walked around aimlessly for an extra 40 minutes until it was time to leave.

THEN - when I did get to Waterloo, the news came out that we only had 12 players (rugby teams need 15 a side), and only 5 forwards (the scrum, which consists of forwards, needs 8). But Katy and Kim had worked it out and Royal Halloway said they would match our numbers and still play us competitively.

THEN - I bought tickets to Egham, which costs 10 quid.

THEN - On the train, Kim gets a call from Royal Halloway's coach saying that they would play us, but not competitively. Meaning that we would forfeit but they would play us anyway. But Kim protested, saying she had worked it out with the captain who had promised we would play competitively at matched numbers. The coach said we'd talk about it when we arrived at the pitch. But Kim said, "no, we don't want to play if it's not competitively and risk injuries. Tell us now." He said he would call us back.

THEN - He didn't call back. We arrive at Egham and get into the cabs to take us to the pitch. *See later for awesome story about cabbie* We get to a pitch but there wasn't anyone there but some random guy kicking the ball around. Turns out we went to the wrong pitch. After paying for cabs.

THEN - We had to walk "up the road" (read: 1.5 miles) to the REAL pitch. Which turns out to be a giant puddle. Kim and Katy talk to the captain and they agree to match us numbers +1 (12 v 13) competitively, with only the tight five in the scrum. We agree.

THEN - Nas, one of our substitute props (front row), gets injured and can't continue. We try to put Nina (normally #8 - the back of the scrum) in at prop, but can't get it right. So I go in at prop, leaving Nina and Hannah at second row (neither of them normally play second row - Hannah is usually a back!). We end up having uncontested scrums because the ref was uncomfortable with an inexperienced first row (aka me).

FINALLY - We lost. 14-0. We spent all of 3 minutes in their end of the pitch. Sigh.

But, on a happier note: the cab driver. We get in the cab and he starts waffling on about various things. He offers us all biscuits. We drive by a woman and he says he's seen her naked, because some guy he used to drive around took pictures of her and showed him. He said she looked pretty good for having had three kids. Then he told us about how a Greek girl couldn't pronounce London. Then he took the piss out of the Americans in the car (me and Ricki). He was brilliant. We were happy when we got him AGAIN when we took a cab back to the station. More biscuits. It was the best cab ride ever. Hard to articulate how awesome it was.

Tomorrow: Milan!

Monday, January 14, 2008

Lots of stuff!

I've been busy... which is perhaps why I'm so tired. But here goes. Friday night Todd and I went out for pizza and ice skating. For food we went to Fire and Stone in Covent Garden, which has really interesting pizzas. Hoi Sin or curry sauce... roasted potatoes... weird things. But it was good, and Todd is fun to talk to as we have a lot in common. Though, as an Eagles fan, he wouldn't allow me to gloat about the Pats too much. After that we walked down to Somerset House for some ice skating. It was a small rink but they had music and the lighting was quite cool - and we were definitely the best skaters there (which says something!). After that we went to a pub called "Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese" in the city - very, very old - low doors, that kind of thing. Good cider...
Saturday I went to lunch and the Design Museum with Chrissy. It was so good to catch up with her - I don't chat with too many girls that often and sometimes I realize how much I miss it. After we walked around a bit we went back to hers for some tea and more talking. Saturday night I came home and passed out really early - I was absolutely exhausted. Pictures from near the museum:
Sunday I went to the library and then to rugby training in Regents Park. I'm really looking forward to our game on Wednesday. I think my head will be more in the game once I actually get to play again. After training I did a bit of reading and then went to Andy's for a marathon of the West Wing (we made a deal: one season of the WW for every HP book read. So I'm so far 2.5 seasons in the hole).

Today I took a long walk from Camden Town, around Primrose Hill and Regents Park, then all the way home. It was a good chance to spend some time outside, as it was sunny and quite warm. I like that I only need a sweatshirt and gloves in the middle of January! Pictures:

I'd post more but it's taking bloody ages!

Friday, January 11, 2008

National Portrait Gallery

Check!

I actually went and did something on my list today after classes got out. It was a SUPER rainy morning so I figured it was the perfect opportunity to spend some time in a museum. The gallery actually had two special exhibits so I did both of those, and left the permanent exhibits for a later date (I have a short museum attention span). There was a Pop Art exhibit which I'm glad I saw because it closes soon. Lots of Warhol, some Lichtenstein and other interesting stuff.

There was also a photography exhibit, which was AWESOME. I don't usually love portraits, but these were unbelievable. Very happy I went.

I know I have to go back, though, because I have to see this piece (it's Paul, for those who can't figure it out)

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Scratch that, this is going to be awesome.

So I had my first Modern Campaigning Politics class with Lord Gould and it is going to be brilliant! He has worked on such interesting (not to mention awesome) campaigns, but he's also incredibly personable. I'm also psyched about the class structure which is a great balance between lecture, class discussion and guest lecturers... List of guest lecturers:

Peter Watt former General Secretary, The Labour Party.
Alastair Campbell, Former Downing Street Press Secretary.
Lynton Crosby campaign consultant to John Howard PM Australia.
Mark Lucas Communications Consultant and film maker.
Andrew Cooper Pollster to David Cameron and Boris Johnson.
Margaret McDonagh former Labour Party General Secretary.
Rt.Hon Alan Milburn MP. Former cabinet minister, 2005 campaign co-ordinator.
Jonathan Powell: Former Tony Blair Chief of Staff.

So, as you can see, awesome! Tomorrow I have my Political Communication course. It's nice that this term it's not going to be straight media because that's pretty much old hat to me at this point.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

School is overrated

Classes started yesterday. Well, term started on Monday but I had a methodology "workshop" yesterday which was 50 minutes of my life that I will never get back. My two real classes, Political Communication and Modern Political Campaigning should be good, though, and they start tomorrow. I'm hoping for an easy night out with the girls so I don't feel rough in the morning. No guarantees, though.

Had my first rugby training of term today. It was in Regents Park rather than Fortress Berrylands (victory) and it was mostly ball handling and other such drills. It was good to be back, we all seemed to have fun at training which isn't always true. It was mostly sunny and quite warm, too, so I was happy to be outside.

To be honest, not much else to report. Looking forward to getting out and about in London tomorrow and at the weekend. Friday eve I'm going out to dinner and ice skating at Somerset House with Todd. Saturday I think I'm going to lunch and the cinema with Chrissy, though in the morning I'm sure I'll go to Borough Market... Cheeeeeese! I imagine I'll stay in Saturday night, maybe do some reading or -eurgh- research for jobs. Sunday I have rugby training and then a long-anticipated marathon of the West Wing at Andy's.

Things still on my list to do:
National Portrait Gallery (why I have not done this yet, I am not sure)
Hampton Court yes I've done it before but I'd like to go again
Beatles Walk i've taken one, but sherry put me on to another!
Tate Britain
Kew Gardens though probably not until spring

well now i'm bored of writing although the list is longer...

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Return to London

After a lengthy Christmas silence, I have finally returned to London! Also, I am nearly over jet lag. I hope. I managed to roll out of bed at 9am today and I don't feel like death. Victory! Break was good, home is relaxing, but there just isn't enough structure. I always tell myself I'm going to get out and about, go into town, but it's so much easier, cheaper to hang out in Winchester with Otto. I enjoyed the snow, especially as I know that's the last of it that I'll get for the year...



I've been pretty busy since I've been back! I arrived Thursday evening and met up with Andy for a drink (conveniently, he met me at the tube to carry my hideously heavy bag back to Bankside - sweet). Friday UK Dan/Dan2/Other Navy Helo Pilot Dan came to visit. We went to the Imperial War Museum where the highlights were an exhibit about the Falklands War and one called Weapons of Mass Communication, which, as you can imagine, was right up my alley. Had tons of old recruitment and propaganda posters. Very, very cool. I will likely go back and visit. The overall visit was a bit like my trip to the Air and Space museum with Dan Dolan because I got info on all the aircraft. Makes it much more interesting to have someone who knows and cares about all the details! After that we walked over the Churchill War Rooms, which I'd been to three times before but it fit with the military theme! Saturday we went to the Tower, where we spent most of the time in the armory. Also more interesting than usual because now I know the differences between a variety of kinds of guns! How useful.

Sunday I met up with Sherry and Ryan at Christopher's near Covent Garden for brunch - SO YUMMY! A bit pricey but worth it. We also had a nice view of Waterloo Bridge, and it was a sunny morning so it was lovely. After that we went for a walk down Southbank and to a Twelfth Night Festival. We got there a bit late, and a few minutes after we arrived they all took off down the road. I commented that we must be headed off to the pub, though I partially meant it in jest... well, have no fear. We ended up at the pub. It was good fun though, costumes, singing.
The Holly Man: Where are you from?
Laura: America.
The Holly Man: Will you have my babies?


After hanging out there for a bit, we went to Gabriel's Wharf and played on the various rocking horses, whales, cars, dogs, pigs, among others. Then we went for a drink at Oxo Tower - I had this ridiculous drink "Honey Cream Soda" which was made of the craziest ingredients but tasted just like cream soda - what's better than an alcoholic cream soda, you ask? Nothing, I say. We chatted there, enjoying the view for about two hours. Sadly then I had to come unpack and start the papering.
Driving!



The good news is I have an extension on my essays until 21 January because LSE's internet hub was down for a week over break (which I didn't know, but I ain't complaining). The better news... I finished my essays yesterday! The two I had finished before I left were actually pretty fucking awesome so didn't need much editing - wicked. Now, for fun. Oh, and the job hunt...