Learning to Fly

I would like to start by saying that I just glanced at the date of my last entry and cannot believe it has been two weeks since I last updated!  Days have been flying past as of late and there has not been a great deal of excitement worth mentioning.

The week following my last post, I spent working on an essay for my Reading & Writing Poetry course - which I received the grade for just this afternoon actually, and am not terribly happy with.  The professor for the course meets with each student to discuss the essays, which allows for a bit of clarification on the student's part and a bit more understanding on her's, and I find that very helpful.  Fortunately, for this course, there's a bit of room for improvement as students get the option to turn in a second essay and she uses the higher of the two scores, along with the exam score, for the final grade.  However, now that I've been hit in the face with how strict the grading really is in this country, I'm a little terrified for the outcomes of my other two modules, as I only get one shot at the essay grade.  My dear GPA, I apologize for the harm this year will bring to you - you've been so good to me these last few years.  Sigh.

I have found it to be a major struggle to put forth my best efforts in school - for various reasons.  First of all, I did not consider that living in a foreign country would feel like a vacation even after two months in.  While I attend classes and do a bit of studying, as well as make my deadlines for meetings and essays, school tends to be on my mind much less than future travels and adventures.  Even last week, as I woke planning to start research and outlines, I found it more important to soak up the Autumn sun and gallivant about town to watch the buskers, browse the markets, and marvel through the gates at St. Augustine's Abbey.

Also, due to the approaching winter and daylight savings, the light of day is gone by 4:30 in the afternoon - and it often never gets very light to begin with.  This, accompanied by a warm bed and book of my choosing, makes it nearly impossible to want to do anything but be lazy and lie down for bed at impossibly early hours.  I hope to snap out of this but am afraid that, unless something sparks my interest enough, my best performance won't come until the Spring.  Hopefully in time for exams!

As I mentioned, there are a select few things that will get me out of bed with my full attention.  Take, for example, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  After learning that England does not do midnight showings, Leigh Anne and I booked tickets for the following morning's (Friday, November 19) first show.  Up and in town by 9 a.m., we were some of the first outside the cinema's doors.  It was quite an experience just standing in the lobby - an entire wall of candies to choose from on one side, ice-cream, cotton candy, and chocolate on the other... sweet or salted popcorn, hot drinks or cold, and just about everything in between.  Fortunately, Leigh Anne's become an expert at making puppy chow and brought that instead so we were able to proceed straight into the theater, where we were greeted by a lady who walked us to our amazing seats, right in the center.  We were floored that we, along with about ten other people, were the only ones to show up.  Apparently the British are better about waiting things like this out than Americans.  As the movie ended and the credits rolled, I was already ready to see it again.

At 4 a.m. the next morning, after a Skype date with Demetri that lasted until 2 a.m., I easily hopped out of bed for another piece of excitement... London!  My mom's best friend from her elementary and high school days now lives in Munich, but planned to see a rugby match in London for her husband's birthday and invited me along.  Although the match didn't start until two-thirty and they planned to leave somewhat early on Sunday, I decided to make a weekend of it and arrive early Saturday and leave late on Sunday.  I began getting ready just before I left, writing down the names of a few tube stations that I might want to hop off at while in the city and quite wisely packing only my point-and-shoot camera, coach tickets, and a few pieces of fruit.  Visits into London are starting to seem best when there's no plan in mind, everything always seems to work out perfectly.

The coach made its way into London a little after seven in the morning and the beauty of its skyline nearly moved me to tears (cheesy, but true.)  I had been talking with a guy on the coach who grew up in the city's outskirts and seemed totally unmoved by the picture perfect scene just outside the window... the golden glow of Big Ben and Houses of Parliament, the changing lights of the London Eye, and a slow sunrise that made it all come to life.  I thought about it then, how taken for granted hometowns are.  I wish I could find the beauty in moments like those everyday, no matter where, because it seems that those are what make life worth living.

After finding my way to the nearest Underground station, I hopped a tube to Westminster as I wanted to continue taking in that scene before beginning my day.  I was able to walk along the River Thames and watch electric lights fade as daylight grew stronger.  For awhile, it was almost surreal that I was in London.  Aside from an occasional jogger or taxi, the streets were rather quiet and empty.  I had the town to myself for awhile.  Big Ben chimed eight and things began to get a little busier.

I made my way to Westminster Abbey and spent a few moments pondering the idea that such intricate architecture could be built so long ago.  I do this almost daily here.  I then stumbled upon St. Margaret's Church which was surrounded by the Field of Remembrance, full of thousands of remembrance poppies for those lost in the armed forces.  This was a rather moving part of my day as well - seeing so much red, knowing there were more than I could possibly count.  Just across the road, a war protest was set up, with loads of signs and pitched tents.  Unfortunately, I believe that I left before any sort of action took place.

I continued to wander about, hoping that I'd end up in a place that sounded at least somewhat familiar.  I decided to follow the signs towards St. James' Park and proceeded to spend about thirty minutes in one small area talking to and laughing at the curious, chubby squirrels.  Perhaps a solo trip wasn't the best idea for my social life?  Although a few people did join me and we all got our fill of amusement watching them chase each other and, eventually, bully the pigeons.

From there, I followed a path that led me to Trafalgar Square and passed through to end up at the British Cavalry.  I watched the guards march for a few moments, and joined the other, obviously tourist, people getting pictures with the soldiers.  I ended up passing by several monuments dedicated to WWII, eventually got to the British Ministry of Defence building, and then ended back up where I'd started.

I crossed over the bridge to the London Eye and after passing about three shops that taunted me with breakfasty smells, caved and tried a "Wonder Waffle," a very popular treat in that area of London.  I've had a lack of strawberries and blueberries, two of my favorite fruits, while here... and certainly got my fill.

 

I continued walking along the opposite side of the River Thames in hopes of seeing Tower Bridge.  I'd learned that due to work on the Underground during the weekend, no tube stations near it were operating, but I never reached it... next time!  Instead, I made my way to Waterloo Station and boarded a train to meet my mom's friend, Shari, and her family in Twickenham.  Having only met Shari once, when I was a few months old, I was quite excited.  My mom has not been in touch with her for nearly twenty years, but told me loads of stories as I was growing up about their shenanigans - and there I was, on my way to hang out with her in a different country.  Funny how things work out.

I met Shari at the station and we greeted with a hug instead of words... such a great feeling!  The family and their friends were the most lovely, lively, and hilarious bunch of British I've spent time with thus far.  I cannot get over how welcoming people are here.  It was noon, and because the rugby match did not start until 2:30, there was plenty of time for drinking beforehand... of which there was much.  The group drank from noon until bedtime and were sure to keep a drink in my hand at all times.  Shari and I were able to share stories and laugh about a certain few that mom had forgotten to share.  The party, most of whom had rugby shirts on (I know for next time the appropriate attire), made our way to the stadium.  The atmosphere of a rugby match is very comparable to a football game in the states... lots of drinking, cheering, chanting, and celebrating, all within a similar type of stadium.  England won over Samoa and by the end of the game, I understood most of what was happening on the field.

We returned to the hotel pub for dinner and drinks, where I learned even more British slang, laughed over stories, surprised mom with a phone call from Shari, was invited to Stratford-upon-Avon (!) and began to think that maybe the solution to my sleeping issue is alcohol.  I slept like a rock!

The next day, we said our goodbyes and I joined Shari's family for a quick trip into London since they had to buy a suitcase before catching their flight back to Germany.  I am now on a mission to convince mom to visit so we can travel to Munich!  I'm so grateful to have met everyone, it was a wonderful experience all around!

After they left, I visited a few more well-known areas of London that I had not yet seen.  I worked my way down Regent and Oxford Streets (full of big-name companies like Burberry, Seven for All Mankind, H&M, etc.)  and saw a bit of Piccadilly Circus.  I am happy to report I got the majority of my holiday shopping done in those couple of hours!

I accidentally ended up in Leicester Square, where the red carpet is rolled out for many movie premieres.  There were lots of cinemas and restaurants surrounding the area and I sat down for a hot chocolate and listened to a few buskers before making my next move - which ended up being Hyde Park.

I say Hyde Park not because I'm certain I was there, but because that is where I believe I was.  When I got off of the tube, I was was surprised with a "Winter Wonderland."  No part of the park was really visible... not just because it was getting dark, but because every inch was covered with Christmas themed amusement rides, booth after booth of woodwork, jewelry, baked goods, crafts, souvenirs, German food, French food, beer, hot cocoa, hot cocoa with shots of your choice of alcohol and various other things.  Imagine a huge festival with every single bit of it having a Christmas theme.  I spent about an hour, unsure of whether or not I found this exciting or absolutely ridiculous, making my way through the crowds of couples and parents and children screaming that they wanted just one more ride on Santa's Rockin' Sleigh.

Finally, I headed back to where the whole weekend began, because I wanted to see London lit up at night.  I attempted to take a few pictures (click here for pictures) of the main attractions and realized I hadn't eaten during the day, so carefully inspected each food booth along the river... all sorts of food was offered, and I can safely say that one of my favorite smells now is that of roasted chestnuts which were available just about everywhere.  The idea of getting something nutritious battled around in my head, and I decided on a chocolate cupcake with white chocolate icing.  As I walked back along the riverside, I saw an empty bench with an amazing view.  I thought, "I want to sit on that bench and eat this unhealthy cupcake and enjoy every minute."  So I did.

I have no idea how long I sat on that bench overlooking the River Thames, savoring every bite of that cupcake, but I do know that the thought of how lucky I am to be here ran through my mind again and again.  I have been thankful for many things in my life, and I have tried to take time out to just appreciate the moment before, but my time on that bench was seriously different.  I am the kind of girl who needs plans, who makes lists and freaks out when things go astray.  I am the kind of girl who insists it is brains and personality that matter but stands in front of the mirror before bed and convinces herself the diet has to start in the morning.  I am the kind of girl who cannot go places alone because she worries about what everyone else will think of her not having any friends by her side.  It was in that small amount of time that I laughed at myself and realized I'm not really that girl after all.  I was perfectly happy, not worried about time or things I hadn't made it to, not counting calories, enjoying the place to myself, unconcerned with the thoughts of anyone else.

I love traveling with other people and sharing amazing moments in equally amazing places, but there is something about being seated in a place like London alone for awhile, surrounded by all kinds of movement from everyone else, and realizing that you're perfectly content, that there's nowhere else you'd rather be and nothing else you'd rather be doing, and that nothing needs to be said and that there's no use in trying to describe it afterward, as I am to you, because those moments are for you and you alone and no one else could feel the same even if they tried.

The trip had to end shortly thereafter, and I couldn't help but think that I had just handled one of the world's biggest cities on my own and had learned from it - even if I can't explain in words.  I guess it's more like a feeling, one of growing up.

Well, there you have it, deep thoughts and life lessons provided by Aly Hess.  I hope you are healthy, happy, learning and growing, wherever you are...

xo,
Aly

P.S.  I know it's extremely cliche to use a song to describe life's best moments, but I couldn't help thinking about this one during the whole trip and how it relates to not only this weekend, but this entire experience - perfectly fitting and my favorite artist.  I can't resist:

"Learning to Fly"
Tom Petty

 

I started out, down a dirty road

Started out, all alone

The sun went down as I crossed the hill

The town lit up, and the world got still

I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings

Coming down is the hardest thing

The good old days may not return

The rocks might melt, and the sea may burn

I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings

Coming down is the hardest thing

Some say life will beat you down

It'll break your heart and steal your crown

So, I started out for God knows where

I guess I'll know when I get there

I'm learning to fly, around the clouds
What goes up, must come down
I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings

Coming down is the hardest thing

November & Senioritis: We Meet Again

Readers,

[Insert looooong sigh of relief here.]  Unfortunately, this post will likely be one of my least interesting thus far.  For the last week, I've been cooped up in my room without proper amounts of human interaction and exposure to sunlight in a miserable attempt to write the first of my last few papers as an undergraduate student.

One would think that as an English major, I'd be able to fly through papers like it's nobody's business - and with many, I can.  Aside from the fact that I haven't written a paper since May, this paper falls into the social sciences and while I've done a few before, I've never done one UK style - not to mention, it's an upper level course!  The professor has been quite vague, both in class and in her assignment sheet about what it is she expects from the essay, and when a student asks for clarification, the expectations ironically become even more fuzzy.

The essay is due tomorrow by 4 p.m. so I was quite impressed that I had finished a draft last Thursday, after days of reading books and articles, analyzing, brainstorming, drafting and pulling my hair out, and was very pleased with the outcome.  I made an appointment with the learning center on campus to review it today before handing it in tomorrow, just to make sure I was on the right track.  I decided to come up with a list of questions for today's appointment yesterday afternoon, and when I re-read the essay question, "Critically assess gender as an explanation of social inequality," it dawned on me that I had not done one bit of critical assessing!  Over 3,000 words and excellent sources, but no answer!  Oh, how I miss working in the Writing Center and being surrounded by essays that keep me focused!

I rushed back to my room in a state of panic, scolded myself and glared at the stack of books, the worthless essay, and my laptop's blinking cursor on the empty white page... my enemies of the week greeted me again, and started from scratch.  Around two in the morning, I went from zero words back up to over 3,000 and begged my tired fingers to stop typing nonsense and just relay what was in my head.  I wrapped it up and after some editing and the learning center appointment today, I can thankfully say that I've saved the final draft and will hand it in tomorrow.  I wish I could say I have never let an essay take over my life before and that I'll never let it happen again, but during the school year it usually happens on a monthly basis.  The reason I'm so concerned about this one is because A.) It is my first essay in a different educational system & I've no idea how it will be graded, B.) It's worth 50% of my final grade, and C.) I have a thing for worrying.

Anyway... that's behind me and now onto 3,000 words comparing poems - tone, idiom, metaphors, and the like will keep me company this week... joy!  Senioritis is certainly creeping in and with so many amazing places to see and things to do so close by, it's even more of a struggle!  But I'm confident that I can handle this and get things done while still having fun.

So, let's rewind to before the essay crisis of November 7th.  Last Saturday, still catching my breath from our trip to London, I made the effort to scrounge up a few leftover coins and go into town to purchase a Halloween costume for a house party in the evening.  I found a witch's hat, some red lipgloss, and red fishnet tights all for under three pounds and - voila! - I was a witch.

The party was originally going to be hosted by a group of Spanish students, but the common room they had reserved in Parkwood was locked and the group kind of split up into the Spanish, who went off to another house, and the rest of us, a mix of American, French, British, and others.  We sat around and drank for awhile, then various people took turns on an acoustic guitar and we all sang Bob Marley and Rolling Stones tunes for a bit.  After awhile, a portion of the people who had purchased advance tickets to the university's dance club Vampire Ball left and the rest of us decided to jump on our 2 a.m. pizza craving.  As soon as the pizza arrived, a massive amount of people crowded into the kitchen -- The Venue had turned away everyone who showed up after 1 a.m., even with pre-purchased tickets!  I was quite sleepy but managed to nearly finish an entire large pizza by myself and attempt to engage in conversation until I just couldn't process anymore before calling it a night.

The rest of the week, seriously, was spent working on the essay we shall no longer speak of.  Aside from that, I occasionally found the time to ponder what on earth I'm going to do once I have my degree in June.  I thought that after four years of school focused in a specific area, my career choices would be narrowed... but now I feel like I have so many more options to weigh!  This is both brilliant and horrible, especially since I'm the most indecisive person I know.  I'm strongly considering teaching English abroad for a year, but graduate school and a year or two in journalism are equally appealing.  I know it's very last minute to be considering grad-school, but a few of the places I am interested in have rather late application deadlines and I could probably make it work if I start now.  Mom, how do you feel about Boulder, Colorado?

Friday was the 5th of November.  According to Facebook statuses that day, a large majority of my friends know the rhyme "Remember, remember the fifth of November," likely from V for Vendetta?  I felt so lucky that I was able to celebrate the holiday that this originated from, where it originated from: Guy Fawkes Night or "Bonfire Night."  Basically, on November 5, 1605 a group of thirteen men wanted to overthrow the King and a guy named Guy Fawkes was one of them.  They planned to do this by blowing up the Houses of Parliament in London, but Guy Fawkes was caught with loads of gunpowder underneath the building before they could carry out the plan.  The English celebrate, in a kind of Fourth of July style, by burning a "guy" (scarecrow) on a huge bonfire and lighting off fireworks in a carnival-type setting all across the country.

The fireworks display was actually bigger and better than any I've seen in the states (that's likely due to the fact that I'm from Indiana) and it was a totally different kind of experience.  So glad I was here for it!

Yesterday, Leigh Anne and I met up to start off our health-kick together (and yes, to avoid our essays.)  As she exclaimed, "I've resorted to exercising to put off this paper!" Equally true for me.  We planned to high-speed walk around the campus and a bit of town, but Mother Nature told us that we had to stop avoiding our inevitable schoolwork by first spitting rain, and when we didn't get the hint, pouring it down.  By the way, she's apparently still telling us not to go outside until it's all done - it has been raining off and on since yesterday morning!  At least when it stops for awhile it makes for some beautiful scenery:

 

I was quickly reminded that running never has been and never will be my sport as I was only able to jog a couple of short lengths back to my flat without wanting to collapse.  After changing into dry clothes, we went on a quest for a place to eat lunch on campus, which also failed because everyplace was closed.  We took this as another sign and ended up in the library, where this whole blog began.

The mention of the word "blog" reminds me of one last thing from this week - a member of staff from the university's International Office is starting a student blog page on the university's website where international students journal about their time in Canterbury... I sent him a sample of my work and after meeting up with him, he asked if I'd be interested in blogging for volunteer credits.  Of course I accepted!  I'll share the link when the site is up and running.

Also, it's hard to believe November is already upon us, but it is. And that means a new photo album.  Click here to see what Canterbury is like at this time of year!

I hope everyone is well and stress-free... if not, take an hour or two break.  You deserve it.

All for now,
Aly