My Itinerary

My Itinerary
Where I will be between August 26 and December 13

Thursday, April 28, 2011

A Week In London (In Pictures!)

...and the first glimpse of Britain!
Last glimpse of America...
I've been here for just under a week and have already taken 144 pictures. There's so much to see! Here's a sampling of some of my favorites:




Oxford Circus


Big Ben!
The pub next to our flat

Leicester Square

Washington with Pidgeon



Inside the Natural History Museum


The Barbican, an enormous arts center

Yeah, it's a HUGE deal here.

London at night!


I'll write a proper entry on Sunday or Monday. Tomorrow is the Royal Wedding. Definitely trying to crash it. Gooooooooodnight!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

The Move From Pimlico to Kilburn, and Various Other Adventures

Its been a whirlwind first few days, but I’ve moved in to my flat, located northwest of central London in a nice neighborhood called Kilburn. It’s relatively quiet, but I don’t mind; I can actually sleep when I want to.


My first night here, I enjoyed a relatively cheap dinner of pizza and a beer (how deliciously American and tacky!) at the pub underneath my hostel. I tried to exchange some of my coins into notes, but the smallest note denotion that the pound exists in is 5, so I must’ve looked pretty foolish to the woman at the bar when I asked her to change my 1 pound coins into 1 pound notes. Anyway, while I was there, a nice man from outside the city sat with me and told me some different places to go and visit. Afterwards, I walked around Pimlico and across the Vauxhall Bridge into Vauxhall. I didn’t know it at the time, but it turns out that Vauxhall is one of London’s gay districts. How did I realize this? Rainbow flags, drag queens, and throes of only men. While speaking with a guy who was passing out flyers for a club, another man came up and kissed him right there in front of me. That was certainly a giveaway, too. Though I didn’t find myself going into any of the bars or clubs there, I did walk right by the headquarters of SIS (Secret Intelligence Service, better known as MI6—like from the Bond movies, I thought, but it is an actual organization!), also located in Vauxhall. The neighborhood itself was a wonderful blend of modern clubs and establishments mixed with older, more regal buildings. Upon my return to Pimlico, I quickly fell asleep to the sounds of a snoring Frenchman.


When I woke up, it was another beautiful day outside. I explored Pimlico some more, walking through the small streets and gardens. My hostel was right next to Churchill Gardens, a modern housing estate, named after the late prime minister. Good ol’ Winston, as it turns out, lived in Pimlico, hence the estate bearing his name. Laurence Olivier, too, lived in Pimlico. Walking down the streets that these two famous men use to frequent felt pretty slick. Later, I ventured around on the tube again, getting off at Westminster. Foolish me didn’t realize that this was THE Westminster. As in, Wesminster Abbey. So, I was walking up the stairs from the tube and all of a sudden BAM. There’s Big Ben! Hordes of people were all around. I felt so silly the entire time because I had this huge goofball smile plastered on my face. I kept thinking, “Wow—I’m actually in London. Like, FOR REAL.”


After my jaunt through Westminster, I went on to Waterloo. I attempted to meet up with my friend Paige, but that plan failed miserably; we didn’t realize that Waterloo had both a tube stop and a train stop, so the crowds were even bigger. Plus, I had no phone. Speaking of, I love not having a phone. I’m not constantly checking my pockets for a call or a text, and it feels so liberating. Plus, I don’t wear a watch, so I’m finding myself going places when I feel like it, rather than when I need to. This traveling alone stuff is awesome and scary and wonderful and humbling and exactly what I love. So, after waiting around for a solid 20 minutes, I walked over to the Thames and explored Embankment. There were some really neat street performers, including a mime that looked like Charlie Chaplin. Over there was the London Eye and its OUTRAGEOUS LINE. As much as I want to do it, the line is just too much for me to really handle. I should probably suck it up and just do it.


When it came close to 6, I walked to the National Theatre and met my professor. He had gotten me a ticket to see their production of Hamlet. Now, I’m an English and Drama double major, so the thought of seeing Hamlet nearly made me piss myself with excitement. And, truth be told, it was wonderful. The man playing Hamlet was brilliant, the girl playing Ophelia was crazy, and the actor playing Polonius was incredible. And the sound! I’m a sucker for well-done sound in a performance, as well as in everyday life. It was the perfect introduction to British theatre.


This morning, I packed my things and made my way over to Kilburn. I hopped on the bus to the tube, took that to Paddington, met up with a girl I knew from my class, and got on another bus to the stop nearest to my flat. Once again, I found myself lost. A lovely French fellow pointed us in the right direction. I arrived, ecstatic and amazed that I had finally gotten to my temporary home. Slowly, everyone else started to arrive! We rejoiced by walking to the pub right next door. Authentic British fish and chips really are much better when you are actually in Britain!


To say that I love it here would be an understatement. London is everything I imagined it would be, and more, as horribly cliché as that may sound. The people, the places, the food, the drinks, the British-ness. I don’t even care that I have class tomorrow!




And I still have over 3 ½ weeks left!!! ☺

Friday, April 22, 2011

Traveling Blues and London Brews

Well, I made it. I finally made it. I'm in London!!!

To be fair, the plane rides were fairly easy. Nobody was sitting next to me on my flight to London from Washington, so I didn't have to worry about awkwardly deciding who got the arm rest. I really can't remember when I slept, how much I slept, and if I was even tired at the time. All I am sure of is that when I got to Heathrow, I had to wait to get through immigration, wait for my bag, wait to get an Oyster Card for the Underground, and generally spend a lot of time standing around in "queues," as they are called here in the UK, rather than actually moving. Once all that was taken care of, I hopped on the tube to Pimlico, got lost for a million years, and then found my hostel, located across the street from the Thames, and above a pub! This was at like 10 in the morning, though, so my room wasn't ready. Instead of waiting around there, I went on a little adventure! I took the tube to Victoria and Oxford Circus and explored each place. Victoria reminded me a lot of Times Square—very big, very loud, very built up, very touristy. It was also quite Americanized. I mean, they had a KFC. Doesn't get much more 'murican than that! Oh, also, despite both Americans and Brits speaking English, there's still a language barrier. It's a way out, not an exit. It's a que, not a line. You que up, not get in line. It's the tube, not the metro. It's sort of an interesting side of culture shock that people tend to forget about. As for Oxford Circus, it was REALLY crowded, but had a lot of cool shops and stuff. All this traveling has certainly made me feel like a grown up—I had to do it all on my own, in terms of actually getting to and from place to place. Tonight, I'll probably stick close to here, maybe order a drink or two at the pub downstairs (BECAUSE I LEGALLY CAN). And tomorrow night I'm seeing HAMLET! Why is my life so cool?

Basically, to sum everything up so far, I LOVE LONDON!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

London Calling!

I'm currently typing this on my phone in my seat on my flight to London while I am waiting for it to take off.

I can't believe this is finally happening. Like, this is real! There are passengers with fabulously British accents. I love it already.



I think it's time to take two Benadryl and two Nyquil and slip away into a coma until I wake up in LONDON!!!!!!!!

Peace out, America.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

It Was A Beautiful Day

The end!
The beginning!
Well said, U2, but it was actually a series of beautiful days, to be honest. All the pictures in this entry are from this past school year.




Drag Ball. Hawt mess.
LLC Laser Tag!


My favorite person at CC. Hands down.
What a great year.












I don't really feel like talking about specific things that happened in the last couple days. I think my reflections are more important.



Heaven and Hell Party
I've always sort of enjoyed goodbyes. I tend to veer on the more emotional side of things, so when it comes time to slow down, look back, and reflect, I really get in touch with myself and my surroundings. Plus, I usually come to appreciate everything, especially the little day-to-day moments that we so often take for granted and see as commonplace and ordinary.

The Birthday Party












Get ittt
Admittedly, though, these last few days haven't exactly been "ordinary." Thanks to the glories of Facebook, this blog, my own loud voice and big presence, and word-of-mouth, it seems like everyone knows that I'm leaving and won't be back next semester, even those I'm not particularly close with. Naturally, people are saying their own versions of goodbyes, as well as offering some great advice and wisdom. All my friends that have already studied abroad have said that starting this blog was an excellent choice. However, it will only serve its purpose if I write for myself. After all, I am the one going abroad. I am the one going to London. I am the one circumnavigating the globe on Semester at Sea. I am the one who is going to experience incredible moments I never thought possible. 
Stage Managers!




And, most importantly, I am the one who is going to feel. 

Pretty cool, yeah?




Alex and Michaela!
Not only am I lucky to be able to have this adventure (or, rather, THESE adventures), but I'm also lucky to have so much trouble leaving this all behind in order to blaze another trail which, for all intensive purposes, is WAY off the beaten path. Though it may not sound like a lucky thing, having a difficult time leaving, I think it is a beautiful testament to the richness of my life and the incredible things I have to look forward to upon my return. I've done some thinking about it, and I've realized that Semester at Sea is placed smack in the middle of my time at CC. I started a semester late and will be graduating in May 2013. That means I had three semesters, Semester at Sea, and then three more semesters. I didn't plan it this way conciously, but I'm glad that this is how it all worked out. Post-SAS Sam is going to look at Pre-SAS Sam and scoff. Ok, maybe not scoff, but I'll definitely look back and be glad I had this time away to travel.


Manitou Springs!

And breathe. Just to breathe and drink it all in.

Poets at the zoo!
Sorry to be overly sentimental and maudlin (SAT WORD!!!), but thank you to anyone and everyone who has impacted me over the course of my last three semesters here. You've made such a difference. When I am old and crotchety and senile, I doubt I'll remember the classes I took or the plays I worked on. I will remember the people. I will remember the moments I had while walking down Nevada Ave towards the 7/11 at 3 in the morning after having something to drink. And if anything else, I will remember my friends.
The best ex-roommate ever






I probably won't have the time to write another entry until I'm actually in London, so consider this my fond "see ya later" to the world of Colorado College. It's been a trip, man.







Sisters 3



















It was a beautiful day, don't let it get away.
—U2


Yeah, I took a trapeze class.

My hall!


The best spring break crew ever



Thanks, y'all.




Tuesday, April 12, 2011

The First To-Do List

Between now and next Thursday, I have to take care of the following:
  • Research different designs for Jean Genet's The Maids for class.
  • Make a dress for class.
  • Continue to acquire props for Moonchildren, the show I'm currently ASM and Props Master for until I leave.
  • Do laundry. Probably more than once.
  • Clean my room! Clean my room! Clean my room!
  • Return a book the library.
  • Write a proposal for an independent study course for this summer.
  • Meet with the professor I want to advise me through said independent study.
  • Call the Colorado Springs Independent to see if they still have positions left for their summer internship.
  • File my taxes.
  • Figure out outfits for Ke$ha and Candy Land themed parties, as well as something for my going away party Friday and going away dinner Sunday.
  • Get silly at aforementioned parties, as well as my friend Katie's 21st birthday celebration, conveniently scheduled for the same time as my going away party. Party hopping? No doubt.
  • Meet with the Registrar's Office to figure out if the classes I'm taking on Semester at Sea can cover D Credits for graduation.
  • Order more contacts from the eye doctor.
  • Sign the lease to my friends apartment so I can sublet this summer.
  • Find the best (aka cheapest) hostel available to stay in my first two nights in London.
  • Decide what to do in London before all my friends arrive.
  • Send home two checks for my parents to deposit for me since I'm out of deposit slips.
  • Sleep enough.
  • Eat enough (yes, this deserves a spot on my to-do list).
  • Shave.
  • Get a haircut.
  • Go to class, rehearsals, meetings, etc, as well as a lecture by AMY TAN. THE AMY TAN.
  • Schedule one final therapy session for next week.
  • Go to EQUAL one more time tomorrow.
  • Go to the TW Board Meeting one more time on Thursday.
  • Spend as much time possible with my friends.
  • Move things I'm not taking with me to London to my friends apartment that I'm subletting this summer.
  • Pack everything else up into a bag that weighs less than 50lbs.
  • Check in and print out my boarding passes.
  • Hire a taxi or persuade a friend to drive me to the airport to make an 8:30 A.M. flight.
  • Move out of my room.

And say goodbye.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Third Week Approaches!

I've come to realize that time doesn't really exist as anything other than a creation of society, which some of the sociology majors here would argue is true of everything. Time, more or less, is a societal construct used to keep us crazy humans punctual, in order, and in check. This conclusion I attribute to two different things: a conversation I had with a friend last summer, and the Block Plan. I cannot think outside of the 3 1/2 week box that every block places us in. However, when I leave the CC campus, I can easily consider the implications of my decisions beyond the scope of a month. I'm always very impressed by students here that can have jobs off campus—those bosses must be pretty understanding, considering the fact that employees of theirs that go to CC essentially change lives every month. And I'm not exaggerating when I say that. Last month, I was in Beginning Poetry Writing; I was a poet. This month, I'm in Fundamentals of Design and Technical Theatre; I am a designer. Everything from class schedules, amount of homework, free time, even friends, changes from block to block. Today is not April 10th in my mind. Instead, today is 2nd Sunday. Tomorrow begins 3rd Monday. Third Week is always the last big push before the hellish, overly stressful 4th Week, which roughly matches up to Finals Week at any other college. Third Week, to me, is also the last time during a block that I actually have time to spend time with my friends. Fourth Week is just too stressful on the entire campus for anybody to really enjoy themselves. So, I'm looking at the week ahead of me and seeing it as my last couple days to say my goodbyes, pack up my belongings, and prepare for the altered perspective one acquires while studying abroad.




I've really loved this year. I live in a great place with great people, have worked on some excellent plays with some very professional people, and have discovered a lot about who I am and what I want out of this life. I'm wondering what new discoveries I will make. I'm going to milk the rest of this block for everything it is worth. With 8 days of class left, 6 more rehearsals of Moonchildren to attend, and various other "lasts," the next week and a half certainly will be bittersweet. Although I will be living in Colorado Springs this summer, CC just won't be the same in the summertime, I'm sure. One thing is certain, I'm glad I will be seeing Pikes over the summer.
Pikes Peak! CC Admissions uses this photo on some of their pamphlets. It's even prettier in person :)




Am I nervous? Absolutely. Am I excited? Even more so.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Two Weeks

Woah. Two weeks. 


Two weeks from now, I'll be touching down at Heathrow Airport and beginning a completely new adventure: studying abroad.




An introduction: I'm Sam. Sophomore at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 19 years old and turning 20 on May 23. Double majoring in Drama and English. Originally from Reston, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C. Now lives in Aspen, Colorado. Enjoys writing, performance of all types, reading, more writing, theatre, hiking, stage management, acting, the outdoors, writing, directing, horseback riding, traveling, eating, drinking, breathing, existing, being, and did I mention writing?


A month in London at the end of a semester seems off, no? Well, that isn't the case at my hippie dippy hipster liberal arts college, a school some consider the "Harvard of the Rocky Mountain West," and others have never heard of, believing it to be a community college upon hearing its name. Colorado College is unique in its approach to learning. Instead of the traditional semester or quarter plan, CC utilizes the Block Plan, an intense academic schedule that challenges students by TAKING ONLY ONE COURSE AT A TIME. One class, known as a "block," lasts three and a half weeks. Five days a week for three hours a day (at the very least, for the most part) students are in class. Labs for laboratory-based courses meet in the afternoon. Once the 3.5 weeks have passed, we get a 4 1/2 day break to do whatever we want, known as "Block Break." I like to believe that the masochism of the Block Plan calls for the hedonism of Block Break. I certainly have had some memorable ones: staying in a condo with 17 other people in Breckenridge and going skiing, backpacking in New Mexico, going to Denver, among others. Because we are only taking one class at a time, classes that are taught off-campus and/or internationally are extremely easy to find. I've had friends jet off to Chile, Hollywood, Russia, Chicago, Taiwan, and more, only to return the next month. So, when I found out about this course, a Drama class entitled "Drama Away" in which you do nothing but read, watch, and write about plays, I nearly fainted from excitement. AND IN LONDON. WHAT.


But that's not quite everything, fine folks of the Blogosphere, Facebook, and any and all other social networkers. This fall, after my adventures in London have long been over for an entire summer, I will be setting out on an even bigger trip: Semester at Sea.


Semester at Sea is an academic program, run by the Institute for Shipboard Education and the University of Virginia, in which 500-700 college students enroll in classes of any kind on a ship and circumnavigate the globe. My voyage will take me to Canada, Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, Mauritius, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, Japan, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, and Florida. I'm excited? THAT'S AN UNDERSTATEMENT. 


So, I suppose 2011 will be known for my travels. More importantly than that, though, is what I will learn from these travels. Will I come back and recognize the person I left as? Will I return and feel the same? I'm going to guess the former is true. How could someone possibly feel the same after spending a month in a huge city in a foreign land and then sailing around the entire planet? I feel bad for those who don't juice every experience for everything they can possibly give.


Admittedly, I am thoroughly nervous. Not so much for London, because it's an English-speaking city and I have friends on the trip with me. Semester at Sea is what freaks me out. To say I'm well-traveled is somewhat true. I've been all around the US of A, Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, Jamaica, France, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland. That's more than a lot of people my age, but Semester at Sea really expands upon my already hefty list.




More than anything else, though, I'm realizing one thing in particular: I am SO lucky!