Steeples

Ok, so quick update on what I've done so far...
The Natural History Museum
The Virginia and Albert Museum
The Tate Modern
Big Ben
Tower Bridge
Hyde Park
The Millennium Bridge
Buckingham Palace
St. James Park
Trafalgar Square
Leicester Square
Royal Albert Hall
Imperial College
Sloane Square
King's Road
Parliament
Piccadilly Circus
Admiralty Arch
10 Downing Street (home of the Prime Minister)
Prince William's home
Harrods
Brick Lane Market
Church of St. Mary the Immaculate

Stonehenge

Bath
the Abbey
the Roman Baths
the Royal Crescent
the Jane Austen Center
Starbucks

and I've merely scratched the surface of everything London and the UK has to offer. Everyday I am overwhelmed by everything this town has to offer. And some of the most beautiful things are London's cathedrals and churches. Almost every block has another steeple guiding mortal eyes upward to consider the immortal. Each is an architecture masterpiece (well, to my untrained eye they are). The insides are even more ornate and elaborate. It makes me think about all of the money, time, and effort needed to create a beautiful place for church members to worship the creator of beauty. Today, though, I became overwhelmed by something missing from these churches. People. The large cathedrals are filled..but with tourists more interested in the statuesque ceiling than the act of worship. The smaller less extravagant churches are eerily empty. I have heard all my life that Europe is post-Christian, but it wasn't until today that I fully understood that phrase. I went to Bethesda Baptist Church, a congregation of 60. This is considered large for Britain. Most churches have a congregation of maybe 20 faithful. According to the pastor, churches are closing everyday while Muslim mosques are springing up all over. As I sat against my hard wooden bench, it wasn't a clipped British accent that delivered the sermon, but a distinctly American voice. As I looked around the congregation, Philippine faces looked back. Where were the Brits? At the reception following the service, I was served hot British tea and pastries and greeted far more warmly than anywhere I have been to in London. And yet, not a single British accent welcomed me to church or asked my name. It appeared that the only Christians left are those that have brought the faith with them when they immigrated here. Why is it that a nation with such a deep and rich Christian past has turned its back on Christ? When did the cathedrals become crypts of a spiritual past?
This afternoon I also attended a service at Westminster Abbey. After I was no longer dumbfounded by the intricate, ornate, and magnanimous cathedral I began to daydream of what a place like this once was. The tourists are gone and with them the gates, barriers, and guides. Left is the cathedral and its leaders. The congregation is larger, less enthralled by the stately place of worship. This is a place where the people of London go, not to see its beauty, but to worship Christ. Maybe the past is a bit more idealized in my mind's eye, but that is what I thought about. It also made me contemplate my own country's precarious future. Will we follow our European cousin's footsteps?
Next week I hope to check out Charles Spurgeon’s church. Supposedly this is a larger church, so we’ll see.

No Mac

As it turns out, my electrical converter/adapter/whateritis doesn't work for my laptop computer. Printed in large capital block letters are the words NOT TO BE USED FOR LAPTOPS, or something to the same effect. Immediately I picture collumns of of smoke billowing out the sides of my Mac...not good. So, as of now, I am effectively computerless when I am not at CAPA (where I am right now). Thus, this update will be rather brief and to the point, as well those that follow until my new power charger (British power charger) comes in, which I hope is soon. So far I have explored some of London's museum--the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum--and have explored some its other sites such as Piccadilly Circus and Harrods. Everyday is a bit overwhelming with everything to see and do and only a few short hours of daylight (it gets dark at 4:30).

Today was my interview for my internship with the trade magazine, Retail Jeweller. It wasn't really an interview since I already have the job (nonpaying, that is), so it is much more informal than I was expecting. The office is quite impressive. I am greeted at the door by two very large and very impossing black cats. The large building is a wonderful example of art decco, and the inside is very modern and professional. There are many different magazines all located in the Greater London House. I have no idea what to expect, so I will keep you posted as I stumble my way along this new experience (I know NOTHING about jewellry).

Culture shock, jet lag, and information overload!!!

First full day of London--phew!! It has been exhausting. I guess it didn't help that two o clock this morning I woke up--wide awake. Apparently, my body thought it was seven in the morning and time to wake up. Um, no. And as lovely as the flats are, our shower is an adventure all its own. When the water heater kicks on, it is as though a three-year-old is playing drummer with pots and pans. The three-year-old has surprisingly good tempo, though I have yet to discover what song he is playing. It doesn't help my over active imagination that the drumming originates in a closet that has been firmly locked though no lock is evident...hmm.

Anyways, today was orientation--information overload!! It was over two hours of information and I actually stayed awake because I needed to know ALL of it. The internship orientation was next and more of the same (but new info). Apparently, my internship will be with Retail Jewellers. It is a upscale trade magazine located near the London Zoo. Fun! My roommates and I are planning to go on an internship site scavenger hunt this weekend and see the sights along the way. I think this a good way to discover London. For example, Stephanie (roommate) and I found the Museum of Natural History by just wandering, and it is in a BEAUTIFUL building. Definitely on the list of things to do. I really need to upload some pictures soon.

Oh, and I have conquered the Underground. I am by no means an expert yet, but I did get where I needed to and I am here safely in my flat again. I think that is mission accomplished. One of the stations in particular reminded me of the opening scene of Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (probably, because it is set as they are waiting for a tube or train in London).

We had tea this evening in a very posh hotel as a proper welcome to the land of Brits. Mmm, a proper cup of tea is delicious! I think I could get used to living in this town if only I could afford it. Everything is so expensive, but I am doing well so far to live frugally. We'll see how long that lasts...oh, the three-year-old just started its cadence again. Someone must be in the shower.

Pictures will come soon, promise.

LONDON!!!

Well, I am here. A bit dizzy from lack of sleep, but bursting with excitement and the faint effects of adrenaline. I am living in a flat in the borough of Belgravia. Sounds posh, doesn't it? Actually, the flat is quite nice. Very modern looking inside with glass and aluminum furniture pieces. The whole place is very bright with a view of a very British looking street. There will be pictures to come I promise. Right now, I am too excited to write much. Oh, and on a final note, there is a Starbucks within walking distance. I can live here.

The countdown begins...

I've started packing. Silly thing to do when I know tomorrow I will merely rummage through the neatly folded shirts to find something to wear. All that work will have been for nothing.

How exactly does one pack for a semester in two bags? It is only when you attempt this incredible feat do you realize how many things we accumulate in our lives and how much we "need" to live comfortably.

It is a little over a week before I board a plane, alone, and travel to country I've never been to before to live with four other girls I've never met for almost four months. I suppose I should be paralyzed with fear at the mere prospect of this, but I'm not. There is plenty of time for paralyzing fear when I board the plane for the long ride from Knoxville to the Heathrow airport. Right now, I'm just anxious and overwhelmed--anxious to begin a journey that I've dreamed about all of my life, and overwhelmed with everything that still needs to be done before I leave.

I know; I am being slightly melodramatic. It is only a semester afterall, and people travel all the time. It just feels as though for my whole life I have been watching the world from the sidelines, and now...well, now, it is my turn.