Advertisement
So yesterday was a celebratory day in the U.S. I wore red! But other than that, it was not a normal July 4. Our class spent the day at University College of London with four music experts. One is the lead professor of music education and research, two are associate professors, and one is a local music freelancer with children in music education. It was quite a day of learning from each of these experts who gave of their time so generously to us. We talked about the importance of music acquisition as early as possible, practiced our conducting gesture, learned some great new warm-ups with effective uses, and saw cutting edge technology for musical research. One of the greatest things stated all day had to do with the in utero responses of fetuses to music. They can hear it all by the third trimester, and it has now been determined, that the mother's emotional response to things also effects the fetus. Since yesterday was July 4, I thought of one such response. My mom loves fireworks, and I was born just three days after July 4. I now LOVE fireworkds, as well as singing and music, which I know she is the cause of as well. It is so important for us to recognize how much we should already know about a person when he/she is born. I am grateful for my love of fireworks!
In the evening, a group of us headed to "Friend at Hand," a pub I have already mentioned before. There was absolutely no recognition of July 4 in an establishment such as that, and why would there be. Yet, what Blair and I noticed when we first sat down, was the immense diversity surrounding us. There were people of every color and language hanging out, talking, having a couple of pints. He had pointed out in class a couple of days ago that the environment of pubs and alcohol consumption is so different here from in the U.S. I agree with this. The pub is a meeting place, much like we use a coffee shop in the U.S. There is no stigma to hanging out there, and in fact I finished my homework on my laptop there, for a change of scenery!
I am getting excited to share my environment with Angela in a couple of days. I think she too will be struck by the diversity and acceptance in London. It's really a beautiful place. I go to the grocery store and meet people from other places. We are able to find everything we need, just have to hunt a bit more.
Even this afternoon, I was talking to one of the property management employees here at the Study Center who said he came to London for a year three years ago, and his family keeps asking him to come home (I think India, but I didn't get to ask), and he loves it too much!
Briefly on today: Had a great traditional lunch next door to the study center at "Eve's," our daily coffee place, and sometimes lunch. Brian and I shared a meat pie, with baked beans and chips (fries). It was so rich and thick, I cannot imagine eating the whole thing alone! We also asked and learned that the current owners kept the name, which has been the same since two women in WWII first opened the little restaurant. It is a well-run and popular joint! Hoping for some sun this weekend, as they are predicting. Slowly thinking about the coming week: London for a couple of days, Edinburgh, Scotland and surrounding areas for a couple of days, trips to Bath, Canterbury, Hever Castle, York? Not entirely sure yet! Maybe a couple of plays this week: Shakespeare and the Orlando Bloom play opening tomorrow (it's not really his play, but I can't remember the name right now, just that he is in it).
I cannot believe two weeks are already drawing to a close! I am healthy again, and my work is done for my class thus far. We take our comprehensive exams Saturday morning, so wish us all luck towards that. Thanks to all who are continuing to read and keep up with my many daily babbles!
Advertisement
Tot: 0.078s; Tpl: 0.01s; cc: 12; qc: 49; dbt: 0.0504s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
Adam
non-member comment
The 4th Abroad
I spent the 4th in Japan. Didn't wear red. No fireworks. Not quite the same, is it?