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Field trip #1

Yesterday my Life in London class took a field trip to Greenwich. If you didn't know, like me, Greenwich (pronounced "Gren-itch") is where they measurethe world's time, so it's kind of a big deal.

First we visited the Royal Observatory, where I learned that that big line on the ground that everyone was straddling to get photos ofis like, the time line. So that was a shocker, but once I got over that, I had a grand old time watching people in variousgrotesque poses over it.
Inside had nifty things like old clocks, how time is measured based on the sun, and other historic artifacts. They had a telescopewhere if you looked up, you could see Pluto. I am not lying, go look for yourself.

Apparently at 1PM, this ball on a weather-vane would drop, because that's how maritime people would know the correct time it was, butI missed that. Anyway, right next to the observatory (after you come back down the really steep hill that counts as about an hour's worthof exercise because I thought I was going to die going up it) is this amazing large park that I got to lie down on for a few minutes. It was gorgeous outside, with lots of kids taking field trips (I guess some of them are still in school).

I went with some people in my class to get food, and had a fish pie (a glorified fish stick, so it was pretty light). Whilst at the placethis really loud british couple was in there and it was fun to listen to them talk....although I bet they were talking that loud on purpose.

Our proffesor gave us a walking tour of Greenwich then (as listed in the book CCSA gave us about London.). We walked by the National MaritimeMuseum, as saw some cool exhibits there, as well as a school group dressed up as pirates getting a tour by a really loud lady. Next was walkingaround tow by Greenwich Market, Cutty Sark ship, Old Royal Navy College, the Queen's House, and St. Alfege Church where the Archbishop of Canterburywas killed....although I think that's a different bishop from the "Murder in the Cathedral".

Finally, we (or at least, some of us) ended the day by walking in the Greenwich Foot Tunnel which goes under the Thames to the other side. By then my feetwere falling off, so we took the Tube back here, where I hung out a little before promptly taking a nap. Remind me to procure a phone card, because I need to checkmy voicemail on my cellular. oh, and I guess call my family at some point before August 8th. Haha.

A few photos:








That's in the park, with the huge winding hill that leads to the observatory.





It was worth the hike, as the view was amazing! This is my entire class minus one person, I think. fun times.




I know, I'm so unique with MY pose over the GMT line.



Ye Ole Pie Shoppe




Royal Navel College




The view from across the Thames of Greenwich.





Anyway, so today's Music Biz class was pretty cool, we had a guest speaker guy. He's worked in the industry here for awhile, and playedus 8 song clips from various European countries. We had to guess which ones they were from, and most of us failed miserably. Highlights includethe Icelandic "hard rawk" (terrible!), Croatian hip-hop (laughable!), Uzbekistan (sp?) pop (actually decent). I have a test in there on Monday aboutwhere all the European countries are and who their leaders are, etc, so I guess I'll study for that at some point this weekend. Tomorrow is Liverpool, and we haveto get up at 6 AM. Lovely. I hear it's an awesome tour though, so several photos will be here.

It was wicked hot in my EU classroom so we had class in a small park near campus (where the Jester Festival was). We were temporarily kicked out bceause some guyhad to mow the place, but then again, there were alot of sunbathers and all of them ahd to move too. It's so nice outside, but apparently it's slated torain tomorrow...oh well.

Now I'm just being lazy and such. Tonight is my friend Lindsey's birthdayand we're going to an Australian bar or something. Should be interesting.

As for internet, not sure when I'll update next. Liverpool is tomorrow, and the next day we're going to Stonehinge. Henge. Um, whatever. I hope the hurricaines aren't washingtoo many of y'all away!

posted by Marion M. @ 5:31 PM Comments: 9