Hello! Thank you for visiting my travel blog! I am not traveling ... yet! I'm currently trying to figure out how to fit my life in a suitcase! Dealing with all the paperwork of going far, far away has been daunting (I had to put a huge piece of paper on the side of the refrigerator for my To Do List!)! But all the planning and stressing and frantic running around will not have been for naught! I've booked my ticket (Chicago to London) for January 22, so the trip is begining to feel more official and real! Instead of just the dream it's always been. Perhaps a little background of what I'm going to be doing and my study abroad program would be in order here. Since I'm not traveling yet, I'll post some background info that I'm most likely to forget to relate later.
I'm traveling as a participant in the ACM (Associated Colleges of the Midwest) London/Florence Program. ACM is an organization that allows students from various colleges to participate in their study abroad program while earning credit from their respective colleges. I'll spend half the semester in London (January-March) and half in Florence (March-May). In London I'll have two courses London: The City as Visual Text where I'll get to examine the art and architecture of London and the influence of historical, political and social forces that helped shape them. This course will meet "on site" at various buildings and museums around London! London Performances/Performing London is a course constructed around the diverse offerings within the London theatre season. This course requires theatre outings at least two nights a week at different theatre venues such as: West End houses, the Royal National Theatre, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. I've just received my textbook for my architecture course in the mail (London: A Social History)!
WHY am I going to Europe? The question often is answered by the cheeky "why not," however, I do have particular reasons for my journey across the pond. I've always wanted to go to Europe, London specifically. London is sort of the English Major Mecca. Paying homage to the great English writers stomping grounds is definitely on my to do list. But I also have wanted to go to Europe because I have always wanted to go. I have been trying one way or other to make the jump across the ocean since I was in middle school. My mom and I had planned to go, but her health kept the trip from ever being realized. And since her death last year I have been more determined to make the trip with her in my heart if not by my side.
Well, I suppose I should get back to running helter skelter and getting my plans in order!
Cheers!
