No more 3rd world countries?

Today, I was informed 3rd world countries no longer exist. Just wanted to pass on the wonderful insight Shreya, my friend from India, and I received while browsing a stall selling bags and purses right near Russell Square.

It's Official!

I am a SOAS student! I have officially enrolled, received my ID card and my classes have been verified. Schedule for my MA in Near and Middle East Studies is as follows:

Mondays

12-1pm Comparative Politics of the Middle East Lecture

Tuesdays

9-10am Comparative Politics of the Middle East Tutorial

11-12 Culture and Society in the Near and Middle East Lecture

1-3 Culture and Society in the Near and Middle East Seminar

Wednesdays

11-1 Modernity and Transformation of the Middle East 1839-1958

Hopefully an Arabic class will be thrown in there too. I will be very very very busy! I also have access to all of the University of London libraries and lectures/seminars. Very much looking forward to being a student again in the academic, learning atmosphere! Sponge, that's what I think I'd like to be.

Finally...a few photos!!

See! The sun can shine in London. A hotel right on Russell Square.

At least they tell you they're watching! These signs are everywhere.

A patriotic cab

Fortunately I have assistance with which way to actually expect traffic. Although if you're in the crosswalks, drivers don't really stop...

Get your Internet on the street.

The sky was quite awesome right before rain rolled in. Double decker buses = 24 hour service! (at least on some routes).

My dorm is surrounded by an extremely attractive blue gate. I know I'm getting close when the sky blue comes in to view.

My first night in London! Met up with Betsy and Jessie for a mini SJ reunion. Who would've thought after working today in DC we would all be in London (and Brighton)!

Initial Observations

Fashion - everyone wears skinny jeans and wearing tights with shorts is definitely in.

Weather - there is sunshine in London (once in awhile!) It's been absolutely beautiful today.

Transportation - very convenient and weekend rides are quite amusing...tube charades and very short skirts while not knowing how to sit correctly...

Food - yay for ethnic choices! The King of Falafel is going to be awesome, cheap Middle Eastern right between campus and my dorm.

Money - yes, London is expensive, but it's all about finding the sales and good student deals especially at the campus pub.

I will be doing a LOT of walking. Which is great! As long as I remember to bring my umbrella for those random rainshowers.

While I have only met a few people at SOAS, I have been out of school the longest...welcome back to university years! Although this go around will be quite different: experience, maturity, and I'm a postgrad!

Racism: In your face

As a white American I do not look any different and have not experienced people making comments as I walk down the street due to my ethnicity. As a Jew, the racism is less predominant although it still exists. Today was a whole new experience for me.

As I walked through Angel with my Asian flatmates (Singapore, China, Hong Kong) and a Japanese friend we stopped at a cross walk and a British guy in a red t-shirt came up to our group and asked if they were from Japan. Then he said, or is it China. Then his tone turned and he started doing the 'eye thing' and making racial slurs. Rather than respond to his idiocy, we just turned and kept walking across the street.

It really frustrates me to have had this experience. That people are still so close-minded and just plain ridiculous. Racism is still quite a problem and unfortunately the best option is to just walk away. When someone is so openly racist, nothing you say can change their attitude or thinking.

Obviously not all of my experiences will be all rosy and nice...I was just hoping it wouldn't be on my second day here!

Dorm Life...Round 2!

My initial thought was, 'What have I gotten myself in to?' My second thought was, 'Ok, I can totally make this work.' I just had time to drop my bags in my dorm room after waiting all day to check in and then I was off!

I knew I would be in a dorm room again, it was the easiest and most convenient option for me since I have no idea about the different areas of London and fortunately it's an all grad student building. But it was hard to see where I'll be living for the next year after being in a nice, spacious apartment in Arlington for 4 years. I have 4 flatmates and a shared kitchen with 2 stoves, 2 small fridges and 2 sinks. My room is larger than I expected with a standard bed and desk. I also have my own bathroom which is a plus! Although, while a shower curtain was left on my bed...there was no rod to hang it from! Needless to say, the floor is still a bit damp. Have to get that taken care of.

Location, Location, Location. I live right between King's Cross tube station and Angel (a fun area with lots of shops, restaurants and pubs). Plus I'm only about a 20-25 minute walk from the SOAS Campus - Russell Square where all my classes will be held.

Today I started to feel like a student again. Walking to campus with my 3 of 4 of my flatmates from all over (Singapore, Hong Kong, and China and still waiting to meet the 4th). There was a meet and greet on campus where we hung out on the grassy square and where the Student Union representative was attacked because he was handing out flyers and free handbooks/planners. Ah, to be a student and enticed by anything FREE again. Can't wait for the t-shirts and lure of pizza.

And not to worry, pictures of the flat will be posted as soon as my room is in place!

On my way

Nervous excitement is probably the best way to describe how I feel right now. The ever planner that I am, who knows if I wrapped up my life in DC or am really ready to start in London. But oh so excited for grad school, new experiences, and life in London.

It hasn't seemed real until now...sitting awake on an overnight flight with that one girl watching a movie on her computer casting light in my direction (of course, no eye covers!). And now, the thoughts begin, keeping me awake although sleep wouldn't be comfortable anyway.

One whole year: student, American in London, hopeful traveler. I look forwrad to describing my experiences and encounters not just as a way of trying to make sense of it all but as a way to share with those interested! Documenting has become so much easier and I hope to post as often as I have something to say or photos to share (at least one camera will be with me at all times). Although I am not the first and certainly not the last to embark on this journy, mine will bring observations and interactions that only I can experience. I have no doubt it won't all be easy...I haven't been a student in 5 years! But, when it's your time, you just know. I knew it was time to make that leap, to take my fork.

PS. While I certainly tried, I actually made it through airport security without shutting it down! No Frankfurt repeat this time. I'd call that success!