Early Morning Run

Those of you who know me know I am a morning person. It's not even 9am and I have already gotten my run in for the morning and am ready to go for the day! Energy galore. Starting at 7:30am (and with quite a good turnout for such an early time), we started at SOAS and ran down to the River Thames and then made our way back. About 3 miles, fewer people on the streets and a beautiful morning with the sky painted oranges and pinks streaked with clouds. Next time, I'll have to bring my camera so I can get photos of Big Ben, the London Eye and with the amazing backdrop.

Finalization of Courses

Understanding not only the British education system but the SOAS education system has been challenging...to say the least. The website offers little explanation of term meanings, however I have a very responsive Chair of the Near and Middle East Studies department.

Definitions:

uni or university = college

course = class

tutorial/seminar = discussion sections

Talking with friends from other universities in London doesn't help clear much up either! It appears that each school has its own take on how many courses and credits are required to graduate. So, for SOAS I have to take 4 credits. Essentially, each year long course equals 1 credit (unless it is only a one term course and then it is 1/2 credit) and my dissertation also counts as 1 credit. Make sense? I have chosen 1 major course (Culture and Society in the Near and Middle East - Anthropology course) in which I will also write my dissertation and 2 minor courses (Comparative Politics of the Middle East and Arabic).

While I thought I had my schedule perfectly planned out after much deliberation and conflicting schedules (many courses I was interested in taking were offered at the same time as my major course), in the middle of the first week I was not sure I would be able to take what I wanted. The first week or so is all about checking out courses, lectures, and professors since one takes the courses all year. I sat in on a Turkish course and an Arabic course and worked it out to take Arabic through the Uni! So, Arabic was added to my schedule, 4 days a week. Not quite as big of a time commitment as the intensive course but exactly what I'm looking for. But to take Arabic I had to give up one of my original courses (Modernity and Transformation of the Near and Middle East - History course) which actually works out because it's over enrolled; rather than take this as a graded course, I will just be auditing. So, my schedule is as follows:

Mondays

12-1 Comparative Politics Lecture

3-5 Arabic

Tuesdays

9-10 Comparative Politics Tutorial

11-12 Culture and Society Lecture

12-1 Arabic

1-3 Culture and Society Seminar

(yes! it's a long day of class)

Wednesdays

11-1 Modernity and Transformation

Thursdays

11-1 Arabic

Fridays

1-2 Arabic

And yes, I'm here to learn! Wow, I am such a nerd. The best advice I received when researching going back to school was to just go for something I enjoyed. And I am so happy I made this decision. The reading is going to be insane, but it's all interesting which makes me want to do it. First up, public vs. private space in places like Turkey and Afghanistan and the value of subjective knowledge. What more can I ask for than to jump right in!?

Great Way to End the Week!

Up, down, and all around. But a great end to my first week at SOAS!!

First, I went to a meeting for the Running Club and talked about running for 2 hours. Then, I received the bank letters I requested so I can open an account and have access to money! And finally, (because all good things come in threes) I have a shower curtain rod to hang my shower curtain from! What a way to start the weekend!

Jury Info and Questionnaire Form

I have been living in Virginia for the past 5 years and even though I had my mail forwarded to Iowa while I am abroad at grad school, a few pieces continue to be delievered. Thankfully, Hayley, my awesome former roommate and Erin, my sister, have been saving the day!

So, what do I receive yesterday (a week and a half after I move) but an Information Form and Questionnaire to fill out to determine my eligibility for jury summons!

Out and About

Harrods in Chelsea. Beautiful store that's like a city covering a whole block!

Now that's fun wedding transportation.

Banksy, perhaps?

Such a beautiful day in Hampstead

Ice cream, but be careful!

Enjoying an authentic French crepe. Dark chocolate and banana. Yum!

Morning Awakening

The morning air is so crisp and fresh (well, as much as possible in a big city like London). Not realizing Sainsbury's grocery store opens at 11am on Sundays, my early morning start turned in to extra time to explore. It's a special and very eclectic group of people one sees walking the streets on a bright, sunny, Sunday. Remnants from the night before can still be seen for sure: trash, vomit, a slight smell of alcohol. But rolling out over last night's debaucheries are bakeries putting out their fresh pastries and breakfast rolls, families enjoying a stroll, and street sweepers cleaning up the rubbish. I love being witness to a city's fresh start to the day, a little peace and quiet before the streets are taken over with London craziness.

First Week in Review

1) "Mind the Gap"

2) You can't smoke indoors, but everyone still smokes

3) 2 fingers can mean a lot more than peace (and not in a good way)

4) Areas explored: Chelsea, Hampstead, Marleybone, Oxford Circus, Angel

5) Put in 1 pound (refundable) and get to use a cart at the grocery store

6) With all of the orientation activities I feel like a student again!