Transition & Reentry to US and UC: Part 7
Well... 10 weeks later and here we are. I've been in a foreign country for a solid two and half months now. I won't lie, its been fun being on your own and exploring all the world has to offer, but with the holiday season approaching...there really is no place like home. Yesterday was Thanksgiving and its been the first holiday I haven't been home for, so it was a little hard missing out on that time. I'm sure there will be challenges coming back one of them is going back to school. Co-op is great because you don't have to do work outside your actual job work stays at work, so going back to doing school again is gonna be a struggle. Thinking about putting in late hours at DAAP makes me cringe. However, perhaps with all the skills I picked up on this rotation it won't be so bad when it comes to long studio hours. Other things that may difficult include getting used to driving again. I haven't drove in a solid 3 months. Public transit has made things easy and having to drive everywhere again will be new. In this respect, I'm also a little excited because something that is 5 miles away will take 5 minutes by car to get there instead of who knows how long with public transit. I've noticed that I've picked up some British sayings that I might I get looked at when I return. I called a "line" a "queue" and instead of saying "let's work that out", I'll say, "let's get that sorted." Both are extremely British things to say. I'll have to remind myself once or twice when I get back because I've caught myself saying them without giving it a second thought. I know there's more transitions that I will have to adjust to once returning, but quite frankly I'm ready to go home. I miss my friends and family. Most importantly I miss the food. British food, just is not cutting it and when I order a large drink, I would like a large, not the baby cups they give us. There are a lot of traditions coming up I don't want to miss out on...luckily, I'll be home just in time for Christmas. To be able to sing the corny songs, make cookies, and drink hot coco with my family. Home really is where the heart is and my heart is with the people I love. The people who make it my home, in the good old USA.
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Excursions & Additional Travel: Part 6 I was lucky enough to work at Prangsta, which as you know is quite a vibrant group of people. One of those people was Paola, who is actually originally from the south of France and lived in Paris for some time during university. She was kind enough to show me around her city. I was so happy I was able to go to Paris, not only for the sake of it, but with someone who knew it well and spoke French. I was beyond excited to go on this adventure to the city of love and lights. Paola was so helpful she booked the flight, hostel, and train tickets because it was all in French. We were able to go for a couple of days. My first night in Paris we had quite a Parisian experience; we ate at a lil cafe and sat outside under the heaters, which was actually quite warm. She helped me with the menu and ordered for us and I was keen to try new things so she ordered two very French dishes both consisting of steak tartare. I later found out when the meal was brought that it was raw beef, which was not too bad. Something I don't think I would ever eat in the states, but it's all about new experiences right? The next day we did a lot of walking. We went to the Galeries Lafayette, a huge department store, and went to the roof where you could see the whole of Paris including the Eiffel Tower and the Opera. It was gorgeous. I would say the whole city was very beautiful. Everywhere you turned the buildings and architecture made everything eye candy. Even small apartment buildings and store fronts were aesthetically pleasing . Later that day we went to the Dior Exhibition by the Louvre. We had to stand in line for a while because it was really crowded, but completely worth it. The entire collection was literally wearable art, each piece so carefully crafted. I loved every second of it. I was also happy to see the exhibition included Dior's most iconic piece that characterized the entire "new look." After Dior, we ventured to the Louvre. I walked inside, but it was quite expensive to get in if you aren't a citizen of the European Union so we decided to walk around the lobby and then outside the original famous structure. (I was happy to just say I was there). We finished the day off at another extremely French restaurant that served buckwheat crepes (mostly savory). It was quite an interesting meal that had an indescribable flavor that I can't compare to anything else. She had me try some French cider and then decided to head back, for the next day we had quite a lot planned as well. Versailles...I think the name says it all. The whole estate was massive and so ornate. Every structure gilded and decorated in the rococo style. The gardens and fountains were never ending with stately statues within them. Also the Hall of Mirrors was quite a feet, one of the most documented works from the period. I spent an entire day here and I'm quite certain I did not see it all. The estate just keeps going. We finished my last day in Paris at, of course, the Eiffel tower. The structure towers above the city, lighting the way for everyone. It was almost dreamlike after seeing pictures of it your whole life and then finally being there is quite something. And I was that tourist, because who doesn't want a picture with the Eiffel Tower? Paris...the city of love and lights...I hope to return one day to your decadence and beauty. Employer Profile: Part 5 Company Name: Prangsta Location: 304 New Cross Rd, London SE14 6AF Participation: Fall 2017 Position: Apprentice/Seamstress Company History: Prangsta is a costume rental store with very over the top and decadent items from crazy animal headpieces to beaded show girls to Alice in Wonderland attire, the shop is quite a treasure trove. It began about 20 years ago when Melanie Wilson, the owner and artist, graduated from Central St. Martins and started upcycling vintage pieces into beautiful masterpieces. It has come a long way. Today, the team at the studio continues to crank out original, unique pieces, while the stylist dress the customers in anything from their wildest imaginations. My Position: I am called an intern or apprentice. With the realm of work I'm in, there really isn't a direct title because I do a little of everything. I am generally in the shop in the mornings and then spend the rest of my day at the studio. Primarily, my job has been a seamstress with some shop help on the side. I've worked on a multitude of items and made a few from scratch. Some of those include corsets, top hats, trousers, show girl body suits, and headpieces. I spend most of my days sewing and learning new techniques, mostly by hand. Other days I'm at the shop working on alterations and helping with customers. Work Place Culture: Prangsta is quite a unique place. I've been in the theater/entertainment world before, but Prangsta is definitely in a league of its own. At the shop it can get quite busy with customers coming in at mass. At Halloween it was almost a zoo with the amount of people and items everywhere. I like working in the shop, the stylists and management are really upbeat and try to make me feel at home as possible, knowing it can be hard sometimes being abroad. The studio has a different vibe. The people focus on their work and aren't that talkative. The owner is in charge of the studio and she is quite a rambunctious personality that keeps everyone on their toes. It can be difficult to work sometimes just because of the lack of space and sheer amount of people trying to use sewing machines etc. Similarities & Differences: One of the major differences I've noticed is a lot people here smoke so instead of having a casual 15 minute break everyone goes for a smoking break quite frequently. Tea is served almost on every hour, I'm not sure if that's just Prangsta or all of the UK. I think its also workplace culture that its acceptable to swear more because some of the things I hear come out of my coworkers mouths I would not dare udder at work in the US. Then again, some of it might be Prangsta because the place can be quite bonkers since its not a corporate setting. Those are the major differences I've noticed. The UK has similar culture to the US so it wasn't a Earth shattering change. The shop is ran in a similar way to the costume shop I worked at in Loveland, OH. Dealing with customers, renting costumes, alterations, etc all those things were quite familiar to me. It's just adjusting to the company itself with its quirky customs and way of doing things. Prangsta has been quite a learning experience and I won't forget the people, nor my experiences anytime soon. It's been a wild ride. Favorite Places & Local Travel: Part 4 The endless city with so many sights. I feel like its become a rotation of sleep,eat, travel. Emphasis on the travel. We have 3 months here, but, yet I still feel like that's not enough. No amount of time is going to be enough when abroad, but as everyone always says make the most of it. That's exactly what I've been doing, even if it means I have to do so alone sometimes. I can rattle off almost every single name in the book when it comes to tourist attractions around London, and unfortunately I have made a few mistakes that would classify me as a tourist...but what can a girl do? One of those mistakes made was a pretty common one most Brits would just shake their head at, especially when it's at the expense of an American. When traveling near the Thames River we knew we were near London Bridge and wanted to go and see it, however the mistake most of made was calling the ornate structure that's actually Tower Bridge...London Bridge. We took pictures with it and everything amazed by its splendor only to find out that bridge we were looking for was a little further down the river. London Bridge is infinitely famous throughout the ages for the separation of North and South London. This bridge is in the same place it was almost 1000 years ago, obviously has been restored over time, but the bridge we thought was so famous is actually quite plane, and more of a historical land marker than a great feat of architecture. I was also able to visit various famous sights in London including the Tower of London, Big Ben, West Minister Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. I've been able to enjoy countless museums and indulge not just in British history, but really world history and art. Some of these include the Victoria & Albert Museum, The Natural History Museum, The British Museum, The Imperial War Museum, and The Royal Air Force Museum. London is filled with vast amounts of historical venues, but also there's lots of shopping. I didn't really shop, however I had a good look around Selfridge's and Harrod's. These are two massive and quite posh department stores. Both have many collections of well known designers that are on the couture level of the fashion industry. Harrods had the Super Brands Hallway including: Dior, Chanel, Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, Saint Laurent, Gucci and the list really does go on. It was like a lil expensive museum with clothing as works of art not to necessarily wear, but look at. Oxford Street was a treat because it just one designer brand after the other. Traveling around London has been pretty easy thus far. It helps when there's the citymapper app to tell you exactly what train to get on. It can be somewhat intimidating, but after the first couple of weeks you feel like a pro. Don't get too cocky though because that's when you'll end up on the right train, but the north bound when you needed to go south. When its comes to traveling to work my commute is easy to a point, but I have to time the trains well or I'm waiting around forever. I start at Kings Cross underground station taking the Northern line southbound and ironically stay on for 4 stops to London Bridge Underground. Then I have to transfer from London Bridge Underground to London Bridge Overground. This is where usually a lot of my waiting around occurs because the timing of the trains are really weird. The goal is the 10:44 Victoria which is one stop to New Cross Gate and my work is a 5 minute walk from New Cross Gate Station. This train would get me to work about 5-10 minutes early, however it is severely delayed or cancelled 75% of the time so I usually end of on the 10:57 Horsham to New Cross Gate, making me a couple of minutes late. Luckily, my employers know how the trains are in London and are understanding. It's still crazy to think about everything I've done has pretty much been considered in London. The city is just so massive and never ending. A place that is two miles away, which would take two minutes to get to back home, would could take 45 minutes of a tube ride and walking. I'm literally still finding new entrances to get into the tube station at Kings Cross and I've been using it for almost two months now. So many adventures to say the least, and so many yet to be had. Local Culture: Part 3 London has its own culture, but I feel when it comes to food and other traditions there aren't as many differences as one would think to the States. London itself doesn't exactly scream British or English when it comes to food, but is more of a melting pot. There are probably as many Indian restaurants as there are pubs on the block by my work. However, when its British cuisine one tradition that I am particularly on board for is Sunday Roast. As a late lunch/early dinner many Brits go to pubs for a traditional Sunday Roast which would be similar to a Thanksgiving meal at home. It's quite hearty, but so good. Considering Thanksgiving does not exist here, its good to find something that's similar. Also, when it comes to food I don't know what it is about London, but there are so many dessert places. I feel like I've taken more pictures of dessert than I have of actual tourist attractions. As many people know tea is very big in Britain. I don't think I've realized what a tradition it was till I got here. Almost every hour or two my coworkers will make tea or offer me tea. I only have it every so often (when I'm cold mostly), but a lot of people drink it almost religiously. I've learned since I've been here it's more a hospitable custom to anyone who walks through the door, even the handy man. Instead of taking a break, its tea time. I am not opposed to hot tea and I've become more accustomed to it, but I definitely prefer iced tea like good old south sweet tea. That is almost non existent here as well and I've only found iced sweet tea that is fruit flavored. Now when it comes to language. One would think of all the countries you picked, you picked the one that speaks English as well. Sometimes I feel like that's not the case for several reasons. There are many words that are used here that have different meanings at home. To name a few instead of saying "rental" they say "for hire." I mentioned this before, but the "are you alright?" as "hello" still confuses the heck out of me. "crisps" instead of "chips", "lou" instead of "restroom", "queue" instead of "line", "mate" instead of "friend" and the list goes on, but those are some of the common ones I've noticed. Okay, the word differences aren't that bad, but sometimes with the accents I can't understand a word that comes out of their mouth. One of my coworkers is French but grew up in Britain and speaks both and I have a hard time understanding a lot of what she says with a French/British accent on top of the English. We were lucky enough to be here on Guy Fawkes Day. A holiday that I don't believe a lot Americans know exist. To explain in simplicity Brits celebrate that parliament didn't get blown up in the 1600s by Guy Fawkes. Basically, it's a celebration that the British government remained and the whole country didn't go into anarchy. To commemorate this day they celebrate with bonfires and fireworks. We went to Alexandra Palace to watch the fireworks displays and see the bonfire. There were a bunch of food vendors and music playing. The whole celebration was almost reminiscent of an American 4th of July, just a little bit chillier because they celebrate on November 5th every year. There are obvious differences in celebrations, but just the feel of holiday had similar vibes and traditions like the fireworks & food etc. As my time here draws closer to the end I've learned a lot about British culture and myself and I hope I continue to do so. There are things I miss about the States, ranch dressing and sweet tea being some of them, but I think I can cope with fireworks and Sunday roasts until then. Two basic things that make life a little bit sweeter. And as you know, they are what dreams are made of. Adjustment & Culture Shock: Part 2 In hindsight, I honestly thought this was gonna be easy. I thought getting on a plane and diving into another culture especially one that spoke English was gonna be a piece a cake, however, that's not the case. I thought it was gonna be so easy for me to drop everything and just be here and experience what the world has to offer. It's not that I miss home. I think I miss the people who made it my home and its been somewhat rough trying to find that again within a group of strangers. I've always wanted to live in a big city because I hate driving and they make public transit so easy here, well easy and not so much. I knew I was gonna be living in one of the most populated cities in the world, but I don't think I fathomed just how many. Two days in my group was on a tour near Piccadilly Circus. I was so excited at first, thinking yes this gonna be the first time I'm gonna see some historic sights and get to see what I've been looking forward to. However, within a moment I started to not feel so fantastic. I thought perhaps its the London air or I'm just adjusting to the atmosphere, but it was hard for me to breathe. My chest just felt extremely heavy. We were listening to the tour guide in one of the busiest street points in London. Then it hit me I was having a mini anxiety attack because of just the amount of people bustling by and huddling around us. I was able to keep it under control to the point that I don't think anyone around me knew what was happening. I have never felt that way before and I couldn't believe that after everything that I was anticipating in London that I can't handle large crowds. It may have been just a moment, but since then I try to avoid being in the middle of large masses of people. Yes, its been a struggle and it was a lot more difficult then I was expecting this trip to be. I think my concept of being able to drop everything in my life somewhat changed before I left, which made it harder for me to adjust. I will inform you, as dismal as my blog sounds thus far it hasn't been all bad. Now that I understand how the tube and overground trains work. I actually really enjoy riding them when it isn't terribly busy. With my work day being 11a.m.-7p.m. I usually miss rush hour on both accounts which helps. I really like being on the overground, I plug my music in and watch tracks go past through the window. Its nice to have some quiet serenity when the world around you is moving so fast. It times like those I really take and reflect on all my adventures here. Culture shock is definitely a thing. There are words and phrases that I still have trouble understanding. A perfect of example of this is the phrase, "Are you alright?" which is a common greeting here. I, however, didn't understand that till a coworker, who is originally from South Africa, told me. I just kept saying yeah and thought my face was bearing a horrid expression that indicated I wasn't indeed alright. It turns out they were just greeting me. My South African friend and I had a good laugh about it once I realized its true meaning because he had the same issue when he first came to this country as well. I think its all a learning curve. With all the new sights, people, and constant hustle and bustle it just takes time to adjust. My first week here I honestly thought I made a horrible mistake because everything was just so different than I was expecting and I was having trouble with large crowds, but like I said it takes time. By the end of week 4, I definitely feel more comfortable. I think it was just finding that comradery between my coworkers and the other UC students. Now that I'm in that place I was able to do some amazing things like see Phantom of the Opera, one of my favorite musicals of all time, and I was also able to see some pretty awesome fashion exhibitions at the V&A. Pictures will follow in the slide show below, but to rap up, adjustment, it's hard, but worth it and its only been a month. Still so much time to explore and enjoy! Transition to Host Country: Part 1
Well, the day arrived it was September 15, 2017 and I was about to get on first flight EVER to the good old U.K. Actually, New York first and then London, but anyhow the days up until the flight I was in total denial I was leaving. All my friends said, "Don't worry flying isn't that bad, you might actually love it." I, however was not so keen, every time I thought about flying I thought I was gonna be sick. Perhaps it was too many unrealistic movies, or my fear of heights that set me up for this obstacle in front of me, but it had to be done. So here I was sitting in CVG getting ready to leave for JFK when I get the news about an underground bombing that had happened earlier that day in London. My nerves, if not already at an all time high just went through the roof. I was nervous out of my mind not only was I about to get on a plane for the first time, but the country I was going to had an alleged terror attack on my departure date. The odds were not in my favor that day. I, however, got on the plane anyway, hoping for the best. Two hours later and lots of trying to keep my cool, I made it to JFK. The flight wasn't that bad. My ears popped a lot and I kept my window shut because I was just better off that way, but I survived. Little did I know that was the easy part. My next flight wasn't for 4 hours so I had a lot of time to kill. I went and bought lunch, lounged, watched some Netflix trying not to focus on my 8 hour flight ahead of me. The issue was I got dropped at the American Airlines terminal at JFK not realizing my next flight was in a different terminal because it was International. I stayed in the American Airlines terminal for 3 of the 4 hours not knowing I was at the wrong gate. Finally, I asked someone in the terminal after not seeing people arrive at a supposedly massive flight and they told me where to go. Unfortunately, it was a lot farther away than expecting. I was hoping and praying I wouldn't miss it. I thought okay I got about 45 minutes I can make it. I made it to the terminal no problem, but TSA made me go through security again and the line was so long I thought I was too late. I called a good friend who used to travel a lot asking him a bunch of hypotheticals if I were indeed to miss this flight. I was panicking there were people everywhere and I didn't know which gate to be at and I had about 30 minutes to go. I stayed on the phone with him till I made it through security at this point I had 10 minutes to find my gate. I was frantically running through the airport hoping for the best until I heard the call for my row as I arrived at the correct gate that was unexpectedly close to security and I boarded. After all the chaos, I was just happy to be sitting down. I put my head phones in and started to watch a movie and tried to forget about all the turmoil that just unfolded before me. ... 8 hours later I made it. I was in the London Heathrow Airport. After everything, I was glad to have my two feet planted at my final destination, but once again there were still a few challenges before I could fully be at ease. Went through customs and got my bag actually pretty quickly compared to what I was anticipating. It was about 9 a.m. in London and my accommodations for the evening didn't let guests check in until 2 p.m. Hence the waiting game commenced. I was trying to figure out which route of public transport would be best to get from the airport to where I was staying. There was the tube, train, bus, and taxi. I, however decided upon Uber because I was familiar with it from the states, it was cheaper than a taxi, and I didn't have to worry about hauling my luggage. It was an hour drive and I was exhausted to the max. I think the excitement of seeing the city for the first time was the only thing keeping me awake. Perhaps it was because we were coming from the airport or it was the part of the city my hostel was in, but London looked so much different than I was expecting. Very urban and metropolitan, not the massive ornate structures I was expecting to see. Then again I forgot at the time that most of London's original infrastructure was destroyed in the Blitz during WWII. Though different, I was still excited to see what the U.K. had in store for me, but after a solid 12 hour nap. I woke up the next morning in my hostel a little on edge just because I never stayed in one before and I still had to figure out how to get from point A to point B. Once again, I decided upon Uber because it was easy and familiar: housing was the next the stop. The driver pulled up to one of the tallest buildings on the block, and when I walked into the lobby I was relieved to finally see some familiar faces from the states after two days of constant travel. I got checked in and went to my room where I was also happy to find that my good friend from my last co-op was my roommate. I sat down on my bed and looked at the window and saw the city laid out from 15 floors above and it was then, I finally realized that I wasn't in the states anymore. It was a sight that made all the hassle from the previous days worth it. This was it. London. |