Post on my morning visit to Westminster Bridge

As I was reading these posts, I realized that I didn't comment on my visit to Westminster Bridge by myself. Yes, I woke up at 4 am on that morning....
Here is my academic relection that I wrote, which will explain in detail how I felt on that morning.

Reflection upon Westminster Bridge

I visited Westminster Bridge by myself this morning at 6:30 a.m..  My preconceived notions and expectations of this place were great since I had read the poem many times, as well as did a lot of research on it, and the author himself, before I came to London.  I had envisioned this place without traffic for some reason, perhaps because I was delving so much into the research.  I had looked online at photographs of Westminster Bridge, which focused upon the foot traffic.  I had considered using an online photograph for my research blog; however, I decided against it because it seemed more appropriate to take one for myself, as well as one with me in it.  These expectations and preconceived notions are very dissimilar to the quiet morning view from Westminster Bridge which I encountered when I finally arrived, however.                                                                              

Much like the July day when Wordsworth composed his poem, the sky was gray (however, in the poem the sun is referenced (9-10)), the air was cool, crisp, and the water glideth . . . (12).  It was a restful feeling, particularly since I awakened at four a.m. this morning. The traffic was already busy when I arrived on the morning of July 19, 2011; people were running, walking to work, etc.. However, I was only thinking about William Wordsworth, and what possibly he could have seen on that July day in 1802 that inspired him to write his poem, “Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802.”  I got out my map, and looked at each angle to figure out which buildings that he could have seen, contemplating upon how I could figure out what he saw, especially without knowing all of London’s history.  In the poem, he speaks of temples, which were located in red on the map: these refer to places of law, perhaps, such as Inns of Court, as well as Parliament (6).  I also believe that temples can be referred to as a holy place, which relates to Westminster Abbey, which can be seen from the bridge, particularly without the buildings which are in place today.  The domes, which he refers to in the poem, are possibly St. Paul’s Cathedral (6).   He also speaks of theatres, ships, and towers which are “Open unto the fields, and to the sky;” (6-7).  In this instance, he speaks of nature, which more closely refers to today’s St. James’ Park (7).  From the opposite view looking straight towards Big Ben Tower (which was not there when Wordsworth composed his poem), is where St. James Hospital stands today.  If he looked to his left, he could see Parliament, Westminster Abbey; if he stood the same direction and looked directly across the bridge, he could have seen temples, as well as where St. James Park stands today.  Since these buildings that are standing today were not there during William Wordsworth’s time, there was more nature to reflect upon.  The London Eye and all of the tourist attractions that are in view today were not visible to his eye like they are to mine.  As I stood on the bridge watching the dismal clouds and dimmer light on the beautiful, cool, morning that I beheld, I realized that it was not just about these buildings, or even their historical, or geographical location.  Of course, he mentions them; however, he does not name them in this poem.  As I heard the clock tower of Big Ben chime, I stood silent.  If I am standing from this angle, watching the clock as it chimes, then Wordsworth and his sister, Dorothy, must have been crossing Westminster Bridge in their dover coach from the side where St. Thomas Hospital stands today (Note 1).  They would have passed Lambeth Palace, which is possibly why he does not reflect on palaces in his poem. 

This poem is not about these places; the spirit which I felt standing upon this bridge on July 19, 2011 was captured, hopefully, like the poet did himself on that July day exactly two hundred nine years prior to this date.  I felt that it was the spirit of England which brought him tranquility in a time of unsettled peace.  I felt inspired by a city, a country that I have grown to love so dearly in such a short time.  His unsettled peace was that he was going to close relationships (Note 1).  This pause upon Westminster Bridge brought him that tranquility: a peace that cannot be gotten from just anywhere. 

(I wrote this in the moment; therefore, I felt that it should be left in present tense). As I leave this bridge, I wonder if I will ever be standing on it again in my lifetime on a morning like this.  Many thoughts race through my head . . .; I cannot even write them all down; however, I know that this feeling, this experience, this moment, has changed me forever, and much like William Wordsworth, I stop to compose my thoughts.

Well, Gosh, this is Late

Do I regret not doing my posts? Heck, yeah. Now, I haven't a freakin clue where to begin.
Well, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre was awesome. I am really glad that I bought a seat prior to this trip. Those who elected to stand in the rain... well.. they got wet. lol. I will have to say that I still like Christopher Marlowe's Dr. Faustus better. Not a Shakespeare fan. Sorry, don't tell Dr. Peterson. :)

Next, well, since it's been so long, I'll back up and discuss my day at Bath with Ashley, Kerrie, Blair, and Lacy. It was the most awesome day ever and still is. We took the early morning train around 9 am, London time, to Bath. When we got there, we stopped by this place and got a scone. I got a fruit one. I shared with Kerrie, although now, can I have that part back?? haha. Just kidding. I miss scones. We walked all over the town. Bath reminds me of the real England, you know with the cobblestone streets and old architecture and all. We went to Jane Austen's Museum. That was interesting. We had to sit and listen to this old woman talk. Well, it was hotttt in there; I started fanning with this little fan. The old lady walks up to me and says, "Do you mind? That is extremely dis-tracting." (in a British accent). Well, I was a bit embarrassed since the room was full, but I said ooookkkkk.... I swallowed a little, but quit fanning nonetheless. I should have said, Do you mind, but it's freakin hot in here! ha. Onward.

We went to the Fashion Museum. Ashley was really tired, and well, smart, since she took a nap while we explored the world of fashion. It was really fun. I had no idea that I was soo interested in fashion. I even drew a picture at the end. Yes, I colored with colored pencils. :) I drew a dress on the model. I signed my name to it and left it at the museum. I'm expecting them to call me anyday now.
Kerrie, Blair, and Lacy dressed up in hoop skirts or something and I took pictures. I felt that I would look really silly, so I didn't get my picture made; although, what is more silly than anything else I've been doing? I had a blast!

Next, we went to the Roman Baths. This was also something that I studied in Ron Morris' art class. I loved loved loved it. It was so amazing. I kept thinking, wow, I am actually walking among the very same baths that so many came to centuries ago. I mean, Jane Austen visited this very place, Evelina Anville did in Frances Burney's novel. So many people... The last thing that I did was throw a pound, or a pence, into the wishing well. I made a wish. Well, I cannot tell you what I wished, but it has already come true... Lastly, I sat upon the bath's edge, (the stone). I put both of my hands in the bath, well, hoping that it would preserve beauty since I'm so vain and all. haha. Yeah, I'm weird about my age, and I really really really work on it to not look it. The gym is next...

We traveled back from Bath on the train. We took an early night train, so there was no place to sit since we weren't reaaaaallly supposed to be there in the first place. haha. We sat in the floor. Well, this man comes up behind Ashley and sticks his hand on her shoulder, and it kind of wanders down.... Geez, Ashley, you attracted some guys over there! I just sat there with my eyes freaking huge not knowing what the heck to say... I am pretty sure that I laughed a lot afterwards. Anyway, we made it back to Russell Square, or I think that's where we got off. It was late.

Oh yeah, and we ate some pasties while in Bath. I got a veggie one; it was okay. For dinner, everything shuts down in Bath at 6, which is weird. I got some kind of open-faced sandwich: goat cheese, tomato, and maybe asparagus? It was really good. I have eaten a lot of goat cheese on stuff over here.

I'll continue to post my days, although it's hard to have them in order now. The last time that I posted, it wiped out, while in London, and I was too tired to repost because I had a lot of schoolwork to finish, which nearly killed me.

I just found this on my desktop to my computer. I am not sure if it actually made it into my academic blog, or not. I did an academic research blog on Wordsworth while I was in London, so I thought this was appropriate for this blog on Bath.

I have also visited Bath recently. After my visit to Bath, I looked upon London as a very different city, one which appeared to have lost some of its spirit. He escaped the "towns and cities" while "in lonely rooms" in his mind even when he could not physically be there (24-34), much like I did when I visited Bath. I can return to that place, a spirit of England which felt and looked like the England which I envisioned. The English countryside, the cobblestone streets, the quietness of a town in which time stood still: it appeared as if this was the nature which Wordsworth was speaking of in his poem. Although I cannot visit Tintern Abbey itself, this provided me with that experience: a place in nature that I can return to again and again, and not have to actually be there. This is a place which I can worship, although, not in a traditional manner. It is a way of worship which glorifies a place, and not a person. His glorification of nature in England, which is a place, ultimately, brought the spirit back to himself.

 No wonder I couldn't finish this blog!!!!!!!!!!

My Wonderful Day at Stonehenge

Stonehenge: I learned about it in Ron Morris' class at Bevill State in Hamilton. It was more than just a pile of rocks to me; it was about how time could be told; it was their calendar, their winter and summer solstice. Most of all, it was just plain cool! We walked to the Tube Station that morning, and then took the bus (or was it the other way around...) Anyway, we had train tickets to Salisbury. We rode the train there. We went to TNT Fireworks first since they are responsible for some of the scholarship money which the students received. It was neat, I guess. They fed us anyway, and Steve's speech was good. I didn't know that TNT originated in Florence, Alabama.

We rode on the bus, which looked sort of retro 70s to 80s. The bus driver was from hell, well, he drove like he was... But, we made it. We piled out of the bus from hell and went to Stonehenge. I was surprised that there was a major road right by it; however, it is a tourist attraction...I pictured it not being roped off. I have to say that I almost cried as I gazed upon it. It was so awesome, amazing, just the most wonderful thing I've ever laid my eyes upon. I couldn't believe that I was standing there amongst Stonehenge itself. I walked around slowly by myself, asking people to take photos of me; I also took many photographs of just the site itself. Beautiful. Here is a photo to capture the moment: my words just do not do it justice. The look on my face describes how I felt on this day:



Me at Stonehenge. July 22, 2011

Afterwards, I stopped at the gift shop and purchased a Lunar Eclipse black and white print, as well as some postcards. I also stopped and bought a jam and butter scone, and a cold Pepsi. Yeah, most drinks aren't that cold here, so I have to use that adjective. We got back on the bus from hell and went past Sting's house. Now, that was cool. Although, I couldn't get a photo of it because there was a huge hedge in front of the house, but it looked like stone, or some kind of rock exterior, as well as huge.

We rode on through Salisbury where the bus unloaded the group. We split up and walked to Salisbury Cathedral. It was also an awesome site; the only difference was that it didn't feel as holy as Westminster Abbey, or St. Paul's Cathedral felt for me because you could take photos inside. Still, I love cathedrals, and old churches in general.

Ashley, Hannah, and I ate at Boston Tea Party. It wasn't good at all. I got the fish finger sandwich; McDonald's fish sandwich would have been better. Oh well. There is a McDonalds by Kings St. Pancreas Station (if I named this correctly...) I know where it is. Dr. Bibbee commented: Did you get tea or baked beans? HAHA, he's right, because if you are eating Boston Tea Party, then, duh, baked beans, or tea, from Boston. So, I'll starve again. 7.95 pounds for that too. I eat and then I consider why the crap did I just waste my money on that?

So, we walked back to the train station. Caught the train. I slept like the dead on the way back; I actually felt cold and clammy. Sometimes it still feels so surreal, like I'm in this dream. I've lost days, I think on this trip. I look back at the photos that I've taken and think, oh yeah, i remember that day. We've been here almost 3 weeks, and it feels like it has only been a week and a half. I've been lost in the 9 1/2 at Paddington Station, I suppose. (A little Harry Potter humor)

We got off the train, and boarded a bus home; yes, home. It feels as if I live here now; I'm not certain how it is going to feel when I go home. Awesome, yes. Weird, yes. I live in this dorm now and it seems like I've been here a long time.

So, I'm back in my dorm, contemplating my wonderful day at Stonehenge. Oh, I almost forgot about the statue of the man on the bed in front of Salisbury Cathedral. Several of us: Jordan, me, Lacy, Hannah, took our photograph lying next to the statue. I could not hardly pose for this; I have not laughed this hard in a long time; it was SO funny. I guess you just had to be there.



 

Death March of London's Parks

Today, I got up, took a shower in the community shower stall, and got ready again. I ate breakfast, of course, in the basement cafeteria. My diet consists of yogurt and rice krispy cereal and milk. Today, I added eggs, bad idea- I tasted them all day long. I even brushed my teeth. The group went to London's Parks today. Dr. Bibbee sure likes to walk a lot: umm...death march I would call it. First, we climbed Primrose Hill; I think Lacy has a finish line photo of me. I have never smoked in my entire life, and I was huffing and puffing. Then, we walked to Regents Park. It was breathtaking; I am used to the pastoral landscape; however, the gardens were gorgeous. The flowers were so beautiful and colorful. I usually do not like a bunch of color, but this was pretty. The trees which led to a little momument reminded me of this film that I watched in European Film class: The Conformist. Sort of creepy. We then marched on to Hyde Park. I got to put my hands in the water in Princess Diana's Memorial Fountain. I loved her; I cried when she died. I don't envy her life. I am glad that I got to see where she got married, where her funeral was held, and lastly, her memorial fountain. This is an awesome experience!

Next, we walked on to St. James Park, and Green Park. (I may forget the order of those because my foot had developed a huge freakin blister on the bottom of it..) I now have swollen feet; I can hardly get my shoes on, and I have blister plasters on my heels, pinky toes, and the bottom of my foot, as well as an invisible gel cushion from Dr. Scholl's. Ugh, I spent 11 pounds on that crap.) I have smooth feet, so blisters are inevitable, I guess. I will be needing a pedi when I return to the United States.

Speaking of which, when I got to Robert Dyas store in Brunswick Square this evening, the man that checks me out says: You have an American accent; I love that. So, I say, yes, I'm from the United States. (gosh, the United States??) He said where from? I said: Alabama. He says, Al- la- bam- a? I am going on a road trip to Georgia, Atlanta, Alabama, and Louisiana. Where should I go in Alabama? Well, since I'm in awe of London, and have never traveled, I didn't have a clever answer...I'm like, well, I'm not sure.... He says: Should I keep driving through Alabama then? HAHAHA. I said, probably. I guess you had to be there. I'm working on my British accent, but I was tired from the death march (just kidding; it was fun) and my "American-ness" was showing through. That is like the third time I've been commented on for that. The first time was at the British Library; I had stopped to ask a lady where the Humanities Reading Room was; she said you have an American accent; where are you from? "Alabama." She says: Al - la - bam -a; I lived in Louisiana. Now, she had a very strong British accent, but if I stayed another month, I would as well.

I've digressed a bit. We passed by Buckingham Palace. I expected it to be grander, I think. It was huge, and the gates were pretty with the gold on them, but that's about all. Onward to the Tube Station.

I ate in the cafeteria. I am such a picky eater; I ate some of my spaghetti. This lady from Canada keeps talking to me a lot... I have that effect on some people apparently. They just tell me all of their stuff. It's the admissions counselor in me.

I am exhausted now. I'll post about my day today, tomorrow. Shakespeare's Globe Theatre: Much Ado about Nothing.

Monday, July 18

Today, the group went to St. Paul's Cathedral. I have been looking forward to this experience the entire time that I have been here. No one else wanted to tour the Cathedral itself; however, this actually provided me with an excellent opportunity. I am going to copy and paste my reflection on the Cathedral itself since it will provide the most insight.

Reflection upon St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral relates to the dome which, I believe, Wordsworth speaks of in his poem, “Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802.”  I am not certain what my preconceived notions and expectations of this place were going to be; I had read the poem many times, it all appeared very literal to me.  I knew that it was the site of the famous royal wedding between Prince Charles of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer, whom I loved.  Other than that, I really cannot state that I could identify with much regarding the Cathedral itself.  My expectations were high, and also, I felt that this was going to be a very religious place, much like Westminster Abbey.  I visited Westminster Abbey several days prior to this, and stood in amazement at its beauty.  I had also felt a spirit at the Abbey quite like none I had ever felt before; therefore, I expected to experience much of the same feeling again.

As I walked into the first site in London which I had gone by myself, I stood in awe.  For the first time in thirteen days, I was alone and could experience each and every intricate detail of this beautiful place.  This site appeared dissimilar from Westminster Abbey with its lighter interior, marble floors, and more modern (but still old) interior; nevertheless, that same spiritual feeling returned to me again.  Perhaps it was because I was by myself, yet the feeling was stronger this time.  It was  very surreal walking through the Cathedral, listening to the audio.  I stayed for the celebration of The Eucharist Service, which included the following: The Gathering, The Greeting, Prayer of Preparation, Prayers of Penitence Absolution; The Liturgy of the Word: Reading, Gospel Reading, Affirmation of Faith, Prayers of Intersession; The Liturgy of The Sacrament: The Peace, The Eucharistic Prayer, Breaking of the Bread, Invitation to Communion, as well as the Prayer after Communion.  I partook of the communion; it was very different than I have ever experienced before.  The church which I attend in my hometown, although not in a while, does not have this same feeling of spirituality in this way, for me.  Perhaps, I am learning more about myself than I ever imagined, but I really felt that the priest was genuine.  After the service concluded, I continued to tour the Cathedral.  I noticed the High Altar, which was quite different than the Altar at Westminster Abbey.  As I stood in the center of the Cathedral, I noticed the high dome and the colorful paintings whether on its ceiling, or around the upper galleries.  I proceeded downstairs to The Crypt where many people that have gone before us are buried.  It was also quite different than Westminster Abbey; it had a more intimate feeling with its candlelit interior, as well as the smaller worship areas.  I noticed one particular man’s tombstone: Sir Edward John Poynter Bt, 1836 to 1919.  There was a quotation at the bottom of the tombstone which read: “Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well.”  I noted this information on my phone because it was worth remembering, I thought.  Afterwards, I felt like a writer; therefore, I sat in the Crypt, among the dead, and wrote this reflection on my notebook paper.  I was particularly inspired by the presence and spirit which the Cathedral brought me. 

St. Paul’s Cathedral relates to my research because William Wordsworth reflects upon domes in his poem, “Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802.”  He chose to reflect upon this view from Westminster Bridge, although, it was only a literal view that he mentions in the poem.  The view that I think he meant was not literal, but spiritual, and figurative, as well.  I began to connect the poems which I am studying, “Tintern Abbey,” as well as “Composed upon Westminster Bridge . . .,” in a way that had not been possible before for me.  Could Wordsworth have felt this way as well?  I am finding it difficult to leave his state of mind out of my research project, since it only complicates matters; however, since this is my own reflection, it becomes a very important aspect of the reflection process.  I cannot feel, or even begin to imagine, what Wordsworth felt when he composed these two poems, yet the spirit of the place outweighs the literal by far.  To me, the spirit of England reigns strong.  Its high dome, which Wordsworth could probably clearly have seen from Westminster Bridge on that July day in 1802, and the fact that I was standing inside St. Paul’s Cathedral as well, soaking in the moment, with its paintings, its ornateness, gold, marble floors, and beautiful colorings, made this realization even clearer for me, and solidifies my thesis statement for my project.  In his poems, he writes about tranquility and how these places brought him this in a time of unsettled peace.  The spirit of England brought him that tranquility, and he glorifies it in his poem. 

As I leave this place, St. Paul’s Cathedral, that is, I reflect upon the Eucharist Service, which I partook of, the communion, which I participated in, and the warm handshake, which the priest gave me.  I see clearly now that William Wordsworth did not necessarily see those places as literal, reflecting upon its history; he only saw the tranquility which it brought him, and thus, it brings for me, as well.

Of course, this sounds more academic than this personal blog; however, it reflects upon how I felt and what I saw as well. I lit a candle, actually I paid to light it; it costs 30 pence. I only had 50 pence; so, I just dropped it in the slot, hoping that the extra 20 pence would help more; I felt that I needed it. My project is weighing me down. Wouldn't it be nice to be in the city and NOT have to do schoolwork? Of course it would, but I would probably not be here otherwise. So, okay, the schoolwork is fun as well (I keep reminding myself that it will be worth it soon.)

I wanted to go to Pizza Express, so when I left St. Paul's Cathedral, I walked across the street and went in. I sat by the window and watched people pass by; actually, there was a menu right there and people were stopping right in front of me; it was actually funny. The waiter was super nice; okay, he was cute as well. I ended up leaving him a 2 pound tip for an 11 pound eighty pence meal. I ordered the Romano pizza, which was a paper thin crust, with mozzarella, goat cheese, and tomato sauce. I really did not think that I could eat the whole thing, but I ate every slice but one...after tonight's meal in the dorm, I wish that I had saved that piece of pizza... I am a picky eater, as I have stated; I don't even like Pizza Hut. Now- Pizza Hut pretty much sucks. This place, oh my gosh, if pizza in Rome is this good, I can die now. Even the coke was good; they put lemon in it; I usually do not drink/eat lemon either, it ruins the enamel on your teeth, but I deserved a break from the rules. Yes, eating alone was awesome in the city. After writing in The Crypt, I had walked around to the gift shop and bought a souvenir guide, as well as a small book on The Temple Bar.

After my wonderful experience at Pizza Express, I proceeded to walk to find a Tube station. It was the first time that I had been in the city alone... I got out the map which I bought by Parliament on Monday. It is a much better map than the one I bought from Amazon (London A to Z). I can actually read this one. I found a tube station fairly easy... I had walked a bit too far up Cannon Street, but saw the store, Next, and remembered that we had been close to shopping earlier. I found the Circle Line Tube Station, followed the wonderful signs, and changed to Piccadilly Line to Russell Square. I am a Tube pro now. Maybe... I am going to miss the Tube when I get home; I actually do not miss my Mustang at all; it is fun walking in the city and riding the Tube, well, except for 4 and 5 pm when you are all up next to whomever, all up close and personal, hanging from the bar, trying not to fall down. You must brace yourself on the Tube.

Back to Russell Square, where it is easy to find my way back home; did I just say home? Wow. Actually, I've said it quite a bit, in my new British accent which I've developed. I've been practicing it a bit; it's alright; sorry. I think that I have said sorry in that accent, probably, 200 times a day. It seems to be the word of choice in The Tube station. At least the Brits are nice about it; at home, people would not say, sorry...

I stayed in my dorm tonight. I ate chilli downstairs with Jordan; it was way too spicy, so I really did not eat anything. They also served some sort of carrots. Where is my spaghetti noodles with butter and parmesan cheese at a time like this?

I have to get up in the morning at 4 am to go to Westminster Bridge.  I want to be there around 6 am (gasp) for my project. Another adventure in the city alone...

Sunday

I probably should not even post today because it has been horrible. So, this is all that I will say on the matter..

Da 12 and 13

Friday and Saturday have been stay in my dorm and work days for me. I know, blah. I keep reminding myself that I am here as a student. I'm not really on vacation. I ventured out to Starbucks by myself on Friday. I went with Amanda to Starbucks on Saturday morning, and then, Jordan, on Saturday afternoon. Then I walked to the little restaurant down the street by the convenience store to get fish and chips this evening. I'm not sure what's going on with them, but their fish isn't as good as it was last week; even the chips are different. I am going to have to find another place. Oh yeah, the Indian food that I ate with Ashley this week sucked. I am definitely a picky eater; there is no changing that, I suppose. I am trying, however. Tomorrow, I must stay in my room again and work. Being scholarly is draining me... I did sleep in until 9:50 am this morning, London time.

It rained on and off today. I could title this blog: "The Rain." It rains randomly here. Actually, it rained in on my window sill today as I worked at my desk in my dorm room. I like my view of the building next door from my room. Although, I have to remember that if I can see them, they can certainly see me.

I posted two new academic blog posts today; I really hope that they like them (my professors that is; that's what counts). It is time for bed now, and I really wish the police, or whatever, sirens would stop. The city is busy here. There was a fatal traffic accident in front of our dorms last night: one person was killed. You have to be careful in the city, well, careful anywhere that you may go.

I will try to catch up my previous skipped blogs tomorrow night if I have time; it is now morning in London. Gosh, I am in England; I keep forgetting.