March Madness

Hello my friends!

Can you believe it's April already? I know I can't. With barely a month left in London I've been scrambling about in an attempt to see/do/experience everything I can before the days run out. Between loads of projects, class trips, and weekend getaways, it's been hard to find time to catch my breath. But hey, who said that was necessarily a bad thing?

Anyway, every once in a while I come across something super-duper awesome (that's a technical term) that I just have to share with you. Last week, my multi-disciplinary design studio professor took us to the Design Museum in London. Although it was a haul to get to, the museum had the perfect mixture of Modern and contemporary designs.

Currently the museum has two exhibitions - Extraordinary Stories and Designs of the Year 2013. Both featured iconic designs in architecture, industrial, interior, fashion, and graphic design. There definitely were not any shoddy designs here. That being said, the Designs of the Year 2013 was by far my favorite - see the complete list of nominations here.

Check out a few of the designs that stood out:

Flyknit Trainers

Designed by Nike

Created with a fine polyester thread and manufacturing process that minimizes waste

and uses 2/3 less material than previous production methods. Left over waste from production 

weighs less than a piece of paper!

Louis Vuitton Collection

Designed by Yayoi Kusama

A Summer '12 collaboration between the designer and Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama

featuring Kusama's art installations. These installations were a part of a collection based on the artist's

poem "Love Forever" and were displayed in London's Selfridges department store windows.

Child ViSion Glasses

Designed by The Centre for Vision in the Developing World & Goodwin Hartshorn

These glasses provide vision correction for children aged 12 to 18 in the developing world. 

The lenses are made with a special liquid that can be added or removed to adjust the prescription.

Digital Postcard & Player

Designed by Uniform

This prototype music player uses paper electronics to play music. 

A special conductive ink is used on the postcards which acts as a switch when touched. 

Well Proven Chair

Designed by James Shaw & Marjan van Aubel

These moulded chairs are made from a lightweight composite material made of wood shavings and bio-resin.

The mixture creates a foam-like substance that uses the wood waste created from other furniture factories.

Now how cool was that?

I'll admit it, I'm a design geek. But honestly, being able to create something beautiful and useful is such a thrilling opportunity, especially when it has such a profound impact like some of the aforementioned designs. Speaking of beauty, though, I spent the past weekend in gorgeous Amsterdam. Unfortunately for me, many of the museums were going through renovations and weren't open the entire weekend (womm womm). Still, I was able to see most of the permanent collection of Vincent Van Gogh at the Hermitage Museum as well as experiencing the Heineken Experience. And while the weather was largely bone-chilling, the city offered no shortage of beautiful canal side views, quirky architecture, and amazing street art as well.

One of the many canals in Amsterdam.

The brewery at the Heineken Experience.

Twas' a bit chilly.

I've never seen more bikes in one place in my life.

A canal by Museum Square.

Some amazing street art. Shout out to Van Gogh.

The iconic I amsterdam letters in Museum Square.

Until next time,

*All descriptions provided by labels at the exhibit. Photos taken by me.

U.K. English Word of the Week: "shoddy" meaning badly made or badly organized

Blown Away

This past week I've had a wonderful time wandering about the English countryside. Escaping from the stone city that is London was quite literally a breath of fresh air. Don't get me wrong, I love London and everything about it, but every once in a while I feel the need for a little room to frolic.

Anyway, thanks the student life office at SU London, I was able to spend two nights in Dorset, a county in southwest England. The trip, which consisted of numerous walks, hikes, and natural wonders  had been planned for us and even included a cliff-top view of the sunset at Portland Heights. Unfortunately for us, the unpredictable English weather paid no mind to our plans.

With temperatures averaging just under 40°F, rain that fell sideways, and winds that were even pushing me around, we were all blown away. (Too punny, I know) Despite the horrendous weather, the places we traversed had beautiful views, even if they were clouded by fog and mist. Perhaps the most entertaining part of our journey was an 8 kilometer hike along the Isle of Purbeck and St. Aldhelm's Head. We started out down a gated farm path, and eventually made our way to the sea. While we were greeted by cliffs high above the English channel and a view that seemed like the edge of the world, we were also greeted by narrow paths filled with mud, sheep...droppings, barbed wire fences and thorns. We took that road less traveled, and it hurt man! 

*A short interjection, if you didn't get that last reference, you need to watch this video...right now.

Now let's backtrack a bit here, a few days before this trip, I decided to buy a new pair of boots for the hike. I popped into a few stores in Covent Garden, and eventually bought a pair of waterproof Dr. Martens to protect my feet from the elements. The next day, I decided to break those puppies in - MISTAKE. With inadequate sock protection and stiff, fresh out of the factory boots, I got two raging blisters, one for each of my feet (how thoughtful of them...)

Needless to say, those boots were not going to work out for the trip the next day. And, after a few hours of trying on different bandaid, sock, and shoe combinations, I discovered the only shoes I could even walk in were my crappy, falling apart, $15 boots from Charlotte Russe that had absolutely no traction. Thankfully for me, my flatmate Nina had the sense to remind me to wrap a plastic bag around my foot to keep moisture out. I may have slip, slided away the majority of the time, but I managed to stay vertical and dry nearly the whole trip. That is, until we got about 50 yards away from the coach, where both my body and gravity rebelled against me, and I landed firmly in a pile of mud. Hey, I wouldn't be me unless something like that happened, right?

Regardless, I had a fantastic time laughing at the ridiculousness of it all as well as enjoying the beauty that is the English coast. With how much collective cackling coming from our group as we fall flat on our faces time and time again, you would have thought we were off our trolley!

Here are a few more shots from Dorset:

Atop the Iron Age hill-fort, Maiden Castle.

Ruins of Corfe Castle.

The end of the world in Weymouth.

Me and my friends Jill, Dana, and Alissa at Portland Heights.

Our last beachside stop at Studland Beach.

On a much less adventurous note, I spent the morning perusing Kew Gardens in west London. Escaping the city for a few hours before class was just as refreshing as Dorset - without the mud, bitter cold, and wind and plus lots of beautiful trees, flowers, and warm greenhouses. Take a look at this spring eye candy:

Cheers!

U.K. English Phrase of the Week: "of [their] trolley" meaning crazy

The Halfway Point

Ladies and gentlemen, I've come to a sad realization. This past Monday, March 4th, marked the official halfway point of my stay in London. Cue the world's tiniest violin.

It honestly feels like I've just gotten used to living in London rather than visiting. Here comes the cliche, but time really does fly. Regardless, I'm thankful spring break is finally here - we've been working hard, believe it or not. Anyway, I'll be spending most of the break in London, with an extended weekend trip to Paris next Thursday (...I know right?). Needless to say I'm thrilled.

That being said, having a solid week to meander through the parts of London I've yet to explore is equally exciting. Somehow in the seven weeks I've been here, I still haven't made it to most of the museums and parks, Buckingham Palace, or an official afternoon tea. Let's be honest though, I'm more of a coffee girl, and London's been revealing quite the hidden gems lately.

Most recently I discovered a wonderful little coffee shop just across the street from the building my classes are in. Actually, the shop, called Freestate Espresso, just opened last week and is quickly becoming my favorite spot to hideaway and get work done. With a beautiful glass facade, reclaimed wood floors and coffee bars, and the beauty that is the La Marzocco Strada espresso machine, how could you not just fall in love? Plus, they have mint green coffee cups. What did I say? Love.

Poor little cappuccino didn't even last long enough to get a shot of the latte art.

Interior of Freestate Espresso with wood reclaimed from 1920s railway car boards.

Me and Megan getting our caffeine fix.

Aside from discovering new avenues to fuel my coffee addiction, I've been exploring British pub culture. Somehow, I managed to make it the topic for a project in one of my classes which means I have to have plenty of first-hand experience. Convenient how that worked out if you ask me. So far I've been to a few of London's most historic and eclectic pubs. From The Princess Louise in Holborn to the Black Friar in St. Paul's, each pub has had a distinct atmosphere. 

The Princess Louise in Holborn is definitely one of my favorites so far. Built in 1872, The Princess Louise is an absolutely gorgeous example of a Victorian public house. Although there wasn't room to sit downstairs, there are these fantastic little booths around the bar on the first floor. Regardless, two of my good friends and I enjoyed a pint of cider and good conversation in the upstairs part of the pub. 

Fantastically restored Victorian interior at the Princess Louise.

One of the small stalls surrounding the downstairs bar.

There's something so wonderfully charming about pubs in London - especially the ones labelled as "historic." Layers upon layers of textures, furnishings, photographs and decorations reflect the type of thing you'd expect to see in a well-loved home. Considering pubs (aka public houses) were originally extensions of the owners homes, that makes a whole lotta sense. What I love more than the beautiful ornamentation of the pub itself is the intangible atmosphere you experience. Spending a few hours here creates stories, good times, and a sort of nostalgia - layers of memories and experiences. Plus, I'm finally learning to appreciate beer - Guinness is surprisingly one of my favorites so far.

Speaking of favorites, one of my favorite "local" spots is the Victoria in Westminster. It's only about a seven minute walk from my flat, and it definitely has the neighborhood vibe going for it. It's quite a bit smaller than the Princess Louise, but what it lacks in size it certainly makes up for in charm. The few times I've been, there's been a perfectly balanced mix of tourists, the casual pub-hopper, and a handful of regulars who are definitely starting to remember my face. Plus, the bartenders are fantastic (and not half-bad looking either ladies!) Anyway, I've had quite a few "you had to be there" moments here so far and am sure to have more in the next two months. Don't worry though, I'm not turning into a lush getting pissed* all the time! ;)

Until next time,

Cheers!

View of the bar at The Victoria.

Having a designgasm over the wallpaper.

Enjoying the classic pint.

*U.K. English Word of the Week: "Pissed" meaning drunk

Market Stalls & Castle Halls

Well ladies and gents, here we are. It's been three weeks since my last post, and honestly, I couldn't tell you why! Sometimes the time just gets away from you I guess. Regardless, I apologize for my lack of updates.

Looking back at these few weeks, I can hardly think of just everything I've been up to. Between classes and exploring the streets of London, I know I've been busy. Unfortunately, my whirlwind of a brain has trouble remembering specifically what I've been doing. Double unfortunately, I spent the past week largely in my flat. Let me tell you, the raging common cold doesn't care if you're in London or at home in Syracuse, NY - it'll come for you no matter where you exist. Anywho, a trip to the chemist later, I'm feeling much better.

Anyway, in my healthy moments, I've spent a lot of time exploring the Southwark area of London thanks, in part, to a class project taking place in that area. In my design class, we're looking at some of the local issues in Southwark, and eventually designing a space that will help to alleviate these problems within the abandoned railway arches. My particular area is interesting in that it is located in the direct center of a variety of cultural hubs. Theaters to the west, art galleries to the north, and the famous Borough Market to the east.

A fabulous installation piece hidden in Borough Market.

Speaking of Borough Market, I could honestly say this is one of my favorite places in London. Tons of local vendors set up here to sell there wares, and by wares I mean delicious delectables. Local produce, hand made meats and cheeses, tasty jams and chutneys, and every other food imaginable are for sale here. What's even better about this place? Free samples. You had me at Hello, Borough Market.

Fresh produce from Turnips @ Borough Market.

Monmouth Coffee Company.

Freshly roasted coffee beans @ Monmouth Coffee.

Rabot Estate: Home of the Best Mocha I've Ever Had.

Perhaps two of my favorite aspects of the market aren't actually part of the market - Monmouth Coffee Company and Rabot Estate. Ladies, let me translate - superb cappuccinos and lattes right down the street from the most delicious homemade chocolate I've ever had. I'll give you a moment. I had more than enough of a caffeiene fix between the two. Monmouth roasts its own coffee, much like where I work (Cafe Kubal Represent!) so the espresso drinks are rich and smooth. And Rabot Estate? They do a KILLER mocha (which isn't typically my favorite). The secret to their success? They use their own, handmade melted chocolate in their mochas and hot chocolates. Absolutely to DIE for!

In addition to exploring local wares, I took a day trip to Windsor Castle. Important news flash: Her Majesty the Queen arrived shortly after we'd left that day! To think I could have had afternoon tea with her...

...right.

Central Tower & Gardens

The Long Walk.

The Lower Part of Windsor Castle. 

The town of Windsor was such a refreshing sight compared to the bustling streets of London. This weekend retreat of the royal family sits atop a rolling green hill and comes complete with winding, cobblestone streets. Not to mention it was another one of those rare warm, sunny February days in London, making for some beautiful pictures of the castle (see below). All points of the castle hold beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and the gardens surrounding the central tower brought new life to the grey London I've come to love.

Megan & I with our New Guard Friend.

Oh, and did I mention I finally got to have some fun with the Royal Guard? Overall, a wonderful day trip and a wonderful past few weeks. Although, I'll let you in on a secret, the next few weeks will be full of even more excitement. I'll give you a hint, c'est magnifique!


U.K. English Word of the Week: "Chemist" meaning pharmacist

Making Magic

Greetings Blogging World!

One of my lifelong goals has been fulfilled. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating. Or maybe I'm not. What am i so excited about you ask? Well I got to hear the words every child of the nineties yearns to hear...

"Welcome to Hogwarts."

Scaled-Down Model of the Entire Hogwarts Castle - Used for filming aerial views

Yes ladies and gentlemen, I visited THE Warner Brothers Studios where all eight of the Harry Potter films were shot, and I was in heaven. Actually being in the same places that the cast once stood was an amazing experience for me. Especially considering the first part of the "tour" was walking through the doors to the Great Hall, one of the sets that is still in full existence. Watching the movies, you never realize just how much detail was put into each set - ESPECIALLY the Great Hall. The floor was real stone, not laminate or a temporary installation, the long tables had graffiti-esque carvings like you'd see in a real school hall, and most interesting, there was no ceiling on set. I'd never really thought about it while watching the films, but the amount of CGI involved in the Great Hall is astounding!

The Great Hall, Sans Ceiling

Anyway, the entire facility was coated, top to bottom, with various parts of sets, props, and costumes that the actors themselves used. Special effects tricks were revealed (you'd never look at Quidditch the same again) and partial sets were put up throughout the entire tour (remember the fireplaces at the Ministry of Magic? Yeah, those things are incredible).  My little Muggle eyes were ecstatic to see the real invisibility cloak, Dumbledore's Office, Diagon Alley, and even the animatronic form of Dobby! It took a lot of self-control not to nick him out of his spot and take him home.

(I was later told I should have smashed the case, given him a sock, and asked him to teleport you both out...if only I'd thought of that then)

Needless to say, I absolutely LOVED the trip to Warner Brothers Studios. Being such a Potter fan basically guaranteed that I'd have a spectacular time. But I was also thoroughly taken by a small portion of the tour at the end. Some of the last few exhibits before the final Hogwarts Castle featured the painstakingly tedious work of the set and prop designers. There were exquisite paper models of each major building, interior, or scene and breathtaking hand-draftings of the same. Excuse me, but I think I may have experienced a designgasm. 

Excuse me for being a total dork.

The Dream Studio

Having worked on plenty a bristol-board model myself, I can't even imagine how many long nights were spent, paper cuts were suffered through, and expletives were said during the process of cutting, gluing, and shaping the miniature sets. Don't get me wrong, model-making is one of my absolute favorite parts of the design process. But what gets me even more is something one of my friends read while on the tour. Apparently, if you combined the total manpower put into the large Hogwarts model into one theoretical person, it would have taken 72 years to complete. Let's just let that sink in for a moment...

...yeah, that's incredible. 

And that's just part of the work that came before the movies could even begin to be realized. After experiencing this tour, you really might think that there's no way the films could have been completed without a bit of magic!

Some of my favorites from the technical department:

Scaled-Down Model of Hogsmeade: One of my favorites.

Technical Drawings

Close-Up of the Hogwarts Courtyard

& Last but certainly not least, Hagrid's Hut

U.K. English Word of the Week: "Nick" meaning to steal something