Keep Calm and Carry On.

Finals Week.
Yes, it has creeped upon us all. The dreaded week of lasts and tests. I have eight days left in London, three full days before my first finals, and about 96 hours of homework and studying to do. Let's just say I am in desperate need of a reading day (which they don't have), a lot of energy (which I am also lacking) and sleep (which I won't be getting). In other words, I am praying for a miracle (thank you We Shot The Moon- Miracle it's been running through my mind for the last two days). 


In short, here is my hypothetical to-do list for my time remaining in London:

• Field Studies: Tate Britain, Tate Modern, Mrs. Dalloway walk & Bloomsbury Walk
• Journals: Great War, Humanities & International Studies (which is a journal entry for every trip we have gone on-- which was twice a week)
• Projects: Family History, Jane Austen Blog & Emma film adaptation analysis 
• Papers: Two, two-page single-spaced papers for Great War, Humanites one-page, and Family History three- page 
• Studying: Great War & Modernism, Humanities, and Religion. 
• School Activities: The Messiah Recital &  High Tea at Kensington Palace
• Personal: Arsenal Soccer Game, Christmas Shopping (Lush, Hatchard's, & Lillywhites)
• PACK

There it is. The above twenty-five tasks will be, by a miracle be completed by 9 am on December 8th. Though it may be a time of high stress, Dr. Tate so kindly reminded us to abide by the World War I motto to "KEEP CALM & CARRY ON". 


I am normally one get very focused (I wouldn't say high strung) when there is this much to do in so little time, but if I have to take finals, there isn't any better place to take them than in LONDON! The next week will be challenging, but I am ready to take it on. Once it's over, it will be an amazing feeling. 


Did I mention I love London. I love Christmas time in London. I love running through Hyde Park at dawn (even if the ponds & river are frozen over). I love living with 36 girls + 2 boys. I love the culture and atmosphere. I love the people. I love the shopping. I love the tube system & the double decker buses. I love the strength of the members here in London and Europe. I don't think I will ever be able to get enough London.

But I'm a Black Angel

Happy Thanksgiving!
I can't believe how quickly everything comes and goes. Mom, dad and Layne were here this last week, and I actually never thought the week of their arrival would come. But now they have come and gone! Now the date of my departure is quickly approaching. I don't know how I feel about this, but it will be here before I decided how I feel about it. 


Life. Is. AMAZING.
Mom, dad, and Layne have been in London for the past week visiting me, and it has been so much fun. When dad first got here it was so cute. He was so thrilled to be back in the place that he loves and holds so near and dear to his heart. Dad was like a little kid in Disneyland and poor Layne held the role of the exhausted parent wondering around with the inexhaustible child (aka- dad). 
Overall, I think they had a good time in London, and I was more than happy that I could show everyone the places that I love so much. It was a rough beginning (mom's purse), a rough middle (tire/getting lost/nasty B&B) , and a rough end (getting lost & car breaking), but it definitely was worth it all. We certainly made memories. It most certainly had great fillers amongst all the chaos. I can't recap all of it, and dad has most of the pictures on his camera. But I will do a quick recap of the adventures of the Wixom's in England.


London: Me not getting to the right terminal to pick them up from the airport. Mom losing purse. Portabello Road. GAIL'S BAKERY. Hyde Park- Winter Wonderland. Life of Christ Tour- National Gallery. St. Martins-in-the-fields evensong. Westminster Abbey Organ Concert. Cafe Diana. Mrs. Dalloway Walk. Buckingham Palace. Hatchard's Book Shoppe. Lillywhites. Oxford/Regent Street. Southbank Centre Christmas Shoppes. Wagamamas.  Covent Garden. LUSH. 39 Steps. 


Cornwall: Renting car. GPS not working. Getting lost in Winchester. Nasty B&B (family: think Asian B&B in Vancouver and you will understand). Winchester Cathedral. Jane Austen burial place. Jane Austen home: Chawton. Getting lost, again. Flat Tire (5 hours). Getting lost on our way to Plymouth. Getting lost in Plymouth. An AMAZING dinner at Tanner's (butternut squash risotto with roasted pumpkin seeds). Getting lost in Cornwall trying to find our B&B. Penrose Bed & Breakfast (which is the CUTEST B&B on the earth. I am not engaging in hyperbole here. Really, I would go back there in a heartbeat.). Exploring fishing towns along the coast- Looe. Getting lost in fishing towns. The Globe Pub (layne's first pub-dining experience). The car breaking down-all the way to East Grinstead. London Temple. Meeting Elder McCellen (who has further inspired me to become a nurse). Driving to the train station, where the car officially died. Said good-byes (/ I will see you in a week). 

Did I mention it snowed, and that it was the coldest I have ever been, in my WHOLE life? Really. 

Today I went to church and spoke. I think the talk went well. It was definitely the longest I have ever spoken, which was most surely unintentional. In Primary the kids were starting to learn their Christmas songs because we finished the primary programme! I haven't really talked much about these kids, but they are all so very smart. They are always asking questions, mostly why questions. Today we were singing Angels We Have Heard On High and one of the kids, Bertrand, is his cute little English accent asked about mangers. We then had a discussion, for roughly 10 minutes about how hay doesn't smell bad. He couldn't understand why Jesus would want to be born in a smelly place. We then started singing again and Bertrand yelled "I'm not a white angel, I'm a Black angel". Then his brother said, "no, we're African angels". Becca (who plays the piano) and I looked at each other and started dying laughing. The whole conversation was hilarious, and then their accent's just made it the most precious, hilarious primary moment. 

I do believe children are growing on me. Or maybe it's just these kids. All I know is I am going to miss the London North Ward and these primary kids very much. 

I Know My Savior Loves Me

Just recently I was put into the Primary as the Secretary. Since then I have been involved in helping with the Primary Program. The theme this year was focused on the childrens testimony and the knowledge that their Savior loves them. Yesterday (sunday) the kids had their Program, and it turned out beautifully! The kids are so cute, and I was very impressed. I am used to American wards with an average of 20-30 kids, and these did wonderfully with about 10-12 kids! I was so taken back and the strength of these little kids.

After the program we had a little party for the kids, complete with food, "don't eat pete", cutting out snowflakes, decorating christmas sugar cookies, and singing primary christmas songs. The kids certainly let loose and you could tell these kids were done. Lots of yelling, frosting in hair and clothes, and little kid humor. It was pretty chaotic, but it was a well deserved break for them.

That is all for now! Mom, dad and layne are in town, but I will be posting more about that later. I love the London North Ward Primary :)

Never believe that one person can't make a difference

On Tuesday we took our last day trip. It was the last time we would ride (mostly sleep) on our lovely yellow WestBus coach. The last time we would wake up to Tony's random facts about London, our last sack lunch (which is probably a good thing), our last £5 night. It was the last time we would bring all our backpacks, promising to ourselves we would actually do homework on the coach rides--- but never do. And most vital- the last time we would have to wake up before the sun to eat muffins and compile sac lunches that consisted of a piece of bread and lunch meat, veggies, fruit, water, chips, and candy. The last time I would fall asleep, freezing, with my iPod in and my mouth gaping open. The last time there would be a flashmob of 40 american girls at every tourist spot in England.  Yes, these were indeed wonderful times. I will miss them, though some of them may not seem too exciting. It was definitely an odd thing to say goodbye to good ole' Tony and tell him "Thank You for everything....have a nice life".

We headed to Cambridge in the morning, and on our way there we stopped off at the Cambridge American Memorial Cemetery. We got there just at right in the morning when the fog was breaking over the cemetery.  It was beautiful. I loved going to a WWII cemetery that felt so much like home. There was an American flag waving high in the middle, looking over the memorial. Nothing felt or looked more peaceful. Not to mention the thin sheet of ice over the reflection ponds, or the icy grass, that was a nice touch. The grounds keeper talked to us when we first got there. He was outstanding. "Never believe that one person can't make a difference". Well said home friend/groundkeeper, well said.

In Cambridge we were just cut loose. It was a lot of fun. We had about 5 hours to explore the hoppin town of Cambridge. We did have fun though! We snuck into quite a few colleges, posing as "perspective students" again. It is a beautiful thing being a college age student, hands down. In the afternoon we went punting. SO FUN. It was my favorite thing we did in Cambridge. It was quite hilarious because our tour guide was about our age, maybe a tad younger. Lets just clarify that none of us have really talked, or had much contact with the opposite sex in about 3 months. So, we were pretty giddy. We all decided that guys coming back into the picture will be an interesting experience to say the least. But, we can keep that between you and I. hahah.
Things I learned from Punting: -I am going to go to the MAY BALL sometime in my life. Let's just say it's the best £300 dance ticket you will ever buy-- If I was a UK resident, going to school at Oxford is just as much as BYU, even a little cheaper-- there are 36 colleges at one Uni.-- There are college switch nights every week, where the colleges switch girls to go on dates with-- Trinity College has too much money for their own good-- Prince Charles went to Trinity, and his body guard had to sit with him through all his classes. He took the exit exams and did better than Charles-- I relearned how much I hate ducks. Exhibit A.

At 5:30 we met the group at King's College Cathedral for Evensong. The boys choir at King's College is the most famous boys choir in the UK. I really enjoyed myself. I have only ever been to one other Evensong at St. -Martins -In-The-Fields, and that didn't quite compare to this choir, and that one was quite spectacular too. So, all in all, I feel more cultured. Speaking of--- tonight we went to the.......

ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA. We saw Le Boheme. If any of you have ever seen RENT, it is the opera that Rent was based off of. It was a good experience, and I am very glad I went. But, I don't think it is anything I would ever seen again. I will sum it up for you in three sentences. Girl meets boy. Girls and boy break up- but not really. Girl dies, and the boy is sad. 

Well, that has been the basic summary of the last few days in London! Tomorrow we go to the Winston Churchill War Rooms, and then Harry Potter-- which I am ecstatic about. Both of them of course. Oh- I forgot!  Yesterday someone jumped under the tube. Yes, it was most inconvenient. It caused delays ALL day on the central line, which is pretty much vital for our traveling. Psshh, they are not very considerate. 

Homeless Adventure

Well friends, there is never a dull moment in London. It's a proven fact. This last week was, as most of you know the HARRY POTTER 7 (part 1) world premier in London.
You know how you see on TV those crazy people who camp out and look like they are homeless for a day just so they can go to the red carpet? Yes, the same ones that I, as well as my family make fun of mercilessly.  Well, that was me and seventeen other BYU students this last Wednesday. I am not ashamed, it was the most EPIC day of my life. Let me just share the adventures of this day.

On Tuesday night we spent all night making posters and costumes. A few of the girls even went out to Leicester Square (where the premier was at) to stake out who was there and what kind of crowd we had to compete with. The verdict was that we had to be on bus 94 at 3:15, so we could be one of the 500 that got inside the gates. DONE- we were there.

The next morning we were out at Leicester Square by about 3:40. Looking as homeless as ever. About an hour later the wind started to kick in, along with the FREEZING cold. We made our own little wind blocker with umbrellas. Classy. 

At 9 o'clock the guards let the first 500 people inside the actual square. We got our hands stamped and everything so that we could go in and out as we pleased. 

Kenzie and Jordan just laying down on the random Asian lady that was sitting by us. Poor girl- she didn't know what she was getting herself into.

As happy as can be at 10 AM

Made it till about 11 AM

Made it through three torrential downpours. It was INSANITY. I do really have empathy for homeless people. I was essentially homeless all Wednesday.

Around 3 we began to make our Dementors costumes for " We are here to Kiss Potter"

At 5 o'clock the camera men and started filming. Around 5:30 is when all the stars started showing up. We had a prime spot because we were right next to the interview stage (we made best friends with Edith Boman, the anchor, and she hooked us up!), and also up against the fence. It was unreal. 

Malfoy

Ron

Arthur Weasley

JK Rowling

Luna Lovegood

Hermione

Dean Thomas

HARRY!

Ginny

I do have to give photocredits to many different people. Some of them are from mine, others from Lauren and Jani's. My camera died half way through. But these were all the stars that we could get close up. It was one of the epic nights of my life. The adrenaline from the crowd gave everyone such a rush. I have never experienced anything like it before.
After everything ended Jordan and I may or may not have stolen a poster the size of a small building. We have yet to decide what to do with it. But we have it, just chillin by my bed. It just gives me that sense of pride to look at it, knowing so many people tried to take it, but we were one of the few successful people. That's what's up.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!
Yes, I know that many of you want to murder me for saying such a thing. HOWEVER- here in London, it is officially the Christmas season. I am not committing some cardinal sin here by celebrating Christmas before Thanksgiving, for in London we don't have Thanksgiving. :) The day after Guy Fawkes Day marks the beginning of the Christmas season. I am not complaining, so bring on the Christmas Season! London Style. And yes, I do believe that I am listening to Josh Grobans Noel album while writing this blog.

First we can start with the Harrods Christmas Parade. (Saturday November 6). It is much like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, but not really. It is smaller, but it is all the better. We got there, and there were tons of people, but Harrods was kind enough to pass out candy, juice, water, and balloons to the kids. Of course, us college age kids totally qualify. Let me also clarify that the gold chocolate coin I was so excited to receive sells at £5 in the actual store. This is roughly about $8.50. Yes, it was big, but not that big. Nevertheless, I was excited.
The parade consisted of, (along with candy distributers) roller skating snow men, clowns, a band, reindeer, father christmas, peter pan and other various disney characters. From the tops of the buildings they blew off  green and red confetti, and fake snow! It was so fun, and was perfect to put me in the mood for Christmas time.

I came home and took a much needed nap, considering I average about 4.5 hours of sleep a night. I tackled some homework, and then Jani, Lauren, Grace, Jordan, Morgan, Mackenzie and I headed off to Greenwich! AKA- the prime meridian. We hiked up to the National Observatory, stood in two places at once, and then went to the Planetarium. I LOVE astronomy and that sort of thing, so I was so excited to go to the planetarium. It was probably the highlight of Greenwich for me. After coming our of the planetarium we decided to head back home because it was freezing and dark-- and then we stumbled upon the Greenwich Market. I know I always mention a new market, practically everytime I blog, but this is really one of my new favorite markets. It is indoor like Spitalfields, has every food you could imagine (like Burough) and it also has the artsy craftsy appeal like Camden!

To top off my evening on the way home I stopped at Starbucks and got a Peppermint Steamer in the picturesque little red Christmas Starbucks cups. So, there you have it. Christmas is here, the best time of the year. So, remember to enjoy every minute of it. And for all of you in the States (which is pretty much all of you) enjoy Thanksgiving first. But, just know your favorite London Studyabroader is just basking in Christmas Heaven over here in London, wishing you too could experience an English Christmas Season.

Home Sweet Home.

The family has been asking for pictures of my dwelling for quite some time. Okay, so for the past ten weeks. So here it is! Better late than never. A grande tour of The BYU London Centre!

First off we have the entrance. It usually is a little cleaner, but the mail just came- explaining the stacked large boxes. Just excuse the messes, sorry about that.

 Here is the lovely dorm 1. My bed is the top bunk with the bright orange towel, it's hard to miss. There are 8 of us in this room. Bethany, Emily, Mandy, Julie, Jani, Jenna, Kaitlyn and  me! 

This is just another view of my room. You are able to see the two bunks and lockers to the left. Did I mention we have the best room in the centre? We are on the first, and don't have to hike up 4 floors to dorm 4 or 5 floors to dorm 4. Those poor girls. 

 Library. Ah, the beloved library. It is supposedly a  "quiet only zone". That defiantly never happens, except on the eve of a test. Then it turns into a "don't even drop a pencil" zone. Did I mention that too is on the first floor? Yep, dorm one wins. :)

Sitting Room This is where we meet before dinner- it is one of my favorite rooms in the centre. It is cozy and just so victorian, I always feel like I am in a fairy tale when I sit in this room. Silly I know.

Dinning Room I guess this room doesn't need much explanation. This is wear we eat dinner. It's our formal eating area. 

Servery This is pretty much where the hang out spot seems to be outside of the dorm rooms. We are big late night eaters here and so you can pretty much always find people in the servery just chatting away and snacking. It's pretty much a party. All the time.

So there are other rooms in the house but they aren't all that thrilling. In the basement is the kitchen, laundry room, and the pantry. On the second floor is the faculty office and classroom. Floors three through five are just more dorm rooms. Well, there you have it. I hope that satisfied your need to see my home for the past 10 weeks and the next 4 weeks! I love it. Home sweet home.

Put On Your Yamaka, We're Gonna Have Some Funuka

Once again, I have had a once in a life time, unique opportunity. Everyday I can't believe how blessed I am! Dr. Seely has connections with the oldest synagogue here in London and set up a private tour with the  "bug" of the synagogue.

  I have never been in a mosque, and I learned so much about Judaism and Orthodox Judaism.  He opened up the the Holy Ark and took out the Torah for us to look at, and talked to us for quite a while. All the men had to put on Yamaka's, and I think they rather enjoyed it. The whole time there was the constant hum of Adam Sandlers Chaunakka song running through the majority of our heads.

The New West End Synagogue 

Later on that evening we had a group outing to the Royal Festival Hall to see the London Philharmonic. It was so good! Yes, it may have been a three hour concert, and my bum may have gotten a little sore, but it was very much worth it. It was the memorial concert for a man that I should probably know- but don't.  

Jani, Lauren & I at the Royal Festival Hall

After we got home, around 11 or so, it was yet another crash study session for the whole centre. We had our second Humanities exam this morning- and since I live in a house full of 36 intelligent BYU students, it was a very- lets say stressed atmosphere.  Some of us up later than others, and naturally, me being me, I was up till 3:30 studying. Oh the joys of the "study" part of study abroad.

After the test this morning we had the day to go to Westminster Abbey (where the coronations take place). I loved the Abbey! Yes, I think it was cathedral number 106 in the last two months- but, their grandeur never cease to amaze me. This was probably on my list of top 5 favorite churches we have been to so far. Along with St. Pauls, St. Martins, Amiens and Canterbury.

After we headed over to Old Spitalfields Market. It was like a mix of Portabello and Camden, but indoors and a little classier. I loved it. We ate at this unique cafe place called Leon. It was like a mix of Whole Foods and Middle Eastern cuisine. I had hummus. It was the happiest day of my life. mmmm humus. Over all, it was another successful day in London!