Class updates and more

Although, this semester is a walk in the park in terms of academics, it stresses travel and cultural reflection. I already have a much better sense of the culture, which comes naturally when living in another country. However, the travel planning is the big time consumer. I have realized my top 5 'strengths' are coming in to play big time with the travel planning. According to the StrengthsFinder test, my top five are Achiever, Command, Responsibility, Activator, and Significance. This skill test read me like a book. I was very surprised by how accurate the results were, in relation to my core values. The activator and command skills I am definitely making the most use of at this time. I basically am the leader/go to person of two major trips (Scotland Highlands and Ireland) for the one week break and I helped plan another group's trip to Amsterdam. I find this kind of humorous, since I have no previous international travel experience, but I suppose that is where quality time spent researching can suffice. However, I doubt I will be in any such position during the London or two week break, because I haven't made any plans or have the slightest idea about what I want to do during those times.

Anyways, the past two days I have gone about my usual business of classes. At the moment, I am working on a photography set titled Uneasy. I have explored the use of the straiten tool and cropping in Photoshop. My art professor has repeatedly tried to convince me to switch my major to art. I would never major in art, but I will always exercise my talent as a hobby. Here are some photos from the collection:

In Contemporary Britain, we have been discussing the pyramid of power in the US and UK and how it has shifted over the centuries. Weekly, we get together to debate and talk about world news. This week, the article I am bringing forward revolves around the increasing violence outside and within the Bolshoi Ballet. In case you don't know, at the end of January, the artistic director and former dancer, Sergei Filin, had acid thrown in his face. Since then, other threats have arisen, some so serious that one of the top ballerinas has taken a leave of absence and fled to Canada. Its been quite the upheaval. In regards to assignments, my research paper is coming along well for this class, largely due to my growing fixation with polo. It is a sport with incredible history and it is on the rise in terms of popularity and accessibility in the US and UK. 

Meanwhile, Biology has been mainly focused on global ecology and environmental issues. I have begun collecting articles in relation to the structure of the National Parks systems in the US and UK. I must admit this class is a little slow for most students. We have spent a lot of time reviewing basic science knowledge that every college student is already aware of. 

History is, of course, fascinating in this grand castle setting of ours. Its amazing how much your interest increases when you are living among such historically influential places. I am surprised by how much the Percys have been involved with the development of Great Britain. Today, we watch a video on medieval and  early modern armor and learned about the long complex process of Henry VIII's break with Rome. 

British Studies is the easiest class by far. It comprises mostly of writing journals and documenting our travels. However, we do discuss British values, such as tradition and status. We have been observing culture differences as well. Britons are so up to date on world news, much credit due to BBC. They also hold and use their eating utensils in a different way. In some areas, their media on tv and in magazines is more vulgar. Flare jeans are never seen. Bathrooms in restaurants are always up or down stairs. The term pants is not used, but trousers. Alfredo cannot be found in the grocery stores. Most stores are not open on Sunday and often close by 7 pm during the week. Cheers and hiya are the most common greetings. There are deep prejudices against the French and Scots hate the English. America is just a child among the world powers in terms of age and experience, however a powerful toddler at that. The trunk is the boot. Wellies are rain boots (I knew that already!). To queue up is to get in a line. Chips are french fries. Crisps are chips. 

Other random facts and updates:

I ate a plateful of haggis for lunch. 

Commercials are replaced with British commentators during the Superbowl in the UK. 

I didn't over eat at supper for the first in time in many days.

The lush green grass never turns brown in England. 

I miss driving vehicles (A love my Papa and I share). 

Our server Lee got a new tattoo. 

I drink a lot of coffee, since I can run down to the kitchen between classes to make more:) 

Strove Tuesday is next week. 

I am leaving for Scotland in three days. 

Wade is hilarious.
I will stop now.