Today was another school day. But it was unlike any school day I have ever experienced in America. Sure, we jetted off on a school bus to various local exhibits, parks, plays, or museums during my education in the United States but never have I had actual classes conducted in a museum or other historical location.
My history class spends Mondays discussing a particular time period in British history. On Wednesdays, as I said before, we head out into the city and visit an "object" that relates to that particular time period. I spent my morning in the National Portrait Gallery examining portraits drawn of different kings and queens, following Henry VII. Never, in my life, have I spent an hour sitting on the floor of a museum listening to someone lecture about a period in history with the object they are discussing directly behind the professor. We sat on the floor in front of one of the most famous portraits of King Henry VII and discussed the relevance of the portrait and how it translated into the way he ruled England.
One of the coolest parts of the gallery, that I saw, was the portrait of Shakespeare and Kate Middleton. (I know, two completely different time periods). This gallery features the controversial depiction of Princess Kate. It was neat to see, and sorry, I don't have a picture of it as photography was not allowed. I plan on returning and taking a picture of the Shakespeare portrait. People who know me may have previously known me as someone who hates museums but this trip is helping me to appreciate the significance of these visits.
I then grabbed a quick lunch and headed to class #2. This class, Religion, Identity, and Power is incredibly thought-provoking and unlike anything I have ever taken before. My roommates and I spent the night discussing how classes here at SULondon are some of the most interesting, well run, and thought-provoking classes I have ever taken. I truly believe I will learn more in this semester than I have in many classes/semesters so far. The way professors run their classes, the questions they pose, and the information they present is so unlike anything I have ever experienced. I go to class with an eagerness to learn that I have never felt before! I walk out of class wanting to share everything I have learned with anyone who will listen. (Sorry mom or John, you two usually have to listen to me recap what I learned that particular day.)
We spent that class period discussing what religion is and different ways it can be practiced. Although I am a devout Christian/Baptist, this class allows me to look at my beliefs and other religions in an entirely new way. But I believe this will further my beliefs and prove to be very interesting. Some of the topics we are set to discuss are really exciting to me, as I find it interesting to learn as to why people believe certain things. Don't worry - I'll share some of what I learn with all of you!
We (my flatmates and I), again, spent our night at our local pub watching soccer and having some chips (french fries). We enjoyed conversations with locals and some delicious cider. We have an awesome roommate relationship and all enjoy spending time with each other. This makes for a pleasant living situation and a nice comfortable space.
Lastly, my proud moment of the day? Rode the tube all by myself! This might not sound like the biggest accomplishment but for little Hannah, it was pretty momentous.
Well, that's all for now. Keep checking in!
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