Restless Legs Syndrome and Museum Fever.

The Burghers of Calais, Auguste Rodin.

An escalator into the world at the Natural History Museum.

If you've ever met me, you probably know of my slight museum obsession. Washington DC is one of my favorite cities purely because it is full of free museums (a whole mall of them!). Although London is so much more than its free museums and galleries, she sure has an impressive collection to offer.

Some short summaries of the ones I've been to so far:

Tate Britain: Just a five minute walk from Westminster Abbey, this museum holds art from the 1500s all the way to the present day. I only had time to explore a couple of sections, but everything I saw was absolutely beautiful, especially the John Martin and JMW Turner pieces. I was particularly fond of the contemporary art sections (centerpieced by a walkable, labyrinth-type exhibit), which were really fun to look through with a friend.

Part of the walk-through contemporary exhibit at Tate Britain.

Science Museum: A kid's (or a kid stuck in a grown-up's body) paradise. Though not as impressive as the Exploratorium, still a fun place to spend a day with friends and interactive exhibits. Unless you bring a toddler, some parts of the museum are off-limits, but it's okay because there is lots to do. If you do decide to try to claim that one of the dozens of screaming/running toddlers is yours in an attempt to get into the kids only sections, make sure that the parent of said child is not standing right behind you. Favorite sections include the entire top floor (composed of an interactive section, a milkshake bar, and a fighter jet simulation ride that goes upside down), the energy section (more fun interactive stuff, including an energy-themed dance dance revolution), and the innovation section (current in-progress inventions, including a driverless car whose brain is modeled after the navigational capabilities of a locust).

Dinosaur exhibit at the Natural History Museum.

Natural History Museum: Of the ones I've been to so far, this museum was probably my least favorite. That being said, if you haven't been, it's worth going (especially because it's free)! The architecture of the museum, inside and out, is stunning - ornate, nature-themed stone details, cathedral-like arches, and colorful paintings line the ceilings and walls. The dinosaur section seems to be the main attraction, but the most interesting section, by far, is the human body wing (especially the brain/optical illusion part).

London's Natural History Museum.

I will keep the list going as I go to more museums! Hopefully by the end of the week I can add The British Museum and the National Gallery.

Apart from the museums, my life as of late has just been centered on exploring London and taking advantage of having free time, a concept I have never really managed to grasp. It has been so lovely, being able to read for leisure instead of requirement (I recently became addicted to The Hunger Games), to not constantly have to adhere to the strict confines of my google calendar. I've even had time to do some drawings! Though I would never dream of sacrificing any of my extracurricular activities just to have more free time, sometimes being on a constant schedule can be extremely exhausting. I'm grateful to have this time abroad not only to grow, but to recharge. When I return to USC, I'll be able and willing again to give it my all, hopefully this time without burning out in the process.

First completed sketch of my postcard series! The Tower Bridge.

Street performer at the National Gallery.

House of Parliament.

Current work in progress :)

After getting over a minor cold, I have also made it a priority to refrain from staying in - I didn't go abroad to be alone in my room on the computer all the time (I am currently writing this post from a cafe I randomly stumbled upon in Bloomsbury)! In addition to some clubs and pubs with friends, I also take pleasure in wandering aimlessly around the city.

This week's city goals:

• See a show
• Make one British friend
• Try one new restaurant/cafe/pub/museum. 
• Celebrate Chinese New Year and Australia Day

Baby Buddha for the New Year -- rub his belly for good luck!

Chinatown, near Leicester Square.

More exciting firsts from this week:

• Harry Potter Society (got sorted into Ravenclaw!)
• Dance classes in London (Hip hop and Jazz)
• Meeting my amazing roommate Amber's also amazing sister, Janel, who is also abroad!
• The start of a weekly lunch outing with my USC friend Helen
• Lebanese food!
  

First go at Lebanese with Janel!

Have a great week :)

Cheers!
Olivia

Doing a cartwheel at a park along the River Thames, near Parliament.

London Lies.

Word-a-coaster on Oxford St. Each ball contains a fortune.

From pub crawls in Camden to my first fish and chips, so much has happened since my last post. I started classes, which, so far, have all been amazing. Unlike my previous courses, all the ones I am taking here are very specialized, which means I finally get to take classes that truly pertain to my Neuroscience major. My favorites so far are Human Neuroanatomy, which also goes into a subsection of neurodegenerative diseases and is taught by the most adorable old man, and 19th and 20th century Art History, which takes us to various art galleries throughout London to study pieces from each era. Our first era is Romanticism, for which we started at the Tate Britain to view a special exhibition by John Martin on apocalyptic art. Though many pieces were a bit terrifying, all were beautiful; I really like how the concept behind romanticism is about personal reaction to nature rather than literal interpretation.

The Portico at the entrance to UCL.

Making like the Beatles in the four-level M&M store.

One thing I love about the British museums, or I guess London in general compared to LA, is how much more history there is. On every corner there seems to be another piece of history -- a duke's house here, a writer's office there -- it is a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by a city so rich with culture and an important past.

As far as sightseeing goes, this week we explored the Tower of London. This was the royal place of residence up until the Tudor family reign, as well a prison and place of execution (including those of King Henry VIII's wives). It is also home to the crown jewels and the royal armory.We also crossed the Tower Bridge (after taking about a gazillion pictures) and had a quick glimpse of the Monument (for the Great Fire) and the London Bridge, which was sadly not quite as picturesque or ornate as the Tower Bridge.

Tower of London. The statues are tributes to the real lions who used to guard the Tower.

The Tower Green. Home to executions of many, including Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard.

The original Tower of London.

Our Beefeater tour guide.

The Tower grounds.

Though I'm not quite a master yet, I am slowly becoming proficient at navigating myself through the London tube system. New year's resolution to be able to read a map: almost check!

The London Bridge tube station.

Tomorrow I am headed to the London Science museum, which is super exciting because, as a large child, I am fascinated by interactive exhibits and simulated rides.

I also found out recently that Shelley Tucker, the matron of the lovely Tucker family, has finally been released from the hospital and allowed to recover at home. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers for a safe and speedy healing!

Selfridge Co.

Cheers!
Olivia

Sunset on The Strand.

The Tower Bridge along with the Mayor of London's office.

David, Rish, and I in front of the Tower Bridge just before sunset.

The Tower Bridge as it becomes lit.

The London Bridge.

Swans near Buckingham Palace.

Fish and chips at The Red Lion.

Some of the London skyline at dusk.

See more pics in my London album on facebook!

Only YOU can prevent bar fires.

The past few days have been spent in international orientation. Although most of the affiliate students are American, I have met quite a few from other countries - Australia, New Zealand, and Holland to name a few. Regardless of the origin of location though, every single person I've met so far has been an absolute joy to talk to.

Camden hot chocolate.

One of my favorite things about freshman year was meeting new people - as a girl who had lived on a rock for 18 years. to see and meet people who had such different cultures, upbringings, and views of the world was absolutely mind-blowing. In that one year, I felt as though I had grown more than I had in all previous years combined. Now, as I am not only exposed to foreign culture but completely immersed in it, I am excited to grow and learn even more.

At dinner with my international friends :)

Aside from our official enrollment duties, we have been doing a lot of orientating throughout the city. After the first day, the school organized a pub quiz night at one of the school's bars. Though I had little knowledge to contribute to our team, in the spirit of UCL's spiritual founder, Jeremy Bentham we decided to do the utilitarian thing and assemble the largest team in the pub (the greater the knowledge, the greater the benefit, right?). 60 pounds and a great night of bonding later, I'm happy to say it worked!

Holding our cup of winnings (glory) after winning the pub quiz.

After a hectic second day of registration, we made the trek back to Camden for a string of impulse buys (Gym Class Heroes at Koko for 14 pounds!), delicious Indian Fare, and our first pub crawl (more of a pub step, as we managed to make it to only two pubs).

Lamb Thali with garlic naan.

Bar fires. They can be a problem sometimes.

This morning, we explored the Camden Market. A string of marketplaces located along Camden High Street, the Camden Market is one of the most extraordinary flea markets I have ever seen. The atmosphere is beautiful - the roads are paved with cobblestones and in the air lingers the smells of various types of freshly-cooked street fare. Walls are lined in an array of goods that range from tiny trinkets to rave gear to furniture. I will definitely be making multiple return trips.

Cheers!
Olivia

One of many marketplaces that makes up the Camden Market.

The canal that centerpieces the markets.

Part of one of the markets that had been converted from a horse stable.

Adorable hand-made wine bottle holders.

Some of the many tin posters for sale.

Come on you Spurs!

Megan's adorable but currently dead car, Norman.

After a full two days of being completely deprived of internet usage, I'm finally back online. Scary how dependent I am on google and its various apps. *Addition to new years resolutions: Be less reliant on technology. Learn how to read a map.

Oscar and Mac, the two sweetest Cocker Spaniels you will ever meet.

These past couple of days have been great. After a unhappy goodbye with the Tuckers, I got settled into my dorm. Oh communal bathrooms and narrow hallways. It's like freshman year all over again, minus the open doors and plus a single room. I have a friend from Troy Camp living just down the hall though, so I'm sure it will still be a lot of fun!

The Tuckers, also known as the best family in London.

My room after semi-moving in.

Thanks to the help of my Portuguese friend Paulo, in just two days I have gotten two weeks worth of London sightseeing done. He also took me to a football game, which was absolutely nuts; football in America is child's play compared to football in England.

Lights on Carnaby Street

Tottenham Spurs vs. West Brom - come on you Spurs!

Paulo and I at Big Ben.

I am slowly getting adjusted to the cold (not yet to the combination of cold + rain) and learning my way around. Though I must say, without the kindness of my friends, London would likely be a completely different city right now. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people.

The London Eye.

On that note, some food for thought: http://tombasson.wordpress.com/2012/01/02/the-first-thing-you-should-do-in-2012/

Cheers!
Olivia

Sicilian-style lobster risotto.

French-style lamb chops.

Darling sweets at Cafe Valerie.

Big Ben amongst crowded London

London at dusk.