Hi everyone! Camp and tournament season is in full swing. It's hard to believe July is almost coming to an end, but this only means we're that much closer to EC Laxers getting back to Boston! My apologies for having gone on a bit of a hiatus from the blog, but we are up and running again. And what better way to get back on track than with the excitement of Junior defender Casey Jablonski's travels abroad. Casey is studying in London until July 28th - she'll get to see the Opening Ceremonies from London's Hyde Park via the giant screen showing the celebrations! Read on for some of the awesome experiences she's already had:
Where are you studying in London and through what program?
Casey: I am studying at City University. It is a Program called London Now and it's through Arcadia University (the same college Kanika is studying in New Zealand through) but it's affiliated and advertised through Emerson, which is how I found out about it.
Casey: I'm taking two classes in a six week term. I'm taking a class called Filming the City. It is interesting to study film through a different culture, however the course is not nearly as advanced as Emerson courses. The other class I'm taking is called Course on the London Olympics. As I'm sure everyone knows, the Olympics are about to begin right here in London. In this class we learn everything from how the city of London won the bid to the Olympics right up to the excitement and problems still happening today. We also got to go to Olympic Park and see the Olympic Stadium, which is named Queen Elizabeth II. They name everything after her here. I guess she's pretty cool, she has been on the throne for 60 years.
Where are you living?
Casey: I am living in a student living facility (basically a dorm room, but we have our own bathrooms) called Nido. It is literally right down the street from King's Cross Station, so I've been keeping my eyes peeled for Harry, Ron and Hermione. Sadly, there have been no sightings yet.
Casey: There are around 40 students total in my program. There are about 12-15 people from Emerson. I knew three people before coming here, one of my old roommates, one of Kanika's old roommates, and one of Naomi's old roommates.
Casey: This is hard. I don't think I can pick just one so I'll list a few:
1. Arriving during the Queen's Jubilee. I had no idea what this was of course, but I quickly learned it was a HUGE deal celebrating that Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne for 60 years. This is only the second time this has ever happened.
2. Being here during the Euro Cup. People LOVE soccer here, so just experiencing the atmosphere was awesome.
3. Being here during Wimbledon. Just as cool to see how people react.
4. Of course seeing the whole hype leading up to the Olympics.
5. Seeing London from inside Tower Bridge! I have a new fascination with bridges.
Have you gotten to do any traveling outside of classes?
Casey: Yes! I went to Dublin! We were there for four days so we also did a day tour of the Irish coast/countryside. It literally was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. No picture will do it justice, but I'll send one anyway. This weekend I'm heading to Brussels to eat chocolate, and eat waffles and cake! And then next weekend we are going to Milan!
Casey: The weather! Just kidding, it's always raining. I think my favorite thing about it is there is ALWAYS something going on or something to do (and so many events are free!). For example, last week I was able to see Imogen Heap perform live for free! She's amazing! If you don't know her, look her up, because you should!
What do you miss most about home and Boston/Emerson?
Casey: I miss not having to worry about money as much. It's so hard and expensive here with the exchange rate. 1 pound=1.67 dollars! It's outrageous and I have to be very careful with my money. I also miss good food. Contrary to what you might think, Londoners eat weird/gross food.
