| Long time no update...again. Haha. Things have been kinda crazy around here, but when are they not. I'll start back before reading week. Before reading week, I was in crazy stress mode--I had a paper due on remedies for untouchability for my law class, and my dissertation topic. My course convenor gave me an unnecessary heart attack over getting the form in on time, but it all worked out in the end. I think my essay was half way decent, and I'm REALLY excited about my dissertation topic. I haven't really started any serious research on it as of yet, but I'm sure to do so soon. Right now I'm more focused on getting caught up on readings for the term and not letting the thought of exams leave me to spontaneously combust. Generally speaking, things are great. I really like my courses this term, and I feel much more comfortable expressing my opinions now than I even did last term. I think its reflecting in the quality of my work--at least I hope so. I got my first essay back last week--it went far better than I had expected. Its given me hope for my time here, although I was talking to a friend in my other class who has received his essay, and he said our Govt/Poli teacher was a tough grader. We'll see--I should have that one back by Friday. The stress I experience at SOAS comes in such short bursts, its almost impossible to say that I've been feeling a lot of pressure since I've been here. My limited assesed work means that deadlines are never pushing on me, leaving me to coast at whatever pace I feel comfortable with. I don't know if that's good or bad. For me, its probably bad. Shamefully, I kinda enjoy a little stress. After turning in my essays and my dissertation topic, I jetted off to Berlin for a fabulous 5 days with my parents. My dad happened to have work in Frankfurt, so he and my mom met up with me in Berlin. We tore the city apart trying to see as much as we could in the short time we had. We managed to hit up all the major sights (the Wall in 3 different locations, Checkpoint Charlie, Hitler's Bunker, the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Bebelplatz, Postdamer Platz, etc. etc.) and even managed to catch an Opera. We saw Der Rosenkavalier by Strauss (we tried to decide between that and Tosca, but when in Germany...). I've been to three other operas, but this might have been the best one. It might have to do with the fact that it was much more traditional than the other 3 I've seen (all have been very modern operas--from within the last 10 years if not newer). We were confused through the 1st act until we bought a synopsis, and then more or less became completely enthralled by it. Our seats were all the way in the back, so we had to stand to get a better view every so often. Eventually, we just shifted into empty seats. Berlin, I had been told by many friends, is a city worth going to. I could not agree more. Going somewhere that is so connected with recent history is unlike anything I've experienced before. I think it was possibly more striking for my parents, who have been around for nearly the entire (recent) history of the city. In my case, I remember hearing about the Berlin Wall coming down when I was 5 years old, and about how the entire map of the world was going to change. To actually go and see the remnants of something I tangibly remember as something having happened in my lifetime was remarkable. Also, Mrs. Knauer's class still lives freshly in my mind, and I saw so many of the things we talked about all those years ago. Coming back from Berlin reenergized me about London, and reignited my desire to further explore this city I live in. On Friday, Sapna and I went to the National Portrait Gallery just above Trafalgar Square. The Gallery ended up being far more interesting than I had expected it to be. While there is no dirth of photos of old dead men (which, I must say, Sapna and I mocked mercilessly), the way the portraits are linked and recount history is pretty neat. I also really liked a lot of the modern stuff, the photos from the 1960s and such. I'm hoping to keep doing such trips weekly. Before leaving for Berlin, as well, I spent a couple hours exploring the wings of the British Museum I hadn't yet seen. The fact that most museums have no admission fee helps, too. In the coming week, I will be swamped by work, but then my brother comes to London for a week!! The plans include getting out of London for a day or 2 to Canterbury or such, a Holi celebration, and general revellery in London. I'm really looking forward to it. One of the great things right now (in which I'm gaining a great deal of comfort) is the coming of spring. Walking to school along Sidmouth Street trees are in bloom, crocuses are planted, and Regent Square is filled with cheerful daffodils. This is one thing I missed most about being away from Europe last year in California. Suffering through a long, dreary, rainy winter almost seems negligible when the first buds make their appearances. |
