Week at a glance

A thousand apologies for not updating for not updating this sooner.

So where do I begin. Let's try this Tarantino style... I just got back from a pub at ISH (International Student House) where Mike, Andrew, Eric (the roomies) and I had a few pints. It's actually a pretty happening place. We went on a tour with Bill the other day and they gave us 2-for-1 coupons so I just had to go back. The biggest shock was the coca cola...it's very very sweet. Just like when you get it in Atlanta. So after a couple Jack and Cokes and a pint of Guinness we decided to call it a night (I know lame but I need my rest for my non-class tomorrow).

Earlier today was by far my favorite walk that Bill took us on. We went to the East End where the working class historically has lived and we visited several markets. I could live there because it's a haggler's dreamland. Anyone who knows me will agree I was definitely in my element. For the most part I was there for the food. I love getting food at little stands or whole in the walls. In my opinion that's what defines a city/region. London definitely represented itself well at these markets. Most of the markets sell clothing and other department store-esqe stuff which typically comes right from the factories. Hence really cheap stuff. I didn't want to go crazy because I wanted to see what each market had to offer. I will be returning though. There were all sorts of food stands which was quite difficult for me to pass up. What I had to indulge in were some fresh spring rolls, spicy lamb pancake rolls, and chicken penang curry. Mmmmm.

I was most most impressed by the market where I got the curry. Interesting how this was the one with the most food. I wonder if there's a correlation...The Up Market (where I got curry) is right in the middle of the curry part of town. It has the largest concentration of curry restaurants in all of London! There were tons of other stuff there...Ethiopian (yum Coop), Morrocan, Mexican, Thai, Indian and so much more.

One market we went to was in the former Jewish district. A lot of Eastern European Jews migrated to London in the early 20th century and they made a tremendous impression on the area. The most lasting were the bagel shops...excuse me, the Beigel shops. I got half a dozen for 1 pound 8 pence!!!!! I love this town

Yesterday Bill took us on a walk of the actually City of London. The originial site the Romans settled and occupied. It was a great tour. We visited the London museum, St. Paul's Cathedral, saw the foundation of an original Roman wall, saw the ending point of the Great Fire of London in 1666, St Bart's Cathedral (where they filmed part of Shakespeare in Love and where Ben Franklin did a lot of his work), and the Old Bailey (V for Vendetta fans anyone?). I wish you could go on the walks with Bill. The knowledge and insight he has into London is absolutely breathtaking. I should start taking notes.

Friday:

Not too much happening...it's the weekend. I did go to a Proms concert with some friends to see the NY Phil play Tchaik 4, Bartok- Miracualous Mandarin and Ravel- Mother Goose Suite. It's funny because I've seen them play more in London then I ever did in the States. They played very well, of course, but I'm still more impressed with the Royal Phil concert the other night. I feel like the Royal Phil took more risks and were more musical. The Horn section just blew me away. Although I though NY had a better brass section as a whole. They blended very well. Tough call but I guess I should just be grateful I can see so many different orchestras live. Next week is BBC and Berlin!

Thursday:

My first day of classes! It finally arrived...after days and days of just practicing and wandering about London I have to return to academia. It was actually kind of nice. My first class was British Pop. Our teacher is incredible! Our first class was spent just listening to music and talking about the origins of pop. She's very knowledgeable about the music industry which is pretty fascinating. Talking about why some bands make it and the social impact of the progression of music. She was definitely involved in the business and is bringing us along for the ride. I'm very excited to see where the class takes us. Our first homework assignment...get some sort of a binder or photo album for when we make our creative notebooks of concert tickets/drawings/whatever. Our one oral presentation of the semester...play a track of any type of music you want and talk about it. Sweeeet. Although there are so many things I could play. I'm leaning towards Youngblood Brass Band or Chris Potter. Well, I have all term to figure it out! Drama and the London Theater was my next (and last) class. Obviously the first day is always a little slow. It was mainly introductions and the teacher asking why were signed up for the class.

Went to see the NY Phil for their first night in town. They played Rite of Spring, Gershiwin Piano Concerto and a new Steve Stucky piece. Technically they were spot on but Rite of Spring was a little tame for my liking. I didn't really feel the virgin getting sacrificed...perhaps just assaulted. I'm an awful person...

The rest of my week--like I said before--was spent practicing and roaming about. I took a trip to the Natural History museum which was pretty sick. Went to the Dinosaur exhibit which really just made me regret not living out my childhood fantasy of being a paleantologist (thank you Jurassic Park). I'll be starting up lessons next week with Paul. I'm very happy I have something to work towards. I also found out German Brass is the artist in residence at Guildhall this year...and seeing as Paul was just hired as the head of the Wind, Brass and Percussion department, we'll see what happens. Things just keep getting better and better here. I'm so happy and grateful for this opportunity. Kids, study abroad. You will NOT regret it.

Tomorrow's agenda:
sleep until I feel like getting up
practice
...
maybe practice again
look for a binder for British Pop

Life is Good, as the saying goes.

Cheers,

O

PS Bassel, I'm still looking for your London fog. No worries