August 19th, 2011. On the Edge,

Dear Cambridge,

It has been been an amazing 6 weeks. I will miss you.

Goodbye UK, Hello USA.

Cheers,

Allie

The Last Night

It is here. Tonight is my final night in Cambridge and I'm getting ready to go to the closing gala. I really have nothing more to say. I had my final Shakespeare class and the rest of the day was a blur. I had such an adventure discovering a new routine and way of life and happy as I am to go home, I'm truly going to miss Cambridge. I hope someday I can come back and reminisce in my weeks spent studying here. I'll miss this so much.

Cheers.

It's Been a Long Time Coming

Today was the last day of my broken record routine writing! I actually have more to say today than, "Hey, I did some reading and writing today." I'm glad for all of you reading though, I feel bad for boring you with monotonous papers and Shakespeare and monarchs. Instead, I'll inform you briefly of the killer exam I endured today. For my history exam, I had two hours to write three essays. I wrote one about the ways Mary QS was a successful monarch, one about why Oliver Cromwell's Protectorate failed and did a source analysis on documents from Charles I's reign detailing the portrayal of a monarch after his death. All of these topics I didn't have until I opened the exam booklet at the beginning of class. Good thing I did my reading. Now that I am finished my hands feel like jelly from the feverish writing. Hopefully when I get the exam back (11am tomorrow, wow!) I'll feel the much wanted happiness of completion and a job well done.

I am currently just one Shakespeare presentation away from academic freedom! I have a bit of time between tea and dinner so I'll work a bit and have this puppy wrapped up by morning. Its exciting and sad all at once to know its almost over. It seems like I got here yesterday, as cliche as that sounds. Its true though, I've grown accustomed to walking the courtyards of Caius and busy streets of Cambridge, being assaulted my punters and visiting the market for bread. Enough of that wishy washy stuff! Tonight I'll have fun with the group in honor of the end of the exams. Or I'll just go to bed at 9 because I'm brain dead. Either way, tomorrow is final class, banquet and packing up to be out by noon on Friday and back to the good old USA. My, how time flies.

Cheers.

Silent Films and Old Books

I feel like overly redundant this week. Reading, writing, Shakespeare, history. Reading, writing, Shakespeare, history. Again, again, again. I guess that's finals week for you though. Today was more of the same, except I passed in my final essay of the term in Shakespeare class today. I loved writing on the topic (Shakespeare's representation of marriage) and am anxious for the results this Thursday.

In our last formal Shakespeare class, we discussed the production of Midsummer from the RSC last Thursday. Also, we watched the first video recorded Shakespeare (King John) which was an astounding 3 minutes long. We watched the silent film, black and white Midsummer from the 1890s and listened to a wide range of music from the Willow Song Desdemona sings in Othello to the rock musical Rockaby Hamlet from the 1970s.

After class and tea I went on a basically private through the Caius library. I was able to see, touch and photograph a Bible formally owned by William III better known as William of Orange. I geeked out for a bit seeing items owned by English Monarchy, which just blows my mind.

I'm back in the library again (surprise!)to finish up my reading for the history exam tomorrow. Mary QS is done and now its either Victoria or Oliver Cromwell, both of which need less since they are fresher in my mind. I'm having an inner dilemma- I went the finals to be done, but when they are done I leave. Oh the dichotomy!

Until then, read read read! Cheers.

Evaluation Monday

Last Monday in Cambridge! Today began my last week of classes with the final History class focusing on Queen Victoria and her reign as queen. At the end of class to evaluate how much we retained, we were presented with the same 25 events in history that we were given on the first day and had to put them in order once again. We did much better this time than last, which was just great.

After class we had a more formal tea time in Hall where we were served scones to make us happy before we filled out evaluations for the program and each of our classes. it was a nice time to reflect on what we did and learned here and also to offer suggestions for future programs.

Then I had my final High Table which my Dad was able to join(its custom for visiting parents to have one High Table when they are in Cambridge). We had salmon again, of course, so the meal wasn't my favorite but I had a nice chat with Professor Merton and Lisa and even Gail a bit. Overall, my last High Table was a nice time.

I am now back in the library once more to finish up Shakespeare and doing some reading on Mary QS. Final essay due tomorrow, feeling good and ready to hand it in.

Until next time,

Cheers.

The Punter and the Puntee

Hey all,

Today was a successful final Sunday in Cambridge. After breakfast I spent the morning working on my Shakespeare final essay. The prompt I chose is "consider Shakespeare's representation of the institution of marriage" and I am loving writing about this paper.I have a full working draft and a day and a half to edit it. Its neat to compare elements from three different plays and see the overlap. I've enjoyed this class very much and am kind of sad I only have two classes left. At least we get to discuss Midsummer which we saw last Thursday. Going out with a bang.

Later in the afternoon, Caiti, Sarah, Julia, Dad and I finally went punting! We've put it off for far too long and it was nice to succumb and be a tourist. The punting business in general is sketchy to say the least. After being assaulted on the streets for weeks it was odd to finally respond with "yes please, I'd love a tour" rather than "no" and rushing away. It was a nice warm day and although our guide mumbled and was a tad under enthused I still had fun with the girls, and Dad. Pictures to come soon:)

After punting Dad and I walking around town a bit, scoping fun things for him to do while I have class and finals work tomorrow. We went around some of the big colleges, the Fitzwilliam perhaps and a bus tour for sure. He'll have a nice day while I'm stuck writing and writing for the afternoon. Anyway, after punting I skipped out on Hall and Dad and I went to the Eagle for some fantastic fish and chips. Yes, I ordered fish in a restaurant and then ate it. Shock and awe. It was nice to sit in a pub in England with my Dad, eating fish and chips and sipping a shandy. Good night.

I am currently blogging from the library because I am between edits and heading back to Shakespeare momentarily. We have our usual table taken over for a nice night of homework. I'm actually going to miss this quite a lot. Somehow, Dimond library just isn't the same. But nonetheless, my last weekend at Caius was top notch all around and I have had good fun and am ready for finals. Stay tuned tomorrow to hear about my final High Table to which my Dad is attending. Until then,

Cheers.

Pretend today is Saturday

Hey all,

Sorry for the lack of post yesterday. Lapwing (my wireless) decided not to work all day so I was unable to post. Lets just pretend today is Saturday and here is the post I had already written up. Cheers.

"It has happened. Today is my last Saturday in Cambridge. Its odd to think that I've been away for almost 6 weeks, even more odd to think I haven't touched a cell phone in over a month. Its a rather liberating feeling actually to be apart from it. I mean, I have had my computer this time away, but when I'm out and about its completely unhindered by technology.

Since this is the final hooray weekend, I'll be partying in style. And by partying in style I mean working on two Shakespeare essays and reviewing a couple hundred years of English and Scottish history. Go crazy. I will try and make some time for fun. Last night was the talent show and then karaoke and today maybe we'll finally go punting. Either way, its a homework day in preparation for finals week."

So much Talent

Hey all,

I'm rather tired and my bed is calling so here is an overview of my final full Friday in England. I slept in today which was marvelous, getting myself ready for the weekend. After that it was Shakespeare all afternoon, switching from final essay to final presentation. I'm excited about my finals and have a nice weekend to get most of the work finished before my final week of classes! Tonight was fun with the UNH Cambridge Summer Program Pizza Party and Talent Show. Turns out that there are a lot of talented people on this trip. We ended the night with some karaoke. Now that I've seen my friends and professors sing, together and apart, my life is that much happier. Tomorrow is much of the same- homework day and fun time in the evening.

Until then, Cheers.

Alack! A Midsummer Night at the RSC Theater

Hello hello,

It is 1am and I just got back from my second play in Stratford-upon-Avon at the Royal Shakespeare Theater. For those of you who remember my Merchant post, be not alarmed, tonight was much better and offers a happier review. For the final excursion of the summer, we went to see Midsummer Night's Dream. Since the last play I saw from the RSC lead to a ranting blog post, devastation of my all time favorite character and a mini tangent in my midterm essay, I was cautious and curious when the lights went dim.

To my surprise and delight, my overall feel for the play was a positive one. It was a 1940s era mob scene in what looked like a large warehouse for the opening act and then it took off into the woods to create a land of fairies with chairs hanging from the ceiling. I enjoyed the overall feel of magic and mystery and completely loved the suave actor who portrayed Puck. His outfit consisted of a coat lined with ties, both attached and dangling. He was great. I had only a few qualms with the performance, so I will offer then to you now.

DISCLAIMER! If you have never read or seen this play and care not for reading about it, please jump to the next bold word so you can continue reading what you enjoy. Thank you.

As I was saying,the first was the relationship between Theseus and Hippolyta. In the opening scene of the play, the relationship was cold and one-sided, as it should be. Since Theseus won Hippolyta against her will and stole her away from her home, she should loathe him. Yet since its typical in this certain play for the actors who play Theseus and Hippolyta to also play Titania and Oberon, there was some overlap of character emotion. My issue was that the actors' time as the fairy kinf and queen carried over into there human role and Theseus and Hippolyta ended lovey-eyed and kissy towards each other which I thought was very off. No one wants a man who says "I won thee by doing thee injuries". Not appealing.

My other qualm was with Hermia and Helena. For some reason, the plays I have seen this summer have all of the females, no matter what her written part, as either crying or crazy. In Midsummer, Hermia is supposed to be a little fire ball. "Though she be but little, she be fierce' is not on all of those pink t-shirts in the gift shop for nothing. In the opening scene when she is given the choice of marriage to Demetrius or death, instead of being defiant for her love Lysander, she is weepy like a lost mouse. Disappointing. And then you had Helena, the mental case, love-crazed redhead who ran around the stage with wide eyes and fumbling feet. Now don't get me wrong, it was very entertaining, but I'd like to see at least one strong woman now and again. Despite the critiques that I will always have to offer, I thoroughly enjoyed the play and am thrilled to have seen 3 live Shakespeare plays in England. And on a random side note which I hope you find humorous, my new favorite word is 'alack'. Thank you, Nick Bottom.

REJOIN THE CONVERSATION HERE! :)

So next I must sleep because it has been a long day and a bigger day follows tomorrow. My last weekend in Cambridge is upon me and we have our program talent show and pizza party tomorrow evening. Should be exciting. Before that though, more homework must be done!

Until tomorrow, or today I guess, Cheers.

Routine Wednesday

Greetings friends,

It was a lovely sunny in Cambridge today, good weather to clear the mind and take a walk. Nothing too exciting to post today as it was another day of work and classes. I'm very excited to go to Stratford again tomorrow. We'll be seeing A Midsummer Night's Dream and I am very anxious to see of the RSC does another wacky interpretation.

Tonight is more of the routine I've easily fallen into while studying in Cambridge. Dinner, homework party with the girls and then off to bed. Since this is our last weekend in England (sad face) the plan is for a fun Friday and then Saturday and Sunday doing school work with some punting happening whenever it gets sunny. Until then, I'm alternating between my 3 final papers/projects, kicking butt and taking names. Bring it on Shakespeare and Oliver Cromwell. Bring it on.

Cheers.

For My Dearest Sarah Bradshaw

To all of you reading this who are not Sarah Bradshaw, let me explain briefly. When I began my most recent poll my friend Sarah said she was going to wait until I posted all of the wife facts to vote. Seeing as it is the last day of my pool, I told Sarah it was do or die. To refresh her memory so she can make a completely informed and educated decision, here are the previously told wife facts.

Cheers.

Katharine of Aragon was married to Henry VIII for 24 years. From coronation in 1509 to 'anullment' in 1533

Anne Boleyn's motto was 'the moost happi'. Ironic, huh?

Jane Seymour's brother Thomas, an English nobleman during Henry VIII's reign, married Catherine Parr, Henry's last wife, after the king died.

Although she is the least appreciated of the wives, Anne of Cleves got the best deal. She was given Richmond House, servants, lots of jewels and outlived him by a good 10 years. Snaps for Anne.

Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard were 1st cousins on the Howard side. Sadly, they met the same fate: execution for adultery

In her life, Catherine Parr was married 4 times together, making her England's most married queen

Walking and Writing

Hello,

Another sunny lovely day in Cambridge town. I woke up and went for a walk today to find some places for my Dad to stay when he comes to visit next week. I have come to the conclusion that Cambridge is full of cute B&Bs. Lucky for me, it was a great morning for a walk.

After a quick lunch of bread and cheese, it was off to Shakespeare class to discuss A Midsummer Night's Dream. We had our second oral quiz which was scary and informative. Next it was on to two different film versions of the play which were both rather comical. I feel like no matter what, when you put Shakespeare on film it will always have an air of humor. Once I was handed back my midterm essay (happy grade) it was tea and some more writing before dinner.

This week is rather ordinary in the manner that its lots of work, the same stuff every day. This weekend is my last full weekend in Cambridge so the girlies and I plan to mix studying with fun. This Saturday we will punt! Until then its back to the grind of two essays and a presentation.

Cheers.

Manic Monday

Busy day busy day! Lots of reading and writing as I head into finals week in Cambridge. Please excuse the briefness of my post but I do believe I gave you plenty to read yesterday about Scotland.

Today was history class and reading Shakespeare for class tomorrow. I now have all three finals assignments and they are as follows:

1. In-class exam for history which includes source analysis of early modern texts and two essays written about a monarch, ruler or theme of the class.

2. A final essay for Shakespeare class discussing an aspect of performance from a list of topics (I have it narrowed down to four as of now).

3. A final presentation for Shakespeare class where I choose one of the 4 plays read and and create my own adaptation including dress, setting and key scenes.

Needless to say, I have plenty to do so bear with my posts and vote in my poll!

Cheers.

Being hip in Edinburgh

Being hip in Edinburgh

Greeting from Scotland! Sorry it has taken me awhile to publish this, but I'd have a very busy past few days. but alas, here is the long awaited Scotland report.

The bus ride (about 7 hours) to Polluck Halls in Edinburgh was long, but we took a nice detour to Abbotsford to see Sir Walter Scott's house and take a walk around the gardens and see the shelves upon shelve of books( although they were currently our for preservation purposes which was sad). Once we got to Edinburgh Julia, Sarah, Caiti, Lisa and I found a great Italian place that gave us a discount for being students. I have missed pasta and veggies greatly. On our way back to the rooms, we walked the end of the Royal Mile so we were fully prepped for the next day.

My room in Polluck Halls in very nice, I have it as a single but there are two beds and I have my own bathroom which is lovely. Its comfy and works as a good place to sleep while I spend the rest of my time exploring the city.

First thing on the agenda Friday was a visit to Edinburgh Castle. This castle had perhaps the best view out of any of the monuments or structures I've seen so far. You could see every inch of Edinburgh fro each different look out atop the castle. We ventured inside and say Mary, Queen of Scots apartments as well as the crown jewels. It was neat to see a different style of royal living. In England, all of the palaces and places of importance are more refined in style, with clean cut stones that are light and ornate. Edinburgh Castle however, had towers of dark stones, still rough like when they were found. I enjoyed the new vibes. After that it was time for a nice walk down the Royal Mile, which is a road that runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood (pronounced 'hollyrood') Palace. The Royal Mile was packed with restaurants, pubs, and more cashmere and lambswool scarf shops than one can handle. It was a sight, especially since this weekend played host to the Fringe Festival which offered many group handing out fliers in weird and vibrant costumes advertising poetry readings, musicals and raves that take place all over the city. One of my highlights for the day was that Caiti and I finally found a henna shop. A woman of Indian birth who lived in Kenya had a tent set up and we each had our left arms painted. It looks very cool and facebook pictures will follow shortly.

The Military Tattoo was a fantastic event. Right outside of Edinburgh Castle a large stadium was set up with a wide space between the two sides. It was a bit chilly because we were all seated outdoors, but the performance was amazing. It consisted of different groups from different countries playing everything from bagpipes to trumpets on bicycles. There was a Scottish group, a Brazilian group, a Dutch group and an English group as well. Apart from the music, there was Highland dancing, a bit of comedy and a Shetland pony. the light effects displayed on the castle were wonderful too. All in all it was very nice show.

Rainy Saturday was a much mellower day with Caiti and I going to see the Royal Botanic Gardens. It was a trip figuring out Edinburgh public transportation, but we managed to get to the gardens and it was so worth it. We wandered around flowers and trees for a few hours, seeing Chinese water plants and a waterfall as well. One of my favorites was a small cottage in the Queen Mother garden which on the interior was lined completely in sea shells and had a ceiling made of pine cones. Even though it was a rainy day it was beautiful on the gardens. That evening it was a pretty chill night. We met up with Sarah and Julia, had a nice dinner on the campus grounds and had a fairly early night in preparation for the ride home on Sunday.

Sunday dawned rainy as ever as we traveled back to Cambridge. I managed to sleep most of the ride so I was ready to do oodles of history reading once back on campus. Sunday evening we found a reasonably priced Italian place, had a nice dinner out and went back to homework. Scotland was a fun trip, exciting weekend, but I am once again happy to be back at Caius.

Cheers.

Eyes on Edinburgh

Today was a trying day. Lots of classes and things to do and running around and now packing so unfortunately my post will be very short tonight, my apologies. Tomorrow morning I head off to Edinburgh at 8am so I will be away from blog for the long weekend, but fear not I'll return on Monday to share with you my Scottish tales.

Until then, Cheers.

The Merchant of... Wherever You Deem Best

It was another tired and busy day today. Most of my morning was spent fussing over my Shakespeare midterm essay, being nit-picky and reading it again and again.Once I finally printed and passed it in, it was a bit liberating knowing both of my midterms are now complete.

In class today after discussing All's Well that Ends Well Dr.Hartle gave us information about our final presentation. We each have to pick one of the plays we read and in 10min share with the class how we would perform it in our director shoes. Basically, I could set Merchant in the Tudor court if I so desired. I most likely won't do that, but gotta get the creative juices flowing somehow.

After class it was tea time for the day then Caiti, Julia, Sarah and I went out to do some errands, the post office and H&M, before Caiti and Julia had to come back and get all dolled up for High Table tonight. After dinner it was more reading for history tomorrow and a very brief brainstorm for my Shakespeare final.

One more day until Edinburgh, eyes on the prize!

Cheers.

London Post Script

One item that I did not include in my all-consuming London post was that of the driver we had on our coach in on Friday morning. Not only did he drive our coach and point out important sites to see on the way, he also offered a rather delightful color commentary to the sites in London. He marked fairly extensively on the new structures being built for the Olympics and why they picked such a lovely neighborhood surrounded by trash and thieves. He told us that the government says there will still be use for the new buildings after the Olympics and the coach driver wholeheartedly agreed that that would make very nice parking lots. Perhaps his best line was in reference to the difference between a Scotsman and a Yorkshire man- the Yorkshire man is just like a Scotsman with all of the generosity squeezed out. To say the least, it was a nice coach ride with out sit-down comic heading the way.

All Academic

Today was all homework with a side of classes. From breakfast to tea time I worked and prepped for history class which today was a debate over Oliver Cromwell. The two sides were based on republic or monarchy. Basically, while Cromwell was Lord Protector of England from 1653-1658, was he a tyrant acting in a king's stead, or the leader of a group of counselors who began the first commonwealth in England. I was assigned the side of the debate that claims he was in fact in a monarchical position, not republic, so I read textbooks, e-books and the Oxford Dictionary of National Biographies to help win my case. The debate was fiery and fun and both sides presented well. Good times.

Apart from that, I have a midterm due for Shakespeare class tomorrow. My chosen topic is based on this quote, "A play read affects the mind like a play acted" to which I am saying, false. I plan to use my experiences at both Stratford-upon-Avon and the Globe to prove my point further. I had two completely reverse reactions to Merchant and All's Well so this should be a nice, argumentative and hopefully persuasive paper.

Lots of work and lots of class, but Scotland this weekend so I'm working towards a rewarding goal.

Cheers