Campus Controversies Shed Negative Light On Media

Photo Credit: The Guardian

Syracuse University is now making international headlines with some students protesting commencement speaker, Jamie Dimon, CEO of JP Morgan Chase. While it may not trump the volcanic ash cloud or the debates in London, this story is one of the most talked about among SU students.  From across the pond, it’s hard to gage exactly how I feel about about Dimon’s speech, but I’m certain that the media’s treatment of the story has been inherently biased.

The story is the classic archetypal battle between idealistic college students and bureaucracy. Although it has been  decades since there has been a commencement speaker from the business arena, more than 1,100 students have signed an online petition, asking the university to rescind Dimon’s invitation.

Some students say that Dimon is a good choice, highlighting his accomplishments in the banking industry and his handling of JP Morgan Chase before and during the recession. However, other students are outraged by the link between JP Morgan Chase’s $30 million donation and the choice of Dimon for a commencement speaker the same year. They say that they are concerned and protested the university’s choice on April 17.

What is truly shocking is the treatment of students who are interviewed by major media outlets. Several broadcast anchors and reporters added in their two cents, which paints a picture of uninformed, ungrateful college students who don’t have anything better to do this spring semester. It is embarrassing to call myself both a student of Syracuse University and a member of the media.

Take this Fox News interview for example: senior Audra Coulombe is trying to explain how students were upset by the speaker selection process, when anchor, Martha Maccallum interrupts her to say, “You’re not getting at the heart of what it is that is so offensive about him. What is so offensive about this man–Jamie Dimon–to you?”

The tone Maccallum uses is condescending and defensive. While I do agree that Coulombe was a bit long-winded for a short time allotment, there’s a much more pleasant and neutral way to get to the point.  The use of the word “offensive,” not once, but twice shows Maccallum’s own disgust at the student’s viewpoint. She could’ve asked, “What is your argument against Dimon as a person?”

In a poorly produced CNBC piece, the commentators at least wait until the end before they begin their bashing. On the show, “Squawk Box,” Mike Huckman’s attempts to defend the students, by stating that protesting is better than “the alternative on a university campus, which is apathy.” Anchor Becky Quick, who calls the protests “ridiculous,”  and the students “uninformed,” turns her nose up at the progressive and sometimes, blissfully naive ideas college students are known for.

While it is much more appropriate to let opinions loose on a show featuring commentary, this story is not meant to glorify the intelligence and life experience of the anchors and reporters, while putting down the heartfelt pleas of the students.

It disturbs me to think that back home in the US, people may be looking at Syracuse University as an ultra-expensive breeding ground for pointless dissension. As someone who plans to work in the broadcast news industry, I’m embarrassed by the callous disregard for professionalism during the interviewing process.

There’s a right way to do things and a wrong way to do things and when it comes to the coverage of Jamie Dimon, I certainly have a negative bias.

Beach Fun In Brighton Brightens Gloomy Weekend

The town of Brighton bought the Royal Pavilion from Queen Victoria

Mother Nature is shaking her fist at all of us polluters, litterers and non-energy conservationists once again. The eruption of the volcano Eyjafjallajokull in Iceland left many SU students stranded in London for the weekend, when many had planned trips to Istanbul and other European destinations.

Although I hadn’t planned to leave, the stress of the  dust (or ash cloud) resulting in Thursday’s airline cancellations hadn’t settled. My parents were able to fly to Barcelona Thursday, but by Friday morning, they were reconsidering their European adventure. With a family vacation at stake, my temper was about to erupt almost as much as the volcano.

Despite beautiful weather, the overall mood was cloudy among all of us students. That’s why a trip to the beach in Brighton was ideal.

THE PAVILION

Brighton’s biggest attraction, and possibly the most unusual, is the Royal Pavilion. Once a farmhouse, this spot was revamped by King George IV while he served as the regent. His father, George III suffered bouts of madness and was determined to be unfit to rule. This escape is more than just a beach house: it’s the most imaginative and exotic of all of the royal family’s homes.

It is a mix of Indian and Chinese architecture. At first glance, it looks like a miniature Taj Mahal.  Pictures are forbidden inside the Pavlion, but I was dying to click the shutter button on my camera.

The dragon holding up the dining room chandelier and the Chinese wallpaper and lanterns was unlike anything I’d ever seen before. The lavish carpets and rooms of various optical illusions, using statues and mirrors were magnificent. The music room’s domed ceiling involves a scallop-type design, where the shells get smaller as they get toward the top of the dome. This gives the dome a higher appearance than it actually is.

The royal bedrooms with hidden doors to the toilet and bathroom and large beds were inviting. However, Queen Victoria remarked that it was disappointing that no one could see the beach from the Pavilion. I have to agree.

THE PIER

Brighton’s pier is like Coney Island or I was told, the Jersey Shore, with an English twist. Fish and chips stands dominate the pier. Before you reach any amusement park rides, you’ve already hit about five fish and chips stands. While I’m not a fan of fish, I did eat a vegetable roll and chips. The perfect blend of Chinese and English, almost like the Pavilion.

Although there’s no funnel cake or fried dough, you can find candy floss (cotton candy) and doughnuts. Our tour guide told us to try the doughnuts. To our great pleasure, they were made right in front of our eyes, with no shortage of cinnamon and sugar. At least half a dozen of them later, I was on a sugar high.

The amusement park rides were quite expensive, even during the off season, so we decided to find a rock shop. Brighton rock is a candy that reminds me of peppermint sticks and candy canes. The many flavors include strawberry, daughter and sex maniac.

ALONG THE BEACH

Brighton Pier is composed of the old-fashioned boardwalk delights and souvenir shops

It was relatively cold out, despite the sun. My friends and I decided to walk along the beach. We found an old-fashioned penny arcade, keeping up with the board walk’s nostalgia-inducing amusements. The machines housed creepy puppets and fortune tellers, so we didn’t last more than 30 seconds inside.

Merry-g0-rounds and old ships dot the beach. There were art dealers and jewelry stands, as well. We also saw a degree of X-rated material. There’s a large gay community in Brighton, which doesn’t hide it’s pride. We saw machines dispensing “sexy undies” for a pound.

After picking through postcards, we sat on the beach. There’s no sand in Brighton, only rocks. The pebbles and stones got in our shoes. We wondered how children felt when they were deprived of building sand castles.

With the sun shining and the waves crashing, it was hard to imagine there was volcanic ash thousands of feet high in the atmosphere above us. Even for just a few hours, everyone forgot their troubles and let happy memories of childhood days at the beach carry them away.

London Buses Are Scenic, More Convenient

The top deck of the bus is the most scenic

For the first month I was in London, I took the tube everywhere. It was easy to figure out. Once my daily routine set in, I didn’t think too much about taking the bus home. Then, I was out in Picadilly Circus one night and glanced at my watch. Fear set in as I realized it was past midnight and the tube had closed.

Taxis are very expensive, so taking one home wasn’t an option. I had to figure out the bus. I had already heard the bus was near-impossible to figure out, especially at night. I didn’t have a choice, so with my heart racing and the rain pouring, I ran over to where large groups of people were waiting for the buses.

There were many signposts on both sides of the road, but I chose the right side, just by seeing how many people were standing there. I looked on the long list of stops and searched for “B” for the closest stop to where I live. When the first signpost didn’t have it, I started to panic, but quickly realized that there were about three other signposts to look at.

Finally, I found my stop and the corresponding number and waited for the correct bus. To make sure I was heading the right way, I asked the driver who reassured me that we would be stopping where I wanted to go.

FIGURING OUT WHERE TO GO

The buses aren’t a system that’s easy to figure out, but after some time in London, it comes to you. The easiest way to even begin to figure out the buses is to get familiar with the tube. Many bus routes follow the tube lines. I know, for example, that the 205 runs along Marleybone Road, following the Hammersmith and City and Metropolitan Lines toward King’s Cross.

If you know the direction you need to head in, then you’re able to figure out which side of the street you need to stand on before you even look at the signpost. When you get to the stop, the first thing you should find is a listing of all of the stops in alphabetical order, which tells you if your destination is serviced from the stop where you’re currently standing.

Then, you should find a map that looks like a tube map, which tells you where each number bus goes from that stop. A few buses from the stop you’re at may all go to your final destination. It’s a much easier diagram to figure out.

When the bus actually arrives, you can check the front to see if your destination is on there. If you’re heading toward a major stop like Oxford Circus or Abbey Road, it will be on the front. As the bus drives along, there are many small stops along the way to major stops. I personally found a stop closer to my flat than the tube station stop by riding the bus.

Make sure to hit the stop button before you get there. If you’re on the top deck, you must climb down the stairs before the bus stops, otherwise, the driver won’t wait for you to get off. On the night buses, the drivers will not stop at every single stop, so you must press the button.

Night bus numbers are preceded by the letter “N” and some buses are 24 hours, which will be noted. A special note about night buses: I found out the hard way that they don’t always stop if they see you standing at a stop. When in doubt, flag the bus down like a taxi. It’s not embarrassing, especially when you see other people doing it. Waiting times can often extend to 10 minutes between buses at night, so in the cold and the rain, you don’t want to be left waiting.

THE PLUS SIDE OF BUSES

Sometimes, from your home stop, you’ll have to transfer on the tube to get to popular destinations, like Victoria Station or South Kensington. From near my flat, I can go straight to both destinations on a bus, whereas on the tube, I have to transfer lines. If you’re going to Victoria to board a train, transferring is a pain with luggage involved. That’s why I’m a firm believer in the bus system.

When you’re walking back to your flat, take a glance at the nearest bus stop and see where the lines go. You may be surprised to find that you can get some places directly from right where you live.

The buses are also included on your monthly unlimited Oystercard, so instead of paying for a taxi at night, you’ll be saving money by taking a form of transportation you’ve already paid for.

Another advantage is that it’s a great way to sightsee. The front of the top deck on a double-decker bus provides an incredible view of London. I’m sick of running around like a rat in an underground tunnel, so when I can, I take a bus.

THE DOWNSIDE OF BUSES

Traffic: a horrible word that’s hard to avoid. It’s the biggest drawback to taking the buses. During the day, there isn’t too much, but during rush hour, if you plan to take a bus, leave plenty of time to get to your destination. The congestion is unpredictable and when there are people at every stop, the bus has to sit and wait for everyone to board. Tourists often ask questions, which also prolongs your journey.

Sometimes, buses don’t follow the routes that are laid out for them. I was once on a bus, getting off at the next stop, when the automated voice came on to announce that there was a detour. If you check TFL’s website ahead of time, you’ll probably know not to take certain routes.

It takes a while to figure out the bus system, so if you don’t understand it right when you get to London, don’t panic. The complexity fades away with time, especially as you get to know the city better.

Springtime Is Perfect Time To Visit Paris

The Arch of Mankind houses the largest mural in the world.

Before I left for Paris, I heard a mix of opinions. I wasn’t sure what to think. Some people love it, some absolutely despise it. I heard anything from the city is beautiful to the city is filthy. I heard the French were nasty and rude from some and from others I heard that they’re welcoming. I had to see for myself. So earlier this semester, I signed up to go on the Paris trip through the school, which a few of my friends recommended after they went in past years.

THE CHUNNEL

Eurostar was a pleasure compared to flying. All 24 of us arrived at St. Pancras’ Eurostar terminal and put our tickets through the machine. Yes, that’s checking in for the train. We then proceeded through security, which was to put our bags on the x-ray machine and to take off any metal and our coats. No shoes to take off and no liquid restrictions was a surprise.

We then boarded our train, which had a lovely, box-type headrest, where the two sides protrude to cradle your head if you fall asleep. The whole process took about 10 minutes. As soon as we got moving out of London, we headed down through Kent and after two shorter tunnels, we entered the chunnel underneath the English Channel.

The ride underwater lasted only 15 minutes, which was a big surprise to most of us. Although it didn’t feel like we were speeding under a water way, we were going around 70 miles per hour. We then emerged into France, which was the longest leg of the journey.

About 40 minutes into France, my friend tapped me on the shoulder and asked, “Are we still in England?” We laughed for a good 10 minutes straight because the journey felt so fast, everyone was disoriented.

Two hours and 20 minutes after we departed from London, we arrived in Gare Du Nord, where administrators distributed 10 single-ride Metro tickets. We then took the Metro to Republique, where the Hotel Americain was preparing for our arrival. We thought it comedic, yet appropriate that we would stay at the hotel of our nationality.

THE HOTEL

The Hotel Americain was a standard two star accommodation. What I mean by that is that it was a step up from a hostel. I’d stayed in similar places in Madrid and Sevilla. The rooms are small with two twin beds and a private bathroom. The breakfast consisted of a roll and a croissant with either coffee, tea or hot chocolate. It was enough to keep us going until lunch.

The hotel was a good choice in terms of price and cleanliness, but it was far from the center of Paris and most of the big attractions, like the Louvre and the Arc D’ Triomphe. To get back from near the Eiffel tower took us approximately 25 minutes on the Metro.

The area, the Marais, was quiet for the most part, with a few cafes. For a glass of wine to celebrate our first night in Paris, my friends and I went to the Indiana Cafe. The house wine was reasonably priced at 3.50 euros. We didn’t stay out long, though, because our day started very early the next morning.

ARCH OF MANKIND

At 9:00 a.m., my groggy companions and I were off. Norman Reuter, our enthusiastic tour guide, filled the bus with facts about nearly every area we passed on our way to the west side of Paris. We saw every major monument through the coach’s windows and then were astounded to suddenly find ourselves in an area that looked very much like New York City, with shiny, glassy skyscrapers.

There was a reason we were in the business district. The Arch of Mankind is a monument that was erected to mark 200 years after the French Revolution, much like the Arc D’ Triomphe symbolizes 100 years. Norman told us that all of Notre Dame could fit underneath this massive white arch.

I wasn’t impressed until we were standing beneath it and could see how it is in line with the Arc D’ Triomphe to mark the advancement of the years. It is practical, since it’s used as a conference center and government offices.

VILLA SAVOYE

Our next stop was more for Norman’s architecture class than for the rest of our benefit. It was the Villa Savoye, a modern-style house designed by Le Corbusier, a Swiss Architect. It was erected for a wealthy Parisian family in Poissy, outside of the city during the late 1920s.

For many people, the style is interesting, but I’d seen Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water last summer. Without a waterfall, Villa Savoye just didn’t make the cut for me. The most interesting thing about Villa Savoye is that the built-in cabinets and closets were a new concept at the time.

The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles is one of the most recognized rooms in all of Europe

VERSAILLES

Only a 10 minute drive away was one of the most anticipated attractions for me. The Palace of Versailles was everything I’d hoped it would be. It was lavish, golden, colorful and regal in every sense. The line was exceptionally long to get inside. We had a sunny day to wait outside the gates, but on a rainy day, it would have been brutal.

While there are signs posted that don’t permit pictures, almost every single tourist was snapping away in every room. Frescoes and gold leafing in almost every room were only a small part of the splendor preserved in the palace.

The Hall of Mirrors was my favorite. It’swhere the Treaty of Versailles to end World War I was signed. With 528 mirrors, large crystal chandeliers and gold in every corner, it’s the epitome of royal lavishness.

Near the Hall of Mirrors is the bedroom of Marie Antoinette, wife of King Louis XVI, who was famously executed during the French Revolution. The Hapsburg eagle is visible on the top of the canopy of her decadent bed.

Another must-see of Versailles are the palace gardens. They are so large, it’s nearly impossible to see them in just an hour. The carefully manicured shrubbery and great fountains are quite a sight to behold.

My friends and I were starving by this point and grabbed lunch at a nearby cafe. Norman told us to walk as far away from Versailles as we had time for, since the restaurants close by are geared toward tourists and therefore, expensive.

NAPOLEON’S TOMB

Speaking of extravagant, our next stop was Napoleon’s tomb. He’s entombed in seven different coffins underneath a golden dome. For a small man, he’s in a very large sarcophagus.

His son, Napoleon, is also entombed in Invalides in a separate room, but he only gets a stained glass window, not the huge statues overlooking his tomb like his father. Interestingly enough, Hitler was responsible for moving his body back to France.

We were very limited on time at this point, but I would’ve liked to stay a bit longer to see the rest of the building. Invalides is close to the Eiffel Tower and a very scenic area.

LA MUSEE DES MONUMENTS FRANCAIS

If you’re into architecture, this is the museum for you. If not, definitely worth skipping. This building is filled with models of buildings long destroyed in past wars and buildings currently standing.

A model of an entire apartment by Le Corbusier is on the top floor of the museum. We all couldn’t help but to keep looking out the window. When it comes to the view of the Eiffel Tower versus architecture, the scene before us won by a long shot. We rushed out of the museum and toward the Eiffel Tower.

Everything looks miniature from the top of the Eiffel Tower.

THE EIFFEL TOWER

This beautiful area is fraught with pickpockets and illegal vendors. Men trying to sell us 10 mini-Eiffel Towers for 2 euro filled the area. At one point, a man bumped into me and said, “I’m sorry, excuse me.” This man’s first language clearly wasn’t English and based on the Eiffel towers in his hand, I’d been tagged for pickpockets.

I told my friends and we promptly left to stand in line for tickets. If you know when you’re going to go to the Eiffel Tower, purchase the tickets ahead of time for the summit. If you take the elevators the whole way, you’ll pay approximately 13 euro.

To save some money and some time in line, we walked up to the second floor. It was about 706 steps, which sounds a lot worse than it is. If you’re afraid of heights, forget about it. It was quite an experience to see Paris slowly get smaller beneath our feet. We paid about 10 euro in total.

The problem with the stairs is that once you’re at the second floor, you have to wait in another line to get a ticket for the elevator to the top. If you purchase the wrong elevator ticket at the bottom, you’re also going to have to stand in line to get the ticket for the top. It’s a pain, but it’s worth going to the top.

Every building looks like a miniature and the streets are laid out clearly below you. Paris stretches as far as the eye can see. The River Seine charmingly snakes its way through the city. It’s breathtaking.

The Eiffel Tower took two hours total between waiting in line and taking in the views and getting back down by elevator. You must leave a lot of time for this attraction. The top isn’t always open, so it’s worth checking the monitors before you purchase your ticket to make sure you can go all the way up.

LES REFUGE FONDUS

I’d heard from many people about a fondue restaurant where you drink wine out of baby bottles. I quickly realized that most of my friends had heard about it as well. When we tried to make a reservation, they told us they did not speak English. Luckily, one of the guys on the trip spoke French and was able to reserve a table.

We arrived at our 10:00 dinner reservation after a grueling Metro ride to find a tiny restaurant that was jam-packed full of English-speaking people. A large group of British students told us they’d been waiting a while and were seated soon after we arrived.

This is not a restaurant where you can take a large group. We soon noticed that most people inside weren’t too far along in their meals and with 12 people, it would most likely be impossible to fit us all at one table.

No one I was with could speak French and that’s when the language barrier whacked us over the head for the first time. We had to gesture and use our fingers to show them the number of people. The people in the restaurant spoke to us in rapid French, which no one could understand.

Nearly 45 minutes later, many people in my group let impatience get the best of them and they headed off to another restaurant nearby. Five minutes later, the other six of us were seated.

This led to our only experience with the “mean” French people we’d heard about. The owner’s attitude could only be described as pure hatred.

He screamed at us in French, using violent gestures. He then put his arms around the neck of one of my friends and used his hands to move down his place setting, in order to pack us all into a table as tightly as possible.

We then got mini appetizers of cheese, ham, meat and olives. When the waiter asked if we wanted cheese or meat fondue, we mistakenly ordered cheese, which ended up costing us 18 euro each–a total rip off.

This tourist trap’s main attraction is wine in baby bottles. The reason is that each glass of wine is taxed in France, so by serving wine in baby bottles, they avoid the tax. However, it’s not fine wine. It’s boxed. For the price you’re paying, this meal is outrageously expensive.

The dessert was fruit that most definitely came out of a can. We left disappointed and frustrated by our experience. We met other students from Notre Dame and Boston College, who waited in line with us and were upset by the owner’s indignation. I would encourage anyone going to Paris to avoid this restaurant and find something less touristy.

The oldest house in Paris is in the Marais area

WALKING TOUR

I learned how to smuggle and how to trespass on Norman’s tour, but I also learned some valuable history about Paris. We walked through the Marais, the oldest part of Paris. We stood in a park where a Knights Templar castle once stood and where Chinese women practice tai chi now.

We also saw the oldest house in Paris and the Holocaust memorial, two sites that are not too touristy. It was when we got to the area near Notre Dame that my heart raced in excitement.

We first went into the memorial to the Jews that were deported to concentration camps. It is located on the River Seine on the same side as the cathedral. If you walk across the street from the back of the cathedral, you will see it. It’s carefully controlled, so we were only allowed in five at a time to “preserve the sanctity.”

We then went to Notre Dame, the home of the legendary  hunchback Quasimodo. Outside, it’s one of the most recognizable symbols of Paris. Inside, it’s a typical Gothic cathedral. It’s free to go inside, so I took advantage, but compared to the more impressive cathedrals of St. Vitus in Prague and Salisbury Cathedral, it’s standard.

The square outside of the cathedral is filled with the Eiffel Tower sellers and gypsies. Many gypsies will approach you to ask if you speak English. If you’ve ever watched travel channel, you know that while you’re giving them directions, another will come and steal your purse or wallet.

Stare at them and do not respond. You do not speak English, therefore, you do not understand what they’re asking. Keeping your voice down in public places and tourist attractions is helpful in reducing yourself as a target.

THE LOUVRE

Our next big stop was the Louvre. I couldn’t wait to see the infamous I.M. Pei glass pyramid. His Newhouse designs are so ugly, I knew his designs for the Louvre would be compensation. I wasn’t disappointed.

I was warned about pickpockets in this area as well, but I didn’t see too many suspicious figures. It is crowded, especially in the Carousel down below, which is a shopping center with many different restaurants. The food court isn’t terribly expensive by Paris standards. From there, you’re already down at the entrance to the museum.

As students, we were able to gain free entry, but sometimes, they are strict. If you are able to bring a passport with a visa, it may be worth it to prove that you are residing in the UK. We didn’t have a problem.

Since we were limited on time, my friends and I rushed through the museum to the Mona Lisa. Maybe because I’d seen it in so many books or maybe because I’d been told it was small, I was prepared to see an unimpressive painting. The crowd was a circus around the glass-enclosed portrait of the most mysterious woman in history.

As I viewed the painting, my only thought was, “wow, so this thing is what causes such a stir?” The hype is around how famous the painting is and actually seeing it for yourself, not so much the artistic value. It’s like seeing the Eiffel Tower, since it’s an icon of Paris.

I was extremely upset that we didn’t have more time to spend in the Louvre. One of my companions is an art history major and she said to see everything in the Louvre would’ve taken at least three days. We tried to see as much as we could in only an hour.

If I were to go back to Paris, I’d dedicate one day to the Louvre and the Musee de Orsay, which is a short walk across the river. It houses mostly impressionist paintings. I’ve heard it’s one of the best museums in the world. Unfortunately, the lines were too long.

Getting to the front to see the Mona Lisa is a sporting event

CHAMP DE ELYSSES

Throughout the day, we heard about a man named Baron von Haussman, who’d reshaped the entire city of Paris and had widened the streets. The Champ De Elysses is the most famous example. It is home to the Louis Vuitton flagship store, which is seven stories high, and other famous names. At the top is the Arc d’ Triomphe, a beautiful white tribute to the French Revolution.

One of my main goals was to go to Laduree, a fancy, old-fashioned French bakery. Its green awning called out to me and of course, I rushed inside.

The beautiful interior doesn’t even compare to the attractiveness of the baked goods. Laduree is most famous for its macaroons. Naturally, the English-speaking workers tempted us with a free sample of an orange macaroon and found the biggest suckers for French pastries in the building.

I ordered a chocolate eclair and a chocolate macaroon and a pistachio macaroon. After paying the hefty 8 euro, I set about trying the chocolate macaroon. Euphoria set in as I took a bite of the sweetest, most decadent explosion of chocolate with a hint of coconut I’d ever tasted. Every part of my body screamed for me to take another bite. I slowly nibbled on it, savoring the flavor with each and every crumb.

The pistachio was just as deliciously fulfilling. This is one bakery you can’t miss. Even for 1.50 euro per macaroon, you’ll be satisfied you just ate one of the best pastries in the world.

THE OPERA

Faraday House managed to snag tickets to see the ballet, so at the last minute, I decided there’s nothing more cultured than to see the ballet in Paris. I dressed up, along with the other Syracuse students and we headed off to the Opera.

At the front of the steps, we watched a different sort of dance. Breakdancers captivated the attention of the crowd with their flips and their head-spins. After five minutes, it was time to go inside. The glamor of the building captured–what’s in my mind–the ultimate aristocratic cultural center.

Our seats were on the third floor in the typical opera box that you’d need glasses for to see the stage properly. We could see very well, since it was a ballet. The performance was put on by students graduating from L’ Ecole de Danse. The show was broken up into three ballets. Unfortunately, we’d been going nonstop since 8:00 a.m., so exhaustion got the best of me. I fell asleep during the first ballet, which was classic.

The second ballet woke me up a bit, with dancers prancing around like butterflies. Moths clung to a lantern-like structure, which was more creative than the first ballet. However, my eyes started to close again and I fell asleep. I wasn’t the only one. My companions also nodded off.

DINNER AND THE EIFFEL TOWER AT NIGHT

Starting around 9:00 p.m. the Eiffel Tower sparkles on the hour

Our stomachs were rumbling after the second performance, so we decided it was 10:00 and it was the prime time to eat dinner. We wandered around and found PastaPaPa, an Italian restaurant.

It seems sacrilegious to eat Italian in France, but there’s a good reason. Dinner in Paris is extremely expensive for students, so with most restuarants pricing dinner at around 20 euro, we decided we’d have to keep looking and sacrifice the French food we desired.

For 15 euro, we were allowed to choose about 1 of 8 different pastas and 1 of nearly 20 sauces. Several options for dessert were also included in the price. It was the best meal we ate all weekend. It hit the spot, not only because we were hungry, but also because it was delicious. When all else fails, go Italian!

Our last stop for the night was to see the Eiffel Tower all lit up. We got off one stop after Invalides on the number eight line, which brought us to a park with a perfect view. As it neared midnight, the tower began to sparkle and glow. We all gasped and grabbed our cameras to take videos. It was unforgettable.

BUILDINGS AND PARKS

Our last day in Paris was a mix of seeing buildings of architectural importance and parks. After five minutes aboard the coach, I looked around and saw most students fast asleep. We’d been running around Paris nonstop from around 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. without a break for the past two days.

Our first stop was a building from the 1970s that is currently housing an exhibit of Sigmund Freud’s grandson’s paintings. The colorful front and nearby whimsical fountain were interesting to look at for a bit.

We then made our way to a park that used to be a railway and stayed for a bit longer than we anticipated. The Paris Marathon happened to be taking place that Sunday, so we had to adjust the typical itinerary a bit. It was a taste of the country in Paris.

We then visited the most famous city within the city of Paris. It’s the Pere Lachaise Cemetery–a city of the dead. Navigating it would’ve been impossible without Norman.

The maze that led up to Jim Morrison’s nearly hidden grave was straight out of a horror movie. The old gravestones and mausoleums, even in daylight, made me shiver a bit. We then walked a few minutes to the grave of the composer, Chopin, who had candles burning and fresh flowers at his graveside.

Our last main stop was a park that was like one typically found in London. It was created to allow the poorer Parisians to go on tours of the world without leaving their city. A waterfall represents Switzerland and a small Roman structure overlooks the city. A suspension bridge represents China, which swayed and rocked, causing nervousness for many. The park was absolutely charming. Mini tulips lit up the hillsides with little red lights.

GARE DU NORD

From Switzerland to Tripoli, this park's world tour is beautiful

I had one last mission in Paris: find French onion soup. I wasn’t leaving without it and my determination led me to a restaurant across the street from North Station. My friend and I chugged a bottle of “gormet” water and hoped we’d make it through security in time, since our soup took a bit long to prepare.

I knew it would be worth the wait and the chef was giving my favorite soup the proper attention. I was correct. The best French onion soup I’ve ever had was this crock that I had to consume in less than 15 minutes. The white wine, strings of onions and beef broth worked were built perfectly as a base to the cheesy roof.

My friend and I quickly paid the bill, pleased with our “fast food,” and ran into the station. We were sidetracked a bit on the way through British security when we had to fill out “landing cards.” After we answered the usual questions, we “queued up” and boarded the train for our journey back to the UK.

After an action-packed weekend, all but 80-year-old Norman (somehow) slipped into a deep slumber until we reached St. Pancras.

BACK IN LONDON

As I lay in my bed later that afternoon, I knew I’d made the right decision to go through the school. I’d seen as much as I could’ve possibly seen in 2.5 days. If I had a chance to go back, I may have skipped the walking tour, since I’m not an architecture student, and had gone straight to Notre Dame and spent more time at the Louvre.

Obviously, I can’t, so in the future, I look forward to more art, more shopping and more French food. Overall, the people were a bit pushy, but not terribly unfriendly. In the spring, the beautiful weather makes Paris one of the most attractive cities to visit.

Holiday Weekend Provides Prime London Exploration Time

Camden Town is home to many original fashion lines, including Doc Martens.

I only go to school three days a week here in London, so this past weekend, when Easter rolled around, I had five days off. This mini-vacation allowed me to visit parts of London I may not be able to see once the pressure builds behind my three final papers.

CAMDEN TOWN

“You’re such a hipster,” my friend said once I told him where I’d spent Thursday and Friday afternoons. Camden Town is notorious for its tattoo and piercing parlors. The endless maze of markets with “La Sportsec” purses and Asian food of all sorts attracted me for reasons I still can’t explain.

The markets still have the historic, horse stable feel that once comprised the buildings. However, the trendy, alternative lifestyle overwhelms the antique purpose of the buildings. Think Anthropologie, your mall’s food court and Hot Topic all rolled into one.  It’s certainly not my style, but I couldn’t help how drawn I was to seeing more.

Take the store, Cyberdog, for example. It’s so futuristic and space-age, you can’t even take pictures inside. The ultra expensive clothes that you would only see at a costume party back home are surrounded by mannequins with flashing lights on their goggles. The blaring techno music would put Abercrombie and Fitch on its knees any day.   It’s a fascinating experience, to say the least.

Across from Cyberdog is a new favorite hot spot for my roommates and me. The Cuban has 2-4-1 cocktails until 8:00 p.m. and is the perfect hang out spot. The cool, collected Caribbean vibes make for a leisurely atmosphere. The cocktails are made with fresh fruit, which is a wonderfully healthy illusion.

Going out in Camden Town wasn’t my cup of tea. Proud Camden is a popular club, but based on the fact that they charge cover and the lines get long, my roommates and I didn’t go. I’ve heard mixed reviews, so it may be worth a shot if you go early. Based in the stables of an old horse hospital, each stall is a different lounge with a different theme.

Jesus approaches his disciples for "the last supper" in front of a crowd in Trafalgar Square

We went to The World’s End, a pub with a hipster twist. The Goth crowd was a bit too much for us to handle, but if you’re into dyed mohawks and emo music, it’s the perfect spot for you.

RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS

This weekend was Passover and Easter, which provided unique religious experiences for both Christians and Jews.

Waitrose and Selfridge’s sells reasonably priced Passover food. While none of my Jewish friends were able to actually fit in the time to go to a seder, SU London did send out an e-mail about a local Chabad that was extending an invitation to a seder for students.

For Good Friday, I decided to head over to Trafalgar Square for “The Passion of Jesus.” I thought it would be an eye-opening experience. I had no idea what the story leading up to Jesus’ crucification entailed. What seemed like a thousand people crowded the plaza around the National Gallery, making it difficult to see what was happening in the square.

Finally, when I could see, I saw Jesus, bloodied and weak. He was led up to a stand in front of the lion statues, where two other men were struggling to get free from the crosses to which they were bound. This dramatic scene aroused some serious emotion among the audience.  My roommate and I left before the show was over.

For Easter Sunday, my roommates headed over to St. Paul’s Cathedral for mass. They told me it was beautiful. If you’re spending Easter in London, it’s worth doing something you can’t do at home. Going to mass at St. Paul’s makes Easter unique and an added bonus is that you don’t have to pay 12 pounds to see the inside.

Zoo Bar may have been a total fail on a Thursday night, but on Saturday, it's hopping

NIGHTLIFE

The UK is notoriously non-religious. Therefore, the religious festivals didn’t slow down the nightlife. I went to Zoo Bar in Leicester Square. Although it is free cover before 10 p.m., we didn’t quite make it and had to pay 10 pounds. I’d been there once before on a Thursday night. On that specific night, my friends and I, including one male friend, were surrounded by a circle of creepy men who eyed us like hungry lions. It had left me wanting to see the bar on a good night.

Since I rarely pay cover, I wanted to stay for as long as possible when we went last Saturday. The great techno-trance put me into the right mood in the club portion downstairs. It was crowded, but the crowd wasn’t unbearable. I wasn’t disappointed. It was small, but we stayed for at least three hours, dancing the night away.

This ended the “fun” part of my weekend on a high note. Since we’re coming up on the last part of the semester, naturally, I have three final papers to start researching. While this may seem disappointing, with one more trip on the horizon, it’s a sacrifice I have to make.

The Final Verdict On Housing

I’ve wanted to publish this blog post for a while, but wanted to wait until I’m home, so that I am no longer living in my flat. That way, I can give you the full dirt on what’s bringing about my opinions on housing.

The day I got accepted to the SU London program last fall, the fight began with my parents. They wanted me to do prearranged, but I’d heard so many negative rumors, I already had my mind made up that I would be going the independent route.

When I attended the housing meeting, sulking that I’d lost the battle with my parents, my conviction to live in independent housing only became stronger. Here are some of the rumors I’ve heard about pre-arranged, which I will address later.

• There’s a rodent problem
• There are a lot of break-ins
• It’s isolating
• It’s old and gross
• You’re so close to the school, you don’t need to pay for an Oystercard

After discussing housing for a long time with my parents, we agreed, especially cost-wise, that independent was the way to go. I will explain all sides to each option, however, out of fairness to those who live in pre-arranged. I’m not against it, but I’m glad I didn’t do it.

THE GOOD SIDE OF PRE-ARRANGED

First of all, pre-arranged is exactly what its name entails, it’s arranged for you. You don’t have to stress that you won’t find a place to live once you get here. While everyone does eventually find a place to live and it’s an irrational thought, my friends have told me that the stress of independent housing is extraordinarily overwhelming.

You’re a block away from Faraday House and a block away from the British Museum in a historic area. If you have a 9:00 a.m. class, the location is unbeatable. During the first week, when most events are located at Faraday, it’s convenient to live five minutes away. There are also plenty of pubs and clubs in the area, which is great for going out.

This could be taken as an advantage or disadvantage, however you spin it, but you’re living in a building with mostly students, so the social aspect is unbeatable. You don’t have to go far to find your friends or to meet them for dinner. Meeting up before going out is a lot easier, as well. If you’re doing random rooming, chances are you may meet some cool new people you didn’t know before.

THE BAD SIDE OF PRE-ARRANGED

Here’s where I address the rumors. The flats are a bit older, although not in horrible shape. After what I’d heard, I was surprised to find that they were nice, although not the most beautiful flats that students find.

I have friends who have told me they’ve had mice, which is a problem I thought had gone away after someone told me about it nearly two years ago. However, I don’t live in their flat and I don’t know how much food they leave out or how often they clean it. This isn’t a problem in every flat or every building. Take it with a grain of salt.

As far as the break-ins go, they’re mostly the fault of the students who live there. One person lost an electronic key, which allowed strangers to enter the building. My friends also told me how girls who decided to bring back British men had to face a serious consequence: their laptops were stolen. These problems are student-driven and are usually contained.

London is what you make of it and living with all students can be seen as a negative. You may feel confined to Holborn, but that’s truly not the case. You do have to pay the monthly student rate for your Oystercard because obviously, you leave the area in which you live. The benefits outweigh the costs. You get to see the city more and meet your friends who don’t live in pre-arranged housing elsewhere.

THE GOOD SIDE TO INDEPENDENT

You’re most likely going to find a nicer flat than those in pre-arranged. My flat, owned by Duncan McGlashan, is decorated in a contemporary style and comes with a fully equipped kitchen, cable TV, wi-fi and weekly maid service.

The importance of having internet cannot be underestimated. The minute you get to London, you’re going to want to get in touch with your parents and your friends back home, especially if you don’t have a BlackBerry or iPhone.

“One of the most important questions to ask is if the flat comes with wi-fi,” said my friend Kelly, whose Marble Arch flat still doesn’t have internet. She is forced to use the school’s computer lab, which forces her to go down to Holborn on days that she could be exploring other places.

Another benefit to independent housing is that you get to live like a local. You’re living in a flat that a Londoner would ordinarily rent. You get to live in a neighborhood with other people who aren’t students, which is prime for exploring.

There’s also a monetary benefit. I cannot confirm if this is true, but past SU abroaders told me that the school charges an extra $2,000 for those living in pre-arranged as a “finder’s fee.” When it comes to the per diem, most nicer flats will be over the £145/week,  but in the end, it evens out. So why not live in a nicer place, where you can see London without being isolated?

THE BAD SIDE TO INDEPENDENT

I could not blog about this until I moved out, but yes, even my flat was broken into. The Metropolitan Police, as well as the members of my flat, believe a lost key and a lost iPhone were responsible for allowing a thief to not only find our flat, but to easily walk in and steal four laptops and a wallet over spring break.

If you are considering living in a flat owned by McGlashans, I would urge you to please e-mail me personally if you have questions.

This was a freak accident, just like in pre-arranged housing. Similarly, many other flats that people find on their own do have rodent infestations or broken appliances. While I wasn’t one of them, horror stories were let loose after the first week. In a panic, many people agreed to live in places that are seemingly horrid.

In the end, you may not end up paying about the same as you would for pre-arranged. Some people who lived in Knightsbridge had the highest rent I’d heard of at £172/week. That’s £17 or around $30 more!

The first week is excruciatingly stressful for people in independent housing. Finding roommates and touring flats that might’ve already been taken by other SU students is no way to enjoy London. You also have to live in a hotel that’s been described as “dirty” and “awful” until you find a flat.

FOR ALL SIDES

Do your homework! Over winter break or the summer, you have plenty of time to hop online and research different areas of London. I contacted Duncan McGlashan ahead of time to reserve my flat, which SU frowns upon, since I hadn’t actually seen it. The best way to learn about different flats is to talk to people who were just abroad. I was able to find out who’d lived in my flat last spring through someone who’d gone abroad then, too.

While Duncan was a bit skeptical about the process, the best thing I could’ve done was to reserve my flat ahead of time. It took away the week’s worth of stress, we had internet right away and we weren’t living in a gross hotel until we found a flat.

I may not be the biggest proponent of pre-arranged, but think about your priorities and what’s best for you because sometimes, pre-arranged is a great way to live. It’s all about preference.

Hampton Court Palace: A Tudor Treasure

Cardinal Wolsey gave Hampton Court as a present to King Henry VIII

One of my favorite time periods is the age of the Tudors. It was tumultuous, ridden with religious dissent, violence and spicy love affairs. When Showtime featured The Tudors, a historical Desperate Housewives, it quickly became one of my favorite shows. That’s why I immediately jumped onto the school trip to Hampton Court Palace, which had been featured in a few episodes.

TUDOR LIFE

King Henry VIII stares down at the schoolchildren and tourists from either end of his great hall, immortalized in stained glass. The tapestries, the second most valuable items in the UK after the crown jewels, are woven with silver and gold thread. Sets of deer heads and antlers look out upon the tables, where nobles would’ve once been seated during meals.

However, King Henry VIII wouldn’t have been present. In the next room over, the higher up aristocrats, such as barons, would’ve eaten. The room is preserved in mostly its original state, but empty of splendor. A door leads to the highest noble in the land, a God on earth, it was believed. The king was so grand, he ate separately in his own room, which is not available for public viewing.

This concept of grandeur is hard to grasp in this day and age. The ritual seems silly, but it seems as though it allowed Henry VIII some alone time. The room overlooking the magnificent chapel, which is still in use today, separated the king from the rest of those at court and allowed him to get some paperwork done while everyone else was praying below.

The Tudor kitchens contain fireplaces the size of my single bedroom in my London flat. Chopping sound effects weren’t the most pleasant greeting, but the warm fires that are used for cooking demonstrations were a nice break from the freezing cold hallways of the palace. The wine cellar’s many monstrous barrels of wine make it clear exactly how many people were in need of food and drink for each meal at court.

Some of the most treasured paintings of Henry VIII and his dynasty hang at Hampton Court. The painting with Elizabeth I, Mary and sickly Edward VI hangs in a corridor that people say is haunted. I may not have seen any supernatural beings, but what was most noticeable was the end of the Tudor era’s architecture to baroque.

WILLIAM III’S STRINGENT RITUALS

William of Orange, or as I refer to him, William III of William and Mary, established a rigid routine that is visible in the well preserved rooms of the 17th century. A room with a throne was left perpetually empty, so that those who were not important enough were left bowing to an empty throne. A few rooms later and there’s another throne room, where William actually did sit and receive visitors.

Another unusual formality is two different rooms with two different beds, both for William III. The first, which contains a stately, regal and more than king-sized bed was used for “waking,” where the king would announce that he had awoken for the day. The second room, further along the corridor, contains a much smaller bed, where the king actually slept.

The vast gardens at Hampton Court are a beautiful sight

Interestingly enough, a back stairwell that is only accessible through William’s bedroom and office, leads down to the private apartments of the king. Only the king’s closest friends were allowed in this area, since it was where William ceased to be godly monarch and resumed his life as a mortal.

The much plainer offices are filled with display cases now and are quite a disappointment. The biggest object of interest is the, er, throne, where William really did his business. This somehow preserved toilet’s seat is covered in plush red velvet, fit for who else, but a king.

THE GEORGIAN APARTMENTS

My semi-private, guided tour ended before we reached the Georgian apartments. While there wasn’t much to see in this part of the palace, famous portraits of the young King George III, the infamous monarch who waged war against America, are still hanging.

The colonial rooms were built on top of King Henry VIII’s old offices, showing the evolution of the Tudor palace into the Colonial Era. They seemed new compared to the rest of the palace. Even the gift shop and bathrooms show some signs of antiquity, where glass plates are placed over Tudor-era fireplaces and basements.

THE GARDENS

Possibly the most impressive aspect of Hampton Court Palace is the gardens. The privy garden, which is overlooked by William III’s apartments, was designed by the same man who designed Versailles. The carefully trimmed topiaries and centrally placed fountains are a spectacle unto themselves.

There may be over 1000 rooms in Hampton Court Palace, but the gardens show the most splendor. I would imagine that they’re even more magnificent when the flowers are in bloom. For an extra fee, there’s one of the oldest hedge mazes in England right near the old indoor tennis courts.

While we didn’t go into that area, we took in the view of the large and manicured trees, flanked by the river Thames. On a sunny day, it would’ve been lovely to sit and sunbathe in the gardens. Unfortunately, we didn’t get that lucky.

The Great Vine, certified by the Guiness Book of World Records to be the oldest and largest vine, is kept in a greenhouse on the right-hand side of the privy gardens. It’s large, undoubtedly, but not that exciting when there’s no grapes.

THE TOWN OUTSIDE

Hampton is a cute little town, with antique shops and chain restaurants. We did find a pub, called the Railway Bell. For meals at less than £6 each, including drinks, this place was fantastic. My friend and I sat by the fireplace and took our time, enjoying the mid-afternoon crowd of locals.

There’s Hampton Railway Station, where you can catch a train back to London on National Rail for about £1o. The journey takes about half an hour, which isn’t bad if you’re going for the day.

Hampton Court was one of my favorite European palaces. Rich with history, architecture and artwork, it preserves the attitudes and the artifacts from the Tudors to today.