Day Three: So Begin Classes and So Ends the Quest

Today, on the whole, was a satisfying day.

With that being said, this day was broken down into several thoroughly unsatisfying parts, each with some kind of a good resolution. Nothing extraordinary happened. I didn't have an epiphany. My world wasn't rocked. I didn't even meet the beautiful English man who will no doubt become my husband (though I'm remaining optimistic). No, the day's events were simple and easy to break down. Honestly, I don't even have pictures for you. I know, it's upsetting.

For all of us students, classes started today. The "study" part of our study abroad is officially in session. My first class this morning was film studies, which I have been excited about since I got into this program. Better still, we spent a great deal of today's class meeting discussing Alfred Hitchcock and his various directorial marks, such as the significance of objects, the idea of "the wrong man," and the idea that the audience knows more than the characters. After a brief lecture, we watched Hitchcock's film Sabotage, also called The Woman Alone. The film was based off a novel called The Secret Agent that I had read before, but it didn't matter. I found myself engrossed in the film as the action and suspense played out on the screen. Once again, I was reminded of Hitchcock's genius. I love that man.

Watching that film also made me realize how long it's been since I've sat down and enjoyed a movie with zero distractions. I watch a lot of movies, but I'm always multitasking. I need to get out of the habit of texting or talking while watching a film. It's so much more enjoyable when I can tune in completely to the world of the movie. If nothing else, watching movies should allow me a reprieve from harsh reality. That's what they were designed to do. Why won't I let them?

Anyway, after a discussion of the film (part of which blew my mind because it was so deep), we headed over to Ramsay Hall for a quick lunch. I had chips. Oh, and a banana. It balances out.
My second class was world civilization since 1500, which I was also looking forward to (I'm strange, I know). Having read that book on the Tudors and been to Hampton Court yesterday, it's understandable that my favorite part of the lecture was the part involving the Tudors. That period in history fascinates me. Now that I've read about the royals and have seen where they held court, I can see how Savannah could fall in love with history. The historical figures feel real to me now. They aren't just names in a dusty textbook.

As soon as class was over, Shannon and I resumed the Neverending Shoe Quest. We got lost for a few minutes but managed to find our way to the Tube station and get where we wanted to go. Luckily, the nearest Nike store had a pair of blue trainers in my size that were on sale. I tried them on and they fit perfectly. The price was right. I bought them. Words cannot describe how happy I am to have finally found some decent shoes. My blisters are thankful. My heart is light.


I finished the evening with food from Tesco and a Katy Perry documentary called Part of Me. It's been getting rave reviews, and I was surprised to find how much I enjoyed it. Whether you're a Katy Perry fan or not (I wasn't), it's worth checking out.

Tomorrow, my film studies class is going on a field trip. I can't wait to see what's in store for me. I also want to go adventuring again tomorrow, now that I have decent shoes.

What do you think? What do I need to do while I'm in London?