So I will give a synopsis as best I can. Although, if I've learned anything thus far on this trip, its that you can never experience a city in any other way other than being there. I know that might seem self evident, but I know that through pictures, video, and fancy interactive websites we often feel as if we know a place before we get there. I can promise you though, that until you've smelled the waffle carts, eaten the Sheppard's Pie, and have had your hair whipped into your eyes at the coming and going of the trains in the Tube, you will not know or understand London.
So last week...
Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011
We had class in the morning and went to the BBC in the afternoon which was phenomenal! We went to the dressing rooms, studios, weather center, and even had a chance to try our hand at being newscasters ourselves in a faux studio. After our tour, we had a meeting with one of the heads of the newsroom who spoiled us even more by taking us into the newsroom and even into the control room to watch the editors at work during the live broadcast of the evening news. We were there late enough that we were able to go into the news studio after they finished filming to check it out.
The BBC was impressive, to say the least, and definitely gave me a lot more respect for news teams and journalists. For every person you see on camera there are hundreds more behind the scenes scouring the globe for information in order to put together an accurate news report.
Friday, Jan. 7, 2011
Went to the Mayor's office on Friday where we learned about what it takes to balance a politician's celebrity image with their political image.
After the mayor's building we walked across the Tower Bridge to the Tower of London where we got to walk through the ancient fortress and see the crown jewels.
Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011
Went to the Portobello Market in Notting Hill. Didn't buy much, but there was certainly a lot to see. Ate a couple treats and then made our way back for the evening.
Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011
Spent a leisurely Sunday walking around Buckingham Palace, St. James Park, and Covent Garden.
Monday, Jan. 10, 2011
We had class in the morning and then went to the Royal Aeronautical Society in the afternoon.
Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011
On Tuesday we went to Hill and Knowlton. Their building was beautiful and very modern on the inside. The conference room we met in had glass walls that allowed you to see all around the surrounding area. We learned a lot about what it takes to work in a major PR firm and about what trends Public Relations will see in the next couple of years.
Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011
Wednesday was a busy day. We went to the U.S. Embassy and Ketchum. It was an interesting contrast between the two organizations being that one is government trying to promote America, Americans, and American culture in a positive a manner and the latter is a profit driven company that promotes individual companies throughout the world.
Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011
We only had class on Thursday, but in the evening we had our group dinner at a quaint French restaurant right down the street from our hotel. A couple of people from our meeting attended the dinner and we had the opportunity to solidify some new relationships (after all, a huge part of PR is networking).
Also on Thursday between class and dinner I finally got the opportunity to have afternoon tea. We went to the John Lewis department store where got quite a spread for only 10 pounds.
Friday, Jan. 14, 2011
Finally, I make it today! We had a double hitter with Bell Pottinger in the morning and The Guardian in the afternoon. I will say that every place we have been to has been very impressive, both in their physical offices and in the work they produce.
Today is a little bittersweet because it is the end of our educational meetings. But, of course, education doesn't end at the classroom. We still have the weekend to explore England (and for some, France) where I'm sure we will continue to learn things outside our own culture.
I apologize for the length of this entry and the diary like quality. However, I hope it gives those from home (and perhaps those who are thinking of studying abroad in the future) an idea of what the day to day activities are like. Of course, we have done way more than I could ever mention here, but we all have to make our own memories and hopefully you will be inspired to come to London and make your own.
Cheers for now!
Also on Thursday between class and dinner I finally got the opportunity to have afternoon tea. We went to the John Lewis department store where got quite a spread for only 10 pounds.
Friday, Jan. 14, 2011
Finally, I make it today! We had a double hitter with Bell Pottinger in the morning and The Guardian in the afternoon. I will say that every place we have been to has been very impressive, both in their physical offices and in the work they produce.
Today is a little bittersweet because it is the end of our educational meetings. But, of course, education doesn't end at the classroom. We still have the weekend to explore England (and for some, France) where I'm sure we will continue to learn things outside our own culture.
I apologize for the length of this entry and the diary like quality. However, I hope it gives those from home (and perhaps those who are thinking of studying abroad in the future) an idea of what the day to day activities are like. Of course, we have done way more than I could ever mention here, but we all have to make our own memories and hopefully you will be inspired to come to London and make your own.
Cheers for now!
Sounds fun. We would love to come to london sometime. Cory Hall
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