Home Again, Home Again, Jiggedy-Jig

What can I say? London was amazing. Every time someone asks me about it my brain almost goes into over drive trying to recall the hundreds of stories and memories we made while we were there.

The last few days in London we had to ourselves. On Saturday we went back to Portobello Market just for the strawberry and Nutella crepes from the lady with the crepe cart on the corner.

Sunday, I managed to meet up with a friend of mine who lives in London. He showed me the artsy side of east London where we went to a few pubs and spent most of the afternoon talking.

I'll definitely be back because London and I have some unfinished business. In the mean time, thanks to social media, I am sifting through everyone's pictures-- each one bringing back a memory of a smell, or taste, or laughter. Here are some to make you wonder and tide you over until you get your chance to visit across the pond.

Additional photo credits to Jason Dunham, Emma Nay, and Christina Salek-Raham

Time Flies When...

I apologize for my lack of posts over the last week. Between internet problems and, well, just having too much fun between classes, PR firms, and sightseeing I haven't really had a chance to get on here.

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!

Tuesday, Wednesday, Happy Days...

Tuesday


Tuesday was out first "working day." We got started early by meeting at 7:45 and taking the Tube to the Churchill War Rooms. We had the pleasure of talking to the Museum Director, Phil Reed, OBE. He introduced us to the character of Churchill (a man who is near and dear not only to the Brits, but also to us Yanks) and talked to us about the PR issues he deals with while promoting the museum.

After our talk with Phil we were able to tour the museum and the original cabinet war rooms where all the communications for the UK took place during WWII. You can find out more about it here:
http://cwr.iwm.org.uk/

In the afternoon we met in a classroom with David Wallen and Ross Clarke from Live PR. Their small firm handles a variety of PR issues and their clients are just as diverse. Interestingly, one of their oldest clients is Fairfax County Economic Development Authority in Virginia. They were funny and full of great advice for students seeking a career in PR.

Wednesday


On Wednesday we went on field trip to Canterbury (about an hour and half drive from London) which was amazing. It was full of quaint shops, pubs, coffee shops, and beautiful medieval architecture. If you ever have the chance to go there, take it. I can't really put the experience into words, so instead of doing it an injustice I'll just share some pictures with you. I truly wish we could have spent more time there.

Recovery and Discovery

Well, lets just say jet lag is never fun. Unfortunately, I didn't sleep on the plane, but I took full advantage of the time by reviewing the London tour book we received at the Center for Global Education orientation. Definitely has some good tips on what to see, eat, and do.

The first day, Sunday, was spent unpacking, checking out the hotel, and of course investigating the part of London around where we are staying. We had dinner at a place called Shakespeare's Head where the food was okay, but the prices were great. Then we forced ourselves to stay up late enough to watch part of the Packers game on the web before passing out.

Today was amazing. Susan Cygan came to the hotel and gave us a talk about getting around London and differences between the US and here. Then she accompanied us on our double decker bus tour which was the perfect way to start off our trip in the city. We saw most of the bigger landmarks: Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, St. James Park, the London Eye, and Westminster Abbey.

We paid to go inside to Westminster Abbey which was totally worth it. It is one of the most beautiful and reverent places I have ever seen. We ended the day with another pilgrim-like find--  Platform 9 3/4. Expect pictures to follow.

New Year's Eve

Twas the night before my flight, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even my computer's mouse. When all of a sudden, there arose such a clatter, when I realized I hadn't packed a thing...

Now, I am sitting among a bed filled with clothes, travel brochures, and my cat who thinks this layout is a specially crafted bed just for him. I'm so excited and nervous about leaving for London tomorrow that I don't even care that my New Year's will be spent in my PJs trying to figure out just exactly how many pairs of shoes I can get away with packing. 

On a deeper level than clothes and shoes, I'm anxious to learn about International Public Relations which is the class I am taking for the Winter Break Study Abroad at George Mason University. It's a truly unique opportunity to learn about PR in the heart of where it is happening--London. Our small group gets the opportunity to visit major PR, media, and non-profit firms while staying in the heart of downtown London. 

I have a vague idea of what to expect, but as with any trip, you can't really know what you're getting into until your there. So for now, we'll leave it at that. I'll be updating you every step of the way on what is sure to be an incredible adventure. 

Happy 2011!!!