On and Off

   Give yourself at least one day in which you have no idea where you will end up or what you are going to do. Jump on the tube and get off at a stop that sounds interesting. For me, this made up most of this trip (so I'd have interesting things to put up on here). But one particular day in which the only goal I had was to buy postcards took me to some interesting places.

Trafalgar's Square

   I started out on the tube and got off when the nice automated voice lady said “Alight here for Trafalgar's Square”. So I alighted (which is my new favourite word... besides higgledy-piggidly) but I digress. I came up from the subway (which is for pedestrians, not another form of underground travel) in the middle of the square. After orientating myself I started off in, well in one direction, ended up turning around. 15 minutes later I found myself back in Trafalgar's Square on the steps in front of the National Gallery. As I ate my lunch (pepperoni bread) and enjoyed the sun I became part of London that I enjoyed the most- I became London itself. I watched as tour groups converged on school children as business suits sought seats outside to enjoy the brief sunlight and of course, the omnipresent pigeons desperate for food (or a mate, some were torn).

   As I began to write my postcards the drizzle that had been undecided finally made a decision and turned into big drops of rain. I could have gone in the National Gallery behind me, but instead I fought my way back to the underground as umbrellas grew like flowers in the square. I only went one stop before I re-emerged in Leicester Square. I had no idea where to go, but looking to the left I spied two bookstores across the street tucked in between the tourist trap stores. Knowing the rain was following me (and being the book lover I am) I slipped inside.

   Stacks of books haphazardly spilled out of boxes and off the shelves, barely staying within their own categories. Old leather bounds found themselves neighbours to last years best selling hard cover novel. Make sure you hit up the basements of the bookstores, that is where the character lurks, tucked away in a corner, their nose already halfway through a book they randomly pulled off the shelf. Plus, they are a great source for cheap book on every topic, from photography to war time heroes, to just a casual read.

   There was no time limit on the day, no time that I had to be somewhere by or meet anyone. I could choose to come and go, get on and off the tube as I wished. It was a great freedom, as well as a great way to actually get to know the lady London.

Teas and Tours

   Afternoon tea is a staple in the English day. A time to sit back and relax with friends and family around a teapot and light food. Various hotels and cafes all over London offer afternoon tea times and groups are welcome at most places with some planning. Even if it is only something you take the crew out for lunch instead of catering or perhaps it is a safe haven in the corner of a well travelled local cafe, searching for inspiration. You must take afternoon tea at least once.

   And I'll beat this in again and again- TAKE TOURS. 

   You learn so many little bits of information as well it is a great way to get your bearings in a city, especially a city as big as London. There is so much to see, and there is no way you be able to see it all. For me, driving by Westminster Abbey and taking pictures out front was enough for me on this trip. You have to prioritize, with so much to see, there is no way to see everything inside and out. Tours are a great way to streamline major tourist areas, leaving plenty of time to take in the details as well as not rush the things you really want to see.

W^5

(Or W to the 5th power.... or Who, What, When, Where, Why)

   Who:  My name is Emily Gajewski and I am a Digital Media student at the University of Findlay (in Ohio).  I am, at the moment, an aspiring filmmaker.... On a budget.  I love my dogs, riding horses, and taking pictures.  I for the school's television station and when I'm done at a shoot and walking back to my room, I am the happiest person.

   What:  I created this blog for a project.  I will be touring London, experiencing what interests me and what I think is interesting.  I will be giving tips on my favorite locations, sharing some of the pictures I took, compiling some video into what I hope will be an interesting video; as well as some things to keep in mind while shooting in London,  whether you're a tourist with a point and shoot (essentially myself) or a high budget filmmaker.

   When:  May 2012... the May during London's busiest summer.  With the Diamond Jubilee and the summer Olympics, there are tons of people everywhere.  This blog was started a week after I arrived in London, with two weeks left in my program.

   Where:  If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm in London, England.  Yay!  Sites include the underground, museums, rugby games, pubs, more museums, parks, more parks, the zoo, the Globe theatre, the River Thames, famous bridges (I'll let you know if London Bridge goes falling down), back streets and neighborhoods, and wherever my wandering may take me!

   Why:  Perhaps the most important question, "Why am I even in London doing this project?"  Fancy you should ask that.  I am part of 7 communication students from the University of Findlay doing independent research projects whilst in London.  Originally, my project was to do a mini-documentary on the Queen's Diamond Jubilee... but I had to rethink it when I was set back a week (for reasons that will later be explained).  As I was adventuring I decided to collect all my experiences and put them in a format that would pertain to an independent filmmaker (or photo enthusiast).


   Cheers for giving this a chance!
I hope you enjoy my wanderings, ramblings, and this amazing journey!




Cheerio.