Culture City

Tuesday August 21, 2007
Location: Islington, London, UK
Weather: Rainy

After dragging my nose out of the Harry Potter books (of which I have read the whole series in the past three weeks), I have begun to explore the diverse fusion of cultures in this global city, London. Thursday, I headed back to my favorite neighborhood Spitalfields, where I had Bangladeshi food on Brick Lane. Walking around the neighborhood, I was disappointed that the beach bar I photographed last year had been deconstructed, but delightfully discovered that inside people were Foho dancing to a live Brazilian band. Although I had my purse stolen (luckily without any valuables inside) it was great to explore and enjoy the London night life.

On Sunday, with a brief pause in the rain, I decided take a break from my work at the British Library to visit the National Gallery. Sketching art is a favorite past time of mine. I was lucky enough to catch another London treat, live dance performances in Trafalger Square, part of the India Now! programs celebrating the 60th anniversary of India’s independence. First the painters from Mumbai created a 50-foot tall Bollywood poster on scaffolding in the middle of the square. Next the Sapnay School of Dance performed to Bangra music, and a group of Indians started a dance circle in the middle of the crowd. I pushed my way towards them, and eventually worked up the courage to join in. It reminded me of a few occasions in Berkeley (Ipek and Gokce’s wedding, Bollywood Happy Hour and Romi’s party), and I wished many of you were here too. Afterwards a French group of aerial performers called Les Passegers performed a bollywood-esque love story, using dance, acrobatics, and elaborate costumes while hanging in harnesses from the giant poster structure. It was amazing!






For most part I am enjoying the excitement of London. But it is such a huge city and everyone is so busy that it can be a bit lonely and hard to meet people. But I have met a couple people to hang out with, so far, including an Indian student staying at the dorm and a Belgian pilot named Seb. I am hoping the weather will clear up so I can get out and play some tennis, and walk more around the city. Bye for now. Cheers!

Here are the Food and Activity Highlights of the Week:

Wednesday Aug 14

• Wine overlooking the Themes and a Walk along the South Bank

Thursday Aug 15

• Bangladeshi food on Brick Lane and
• Brazilian Foho dancing at a bar near Spitalfields Market

Sunday Aug 18

• Sketching art at the National Gallery and
• Watching the India Now culture performances

Monday August 20

• Noodle Soup at Watamana’s and
• The World Press Photojournalism Exhibition at the South Bank Center

A Room of One’s Own- A Travelers Manifesto

Tuesday August 14, 2007
Location: Islington, London, UK
Weather: Rainy

As most of you know, I recently moved from my home of 6 years, reluctant and to give up the comforts of my apartment, with its fireplace, large bath tub, and sliver of San Francisco view. This home gave comfort and stability while in school. But since I have arrived in London I am reminded, that although home is important, it is not where I live, or what view I have that gives me stability. It is more important just to have a moderately comfortable room, a place to call my own, and to house my private activities and thoughts. Virginia Woolf once said, in order to write, a woman “must have money and a room of her own.” Thus with this introspection, I arrive in London, with an ordinary dorm room and my normative time fellowship, ready to start my dissertation.

I am well settled here in my room at London School of Economic (LSE), and I have tried to make this place my temporary sanctuary. From the photos you can see it is not an extraordinary place, but an ordinary dorm room, with few luxuries except a small window perch and a lively street view. Sitting in the window reading a book, and glancing out from time to time to watch the commuters riding their bikes and boarding the bus, I feel at peace. My mind is still and quiet, ready to be filled with new knowledge and experiences. I have a desk at the British Library and a membership at the Islington Local Library, thus knowledge and entertainment are at my fingertips.

I miss you all and am thinking of you and looking forward to seeing you. But since I am here, I will try keep my heart and mind are here and not at home in CA. It is now, because I am young with few ties to home, family, work, and responsibility that I can have this opportunity. Thus I will try my best to take full advantage of it.