Monday, 29 April 2013
Sunday, 28 April 2013
Internship Assignment C
What are you observing about your work environment? If you could, what are two things you would keep and two things you would change?
My work environment is very relaxed. We take things slower that in the US definitely. But that is not to say that we do not accomplish just as much. I would keep our pace of work, and the calm, outside environment that I get to work within. However I would strengthen the communication between the administrators and the ship workers. Sometimes those two groups are not always on the same page. I would also schedule repairs for certain times so that they avoid being done while groups are taking guided tours.
how does your supervisor's style work for you? What would you want to be like as a supervisor in the future?
My supervisor was very understanding and maintained a cool head. If something did not go exactly according to plan, he was very flexible and just 'rolled with the punches'. However he did expect one to do their job to the best of their ability. I would like to be like him. He was not a boss that just sat behind a desk and barked orders. He gave orders and then helped you carry them out. And actually I got the chance to be a supervisor. I had to supervise a new intern on the ship. I was given tasks by my supervisor and then I gave the intern tasks to accomplish and helped him with certain jobs as well. I felt that I was an effective supervisor.
What are you learning about yourself through this internship? What is one thing about yourself that you would like to improve for your next job?
I am learning that I sometimes tend to be dependent on other to tell me what I can and cannot do, especially when it comes to purchasing and arranging things. I would like to become even more independent as an individual for my next job. I would like just to be given a task and then feel confident to go off and accomplish it, and know that it will please my superiors.
What are two things you have learned how to do or improved upon during this internship?
I have learned how to repair a ship; including but not limited to: corking and sealing the deck, oiling the decks, washing the ship, painting wood to look distressed, and working the rigging to do various tasks. I have also learned how to use public transportation.
I have also improved on getting up and to work by a certain time.
After college will you look for a company that is similar to the one that you have interned with?
I do not think that I will actively seek out a company like the one I interned with. I do not wish to work at a living history museum. I want to work in theatre, and as long as I can find work there, I will take it. However, if the circumstances were right (I could not find a job in theatre, and the opportunity arose to work somewhere similar to the Golden Hinde) I would not turn it down.
My work environment is very relaxed. We take things slower that in the US definitely. But that is not to say that we do not accomplish just as much. I would keep our pace of work, and the calm, outside environment that I get to work within. However I would strengthen the communication between the administrators and the ship workers. Sometimes those two groups are not always on the same page. I would also schedule repairs for certain times so that they avoid being done while groups are taking guided tours.
how does your supervisor's style work for you? What would you want to be like as a supervisor in the future?
My supervisor was very understanding and maintained a cool head. If something did not go exactly according to plan, he was very flexible and just 'rolled with the punches'. However he did expect one to do their job to the best of their ability. I would like to be like him. He was not a boss that just sat behind a desk and barked orders. He gave orders and then helped you carry them out. And actually I got the chance to be a supervisor. I had to supervise a new intern on the ship. I was given tasks by my supervisor and then I gave the intern tasks to accomplish and helped him with certain jobs as well. I felt that I was an effective supervisor.
What are you learning about yourself through this internship? What is one thing about yourself that you would like to improve for your next job?
I am learning that I sometimes tend to be dependent on other to tell me what I can and cannot do, especially when it comes to purchasing and arranging things. I would like to become even more independent as an individual for my next job. I would like just to be given a task and then feel confident to go off and accomplish it, and know that it will please my superiors.
What are two things you have learned how to do or improved upon during this internship?
I have learned how to repair a ship; including but not limited to: corking and sealing the deck, oiling the decks, washing the ship, painting wood to look distressed, and working the rigging to do various tasks. I have also learned how to use public transportation.
I have also improved on getting up and to work by a certain time.
After college will you look for a company that is similar to the one that you have interned with?
I do not think that I will actively seek out a company like the one I interned with. I do not wish to work at a living history museum. I want to work in theatre, and as long as I can find work there, I will take it. However, if the circumstances were right (I could not find a job in theatre, and the opportunity arose to work somewhere similar to the Golden Hinde) I would not turn it down.
BES Assignment 4
Join an Organisation
For this assignment we were to join an organisation of some sort.
A couple of us found a very small theatre company that was looking for volunteers. The name of the company was RETZ. It was a small company trying a very new concept of theatre. The concept they were testing was this: an 'audience member' would come to a movie that RETZ was showing for a weekend. Each member would register their name, phone number, and address. Then after seeing the film, the audience member would return home and after a few days time, would receive a letter condemning them of a crime and that they were to show up at a certain location for 'sentencing and processing'. There, the audience member would be sentenced to "death". And that is when the play begins. From there, each member is moved from one room to another in a series of one-on-one encounters between an actor and themselves. It is supposed to be 'helping them move on and prepare for death'. Finally after they have gone through each room the audience members will watch another movie that will wrap the whole thing up and reveal what actually happened. Then the audience member will be invited for biscuits and refreshments.
I went with the actors when we met. We would play improv games to get our minds working and our imaginations warmed up. Then we would practice with each other putting ourselves in situations that chould possibly happen and trying out different characters in different roles within the play's infrastructure. I met a lot of quirky people. There were people that were still in Uni, some that had been out for a year or two, and one that had been out for something like 10 or 11 years. Most had a job or other commitment in their life as well. Thus I guess is the life of someone who wishes to act. I feel that the experience was beneficial, although I was not able to make any of the "performances'. If anything, it helped me to reach out to people that I did not have any contact with at all. It was pretty scary at first meeting these new people from all walks of life. However I am grateful to have had it.
For this assignment we were to join an organisation of some sort.
A couple of us found a very small theatre company that was looking for volunteers. The name of the company was RETZ. It was a small company trying a very new concept of theatre. The concept they were testing was this: an 'audience member' would come to a movie that RETZ was showing for a weekend. Each member would register their name, phone number, and address. Then after seeing the film, the audience member would return home and after a few days time, would receive a letter condemning them of a crime and that they were to show up at a certain location for 'sentencing and processing'. There, the audience member would be sentenced to "death". And that is when the play begins. From there, each member is moved from one room to another in a series of one-on-one encounters between an actor and themselves. It is supposed to be 'helping them move on and prepare for death'. Finally after they have gone through each room the audience members will watch another movie that will wrap the whole thing up and reveal what actually happened. Then the audience member will be invited for biscuits and refreshments.
I went with the actors when we met. We would play improv games to get our minds working and our imaginations warmed up. Then we would practice with each other putting ourselves in situations that chould possibly happen and trying out different characters in different roles within the play's infrastructure. I met a lot of quirky people. There were people that were still in Uni, some that had been out for a year or two, and one that had been out for something like 10 or 11 years. Most had a job or other commitment in their life as well. Thus I guess is the life of someone who wishes to act. I feel that the experience was beneficial, although I was not able to make any of the "performances'. If anything, it helped me to reach out to people that I did not have any contact with at all. It was pretty scary at first meeting these new people from all walks of life. However I am grateful to have had it.
Saturday, 27 April 2013
BES Assignment 3
Interview
For this assignment we were to interview a person in British society. I interviewed Emily Hawkesford, a girl that I worked with during my time at the Golden Hinde. There were many lunch breaks where we were just talking and this is what I found out from her. Please let it be known that this is only one person that I talked with and the views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of British society as a whole.
She is 24 years old. She has a mother and father, and a younger brother. When asked about marriage and divorce she answered: "I believe that marriage should be permanent. Too many people are getting married due to convenience or such similar perceptions. Marriage should not be taken lightly. It is not to be toyed with; you should be sure that you want to spend the rest of your life with this person..."
I asked her what her religious beliefs were and she said that she does not really believe in God. Her family has never been religious. That is not to say that she condemns anyone who believes, but she does not like the idea of not being in control of what she does. She likes to think that we have control of our lives and can change our lives if we so desire.
Emily has graduated with an undergraduate degree in Art History from the University of London, and has been volunteering everyday at the Golden Hinde for about 2 years now. Aside from volunteering full-time at the Golden Hinde, she also has a job at a convenience store near Dalston Junction. She likes to paint when she has time. Emily ideally wants to be a full-time artist or perhaps one day be a curator for a museum. A major issue she feels facing students in the UK today is that students become so incredibly specialized and study only one subject to the point that it is hard to find a job out of uni. She likes the US education system where students know some about a lot and become specialized much later.
Emily Hawkesford keeps the Golden Hinde from grinding to a hault. She has managed the shop for a long time and has written shop protocols. In addition to her work of ordering supplies, writing procedure, organizing visits from schools, and sometimes helping out the Ship Master, Aiden Slade, she now also answers calls and inquiries for administration. She is an integral cog in the machine that keeps the GHT afloat, and she was one of my first friends while here in London. When asked about what I shall miss about London, she shall be a part of my answer.
For this assignment we were to interview a person in British society. I interviewed Emily Hawkesford, a girl that I worked with during my time at the Golden Hinde. There were many lunch breaks where we were just talking and this is what I found out from her. Please let it be known that this is only one person that I talked with and the views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of British society as a whole.
She is 24 years old. She has a mother and father, and a younger brother. When asked about marriage and divorce she answered: "I believe that marriage should be permanent. Too many people are getting married due to convenience or such similar perceptions. Marriage should not be taken lightly. It is not to be toyed with; you should be sure that you want to spend the rest of your life with this person..."
I asked her what her religious beliefs were and she said that she does not really believe in God. Her family has never been religious. That is not to say that she condemns anyone who believes, but she does not like the idea of not being in control of what she does. She likes to think that we have control of our lives and can change our lives if we so desire.
Emily has graduated with an undergraduate degree in Art History from the University of London, and has been volunteering everyday at the Golden Hinde for about 2 years now. Aside from volunteering full-time at the Golden Hinde, she also has a job at a convenience store near Dalston Junction. She likes to paint when she has time. Emily ideally wants to be a full-time artist or perhaps one day be a curator for a museum. A major issue she feels facing students in the UK today is that students become so incredibly specialized and study only one subject to the point that it is hard to find a job out of uni. She likes the US education system where students know some about a lot and become specialized much later.
Emily Hawkesford keeps the Golden Hinde from grinding to a hault. She has managed the shop for a long time and has written shop protocols. In addition to her work of ordering supplies, writing procedure, organizing visits from schools, and sometimes helping out the Ship Master, Aiden Slade, she now also answers calls and inquiries for administration. She is an integral cog in the machine that keeps the GHT afloat, and she was one of my first friends while here in London. When asked about what I shall miss about London, she shall be a part of my answer.
BES Assignment 7
The Villages of London
For this assignment we were to visit one of the villages of London, either Wimbledon or Hampstead Village. I chose to go to Wimbledon.
We took the tube to Wimbledon. It was strange to see the city giving way to green parks and trees, and to realize that we were still in London. It was a piece of a country village within a busy city. The hustle and bustle seemed to melt away. It was a perfect day to go as well; the sun was shining and warm. We walked around and looked at the houses and cars. I say looked, but it was more like marveled. I lost count of the number of Rolls Royces that drove past me. The houses are big and you can just smell the money that has gone into them. We went into the shops and found many antiques.
For lunch we debated going to the Dog & Fox, but scraped that idea as it was such a nice day. Then we thought of going to Tesco and having a picnic in a huge park. However we found a health food store and they brought out fresh baguettes. Being put on the shelf, they were still warm. So we each grabbed a baguette for a quid. It was fantastic just eating the warm, fresh bread in the warm sunlight and walking around admiring the sights.
For this assignment we were to visit one of the villages of London, either Wimbledon or Hampstead Village. I chose to go to Wimbledon.
We took the tube to Wimbledon. It was strange to see the city giving way to green parks and trees, and to realize that we were still in London. It was a piece of a country village within a busy city. The hustle and bustle seemed to melt away. It was a perfect day to go as well; the sun was shining and warm. We walked around and looked at the houses and cars. I say looked, but it was more like marveled. I lost count of the number of Rolls Royces that drove past me. The houses are big and you can just smell the money that has gone into them. We went into the shops and found many antiques.
For lunch we debated going to the Dog & Fox, but scraped that idea as it was such a nice day. Then we thought of going to Tesco and having a picnic in a huge park. However we found a health food store and they brought out fresh baguettes. Being put on the shelf, they were still warm. So we each grabbed a baguette for a quid. It was fantastic just eating the warm, fresh bread in the warm sunlight and walking around admiring the sights.
BES Assignment 6
Greenwich & Docklands: British Imperialism, 80's Bust & 90's Boom
For this assignment, we visited Greenwich (Gren-itch). Then we took the DLR via Carary Wharf back to Russell Square.
First we took a boat ride from Westminster Pier up the River Thames to Greenwich. We passed iconic structures such as The London Eye, Parliament and Big Ben, The National Theatre, the OXO Hotel, The Golden Hinde, the London Bridge, and the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. After arriving at Greenwich we glanced around a bit. It is very green. It seemed to me to almost have more park than city. I can see why they chose to film most of Les Miserables in Greenwich, it's beautiful.
We first visited the Royal Observatory. Let me tell you...wear some walking shoes! It is up a very steep hill and there were several times when I said to myself, "surely we are almost there..." It is a long steep walk. And I say walk because there is a path, so that is a plus I suppose. It was fascinating to see England's progression and scientific advancement due to the observatory. There were interactive exhibits in which one could anything from time-telling all over the world to games with constellations. And speaking of time-telling, at the Royal observatory one is able to straddle the Prime Meridian. So I have stood with one foot in the Eastern and one foot in the Western Hemisphere.
After the Royal Observatory, we visited the National Maritime Museum. They had some pretty cool exhibits with moving projections and lights. The light tech in me kind of nerded out. We saw exhibits that told the story of England's maritime superiority. The most compelling exhibit had to with England and the American Colonies. It was about England's involvement in the American slave trade and the War of 1812.
After that, we had lunch at Cafe Sol, which was a Mexican restaurant. The drinks were a bit pricey, but the food was fantastic. I had a chimmy changa, and some fruity drink. I would recommend going at least once. From there we headed to the Greenwich Market. The market was a combo of food and material items. There were a bunch of antiques. We found a poffertjes stand. It was a little piece of home.
From the market, we left via the DLR which was basically the tube above ground. It was a long day and finally reaching home felt good.
For this assignment, we visited Greenwich (Gren-itch). Then we took the DLR via Carary Wharf back to Russell Square.
First we took a boat ride from Westminster Pier up the River Thames to Greenwich. We passed iconic structures such as The London Eye, Parliament and Big Ben, The National Theatre, the OXO Hotel, The Golden Hinde, the London Bridge, and the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. After arriving at Greenwich we glanced around a bit. It is very green. It seemed to me to almost have more park than city. I can see why they chose to film most of Les Miserables in Greenwich, it's beautiful.
We first visited the Royal Observatory. Let me tell you...wear some walking shoes! It is up a very steep hill and there were several times when I said to myself, "surely we are almost there..." It is a long steep walk. And I say walk because there is a path, so that is a plus I suppose. It was fascinating to see England's progression and scientific advancement due to the observatory. There were interactive exhibits in which one could anything from time-telling all over the world to games with constellations. And speaking of time-telling, at the Royal observatory one is able to straddle the Prime Meridian. So I have stood with one foot in the Eastern and one foot in the Western Hemisphere.
After the Royal Observatory, we visited the National Maritime Museum. They had some pretty cool exhibits with moving projections and lights. The light tech in me kind of nerded out. We saw exhibits that told the story of England's maritime superiority. The most compelling exhibit had to with England and the American Colonies. It was about England's involvement in the American slave trade and the War of 1812.
After that, we had lunch at Cafe Sol, which was a Mexican restaurant. The drinks were a bit pricey, but the food was fantastic. I had a chimmy changa, and some fruity drink. I would recommend going at least once. From there we headed to the Greenwich Market. The market was a combo of food and material items. There were a bunch of antiques. We found a poffertjes stand. It was a little piece of home.
From the market, we left via the DLR which was basically the tube above ground. It was a long day and finally reaching home felt good.
Friday, 26 April 2013
BES Assignment 5
The East End: London's Contemporary Art Centre
For this assignment we had to walk around and explore London's East End. The walk started at Liverpool Street station after taking the tube. It then took us north past Spital Square. The first point of interest is dennis Severs' House. This is an 18th century house that has been wonderfully restored. Next we went to Spitalfields Market. It was packed! We found a stand that made smoothies and took advantage of the opportunity. There were also a lot of quirky stands selling material items like hand-made coasters. The next structure of significance is the Christ Church. It was beautiful, but honestly at this point in the semester, I think I am a little 'churched out'. So unfortunately I don't think I fully appreciated it's beauty. Our next sight was the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. I remembered seeing it from when we went to Tayyab's. It is really cool to think that the Liberty Bell came from that building. It felt almost surreal that the foundry was still standing and that this simple building is older than the United States. From there we retraced our steps and went back to Brick Lane. I have been here a couple times already, once during the day and once at night. Packed to the brim both times. There are some cool shops that are relatively cheap. We stumbled into a warehouse of some sort food heaven. There was every kind of ethnicity represented here: English, Mexican, Sri Lankan, Ethiopean, chinese, Italian, and a few I had never heard of. We ended up getting Ethiopean, which helped me with my goal of expanding my horizons. There was a lot of chickpeas, beans, lentil stew, and koose-koose. It was actually pretty delightful. I would eat it again. After that we headed back to Liverpool Street and visited some small market stands on the way.
Overall, I enjoyed the East End. There was uniquely beautiful architecture and wonderful shops. Not to mention that the East End is generally a little cheaper on the whole.
For this assignment we had to walk around and explore London's East End. The walk started at Liverpool Street station after taking the tube. It then took us north past Spital Square. The first point of interest is dennis Severs' House. This is an 18th century house that has been wonderfully restored. Next we went to Spitalfields Market. It was packed! We found a stand that made smoothies and took advantage of the opportunity. There were also a lot of quirky stands selling material items like hand-made coasters. The next structure of significance is the Christ Church. It was beautiful, but honestly at this point in the semester, I think I am a little 'churched out'. So unfortunately I don't think I fully appreciated it's beauty. Our next sight was the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. I remembered seeing it from when we went to Tayyab's. It is really cool to think that the Liberty Bell came from that building. It felt almost surreal that the foundry was still standing and that this simple building is older than the United States. From there we retraced our steps and went back to Brick Lane. I have been here a couple times already, once during the day and once at night. Packed to the brim both times. There are some cool shops that are relatively cheap. We stumbled into a warehouse of some sort food heaven. There was every kind of ethnicity represented here: English, Mexican, Sri Lankan, Ethiopean, chinese, Italian, and a few I had never heard of. We ended up getting Ethiopean, which helped me with my goal of expanding my horizons. There was a lot of chickpeas, beans, lentil stew, and koose-koose. It was actually pretty delightful. I would eat it again. After that we headed back to Liverpool Street and visited some small market stands on the way.
Overall, I enjoyed the East End. There was uniquely beautiful architecture and wonderful shops. Not to mention that the East End is generally a little cheaper on the whole.
BES Assignment 2
Making Sense of it all: the Museum of London
Ok. Here's the deal. I am sure that the museum is very entertaining to some people. However, it was just not my 'cup of tea'. I just didn't feel that the museum was very engaging. It tells the story of how London was founded and how it has fought and survived all these years. It started with exhibits about the landscape and animals and then flowed into the first neanderthal's arrival. It continues like this, moving through time until we come to the present.
There were only two exhibits I really enjoyed: the Great Fire and the Black Plague. Learning about how the fire and plague began, spread, and was finally subdued was made interesting by the movies and models you could interact with.
Like I said, the Museum of London was just not for me. However I do think everyone should go and see it at least once.
Ok. Here's the deal. I am sure that the museum is very entertaining to some people. However, it was just not my 'cup of tea'. I just didn't feel that the museum was very engaging. It tells the story of how London was founded and how it has fought and survived all these years. It started with exhibits about the landscape and animals and then flowed into the first neanderthal's arrival. It continues like this, moving through time until we come to the present.
There were only two exhibits I really enjoyed: the Great Fire and the Black Plague. Learning about how the fire and plague began, spread, and was finally subdued was made interesting by the movies and models you could interact with.
Like I said, the Museum of London was just not for me. However I do think everyone should go and see it at least once.
BES Assignment 1
Street Life: London's Neighborhoods and Markets
For this assignment we were required to visit and explore two different markets within London. I had adventures at several, but I will discuss Borough Market and Camden Market.
Borough Market is probably the best place in all of London to get food. That is what is mainly there; there aren't clothing or material item stands. But it contains some of the most unique fruits and veg I have seen. If you want it, you can probably find it: strawberries, carrots, chiles, all kinds of meat; I think I even saw coconuts and blackcurrant berries.
I actually had the privilege of my internship being right next to the market, so I was able to eat there every day I worked. There are sandwich stands galore! Beef, pannini, lamb, veg wraps, stew, soup...the lost goes on and on. On several occasions I had a pork sandwich and I watched as the vendor cut the meat right off the roasting hog, cooked it, and served it with apple sauce (not the American version, but a runny paste of sorts) and greens. I also got to try several different kinds (flavors?) of curry w/ rice.
The biggest difference between Borough during the week and during the weekend is the crowd. It is not really that busy during the week, but on the weekends it gets packed. Sardines does not even begin to describe it.
Camden in general is what I imagine southside Chicago to be like if you could not get brutally murdered. I saw more drug paraphernalia than anywhere else I have ever been. This market, unlike Borough Market, does not specialize in food but material goods. Hipsters, Hipees, and Goths would really like this market. There were several shops selling vintage clothing, and many others selling things like Fake-Beats, pipes, mugs, shirts, and electronics. I actually got my wallet here. I was able to haggle the merchant down 5 quid.
Be prepared for another packed experience. It thinned out near the late evening, but was very populated the day we visited.
For this assignment we were required to visit and explore two different markets within London. I had adventures at several, but I will discuss Borough Market and Camden Market.
Borough Market is probably the best place in all of London to get food. That is what is mainly there; there aren't clothing or material item stands. But it contains some of the most unique fruits and veg I have seen. If you want it, you can probably find it: strawberries, carrots, chiles, all kinds of meat; I think I even saw coconuts and blackcurrant berries.
I actually had the privilege of my internship being right next to the market, so I was able to eat there every day I worked. There are sandwich stands galore! Beef, pannini, lamb, veg wraps, stew, soup...the lost goes on and on. On several occasions I had a pork sandwich and I watched as the vendor cut the meat right off the roasting hog, cooked it, and served it with apple sauce (not the American version, but a runny paste of sorts) and greens. I also got to try several different kinds (flavors?) of curry w/ rice.
The biggest difference between Borough during the week and during the weekend is the crowd. It is not really that busy during the week, but on the weekends it gets packed. Sardines does not even begin to describe it.
Camden in general is what I imagine southside Chicago to be like if you could not get brutally murdered. I saw more drug paraphernalia than anywhere else I have ever been. This market, unlike Borough Market, does not specialize in food but material goods. Hipsters, Hipees, and Goths would really like this market. There were several shops selling vintage clothing, and many others selling things like Fake-Beats, pipes, mugs, shirts, and electronics. I actually got my wallet here. I was able to haggle the merchant down 5 quid.
Be prepared for another packed experience. It thinned out near the late evening, but was very populated the day we visited.
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
BES Week 5
- I hate tourists and children on the Tube. They talk so loudly and just wander around. Sir...I have places to be!! Victoria is hard enough to navigate without you obstructing the way.
- I had an interesting experience on Thursday. We went to the Stop Light Party at Tiger Tiger. First off, drinks are expensive and everyone needs to pay me back...I bought a round that cost 73.90. They did not tell me this until I had been served and people had consumed the drinks. Then when Caroline and I left, we had to navigate the buses. We went to Victoria and then found out that we needed to go back the opposite way. Is there an easy way to figure out the bus routes?
- Stonehenge is pretty cool for about 10 mins. and then it loses its magic. I imagine that it would be pretty cool on the Summer Solstice. It was pretty well timed with our religion class. Which made it a little better. We did get to see a druid though! She was clad in animal skins and had a wicked-looking staff. She was doing something that looked like paying respects to the dead.
- Bath was probably the most beautiful city I have ever seen. The color of the buildings were a soft yellow and they were all in Roman architecture. The Roman baths were very plain it seemed at first, but then one stepped into the museum and saw the expansive and comprehensive history of the Roman city. It was very eerie thinking that I was walking on the very ground that Constantine and Julius Caesar once tread. The city also had a nightlife all its own. There were pubs and bars that were buzzing with students and people. One thing that did surprise me was that all the shops close so early. Every shop was closed by 5:30. It was slightly irritating. I also had a full english breakfast at the YMCA. It was delightful! Yet another thing I can add to my 'Again' list.
- Avebury was a pretty interesting historical site. But there really was not a lot to see. The history of the stone circle was very educational and the stones were massive, but beyond that, not much to see. The Avebury Mansion however was VERY intruiging. I had a hay-day being able to touch everything in the time-weathered house. It was a theatrical designer goldmine! There were rooms from different periods throughout the house. My favorite was the Pre-WWI Billiards Room. It was decorated in animal heads and a real record player! It was the classic idea of a Pre WWI 'Man Cave'.
BES Week 4
- This week all the Americans showed their faces...it was the Superbowl! :) It felt good to watch American football again. The game was great. What was best of all was that I saw Brits there too and some of them went crazy! There was one that kept running around the tables and shouting obnoxiously.
- I had another amazing night with Anna and Megan. On Wednesday we were walking around Soho and then we saw the advertisement for Les Miserables. That is when we went to the ticket booth just to see if they had any seats lefts anywhere. The show had only started 5 mins ago and then they offered us 65 GBP tickets on the ground floor, nearer the stage than the back...for 26 GBP!! It was incredible!
- On my way to work, I heard an old guy shouting in an unintelligible english accent. He just kept talking on the bus. All I wanted was for him to STOP TALKING! It was so irritating.
- It was a pretty calm weekend, I didn't go anywhere. I stayed here at Woburn and met some other students studying here. There actually seems to be quite a few biology and business students residing here.
- I also went to Camden Market on Saturday and explored. It was fantastic. There were so many stores with everything from vintage clothing to antiques to cyber-wear to stores with bong gas masks! I haggled for a wallet to so that I could have a proper place to keep my IDs and money. It was only my first time in Camden, but it seemed to me that it was quite empty. I also tried to reach out and I got Chinese food...it was great! I can't wait to go back.
BES Week 3
- One thing that surprises me is that I don't really miss my family too much. At least not as much as other people here. I heard someone (couldn't recognize the voice) complaining that they miss their family 'So Much!' and I thought to myself, I like seeing my family and I am always willing to talk, but I don't NEED to see them.
- I have noticed that I am using British english when talking with Brits. I have almost stopped saying 'Thank you' altogether and started saying 'Cheers'. The one word I do not think I will ever get used to is 'vitamins'. The long 'I' is going to be a hard habit to break. I almost fee bilingual. I will use British words and pronunciation with British people, but will turn around and go back to American english when talking with an American. Is this what people who speak Spanish in their home feel like?
- I am starting to gain a distinguishing eye for people not from London. I still have a hard time determining American or other nationality, but I feel confident identifying someone not from the city.
- I am becoming more and more open to food choices. I am not really a picky eater, but I would not ever have Asian (Thai, Chinese, Japanese, etc.) food or fish. This week we went to a Pakistani restaurant and I ate everything! It was incredible! I could barely walk I was so full! This makes me want to maybe try some Thai or Chinese...
- Mark and Jen took us to the London Eye. The sight was beautiful. The city goes on for miles! You really don't understand the vastness of London until you go on the Eye. And I think that's what I really like about London: It is incredibly vast and expansive, yet everything feels so close and community-like.
BES Week 2
Classes began this week. They seem simple enough, but I wonder how I will do without having periodic tests and some homework. I will have to remain on top of my game. I really like my Theatre and Religion professors. My theatre professor is a crotchety old man that had worked in the business for over 30 years. I love to hear his perceptions on a production. He gave us some guidelines to follow about evaluating a production. It all seems straight-forward enough. This is one class that I actually don't think I will mind having last 3 hours. My religion professor is younger but no less wiser. He is a bit more light-hearted and I feel as if he is a bit more genuine (?) in his approach. He wants to give us information and then see where we will run with it, even if we run the wrong way. In a way it feels like "discovery learning". He throws out information and a question to guide the class to what he wants us to discover and connect. He is very much a shepard (wow...irony right there...Jesus known as The Shepard, were in religion class...mind blown). Is this the way all English classrooms operate? Professor gives some info and lets the students' minds run wild and if they get off the wrong direction, he simply points and it continues? I actually prefer this kind of teaching to just being spoon-fed. What these professors have allowed me to do, is with a basic knowledge block, let me discover answers and connections. I feel like I retain information better, longer this way. It's definitely new, but that isn't a bad thing.
Mark and Jen took us to see The 39 Steps on Monday. It was a grand production. I found the humor dry and very fast and witty. However, I feel like I would have enjoyed it if I wasn't American. Let me explain. If I was British I, first of all, would not have had to fight through their accent to get all the words. And I also feel that it was written for British people. A lot of jokes were cultural, and if you did not know particular things about British culture, then it wasn't funny. I found the production delightful, but I think I would have found it more so if I had been British.
Friday night was Burn's Night. Many of us in the program went to ULU to celebrate. I celebrated a little too hard think. And I spent way too much money! That's something I will have to watch for. It seems WAY to easy to spend and loose track here in London. Especially with drinking and pub culture being one guy buys a round, and then other people buy the round...people must be pretty honest then, because it would be all too easy to not pay someone back.
Mark and Jen took us to see The 39 Steps on Monday. It was a grand production. I found the humor dry and very fast and witty. However, I feel like I would have enjoyed it if I wasn't American. Let me explain. If I was British I, first of all, would not have had to fight through their accent to get all the words. And I also feel that it was written for British people. A lot of jokes were cultural, and if you did not know particular things about British culture, then it wasn't funny. I found the production delightful, but I think I would have found it more so if I had been British.
Friday night was Burn's Night. Many of us in the program went to ULU to celebrate. I celebrated a little too hard think. And I spent way too much money! That's something I will have to watch for. It seems WAY to easy to spend and loose track here in London. Especially with drinking and pub culture being one guy buys a round, and then other people buy the round...people must be pretty honest then, because it would be all too easy to not pay someone back.
Internship Week 4
Date: Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th
Total Hours: 17.5
Well, another successful day of work on the ship. I was surprised to find that when I asked Aiden on Wednesday what was first, he replied 'Well, it's up to you. You can move forward on the galley, or change the plugs on the lights first; I would like it if you could hoover the ship. If there is food, we tend to get rats, and no one likes that. But its really up to you.' I don't know whether this is the way the actual work environment is in the UK (once you have gotten the routine of things down, you are given a list of things you can do and told 'good luck') or whether this is just the Golden Hinde Trust letting me get on with the project I am currently undertaking. Either way...I liked it. I what I had to do and how to do it. I hate working with people over my shoulder barking orders and displeasures because that is not the way they would have done it... I feel that by letting me go do my own thing, it will force me to organize and prioritize my time and project.
This week I feel like I accomplished something. That something is the preparation of the flooring for the galley. On Tuesday, I finally finished staining the wood. The dark uniform look was fantastic! My confidence was cemented when one of the other workers said 'Golly! Looks like it's been 'ere for years!' That's a good feeling. I also painted a 2nd coat of yellow on the ship. And once again the children kept commenting on the "guy painting the ship". While painting I got to listen to a "Tudor Fun Day" in which the actors taught the children about Tudor life and times, and played Tudor games with them for 2 hours.
Today, Wednesday, I circled back round to my lighting roots and replaced the plugs on the remaining lights that had female ends. I came across a bit of misfortune however. As I was tightening down the screws to the wire leads for the 2nd plug...the screw dropped. I searched frantically for it, but to no avail. The lead I was screwing down was the ground, so it wasn't the worst thing in the world, but I think losing the neutral would have probably been more ideal. (For those of you who don't know lights, here is what I just said: I lost a screw to the green wire, the one that grounds the plug. It's not as bad as losing the screw to the wire with the juice, but ultimately the 3rd one would have been the best to lose.) BUT! I managed to get the plug to work, despite my mishap. We'll see how long that lasts. I also got lighting clamps and safety cables ordered, so as soon as those come in, Troy will have his ugly lighting. :) After that, I then put on the first coat of varnish for the galley floor. If it looked good before, it looks awesome now! The galley makes me feel like I am accomplishing something! The next step is to find that freaking cast iron kettle, obtain bricks from the Thames' South bank, and locate some wood to use for the exhibit. It's actually coming together!
Total Hours: 17.5
Well, another successful day of work on the ship. I was surprised to find that when I asked Aiden on Wednesday what was first, he replied 'Well, it's up to you. You can move forward on the galley, or change the plugs on the lights first; I would like it if you could hoover the ship. If there is food, we tend to get rats, and no one likes that. But its really up to you.' I don't know whether this is the way the actual work environment is in the UK (once you have gotten the routine of things down, you are given a list of things you can do and told 'good luck') or whether this is just the Golden Hinde Trust letting me get on with the project I am currently undertaking. Either way...I liked it. I what I had to do and how to do it. I hate working with people over my shoulder barking orders and displeasures because that is not the way they would have done it... I feel that by letting me go do my own thing, it will force me to organize and prioritize my time and project.
This week I feel like I accomplished something. That something is the preparation of the flooring for the galley. On Tuesday, I finally finished staining the wood. The dark uniform look was fantastic! My confidence was cemented when one of the other workers said 'Golly! Looks like it's been 'ere for years!' That's a good feeling. I also painted a 2nd coat of yellow on the ship. And once again the children kept commenting on the "guy painting the ship". While painting I got to listen to a "Tudor Fun Day" in which the actors taught the children about Tudor life and times, and played Tudor games with them for 2 hours.
Today, Wednesday, I circled back round to my lighting roots and replaced the plugs on the remaining lights that had female ends. I came across a bit of misfortune however. As I was tightening down the screws to the wire leads for the 2nd plug...the screw dropped. I searched frantically for it, but to no avail. The lead I was screwing down was the ground, so it wasn't the worst thing in the world, but I think losing the neutral would have probably been more ideal. (For those of you who don't know lights, here is what I just said: I lost a screw to the green wire, the one that grounds the plug. It's not as bad as losing the screw to the wire with the juice, but ultimately the 3rd one would have been the best to lose.) BUT! I managed to get the plug to work, despite my mishap. We'll see how long that lasts. I also got lighting clamps and safety cables ordered, so as soon as those come in, Troy will have his ugly lighting. :) After that, I then put on the first coat of varnish for the galley floor. If it looked good before, it looks awesome now! The galley makes me feel like I am accomplishing something! The next step is to find that freaking cast iron kettle, obtain bricks from the Thames' South bank, and locate some wood to use for the exhibit. It's actually coming together!
Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Internship Assignments A and B
·
Improve organizational skills
o
Learn to prioritize
o
Complete all tasks in a timely manner
§
Keep a record of all task given, accomplished,
and method used to complete
§
Evaluate which task MUST be, CAN be, and SHOULD
be completed
·
Become an effective communicator within a work
environment
o
“Learn the Language”
§
Listen to my co-workers for the language that
they use
§
Watch my co-workers for the body language they
use when interacting with people in different amounts of power
§
Listen for the difference in terms between
American, British, and “other” English
What are your internship organization’s stated purposes and polices? If
a mission statement exists, please list it.
The primary objectives of Golden
Hinde Trust (GHT) are to restore, preserve,
educate and interpret the historical facts about the original Golden Hinde and
Sir Francis Drake, through the medium of Golden Hinde II, our vessel, to show
the relevance of history to life in England today.
How is it organized and administered to carry out its purposes and
polices? Is the structure pyramidal or is the chain of command less formal?
Volunteers
answer to the heads of each department within the GHT. The department heads
answer to Carol Roy, the PA to the GM. Carol answers to Troy Richards, the GM
and main supervisor of the GHT. Troy then answers to the GHT Trustees.
How are new policies formed? Who has input into these decisions?
Who are the main individuals who influence decisions (names, titles)?
Who is the competition? What effect does that have on strategy and
policy?
One big
competitor is The Clink Prison Museum just down the way. The GHT is trying to
work out a joint program or event where patrons that buy tickets at one place
can get a discount or joint tour at the other. The H.S.S. Belfast is also
another competitor. They have a building to put artifacts inside of, so they
are an accredited museum and therefore could be more attractive.
How is the organization funded?
The
organization is funded by the many programs it employs. It is funded mostly by
the educational guided tours by schools and different groups. The GHT also
profits from parties and weddings that it hosts as well as Self-guided tours and
special educational days such as Tudor Fun Day, Tudor Battle Workshop, Drake
Fun Day, etc.
Whom does it serve?
It serves
the interested public, schools, and those who wish to use it for special events
such as weddings, birthday parties, and business parties.
How many employees are there?
There are 11
full time employees, 10 actors, and a number of volunteers.
What benefits do the employees receive (excluding salary)?
1. You will be entitled to receive up to £5 per day as a luncheon
allowance on production of an appropriate receipt.
2. You will be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable travel costs
within Zones 1-6 of the London area.
3. Any other expenses will be at the discretion of myself and will be
duly considered.
4. You will be entitled to a 10% discount of all products available
in Golden
Hinde Trust Confectionery and
Souvenir Retail Outlets, after successful completion of one month’s service
with Golden
Hinde Trust.
What issues, both positive and negative, are the primary ones
facing the organization?
Space,
money, and enough volunteers are several of the issues I hear about frequently.
More space is needed in general to accommodate everyone as well as books,
archives, etc. A building is needed to become an accredited museum. Money is
always an issue with small companies starting out, especially when no federal
funding is received. Restoring the ship takes a big chunk as well as other
things that need to happen. E.g. fixing leaks in the gate between the Thames
and the Golden Hinde II, finishing the scaffolding entrance, and acquiring the
building needed to become an accredited museum.
BES Week 1
Should I be scared? That was the first question that came to mind as I stepped of the plane into Heathrow, and into this new adventure...because to be honest I wasn't as scared as I thought I should be. I had made friends easy enough on the ride over here that I didn't think I would have a problem with people--well other Americans at least....
The first week was awesome! Mark is MUCH bigger than I thought. I was expecting to dwarf the program director, but was taken by surprise when I found that I was the one craning his neck to the Scottish native. Jen is about what I pictured (sorry Jen). Mark gave us some valuable tips about life in London that first day. Most of which we had already broken multiple times, stupid Americans we are. I guess I'm not sure what I was expecting from orientation week but it was rather pleasant. I quickly made friends with the guys, and was slowly starting to work on the girls. Megan Weidner was first. On our walk I found out that we are both WAY into theatre, me the actor and electrics technician and her the director and management junkie. We fit like glove in hand. The others came along easily enough.
I quickly learned that you need to be able to navigate the city by sight and make a map in your head as you go. I was late to my advising appointment the first week, not for late departure as some may think, but because I had not paid enough attention the first time we were shown Store Street. I must have walked past the building 5 or 6 times before I realized that I was at the right place. I won't make that mistake again.
The only thing I didn't like about the activities planned for us that first week was the scavenger hunt. I am a competitive person, and my team was not in it at all. There are few things that make me more frustrated that when I hear people aren't having a good time, yet they refuse to buy into the assimilation set up for us. I think I did become more comfortable with the Tube after the hunt however, so at least one good thing came of it.
On Sunday, Megan, Anna, and I visited the "Actor's Church". It was Megan's idea. I was starting to like the way she thought. That day turned out to be one of my fondest memories of the week. We walked around Covent Garden all day just looking at shops and getting to know eachother. We visited a shop dedicated to a very curious creature named "Moomin" which I'm assuming was for children. The shop was up some rickety, old stairs atop a pub. And when one exited, they got to meet Moomin, who seemed to be a big, white, fluffy hippo. Very curious indeed.
Eventually we found ourselves in Leicester Square and on a whim, we decided to see a movie. We went to Argo at one of the 4 or 5 theaters around the square, and I received a culture shock. You could buy alcohol and take it into the movie. I ordered some popcorn and a drink, and even the popcorn was different! The regular popcorn was just lightly salted with no butter, and the sweet popcorn was similar to kettle corn! Both were very tasty and I think I may actually prefer British popcorn to American. This delight was also supplemented by a fantastic movie in Argo. After Argo, we strolled into the M&M shop. When those doors opened, one was hit with a figurative wall of chocolate! The smell coaxed us inside, where we found a child's heaven of mountains upon mountains of candy. There were also figures and mascots one could take pictures with.
Once we left the candy store, we did something that I would have never done on my own or in the states even. Maybe it was the atmosphere, or maybe it was still the chocolate high. Whatever it was, it compelled us to listen to a man who stopped and informed us about a comedy show that was happening that very night in a hotel near the square. If we showed up with one of the fliers, then we got half off admission and drinks. We turned to eachother and agreed "Why not?" We then informed other members of our program, who met us at the hotel, and we concluded our evening with a great stand-up comedy show (in which we were the butt of most of the jokes of course).
Made new discoveries in culture, friends, and memories. Week one was fantastic.
The first week was awesome! Mark is MUCH bigger than I thought. I was expecting to dwarf the program director, but was taken by surprise when I found that I was the one craning his neck to the Scottish native. Jen is about what I pictured (sorry Jen). Mark gave us some valuable tips about life in London that first day. Most of which we had already broken multiple times, stupid Americans we are. I guess I'm not sure what I was expecting from orientation week but it was rather pleasant. I quickly made friends with the guys, and was slowly starting to work on the girls. Megan Weidner was first. On our walk I found out that we are both WAY into theatre, me the actor and electrics technician and her the director and management junkie. We fit like glove in hand. The others came along easily enough.
I quickly learned that you need to be able to navigate the city by sight and make a map in your head as you go. I was late to my advising appointment the first week, not for late departure as some may think, but because I had not paid enough attention the first time we were shown Store Street. I must have walked past the building 5 or 6 times before I realized that I was at the right place. I won't make that mistake again.
The only thing I didn't like about the activities planned for us that first week was the scavenger hunt. I am a competitive person, and my team was not in it at all. There are few things that make me more frustrated that when I hear people aren't having a good time, yet they refuse to buy into the assimilation set up for us. I think I did become more comfortable with the Tube after the hunt however, so at least one good thing came of it.
On Sunday, Megan, Anna, and I visited the "Actor's Church". It was Megan's idea. I was starting to like the way she thought. That day turned out to be one of my fondest memories of the week. We walked around Covent Garden all day just looking at shops and getting to know eachother. We visited a shop dedicated to a very curious creature named "Moomin" which I'm assuming was for children. The shop was up some rickety, old stairs atop a pub. And when one exited, they got to meet Moomin, who seemed to be a big, white, fluffy hippo. Very curious indeed.
Eventually we found ourselves in Leicester Square and on a whim, we decided to see a movie. We went to Argo at one of the 4 or 5 theaters around the square, and I received a culture shock. You could buy alcohol and take it into the movie. I ordered some popcorn and a drink, and even the popcorn was different! The regular popcorn was just lightly salted with no butter, and the sweet popcorn was similar to kettle corn! Both were very tasty and I think I may actually prefer British popcorn to American. This delight was also supplemented by a fantastic movie in Argo. After Argo, we strolled into the M&M shop. When those doors opened, one was hit with a figurative wall of chocolate! The smell coaxed us inside, where we found a child's heaven of mountains upon mountains of candy. There were also figures and mascots one could take pictures with.
Once we left the candy store, we did something that I would have never done on my own or in the states even. Maybe it was the atmosphere, or maybe it was still the chocolate high. Whatever it was, it compelled us to listen to a man who stopped and informed us about a comedy show that was happening that very night in a hotel near the square. If we showed up with one of the fliers, then we got half off admission and drinks. We turned to eachother and agreed "Why not?" We then informed other members of our program, who met us at the hotel, and we concluded our evening with a great stand-up comedy show (in which we were the butt of most of the jokes of course).
Made new discoveries in culture, friends, and memories. Week one was fantastic.
Internship Week 3
Date: Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th
Total Hours: 17.5
Hola! On Tuesday, I helped Aiden out again with planing wood and fitting boards. I was able to just jump in this time. Since I did it last week, it was easy to just pick up and go. We did that for another 2 hours and then we got another cup of tea ( I don't know if I will ever get over that cultural norm). If I keep up this carpentry work, I will be able to build my own boat soon.
After that I finally got to start designing and building the Galley exhibit for the ship. I am so stoked and honored that they would let an intern design an exhibit that they will then use in the future! How cool would it be if I got to come back some day and say "...And you see this galley? I designed and built this back when..." this particular project is pretty impressive on a resume. I started on the galley by staining the wood. However before I could finish, we ran out of wood stain so I had to stop.
On Wednesday, Aiden and I patched a hole in the Gate (the dam separating the Golden Hinde II and the Thames) with liquid foam and sand bags. I kinda felt like a badass sliding down the ladder and jumping on and over rocks on the literal south bank of the Thames. Small miracles haha. Later on, Aiden had me put coat of yellow paint on the ship. For whatever reason, yellow paint seems to be the hardest thing to get off the side of a black hull... I was intrigued by all the kids freaking out at my painting the ship. It seemed like every child figure was amazed that I was painting. Their awe made me happy.
I was hit with a culture shock this week. I was not ready for British curse words. Especially the word "cunt" being used so frequently. What's worse is that I found myself saying it! When I caught myself saying it, I felt terrible. I now carefully monitor my language much more strictly that I ever did in the states, which is ironic because people curse much more freely over here in the work place. At least at my work place. Maybe it's just Aiden...I'm not really sure.
Later Gator!
Total Hours: 17.5
Hola! On Tuesday, I helped Aiden out again with planing wood and fitting boards. I was able to just jump in this time. Since I did it last week, it was easy to just pick up and go. We did that for another 2 hours and then we got another cup of tea ( I don't know if I will ever get over that cultural norm). If I keep up this carpentry work, I will be able to build my own boat soon.
After that I finally got to start designing and building the Galley exhibit for the ship. I am so stoked and honored that they would let an intern design an exhibit that they will then use in the future! How cool would it be if I got to come back some day and say "...And you see this galley? I designed and built this back when..." this particular project is pretty impressive on a resume. I started on the galley by staining the wood. However before I could finish, we ran out of wood stain so I had to stop.
On Wednesday, Aiden and I patched a hole in the Gate (the dam separating the Golden Hinde II and the Thames) with liquid foam and sand bags. I kinda felt like a badass sliding down the ladder and jumping on and over rocks on the literal south bank of the Thames. Small miracles haha. Later on, Aiden had me put coat of yellow paint on the ship. For whatever reason, yellow paint seems to be the hardest thing to get off the side of a black hull... I was intrigued by all the kids freaking out at my painting the ship. It seemed like every child figure was amazed that I was painting. Their awe made me happy.
I was hit with a culture shock this week. I was not ready for British curse words. Especially the word "cunt" being used so frequently. What's worse is that I found myself saying it! When I caught myself saying it, I felt terrible. I now carefully monitor my language much more strictly that I ever did in the states, which is ironic because people curse much more freely over here in the work place. At least at my work place. Maybe it's just Aiden...I'm not really sure.
Later Gator!
Internship week 2
Date: Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th February
Total Hours: 15.5
On Tuesday I followed another actor on a tour. This time I followed Ian (getting annoyed with this no-last-name-thing). He had gentler approach to the children. He still made fun of them and maintained control, he seemed to be more understanding of their questions than Tom. One big difference in Ian's tour was that he had the kids "fire" a cannon, whereas Tom had them raise the anchor. It makes me wonder what the other actors do differently. I was however able to notice the similarities in the facts that the actors conveyed. I think I will be able to start on that script soon.
On Wednesday I started out helping Aiden to plane the wood on the foredeck. Talk about repetative...it was 2 hours of scraping back and forth, shaving off paper-thin strips of wood. We had to plane a 3 meter long board down 3 cm. We only got one meter of the board flush to the foredeck before Aiden called it quits. Then I really got to get my hands dirty...Troy told me to get out the lights and dimmer, and see what I could do to make them work. YES!! My light design class and theatrical prowess finally was getting put to work, and in only the 2nd week!
That's where the excitement stops. I'm going to get technical here for a bit, so if you don't know/understand lighting jargon, just skip down until concepts become familiar. Ok? Ok. Here we go: WTF!!??! I thought I was going to be working with something from THIS century. I saw why Aiden wasn't as excited as I was. The "lights" Troy had acquired had been purchased from eBay for a discount. I can see why. They were some of the oldest-looking Parcans I have ever seen. I took them apart to get a better feel for what they could do, and in turn what I could do with them. The lamps were held in place by a metal ring, because there were no lenses. The lense figures you saw WERE the lamps...yikes! And then the plugs were all wrong. They were weird, usually when you have lights and a dimmer, the power source has a girl end and the receiver has a boy end. They were reversed. And at first, the dimmer was working properly. But then Aiden touched it (sorry if you're reading this buddy...you definitely did something to it) and now all it does is dim lights in patterns. Unideal for throwing the kind of light Troy wants.
Ok, so for those of you who have skipped this far down, what that last paragraph said was the the lights I was given were really old; to the point where they are now officially the oldest stage lights I have touched. The plugs were funny, and Aiden broke the thing that controls the brightness of the lights. You sense my frustration....o well, I guess this is what I signed up for and what I will be facing in the future if I design lights.
This week was the first time I went to the market for lunch. It was fantastic! I had a roast hog sandwich with lettuce and applesauce (not what the US is used to). The market is so FRESH. I think I will be trying new ethnic foods soon. And that is saying something. I can't wait to go back. Haha maybe I'll even try Asian food and fish...lol (not likely).
TTFN - Ta Ta For Now!
Total Hours: 15.5
On Tuesday I followed another actor on a tour. This time I followed Ian (getting annoyed with this no-last-name-thing). He had gentler approach to the children. He still made fun of them and maintained control, he seemed to be more understanding of their questions than Tom. One big difference in Ian's tour was that he had the kids "fire" a cannon, whereas Tom had them raise the anchor. It makes me wonder what the other actors do differently. I was however able to notice the similarities in the facts that the actors conveyed. I think I will be able to start on that script soon.
On Wednesday I started out helping Aiden to plane the wood on the foredeck. Talk about repetative...it was 2 hours of scraping back and forth, shaving off paper-thin strips of wood. We had to plane a 3 meter long board down 3 cm. We only got one meter of the board flush to the foredeck before Aiden called it quits. Then I really got to get my hands dirty...Troy told me to get out the lights and dimmer, and see what I could do to make them work. YES!! My light design class and theatrical prowess finally was getting put to work, and in only the 2nd week!
Ok, so for those of you who have skipped this far down, what that last paragraph said was the the lights I was given were really old; to the point where they are now officially the oldest stage lights I have touched. The plugs were funny, and Aiden broke the thing that controls the brightness of the lights. You sense my frustration....o well, I guess this is what I signed up for and what I will be facing in the future if I design lights.
This week was the first time I went to the market for lunch. It was fantastic! I had a roast hog sandwich with lettuce and applesauce (not what the US is used to). The market is so FRESH. I think I will be trying new ethnic foods soon. And that is saying something. I can't wait to go back. Haha maybe I'll even try Asian food and fish...lol (not likely).
TTFN - Ta Ta For Now!
Tuesday, 29 January 2013
Internship
I suppose I should start with a little bit of background in case (by some act of the divine) someone other than Jen or Mark happens to stumble upon this blog. My name is Griffin Hammel and I am studying abroad in London. That being said, in addition to taking classes, I have an internship at a local living history museum dedicated to educating the world about the adventures and time of Sir Frances Drake and the Tudor maritime period (appx. 1485 to 1603) called "The Golden Hinde" (pronounced h-eye-nd).
This blog will be a sort of "online diary" for me, logging not only what I have done day to day (hopefully), but also my thoughts and experiences within and about the British workforce. If there is any thought I have pondered or question I have asked that one wishes to comment on or answer, by all means feel free. Be prepared...you are about to enter the mind of Griffin Hammel.
"All passengers, please fasten your seat belts at this time and keep hands, feet, and small children inside the car for the duration of the ride. Warning: there may be graphic content. If you have a history of high blood pressure, fainting, heart attack, stroke, or pregnancy, you may wish to exit now. For your convenience, the exit has been placed at the in the top right-hand corner of the ride. This adventure is not for the squeamish or faint of heart.
Still here? Marvelous. Those of you who remain in your seats should be either congratulated for your bravery or chastised for your stupidity. Last chance to exit...no? Well then, welcome to my Mind. Here we go in 3...2...Go!!"
Internship: Golden Hinde - Day One, 1/29/13
I call it "day one" because this was my first day of actually doing something. I had a meeting with Troy Richards, the GM of Golden Hinde Trust, ( the company that now runs and maintains the Golden Hinde II, but more on that later) and his lovely PA, Carol Roy, a week ago. Troy showed Morgan and I around the ship and explained a brief, summarized history of the Tudor period, Drake, and the Golden Hinde I & II. He also went over what our internships would entail and what he wants us to take with us when we have departed.
But today was the first day of actually getting to feel like a crew member. The day started slow with a very long bus ride. What Jen told us would be a 30 minute journey, was actually an hour. We arrived with enough time to hang up our coats before we got to work. What have we learned Griffin? Plan for at least double the time you think it will take. Traffic was a nightmare, and it doesn't help that we stop virtually every 10 feet. And the top of the buses are incredibly warm! The windows fogged up! But after waiting and roasting I finally arrived.
No sooner had I hung my coat up, in walks Aiden. Aiden (and that is all I know him by because no body uses last names apparently) is the guy in charge of ship maintenance and whom I will be working with for a while. He comes into the office and announces that he is going to check on the "Gate" (turns out that is the dam, and the only thing, between a high-rising Thames (said Tems) and the Golden Hinde II being washed out to sea...a.k.a. pretty damn important) and will be back.
It is at this time that Carol, once again, offers Morgan and I something to drink. This is probably the 5th time in the two days that we have known her that Carol has offered. I feel really bad because of those 5 times, none have been when I am thirsty so I have turned her down and I don't know if that is considered rude. And that is the last thing you want to be to the person who could possibly provide your lunch, if not someday employ you (you read right). So, after once again discouraging her, I chimed in with Mark's suggestion: I offered to learn how to make tea, and then make her a cuppa. Bingo! This seemed to bring her out of her funk. She got really excited and showed us to the kitchen.
Now, our first day here, Mark told us that this was a very kind gesture, and it is. Offering to do something for someone else is just being a good person. He also said that we needed to learn to make, for lack a better description, British tea. Here's the thing: Mark made it seem like there was some complicated method to making this tea. So I pictured a place with beakers, heating elements, and temperature controlled cabinets containing this precious material that has the addiction power of Opium. Tea in England is not that difficult. There is no mathematical equation, you literally make it the same way as the States. Now, that's not to say that the tea product (the stuff and overall quality of what's in those bags) is not different than in the US. But it's virtually the same method: Put tea bag in cup, pour hot water, put in a splash of milk (your work place will probably have the milk they prefer), add sugar (I have found that a heap-full of a small spoon = about a "lump"), stir and let simmer depending on how strong the recipient wants it. Please correct me if I am incorrect upon this method. Now those of you in the US, replace the milk with honey....sound familiar?
Yes, so after managing to make tea, I was sent up to the ship and given the task of hammering in clips to hold electrical wires out of sight and take out any nails or clips that were not in current use. Once completing that task, I shadowed one of the tour guides as he took a group of small children through a "maritime tour". It was Tom (once again no last names...), the Actor Coordinator. He was bloody brilliant! I also confirmed that the British are far more critical and perhaps subversive with their youth. He was in character and ordering the children to "shut their stupid, fat faces" and when he asked if anyone knew what the phrase "deficate in their britches" meant, he said to the young girl that answered "You are correct! I thought you might know that question because when I saw you come aboard, I said to myself that one's a pooper!" What amazed me however, was not the children laughing uncontrollably at his foolish, yet disciplined manerisms or insults, but the teachers accompanying the children that just let him go. Not one of the 4 teachers even flinched when he insulted the children.They were even laughing with him! I'm fairly certain that you would never find this sort of thing in the US, a living history museum where the guide insults schoolchildren. These kids were 8 years old, being told to "shut their faces".
That moment was an eye-opening part of my day for sure. In one of my classes last term, Children's Theatre, we discussed some of the educational differences within theatre and life in general for children of the UK and children of the US. It was fascinating to actually see it happen.
The rest of my day was fairly routine you could say, except for one small difference. And, once more, I had been warned about this change in thinking but it's very different to actually see it happen. In the span of two hours, Patrick (Aiden's assistant, who actually is a ship wright) and I cut and shaped an 18 in. board. Two hours it took us, and we had tea in that time. Patrick explained that when you fit in the board, you then must stuff the edges with pine wood shreds and then smear boiling pitch over edges to seal it and make the board water-tight. Instead of working straight through to quitting time, we had tea after fitting the board.
I come from an environment where you need to finish a job before you take a break. It's just what's expected. So stopping in the middle just felt wrong. I can't even imagine what Susie (or Barb for that matter) would do if they found Ethan and I just sitting around chatting and drinking a soda with only half a stall cleaned. But we will start back up with it tomorrow. Mark and Jen weren't kidding when they said the Brits concern themselves with quality, not quantity. And that it would feel strange to some of us. I blame the Iowa work ethic.
To be continued...
This blog will be a sort of "online diary" for me, logging not only what I have done day to day (hopefully), but also my thoughts and experiences within and about the British workforce. If there is any thought I have pondered or question I have asked that one wishes to comment on or answer, by all means feel free. Be prepared...you are about to enter the mind of Griffin Hammel.
"All passengers, please fasten your seat belts at this time and keep hands, feet, and small children inside the car for the duration of the ride. Warning: there may be graphic content. If you have a history of high blood pressure, fainting, heart attack, stroke, or pregnancy, you may wish to exit now. For your convenience, the exit has been placed at the in the top right-hand corner of the ride. This adventure is not for the squeamish or faint of heart.
Still here? Marvelous. Those of you who remain in your seats should be either congratulated for your bravery or chastised for your stupidity. Last chance to exit...no? Well then, welcome to my Mind. Here we go in 3...2...Go!!"
Internship: Golden Hinde - Day One, 1/29/13
I call it "day one" because this was my first day of actually doing something. I had a meeting with Troy Richards, the GM of Golden Hinde Trust, ( the company that now runs and maintains the Golden Hinde II, but more on that later) and his lovely PA, Carol Roy, a week ago. Troy showed Morgan and I around the ship and explained a brief, summarized history of the Tudor period, Drake, and the Golden Hinde I & II. He also went over what our internships would entail and what he wants us to take with us when we have departed.
But today was the first day of actually getting to feel like a crew member. The day started slow with a very long bus ride. What Jen told us would be a 30 minute journey, was actually an hour. We arrived with enough time to hang up our coats before we got to work. What have we learned Griffin? Plan for at least double the time you think it will take. Traffic was a nightmare, and it doesn't help that we stop virtually every 10 feet. And the top of the buses are incredibly warm! The windows fogged up! But after waiting and roasting I finally arrived.
No sooner had I hung my coat up, in walks Aiden. Aiden (and that is all I know him by because no body uses last names apparently) is the guy in charge of ship maintenance and whom I will be working with for a while. He comes into the office and announces that he is going to check on the "Gate" (turns out that is the dam, and the only thing, between a high-rising Thames (said Tems) and the Golden Hinde II being washed out to sea...a.k.a. pretty damn important) and will be back.
It is at this time that Carol, once again, offers Morgan and I something to drink. This is probably the 5th time in the two days that we have known her that Carol has offered. I feel really bad because of those 5 times, none have been when I am thirsty so I have turned her down and I don't know if that is considered rude. And that is the last thing you want to be to the person who could possibly provide your lunch, if not someday employ you (you read right). So, after once again discouraging her, I chimed in with Mark's suggestion: I offered to learn how to make tea, and then make her a cuppa. Bingo! This seemed to bring her out of her funk. She got really excited and showed us to the kitchen.
Now, our first day here, Mark told us that this was a very kind gesture, and it is. Offering to do something for someone else is just being a good person. He also said that we needed to learn to make, for lack a better description, British tea. Here's the thing: Mark made it seem like there was some complicated method to making this tea. So I pictured a place with beakers, heating elements, and temperature controlled cabinets containing this precious material that has the addiction power of Opium. Tea in England is not that difficult. There is no mathematical equation, you literally make it the same way as the States. Now, that's not to say that the tea product (the stuff and overall quality of what's in those bags) is not different than in the US. But it's virtually the same method: Put tea bag in cup, pour hot water, put in a splash of milk (your work place will probably have the milk they prefer), add sugar (I have found that a heap-full of a small spoon = about a "lump"), stir and let simmer depending on how strong the recipient wants it. Please correct me if I am incorrect upon this method. Now those of you in the US, replace the milk with honey....sound familiar?
Yes, so after managing to make tea, I was sent up to the ship and given the task of hammering in clips to hold electrical wires out of sight and take out any nails or clips that were not in current use. Once completing that task, I shadowed one of the tour guides as he took a group of small children through a "maritime tour". It was Tom (once again no last names...), the Actor Coordinator. He was bloody brilliant! I also confirmed that the British are far more critical and perhaps subversive with their youth. He was in character and ordering the children to "shut their stupid, fat faces" and when he asked if anyone knew what the phrase "deficate in their britches" meant, he said to the young girl that answered "You are correct! I thought you might know that question because when I saw you come aboard, I said to myself that one's a pooper!" What amazed me however, was not the children laughing uncontrollably at his foolish, yet disciplined manerisms or insults, but the teachers accompanying the children that just let him go. Not one of the 4 teachers even flinched when he insulted the children.They were even laughing with him! I'm fairly certain that you would never find this sort of thing in the US, a living history museum where the guide insults schoolchildren. These kids were 8 years old, being told to "shut their faces".
That moment was an eye-opening part of my day for sure. In one of my classes last term, Children's Theatre, we discussed some of the educational differences within theatre and life in general for children of the UK and children of the US. It was fascinating to actually see it happen.
The rest of my day was fairly routine you could say, except for one small difference. And, once more, I had been warned about this change in thinking but it's very different to actually see it happen. In the span of two hours, Patrick (Aiden's assistant, who actually is a ship wright) and I cut and shaped an 18 in. board. Two hours it took us, and we had tea in that time. Patrick explained that when you fit in the board, you then must stuff the edges with pine wood shreds and then smear boiling pitch over edges to seal it and make the board water-tight. Instead of working straight through to quitting time, we had tea after fitting the board.
I come from an environment where you need to finish a job before you take a break. It's just what's expected. So stopping in the middle just felt wrong. I can't even imagine what Susie (or Barb for that matter) would do if they found Ethan and I just sitting around chatting and drinking a soda with only half a stall cleaned. But we will start back up with it tomorrow. Mark and Jen weren't kidding when they said the Brits concern themselves with quality, not quantity. And that it would feel strange to some of us. I blame the Iowa work ethic.
To be continued...
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