Anytime Visit II: London Victoria & Albert Museum

Greetings from London! And I know I've had very little time to blog. I arrived in London on a train into King's Cross (and yes, we did see Platform 9 & 3/4!). We've seen a lot in the short time that we spent here but today I'm going to briefly cover one particular adventure. The Victoria & Albert Museum (more commonly referred to as the V&A). Founded in 1852, the V&A is one of the world's largest museum. The Victoria & Albert was named to honor Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Inerestingly enough it houses artifacts, pictures, and paintings from all ages, styles, and artists. Right as you walk in there is a large glass sculpture designed by Dale Patrick Chihuly - I believe the same guy who designed the Sunburst located in the MIA (Minneapolis Institute of Art). We originally were required to visit the V&A as a part of our HUM 312 requirements. We headed straight back to the 18th & 19th century paintings related to the English Expansion. However, after visiting the "required" portion of our trip, I got the chance to explore. One thing I did not know was tgat Britain has an incredible collection of history from all around the world. There are more than 145 galleries in the V&A with art from ancient Mesopotamia to Modern day. The gallery that I most enjoyed was that of the theatre. There were collections of costumes, props, play bills and advertisements, an entire section devited to William Shakespeare, model sets and more. There was also a gallery devoted to jewelry from around the world. Its set up was incredible and fascinating. Though I wish I could have spent a week exploring the entirety of the V&A, there was a lot to see in a Day and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has an appreciation for all things.

Any-time Visit I: Edinburgh - The Scottish Parliment

The Scottish Parliament. The source of major debate and controversy all over the great land of Scotland as it decides it's "fate" in September. To be independent or to remain one with England.

A little about the history of the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Parliament building. As early as 1235, Scotland has had some form of governance preceding over its country. This was once known as a "King's great council". There have been several instances in the past where Parliament has been dissolved, reinstated or shifted power. It's last dissolution being in 1707 when it signed the Treaty of Union with England and joined to become the United Kingdom or Great Britain. In 1979, a motion was made to re-establish the Scottish Assembly, and in 1999 the first Scottish Parliament was elected. The Scottish Parliament is located in Edinburgh, Scotland – at the bottom of the Royal Mile – and is in the capital city of Scotland. Constructed in 2004, the Scottish Parliament building was designed by Barcelona architects EMBT and their partners RMJM Scotland. It was officially opened on October 9th, 2004 in the presence of Her Majesty, the Queen.

The Scottish Parliament is perhaps the most important historical building to visit in Edinburgh because it is currently in the midst of one of the largest debates of its existence since its re-establishment. The possibility of independence from the United Kingdom. The people of Scotland, the “Scotsman” are a proud people. To many, the on-going argument about the possibility of independence is a very heated, passionate thing. To others, their choice is obvious. And to even fewer, the possibility will not change how the everyday world will function. The culture of Scotland is defined like every culture, by its people, its food, its society and traditions. The language, its history, and perhaps most importantly its government.

How does the site fit into your study and understanding of Europe
Because of its current upcoming Referendum to split with England, it is important to visit and reflect upon how the Scottish Parliament works in order to understand the importance of the decisions that they make in September. Already, Scotland is "Independent" in culture, healthcare, religion, and education from England. Understanding the government of the country visited is an important aspect of studying European culture. The thing that I feel I gained the most from this experience is discovering how Parliament works. I did this by talking and interacting with officials and also by observing an actual session of the Parliament during my trip there.

Other highlights included a lovely meal in the Café, wandering through a small exhibition about the history of parliament, taking the “long way” there (it was a lovely day however, so I did not mind –quite- as much), and admiring the unusual and “stylish” architecture of the building itself. I felt that this experience was satisfying and I hope that other Anytime Visits are just as interesting and informative as the Scottish Parliament of Edinburgh, Scotland.

Find out more by visiting: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/visitandlearn/9983.aspx

The Highlands & Isle of Skye

Scotland is split into two "parts" the Highlands and the Lowlands. The Lowlands are where Edinburgh and Dalkeith are located, in the Southern portion of Scotland and the Highlands in the north. It's basically a bunch of hills that were once mountains and some mountains that are fairly large and everything are hills. We went on a three-day tour through a company called MacBackpackers. You got on a bus with this super awesome bus driver named Neil who was wearing a kilt and then drove onward toward the Isle of Skye.

For those who don't know, the Isle of Skye is super, unbelievably gorgeous. We stayed there for two nights - and amongst many grumbles of we'd rather stay here (Good food, a Hostel just to ourselves, absolutely beautiful and it was WARM (where we are staying here it's freezing.), we headed back down south to return to Edinburgh. We hit many "stops" on our trip in three days. Here is a list. (I'm reading it off a picture so excuse the spelling!)

Day One:
1. Dunkeld
2. Drumochter
3. Clava Cairns
4. Cullooen
5. Loch Ness
6. Loch Cluanie
7. Eilean Donan Castle
8. Kyleakin

Day Two:
1. Sligachan
2. Carbost/Talisker Distillery
3. Loch Beacadale
4. Dun Broch
5. Portree
6. Faerie Glen
7. Duntulm Castle
8. Tobhta Uachdrach/An Stor
9. Kylaekin

Day Three:
1. Glen Shtel
2. Loch Garry
3. Commando Monument
4. Spean Bridge
5. Glencoe
6. Tynedrum
7. Doune Castle

For pictures, check out my Facebook page! (There are way to many to share here.)

Edinburgh Castle & The Royal Mile

Yesterday, the 31st of January, we did our first tour of Edinburgh, starting with the Castle and the Royal/Golden/It's really more than a mile....Mile. This images below are a couple of shots from the Castle (the panorama is from the entrance.) And of course a few shots from our adventures yesterday around town. We did an audio/wander around on your own tour of the Castle, which was freezing, but there are some cool parts of the castle to explore.




After the Castle we hit tackled the Royal Mile. It used to be the official road leading up to the Castle, but now it is a lot of shopping and food. After shopping, we wandered around the connecting streets and found some interesting little things, like a light-up and colorful version of the Terracotta Warriors in front of the University.

Arrival & Three Days In.

Hello all! It's been three days since I began my journey through Europe for the semester so it's probably about time for an update! Well, we arrived here on the 30th around noon our time (about six hours ahead than the rest of you in the states) and so far we've done a lot of walking, exploring, and "orientation" (because you know we haven't done enough of that in the last few months).



We are currently staying in Dalkeith, Scotland, just outside of Edinburgh. Here are a few pictures of where we are staying. Yes, it is a former (well, current) Palace that the Wisconsin in Scotland program is held each semester. It's held on I believe 400 acres of land and it's open to the public like a park.

Three days!

It does not seem like a month has passed and in only three days I'll be packed and ready to head out to our first destination, Edinburgh, Scotland. This semester I will be traveling abroad with the University of Wisconsin - River Falls International Traveling Classroom (ITC) Europe program. It is three months of non-stop action in seven cities and several opportunities for independent travel time. Wondering where I will be going?

Edinburgh, London, IRELAND! (Independent Travel Time with Kaley & Ashley!), Paris, Amsterdam, Freiburg, Verona & Vienna! Then Munich & Ravensburg with fiance Casey at the end of the semester.

Stay in touch for updates!