The History Boys and Italy

Well hello again. I started the day off by going to Senior Sem. We talked about the play we went to tonight The History Boys and spent a lot of the rest of the time talking about perception and how people view art forms and what affects how people view art forms. That was about it. Not super interesting and I was itching to leave just because I wanted to start getting ready.

After class, I ate lunch and just sat around reading some more books about Italy and not wanting to pack. It's funny how I sat in class wanting to leave and pack but when it came down to it, I didn't want to pack. Oh well. It was around 2:30 and the sun was out so I decided to go to Hyde Park and walk around the Serpentine, the big lake in the park. It was really pretty and there were a ton of people out. I took some pictures, trying to get used to my new camera (one of the other reasons why I wanted to go out and walk around). I'm not going to put any of the pictures up now because I need to finish packing and then I want to try and lay down a little bit before we leave (you will see why I said "lay down for a little bit" in the next paragraph). After walking around, I ate dinner and walked to the theater for the play. On the way, I passed a movie premiere for a movie with Uma Thurman and Colin Firth. I didn't get to see them, I had to get to the play.

I just got back from the play. Um, I thought it was pretty funny but a big part of it really made me uncomfortable. The play is about a bunch of boys who are trying to get into Oxford or Cambridge. They have two teachers, Hector and Irwin who teach them. (Not for young readers) Hector fondles one of the students each day after school when he drives them home on his motorcycle. He gets caught but soon after dies in a motorcycle crash. Before he gets caught, Irwin and one of the boys are like sort of in love but never do anything about it. The big question of the play though, is what do you teach kids in school? Stuff to pass tests or stuff they like. So I liked that aspect but the student teacher relationships made me very uncomfortable. Not because they were both guys, that really didn't bother me. But because that is just unacceptable. I mean, it really is. Like really really. So yeah. Interesting but I wouldn't want to see it again frankly.

OK so here's the plan. Vanessa and I are going to head out of our flats at around 3 am and walk to Victoria Coach Station. Its not far and only takes about 45 minutes (we did it for Edinburgh). We will get on a coach bus at 4:10 to get to Stansted Airport. The coach arrives at around 5:25 and our plane leaves at 6:30 for Venice. Then our trip really begins. Here's some of the important dates and where we are sleeping.

Flight from London to Venice: 2/14. Departs 6:30. Arrives 9:25. Flight number FR792
Feb. 14-16 Venice: Sleeping in a double room at Casa Gerotto & Calderan
Feb. 16-19 Florence: Sleeping in a hostel at Hostel Archi Rossi
Feb. 19-22 Rome: Sleeping in a hostel at Roma Inn
Flight from Rome to London: 2/22. Departs 22:05. Arrives 23:45. Flight number FR3015

I looked it up online and all three places we are staying at have free internet. I still don't plan on doing big posts or anything, something similar to what I did for Scotland, but the free internet will allow me to check my mail and stuff so if you feel like, continue sending e-mails letting me know how things are going with you and I will try to get back to you. Um, I guess that's all I have to say about the trip for now. I can't believe its already here. It felt like a really long ways away when we were planning it about a month ago. It will be super exciting and fun and I can't wait to go.

I will miss all of you a ton and try to get some sweet souvenirs! Have fun!

Bye!