Some Type of REALITY

Do we compromise ourselves?

Our bodies?

Our morals?

Our respect?

For an hour or so of companionship who was only interested in obtaining the object?

We placed first. Team USA looked impeccable. If only we held on to that during the finals.

Being at an actual Olympic event, watching your team do exceptionally well does something to you. It makes you swell wit pride even if you don’t really know the sport. I love watching gymnastics so it wasn’t a problem sitting down for the event but I never really knew all of the technicalities. 

Sitting in the stadium among fans from all over was overwhelming. For one, I had no idea that all of those events or apparatus’ were done simultaneously. At first, it was extremely hard to follow because you don’t know what exactly you want to focus your attention on. After awhile you’re able to follow and pay attention to almost everything. 

I do think that the horizontal bars are my favorite men’s wise and uneven bars for women though I do appreciate the strength needed for steel rings. Its quite hard to choose. 

If you weren’t in London you saw an edited version. Unfortunately. There are moments that were significant to this beautiful and well put together ceremony that was omitted for whatever purposes it served that country. Whatever the case may be, being here and experiencing the “real deal” in a sense has made me realize that my American eyes are very much sheltered without me knowing it. 

Sitting a traditional British pub surrounded by well British folks and people from all walks of life was an overwhelming experience. Enjoying the great pub food, a Stella and fabulous company was something I can’t trade for the world. Cheering for both Haiti and the USA was a memorable experience. There were a few snide remarks but they were made in good fun. Everyone was tolerant, there were light applause for every country as they marched and represented their respective countries.

The pub owner however was doing his best to destroy the experience. Lowering the sound after the procession was over and turning the television completely off right when Paul McCartney was in the midst of “Hey Jude” it was rough. Me and my friends still had an amazing time however. 

You can only live for these memories. 

Toast. Tea. Kanye West. Laundry. Bed.

How British of me. 

Visited the BBC or the British Broadcast Corporation and it was such an eye opener. It was like that reminder that I really do want to be a journalist. Though it may not be in broadcasting or even news, I know for a fact that I would be honored to be apart of such a company like the BBC. 

One thing I really love about the BBC is that they are really and truly held accountable since it isn’t owned by the government, the Queen or some megalomaniac. It is owned by the people. The people pay for their news to educate, entertain and inform them. 

Something surprising is that the journalists, not sure if it is all of them but probably a majority, attend BBC’s college for journalism. It is a program meant to give these journalists foundation and teach them the BBC way of reporting which is an impartial way of reporting. Very different from that of American papers since many are explicitly partisan. 

The way the UK celebrates its press, I don’t know, maybe a masters degree in journalism and probably planting roots in London may very well be a possibility in my very near future. 

I keep getting asked the same question: what type of school work are you doing?

• No there are no exams. 
• No midterm.
• No final.
• No papers.
• No weekly “homework assignments.”

Class consists of guest lecturers and various class field trips to see the city, see the different cultures and get treated to full meals (the best part in my opinion.) 

So what school work am I doing? Well, were getting graded on participation with the guest lecturers and optional excursions and also the biggie: two projects which consist of a blog and a photo essay. 

So yeah I am doing school work people but it isn’t anything strenuous. Definitely doesn’t feel like school but there is a grade involved. 

In London? Yeah it actually happens.

Who would’ve thought that I could actually be in a romper and sandals and feel the sun’s hot rays tan my skin? I thought that I wouldn’t see this at all actually. I mean we get peaks of the sun through the gray clouds but hardly anything serious. 

Maybe the Olympics is bringing good weather. 

Or maybe the Chinese are using their weather machines.

*dum dum dum*