FAST WEEK!

That was a fast, full, and fantastic week! I can now walk around Kingston without the use of GPS, although still working on determining which way is north, south, east, or west. Regardless, I am quite pleased that Kingston is now "home" and that I am comfortable wandering and engaging in the surroundings.

Since arriving I have shopped and wandered through many shops and eateries and interestingly have not encountered a lot of helpful or happy people. Most just want you to pay for your items and move on. Happily this past week I found some wonderful stores filled with happy employees. M&S is my new favorite grocery store (it also has clothes and such but I have not explored that portion of the store yet) The isles are wider and they have a much larger selection of food. The employees were so kind and helpful that I vowed that would be the only place I would shop for groceries. Right across from M&S is a health food store where I can get chia seeds, flax and cocoa etc. It made me so happy!! I find joy in simple things.... :). I have been in my flat for a week now. I have not posted pictures because it is taking some time to get it set up but I will post something soon. Amazon is alive and well in the UK and prime for students in the UK is free!

This past week for class we did a walking tour around Kingston to see what is happening to the area. Buildings that are being conserved and new building and what it replaced and why. Very interesting! There is so much to see within a short distance of campus and we only hit some highlights. Part of gearing up for our projects we need to determine 4-5 aspects and materials we want to focus on - this is challenging for me because there is so much I love about historic buildings - but I think I have narrowed it down. 1. Wooden Entry Doors 2. Stone Corbels 3. Plaster Work & Family Crests 4. Stone used in Water Areas - Moats & Fountains. The research should be cool especially including personal visits and such.

​PICTURES:
View from the top of the Town House building on campus.
Coronation Stone in Kingston said to date back to the first king of England
What to do with the old red phone boxes...
Alms housing that dates back to the 17th century. Beautiful homes still in use and still used for those in need.
The Thames....
I may need to try paddle boarding on the Thames...
A church I saw on my walk this morning. I really wish they all still rang their church bells.