Transportation Troubles, Friendly Faces, and Beautiful Bath

 Dearest readers,

Well, it's been a busy week! When last I wrote, I left you with the knowledge that I was looking forward to meeting up with a friend from Church the next day – which did not disappoint. 

Tuesday

Megan is an amazing American from California (and a Christian!) who I met at the Presbyterian Church I attended here in London. She has moved to London to work for the UK branch of her company, and as a fellow expatriate, she was generous enough to meet with me, share some advice, and just generally become a sweet support and encourager. Since I actually had something to look forward to, I was very, very productive at the British Library, actually revising and submitting not just one, but two articles to Word & Image and Victorian Studies, respectively. So I've got some things in the publication pipeline once again – here's to hoping they are received favorably. 

I'm also working on revising and submitting two more while I'm abroad. Wish me luck!

Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures with Megan (which I really regret). Suffice it to say, though, Tuesday was a lovely day, and I started to finally feel a bit more settled and upbeat about being in London.

Wednesday 

On Wednesday, I went to my appointment at the Prints and Drawings Room at the Tate Britain. The Prints and Drawings Room holds items that are not on display to the general public (such as J. M. W. Turner's sketchbooks and preparatory watercolors). Academics can make appointments to view these items so that they can photograph and write about items that are not on view. 

This was amazing! The two ladies at the Prints and Drawing Room were so helpful! Shoutout to Christine and Hannah! I saw some truly fascinating pieces and took a lot of notes. Below is a sample: 

After the Prints and Drawings Room, I went to view an exhibit at the Tate called "Fairy Round," which was absolutely perfect for me. 

I also saw some of my favorite pieces by the Pre-Raphaelites, including John Everett Millais' Ophelia, which always reminds me of my sister-in-law, Olivia. The model in this painting, Elizabeth Siddal, is known as the world's first supermodel. She was a model and muse for many of the Pre-Raphaelites, a talented painter in her own right, and the eventual wife of Dante Gabriel Rossetti!

Another favorite (this one is by Rossetti) called The Bride. If you look closely, you can read the words appended to the frame. They are from Song of Solomon.

I also was able to see the paintings by Joseph Highmore based on Pamela, a novel which most of my Rice friends know I really love! Lots of interesting intersections between Word & Image at the Tate!

I went and worked for a bit at the British Library, and then it was time to get some dinner. I was feeling a bit nostalgic, so I decided to go to a Mexican restaurant recommended by my friend Taylin, who said it was the only place that could make good tacos and margaritas that she had found in London. It was nice! But the coolest thing about that place was that I made another friend! Nadia is an American and a world traveler. She was sitting at the table next to me, and when she heard me talking to the waitress, she asked where I was from. I said "Texas" she said "St. Louis" and a friendship was born! I ended up joining her for dinner and we had a blast! 

Thursday

On Thursday, I went back to the British Library. This time, I went to the Manuscripts Reading Room, where you can read unpublished autograph works by authors. I read a crazy Victorian stage adaptation of Wilkie Collins' The Woman in White. Such fun! Here is an example of the author's handwriting. It was very fun to read, but at times the words were difficult to decipher, so it took a bit of work. That evening, I met another friend from Church (Claire) and had dinner, which was lovely! Bit of a nerve-wracking ride home since it was quite late and my tube station was inexplicably shut down! So I had to take some night buses home. But all's well that ends well, and it was, overall, a productive and enjoyable day!

Friday

Friday was crazy! I went back to the Manuscripts Reading Room to take a look at some other stage adaptations of Wilkie Collins' work, but was rudely interrupted when the British Library fire alarm went off! We ended up being evacuated and having to stay in the courtyard for awhile. I thought we were locked in the courtyard (see video below), but there was actually one entrance left unbarred. 

Since I did not have access to my backpack (we were told to leave without collecting our things), I couldn’t go home. So I went across the street to a pub and had a pint. I also made a friend! I recognized the girl sitting next to me from the Reading Room, and we ended up having a great conversation. She’s getting an MA in Philosophy from King’s College, London, she comes from a big family, and her father used to be a Baptist minister! So many things in common! It was really nice chatting with her!

After that, I went home for a bit. I ended up going back to the Queen’s (I spend a lot of time there; it’s one of the only restaurants open late in Primrose Hill). I had a burger (very nice!) and met a couple from Edinburgh (Charlie and Sheila) who gave me a lot of advice about my upcoming trip. We really clicked, and I ended up talking to them for about an hour. Sheila’s children are around my age and her daughter just moved to London, so we exchanged numbers so if her daughter needs a friend, she can reach out.

Saturday

Saturday, I got up early to head off to Bath, the town where Jane Austen spent several years of her life. In a magical turn of events, my new friend Nadia was also headed to Bath, so we ended up meeting up for lunch and a whirlwind tour of the city. We went to the Jane Austen Centre, to the Royal Crescent, had famous buns at Sally Lunn’s, and generally just explored and enjoyed Bath. I had such a great time, and learned a lot about the history and complexity of Bath. 

Sunday and today were also full of exploring Bath and the surrounding towns. If you follow my Instagram, you already know today has been quite busy! I don't have time at the moment to catch you up with those two days, but I will try to write again soon. Please leave me a comment, if you're still reading – and don't forget to sign so I know who you are. Cheers!

                                                                                                                                ~ Nina