The Holidays Are Here and Coming

So I keep telling myself, I really should blog, it's been almost a month. I thought it would be appropriate to blog now because tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I have some new news!

First of all, I have to totally admit that I just had a bit of a emotional break down. Since I have been here I have had moments of homesickness etc. But knowing that tomorrow is the first time ever being away from family on Thanksgiving hit me. I also got upset to be honest about the fact that my family hasn't been the same since my parent's divorce. A part of me wants to go back to being 8 years old, and having Thanksgiving dinner in our living room in Redondo Beach.

I want to take this time to personally acknowledge ( you better be reading this) my Mom ( Kim Camp), Dad ( Richard Camp), my twin sister ( Lauren Camp) and younger sister ( Claire Camp). I want to tell you that I love you very much and sometimes I guess you need to be all the way across the world to really say it. I am grateful for each of you for so many reasons and I believe no matter what has happened and what will happen we will always be family.

Just like Lauren and Claire will never stop dancing, and fighting over clothes.
Lauren will never stop annoying all of us with putting her stinky feet on the dashboard of cars.
Claire won't ever stop talking about eating pop tarts with Mia and meeting at that stupid trail.
 I will never stop singing, obsessing over chubby babies or believing in Peter Pan.
 Mom won't ever stop loving McDonalds french fries, singing, making lists, and talking in a Southern accent when she immediately arrives in North Carolina.
 Dad won't ever stop eating good food, watching Jeopardy, and wanting to trick us going down Advanced Ski Slopes.

Those memories and parts of us never go away and never fade..

The other big news, if you didn't know already is..... I am going to Italy and Spain over the Winter Break. I am going with my classmate/good friend Alyssa ( from Chicago) , she has family in Bari, which is in Southern Italy, look it up on a map!!

Right, so we are flying to Rome on December 21st, we then are going to stay in Rome for a couple/few days. From there we are probably going to use the Euro rail to get to Bari, and spend Christmas there with her family. I am expecting to gain about 10 pounds after all the Italian food I will be eating, hehehe. From there we are going to travel to Sicily and/ or Naples. And then head to Barcelona for New Years! I am still not sure about the end of the trip, who knows??

So back to London. I have defiantly found myself in a "set schedule" but also in some ways my week can be very different. This is really lame but I am going to make bullet points of what my life consists of.
- Babysitting for the 7 month old Henry. He is still adjusting to me, but I think we will be good friends. He likes it when I act like a puppy and basically make myself look like an idiot. He also has the chubbiest legs ever.
- I am still at my placement at Little Angel Puppet Theatre. I am learning a lot about the use of puppetry, storytelling with puppetry and how to actually make a puppet. I am also learning and helping with various Educational programs and events within the Company.

- I have class all day Friday and occasionally all day Saturday. We are still in Critical Context and Pedagogy Mode. We also have tons of opportunities to take workshops with people and companies making a living out of what we are studying.  I wrote a Mock Lesson Plan the other day, which was our first real big assignment.

 I wrote a lesson plan about teaching elementary school teachers the basics of improvisation. I explained that improv is a great way to start using drama in the classroom for communication and gets kids physically and mentally active. My long term objective was to use drama to tie in with their curriculum.
Improv is helpful as a tool for process drama. For example the students are asked to create a skit based off a historical event or a children's book, they won't always have a script, so they need to use improv skills.

The idea of using drama in a classroom setting, I believe might be an area I might write my thesis on or even choose as a career. I understand that a lot of applied theatre practitioners like working from project to project, but I want to at least try to have  a consistent place within a school system or a theatre company.

- I also ams still intently looking into a project that I want to run overseas in my third term. I am currently looking into teaching drama for a orphan organisation called " Flying Kites", which is located in Kenya. This application process,  has given me a real perspective that I truly do want to work with children in developing countries and that I really believe in the power of drama.

- I also have continued to attend a lot of shows! The shows I see defiantly range in content and age levels. I still get a real joy out of seeing shows geared to younger audiences, which is a good sign.

- I have gotten to know my classmates a lot better, and I am grateful for such a great community of people that have similar interests and desires in life. I look forward to having Thanksgiving meal with them!

- I still think my favorite part of London is visiting Kensington Gardens/ Hyde Park. This time of year it is absolutely gorgeous and brilliant.

London Horizon Expanding

I know, I know, I should be blogging more... Well you might be thinking that.  I have been thinking in the back of my head the last 2 weeks, that I should start blogging my adventures before it gets to be December..

Anyway, a lot has happened since I last wrote. First of all, like at home I am now babysitting, or as they put it in London, "child minding." Two of the jobs I got because they were clients of my Dad! 

The first family consists of a five year old girl and a ten year old boy! They live in West Hampstead, which is super close to my school! The first time I sat for them we watched, " Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe" which reminded me of when I put that production with my cousins! To get to the point, I really like these kids, and they are both are intelligent and creative! I am hoping to maybe even try to be a guest drama teacher at their school. They go to a private international school! 

The second family, has a little girl, that will be 2 years old in June. They live off Kings Cross, near the water! The one fat that cracks me up about this kid, is that she looked at my toy Peter Pan, and kept saying: " Daddy? Daddy!" Her mom observed this and told her husband on the phone: " How do you feel about your daughter thinking you look like Peter Pan?" I then responded with: " I have a Peter Pan costume, I think if I wore it.. that might confuse her more..." Another British term I am learning, which I sort of new already, instead of stroller, it's called a pram. 

The third family, lives off Angel Station, and has a 7 month old boy, named Henry! I don't know how this happens, but little baby boys always end up popping up in my life! I am starting to sit for him tomorrow! 

So another big piece of news, is that I started my first placement!  Half of my education at Central is interning at Theatre Companies in London. It is at the Little Angel Theatre, in Islington. It's specifically a a puppet theatre. There mission statement is:

The Little Angel Theatre is committed to working with children, young people, adults and families, both through schools, at the theatre and in the local community.

  We are developing innovative projects to improve access to our work, offer opportunities for participation, and stimulate learning and creativity for all using puppetry.

I will be there Tuesday 7-10 pm, Thursdays 11-6 pm, and Saturday's 9-1:15 pm. 

I am continuing to explore London. I am really loving North London in general, the East and West Sides! 

I was at Brick Lane today, a huge market with tons of ethnic food and clothes! I bought a cute shirt with a map on it.... I have this thing about maps. I also got a chicken satay wrap and amazing fried doughnuts.

In terms of school, we are still getting a better idea of what Applied Theatre looks like, and what our year looks like. More and more I realise that I think I would be interested in being a drama specialist within a school system, or for at least sometime in my career.  I also might totally change my mind and realise I would like to work for a theatre company. I know that my Mom has passed me the "teaching gene" and my Dad the "creative director" gene which I need to use!!! I also am really excited but unsure about our third term of school. We have 4 terms... In our third term we have a lot of options of what we can do. We can take 2 courses at school, do a placement at a company, and/or conduct a project in London or really anywhere in the world. But.... to get funding to do a project say in China, your plan of actions has to be approved by this Board. I instinctively thought I want to work in orphanages somewhere in the word.. I don't know where or what exactly I will do with drama, but that's what I want to do. So my next step is to really wrap my brain around that..

Lastly, I have started to see some theatre in London!  I saw the production " Lost in Found" at the Polka Theatre, which is based off the children's book by Oliver Jeffers.  Even though this play was geared towards 3-5 year olds, it brought me to tears. And I don't cry about everything!!! It defiantly was this moment of, this is what I want to do... Bring theatre to children and let them experience it and interact with it.

Polka Theatre

South Kensington Area 

 In front of the Globe 

My new friend Kevin! 

 One of favorite places to browse antiques and vintage clothes. 

Classmate and friend Alyssa!

And lastly, lastly.. I have realised that I am already missing In & Out and I actually really miss Berkeley!!! I also miss my talks with Dena in the kitchen at random hours of the day...

Cheers, I miss you dearly... I know it sound cheesy but it's true!

Finally Started School

Wow, the day has finally come. The reason why I am actually here in London, has arrived. So I met my whole MA Applied Theatre Group. It is a very lovely and diverse group. There are a large amount of them from the UK. There were also people from; Hong Kong, Japan, etc. What got me really excited was seeing the woman I actually interviewed with in San Francisco at the school!! It felt like I was seeing a long lost friend. Her name is Jamie and she's actually from Utah. We got a overview of our program, got officially registered,  got your picture taken for our very down school badges,  and learned about using the school portal etc.

At this time I feel excited but but scared about my program. The mind blowing fact about my masters is that I really have control of how much I want to get out of it. For example we get to have placements with professional theatre groups. We get to decide ( within reason) how many times a week we want to be at the theatre company and how much involvement we went to have directly there. My biggest fear is, how do I use my gifts and previous experience, HERE AND NOW in London.

I know that this year is going to go fast and I will regret it if I don't just go for it! I need to remember that I am here for a reason and I have a gift with children and theatre, and be proud and smart about it!

I was also talking to my roommate Carrie, and I have to figure out what kind of life style/ schedule works for me. If I feel like I am getting really overwhelmed in our area and school, then maybe I need to take a afternoon to go explore other parts of London.

 I am looking forward to making new friendships in my program and pushing myself academically and artistically.

I would love to hear from you all, through snail mail. Hint Hint.  If you still don't have my address let me know!

My school! 

 Me of front of the Palace gates. 

Had a formal tea time at a hotel

My first to the Palace....

I would pray for me still adjusting to school and my life here away from my home.  Oh some positive and random thoughts, my new favourite shows over here are " Gavin and Stacey" and "Downton Abbey."  The first is a great romantic comedy and the latter is sort of like Gosford Park, but with Maggie Smith. I also found this amazing book in a second hand bookstore, that has different stories, poems, excerpts about the different Tube stations/lines, it's so cool! Any who I love you all!!!!!

Really settling down in London

Well the hustle and bustle has defiantly died down. My life has become a lot calmer but will get crazy again once school starts. I seem to have a good routine going. Lately I have woken up and done a pleasant walk down Church Street ( the cool hip street) and keep going till I hit this nice park. It's good to know that no matter where I am in the world, I still LOVE going on long walks with my music! I also have gotten into the habit of drinking lots of tea while studying! It feels very British of me. I sometime get overwhelmed with all the reading I have to do, but that is why I have nice roommates to chat with and a whole city to explore.

Something very random and fun the other day, was being part of a potential 7UP commercial. My friend who is a talented filmmaker is taking part in a Ireland competition. It was shot on the Southbank, right near the London Eye and across from Big Ben! The main plot was a singer/street performer sees this girl holding a 7UP bottle while playing, so he starts singing the 7UP jingle. I was part of the crowd and ended up harmonizing with him! It was quite fun!

 I am also looking forward to using one my roommates discount Group On coupons. We will be having tea and pastries at a 5 star hotel, for 6 pounds!

i was feeling a little homesick and discouraged. I think it was really hitting me that I am here for the long haul and I am not used to sitting around reading all the time. I think things will get better once I start going to class, interning at theatre companies and babysitting for some families.

I am overall doing splendid and miss everyone from the States a bunch!
I will leave you with this funny story. I was at the National Gallery with my roommate Lauren, and we saw a group of young elementary students sitting in front of a portrait of Henry the 8. The tour guide was reciting a poem with them about him. It was a poem talking about him chopping off the heads of all of his wives!!!!! I was shocked and thought it was hilarious. An American child would have never known that poem and probably would've been inappropriate. I thought it was fascinating.

I am also attaching photos of my walks in the park, the commercial shoot and my new home/area!

Not living out a suitcase party!

Hello All! 

 I can finally say through many toils and troubles, I actually have a place to call my own, an address! I will not post my actual address on here, for security sake, but if you would like it feel free to email me ( howardjohnsons@yahoo.com) or ask on facebook. 

 I can say that I live in the town of Stoke Newington, which is in North/East London, between Islington and Hackney, Zone 2.  I actually live in a Victorian Home! My roommates are Lauren,  the girl I have been with since my arrival at the airport, this girl named Kari ( also American,  I am meeting her tomorrow, and our land lady named Milly. She is a wonderful older woman, who's heritage is Jamaican, but she was raised in England, so more importantly she has still has a British Accent. She just told me she was about to take out the rubbish, the trash! I technically live on the second floor, and its a tinier room than the others, and I LOVE IT. I will post pictures, once I have it set up! 

 The area I live in is very diverse, and actually has a lot of Turkish restaurants around! There is also Church Street nearby, that is known for vintage stores, used book stores, and the best curry in London, DO I NEED TO SAY MORE? 

I have to admit, that the past 6 days here have been stressful and exhausting, but I am truly very happy to be here. I like being in a new place because I can look at life in a new perspective. The city of London has so much diversity, beauty, culture and history. 

My roommate and I took a tourist day, yesterday and went EVERYWHERE: Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Big Ben, Oxford Street,  Leicester Square, The London Eye, The National Theatre, National Portrait Gallery, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens ( Peter Pan Statue!!!!) 

Whoooooooo, it was fun.Within the past 6 days we stayed at two different hotels. Our second hotel was above a pub! I was excited about this because I had been going to the Mayflower Pub in San Rafael, CA but now I was actually living above a true BRITISH Pub! 

I am getting used to the tube stations, the currency, and the lingo! 

I have to say that I love that Brits always say, "Cheers." For example, this woman dropped some change on the ground, and Lauren ( roommate) handed it to her, and she responded, "Cheers." I also am already starting to say Brilliant a lot. 

Well my laptop is about to die, so here from me soon! 

CHEERS, and love to all. 

I am here!

Well,
 I somehow made it! I have to say it was physically exhausting to pull around 3 suitcases! I will be sore for the next few days. Anywho, I am currently at the Langland Hotel, in Central London, Bloomsbury to be exact. I am already in awe of how beautiful and regal this city is! I have already purchased a phone, but I don't think any of you will be able to contact me..  but here is my number just in case.. 07580315565
I have also already purchased postcards and stamps, so be ready for me!

I just wanted to let everyone know I have made it here safely. I am also already really excited about being surrounded by British Accents. The flight attendant at the end of flight was passing around candies and said: " Madam would you like a sweet?" LOVE IT!  The one thing I still not crazy about is that they use the word "toilet" for restroom.. eww, hehe.

Other highlights so far, I already have used the tube, and getting used to paying with pounds! And will be eating a Traditional British Breakfast in the morning.
I love you all and hope to talk with you. Also I have a application on my itouch where I can text anyone in the U.S. for free! And again my skype name is : chelsealoveslondon

I am grateful to God that I am here safe, and with good company, my roommate Lauren Sale from North Carolina.  Cheers

Last 2 Days in America

Well Folks,

 My time in America is coming to a close. I leave from JFK Wednesday evening at 10:30 pm. I will be arriving at Hethrow Airport at 6:30 am. I am so grateful that my future roommate ( Lauren.. of course she has the same name as my twin sister) will be meeting me 25 minutes later in the same terminal!
From there my adventure begins. I will be staying in Central London at a the Langland Hotel for a few days. I am already going to view a flat on Thursday, and if it works out move in automatically!
As I have said before I will post my address as soon as I find it out!

 I have to give praise because my prayers about finances was already answered! My Grandparents were able to contribute money to my trip/schooling. I also received a bigger pay check from my summer work than I expected. This is proof that God listens to people's prays.

Sooo I know this is really cheesy but I have found the theme song of my journey, well at least I think it is. It's the song "Inner Smile" by Texas from the film Bend Beckham. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfzbVTQE3iw.  Go ahead listen to it, you know you want to!

Anyways,  it has been tough saying goodbye to people these past 2 months, but it's good to remind me of the people I love and care about so much. I was able to make a trip to New Hampshire and see my grandparents, here are some pictures from that trip.