5 Countries in 4 Days

For those of you who aren't on Facebook, I will give you a brief update of my travels from the US to Europe:

My plane from Toledo to Chicago was early, but the plane at the gate before us had to be towed.  We were told it would be a 5 minute wait, but it was 20+.  Therefore, I missed my connection to Orlando.  Luckily, the American Airlines lady was able to get me on a direct flight from Chicago to London Heathrow.  The problem with this, though, is that my luggage had somehow made it onto the plane to Orlando, and would thus land at Gatwick the next morning, 2 hours later than I would arrive at Heathrow.

I didn't hear from AA until I made it to Germany Friday afternoon.  My luggage went back to Chicago, then was flown to Heathrow, where it will be waiting for me when I return in August.

Saturday, Herbert and I drove his new RV to Lago di Garda, Italy.  While Google maps said it would be a 5 hour trip, we ran into traffic...pretty much all the way there.  The return trip Tuesday made up for it with smooth sailing.

We visited Riva, Ledro, Lazise, and Bardolino.  Lazise still has the old city walls, surrounding the old buildings, shops, cafes, gelateria, and harbor.  Bardolino has a wine named after it, and a nice old part of town which is also, of course, right along the lake.

We swam in Ledro and Bardolino, as well as a lake in Germany when we made it back Tuesday...though that was a very short swim.  Actually more of a "walk" in my case.  Germany saw freezing temperatures in the mornings while we were basking in the Italian sun.

Also in Germany on Tuesday, we decided to see Neuschwanstein.  Unfortunately, most of the castle was wrapped up for repairs.  Instead, we went up the Tegelberg (a mountain) in a cable car, then hiked up a little farther on foot.  It was a perfect day to be up in the mountains...

Dinner was traditional German cuisine at the local eatery, paired with a hefeweizen from a nearby town.

Today, I am off to explore the town.  It's cloudy, but warm, so I will plant myself somewhere and draw.
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Wed - US; Thurs - UK; Fri - Germany; Sat - Austria, Italy
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Off I go!

One Way Ticket

As you surely know by now, I am finally returning to London. This time, though, it will be for at least one full year. This trip is not just a vacation. I will will be a student at the University of the Arts London's Camberwell College of Art working on a Foundation Diploma.

 You surely just thought to yourself, "What the heck does that mean?" Allow me to explain! In England, many Bachelor's Programmes are 3 years long. The FD serves as the 4th year, in short. It's required for first year students, or in my case, a student who has a degree of some sort, just not in art. The course is divided into 3 sections. Here they are explained, taken directly from the school's website:

 Part 1 The first part introduces those aspects of art and design practice, that together form a sound working methodology, enabling you to work independently and with confidence. In this intensive period of study, you will learn research skills, media and materials development, and you will enhance your ability to develop ideas. You will also learn how to evaluate your own working practices and outcomes. During this period of study you will also be introduced to a range of art and design specialisms which will support your choice of pathway. This will be delivered through studio projects, lectures, seminars, tutorials and gallery and museum visits.

 Part 2 The second stage of the course allows you to elect to study one of the pathways (art, design and communication), focusing on your interests, and abilities. You will explore your specialist interest in greater depth, and develop your skills of research and evaluation further. Your continued independent investigation of ideas, materials and media will be supported through tutorial advice. The pathways and specialist areas are as follows: Art - Painting, Sculpture, Drawing and Photography / Media. Communication - Graphics, Illustration and Digital Media. Design - 3D / Product / Interior, Theatre / Film / TV and Fashion / Textiles.

 Part 3 The final stage of the course allows you to write your own project proposal, and develop your personal ideas. The emphasis of this stage of the course is on independent study and development. This project culminates in a body of work that will form your final assessment, and the end of year exhibition.

 If you're interested in more details, here is the website with all the information about the course: http://www.camberwell.arts.ac.uk/courses/courses-by-level/foundation/foundation-art-and-design/

 As for my travel plans, they're quite hectic. I fly from Toledo tomorrow afternoon to Chicago to Orlando to London Gatwick, arriving at 9:15 AM UK time. Friday morning, I fly to Germany from Stansted north of London. I'll be around Germany until August 3rd when I head to the Netherlands. 8th/9th in Luxemburg, 9th/10th in Belgium, back to England via the Eurostar on the 10th.

 Please leave me comments on here as I post throughout the year! I'll be sure to share whatever artworks I may complete, share photos, etc...