The two first weeks in Philly has been totally incredible! I have met fantastic people, gained valuable knowledge and visited fascinating sights. However, I think it is my duty also to tell you about the less impressive parts of the stay.
Today we went to the Jersey Shore – that is the famous beaches of New Jersey, the American State with highest density of people. We were promised a beautiful beach with dolphins and tasty restaurants along the shore. We were told that plenty of Phillies (usually known as “Shoe bees” because they used to bring lunch in shoe boxes) drive three hours for spending a day there in the weekends.
After hearing all the beautiful descriptions of the shore, I thought we were going to have a peaceful day in pretty conditions. But I did really not get what I expected. Unfortunately the shore was a tacky and commercial village. It was a filled with plenty of bad restaurants, tacky amusement parks and huge masses of people swimming in dirty water; to sum up, a place with a great lack of charm. Perhaps my bad impression of Jersey Shore comes as a response to the fantastic day in New York – let us hope so. However, I recommend everyone to skip a visit to the east coast shore. America has several better things to offer you!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
I <3 NY
Aiaiaiaiai! What an incredible start to what I believe is going to be an incredible weekend!; yesterday we went to "the Big Apple"! We woke up early and got on a bus which drove us over from Pennsylvania, across the Delaware river, and New Jersey, and finally brought us to New York!
Our first stop was the United Nations, where we had a very informative guided tour. Mats and I even took a picture with the first Secretary-General of the United Nations - Trygve Lie! (Did you know he was Norwegian?) We also took a picture with Ban-Ki Moon. :) Sadly, neither being the actual person, but nevertheless both pictures should be up later, with many more!
Afterwards the group divided and conquered the rest of New York (with good reason too; had we tried to see New York as a group of 24 people I can guarantee we would have lost one or two!). All the groups went to see things which appealed to their interests. The list chosen from included: The Met, Ground Zero, Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square, Chinatown, Little Italy, Moma, Greenwich Village and much much more. All in all, it was definitely an experience!
Our first stop was the United Nations, where we had a very informative guided tour. Mats and I even took a picture with the first Secretary-General of the United Nations - Trygve Lie! (Did you know he was Norwegian?) We also took a picture with Ban-Ki Moon. :) Sadly, neither being the actual person, but nevertheless both pictures should be up later, with many more!
Afterwards the group divided and conquered the rest of New York (with good reason too; had we tried to see New York as a group of 24 people I can guarantee we would have lost one or two!). All the groups went to see things which appealed to their interests. The list chosen from included: The Met, Ground Zero, Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square, Chinatown, Little Italy, Moma, Greenwich Village and much much more. All in all, it was definitely an experience!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
In the steps of Rocky!
The days have been going by like minutes, and every day is filled with new and exciting experiences!
In the last couple of days we have done everything from shopping, visited the Constitution Center, seen the Philadelhia Art Museum and, perhaps the most special event of all, seen the legendary "Rocky" at our teacher's house. Even more special we ran the famous Rocky-steps at the Philadelphia Art Museum.
Otherwise we're living the life of the normal college student, eating at the cafeteria, going to the gym, studying, talking, Starbucks-ing! Life is good :)
Friday, July 17, 2009
The Free Library
Today we went out for our first field trip. After having a stress-free morning, we headed for the Free Library of Philadelphia, The library, which was founded by Dr. Pepper (not the one who founded the soft drink!) in the 1890ies, has become one of the symbols of Philadelphia. During the past decade, the library has expanded a lot, and, thanks to the Free Library system, Philadelphia is now the American city with highest density of libraries. On average, you will find a public library on every seventh block!
We went in for a guided tour, and luckily the guide was charismatic. As part of the institute we are attending speech classes four days a week. There we learn how to analyze speeches and learn tricks for improving our presentations skills. With that subject in our mind, it was apparent for many of us that the laughter was our guide’s special trick for getting attention. The man smiled and laughed all the time!
In the library, we were oriented about the library’s wide range of offers. Their current flagship project was called “One book, one Philadelphia”. From January to March they were going to promote reading and libraries by encouraging everyone in Philadelphia to read and discuss a single book. Therefore, they are spending several millions on plenty of commercials, seminar, stands and conferences to reach their target. Last year, “The Soloist”, which is a part of our program’s curriculum, was their book of choice, and the project turned out to be a great success. Moreover, we also got information about the civic engagement which takes place in the library. Among other things, some of the institute participants are teaching children in reading and math in the library as their volunteer work.
It was an interesting trip, and you should have a look on the pictures from today. They are coming soon!
Mats
We went in for a guided tour, and luckily the guide was charismatic. As part of the institute we are attending speech classes four days a week. There we learn how to analyze speeches and learn tricks for improving our presentations skills. With that subject in our mind, it was apparent for many of us that the laughter was our guide’s special trick for getting attention. The man smiled and laughed all the time!
In the library, we were oriented about the library’s wide range of offers. Their current flagship project was called “One book, one Philadelphia”. From January to March they were going to promote reading and libraries by encouraging everyone in Philadelphia to read and discuss a single book. Therefore, they are spending several millions on plenty of commercials, seminar, stands and conferences to reach their target. Last year, “The Soloist”, which is a part of our program’s curriculum, was their book of choice, and the project turned out to be a great success. Moreover, we also got information about the civic engagement which takes place in the library. Among other things, some of the institute participants are teaching children in reading and math in the library as their volunteer work.
It was an interesting trip, and you should have a look on the pictures from today. They are coming soon!
Mats
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Civic engagement
Today we started our civic engagement programs. All three of us were placed in different program; I had the pleasure of volunteering at the Caring Center with Laura, Charlotte, Alfonso, (fellow students) and we were joined by Liz (one of the mentors). The five of us, plus a volunteer from Drexel, were assigned to play with the children from Kindergarten up to about 2nd grade. When we arrived, they were outside playing, so we basically joined them in the playground, outside in the sunny weather. My favourite thing about the experience, was the fact that there was not a moment's hesitation from the children's side; they were so friendly! They pretty much immediately let us join in and play with them. Adults truly have a lot to learn from children. I honestly think that we, the volunteers, got more out of the experience than the children, but I am not complaining.
Some pictures! :)
Mario the dragon! - Mascot of Drexel uni.
Socializing with the locals...
Let it be noted that the doughnut buffet below was part of the breakfast selection!
Building where we have our classes...
Monday, July 13, 2009
First day in Philly!
Hello Norway (and anybody else who has found the time to read this blog)!
For those of you who simply happened to stumble upon this blog and have no idea how you got here, here is an idea of what you have stumbled upon:
I am one of six students from Norway, who were chosen to participate in Fulbright's summer institute for European students. This group of six was then split into two; three students (Knut, Olav, and Sara) were sent to Bentley University in Boston and three (Dipali, Mats, and myself, Rosilin) were sent to Drexel University in Philadelphia. All three of us arrived in Philadelphia yesterday evening, and although our bodies were six hours ahead of the "actual" time, we were able to find a new source of energy from our excitement; because yesterday, we were introduced to our fellow participants. 21 other students from the following countries of Europe: Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, France, United Kingdom, Spain, and Portugal. We socialized a little while but as you can guess the majority was jet-lagged and went to bed pretty early.
Next day, or rather, today was quite a different story (as you can probably tell from the fact that I am writing this so late). Our first day in Philadelphia was spent mainly getting to know one another, but also getting used to the city itself. Our group of 24 participants have been assigned 4 mentors who either study, or have studied here at Drexel university. The 4 of them showed us around campus and a bit off campus; but as our adventure has just begun we took it slow the first day.
The most memorable events of the day is probably our introduction to the American food, playing soccer with local students, volleyball with general locals, and socializing with one another. Most people have gone to bed now but we sat up pretty late talking to one another and killing each other (not literally of course, we played Mafia (if you don't know what that is, ask and I'll fill you in on the details)).
I think that's all I have to say about today, or at least it is all I can think of saying right now. If I think of anything else you can be sure that I will write up but until then - Good night. :)
P.S. We will be posting pictures as soon as possible!
For those of you who simply happened to stumble upon this blog and have no idea how you got here, here is an idea of what you have stumbled upon:
I am one of six students from Norway, who were chosen to participate in Fulbright's summer institute for European students. This group of six was then split into two; three students (Knut, Olav, and Sara) were sent to Bentley University in Boston and three (Dipali, Mats, and myself, Rosilin) were sent to Drexel University in Philadelphia. All three of us arrived in Philadelphia yesterday evening, and although our bodies were six hours ahead of the "actual" time, we were able to find a new source of energy from our excitement; because yesterday, we were introduced to our fellow participants. 21 other students from the following countries of Europe: Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, France, United Kingdom, Spain, and Portugal. We socialized a little while but as you can guess the majority was jet-lagged and went to bed pretty early.
Next day, or rather, today was quite a different story (as you can probably tell from the fact that I am writing this so late). Our first day in Philadelphia was spent mainly getting to know one another, but also getting used to the city itself. Our group of 24 participants have been assigned 4 mentors who either study, or have studied here at Drexel university. The 4 of them showed us around campus and a bit off campus; but as our adventure has just begun we took it slow the first day.
The most memorable events of the day is probably our introduction to the American food, playing soccer with local students, volleyball with general locals, and socializing with one another. Most people have gone to bed now but we sat up pretty late talking to one another and killing each other (not literally of course, we played Mafia (if you don't know what that is, ask and I'll fill you in on the details)).
I think that's all I have to say about today, or at least it is all I can think of saying right now. If I think of anything else you can be sure that I will write up but until then - Good night. :)
P.S. We will be posting pictures as soon as possible!
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