I usually have students declaim some of the famous landmark poems at the landmarks. Some of what we read for today included: Louis MacNeice “London Rain,” William Wordsworth “Composed Upon Westminster Bridge 1802,” William Blake “London,” Robert Bridges “Trafalgar Square,” D. H. Lawrence “Hyde Park at Night, Before the War,” Amy Lowell “A London Thoroughfare at 2 am,” Brian Bilston “They’re Renovating Buckingham Palace,” Evie Shockley “London Bridge,” John Betjeman “Summoned by Bells at St. Paul’s," Theresa Lola “Flagship of Buzz,” and Patience Agabi “The London Eye.” I especially love how in the final poem there's a glimpse of Wordsworth writing "Westminster Bridge" and the shoutout to the older poem, down to the year 1802 cleverly reconfigured.
In line for tea at the cafe, a Canadian woman told me that she'd canceled her trip to the US and decided to travel to the UK instead. I completely understand. I also understand how kind people use these kinds of conversational gambits to suss out other people's positions and to offer consolation.
23 comments:
I think tourism will take quite a hit… I don’t blame others for choosing to go elsewhere! Voting with your dollars can be powerful. I’ve heard that the Danish people are boycotting Coke and their lack of spending on the product has been notable!
That is a clever way to suss someone out I think, if you want to know where they stand. Yeah, tourism is going to take a hit this year. I hope it has some effect.
I haven’t been to London since 1993, I think I’m overdue for a trip…
I'm with the Canadian woman. I'd visit Canada or the UK before traveling here too. Hopefully that will make an impact on people here. It's a very good way to find out what others think -- neutral, yet underlying it all, not. This sounds like a fun first day for your gang, especially for those who've never been there before (which is probably most or all of them). I like the poem idea. I need to look up a few of those myself!
Oh, Amy Lowell! Sigh.
I think so many people will have given up on us during This Reign Of Terror. Voting with their dollars, as Lisa so aptly put it. I feel ashamed, but I fight on as we all do, calling and writing congresspeople every day.
Ooh, this looks fun! And- it's probably super interesting to hear people's opinions of us outside the US. If I travel outside the US during these four years, I swear I'm going to wear a t shirt the whole time that says "I DIDN'T VOTE FOR HIM."
What a fun idea to read the poems at their sites. Must have been hard to choose.
I sure wouldn't come here if I wasn't already here.
That's me above.
The United States will not recover from this administration for generations, if ever. Such a sad state of affairs.
Lol, I am 100% that Canadian woman. It will be many years until I set foot in the US, believe you me. So you'll have to come visit me instead! It's to the point where my consumption purchases are a) Canadian, b) anywhere in the world that isn't the US, and c) the US. I only buy American if I absolutely can't get it from another source. We are planning a trip to Southeast Asia next January, and you know it's bad when I'm like "16 hour flight, that's not so bad" as opposed to going someplace closer. I like Steph's comment above. Anyway, I am sounding really strident here but you know what, I just cannot justify putting my money towards an administration that wants to take over my country.
Oh, I love the idea of having students read relevant poems at each landmark! What a fun way to see and connect with the city and its history.
I love your perspective on people making pointed comments to offer both information and commiseration. I feel so embarrassed for us all.
Students reading the poems, come ON, how awesome is that. We were at a storage locker place in Hamilton and talked a little bit about the election to the woman there and I suddenly realized I shouldn't assume we were on the same side. Fortunately it turned out we were.
What a mess! Worse when you think noen of this was necessary.
1993 is indeed a lifetime ago, J. Perhaps on your next Paris trip!
I like Canadian visitors... I wish it didn't have to be this way.
This is anecdotal, but most people seem to think we're not to blame as individuals. I think they can recognize Trumpers by their behavior. You have nothing to be ashamed about, Nance--you always give your best and do amazing work!
Or one of those FDT tees that J showcases!
Steph, Ha. That made me feel like a fool, because I chose to come to the US. :/
Engie--that's sobering, but you're right. Things won't magically transform in three years (even if we're lucky). Generations. Yikes.
This is 100% understandable, Nicole! I was looking froward to your visit, but it would be untenable on so many levels now. We'll all just have to come and visit you :)!
Commiseration! That's the word I was looking for!
Anyway, another part of the embarrassment is having to deal with people's *pity*
I'm glad you like that nerdy idea!!
Nice.
Thanks, Gillian!
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