Big Tex to Big Ben

Leahna and I worked on our video together while in London and Fort Worth. We really wanted to bring our journey to life through this video, and we begin doing just that in the video by explaining some of the things in our life that would change as we entered this new country. We take our viewers along this journey through music, photos, videos, and some mildly comedic commentary. This city made us step outside of our comfort zones and explore uncharted territories. The stars are big and bright over Texas, and we can now say that they are just as big and bright in London.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjhUBTahbjI

I would have loved to interview real Londoner's for the film, if given more time. I think it would have been interesting to get their thoughts on the fact that we were coming to their home for a sort of self-discovery. I also would have liked to ask them where they might travel to find themselves. London is a city much like places in the United States; people of all races, ethnicities, religions, shapes, and sizes are living together in harmony. If I had been given more time, I would have made it a point to interview a large scope of people outside of our classroom.

Coming of Age as a Global Citizen

Interview of Immigrant: Museum of London

This snapshot is from an interview given to an immigrant who had migrated to London. She explained that she had to get used to living next to people that did not share her same customs or religion. I imagine that Anwar felt similarly while living in London; he acted as though he still lived in India.

A Couple from Notting Hill, 1967: Museum of London

This photo of an interracial couple illuminates the idea of mixing classes and ethnicities that Helen's father was both afraid of and irritated by. 

Tipu's' Tiger: Victoria and Albert Museum 

 This wooden creation, made for an Indian sultan, emulates many of the feelings that Indians had towards the Englishmen they encountered. I think this is how Anwar felt when people told him that his way of life and thinking, such as his thoughts on arranged marraige, should change now that he is in England.

Costumes from The Lion King: Victoria and Albert Museum 

 These are the costumes used in the theater performance of The Lion King. These costumes are over the top with embellishments, although the costumes may appear to be authentic. The costumes were made by the white set designers as their ideas and visions of Africa were birthed. In the novel, Karim is forced to wear a loin cloth and paint himself brown because he does not quite yet fit that particular costume designer's idea and vision for that production.

View of London: London Eye

The view of London from this particular spot allowed us to see many different parts of it at once. The view from this spot near the center of London gave the city the illusion of a million different possible directions to go. I imagine that Karim was filled with a similar sense of possibility upon moving into the city.