Author: Carrick Reider

Not the end we were expecting, but a fitting one no less.

At the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year I could not have believed the situation we would all find ourselves in at the moment, let alone returning to London for spring break. Although London remained one of my favorite places on earth and I would always jump at any chance to return, I simply did not have the funds to go again with graduate school on the horizon. However, by sheer luck and thanks to the gracious generosity of others, I found it possible to return. Upon arrival, in general, this time there was confidence in myself not as a tourist, but being a traveller. In being a traveller, I felt more assimilated to the cosmopolitan environment that surrounded me, where I was immersed in the way of life, rather than only paying my respects to basic sites. Yet, even the cultural sites that were revisited offered a new pleasurable opportunity to explore them further. Seeing them in an all new light and the new profound sense on me they had to offer, now that I had matured in being and knowledge in the past 2 years since I had visited.

Although this semester I was looking forward for all of the “last” memories to be made with old friends here at Ohio State, the new friendships I was able to discover on this trip before our time was cut short will hold a very special place in my heart, just as the city of London itself does. I am so thankful to have been able to return to London, and explore it one more time before who knows when any of us will be afforded the opportunity to return. Due to the generosity of others, I was given an unparalleled transformative experience as the capstone of my senior year, and although it was not expected as my senior year send-off, it certainly proved to be a memorable one.

Senior Portrait

Fun Times with New Friends 🙂

Window into the old Monarchy: The Tower of London

Today I am thankful that our group was fortunate enough to have received a tour of Westminster Abbey. From seeing the tombs of Queens Mary I and Elizabeth I, it was only a natural segue that for the museum we were able to venture to on our own was the Tower of London. Upon entering the establishment one immediately spots “Traitor’s Gate”, which Queen Elizabeth I herself passed through while under arrest by her half-sister Mary I. This entry point from the river comes to meet the first set of the Tower’s defenses as its path joins that of the pedestrian to being to pass through the multiple layers of inner fortifications of the Tower. This dense layering most definitely serves its purpose of intimidation upon the pedestrian even today as it proved to be an impenetrable labyrinth of walls we most certainly needed to be guided through. Upon entry into the main center of the Tower, it was incredible to enter the White Tower itself; serving as a fortress, palace, armory, etc. it was well apparent its significance at the literal and contextual core of London’s history. Across from the White Tower the Crown Jewels are housed. To be allowed to view these left me speechless. The items all showcase the deep, rich history of the United Kingdom as one of the world’s foremost empires in history from the sheer grandeur and global utilization of materials for the jewels themselves. I am most thankful to have been able to see them. On a more solemn note however, from the entrance of the Crown Jewels display one is able to gaze upon Tower Green. It is here numerous history shaping, albeit gruesome events took place. For example, Lady Jane Grey, Queen of 9 days before Mary I usurped her on throne, was beheaded here at just age 16; as well as Queen Katherine Howard, Henry VIII’s fifth wife, just at age 19. Most infamously though, it is also the location of Queen Anne Boleyn’s execution; mother of Queen Elizabeth I and the catalyst for England’s split from the Pope. Anne is buried underneath the floor of the adjacent chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula, and to witness the seemingly nondescript tomb of one of the most controversial women in all of history, was well worth the overall ticket price and free choice to visit the Tower of London today in my opinion.

Anne Boleyn’s floor grave marker in chapel

The White Tower

Interior Chapel of St. John

Blog 1 (B)

For our first day it was great to kick it off with a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. While here, to witness the architecture of Christopher Wren was breathtaking above the ground, however during exploring the entire site I ventured down to the crypt and found some equally inspiring architectural moments I wished to sketch. In this sketch I wished to capture 2 key elements. First, the vaulting structure of the supporting ceiling captured my attention. The way in which the vault itself meets the elements of the column displays an interesting juxtaposition from a streamlined architectural support system into a detailed one. Second, the shadows created by the light in the crypt I personally found to be extremely beautiful. Practicing shadowing in sketches is a keen interest of mine and I hoped this sketch would provide the opportunity to further explore and perfect my technique.

Specifically the area sketched in question was the central space in front of the back chapel altar

Carrick’s Pre-Departure

I couldn’t be more excited to finally be back in London. After spending the duration of the semester learning about the city and culture and sketching in class, it’s time for study abroad! We have all been taught well throughout the course of the semester and we should all know the map of London like the back of our hand and finally get to put our skills to the test. It is time to venture out into this global hub of culture ready to take the entire time in stride.

While I may be excited about having the opportunity to leave the country, I am also incredibly nervous to do so. Although I know in the back of my mind that everything is going to go smoothly on the trip, there is still the lingering threat of the corona virus. Thankfully OIA has prepared us well and I feel as though it will not hinder our London experience.

I am hoping that every student is as excited to experience something new as I did the first time in 2018. It is truly touching that I get to share my last college spring break with a group of all new friends with whom I can share and create lasting memories.

Carrick’s Bio

Hello everyone! My name is Carrick Reider and I am a Senior graduating in May with dual degrees in Architecture and Italian, with a minor in City & Regional Planning. I was born and raised in Upper Arlington, Ohio, along with my two older brothers just right across the Olentangy River west of OSU, and coincidentally right by Aimee’s house! My hobbies include playing the piano (especially Rachmaninoff), and am a self-proclaimed movie buff (and with it being Oscar season you can catch me at Gateway almost every other day). This is my 6th study abroad during my time at OSU, and second to London with Aimee (I went previously in 2018). That being said, I am fortunate enough to have travelled to Ireland 4 times, the UK 3 times, spent the last 2 summers in Italy, as well as have ventured to Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Croatia, Greece, Morocco, Nicaragua, Canada, and also went to Chile freshman year with Aimee. My Grandmother herself was a proud Anglophile, so going to London again after her passing away will be a sentimental experience for me. I am very much looking forward to returning on this study abroad and seeing all the changes to the city since I was there last, as well as re-experiencing everything this amazing metropolis has to offer. Here’s to a great trip and getting to know all of you before we embark to “The Big Smoke”!

Me in Italy this past summer

Please pardon the bags under my eyes and 5 o’clock shadow; happy Monday!