Go Learn

October 03-12, 2024
Double Occupancy: $5995 per person
Single Occupancy: $6450 per person
Airfare is not included.

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London on Stage: Overview

Being a Londoner has nothing to do with where you’re born. There are people who get off a jumbo jet at Heathrow, go through immigration waving any kind of passport, hop on the tube, and by the time the train’s pulled into Piccadilly Circus they’ve become a Londoner.”
— Ben Aaronovitch, Moon Over Soho

Go where we may--rest where we will.
Eternal London haunts us still.”
— Thomas Moore, excerpt from Rhymes on the Road

We invite you to join us for the October 2024 edition of London on Stage. We are putting the finishing touches on an itinerary of theatre productions and events calculated to astonish, delight, enlighten, and happify you. We can’t wait to share them with you!

"To Learn Gives the Liveliest Pleasure"

This quote from Aristotle’s Poetics is the premise of our London on Stage trips. Learning a little about each play, art exhibition, and historical site beforehand makes experiencing them all the more pleasurable. And it’s sheer pleasure to discuss them together afterwards. We’ll accomplish both in scheduled chats on most days—accompanied by tea, coffee, hot chocolate, etc.

"A Play There Is, My Lord"

Theatre is at the heart of London on Stage. We have selected four productions (plus one or two more we’re still working on) that separately promise rich emotional and intellectual rewards but taken together demonstrate the marvelous variety of London theatre. Of course, to experience a play properly you have to have great seats. No problem: great seats are our signature feature! You can read more about the plays we’ve arranged in the Itinerary section.

Here's the line-up so far.

Master adapter Robert Icke has written and directed a new, up-to-date version of OEDIPUS, the ancient Greek tragedy by Sophocles. It’s election night in Thebes…
Described as “a threnody of hope” when it premiered in 1953, WAITING FOR GODOT, Samuel Beckett’s masterpiece, defined man’s modern predicament brilliantly and pioneered a whole new kind of drama.
It’s a joyful education to see a Shakespeare play performed as it would have been when he was treading the boards and writing the lines. And the place to do that is Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on Bankside. So we’re going there to see one of his funniest plays, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS.
We’re going to a world premiere at London’s HQ for new plays, the Royal Court Theatre. GIANT, by Mark Rosenblatt, dramatizes a searing event in the life and career of Roald Dahl, the brilliant author of James and the Giant Peach and The Witches.

Other Tour Highlights

But wait, there’s more! We want to take full advantage of the best London has to offer during our precious 10-day stay. So when we’re not at plays, we’ll be visiting art exhibitions, taking exclusive just-for-us tours of cultural/historical sites, and having meals at amazing restaurants. (Don’t worry, there will still be plenty of free time for your own explorations.) Here are some highlights we’ve arranged so far (check out the Itinerary section for more details):

A private after-hours tour of Windsor Castle and St. George’s Chapel (where the Queen is interred)
Our own private walking tour of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Two major art exhibitions, Expressionists: Kandinsky, Münter, & the Blue Rider and Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers — plus a trip to the National Portrait Gallery
An exclusive private cheese-tasting event at renowned Neal’s Yard Dairy
An exclusive high-up-in-the-triforium tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral
Shopping at Portobello Road Market
A spirit-lifting wander through UNESCO World Heritage Site, Royal Botanical Gardens Kew, home of the biggest botanical glass house in the world
Meals at San Pietro, Brown’s, Portrait, Hawksmoor, The Swan, and Kahani restaurants— and choose-your-own-adventure Borough Market

Know Before You Go:

London on Stage is considered Level Two out of Three activity levels Go Learn journeys can reach. See more information regarding .

Traveling in a group is enriching and fun. It also requires consideration for everyone’s well-being and for reaching our daily goals in activities set forth in the itinerary. Before we begin our journey, we ask all participants to consider the activity level of each trip and question if it is something they feel they are able to do. The group’s ability to accomplish our itinerary is the priority for trip leaders and we understand and respect this promise. Due to differences in country-specific laws and regulations, many sites visited are not handicap accessible. Go Learn staff can talk to participants in person for assessment and to answer questions.

Level 1

At this level of a tour, trip participants will encounter up to three hours of activities. We may walk and stand for large portions of the lectures or excursions. Extensive breaks and adequate time to relax makes this our lowest activity level. Like all Go Learn adventures, active listening and participation is fundamental to learning and exploration. Participants will be responsible for transporting and handling their own luggage through cities and on and off of public transit.

Level 2

Level 2 requires more stamina for walking and standing. In the course of a day one can expect to reach and/or exceed 5 miles of walking, multiple stairs, and prolonged periods of standing. We will take breaks and a certain standard of comfort will be maintained. While the journey might stay in a hotel in one location, avoiding extensive travel, public transportation and exploring on foot will most likely be the main form of transportation. Participants will be responsible for transporting and handling their own luggage through cities and on and off of public transit. Happy exhaustion is part of this activity level.

Level 3

Extensive excursions and challenging terrain will be encountered at Level 3. Days with a number of hours on foot is the norm. At this activity level, we may embark on hikes, physically strenuous site visits, and distances reaching and exceeding 10 miles per day. We may be visiting remote locations, areas with poor infrastructure, wild animals, unsafe tap water, or extreme temperatures/weather. Elevators may not be available and you may be required to climb stairs with your luggage. Participants will be responsible for transporting and handling their own luggage through cities and on and off of public transit. Go Learn will always maintain safe and comfortable conditions, incorporate breaks, sometimes a day off, but this level is as strenuous as it is fun.

TO QUALIFY FOR THIS TRIP, YOU MUST BE ABLE TO WALK 4-5 MILES (approximately 10,000 steps) AND NEGOTIATE UP TO 100 STAIRS PER DAY.
We use public transportation (included in the price of the trip)—buses, the Tube, and railways—to get around. You must be able to board these independently, though we will always lead the way in group activities.

Daily Itinerary

Thursday, October 3: Many Meetings( 😀 )

We'll arrange your transportation from Heathrow Airport to The Rockwell, our charming boutique hotel in South Kensington, where complimentary breakfast is served every morning. After you're settled in, we'll go on a walking tour of our ‘hood, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, where various Windsors are our neighbors over at Kensington Palace, capped by a delicious Welcome Dinner at our local Italian eatery, San Pietro Restaurant. Early to bed will help us beat jetlag.

Hotel: The Rockwell
Meal: D

Friday, October 4: Let’s Get Expressionist

This morning our chats begin—either at a private room upstairs at the nearby King’s Head Pub, or at the Rockwell (either way, tea, coffee, or hot chocolate cheerfully dispensed). Our amazing artist and arts educator Kent Christensen will prepare us for the major exhibition we’re seeing on this day at the Tate Modern museum, Expressionists: Kandinsky, Münter, and the Blue Rider. Lunch will be at foodie heaven Borough Market. Evening? We’ll get back to you: we've got things brewing!

Hotel: The Rockwell
Meal: B

Saturday, October 5: Of Treasures and Lincolnshire Poacher

After our chat, we’ll begin this adventurous day at the world’s best street market. The Saturday-only Portobello Road Market has something for everyone. It’s famous for its antiques and vintage items, but it also features a superb collection of fashion, food, crafts, and books. Plus, you know, there’s a song about it in Bedknobs & Broomsticks, so… Then it’s off to Neal’s Yard, Britain’s finest cheesemonger, for a private tasting event featuring (wait for it) British cheeses of remarkable distinction and variety, paired with lots of other yummy eateries and…drinkeries. Evening? See above!

Hotel: The Rockwell
Meals: B, L

Sunday, October 6: God at the Tower of London

In the morning we’ll head to the Tower of London to feed our souls by attending a matins service at St. Peter ad Vincula, the Tower’s Chapel Royal, which features a truly world-class church choir. Nourished souls cry out to be accompanied by nourished bodies so, after the service, we’ll make our way to the nearby Four Seasons Hotel, where we’ll have Afternoon Tea in the Rotunda Bar & Lounge. Free evening.

Hotel: The Rockwell
Meals: B, L

Monday, October 7: Sunset at Windsor Castle

After a preparatory history chat, we’ll make the short journey to the royally delightful town of Windsor. Queen Elizabeth II once remarked that Buckingham Palace in London was her office, but Windsor Castle was her home. Our first event there will be a private tour of St. George’s Chapel, where Knights of the Garter are invested with their insignia and where the Queen has her final resting place. An early dinner featuring haute British cuisine at wonderful Brown’s restaurant on the Promenade will be followed by our own after-hours private tour of Windsor Castle: just us, our guide, and centuries of regal glamour.

Hotel: The Rockwell
Meals: B, D

Tuesday, October 8: High Altitude Classics

After our chat, we’re off to architect Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, St. Paul’s Cathedral. Been there before? Not like this. We’ve arranged a private exploration of parts generally unseen (but well worth seeing!) that will yield gasp-producing views from high up in the triforium. Free time afterwards, and then we’ll sample the National Portrait Gallery, looking at a few of what we’re calling “Eminent Portraits”—including a new painting by our own Kent Christensen! Dinner at Portrait, a restaurant at the top of the NPG. Our play this evening is Sophocles' iconic Oedipus, brilliantly brought up-to-date by master director Robert Icke. Mark Strong (The Imitation Game, Kingsman) stars as the troubled king.

Hotel: The Rockwell
Meals: B, D

Wednesday, October 9: Just a Genius Day

Can you have too much greatness in one day? We’re fixin’ to find out today. Kent will prepare us for the blockbuster exhibition at the National Gallery, Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers. Spend all the time you want there on this free afternoon. We’ll reconvene, starry-eyed, to go to dinner at Hawksmoor (known for steaks, but good at everything) and talk it all over. Then we’ll walk over to the Theatre Royal Haymarket to see Lucian Msamati (Ladies #1 Detective Agency, The Good Liar) and Ben Wishaw (Paddington, Skyfall) in the play that changed everything: Samuel Beckett’s epoch-defining Waiting for Godot.

Hotel: The Rockwell
Meals: B, D

Thursday, October 10: Doubling Up on Shakespeare

It’s all about the Sweet Swan of Avon today. We’ll start in the morning with a privately arranged visit to Middle Temple Hall, the Elizabethan masterpiece where Shakespeare himself performed. We’ve arranged for a regal room off the Hall for today’s chat. Then we’ll cross over to the heretofore seamy (in the Bard’s day), now trendy (in our day) side of the Thames for lunch at the Swan Restaurant, the perfect prandial preparation for our matinee of Shakespeare’s play about two sets of identical twins, The Comedy of Errors, at the Globe Theatre. Free evening.

Hotel: The Rockwell
Meals: B, L

Friday, October 11: Royal Gardens, Authorial Troubles

No autumn trip to London is complete without walking among the October colors at World Heritage Site Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. Take as long as you like strolling among trees that pre-date the American Revolution, visiting tropical Palm House and largest-in-the-world Temperate House, taking in the art at two galleries, visiting the lake, and on and on: 300 acres of highly oxygenated bliss. We’ll meet again to go to fantastic Indian food restaurant, Kahani, and then on to the world premiere of Giant at the Royal Court Theatre, starring John Lithgow (Killers of the Flower Moon, The Crown), about acclaimed children’s author Roald Dahl and the trouble he got into when he wrote an article. It’d directed by Nicholas Hytner, formerly Artistic Director at the Royal National Theatre.

Hotel: The Rockwell
Meals: B, D

Saturday, October 12: Many Partings( 😢 )

We’ll get you back to the airport—or wherever you’re going next—on time. I mean, if that’s what you really want.

Meal: B

Photos courtesy of Tim Slover & Jane England

Tour Leaders - Tim Slover and Jane England

Tim and Jane bring their expertise and enthusiasm to Go Learn from also directing the University of Utah's Beacons of Excellence Award-winning Theatre, Fine Arts and Humanities in London Learning Abroad student program—for fifteen years and still going strong.

Tim is a Professor in the Department of Theatre, where he teaches Playwriting, Dramatic Literature, Shakespeare, and Contemporary Drama. Tim is also a produced screenwriter, a published novelist, and an award-winning playwright with plays produced off-Broadway and in the US, Britain, and Canada.

Jane teaches Introduction to Theatre and Dramatic Literature in the Department of Theatre and administers London Learning Abroad programs for both the Theatre and English Departments. She attended the London School of Economics for post-graduate studies and, in addition to her many London and UK tours, has led travel programs in Bali and Japan.

If the logistics of a trip are right, travelers don't even notice them. That's my job."
— Jane

She does her job really, really well. Can we talk about the play now?"
— Tim

Replay Our Webinar with Tim and Jane

Art Specialist - Kent Christensen

Kent Christensen was born in Los Angeles in 1957 and grew up in the orange, lemon and avocado groves of Southern California, where he gained a fondness for orange crate labels, popular culture, and local fast food. Graduating from Art Center College of Design in 1986, he embarked upon a career as an illustrator in New York, where he lived for many years. His clients included TIME, BusinessWeek, Sports Illustrated, Rolling Stone and many others. More recently his work has been seen in gallery and museum shows in the U.S. and internationally, with representation since 2006 by London's gallery Eleven. Since 2014 he has collaborated with London shoe designer, Camilla Elphick. He now lives primarily at Sundance in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. He teaches at both the University of Utah and Utah Valley University.

Details and What to Expect

Pre-Departure

Like all Go Learn journeys, the adventure begins at home. We'll make sure you have all the information you need before you arrive in London—we'll answer questions about what to pack, how to get around, and our daily itinerary. We want you to arrive in London ready to learn!

A trip reunion about a month after returning will be the perfect conclusion to our journey. We will exchange pictures and stories while remembering the highlights of our tour. Go Learn expeditions are designed to be small, boutique experiences where one returns with a group of friends. Good food, drink, and company await us at this reunion.

About London

It’s hard to fit what London is into one sentence, but let's give it a shot: London is the capital of the United Kingdom (and hence has all the Washington D.C.-type buildings), and it also has hundreds of historical sites from a Roman temple to Jimi Hendrix's apartment, and it's also the biggest city in the European Union (8.5 million) with the most diverse population (270 nationalities and 300 languages—imagine what that means for restaurants, yum), and it’s also one of the world’s premier financial and commercial hubs (um, shopping), and it has the most museums in the world (173, with 11 of them national museums, and unlike other European cities, they're mostly FREE); it also has the most restaurants in the world (37,450), 5,000 acres of parks (8 of them Royal) and 214 theatres to which 14.2 million people flock each year (including us); plus it has fourteen football clubs, including 6 Premier League teams, is home to the tallest building in the UK (the Shard) and has hosted the Olympic Summer Games 3 times. Whew! But it isn't all about bigness and most-ness. London is also home to quiet nooks and curious crannies—truly an adventure around every corner.

Weather:

The temperature range in October is 50º-60º, and there is always a chance of rain. Bring a water-resistant jacket, water resistant shoes, warm clothing, and an umbrella to be ready for British weather. The best news: the London crowds will be reduced and we’ll get more of London to ourselves and the weather will still be lovely.

Activity levels and restrictions

In order to fully explore the sights on our itinerary, we will be walking every day. Most city walking is flat on paved surfaces. When visiting gardens, museums and churches, we may be walking long distances or standing on our feet for prolonged times. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes! Since we will be waking up early with jet lag, we often will start our days early and continue until sundown. Our exciting itinerary and daily learning adventures will keep you happily exhausted. This is an Activity Level 2 trip. Learn more about our .

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Dates
October 3 – 12, 2024

Size
Tour is limited to 20 participants

Cost
Double Occupancy: $5995 per person
Single Occupancy: $6450 per person
Payment options are available upon request. Contact golearn@utah.edu for information.
See for payment and cancellation details.

Deposits, Payments and Cancellations

A $250 deposit is required upon registration to hold space. The $250 deposit is fully refundable for cancellations occurring within 2 days after registration. After 2 days it is not refundable. A first payment of 50% of the total trip cost is due 31 days after the trip meets participant requirements. Go Learn will determine trip status no later than 120 days before departure.

Remaining payment is due 95 days before departure. Payment amounts and frequency of payments can be arranged on an individual basis. If registration for a program occurs at or within 95 days prior to departure, the entire program cost is due. Program price is based on rates in effect at the time the trip opens for enrollment and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges.

Payments are refundable up to 4 months prior to the departure date. We advise all travelers to subscribe to cancellation insurance within 15 days of booking the trip (see the insurance information below). Please contact us if you would like to arrange a special payment plan.

We reserve the right to cancel any trip because of inadequate enrollment that makes the trip economically infeasible to operate or because of good-faith concerns with respect to the safety, health, or welfare of the participants. If a program is canceled prior to departure, Go Learn will provide you with a full refund of monies paid to the University of Utah. If we cancel the trip in progress, you will receive a prorated refund based on the number of days not completed on the expedition. Participants are encouraged to purchase refundable airline tickets in case of trip cancellation. Airfare and any other costs incurred by participant beyond moneys paid to the University of Utah will not be refundable under any circumstance.

Passport Validation

Travelers’ passports must be valid six (6) months past the return date of the Go Learn experience. Travelers whose passports expire prior to those six months will be unable to board an international flight leaving the US.

Activity Level

Traveling in a group is enriching and fun. It also requires consideration for everyone’s well-being and for reaching our daily goals set forth in the itinerary. Before registering, we ask all participants to carefully consider the activity. Due to differences in country-specific laws and regulations, many sites visited are not handicap accessible. Go Learn staff can talk to participants in person for assessment and to answer questions. Participants will be responsible for transporting and handling their own luggage through cities and on and off of public transit.

Level 1 - At this level of a tour, trip participants will encounter up to three hours of activities. We may walk and stand for large portions of the lectures or excursions. Extensive breaks and adequate time to relax makes this our lowest activity level. Like all Go Learn adventures, active listening and participation is fundamental to learning and exploration.

Level 2 - Level 2 requires more stamina for walking and standing. In the course of a day one can expect to reach and/or exceed 5 miles of walking, multiple stairs, and prolonged periods of standing. We will take breaks and a certain standard of comfort will be maintained. While the journey might stay in a hotel in one location, avoiding extensive travel, public transportation and exploring on foot will most likely be the main form of transportation. Happy exhaustion is part of this activity level.

Level 3 - Extensive excursions and challenging terrain will be encountered at Level 3. Days with a number of hours on foot is the norm. At this activity level, we may embark on hikes, physically strenuous site visits, and distances reaching and exceeding 10 miles per day. We may be visiting remote locations, areas with poor infrastructure, wild animals, unsafe tap water, or extreme temperatures/weather. Elevators may not be available and you may be required to climb stairs with your luggage. Go Learn will always maintain safe and comfortable conditions, incorporate breaks, sometimes a day off, but this level is as strenuous as it is fun.

Insurance

On international trips, Go Learn provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy, CISI. We strongly recommend that you subscribe to optional baggage and trip-cancellation insurance.

Responsibility

Go Learn, University Connected Learning, and the University of Utah and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and ship arrangements and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motorcoach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. Baggage is carried at the owner's risk entirely. It is understood that the ship's ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the cruise company. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance. Neither Go Learn, University Connected Learning, or the University of Utah nor our operators accept liability for any carrier's cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect at the time the trip opens for enrollment and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability.

Included in Program Cost

Accommodations and meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner); pre-departure information; entrance fees, expeditions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary; all gratuities, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page; ground transportation during the program.

Not Included

Air transportation and related fees; activities noted as optional in the itinerary; passport and visa expenses; baggage/ cancellation insurance; personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages; and any other items not specifically noted as included.

Single/Shared Accommodations

A limited number of single rooms/cabins are available at an extra cost on a first-come, first-served basis. We will assist persons requesting a roommate. Participants will be notified if a suitable roommate is not available, in which case the single rate will be charged.

Itinerary Changes

The itineraries and staff presented in this catalog are subject to modification and change by Go Learn. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but alterations may still occur after final itineraries are sent.

Other

Other Terms and Conditions may apply to some expeditions and will be provided with pre-tour mailings. By registering for a Go Learn program, the participant agrees to the Responsibility statement and the Terms and Conditions herein.

Included

Pre-departure courses in history, theatre, culture, and tour logistics
Small group size to maximize learning, comfort, and flexibility
Two lead guides for the entire classroom experience and tour
9 nights' accommodation at comfortable and centrally-located hotels
Entrance fees of scheduled sightseeing
Day trip to Windsor including private tours of St George’s Chapel and Windsor Castle
Local guides and experts, including their fees and tips
Daily breakfast, as well as hand-picked culinary highlights for lunch or dinner
Transportation to and from daily destinations and activities
Comprehensive trip insurance, including sick and/or emergency evacuation insurance

Not included

Airfare to and from London
Meals that are not specifically noted in itinerary
Cancellation insurance
Any costs outside of the itinerary

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Contact information

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London on Stage
Go Learn

Stay Informed

Have a question?

London on Stage: Overview

Know Before You Go:

Daily Itinerary

Thursday, October 3: Many Meetings( 😀 )

Friday, October 4: Let’s Get Expressionist

Saturday, October 5: Of Treasures and Lincolnshire Poacher

Sunday, October 6: God at the Tower of London

Monday, October 7: Sunset at Windsor Castle

Tuesday, October 8: High Altitude Classics

Wednesday, October 9: Just a Genius Day

Thursday, October 10: Doubling Up on Shakespeare

Friday, October 11: Royal Gardens, Authorial Troubles

Saturday, October 12: Many Partings( 😢 )

Tour Leaders - Tim Slover and Jane England

Replay Our Webinar with Tim and Jane

Art Specialist - Kent Christensen

Details and What to Expect

London on Stage Go Learn

Stay Informed

Have a question?

London on Stage: Overview

Know Before You Go:

Go Learn Activity Levels

Daily Itinerary

Thursday, October 3: Many Meetings( 😀 )

Friday, October 4: Let’s Get Expressionist

Saturday, October 5: Of Treasures and Lincolnshire Poacher

Sunday, October 6: God at the Tower of London

Monday, October 7: Sunset at Windsor Castle

Tuesday, October 8: High Altitude Classics

Wednesday, October 9: Just a Genius Day

Thursday, October 10: Doubling Up on Shakespeare

Friday, October 11: Royal Gardens, Authorial Troubles

Saturday, October 12: Many Partings( 😢 )

Tour Leaders - Tim Slover and Jane England

Replay Our Webinar with Tim and Jane

Art Specialist - Kent Christensen

Details and What to Expect

Go Learn Activity Levels

Terms & Conditions

Deposits, Payments and Cancellations

Passport Validation

Activity Level

Insurance

Responsibility

Included in Program Cost

Not Included

Single/Shared Accommodations

Itinerary Changes

Other

London on Stage
Go Learn