Hello everyone!
I have had a jam-packed week, both in academics and leisure. Last weekend, I went to Leicester Square with Ashley for drinks. I indulged in some calorie rich (but inexpensive!) Pizza Hut..."slice" of heaven! On Saturday, after a fruitful day at Hyde Park and Portobello market, I spent the night playing Clue with some of the guys. Let me tell you how much fun I had! At first, I was totally CLUEless as to how to play. But with time, I caught on and quickly developed a strategy based on probability. This allowed me to win the last game! It was comical trying to break through the opaque facades of facial expressions and determine (ulterior) motives. Sunday was spent with my dad's youngest brother, Uncle Lionel and his family. It was so nice to see them after about 5 years. It was quite nostalgic because everything was the same as our trip to London in 2006. I can't believe in the time between the two visits, I had got my driver's license, graduated, and gone to college!
Monday night was spent at DaMario's, as a sort of study break and a way to reenergize our fried brains. I finally tried the "Regina," which is pizza with proscuitto, parmesan shavings, tomatoes, and rocket. DELICIOUS. Tuesday night was really deathly in terms of hours dedicated to work. I had two presentations due: Women and Gender in Early Modern Europe and Class and Society in the UK and US. All those hours paid off because according to my Shakespeare professor, our presentation was "brilliant". Sounds good to me! In British Culture, we watched a film about the monarchy. All I have to say is that it makes sense that Prince Charles is not favored by the British people. He has said some naughty, uncouth comments in the past! The monarchy in general is imbued with secret scandal. We also saw a film called, "This is England". This really opened my eyes to the racism that was present throughout the 20th century. This cute little boy was so impressionable and as a result, joined a pseudo-cult and made some really horrible decisions. Tears rolled down my cheek when the boy and his friends assaulted a Pakistani shop owner!
After eight hours of class, our group was ready to relieve stress and decided to go to the famous Ice Bar London. Before that, I visited Primark, which is essentially the Walmart of the UK, but with trendier clothes. I definitely exhausted the concept of retail therapy! Anyways, back to the Ice Bar....what a COOL experience! No ice was necessary for the mixed drink, as the glass was made out of ice. I probably would add that to the list of most awesome things I've ever done! After that, we danced to the Caribbean beats and rhythms of Barrio Central.
Today, we went on a day trip to Stonehenge and Bath. I think green is certainly my favorite color...it is so refreshing and enlivening! The color green is ubiquitous in England...which is an understatement! Actually, even London is 1/3 green! Stonehenge was a spectacular site and Bath was one of the most beautiful cities I have ever.been. to. I was sad that I couldn't rejuvenate in the hot springs; instead, they were just a relic of the past. I was surprised to learn that Jane Austen spent 18 months in Bath. Her stay was short, because Bath was too pretentious and she preferred the tranquil countryside.
Tomorrow, I am looking forward to the Beatles tour. The Beatles are, without a doubt, one of my favorite bands....they are timeless. My family and friends: "And then while I'm away, I'll write home every day...And I'll send all my loving to you!"
LOVE, Arlene
I have had a jam-packed week, both in academics and leisure. Last weekend, I went to Leicester Square with Ashley for drinks. I indulged in some calorie rich (but inexpensive!) Pizza Hut..."slice" of heaven! On Saturday, after a fruitful day at Hyde Park and Portobello market, I spent the night playing Clue with some of the guys. Let me tell you how much fun I had! At first, I was totally CLUEless as to how to play. But with time, I caught on and quickly developed a strategy based on probability. This allowed me to win the last game! It was comical trying to break through the opaque facades of facial expressions and determine (ulterior) motives. Sunday was spent with my dad's youngest brother, Uncle Lionel and his family. It was so nice to see them after about 5 years. It was quite nostalgic because everything was the same as our trip to London in 2006. I can't believe in the time between the two visits, I had got my driver's license, graduated, and gone to college!
Monday night was spent at DaMario's, as a sort of study break and a way to reenergize our fried brains. I finally tried the "Regina," which is pizza with proscuitto, parmesan shavings, tomatoes, and rocket. DELICIOUS. Tuesday night was really deathly in terms of hours dedicated to work. I had two presentations due: Women and Gender in Early Modern Europe and Class and Society in the UK and US. All those hours paid off because according to my Shakespeare professor, our presentation was "brilliant". Sounds good to me! In British Culture, we watched a film about the monarchy. All I have to say is that it makes sense that Prince Charles is not favored by the British people. He has said some naughty, uncouth comments in the past! The monarchy in general is imbued with secret scandal. We also saw a film called, "This is England". This really opened my eyes to the racism that was present throughout the 20th century. This cute little boy was so impressionable and as a result, joined a pseudo-cult and made some really horrible decisions. Tears rolled down my cheek when the boy and his friends assaulted a Pakistani shop owner!
After eight hours of class, our group was ready to relieve stress and decided to go to the famous Ice Bar London. Before that, I visited Primark, which is essentially the Walmart of the UK, but with trendier clothes. I definitely exhausted the concept of retail therapy! Anyways, back to the Ice Bar....what a COOL experience! No ice was necessary for the mixed drink, as the glass was made out of ice. I probably would add that to the list of most awesome things I've ever done! After that, we danced to the Caribbean beats and rhythms of Barrio Central.
Today, we went on a day trip to Stonehenge and Bath. I think green is certainly my favorite color...it is so refreshing and enlivening! The color green is ubiquitous in England...which is an understatement! Actually, even London is 1/3 green! Stonehenge was a spectacular site and Bath was one of the most beautiful cities I have ever.been. to. I was sad that I couldn't rejuvenate in the hot springs; instead, they were just a relic of the past. I was surprised to learn that Jane Austen spent 18 months in Bath. Her stay was short, because Bath was too pretentious and she preferred the tranquil countryside.
Tomorrow, I am looking forward to the Beatles tour. The Beatles are, without a doubt, one of my favorite bands....they are timeless. My family and friends: "And then while I'm away, I'll write home every day...And I'll send all my loving to you!"
LOVE, Arlene
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