Greetings all!
I have had quite a hectic week! The group and I went full force this weekend, attempting to hit two of London's hottest night clubs: Ministry of Sound (A+ for stellar name!) and Fabric. I have never really had an affinity to the sounds of Dub-step and electronic techno. But I will say that I appreciated the experience at Ministry of Sound. If I am to be extremely candid, I thought the men's dance moves were rather odd. If there is one thing about MofS that I can champion for, it would undeniably be THE BURGERS. Literally, these burgers were the best grub I've ever eaten--and no, I didn't have any "goggles" on. The bacon in England can be likened to the texture and taste of Canadian bacon. And the cheese was amazing, too; I'm assuming it was mature white cheddar. A brown chili sauce that was bursting with flavor accompanied the meaty sandwich. Ok...I'll admit something and it is only to make reading this travel account less mundane! TWO burgers. It had to be done. Fabric was so much more my scene. It helps that it is ranked 3rd in the world!! The ambiance was a cross between that secret hideout from Hey Arnold! and a neon lighted cave...so AMAZING. I definitely feel like a cooler person after leaving Fabric…it was a sort of rejuvenation process.
Monday evening, I decided to go visit Covent Garden, which was recommended by a British friend from Drexel. I guess I was expecting a garden, complete with flowers and lush greenery. It was quite different, but just as beautiful. I saw a hint of Bath infused in this famous area. There were also traditional markets. I became so happy when I saw a man in long hair and a fedora (typical!) sing Such Great Heights on his guitar. One of my favorite songs! I have way too much fun exploring by myself. I guess I just enjoy my own company sometimes...a sort of pseudo euphemism for "I'm a loner." Just kidding! I have loads of fun with other people, but I definitely appreciate alone time, as it gives me an opportunity to ponder about my day, my goals, and my list of things to do!
Tuesday afternoon, my British culture class took a tour of House of Parliament. I really wish I could say that I thoroughly enjoyed it, but even with a cup of coffee and a cornish beef pastry (THE BEST IN LONDON...Parliament is doing something right for sure!), I was a zombie. The bold and ornate embellishment (mostly maroon, emerald green, and gold) was gorgeous. Let's just say that I won't be running for the Labour Party or Conservative Party anytime soon...and I certainly will never be able to sit through the Queen's speech. One thing the tour guide said that woke me up was the rhyme that explained the six wives sequence of Henry VIII: divorced, beheaded, died; divorced, beheaded, survived. Oh, Henry...what a dynamic fella! I took advantage of the warm weather and read in Hyde Park. After that, I hit the gym and the sauna.
Tuesday night was a blast. I'm not going to lie; I miss American college guys. They have nice teeth and rock the whole backwards cap and Ralph Lauren polo. If you're an American studying in London abroad, go to the Sports Cafe! It is a perfect way to meet students in a similar academic situation. I met people from Minnesota, Boston, NJ (yes, of course he had a tan and Pauly D hair!)....to name a few. Another main reason for the refreshing atmosphere was the music. I will proudly state that I am totally a Billboard's Top 40 gal when it comes to clubbing and bar music!!! I yelled the lyrics to Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A," Oasis's "Wonderwall," and Pink's "Raise Your Glass".....'cause I'm definitely "TOO SCHOOL FOR COOL"! An American party would not be complete without some games of pong and a New York Knicks game! Anyways, I plan to head back there Thursday with my first cousin and his girlfriend, to give them a taste of American culture.
My whole group was burnt out the next morning. Regardless, we trekked on over to FIE for our two classes. Shakespeare class was so much fun...we went to the V and A museum, which is so amazing! I definitely need to go back to see it fully. We really had to beat the fatigue, because we had a "field trip" to the London Eye at 7. Perfect time for my camera to stop functioning! The London Eye was incomplete without the incredible and fairly new 4D experience. I actually got emotional (with my goofy 4D glasses!) when I saw the Eye at night with crowds of people. Tears literally surfaced when the fireworks reached out of the screen. I guess I am just so grateful for this whole experience and wouldn't trade it for anything. I am so blessed and have God to thank!
After that, I walked down Southbank Centre, which is now my 2nd fave place in London. Sorry, Mr. Camden Town, but I'm bumping you down to 3rd. A spot that can be compared to that of Yale University is always a good rank...so don't fret! Southbank is filled with a Graffitied skating park, Yo!Sushi, Giraffe, Wagamama, Eat., Strada Cucina, the National Theatre, Doggett's Pub, and an EXCELLENT VIEW. I couldn't help but think that this walk would have been ten times better with a significant other...or at least a dang charged iPod (some Norah Jones and Whitney Houston ballads). The blue and white lighted trees were so romantic! I'm. such. a. hopeless. romantic.
That's all for now...since I just discussed romance, I must say that with each new area I explore, I am falling more and more in love with London!! I used to say that Istanbul, Madrid, and Athens were my favorite cities. Without a doubt, London has trumped them all. I am literally having the BEST TIME OF MY LIFE...and LONDON, I owe it all to YOU!
