The Fourth Week

Thursday (Day 25): Prep for Paris

It was the slowest class ever!!!!!!!! And the longest afteroon - packing and waiting, waiting and packing. Sleep never came, as visions of the Arch and the Tower drifted in and out our consciousness.

Wednesday (Day 24): Mamma Mia!

Tonight was the night I’d been looking for since we first arrived here in London: theater night! Of course I’m planning on seeing many more shows while I’m here, but I’m never one to turn down a free West End or Broadway show!

Although I had already seen Mamma Mia in New York, it had been so much fun that I couldn’t wait to see it again here in London. With the summer release of the movie version of this production, everyone in the program was pretty excited to see it as well, and we set out as a big group to ride the tube to the Prince of Wales Theatre.

We all took our seats and as the overture started, I got that familiar adrenaline rush that accompanies the start of any show I see. My excitement only grew as I sang along to my favorite songs (in my head of course) and saw how much everyone around me liked it too. By the encores, everyone from GCP was up dancing and having a blast, reminding me of the NYC trip Notre Dame took a couple of years ago (I danced this one for you Mrs. Sajeski!!!!!).

We were sad to see it end and decided instead of going home, to go across the street to O’Neil’s Pub, which features live music at night. Since there was a big Duke basketball game on that night, and Ajay wanted to get back to watch it, we only stuck around for a couple songs, but we were impressed by the band, especially their cover of Blink 182’s All the Small Things. After belting it out along with them and dancing, we hopped back on the tube and called it a night.

Tuesday (Day 23): Hitting the Local Gym

With all of the free time I was anticipating after class on Tuesday, I decided to go with Krista to the gym she and some of my other friends joined as a guest. Sure, walking everywhere here has given me even more exercise than I would probably get at home, but I was looking forward to using an elliptical machine again and feel like I was getting a “real” cardio workout. We spent about an hour and a half at the gym, and walked home feeling a refreshing mix of energy and exhaustion.

Nothing “blog-worthy” happened for the rest of the evening,, and I went to bed knowing that I had done something good for myself!

Monday (Day 22): Oxen 'R Us?

With little of note happening to begin our fourth week in London, we decided to create fun for ourselves.

Tuche pointed out that Chinese New Year was fast approaching, but actually happening on the day of our return from Paris. This unfortunate conflict will result in our missing the parade of dragons at Trafalgar Square.

So that it wouldn't be a total loss, we decided to head to China Town to grab some dinner, take in the decorations, and celebrate the upcoming Year of the Ox - just a little early.

It was clear by walking along the streets of restaurants and reading the menus that Chinese food in London isn't quite the same as the version served in the United States. Nothing like General Tso’s Chicken here! Even so, we finally selected a spot with a semi-familiar menu and got a table.

After my friends got over my choice - the squid and noodle dish, we played Snaps until our food arrived. It was a delicious feast! Having devoured our meals, we made our way back to the flat for some rest and relaxation.