Episode 30: Sorry Is Not The Hardest Word. Goodbye Is.

I cannot believe today was my last day in London. It just does not feel real to me. I don't think it will feel real until I've actually landed back in Portland (and Mom is squeezing the stuffing out of me). Maybe not even then. In any case, I can't really see past getting on that plane tomorrow. Which may be why I have the Ativan in the first place.

Last day of theatre was today and we had so much fun with presentations. Mareika did this puzzle, which was a really nice metaphor. Montana did Jeopardy (which my team lost at but was still fun. Her questions were actually very challenging). Kalie and Rachael did this fun skit with the differences between a British and American audience at the theatre (and Rachael had a really good English accent). Tyler did a fun poem that had rhyming couplets. Becky and Jackie did this back and forth Who Wants To Be A Millionaire based on theatre. Allison did this cool interview with two character from Sucker Punch where all of their answers were taken (verbatim) from interviews with Roy Williams. And Julia and Kelsey did this great parody of American Pie where they changed the lyrics to fit what we'd done over the course.

And I did my monologue, which was the only thing like that. But everyone seemed to really like it, so apparently I did not totally fail at writing it. Yippee! Then of course we had the theatre quiz, which Allison won (I was close. I only had one point less). Patsy gave her this really cool book called I Didn't Know That About London. Then we took a final group shot and that was the end of my classes in London.

Which have been a blast, when I look back on them. Yes, I complained a few times about how much work I had, but they allowed me to see things I never would have gone to see on my own. Like The National Portrait Gallery. And I never would have seen all the plays I did, which I loved. Absolutely loved. They showed me so much about England and I felt like less of tourist. Some of the best parts were things most tourists don't do, like the Drury Lane Theatre tour and going to Highgate Cemetery (yes, that one is a trek. But it was a lovely place to write). And I did so much writing this quarter, so much more that I may have done on my own time (especially the poetry). Even if none of it helps get rid of my requirements, I am stoked that I had the opportunity to take these classes. And Patsy was the bomb. She made our classes so great and picked really interesting plays. Plus I learned things about theatre I never would have otherwise. The past month has been fantastic. Why can't all my classes have field trips into London?

After class I went into London really quickly because I had a ton of leftover coins (which the bank won't buy back) and I wanted the Now Panic and Freak Out book I saw in the Waterstone's at Picadilly Circus. Luckily, I didn't even have to change trains. The Bakerloo line went straight there
and straight back.

By the way, I hadn't realized this before, but I'm collecting skills for the day I go on the Amazing Race. I can drive a stick, now I can traverse the London transportation system with ease, I can memorize long numbers quickly. Someday, these skills will all come in handy. And even though mine shall not be an athletic team, we shall last using our wily ways and unique skill set.

Anyway, I got back to the dorm and I realized I still had to pack. Like hardcore packing. Which I find hard to do because focusing on just one thing can be hard for my mind to manage. I look at the desk and start clean it, but then remember stuff in the bathroom. Which leads to clothes in my closet. And then I look back at the pile on my bed and remember the desk. So I have a bit of a scattershot approach to packing.

But it is pretty much complete. The only things not packed are the things I need this evening and tomorrow morning. I also got some more pictures uploaded. I have such a back log at this point and I need to get them up quickly. I want them all posted before I land in Portland tomorrow. Ack! I'm going to be home tomorrow evening! I can drive to where I want instead of waiting twenty minutes for a bus and then taking a thirty minute train ride. This blows my mind.

Around six, Carlie, Chris, and I went to dinner at this Indian restaurant called Maya. This very fancy looking Indian restaurant. I got to wear the last dress I bought in Camden and we all looked so pretty. Unfortunately, my body hates travel and rebels about a day on either side of any major travel (and this period includes the trip itself). So I had steamed rice for dinner. Which actually was really good and filling. And I liked talking with Chris and Carlie one last time before I left. I cannot believe I lucked out with those two.

I walked back to the dorm and saw Ben and Montana and people. Said hi and they said they were going into London one last time. I decided not to go, but I plan on hanging out with them when they get back around 1. I can sleep when I'm dead (or, you know, in August). I'm going to miss doing stuff with them when I'm home.

And I'm not sure if I'm ready to be home. I mean, I love my family and I miss home and cannot wait to see them again. But at the same time, I feel like I've just gotten comfortable here. I would love to stay another week or two and just soak more of it up. I don't think I could live here (well, maybe if i had a good kitchen) but I'm not quite finished here.

I've met so so many wonderful people who've brought me out of my shell more. I can't believe how close I feel to the people I've met here. Kendra, who invited me out that first night. Stephanie, who's been a good friend and a giver of sound advice, looking after me. Stanley, who kept such a good eye on my that first night. Lyanna who makes me laugh and is my short buddy. Montana, who's easy to talk with and with Lyanna made me feel better when I was down. Carlie who went and did touristy things with me and was a great flatmate. Chris who was also a great flatmate and was fun to have on the picnic at St. James' Park. Abby, who helped me with makeup and made me laugh. Jim, who made me feel at ease when I might have been awkward out for that first time. Rachael, who has also been great to talk to and walk places with, as well as being a good friend in both of my classes. Ben, who made sure I was eating and okay that very first day in the pub. Vanessa who has her own style and makes me laugh. And there must be so many more that made this a wonderful experience, but I can't remember at this point. Thanks to everyone who made my London experience unforgettable.

Today's lesson (and this is a big one, so pay attention): study abroad will change you in ways you never thought possible. It truly is a life changing experience.

This is my last post for London. This chapter of my life is closed and I want to thank everyone who read and/or commented. I love doing this and may start another blog about something...else. Not sure what. if you have suggestions, leave them in the comments. I'm headed home baby. Ciao.

Episode 29: Harry Potter Geekery and Farewell Dinner

I cannot believe tomorrow is my last full day in London. It seems like the beginning of the month was just a few days ago. And now, just when I've met some great people and I have a fun time going out with them, I have to go home. Why must this happen? At least we'll all stay friends on Facebook.

Anyway, I may not have mentioned it, but I did not fall asleep until five or so this morning. And I slept until noon. At which point I got up and Carlie and I headed into London. For today was the day I found my wizardly roots at Platform 9 3/4. Yep, we rode the Victoria line all the way out to King's Cross and I finally got to see Platform 9 3/4. Got a couple of pictures and felt all kinds of geeky joy.

Then I headed back to Surbiton. Yes, that's right. I got up and went all the way into London, just to see the platform and then head back to the dorm. In Waterloo, I stopped and bought more of the awesome granola bars I found. But when I tried to pay with my card (which I have swiped just fine countless other places), the checker was like "Do you have your passport with you?" What? Who just carries that around with them? I was like "No. I have my license." And she said that I needed my passport or pay with cash. Sassafrassarasser.

Got back to the dorm and wrote my Comedy of Errors paper. Now I just have to do my presentation tomorrow and I'm done. Here's hoping she grades for us putting in the time to make the presentation and not the actual quality. Because I'm pretty sure mine is lame. I have to get up tomorrow and print it off before class.

Then I took a quick shower and got dressed for the Farewell Dinner tonight. I did have a little mishap there. My dress can either be worn off the shoulder or not. So I was checking to see how it looked and to get the whole effect, I decided to climb up on the toilet. Well, I accidentally slammed the top of my knee into the sink. Yippee. That's gonna bruise.

But I got my dress on (not off the shoulder for those of you dying to know) and headed up to Stephanie and Kendra's flat. They did my hair for me, but I was make-up free tonight. I also didn't have any hairspray since I wanted tonight to be my last shower in London. It was so nice to be able to rub at my eyes and not worry about mascara or eyeshadow (although it's fun to look pretty sometimes).

I am so glad for all the conditioning I've gotten this month because at the beginning of it, I may not have made it all the way to the Holiday Inn. It wasn't extremely far, but it was a little bit of a trek. It was amazing to see people I haven't seen since the very beginning of the trip, like Michelle. And everyone was dressed up (mostly) which was pretty cool.

Of course the dinner was in the Kingston suite at the Inn. To me it almost felt like a more laid-back version of a prom (not my prom, since we didn't have a dinner or go to a ballroom or anything like that). There were these cool lantern balls hanging above and each of the tables was a landmark in London (or a place that we may have gone on a field trip in England) like my table was Houses of Parliament while another was Stonehenge and I also saw The British Museum. It was all so pretty.

I do hate eating out though. It just sucks trying to be careful about what I eat and having to choose from a small menu. We had a roll to start with (which I couldn't eat) after which came a "salad" course with a few greens and alternating slices of mozzarella (which I can't eat) and tomato (which is not my favorite, but I'm growing more fond of it). I ate about a slice of tomato and tried a little mozzarella.

Then for dinner it was a buffet where you could choose from a mild chicken curry (still a little too spicy for me) fish and chips (which I can't have) or vegetarian lasagna (which has gluten in it). I mostly had rice and these little roasted potato balls. Desert was an apple raspberry crumble thing with vanilla ice cream (also, I'm not sure I can eat that). It was freaking delicious, but I only ate a little because I didn't know if it had gluten in it.

Next time, I'll know to let them know I can't have gluten, but this time I didn't think of it until it was too late. I really really think my life will be much easier if I do have celiac because then I can just be like "Oh, I don't eat gluten" instead of "Oh, I don't eat greasy/oily foods, eggs, dairy, red meat, or high fructose corn syrup".

The night itself was fun though. And I think one of my new favorite phrases is Americanadians. It's just awesome. Also, Stanley noticed I was still at the table still during a lull and waltzed with me, even doing the spin and dip. I laughed so hard by the end at the dip. Montana has pictures that I shall have to steal.

Around ten thirty we left and headed to Coronation Hall for our last night. I didn't stay there too long, but I am going to miss this when I get back to the States. Yes, I don't drink and I wouldn't want to do it all the time, but I have so much fun when I go out with these people. And I don't really have anyone who would want to do this with me back home (never mind that it's pretty illegal). So that makes this time in London doubly special.

I came back early with Stephanie and then Skyped with Mom for a little while before heading to bed around 1am. Tomorrow is my last day of theatre, my last day in London and my last class of my summer abroad. Can't believe it came so soon.

Today's lesson: treasure the time you have even if you think it's going to be forever. Because it never is. Ciao.

Episode 28: You Should Eat Before Partying

How is it, I can sleep only 6 hours and wake up feeling more rested than some days when I wake up after closer to 10? I went to be at 2:30 last night (well this morning I guess) and woke up (on my own, no alarm, no disruptions, nothing) at 9 this morning. And I felt perfectly rested. I wasn't really tired until almost five.

I had no class until 2 today, so I mostly doodled around on Facebook and finished writing up my monologue for the presentation on Friday in Theatre. It's not amazing, and I'm not a spectacular actress, but I think it'll work okay. I hope it'll be good and not lame.

I also began watching A Very Potter Sequel and I have to say, so far, I love it. I was wondering where they were going to go with it and I love how Lucius actually says, "There's literally no where to go from here." Also, I love how their set, matches up with the motif on the cover of the first Harry Potter book. Just such a nice touch. Plus we see how Ron got his headband! And there's Lupin! "I'm Harry freakin' Potter" (Best song ever.)

About noon, I started getting ready for class and went to make a sandwich for my dinner. Well, I found that most of my bread had the beginnings of mold on it. The bread that was going to get me through to the end of Friday, had to be thrown away, only one slice able to be rescued and made into my half sandwich for dinner. Which meant I had a chocolate and banana granola bar for lunch and then dashed out at one to meet Rachael and Montana so we could go to class.

Of course we arrived early, since it does not take an hour to get to class. So we just went up to the classroom and spent the extra time talking. Again, I feel like I've known these people so much longer than a month.They're just so awesome and it's easy to be with them. Totally going to miss them when I get back to the States.

Anyway, class was pretty chill. We talked about Comedy of Errors and went over what we've learned in this class. And I even remembered part of it thanks to pictures and good memory. Woo, go me. On Friday we have a quiz, but it's not a grade sort of quiz and it involves prizes. I'm excited. I like prizes and (as conceited as it sounds) showing off what I know.

When class was over, I hopped on a bus (well, technically I hopped on two buses since the one I was on went to Surbiton Station and then went the complete opposite way of the way I needed to go) and raced back to the dorm real quick. I had forgotten, but I wanted to give Antony my number so he could text me if he came to Oceana. I also got to drop my backpack off for once. Score.

Got back to Surbiton Station and hopped on the train to Waterloo. At this point, I was feeling a little exhausted, so I took a seat on the inside, flipped my purse over to the side of the train, where my hand rested over it and its zippers the whole time, and then took a nap all the way to Waterloo (come on, I had to get a little bit of rest somehow. I had to be awake for Oceana tonight).

Got on the right tube trains and made it out to the Bush Theatre. Where I then went in search of a Coke and something to eat (since I ate my half sandwich during the quick interval at my dorm room). I found a little convenience store and bought a Coke. I also discovered one of my new favorite granola bars. It's called Eat Natural: with Almonds and apricots in a yoghurt (yes, that's how it's spelled here) coating...and nothing dodgy. It also has coconut and a little honey. And I'm totally buying like eight of them for the plane ride home. Because they are gluten-free.

Met up with most of my theatre class (Mareika, Kelsi, Tyler, Julia, and Allison) in the pub attached to the theatre. Where I go to take more research shots for the second book of my trilogy. I also got to watch the group consume desserts and dinner which looked fabulous. And I actually am content with just looking at that. It's perfectly fine with me. I get to be like "That smells so good" and not get sick because I ate too much or my body reacted badly. I personally had half of that granola bar and about a third of my Coke.

This play was freakin' awesome. I had so much fun watching it. First of all, it's in this little tiny theatre that is about the size of Mom and Dad's bedroom and there are some bleachers across the back and a couple cushions on the floor, all of which are filled by about thirty people. Then, the cast is only three actors, but they play like twelve characters altogether. Plus it was a musical (I like the song about jam)!

One of the best parts was when the old woman was going around and giving people jam. When she got to Kelsi and Julia, she gave one to Julia and Kelsi reached for one. And the woman was like "Not for you!" and swept it away. It was hilarious. And they really got the audience involved in their play. It really was a great end to the quarter.

But my night was only half over at this point. For it was Oceana night. So I raced back to my dorm and go changed. Then I went to Abby and she did my make-up and hair and we headed off to Coronation Hall (the pub which is the official pub of the Kingston University Summer Students). Where I tried Alyssa and Stephanie's drinks and promptly felt queasy (like sick to my stomach). Might have been because I hadn't eaten much, but it still sucked. Jim was there, but I was still confused after last night, so I didn't really go over and talk to him.

I did nearly have a little emotional breakdown because I was in Coronation and suddenly, it seemed like everyone had left and I was worried they'd all gone to Oceana without me. But Abby was still there, so I was good. I still had someone to head to Oceana with.

While I was there, Jim gave me this rose he made out of a napkin (it's rather impressive actually) and asked what people had told me about him since I seemed distant after last night. I told him how people said he was a player. I don't remember exactly what we said, but it felt like we smoothed things over, kind of.

Then I realized that people had left without me again and I bolted out the door (because I'd already been left behind once and didn't want it to happen again). Which confused Jim, according to Abby. She was like "how'd it go?" and Jim was like "I gave her the flower and it went horribly wrong." Abby caught up with me outside of Coronation and talked to me. So I went back in and set things back to sort of right with Jim.

Ugh, this sucks. I hate having awkwardness and I'm still so inexperienced at this kind of thing. I really, really suck at it. And it really sucks when I just have other people's opinions and rumors to go on. Why can't life be more simple? Why must it be messy, complicated too ("And you think killing people will make them like you but, but it doesn't. It just, it just, it just makes them dead")? I like Jim, he's easy to talk to, and he makes me laugh. And he's pretty good about making sure I'm not just left on my own with no one to talk to.

Anyway, Abby, her friend Natalie, and a guy Natalie met at the pub all left for Oceana. And because Natalie's pub guy knew the bouncer, we go to skip the whole line and just go in. Plus he paid our cover charge. Sweet. I love not having to pay for things. The last two times I've gone out, Jim, Stan, and Antony have bought my drinks.

Abby and I met up with Lyanna, Montana, and another Ashley. Then Abby disappeared so I went with Montana and that group. Sadly, karaoke was not up and running tonight, which was a bummer since I love karaoke. Someday after I turn 21, I want to go to some karaoke bars. I think it'd be fun (yes, I just said going to a bar would be fun for me. Shut up. If you have a good group of friends it could be).

I also learned that I am far too white to dance in the R&B room. Seriously, I cannot do it. I tried but I mostly looked like a idiot (although I usually do when I dance). Jim also called when I was in that room and Montana and I tried to go and get him (since they wouldn't let him in unless he had two girls in him group) but the bouncer said it was too late. A little while later Montana, Lyanna, and Ashley decided to head home.

I figured I could just go back to where Abby had disappeared and find her. Yeah, you cannot find someone in the flashing strobe lights of the super crowded dance floor. And Abby and Ben (who I think she was with) are very distinctive in a crowd. Partly because Ben just towers over everyone. You'd think I'd be able to spot them, but I couldn't.

I was about to just throw in the towel, call a cab and head for home, but I spotted Stephanie and Alyssa. So I went and danced with them. And they helped me dance like a little less of a dork. Thing is, I can feel rhythm but I get self-conscious. Steph and Alyssa helped loosen me up a little so I could dance better. I think I would dance even better if I didn't have my purse, but oh well.

We danced for quite a bit in the Grand Ballroom, which was an odd mix of music. The one bad thing about Oceana is the detritus littering the floor (because apparently, drunk people cannot find a garbage for their empty drinks) and the floor is sticky. So a couple of times I nearly fell from being a klutz and stepping on debris.

But I also had problems with feeling dizzy which made me trip a couple of times. And the strobe lights didn't help. After a while in the ballroom, we went to what I think is my favorite room (at least when there's no karaoke), the Disco Room. I knew the songs they were playing, which was great. And I got to impress Steph with my nerdy knowledge of some of Thriller when it came on. Because of Ron, I knew some of the dance and was able to demonstrate it for her.

At least until some guy carrying a girl (both probably drunk off their gourd) knocked into me and Stephanie had to catch me to keep me from falling. The only bad part was that it was insanely hot and stuffy in there, so we moved back to the ballroom, where we met up with some people. But by this time, I must have been really dizzy because I kept tipping over and Steph had me lean against a wall. After a few more songs, we decided to leave.

We walked to the bus station and Stephanie and I sat there forever waiting for a bus. I got to ask her advice about Jim and she gave me some sound advice and said I could always ask her about boys and relationships. Then this guy sat on the benches that backed ours and we asked if the bus was ever coming.

Which opened up a conversation with him. In which I was named June and I was from Canada. He asked if we were from Seattle and Steph said she was from Canada. I started to say that I was actually from around Seattle, but she put her hand on my arm, very subtle thing, but I took it as a signal not to give any personal details. So when he asked our names, I became June and Steph was April. He seemed harmless, but you can never be too careful.

Because sometimes you end up with the crazy drunks who kept trying to engage us in conversation and creeped me out. He was like "I love you baby." It was rather uncomfortable and disconcerting. Another two people had joined us at this time and we'd been waiting a good thrity minutes, still no bus.

So we asked a taxi how much it would be to take us back to Seething Wells. The guy was really really nice and he was like " 'Round nine pound." So the four of us hopped in the back of his taxi, happy not to walk any further than to our front doors from the Seething Wells entrance. And we gave him a three pound tip because he was such a great guy to us. I went into my dorm, and ate the rest of my granola bar and soda because Steph maintained part of my queasiness and dizziness is because I didn't eat well before going out. I wonder what can fix my aching, heel-abused feet?

Well, the sun is coming up, because it's five am, but yay for no class tomorrow (well, today). I can sleep until I feel like getting up and then Carlie and I are going to Platform 9 3/4. After which I will write my essay and pack a little before going to the farewell dinner tomorrow night.

Today's lesson: strobe lights+little food+loud music+heat= dizzy Ashleigh and a gateway to fainting. Eat before going out. Also, June is a pretty name to use on strangers. Ciao.

Episode 27: Londonopoly

Creative Writing is finally complete! Yippee! We had our last class today and I turned in my portfolio, which I finished last night. Then I got up at seven this morning so I could catch the bus to the university and print it all off. After which I caught another bus to the Cromwell Bus Station and walked to the train station in Kingston (right next door to the bus station pretty much) and caught a train to Richmond. And I was forty-five minutes early *facepalm* Well at least I go to read my book for a while.

Met up with everyone else at ten. Well almost everyone. Jamar mixed up what time we were supposed to be meeting so he didn't get on a train until 10. And Caroline was late too, which sucked because no one had her number so we couldn't call to see where she was. But at 10:27, we all boarded an Overground train (not exactly a train and not part of the Underground system. Sort of like a subway running on open air tracks.

The coolest thing was there were no partitions that blocked off the train sections; it was just one long train. Which made me say "Now this is the kind of train you could do Santa Fe from Rent in." Vanessa was like "You would say that Ashleigh," but it was in a good way. It sucks I'm just now developing a camaraderie with these people, right when it's time to go home. I'm going to miss some of these people a lot.

After the pub we headed to this bookshop near the British Museum. Where Yulia and Caroline broke off to do their own thing while the rest of us went into the bookstore. I wasn't really interested in the books that were in the bookshop, so no danger of me buying stuff again. Thank goodness. Then Anna took us to the Tube.

Well, we started towards the Tube, but then Lyanna, Vanessa, and I saw a comic book store so we broke away from the group and went inside. Zack came back and told us how to get to the Tube so we wouldn't get lost. I actually really like graphic novels. There's just something about a story with pictures that appeals to me. I actually bought a copy of A Little Princess (which I already owned) that had full color illustrations in it at a book sale because I think pictures in books are underrated.

Anyway, finally got back to the dorm and I thought I was going to go to Jamie's Italian for dinner. But I was just so tired from all the walking I've done the past few days. So I vegged in my room, starting the writing for my Theatre presentation and doing stuff on Facebook. Then I got asked by Jim is I was going out tonight.

Now, bear in mind that I was in my PJs at this point, hair freshly blown dry and ready to work on the presentation. But I remembered how much fun I had before and I don't have class until 2 tomorrow. So I was like "Maaaaaaybeeee." And then I posted and asked if I should go, since I kind of wanted to, and Abby helped convince me. Then Mom was like "Go and have fun" (which is a sign of the apocalypse) so I was like "Okay!"

Then of course, I was like, "What do I wear?!" Abby told me just wear jeans and cute top; it's just the pub." So I wore my blue jeans and my flowy purple tank top along with my new sandals and jewelry. Then Abby came over and did my make-up for me, which looked great! Although I am still not sold on the idea of mascara.

While she was doing my make-up, she told me to turn up the music. So I went to do so and my computer freaked out on me (I blame facebook) and I had to restart my entire system before the volume control worked again. Crazy screwy internet messing with my system. But anyway, I put on my jewelry and my shoes and we headed outside.

We went to Coronation Hall again and I actually did try a tiny sip of a drink that was nearly no alcohol. It was called Malibu with pineapple. It was really fruity and only had like a quarter shot of rum in it. But after that sip I didn't have any more. Montana did get me to try a sip of her cranberry vodka apple thing, but I did not like it at all. Other than that, I stuck with my Pepsi. Because who knows how drinking would screw up my system.

Now, I did have fun tonight, but I also feel a little foolish. But I want to keep a record of all my time in London, so here goes. Jim was very nice to me again, also very touchy. Not in a way that made me uncomfortable (which I would have put a stop to) but he was holding my hand and putting his arm around me.

Which I would have been okay with, but as we caught up with the rest of the group at the kebab place, Lyanna waved me over and said that Jim was a bit of a player at the dorm. That he'd been working his way through girls on the campus. So I felt a little foolish and taken in. I mean, I wouldn't have done anything, but it was good to know. Maybe I just gotta stop wearing make-up.

Thankfully I have good friends here who can stop me from getting hurt. They do approve of Antony though, and he might be coming to Oceana tomorrow night. I kind of hope he's able to make it. He seemed really nice when I met him on Thursday. But I'm going to still be careful because I thought Jim was nice too (And before all you mama bears charge him for me, he didn't hurt me or break my heart in any way. I just felt naive for how easily I believed him. I think I may be too innocent for the dating game, but I'll learn. Or I'll find someone who hates playing games as much as I do. That would work)

Speaking of games, I love my mom. She made me feel better about the whole Jim thing and we began planning a London version of Monopoly. You would start at Waterloo (I changed this from our original plane because this just works better) and The Tower of London would be Jail. All the money would be done in pounds (which are just so colorful anyway) and the game pieces would either be the royalty of England through the centuries, or statues around London. And the double decker bus and Bobby can be utilities. And different tube lines can be transportation. The landmarks like Hampton Court and the Eye and Windsor and Buckingham (which are the most expensive because the queen lives there). This game shall come to fruition once I get home. I have plans now.

Today's lesson: The dating "game" sucks. But having friends to compensate for your naivete is a wonderful feeling. Ciao.

Episode 26: "England, Where All The History Is"

If you get the reference, I tip my hat to you* (the absurd one with the English Flag on it). Yes, today was historic London day for me, which mostly means I went to Westminster Abbey and The Tower of London (because seriously, you should only do two things with a lot of walking in one day. My feet are sore).

Montana went with me into London, which was nice. I may not have had anyone to do the tourist thing with, but I had a friend to ride the train there. The magnetic strip on her travelcard had stopped working for some reason (can you believe it? Only a week before we head home?) so I went with her to the ticket office in Waterloo. Where we encountered Loud Shouty Brit With A Train To Catch (which he yelled quite a few times). He was at one of the ticket counters and just exploded using the F-word and calling the people wankers, saying he was going to jump the train. It was shocking and sort of exciting at the same time.

Then Montana and I got up to the counter and were asked what our postcode was. Which we had no clue about. I don't even know the address since I figured I wouldn't need to know it. No one was sending me mail and if I say Seething Wells Dorms, people generally know where I'm going. It was sort of intimidating. But we eventually got it sorted out and we headed for the Underground, parting ways to our respective trains.

I got to Westminster and went to buy my ticket. There are two separate sides that you can go in, one for cash and one for cards. I headed to the card one and was walking in when the guard stops me and says "who're you with now?" And it wasn't nice, it was accusing, like I was sneaking into the abbey. I was like "I thought this was the line for paying with a card. 'Cause I have a card." (Yes, that part sounds a little idiotic). Then he was like "yes, it is. You can go ahead now," as though I were some idiot. Well that's how it made me feel anyway.

The no camera rule was in effect here as well, although I sort of understand it since you don't want to disturb the worshippers who come. I don't like it, but I understand it. The abbey was lovely, and I really really wish I understood Latin. Most of the plaques were in Latin and while I could have had an audio guide, I like to wander on my own, without some guide telling me where to go. And sometimes the information is just excess and not what I'm there for.

The abbey is a little cluttered from all the monuments and tombs within it. Not overly so, but a bit. It seems like anyone who wanted to be important or have their loved one remembered as important (and had the power or money to pull it off) had a tomb or a statue. It made for some close spaces with other people.

One thing I loved was the tomb of Elizabeth I, Mary I, and Edward IV. I loved that all of Henry VIII's children were buried together, even though there were major issues between Mary and Elizabeth. It makes me hope that maybe they were able to resolve their problems when they met in the afterlife. There was even a little inscription in their tomb that said something along the lines of "Here lie two sisters, together as a remembrance to all those who lost their lives for religious differences in the Reformation." I liked it.

I also liked getting to see the tomb of Henry VIII's parents Henry VII and Elizabeth. Mostly, I got a kick out of this because of the Jude Deveraux book they gave me in which the couple are side characters (there was also an effigy of Elizabeth in the cloisters museum. She was short but pretty. Also, wax models creep me out. Which is why I had no inclination to go to Madame Tussuad's). They seem to be one of those couples who had a quiet life, since you don't hear much about them.

They also had a whole section with tributes to writers. I saw a monument for Shakespeare, Chaucer's tomb, as well as stones for DH Lawrence, Dickens and Lord Byron. It was sort of neat. I like writerly tributes, although I may have liked it more if I knew more about these people rather than just knowing their names through passing.

You know what is not neat? Rude gift shop workers. There had been no photography in the abbey. I understand that completely. But the gift shop was outside the abbey, separate even. So I took out my camera and took a couple of pictures (which no other gift shop owner has stopped me from doing at any other time on this trip). The lady snaps at me "No pictures!" Which I can understand telling someone this, if it's policy (it's not fair, but I would respect it) but there was no need to snap at me.

Although I suppose she balances out the nice church person (I have no idea what the ranks are our if he was security or what) who asked if I was okay in the abbey when I'd paused. Maybe I looked a little lost or overwhelmed. But it was nice of him to make sure I was okay.

After the abbey, I headed back to the tube and took it to London Bridge so I could get to the pier. As I came out of the Tube, I got a little lost and confused as to where the pier would be. There was a guy out in front of the station, advertising The London Dungeon (another well-known tourist trap) with another guy. He had face make-up and everything. He turned to me as I was looking lost and said "Free hug?"

Which maybe I should have said no to (you know, young woman alone in London and all that jazz) and I almost did say no, but there were lots of people around, my purse was securely zipped so I'd feel if anything happened to it and I stood back a little from the hug. He seemed surprised (and delighted) and asked if I was waiting for someone. I said that I was trying to find the pier. So he pointed it out to me on this little map, gave me the map, and sent me on my way.

Now, those of you who know me well may be aghast at this point. What? Ashleigh is going to voluntarily take a boat? And believe me, I know from where this skepticism comes. I would normally be right there with you. But I felt that riding a boat to the Tower would be more epic than simply taking the Tube there. It gives you the feel of what it would have been like to go to the Tower in the past.

This is not to say I will now be a boat-happy water baby. I have found I still do not like boats. I am very happy the trip was just one stop away because I was starting to feel a little dizzy and sick from the rocking. I do not like rocking. I like not having to wonder whether the wobbling is in my head or not. But the boat approach was pretty cool.

I went and bought my ticket and got an unexpected laugh. I was getting everything settled in my purse when the woman in line behind me tells her four year old son to behave or the ticket person is going to chop off his head like Anne Boelyn. And at four, he totally knew what that meant. I said to the woman "That threat would never work in America" and she was like "Yes, he knows what it means at four. And he knows what happens to bad wives." This about made my day.

The Tower itself was a lot of fun to wander around. And I do mean wander, since there didn't seem to be a definite order to where you went when (triple W score!) And something people don't always realize about the Tower is that there were royal apartments there. Kings and Queens sometimes lived there so there were some bedchambers and chapels, and halls.

The Tower was also used as a fortress, so they had stuff about that as well. Which was really, really cool. Like a crossbow (which would have been much easier to wield if it hadn't been chained down.) And a helmet, that was very heavy (Like turn your neck to jelly over time heavy. But it was deceptive because it didn't seem that heavy at first. Not until you wore it a little). I was starting to get a headache after just a few minutes of wear. I can't imagine wearing it all the time.

And then of course you get to The White Tower, which was known for keeping prisoners, but not just any prisoners, the ones who had committed serious crimes against the crown. Since I looked up, as I always do, I have come to the conclusion that part of their punishment was normal ceilings. "No pretty ceilings for you prisoner. You just have to look at bare rafters and blank slate." (oh come on, you wish you were this cool too.)

The White Tower exhibition was a little frustrating because a lot of it was armory, which I didn't care about. And the prisoner stuff was on the top level. So you climb stairs, weave through the exhibits on that level, climb more stairs, weave again, climb more stairs and finally reach the small amount about prisoners. Was still cool though.

And then I walked down The Spiraling Staircase of Doom. Oh. My. God. There were so. Many. Stairs. It just kept going and going and going and my legs started turning to jelly and I was afraid I'd never reach the end. The end, by the way, ended up being a gift shop. In which I spotted something I really wanted for my dad, which meant I had to get another souvenir for each of my family members (I want it all to be equal). And so I spent far too much money today, but had a lot of fun.

I took two tube trains back to Waterloo (because of course it couldn't be so simple as I could just get one back) and jumped on a train leaving for Surbiton. Then I spent fifteen or so minutes waiting for the slowest bus in the universe. And I'm pretty sure it's screwing with some sort of time space continuum since I swear I saw it go the opposite way twice before it came my way. The black arts are not to be trifled with Bus System.

Finally got to my room and kicked my shoes off, flopping on my bed so my feet could throb their aggravation at me. Yes poor legs and feet, I am sorry. But you still will have some walking to do tomorrow. The good news is I am completely done with my portfolio for Creative Writing. The bad-ish news is I have to get up about seven tomorrow so I can get to the computer lab and print it off before heading to Richmond and getting there by ten. Oh well. I can sleep in August.

Today's lesson: boats still suck, but can be used to make a dramatic entrance. Also, little children should always know threats based in history. Ciao.

*Eddie Izzard in case you didn't and you

Episode 25: I Must Stop Buying Books!

I finally rode the London Eye today. And I actually think it was a good thing that I waited so long in my trip to ride it. Because I was able to look out over the vista and be like "Ooo, I've been there! Been there too!" And it was pretty cool to be able to look out over London. It made me realize just how little I've done in comparison. I've actually never been further west than the Eye. We always end up going east on trips and such. I find this odd.

Now, that was the good part about the trip. The bad part was I hate tourists condensed in one space. It's like they've decided at that point that common courtesy does not exist. I was bumped into several times in the line to get tickets and had the back of my sandal stepped on. But no one said, "Oh I'm sorry," or even acknowledged that it happened! I actually had to move away from the boy who bumped into me (middle schooler with his mom who did not chastise her son for bumping me) or he still would have been in my space!

And there was a woman behind me in line who kept hitting me with her purse. And she stood really really close. The entire thirty or so minute wait! I kept wanting to turn around and say "Ma'am could you please back off. It was extremely aggravating. So yay, go ride the Eye, but then run fast and run hard to escape the tourists. Because they have no respect for personal space.

I also had one of the security guys make me feel like an idiot. They check bags to make sure you don't have knives or bombs or anything. So I come up and his accent is a little thick so I say "What?" He's like "What country are you from?" And so I replied America. Then he was like "No knives or scissors." Just like that, no inflection or raise in pitch at the end to signify a question. So I'm like "Okay." And he sighed like I was just trying his patience on purpose and said "Do you have any knives or scissors in your bag?" Which of course I didn't, but this guy made me feel stupid for not understanding him. And he was a bit of a lower talker.

Although there were a couple of very nice people riding in my pod. There was a man with his son (I think they were French or something like that) who saw I was taking pictures alone and offered to take a few of me. There was also an Australian guy and his girlfriend/wife who took a picture for me. They sort of redeemed part of my faith in humanity.

The Eye itself was pretty cool, although I was ready to get off by the end. Before getting in line for the Eye, you go to this 4D experience thing that is included in your ticket. You get 3D glasses and sort of soar over the landmarks in London as well as get a look at some of the just cultural things around the Eye. The only bad part was the 4D, which meant I got sprayed at least 3 times with water!

To get onto the Eye was a bit of an adventure as well. You see, it doesn't stop for you to get on. It moves slowly, but you have to hop into the pod while it's still moving. And the same thing happens when you get off again. Luckily, I didn't fall getting in or out, but it was a little jarring. Like coming off a moving sidewalk you've been walking down.

After the ride in the Eye, I walked back towards Waterloo, going along the South Bank. Apparently it was Disney day with the buskers since I saw Mickey and Minnie, along with Winnie the Pooh and Donald Duck. Actually, I saw Donald Duck talking with Charlie Chaplain and Jack Sparrow. Does that sound like the set up for a joke? I don't know what the punchline is, but I'm sure it's hilarious.

I decided that I wanted to ride the carousel and so I paid 2 pounds and hopped on. Let me tell you, the carousels in London are speedy. My hair was blowing in the wind created and I slid a little on my horse. But it was fun to feel like a fool and child and totally not care. Besides, I rode a carousel in London. Booyah!

I walked back to Waterloo, got on the tube and headed toward Picadilly Circus, since I wanted to be able to say, yes, I've been there. I was also starving since all I'd had for lunch was a granola bar. So I stopped at a Starbucks since I knew they had some gluten free options and would have something that wasn't a brownie. I got a caramel cream frappechino (omg, yum. It was delicious!) and a granola bar square thing. I don't know what was in the granola square and I don't want to know since I'm pretty sure there were raisins, apricots, and flaxseeds in there. But it was one of the best things I've tasted. It was freakin' delicious.

Walking a little ways from the tube station after buying my snack, I spot what I am sure is simply a figment of my imagination. But I check again and it is most definitely real. A five story bookshop looms in front of me and beckons me to enter. Which of course I cannot resist even though I've told myself I can't buy any more books. I mean, come on. It's a five story bookshop. Stronger bibliophiles than I could not have resisted.

And I did end up buying a book, but I only bought one. And it's by an author I would have bought anyway. So really, I was just saving myself the trouble of an arduous search later on. I like this argument. I can find no fault with it. :D

Headed back to the dorm (on the slowest train possible that stopped at every single station. But I did find a carry-on for all my souvenirs when I was in Waterloo!) and checked Facebook really quick (Antony finally found me and friended me! Yay for cute English boys, although it would have been nice if I'd met him a little sooner. Not right when I have to go home) before unplugging my internet for two hours to get some work done. I was mostly successful. I completed my reader diary, finished my sestina, and updated my author's note. Yes, there is still much to do, but it's a start.

My feet are abused from walking around in sandals all day instead of tennis shoes. But I am still going to the Tower of London tomorrow. It must be done and I will have a good time dang it. :) Even if I do have to go alone. But at least Montana is going into London with me. Yay!

Today's lesson: None can resist the Siren's song of the mega bookstore. Not even Meg Ryan. Ciao.

Episode 24: I Am Rocked

Want to know a secret? I sometimes have this urge to jump onto the train or tube tracks. Not in a "I want to die" or "Let's play train chicken" kind of way. Just a...well, I'm not sure what kind of way exactly, but not in a way that gets me hurt. And I won't actually act on it, but every now and then I look down and I'm like "Going down there was be fun/interesting."

Um...moving on from that, I can't believe I have only seven days left in London. That is just not enough! Today took me to see We Will Rock You, the Queen musical. Carlie was very nice and lent me her purse since I needed to take some lunch and water with me, but didn't want to carry my backpack (and the one the Kingston people gave me can sometimes dig into my shoulders). Then I was off to London!

First stop was Leicester Square Park, where the TKTS building stands. This company (organization, group, whatever) sells good seating at much reduced prices on the day of. For example, using them I got a seat about nine rows from the front, with a good view, for 35 pounds. This ticket normally costs about 60 pounds. Yeah, I'd say that freakin' rocks.

After buying my ticket, I sat in the park and ate my sandwich. I had planned to read my book a little more while I ate, but the pigeons in Leicester Square are much bolder than the ones in St James' Park were. A bunch of them circled me and sort of acted like they weren't eyeing my sandwich, but I could tell they were. So I ate quick and shooed off the birds who got too close using the map the TKTS people gave me so I wouldn't get lost. About fifteen minutes later, I was off to the theatre (which was a bit of a walk, about 12 minutes for normal walkers), with plenty of time to spare.

Which turned out to be a very good thing because the road I was on was just lined with bookshops! Seriously, I saw at least six on my way. Two of which I got sucked into going in to. The first one was one of the older shops, the kind that seem to have an organization system all their own. This one specialized in rare and out of print books. So it was kind of cool, but still not a place I'd stay in looking over the book selection forever (also, it was pretty small).

The other one I went into was one of the large, organized, more commercial stores (yes, I am ashamed. But I would totally love used bookshops this much if they just had an organization system. Like Powells!) called Blackwell's. And I spent quite some time looking over the volumes in the YA section. I nearly bought two more books! I do not need more books! I mean, I want more books, but I don't really need them. And if I use up my funds before I get home, I'm going to be slightly screwed.

Finally got the theatre and still had some time to spare. So I went upstairs to look around a bit. Now, the coolest thing about this was there were all these pictures of Freddie Mercury and little facts about his life with Queen. It was really sad, but really neat at the same time. And it made me feel like this whole musical is really a sort of way to remember Freddie rather than just "hey, we can make a musical of Queen songs!" (which it sort of is, but it's done in the most awesome way possible)

Now, since we had the resident director of the show come and talk to our class I know a little more about how this show came about. It started off the idea Freddie Mercury had that real, true music was a dying art and some day it would just become computerized and maybe there would be nothing of the pure music left. This musical takes that idea and runs with it, setting it in the 24th century where music has become nothing but sounds made digitally and then electronic-like voices added. Galileo and "his chick" Scaramouche are outcast for wanting to make real music and join the Bohemians, those on a quest to bring back the Rock.

This show was a-freakin-mazing. Seriously. As a Queen fan, I loved how they took the songs and used them in the story (even when they changed the lyrics slightly to fit the storyline a little better, it was done respectfully). Plus they had little references to the lyrics and to our general pop culture (all the Bohemians had names they found on posters from our age: Bob the Builder, Meatloaf, and the greatest of them all, Brittany Spears. :D) At that talk, I was told that the references get updated every now and then so the show stays contemporary.

And it felt like part musical, part rock concert. By the end we all have out glowsticks out and are swaying back and forth. And during We Will Rock You (the song) everyone is doing the stomp clap thing. And Galileo holds out the microphone and says "I want to here you now!' and everyone sings it. Oh, and Galileo was actually pretty cute. Just so you know ;) And at the very end, Bryan Mays, Queen's guitarist, came out and did a guitar solo. Amazing.

I was just blown away by this show. Loved, loved, loved, loved it. Bought the soundtrack, bought the tee shirt. And I would gladly pay to go and see it again. And again. If it ever comes to Portland, I will be there to see it. And when I visit here again with my family, we are all going. There are just no words to adequately describe it.

After the show, I thought I might just go and ride the Eye, since no one else is really going to go with me anyway. And while the day wasn't the most beautiful, it was only a little cloudy and there was plenty of blue sky. So I walked over there. By the way, that pier is where you want to try and find a spot on if you want to try being a street performer for a day (a thought that has entered my mind. I think it would be fun! But there are a lot of restrictions on it.)

I walked all the way to the ticket office and then, while standing in line, I decided that today was just not going to be the day to do this. The line was super long (which I realize it will always be, but still), I was pretty hungry, and the day wasn't so beautiful I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Also, I really feel for the Londoners who have to deal with tourists in their city. I know I was getting sick of all of them crowding around me. I felt like I couldn't breathe and had to walk on the edge of the thoroughfare and take deep breaths. I do not like people that close to me.

At Waterloo, I bought a Cornish Pasty, since on the way here someone had told me I had to try one. Since it had gluten in it (in the crust, which is the best freakin' part) I only had a couple bites and then threw it away. Because it was pretty tasty and I would have devoured it otherwise and paid for it later.

Now I'm off to see about actually doing some work for my classes. I know, I know. Schoolwork in London? What is this madness? Believe me, I'm right there with you. But I have a portfolio to finish, and a presentation to write and figure out before Friday. So off I head to study, instead of going to Hippodrome with Montana or watching A Very Potter Sequel (no spoilers!)

Today's lesson: bookstores have an irresistible lure for me when in high concentrations (in low concentrations too, but usually I can break their hold). Ciao.

Episode 23: Book, Books, Books (And A Movie!)

For anyone who's a fan of Tamora Pierce, you know when Kel's group goes to reclaim the library from Joren and his group in Squire? When Owen is like "Books, books, books"? That's what I feel like when I go to bookstores. Or libraries even. All that rare reading material, wonderful stories just a page turn away.

Before I get to the books, maybe I should give a little lead-in for my day. I didn't go to sleep last night until close to 4:30, 5 o'clock in the morning. The sky was getting light when I laid my head down to sleep. Then I was up at 10 this morning, jolted awake by a pounding on my door and a voice calling "Fresh towels". I mumble yelled for him to just come in (I was fully enveloped in my quilt) but then remembered the door was locked and stumbled towards it. He asked if I just wanted it left by my door and I said that would be great. I could have gone back to sleep, but I feel bad when I sleep away the entire day.

So I got up, ate some breakfast, showered and then set about writing my paper for Theatre (which is 30% of my grade. I also have to figure out some sort of final presentation that is worth another 30%). And while I am doing this my head is sort of bobbing and I feel groggy, almost like I had done something more than just stay out really late. Loved going out, but can't do it often and never on a school night.

I did get to Skype with my dad because I got up though. He was on before he left for work and I had a nice chat with him. I love being here in London, but I also miss my family and I think I'm about ready to head for home. Besides, I can actually try and make something other than sandwiches when I'm at home.

About 4 in the afternoon, I told myself I needed to go and do something. Anything. Just something so my blog update wasn't "I did homework and tried not to fall asleep today". I decided to find a bookshop in Kingston since I needed some more books (I'm on the last one I brought with me). I googled it and found a shop in the Bentall's Centre, which is like the mall. Now, I get a little overloaded in a mall, but at least there was a bookstore here. The one at home only has a tiny library in the way of literary enrichment.

I grabbed the bus and got there on my first try (Okay, after I got off the bus I was at the Eden Street open-air shopping strip (not that far from the Hippodrome actually), but I asked someone and got pointed in the correct direction and didn't get lost). Then I consulted the map and found the bookshop.

Oh meticulously organized bookshops, you are a balm for my soul. I know it's wrong that I enjoy shopping in chain stores as much as I do when I consider myself to be a book lover (and I do enjoy the atmosphere of smaller independent bookshop in various states of disarray) but I love knowing exactly where to find what I want.

Well mostly. The romance section was one bookcase which means most of it was probably worked into the fiction, and fantasy almost doesn't exist as a genre here on its own. But I did find a couple bookcases of dark fantasy (exactly the type of genre I love. It had Sherrilyn Kenyon, Jeaniene Frost, Patricia Briggs, JR Ward. Ahhhhhhh. That is the sound of me sighing in pure joy and bliss). I bought four new books while I was there. Now I should have enough reading material to see me through to the trip's end and read on the plane if I so desire.

Came back to the dorm and had a little mushroom risotto before deciding that I really didn't want to eat it. I had a little bit of personal drama and got upset (how is it I go 19 years drama-free and have it now?) so I planned to take my iPod, turn up the Morale Boosters playlist until I couldn't hear myself think and go for a walk to get rid of the feelings.

But, my iPod had no battery. So I set it to charge, grabbed my dorm keys, put on some shoes (I love my new gold sandals!) and went outside. Where I sprinted until I couldn't breathe (which actually doesn't take me too long) and sat on the sidewalk trying to get in a better frame of mind. I was laying there when Montana and Lyanna came out and asked if I was okay. I said yeah, I was just trying to work through some personal drama. So they invited me to go to the movies with them to see Inception.

And for a moment, I almost said no and wallowed some more. But then I would have missed out on a great time and a wonderful cheering up. They made me feel much better and I absolutely loved the movie. We went to see Inception and it was fantastic (side note: theatre's here are sort of odd because you have to choose beforehand which seats you want. The seats are assigned like in a play. Weird. Oh, also, I got some soda splattered on me when the concessions girl accidentally tipped over a large Pepsi. But luckily it was mostly on my shoes).

Now, back to the movie. I absolutely loved it. It was such an interesting idea and it sucked me in so much. I was enthralled. I even forgot where I was for a few minutes after the movie because I'd been such a part of that world. Wow. Just, wow. Go and see it if you have the money. Go and see it right now.

Took the bus back to Surbiton and walked back with Montana and Lyanna. About a third of the way back we met some of the group from last night headed to the river and they kidnapped Lyanna. But I had a nice time talking to Montana and walking back. I love walking at night, but it's just not safe for me to do alone. Skyped Mom and Meghan (and now I will be an only child thanks to Facebook sabotage). Tomorrow is We Will Rock You and I will need to actually make some more progress on the portfolio for my writing class.

Today's lesson: sometimes a pair of girlfriends and a good movie are all you need to lift your spirits. Often it works better than trying to kill your lungs. Ciao.

Episode 22: Sad Poems and Shopping (And Clubbing!)

Will I ever have a day that is not so long my feet want to fall off? Nah, probably not until August. Was a little extra tired today since I didn't go to bed until 1am last night. I stayed up after Comedy of Errors to update the blog. And I was just a little too wired to sleep. Which sucked when I had to get up at 8:30 this morning. Thank the lord it's the last day of school before a four day weekend.

After getting to Waterloo, we set out for Highgate cemetery, via the Tube. However, as soon as we set foot outside, it started to rain (I of course had checked the weather forecast in two different places and had on jeans with a sweat jacket and my umbrella in my backpack. Which I lent to Vanessa since all she had was a tank top and jeans with flip flops). So we ducked into this little restaurant/cafe place. Where we ate lunch even through mostly breakfast food was ordered.

A little later, after everyone had eaten we set out for the cemetery again, rain be damned. (It was during lunch that the idea of all going out to Oceana as a group came up. As did the fact that I'd never been to a club, which made Rachael and Kendra go "You have to go to a club! You're so coming with us!" As Kendra told me a little bit about the club experience (prepping me as it were) she asked if I had any clubbing clothes. And thus was the shopping trip born, with them planning on taking me shopping and doing my hair and make-up. Which I was totally fine with. When Anna mentioned going to Camden Town, Kendra was like "Shopping, Ashleigh. Be excited!" At which point I gave a little hoot of joy and raised my arms in the air. Which Abby found hysterically funny. I live to serve ;))

At the cemetery (which was a very long hike from any sort of public transportation. Although we did go through a park. Oooo, pretty park), we went as a class to Karl Marx's grave and then split up for about an hour of writing. I saw Douglas Adams' (the writer of Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy) grave which was simply, but had a shrine of pens stuck in the ground before it. I added one of the pencils from my bag. I also decided that cemeteries are nice places to write if it's sunny out. It's like a park with bits of inspiration in it.

I wandered for a bit before settling down on a bench (I also got my portfolio back from Anna. Sitting at a high B right now!) to write, as was the purpose of the trip. But my writing made me very sad, so I wrote one real complete poem and then spent twenty minutes sitting by Karl Marx's grave and just thinking (not about his teachings. About my own life. Yes, I'm a little shallow and self-centered sometimes. But at least I acknowledge this.) The poem is below (get the tissue while you still can):

Happy Birthday

Baby born, baby mine,
but lost before life's
first cry.
This little body,
cradled in my arms,
is just the shell
of who you were to be.
Gone before you knew me,
but still my heart breaks
for the love you've taken with you.
The tiny coffin twists
my soul-sore heart,
as I send my love to the grave
with your first toy.
Happy Birthday love.
Happy Birthday Joy.

Now you can see why I stopped writing after I wrote it. It was inspired by this gravestone that stuck with me of a figure curled over, with a little head sticking out. The stone had only one date: 3 January 1997. My guess is the baby was stillborn. Add that to a certain event in The Velvet Promise by Jude Deveraux and this is what my mind came up with. Sad.

Moving on to something a little less depressing. After our time in the cemetery (during which it actually didn't rain surprisingly) Anna took us on the Tube and we headed for Camden Market (after the loooooooong walk back from Highgate Cemetery). At which point, Vanessa, Rachael, Kendra, and I headed to the market and I bought way more than I would have normally.

And here, I was back to something with which I have little practice (aside from the short time in Mexico years ago): haggling. Now, I am not the greatest of hagglers, but apparently I have a sweet innocent face and when I say I don't have the amount they want for something, the people in the stalls believe me. I did pay full asking price for my first dress (15 pounds, about $20) but the other two I got for 3 pounds and 5 pounds off.

Now, I have never really owned cute dresses I can wear out. I own a couple of dresses I enjoy wearing, but nothing like these. Here are some descriptions in order of the Mom Approval Scale (MAS for short). Dress one, the one highest scoring on the MAS, has a skirt that comes to just about my knees. This skirt is cream with a blue floral pattern on it. The skirt ends a little above my bellybutton and the bodice is a soft material, sleeveless, of a navy blue/royal blue.

The second dress on the MAS scale is one of the same sort of design as the first. However, the skirt is divided into three bands of color, yellow around the hem, then gray, then purple. The bodice is the same soft material and gray with no sleeves and a little pin that is sort of like a gray and black flower (I like it, whatever it is).

The last dress is more of a pencil skirt that's olive green with a round gold button on each side. The bodice is fitted and strapless and is ivory. It can be a little odd to walk in, but I like this one as much as the rest. This was the last one I bought and I tried it on because Kendra had drawn my eye to it and then it called to me.

Now, trying things on in the market, is a little different than in a normal store. In the market, you just try it on over your clothes and try to figure out whether you like it or not. I also seem to have some Goth in me since I kept being drawn towards the dresses with underskirting poking out from under the hem, ones with black lace on them in designs over red or purple or even black satin. Even though I'm not sure I would ever actually wear them.

I had fun trying stuff on as the other girls gave comments though. And it was decided at some point during this trip (or the trip back on the tube) that I was going out with them tonight. So we stopped at a little store in Waterloo Station called Accessorize and got me these little gold sandals to go with the olive dress, which I decided to wear tonight, along with a pair of gold dangly earrings with two circles on them and a small gold heart on a gold chain (which I love).

We all went back to Surbiton and I ate dinner and tried to upload some pictures. At 8:45, Kendra IM'ed me and said to start getting ready and head over to her flat in about 15 minutes for hair and make-up. Her flatmate Stephanie did my hair with a little poof and curled and held in place with bobby pins and hairspray. Kendra meanwhile, put a little powder (I'm not sure what it was other than it gave my skin a little color apparently), eyeshadow, eyeliner, a little mascara, lipstick and a touch of gloss on my face.

I'd take off my glasses and didn't put them back on when they told me to go look. But when I looked in the mirror, I was shocked. This girl couldn't be me. I'm never looked so elegant and grown up and beautiful. Not even when I got dressed up for prom. A grin broke out over my face, one I couldn't help and Steph and Kendra laughed good-heartedly at my reaction. Clearly, I was pleased. And I was still shocked when I put my glasses on and looked again. Actually, every time I caught sight of myself in a mirror during the night I felt a little shocked. But in a wonderful way.

I went back to my flat to grab my ID, since I'd need it to get into a club (even looking fully like my nineteen years) and then we walked down to the pub, The Coronation Hall. It was a rather nice place and rather helpful for cementing some ideas about Lou's Place in one of my planned novels. Yes, I am a writerly nerd and while going out to a pub, I think about how it can apply to a novel. But I rather like who I am.

I swear I blushed so much at the pub though. People who knew me from Kingston and even other students who I didn't personally know kept saying I looked beautiful. I was asked quite a few times if I wanted something to drink (alcoholic) but I just stuck with a Pepsi and no one tried to pressure me. In fact they kept wanting to know if I was having a good time (I swear, I was asked this at least fifty times tonight) and let me know that if I felt they were pressuring me I could tell them to back off.

I had a pretty nice time talking with Jim at the pub. He's with the abroad program and I think he was probably Scottish. Or Irish. But I think it was Scottish. Anyway, he made me laugh quite a bit and talked with me for a good while. Kendra, Steph, and Rachael were all keeping a look out for me though and I wasn't ever abandoned or alone. Plus Jim seemed like a nice guy.

Around midnight we headed out for a club called The Hippodrome (do not ask me why it's called that; I have no idea). We got the best bus driver ever who actually took us straight from the pub all the way to the Hippodrome, stopping as close as he could. Yay awesome bus drivers! They deserve a Real Men of Genius song.

At the door I got separated from my group for a few moments since a guy with the security people (not like he was being held by the security people, but like they were buds and he was keeping them company) did this weird mind trick to me where he asked what 3+3 was, 4+2 was, 5+1 was, 7-1 was, and then asked me to name a vegetable. At which point I said "7, no 8, no, wait. Banana, agh, that's not it either. Oh, wait, carrot, carrot." Yes, I am quite brilliant and articulate.

Caught back up with the group right inside the door. Apparently it was indie night at the club, which didn't bother me since I didn't really have anything to compare it to. And I suck at dancing anyway, made all the harder by a skirt that restricts my movements. But I had fun dancing a little and then watching the dancers as the floor got more crowded.

After a little while, a cute English boy named Antony (it might have actually been Anthony, but he didn't pronounce the H) sat down next to me and started talking with me. Okay, talking is not exactly what you can do in a club with the music pounding. We sort of had a shouted conversation very close to each others' ears. He's a student at the University in Bristol and he's studying French and Music. He seemed interested that I was an American and said he liked my accent.

Now, so that you (okay, mostly Mom) don't freak out about me talking with an English boy, alone, in a club, you should know that our group was rather large by this time and about every five minutes, someone would come by and check on me, making sure I didn't want to actually get away from Antony but couldn't. Stan in particular (according to Kendra, the straightest gay guy you will ever meet) dropped by quite a bit and told Antony that I was very special to the group and he'd better treat me right.

Antony was really good-natured about the way the group looked out for me and it made me feel a little safer. It was really nice to just talk with someone. I've never just met someone and started a conversation. Plus he introduced each of his friends as they came by. I was just going to dance with him (even though, as I mentioned before, I am a terrible dancer) when someone came and told me we were leaving. Which was okay because it was nearly 2 and I was ready to go. I did feel a little regret about having to say goodbye to Antony, but I gave him my Facebook so he can find me. (I also double-checked and there is no way he can stalk me using just my name and what I told him. I'm being careful).

I'm actually kind of glad that I don't take the time to look stunning all the time. Because as nice as it was, I can see how it might attract unsavory types. Beauty can be used to stun guys and I have never actually had a guy just come over and talk to me before. It was kind of fun and nice, but only because I liked Antony. In other circumstances, I could see it ending badly. So, while I loved feeling beautiful for a while, that Ashleigh is not to be used for every day life. Never had that feeling of guys finding me extremely pretty before. It was odd.

Took a bus back to Sainsbury's and then walked home from there with Stan, Steph, and a couple other people. When I got back to the dorm, I washed off my make-up and undid my hair. It's now 4am and I'll wash my hair when I get up in the morning. I also don't want to walk for a very long time (yes, I know I say this every night and every day I get up and do yet more walking). Overall, I really had fun tonight, although it's not how I would spend a lot of my nights.

Today's lesson: groups are good for safety and allow you freedom without endangerment. Also, I can be outwardly stunning as well as inwardly beautiful. Ciao.

Episode 21: Gluten-Free Starbucks Brownie, Hilarity, And I Never Want To Walk Again (But Have To Tomorrow)

Wow, was today loooooooong. It started off when my alarm beeped at 9 this morning. But I was so involved in my dream that the beeping was not my alarm, but a bomb that I needed to diffuse, but couldn't find. It actually took a few minutes of searching for the beeping to penetrate my subconscious and realize it was my alarm. Yes, I can get a little wrapped up in my dream worlds where I'm taking ballet ninja lessons (do you really want to know?)

Got everything together and headed to the bus stop. Luckily I allowed an hour and a half for travel to The Globe because I was putting on my sunglasses to help alleviate some of my headache from squinting in the glare of the sun, when the bus I needed to hail goes blowing past me. I only looked away from my vigilant lookout, but that's all it took. Luckily the next one showed up about six minutes later and I got to Waterloo with 45 minutes to walk to The Globe.

Yes, that's right. I said walk. As in I walked all the way from Waterloo Station to just a little past the Millennium Bridge. Just one little problem with this. The bridges I thought were the Millennium and London sooooooo were not even close. I walked, fairly quickly, for about thirty-five to forty minutes to reach The Globe. Don't get me wrong; it was a beautiful walk along the South Bank. But it was a little farther than I'd originally thought it to be. Okay, a lot farther.

Anyway, I eventually got there (on time even) and we did our tour of the globe and workshop for the play. The best part was getting to watch a little of the rehearsal for this new play called Anne Boelyn, in which Anne was blonde oddly enough. We also learned how there is no real lighting used or anything prerecorded in the way of sound and music. And if it rains, you just get wet. Also, this Globe is made using only the materials that the original was made with and is the first building to have a thatched roof since the Great London Fire in 1666 (in 1666, London burned like rotten sticks. This is a little rhyme Patsy taught us on our Shakespeare walk).

After this we had a break for lunch (yay food!) which was great since it was already 2 in the afternoon. I sat up in the cafe and ate my half sandwich while reading my Jude Deveraux book (which has totally sucked me in. Plus it has history I know. Yay history!) Before we met back up for class, I stopped in the Globe Gift Shop and bought a pair of pens that look like quills. I'd someday like to buy an actual quill and ink set, but they're expensive and unnecessary when I'm not sure how to use them yet. Plus they had Shakespeare's plays all turned into graphic novels, which actually looked really cool. I also saw what I think is probably my favorite Shakespeare quote, even though I'd never heard it before today (it even beats "Beware the ides of March"): "Hoods make not monks" from Henry VIII. Ironically, it was on a hoodie. :D

Patsy then took us on a little Shakespeare walk. We saw the sight of the original Globe theatre which had burned to the ground and the only house Shakespeare ever owned in London. We also saw the Globe's rival back in the day (which apparently is still going), The Rose Theatre, which is partially supported by Sir Ian McKellen because he doesn't like the feel of the Globe. After the walk we were left to our own devices until showtime.

Now, since I had already taken pictures of the Jubilee Bridge from the Waterloo Bridge (what I thought were the Millennium and London Bridges respectively) I decided to follow through with this idea of taking pictures of one bridge from another. Then I plan to frame them in some sort of shadowbox frame with miniature models of the bridges the pictures were taken from (Waterloo model in the Jubliee picture frame for example) and call it "Bridging The Gap". I think it has a nice ring to it.

The plan started with just taking a picture of London Bridge from the Millennium and vice versa. One tiny little problem. Since they build their bridges all at exactly the same height (except Tower Bridge), you can't actually see London Bridge from the Millennium Bridge. Actually, you can't see it from any bridge but Tower Bridge since there's a tram bridge in the way. But I have various other bridge pictures.

I have Millennium Bridge from Southwark and Southwark from Millennium. I have Jubilee from Waterloo and Waterloo from Jubilee. I have Blackfriar's from Millenium. I have London from the ground. And I have Tower from Millennium, Southwark, and London. Now I just have to go to Tower Bridge and get pictures of what bridges I can from it.

After all that I walked back to the Globe, stopping at the Starbucks across from it. Where, to my delight, I found a gluten-free brownie. There were actually a few gluten-free options which both surprised and thrilled me. Yay for yummy treats of the glutenless variety. I bought the brownie, went back across the street and sat in the cafe, where I ate my other half of the sandwich and read for two hours. Lovely.

At seven I made my way into the theatre to claim my spot. My spot on the ground. Yes, I attended this play as if I were the plebeian I would have been in Shakespeare's time. Which meant I stood for the entire play. I stood for 2 and half hours. It was a looooooong time to be on my feet, even with the short break for intermission (which they call Interval here).

However, the play was well worth it. I cannot even describe the sheer wondrousness of the play, though I am going to attempt it. To start with I should tell you that the premise is there are two sets of twins, one master to one servant (two aristocratic boys, two lower class boys) that are separated in a great storm when still babies. One set never knows they have brothers while the other set sets off to find their lost kin. They've been gone seven years when the father of the high born boys comes to the country looking for his sons, but being from a rival country, the law will put him to death if he cannot raise 1000 marks in 24 hours. Thus begins a series of hilarious mix-ups.

Now, to start with, though there are four characters between the twin sets, there are only two actors to play them. And yet, you never get confused as to who is who. One set has glasses while the other doesn't and the twins have very separate personalities. Also, pretty much all the characters play more than one character, which is hilarious to watch when they're supposed to be in the same room.

Also, they speak fairly fast and in Shakespearean tongue, but thanks to their gestures and body language, you are never confused as to what is going on. I think that actually seeing the play probably makes it twenty times as funny as it would be on paper. And this cast did it superbly. I couldn't even tell if some of the slip-ups were really that or preplanned to get more laughs from the audience.

My favorite part is right at the end when they wheel out cut-outs of the guys who play the twins so that both twins can be in the same room at the same time. Also, I loved the back and forth between the goldsmith and the duke (who were the same guy, but very different in manner. Plus, the goldsmith didn't wear a hat). I don't know how to properly convey how freakin' awesome this was. I absolutely adored this play. It was amazing!

Then I headed for the tube station with Montana, Lyanna, a couple other girls and a girl named Katelyn. Katelyn and I got a little separated from the others, but we stuck together. We also decided that you should always be able to blame things on the Death Eaters. Bridge instability? It was the Death Eaters. River frozen over? It was the Death Eaters. Train delay? It was the Death Eaters. It's the perfect excuse.

Took us a couple switches to get back, but we ended up on the fast train back to Waterloo and now here I am. It's 1am, but I wanted to write this up before bed. Besides, I can sleep in August.

Today's lesson: double check how close you are to somewhere before walking there. Also, don't stand for an entire play until you work up some muscle endurance. Ciao

Episode 20: I Dry My Clothes The Old Fashioned Way

Wow, class was so long today. Sorry, pause, we'll get to that in a moment. First, I must start with what happened before I left for class this morning. Since class was at 10:30 this morning and I leave about an hour for travel and added a little extra this morning since I had to print stuff off before class, I set my alarm for 8:15...in the evening. Which I didn't realize until this morning.

I was laying there, feeling wonderfully rested and thinking "Wow, I can't believe it's not even eight yet and I feel like I got so much sleep even though I didn't go to bed until almost midnight." So I grab my glasses to check the time (this is the one downfall of being practically blind. Okay, it's one of many downfalls of being practically blind. Actually, I'm not sure I can think of an upside to this condition. Looking cool and smart to others? 'Cause that's what I thought about people who had glasses before I myself got them. Wait, where was I? Oh yeah...)

I look at the clock and shoot out of bed. It is 9:15. The time I'd planned on leaving the dorm. I don't have a lunch made, I don't have my bag ready, I haven't emailed what I need printed off to myself, I haven't eaten breakfast. Thank God for the gluten-free bars I'd bought. I threw what I needed for class into my bag (minus the really helpful appliance called a stapler), threw on shorts and a tank, grabbed a breakfast bar and a granola bar, and ran out the door by 9:30 (why yes, I can get ready in 15 minutes. I am so not high maintenance) to catch the bus.

Of course, I got to school, printed everything off, and still ended up the second one in the classroom, with about twenty minutes to spare. No staples (I don't think there is a stapler in that school) but way on time. Which meant I got to read more about Gavin and Judith. Yay romance books!

Anyway, back to class today. It was waaaaay too long a class for simply sitting in a classroom. I admit, I can have ADD at times and fidget quite a bit, but I have a pretty good attention span when engaged. However, sitting in a classroom for 4 and a half hours is not my idea of engaging. A four hour class is perfectly acceptable if we're out in London for at least half of it, but sitting in an industrial white room with windows that can't open (although yay A/C) does not lead to creativity.

Although I did get a nice pat on the back for my prose poem. I just need to cut out the part about the muse. But people loved my wall analogy and what a nice job I did creating the image. And I did love Yulia's poem about Love and Hate. It was very awesome to a word lover such as I. Here it is so you can bask in the awesome. This completely belongs to Yulia Klimenova. No, seriously, it's been copyrighted:

'Love' and 'Hate'

They used to be reserved
for moments of intensity-
by those who had the nerve
to those who were word-sensitive

They both have been profaned
becoming common currency,
like statues of the saints
that non-believers rub
in orchestrated ecstasy

And tired words retire
resenting popularity
to gradually expire
still dreaming of sincerity

See? I love this. It's just so awesome. But back to class. I think that this is a great class and I love all the writing we're doing...but I think Anna has not taken into account that most of us have other classes and that we are partly here to be tourists. Don't get me wrong, I understand this is not a vacation. I came here for school and I had at least a little bit of an idea that a four-week course would be intense.

But Anna seems to keep adding more work to what we need to have done. It's very homework intensive, first of all. We usually have one or two bits of writing due each class. Then today we went over the requirements for the final portfolio. In the syllabus it says you can have 2 fiction pieces of 800-1800 words OR 4-6 poems OR a mix. We also need 4 reader diary entries of about 300 words and an author's note about our process.

Now, to me, an equivalent mixture would be 1 fiction piece and 2-3 poems. However, when we talked about it in class today, Anna said we need 8 pieces in our portfolio. And it had to be a mixture. Also, we needed five reader diary entries. Um, what? In what world is 8 equivalent to 2 or 4-6? I might be more angry/terrified, if I didn't already have six pieces written and a character sketch in it's early stages. Plus I have ideas for a few more poems.

But I do not like having this stuff sprung on me. I understand if the teacher has changed her mind about something in the syllabus, but you can't tell us this a week and a half before the portfolio is due. Especially when this is the last long weekend and most of us have plans. Touristy plans, travel plans, arrangements with friends, whatever. And we have to either turn the portfolio into her on Tuesday, or try and get it to one of the Kingston administrators and hope that it gets to her, since for some reason we are not having class next Thursday (I mean yay no class, but why is it canceled? She didn't actually give a reason for this).

Whatever, I'm going to just move on now. I got back to the dorm after riding the bus back with Rachel and Jamar. Then I went and did laundry. Which I did run into a couple problems with. First I did not have the proper change to get detergent from the machine. It only takes 20p pieces and I did not have any of those. Luckily, some French students were there and I asked if they had change for a 50p piece. The guy gave me exactly what I needed: 2 20p pieces and a 10p piece. Yay!

Then, I came to a problem with the dryer. I put in the only 20p piece I had left and hit the low setting so that none of my clothes would shrink or have issues. Unfortunately, for some reason, the dryer only ran for 7 minutes (even though I used that setting last time and had no problems). So I took everything out and took it back to my room.

So now I have clothes drying on my bed, in the closet (on the three hangers they gave me and draped over the edge of the shelves) on the radiator (which I don't think works) and even over the handle to my bathroom. Luckily, they're just damp and none of it touches me, even when I sit on my bed. Tomorrow promises to be a much more exciting day with Comedy of Errors at the Globe.

Today's lesson: always double-check your alarm. Always. Ciao.

Episode 19: I Have The Scream of A Preteen Fangirl Who's Spotted Edward Cullen

Oi, my feet are sore. But today was a rather fun day in my opinion. It started off with class for theatre at 10 this morning. I made it on time, this time with travelcard in hand. And it was really fun to workshop Comedy of Errors, the Shakespeare play we're going to see at the Globe on Wednesday. Patsy cut the opening section into eleven parts and then we walked around the room, each with a piece, reading it in order when our cue came (because originally, the plays weren't made with a copy for each actor. You just had your line and your cue). To make it even more fun, you had to stop someone and get them to listen to your story. And if that person didn't feel like they cared, they could just walk away and you had to find someone new before continuing. Poor Montana stumbled over some of the unfamiliar words and kept having people walk away from her.

Then, we were put in pairs and given a piece of script, which we were to read through, and figure out what's happening. Mostly I think we were just looking at the wonderful wordplay of Shakespeare. I love the puns and little plays on words. They're so fun. And he has such a lovely rhythm to his words once you find it.

Then this musical guy, Simon Greiff, came to talk to our class for a bit. He is actually the resident director on We Will Rock You and he got me even more excited to go see it next Monday. He was actually a really nice guy, unpretentious and easy to talk to. Plus he's been all over the theatre industry: acting, singing, dancing, directing, record producer. He was a neat guy.

Then we were sent off to the West End for a theatre quiz. The only rule? No internet. You have to find the answers by asking people and going to the theatres. And you are only given the vaguest of directions. Oh well. I set off with optimism. It was almost like an Amazing Race task. Fun!

Got all the way to the start, Charing Cross, and met up with some people from my class. I decided to do the quiz with them and they already had some answers from one of the guys on the train. But first they were hungry, so we stopped at McDonald's. Which I was fine with. I could wait while they ate. But then one of the girls realized she had wifi and a phone with internet, so she went online to find some of the answers. Which kind of killed the joy of it for me and made it feel dirty. Plus it was about 2:45 already and we had to meet at the theatre at 4. So I bid them adieu and decided to strike off on my own (yes, I am sorry Mom. I know I could have been kidnapped and compared to not following the rules of a quiz that's not even graded, maybe I should have stayed, but it was tainting the fun of the quiz).

Almost immediately outside, I met a nice older Scotsman (or Irishman, I sometimes have trouble telling the difference in accents). I passed him by and he called out something about my getting sunburned if I wasn't careful. Just a kind of passing "look after yourself now ya hear?" sort of statement. So I turned back around and asked if he knew one of the answers to my quiz.

He personally did not. But he stopped some people and asked them. He was a rather boisterous fellow and very animated. He kept telling people "answer this question and you win an all-expenses paid trip to Afghanistan with this lovely lady". Although he was a little touchy-feely. He put his arm around me (not in a "she's with me" way but almost the way an uncle or grandfather does) a couple times and touched my arm once or twice. It made me a little uncomfortable, since normally strangers don't touch you. But it wasn't at all threatening or trying to lead me to a secluded area where he could make me disappear.

His friend pointed me towards The New Player's Theatre, which he accompanied me to and then asked one of the people he was meeting there if she could help me. I got one or two answers from her and then asked where Shaftsbury Avenue was since it seemed like quite a few of the questions I had left seemed to mention it. Always answer the questions that have place names which give a sort of marker first. Then you can try and find out about the harder ones. Often you can ask at the places you've found with actual names.

I, uh, sort of got lost along the way. First I turned the wrong way and had to backtrack to Trafalgar Square. Then I asked a bus driver if he could point me in the right direction. Actually, I said "Can I ask you a question" and he replied "Sure. I don't think I'll bite." Then he told me how to get where I wanted to.

Actually, come to think of it, I never made it to Shaftsbury Avenue. I started to wonder whether I was going the right direction and found the theatre where we'd gone to see Enron. So I stopped in to ask if I was still going the right way. The box office lady said I was and I left. But then I went back and decided to see if she could help with any of my questions.

And she did! She helped me finish up my quiz and was very nice. Maybe I just give off this "please me nice to me" air. Maybe it's just that I look like I'm expecting a harsh word when I ask and it softens people up. In any case, I got the quiz done by about 3:15. Yippee! I even knew where I was, so I caught the tube to Covent Garden, where the theatre we were supposed to meet at was. And I looked around for a little because I have in mind what I want to get my dad, but I have to find it, which is proving to be somewhat difficult.

I got directions to the theatre around 3:50 and headed toward it. I knew it was showing Oliver, so when I saw the marquee, it wasn't hard to find. I planned to just go there and wait for our tour, but right across the street from the theatre, was a little candy shop called Hope and Greenwood. I'd never been in a candy shop in London and it looked so sweet and inviting, so I went in.

I didn't really plan on buying anything, even though a lot of it looked delicious. Especially the truffles. But the guy at the counter was so nice to me. He chatted with me a little about what I was doing in London and where I was from and whether I was enjoying my classes. He was just such a nice guy. Well, and he was kind of cute. Cute and sweet. So even though I'd left, I went back and bought some chocolate covered raspberries I'd looked at.

There were also these geranium truffles he had out for people to try since the couldn't be sold as they'd gotten too hot and "bloomed". They were rather odd. It sort of reminded me of the time I ate M&M's that had been mixed in with Mom's Home and Garden Party candles. I'm not entirely sure whether or not I liked it. But it was certainly interesting.

The tour at the Drury Lane Theatre should be added to every tourist book there is, because it was more than a simple tour. It was a fun experience. The two leaders change back and forth and dress up as different characters from the theatre's past. Plus they were so engaging and hilarious; I laughed almost the entire time.

Except for when I screamed like a terrified heroine in a slasher movie. Okay, so the guy had talked about a ghost once and then the woman popped through the door and startled a couple people (yes, a little shrieking, but this time I did not participate). But then the woman took over and led us down into the tunnels under the theatre (at one point we just kept going down and I figured eventually we'd just end up in the Phantom's lair).

So we're in the tunnel and she turns down the electric lighting so that it's mostly dark, just a little glow from an emergency light at each end (warmer and less bright than fluorescent lighting). Then she starts to tell us about some of the ghosts of the theatre. She starts off with a helpful one, but then talks about a guy with such a temper that he drove a blunt walking stick through another man's eye over a fight about a wig. She said, "every now and then people hear him whisper 'keep quiet'" and then started to say something about exactly where under the stage we were.

Now, when she started talking ghost stories, I expected something. I thought, something's going to tap my should or, more likely, he's going to drop into the grated section with rubble in it that we could see through a hole in the tunnel wall. Or even, maybe someone would whisper "keep quiet". I was ready for something to happen.

But then the guy just pops through the other end of the tunnel, not even in a manner intended to scare us, and we all lost it and screamed out heads off. I wasn't even aware of screaming at first. We made quite a piercing sound though. The guy was like "I think I've lost my eardrums. I had them when I walked in here; do you see them anywhere?"

I loved this whole tour and when I come again with my family, we are totally doing this. It is absolutely fantastic. And the people were wonderful and interacted with us kind of, not just playing a set script. So. Much. Fun.

Montana, Rachel, and I then walked back to the Underground. Well, kind of. We sort of got talking and ended up a little lost. But I have a good radar/sense of direction so we took a couple of turns, asked someone on the street and then we made it. Although we had to stand all the way back to Surbiton since the train was so packed. But at least it was the train that went straight to Surbiton.

Then we walked all the way home. And I am now admitting defeat; I can keep up the charade no longer. I am a slow walker. There, I said it. I walk slowly and get out of breath trying to keep up with most people. But I had a nice talk with Montana and Rachel. They're really nice girls and I like them. Even if they both used to be dancers and like to jog for fun/exercise. I suppose I won't hold it against them ;)

Today's lesson: People in London can be very nice to young girls (not in a pervy or creepy way!) who simply need to work up the courage to ask for help. Ciao