Chinwagging - Chatting

Looks like my blog entries are becoming a weekly tradition… woops! I should probably try to update more frequently. My friends and I have all been swamped with work recently, because we’ve been off gallivanting and now that our first set of classes is coming to a close, we actually have papers and finals, etc. to deal with. What a bother.
Last weekend we decided to stay in London, since the shadow of homework was looming in the near future. Plus, we wanted to cross a few more touristy attractions off our list. Here’s a little rundown:

On Friday afternoon Reggie, Ally, Megan, and I decided to embark on an adventure to Westminster Abbey, only to discover that we had arrived about 15 minutes after it had closed. We snapped some pictures of the area, before relocating our trip to Oxford Circus, which just so happens to be one of the hugest shopping hotspots in the world. I personally wasn’t aware of this, but it appears that the hoards of Friday afternoon shoppers were, and they were on the loose. We snooped around a few stores, but the aggressive shoppers, enormous stores, and SUPER long lines quickly discouraged us! At that point it was early evening, and we had about an hour to kill before our stomachs would start rumblin’ so we headed to the tube to hunt down the infamous Brick Lane. After an outrageously long line to top up my Oyster card (sorry friends), a few accidental tube changes, and a two-minute cab ride (amateur) we found the glorious street lined with Indian food restaurants- YUM! We had been told to haggle with the men outside of each restaurant, but the first one came up to us offering huge meals and two free bottles of wine for ten pound each. Easiest haggling known to man. We were sold in about 30 seconds, and ate a delicious Indian feast of chicken tikki masala, samosas, nan, and rice, washed down with some pinot, of course.

Saturday afternoon we explored Borough Market, which is essentially dozens of stalls housing all kinds of scrumptious treats to munch on. We did a lap around the entire market just to get a feel for all of the sections/categories of offerings. Although we were tempted by various hot lunch foods, I wasn’t satisfied until we finally found the stall with WORLD FAMOUS GRILLED CHEESE. MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED.

 

We waited in line for our cheesy slices of goodness and munched on them in a churchyard while a wedding party caroused by – all of my senses were entertained. After drinking hot apple and pear cider, eating delicious brownies, and getting some avocados for the road (5 for 1 pound!!) we strolled onto London Bridge to take some more touristy photos before heading home after a successful afternoon of tourist madness.

Saturday night out on London was a bit of a disaster, especially because we decided to continue our tourist vibes into going out to the most populated, skeevy clubs in town. After that disappointment, we took a daytrip to Cambridge to visit our friend from high school. Unfortunately, it was misting/raining all day, so while the campus was beautiful and green, it was cold and gross outside :( We also couldn’t partake in the traditional activity of “punting” because of the inclement weather plus bad timing (i.e. the punting rental place was closed, oops). We did score some great fudge and nifty sweatshirts, plus Megan and I kicked some British butt in a game of pool. On our way back to the train/bus station, Reggie and I put our SHOES ON THE GRASS (big no no) so, take that Cambridge.


Nothing too exciting has been going on this week, since finals are next Monday and Tuesday, and we’ve all retreated into our rooms for a little bit. After exams are over, we’re going to ITALY from Wednesday – Sunday, YAY!!! We’re hitting Venice, Florence, and Rome, so I’m sure I’ll have tons of pictures and stories to share.
Miss & love everyone! Cheers!