So its been a week, and I feel terrible that I haven't updated this sucker. So here's a summary of my past week here in the wonderful UK. Last Tuesday (and this Tuesday), I went to the Eldon for International night. Both nights we got there around 8 to ensure we got a table and would not be smashed into the slot machine again. Plus, you're legs begin to hate you after standing on them for 2 or 3 hours. Here are some pictures of some friends at the Eldon:
Thursday night was Headphone Disco Silent Geeks. I conveniently still have the flier sitting here on my desk, so I'll just quote it as to what it was exactly that I went to:
"If you haven't witnessed a headphone disco before, here's how it works...collect your wireless
headphones on entry. Two DJs broadcast direct into your headphones competing for your
attention. Use the switch on the headphones to select the DJ you prefer. Dance/sing/go wild
with thousands of others in an otherwise silent room! An experience everyone should try
before they die!"
So I thought, hey, why not? The theme was to dress up like a geek, so obviously that meant that it was socially acceptable for me to go buy some suspenders. Red suspenders to be exact. Here are some pictures from the night:
I also took a video of the silent disco because I really don't know how to describe the atmosphere. It was a lot of fun, surprisingly. Though, when you took your headphones off, all you heard was people singing 2 different songs. It was odd, yet fun. I think the side pony I was rocking helped my confidence.
Friday I went to go see Blue Valentine with a fellow KU-er, Elizabeth. After walking a somewhat sketchy walk to the only theater showing the film, we made it to Hyde Park Picture show. They have one theater there and it was more like an old time theater. There was a balcony and even a curtain over the screen. I was thoroughly impressed. The movie was so good, but so depressing. I highly recommend it, but then again, I don't think I've ever disliked a movie Ryan Gosling has been in.
Saturday morning I woke up 7:05 am. The only problem was I was supposed to be at the bus by 7:00 am to get to London. I then realized I had 2 missed calls, one from Elizabeth, who I was supposed to walk with, and one from Quinn, which I then remembered seeing and ignoring as I rolled over back to sleep. I instantly called Quinn back, informing him that I had just woken up and asking him to beg the trip leader to wait up for me. I shoved my stuff in my bag, forgetting things like pajamas and a toothbrush, threw on some clothes, and literally ran to the bus. Luckily, our leader, Emma, was nice enough to wait. By 7:25 or so I was on the bus, exhausted, but so happy I had made it. London was amazing. After arriving, we went on a walking tour to see all the major sites. We saw the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street (where the Prime Minister lives), Clarence House, Buckingham Palace, St. James Park, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus. Check out some pictures:
After our tour around the city, we headed to Chinatown for a good Chinese meal at Wong Kei, a five story Chinese restaurant full of rude waiters and delicious food. I got roast duck on rice, which was so yummy! Since we were there around Chinese New Year, there were a ton of people and decorations hanging up in preparation of the next day's celebrations. Check it out:
We explored the area a little more, then headed back to the hostel. We spent some time in the hostel's bar, then headed out to meet our guide, Emma, at a pub in Leicester Square. After it closed around 11, we went to Camden to go to a bar called the wheelbarrow, where we danced the rest of the night. On our way back, we made a detour to go to the top of Primrose Hill where we can see the entire city. It was beautiful looking at London with all the lights under the stars. I tried to get a picture, but didn't do the spot justice.
The next morning we woke up bright and early to return to Primrose Hill. After that we walked to Camden Market, which had tons of cool shops. In the hour and a half we were there, I feel like I only got to a quarter of the stores. Must go back sometime. We then went back down to Chinatown to see the Chinese New Year Celebration. There were dragons and wishing trees and decorations and POP ROCKS. It was so insanely crowded, but such a cool experience. The neastest thing, I thought, was some of the shops had vegetables hanging outside their doors. As the dragon passed by, it would reach up and grab the veggies, almost like it was eating. I also had one of the most delicious things I've eaten, called a roast pork pastry. Literally one of the most things to have graced my taste buds. I also got a custard bun, which was also delicious. We then headed back to the hostel to grab our stuff and board the bus back to Leeds. Amazing trip, if I do say so myself. And luckily for me, everyone on the trip knew who I was before I knew who they were since I was late.
THAT Jessica who was late to the bus,
Jessica
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