I guess this is gonna be a weekly thing...

So, blogging more often than weekly obviously isn't working out very well.  There is simply too much to do to fit it into my schedule!  Let's try and get everyone caught up to speed....

Last week I had my first classes (I don't remember anyone mentioning them when I signed up for this program...) which were: Art in London, Contemporary Britain, Seminar, and something else I don't remember. Oops. We went to the student union Tuesday night (ULU) to celebrate our first week of internships finishing.  And let me tell YOU, it sure is nice to have Tuesday feel like Friday.  I'm loving two-day work weeks :)

Wednesday we went to Camden Market (I'll explain more in another blog I have to do for an assignment on London markets) but it was shocking to say the least... I literally can't explain in words what it was like.  Kind of punky, ridiculous buildings, a giant store that sells nothing but clothes/accessories for raves.. it's something you have to experience yourself to understand.  We learned the importance of bargaining there, though!  Mal was going to buy a tiny bracelet from this little shop, but it was 2 pounds... definitely not worth it.  We suggested 1.50 and he told us his boss wouldn't let him sell for less than 2 (good one).  So, like you do when you want to leave but don't want to make the person mad, she said she would come back later.  He would not let her walk away!  She was counting out her change in her wallet, so he snatched her wallet from her to see how much she had - not okay!  She took it back, and ended up having less than a pound, but he held out both his hands like a beggar and insisted that whatever she had was fine.  I felt like we just fed his family for a week....

Alyssa Claire - you would love this place. Sorry I chose the creepiest picture to show that.  Baha

Later that night, we went to see Les Miserables with the whole program, and it was FANTASTIC.  Apparently, all the Brits get tiny cups of ice cream at intermission, and we all want to fit in...  So of course we got some too :)  Probably less than half a pint for 3 pounds, but hey, it's all part of the experience, right? (Thanks Mom and Dad!)

At the show!

 Thursday night, we had our first club experience.  We got ambushed downtown by guys working for different clubs pulling us every which way trying to talk up deals to get us to go into their club versus another... that was creepy.  Sure, give me a good deal, but do NOT pull me away from my group of friends to try and convince me that yours is best.  That's crossing the line.

Later that night our friends studying in Wales came to visit!!  It was nice just to get to see other Central people.. a nice reminder of home.  We took them to a different club called TigerTiger on Friday night after we did some sight-seeing, and that was quite the experience.  We were all dressed up of course, and even made reservations.  We were on THE list.  What a nice change ;)  So the dancing in London is one thing, but guys here are definitely NOT afraid to test the waters with anyone.  The standard is to kiss your hand, tell you you're beautiful, and from there it's past the point of turning back!  What girl wouldn't be flattered if that happened?  It did help that both of my roommates are platinum blonde (one giant American flag) and all the guys here think our "accents" are intriguing.

The topper was when I was making conversation with a guy and he asked if he could guess where I was from.  I told him to go for it, because everyone always easily guesses the states without hesitation.  First guess: Japan. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!  I realize I have small eyes, but I definitely am not tan, nor do I speak broken English.  <- Strike one.  Second guess: West Indies.  Okay, you can stop joking around now.. you're just digging yourself a hole. <- Strike two.  Third guess: Canada.  Alright, we're done.  Buy me my drink and leave me alone.  <- YOU'RE OUTTA THERE.

After that night, I was ready for a break from the club scene.  Some more sight-seeing and picture taking and the weekend was complete.  Hopefully, we'll be off to Wales and Liverpool this weekend for our first trip of the semester!!