GENERAL UPDATE FOR THE MASSES:

Sorry I have been so terrible about updating the blog. I promise to tell everyone anything you want to know! Here's a recap of last week: saw two amazing Shakespeare performances. The first was The Comedy of Errors at the Globe Theater in London on Tuesday (I think). It was really funny and entertaining- it was such a cool experience in general to be in the Globe- we had standing tickets in front of the stage, so it was neat to sort of experience that. It also rained during the performance which I loved. Before the Shakespeare performance, we had gone to east London to explore some ethnic neighborhoods to coincide with our reading in White Teeth. We checked out a Muslim mosque, which was interesting. As an anthropology major, I felt a little uncomfortable going in to mosque. I don't mean this in the sense that being around another culture was uncomfortable- being uncomfortable in that sense is always a good learning experience; it was more of the fact that a large group of us sort of went tromping about in someone else's mosque unannounced during their prayer time. Nevertheless, it was an excellent opportunity to view someone else's religious practices in action. The mosque was really beautiful inside, as was watching the men and women practice their prayers. After that, we went to an area of London called Brick Lane, which was SUPER cool. I found some awesome record stores and bought some Black Crowes vinyl... one limited edition clear vinyl with a calendar included from 1993. I'm still really excited about them.

Also last week we visited another magnificent garden at Rousham. It ties at number two with Stourhead for my favorite, because the two were so different. They were both really majestic and massive, but Rousham was different in that there was no distinct tour or path we were supposed to take; you could wander at will and come upon the more painterly views of the garden, as well as the picturesque. They were simply framed differently than Stourhead, where you could see a view of a temple from a mile away. At Rousham, you could wander through some woods and then just happen upon an old temple. It was fantastic. There was also a really nice par terre garden close to the house.

We also got to see The Tempest last week in Stratford, starring Patrick Stewart. Yes, I mean Patrick Stewart from Star Trek. He was really excellent. The Tempest really freaked me out though- there was this one part when freaky Ariel (this weird sprite dude) came unexpectedly out of a freaking walrus or something all bloody and I was sort of terrified. I did not enjoy that bit. The rest was good though. Just the experience of realizing, sitting in your seat, that you're watching the Royal Shakespeare Company, with Patrick Stewart, act out The Tempest, in Stratford.... it's mind-blowing. I keep reminding myself to take a step back and realize in the grand scheme of things, how amazing these experiences are!

Friday, I went with a few friends to do some more touristy stuff in London- for the Buckingham exhibit, see the last post. That night, we miraculously got discount tickets to see The Producers- the newest Mel Brooks musical. It was absolutely hysterical- we had an awesome time, and SOMEHOW managed to get second row seats! I don't know how this happened... divine providence, I think. We were second row, right in the middle behind the conductor! We even got some interaction with one of the actors! It was a blast!

Phew! So, things are sadly winding up here. In classes we're working on final projects, finishing books, etc. I don't want to leave! I love England, save the food and occasional snotty people. The weather today is so cold, it feels amazing.... I really don't want to return to the likes of 110 degree highs in Austin. I also love my profs and the kids- I feel so blessed to know these people and we're kind of like family now. I will really miss being around them every day in this happy little bubble at Brasenose College. I do, however, miss many things about Texas. Number one: friends and family. Two: Ned Plimpton. Three: texmex and edible food in general. Four: ice cubes. Five: water that does not smell like sulphur. Those are the top five. In in all honesty, number one weighs out against everything I adore about England, so don't worry, I will be coming home. :)

xo,
Sarai

ps- i do still promise pics- i think i will have to use the lab because my internet connection isn't fast enough.