Week 11: Extra Wicked Mexican Food!

After 6 hours of classes on Monday (3/26), I totally deserved a Wicked experience! Literally! Rasa, Becca, and I went to the Apollo Victoria Theatre to watch the musical Wicked—The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz. The musical is inspired from Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which he wrote while living in London. (Totally fitting to watch it here!)

It was back to reality on Tuesday (3/27) as I spent the entire day and night away from room, whether it be in class or in the computer room preparing for a group presentation and meeting with another group for a project. Rasa finally got an appointment with the doctor, who was not able to do anything for her viral infection other than suggest bed rest. What actually helped was Cloud treating her to a Caramel Frap followed by some shopping.

The entire Wednesday (3/28) was dedicated to preparing for my looming psychology group presentation (and when I say looming, I mean 4:00 PM!). My group did well presenting the difficult content of R. D Laing’s book on schizophrenia called The Divided Self.

So, I’ve explained the “Wicked” portion of my title, but what about “Extra” and “Mexican Food”? Thursday and Friday was all about putting in extra hours. I don’t just mean spending more hours on schoolwork, I mean spending extra hours in the classroom! I felt the pain of not starting my weekend on Thursday (3/29) right at 10:21 AM due to my “make-up” lecture of my 3 hour-long class (which was cancelled 2 previous Mondays ago!). MSMC professors, please don’t get any ideas ;-)

After a group meeting early that evening, the gang (which has apparently grown) headed over to Quiz Night at Imperial College. Who has joined us, you ask? Amazing people! In addition to Julie (from Boston; attends Emmanuel) and Christel (from Chicago; attends Eureka College), our new buddies include 2 Richmond degree students and 2 study abroad students—Jess (from Rhode Island; attends Providence) and Chris a.k.a Phizz (from Ventura; attends Cal Lutheran University). Oh, and apparently, we all have “secret” nicknames that start with L—‘gotta’ love inside jokes! After Quiz Night, some of us just weren’t satisfied, food-wise. So what was open at 11:30 at night? McDonald’s! I am not one to prefer fast-food, but I *was* hungry and it was fun because we all collected pieces of the London version of the Monopoly board game.

You would think that I was done with school by the time Friday (3/30) morning came along right? Wrong! I spent another hour listening to a lecture, this time a guest lecturer from AMICUS—the UK’s largest industrial union organization. After that was over, I was finally able to get my weekend started with (by now, you should know) a nap! Afterwards, the girls and I headed to Harrods—the world’s most famous department store. This place is huge! If you feel that you’ve ever gotten lost in a mall, this was ten times worse! (Or better actually!) World-renowned designer products surrounded us at every turn! We vowed to return right before we leave London to pick up a few souvenirs from Toy Kingdom…yes, TOY KINGDOM!!!

Finally, the day I had been looking for ALL semester: on Saturday (3/31), we found Mexican food!!!!! It took us a full hour before finding a place that could seat nine, but it was SO worth it! We (legally and responsibly) enjoyed margaritas along with delicious fajitas, enchiladas, chimichangas, and burritos! Very much needed taste of home!

Speaking of home…I know that May 11 may sound far away, but really—it’s right around the corner! Summer planning is in the works: internships, vacations, becoming an auntie, and oh…my 21st birthday! (JULY 2!) *hint hint* =)

We’re in the final stretch! Stay tuned for two more trips outside of England—Ireland and Denmark!

Hasta Luego!
Danielle