SUPERBOWL SUNDAY 2011!

Well this weekend has its ups and downs as usual. There were fun bits but because I was sick, it was a little painful. I did not end up going out Friday as you know and had a lot of fun in Greenwich on Saturday. Lindsey, Kristin and I woke up around 10 to make our way to the Tower Ridge stop to get on our boat to head to Greenwich. It was a pretty interesting cruise down the Thames. It was better because the first time because 1) it was light out 2) we were sober and 3) we go to learn all of the cool facts about places along the Thames. We saw Charles Dickens house, a building that inspired 'Oliver Twist', very interesting architecture—a building that looked like it was made out of legos so that each and every window had a view of the Thames—and Admiral Nelson's (yes, like the booze) house.

Once we got off the boat, we were split into two groups. Our little tour guide was very entertaining but a bit long winded. She had purple hair and looked like a hobbit! It turns out a lot of movies were filmed in Greenwich but the only two I can remember are 'Pirates of the Caribbean 4' and 'Guliver's Travels'. The place is pretty big and tough to take all in in one day so we went to the Royal Navel College/Hospital, which is what it known for. A lot of Kings and Queens had lived there over the years and they each made different use of the buildings. The one building we went into was called the Painted Hall. It really was beautiful and seemed amazing to me.

Everything was painted in detail, walls to ceiling. It was what I imagine the Sistine Chapel to look like but when I said it, everyone turned their nose to me and said that is much more beautiful, so I guess I'll see for myself in April! It was pretty cool because it was simply a dinning hall but apparently no one would eat in there because it was just "too beautiful." People back then had their priorities all wrong I think. But anyways, apparently there were some men who would go and lie on their backs and count the number of breasts in the painting on the ceilings and I believe there was a reported 178 and a half (apparently a side boob or so?) Not entirely sure who has the time for that but that's some horny men for ya I suppose.

After the long winded tour, we made our way up to the Royal Observatory Tower. This is where the Prime Meridian lies. This was really cool. We were chomping at the bit to get up there, it was quite the hike. Not far but pretty steep and the view from where we cam from was beautiful. After waiting in line for about 20 minutes, we finally stood on the line and all got out pictures taken. Apparently this is the one place where all time is based off of, a concept I can't exactly wrap my head around, but sure. It was cool to see how far away major cities were East or West of that point and of course, to be in two places at one. My first time in the Eastern Hemisphere!

Once we got out pictures taken, we headed back down to the Greenwich Market. This place was great. They had a lot of ethnic foods and some cute little shops. I didn't have enough cash on me or I would have bought this fork bracelet. I know it may sound strange, but the guy who makes them is so talented. So basically, it didn't even look like a fork because of the way he bends them. I am definitely going back to get one. I haven't really treated myself to anything I just wanted and it was only 10 quid and everyone else I know has been spending their money left and right. But of course, like all markets, they had great food. They had amazing Italian and Caribbean food, so I got fried Plantain and this interesting roll with olives and what not—side note, for anyone who knows my history with food, if there is something gross in it, I'll find it, when I took a bite of the bread, I pulled a big gray hair out of my mouth, almost vommed right where I was standing, still makes me sick to think about. It wasn't my first choice of food but when I came across "authentic Polish food" and asked for cheese and potato Pierogies, they were out of them.

We eventually decided to leave because it was getting dark and we ventured back to Harrow. But we had to find our own way back, so we took the Tube, the DLR line, which is a nice ride. Part of it is above ground and you can see the city from a different view. It's very nice. We then had to switch to the Jubilee line, and who do we run into in the middle of nowhere, Brian. He was headed back to his place as well, so that was a coincidence. That night, out of exhaustion and Kristin and I both being sick, the two of us and Lindsey went to the library to rent some movies. We each got out own, but decided to watch the 'Aristocats' (yes the Disney movie) and 'Catch Me if You Can' together. We only made it to 'Aristocats' though, walking around all day makes you more tired than you'd think. We decided not to go out because we knew we had a big night ahead of us for the Superbowl!

Sunday morning rolled around and I woke up feeling worse with no voice. So I stayed in bed as long as I could so that I could be ready for the night, there was no way I was skipping this. We went to the Roadhouse as planned and the whole "reservation" was BS. The only thing it helped for was that we didn't have to pay a cover charge but they gave us for tiny high tops for 35 people! Thanks guys. Also, the only drink special was 5 Heinekens for £15 and if you ask me that is no special. That's £3 a beer! So Kristin and I split two of those buckets and thats why my pictures came out so blurry! It really was a blast though. When they sang the National Anthem and the Star Spangled Banner, everyone kind of got chills and I—the sap I am—had to hold back tears. It's something you can't explain unless you've been away from your country and missed it. I feel like for the last 20 years of my life, I've taken everything I have and know and everything America stands for for granted. Funny how that took a few beers, and the Superbowl to make me realize that. Pretty moving stuff believe it or not. I will be sure to kiss the ground when my plan lands in May.

Coming home was interesting! Assuming what the night would be like, I drew a map of how to get to our bus station. It seemed dumb at the time but the more beers in our system, the more thankful we became for it. Kristin laughed at me when I first showed her because it was just a straight shot to the bus stop. However, it was a 15 minute walk and you had to go down a few side streets to get to that straight away (which was rather sketchy might I add.) So we followed my pathetic map when we stopped short in front of a pizza place that was still open like little kids in front of a toy store. We had walked by this place before and drooled over how good it looked. With good judgement skills out the window, we of course each bought one and carried on our way to the buses. Now we didn't have to cook when we got home! The ride took about an hour and we were on the second deck in the front, so we got the amazing view. Once back to Harrow, my Becky, Gerri and Ayesha were all awake, so they played with me for a little while—I was very entertaining apparently—and finally around 4am, I called home to let Mom and Pops know I was alive and then passed out.

Once again, I felt terrible when I woke up this morning and pretty much slept all day because we had plans to go to dinner in China town to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Everyone knows that when you're sick all you want is your Mommy. So when your away at school it always sucks when you get sick. But being in another country, well it's god awful because on top of being sick-sick, I've been feeling homesick! And because I want to rest as much as possible, I'm stuck in my room which makes me depressed, which makes every thing feel worse. So I was determined to go out to dinner. At 6:00 Kristin, Becky, Sophia, Gerri, Febe and I went into China town to meet their friends, Chelsey and Polly. We settled on a Chinese buffet type place and it was better than I had anticipated—I don't really like Chinese food. But it turned out to be pretty good. After that we headed over to a frozen yogurt place called "Snog" it was great. The ambiance was really cool and cute and the frozen yogurt was to die for.

With full bellies, and tired bodies, we headed back to Harrow. We caught one of the new Tube's (which is always exciting haha) and Kristin and I decided to stay in since we are both sick. We figured it wouldn't hurt us or our bank accounts to miss a Messy Monday! Now, it's time for 'Catch Me if You Can.' Oh Leo...