Happy Birthday to me!

What a BRILLIANT birthday week!

This previous week was one of the most stressful that I've had, two very difficult papers were due. But I finished everything just in time to celebrate my 21st birthday!

Tuesday was my first trip to the Oxford Student Union. There was a debate taking place in honor of the US elections, the debaters were all Americans and discussed some of the issues that were at the forefront of the elections and campaigns. First of all, the Union is beautiful, quintessential Oxford. It was strange to be in a room in England packed with Americans, but it was nice to feel a little bit closer to home, even for just a few hours. And I saw a fellow Hill alum there! So all in all, an interesting night.

Thursday, a friend and I took the bus into London where we stayed with another friend of mine from Wellesley who is studying at LSE for the year. Friday was spent at the British Museum, what an incredible place! I had no idea how extensive their collections are. We got to see the Rosetta stone, the pediments from the Parthenon, and a special exhibit on the Egyptian book of the dead. So amazing! Thursday night, we went to see the English National Opera perform La Boheme. It was a beautiful production, lots of death and sadness BUT enjoyable just the same.

And Saturday was the big birthday celebration. We wandered around Chelsea in the morning, exploring farmers markets and rare book fairs and gorging ourselves on food (typical weekend activity). Next was a much needed and anticipated trip to Harrods! Let me tell you people, this is a shoppers dream, and I am a seasoned player myself. I picked up a lovely pair of birthday shoes (!) and then we made our way to the Victoria and Albert Museum. That night five of us went out to Cocoon, a very cool sushi restaurant near Picadilly Circus. The food, and of course the drinks, were delectible, such a nice treat. From there, we went to an oh-so-hip London club called The Ministry of Sound. It was so much fun and a great way to start my 21st birthday!

Sunday was spent in Westminster then on the bus back to Oxford where I met all of my fellow Americans at a great Indian restaurant in town, then out for more drinks (the defining activity of the weekend). It was such a lovely way to spend my birthday, although I'm sad that I didn't get to experience the American version. But only three weeks until I'm back in the US, I can't believe it! Meanwhile, I'm having an amazing time in London, and can't wait to explore the rest of Europe soon. Details on my trip planning will come in my next post.

Sarah XX (the standard British sign off!)

PS. Check facebook for more pictures!