Excursion and Birthday

Early Monday morning we took a series of tube trains to the overground, and from there enjoyed a gorgeous hour and half long train ride to Bath. The first stop upon arrival was the hotel, to get roommate assignments and drop off our luggage. Then a few of us found lunch at a really cute cafe and ate it in the courtyard of Bath Abbey/The Roman Baths. We visited the baths next. I had no idea they were so well-preserved! It was one of the coolest places I've ever been. In the afternoon we took a guided foot-tour around the city of Bath. It was FREEZING, but worth it. Bath is so picturesque. It felt like a dream the whole time. After a bit of shopping and a peak into the Abbey we went back to the hotel where they served us dinner. Tea and conversation followed the meal. We were all pretty beat, so we just sat around talking and playing cards until bedtime. On Tuesday, we spent more time at the Abbey, visited the Guildhall, Assembly Rooms, the fashion museum, Jane Austen's house, and lots and lots of shops. After a late lunch of pasties in the park we trapsed back to the train station to head home. I had such a great time! I can't wait til Canterbury next week. :)

<-- (L to R) Nigel - our tour guide, Amy, Sheri, Debbie, Me

That night (Tuesday), I stayed up with some friends and we opened the birthday package from my family at midnight. We proceeded to enjoy the contents and chat for another hour or so. After a birthday greeting/hug-filled breafast, we had colloquy and lunch. The afternoon consisted of seemingly endless gallery assignments. Though it did go it a little faster because of my friends' who-can-say-happy-birthday-to-Erin-the-most-game. It really did make me happy every time. :) That evening, when I was sitting in my room doing my reading I heard a page from the building manager, "All Houghton students please report to the library immediately." She's not the friendliest lady and usually means serious business, so I raced down the 4 flights of stairs to arrive breathless at the door, which I opened to... *suspense* ... a surprise party!!!! There was cake, ice cream, a group card, presents, a piano player, and a "dj" (Bethany) - all of which were impressive based on our limited resources. Afterwards, a few of crammed into Eric's room for a midnight Office marathon. It was a WONDERFUL birthday, and I couldn't be more thankful for my incredible friends. They really helped to ease the homesickness that day. (I have to admit that I was on the brink of tears when I got the audio clip of my family singing Happy Birthday to me.)

My solution to getting rid of the nasty root beer was to start the chug chant. Eric was not ok. -->

On Thursday night, Sheri, Eric, Carolyn, Christine, Brett, and I headed down to the theatre district to see Avenue Q. Despite a few sketchy scenes, it was a great show! We had a blast just getting out of the house, on the town, and away from our paper topics. Next weekend, we plan to see Wicked. I'm so pumped!