Tying up Loose Ends

I realize that I neglected my blog a bit at the end of last term, due mostly to projects, papers and packing to visit Michigan. There are quite a few things that I should have written about that I let slide. I can’t do all of it justice, but I will try to fill you in as efficiently as possible. Prepare yourself for miscellany!

1. The hip hop class that I taught went really well. The enthusiasm of the group was overwhelming, as was the “street attire” many of the participants donned. Foreign perceptions of American street culture are generally shaped by images seen in music videos and blockbuster films. In other words, HILARIOUS! I could not contain my laughter during the Q&A section of class:

“Why don’t the East and West sides get along?”

“Do people in the ghetto really eat McDonald’s all the time?”

“Why is Kanye West so rude?”

“Did you bring your gun with you from Detroit?”

2. Leona came to London! She is studying at La Cordon Bleu, in Paris, and took a trip with her flat mate to see a concert in London. I was really busy with my course when she arrived, so she came out to my neighborhood to catch up over a drink.

We stayed for a while, and then my flat mate stopped by.

We stayed for a while longer, and a friend from my course stopped by after visiting the library.

Everyone got along splendidly and I adored spending time with such a mixed bag of awesomeness.

3. Ionut came to London! We took to the streets and frolicked about town. 

The highlights of our time together included a visit to a unique bar basement, hidden away in Waterloo, as well as a rooftop wigwam bar in Shoreditch.

We rambled through The Tunnel on our journey toward Dover Street, and ate Indian food on Brick Lane with friends. It was a weekend full of wonderfulness.

The Tunnel, photo credit: Ionut Gitan

Dover Street, photo credit: Ionut Gitan

4. I picked up some bizarre work, helping a color therapist cut and organize swatches of fabric. The work made my back ache and my fingers bleed. However, I gained the valuable knowledge that my best “fun” color is teal or turquoise and my “power” color is chocolate brown. I was paid in cash, a bag of groceries, free lunch, wine, stimulating conversation, and a home cooked dinner, eaten while watching Miracle on 34^th Street on the TV. Not to mention, the morning walk to work was beautiful.

It was totally worth it.