i don't think i ever talked about the inauguration. well, it was beautiful. it would have been, regardless, but to be here, huddled in the ICA (institute of contemporary arts, where i have class) with a whole mess of americans and brits, was a truly wonderful experience. everyone was bustling around, getting coffee and tea, chatting and anticipating. they had it projected on the wall for everyone to see. we got prime seats. amidst hot chocolate and tears, i listened as the room got silent, and watched as obama stumbled his tongue-tied way into the 44th presidency. i'm obsessed with him. i like politics, i'm interested in the fate of my country, but never have i been so inclined to check up on things back home, to watch the economy, to update myself. i don't know if it's my age, my major, or obama himself that's inspiring me but for some reason, i am. and i see it in my friends, in my peers, even in my teachers here in london.
i guess my art teacher said it best, "way to go america. you finally got it right!"
in other news, things have been getting on quite well here. i'm fully settled, my classes are interesting, and i'm making new friends (i'm sure mom & dad are happy to hear that). last night i went on a mini bar tour around islington, our neighborhood to the north, with a bunch of the RADA kids. it was nice to go out and hang out. i've been clubbing since i've been here, but i'm quickly learning it's not really my thing. i'd much rather have a bit of space and quiet to get to know people, talk about our lives before london, what we've all been though, what we've all left behind. it's nice to get to know people. and it's something i very much need to do, as i just met all of them last week. i have very high standards for who i hang out with, i thank my beautiful nyc family for that. so though i'll never be able to find replacements, i'm branching out, and it's wonderful so far.
this afternoon abi and i ventured back up to islington to wander through the camden passage antique market. it was adorable. tucked just off the main road, on a little cobblestone street, were a collection of vintage stores, boutiques, coffee shops, and the outdoor markets. i got some earrings shaped like old school bicycles, and a cute little sundress. we got a late lunch at this strange mexican/coffee bar/dessert place. there were cocktails, churros and chicken tacos all together on the menu. weird. abi had a lamb shank. it was massive.
the picture on the left is of a basement dressing room of some vintage store we went into. it was beautiful. with all of these statues and ornaments sealed to the wall. we were obsessed.
tonight maggie and i are venturing out to a late movie to see 'the reader' alll the way in kensington, by hyde park. so far away. but i'm excited. it's our adventurous date night. plus i need to see this movie, it's my duty as an oscar-follower. oh! i never sounded off on the nominations.
well i'm pretty content with everything. it's ridiculous kate winslet is nominated for 'the reader' and not 'revolutionary road.' i'll probably have a stronger opinion after i see the movie tonight. i'm glad 'WALL-E' is nominated for screenplay. but i'm missing cate blanchett's nomination. whatever. i'm still not over her loss last year. it was a pretty predictable year, nomination-wise. there were a lot of wonderful movies, so it was just a guess on what combination. well - we'll see what happens next month. in the meantime - doubt, the reader, frost/nixon, and the visitor are on my list to see before the 22nd. all systems are go.
i should go. maybe i can swindle abi into cutting my hair tonight before i go. ooh!
love love love.
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