Wednesday, Jan 16th

Just an update since last week. We looked at several exhibits at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and saw the dinosaurs and cool animals at the Natural History museum. It's a great resource, close and free!

The reception that FIE put on was nice. We had hamburgers, salad and choc cake. It was fun to see how many students FIE is hosting this spring, nearly 300.

Friday morning early, Erik went to a local artisan bakery, "Gail's", and got 13 different loaves of bread. He'd also purchased preserves, cheese, nutella, bananas and butter the night before. We had quite a yummy snack at our first LC group meeting. We decided to meet in one of the lounges, where the students stay, because it's cozier and we have more space. It was fun to meet with the students and hear about their newly assigned service learning internship assignments. We don't see the students nearly as often as we did on the Australia trip, but we're having them over to our place 5 or 6 at a time for Firezza pizza. It's an awesome pizza place right across the street from us. Pizza is quite different here, but good. Thin crust and different toppings.

Saturday we went to Canary Wharf to the Ice Festival. Erik and Ryan played chess on ice, they carved at an ice graffiti wall, we ate yummy food and saw cool sculptures. It was pretty cold, but a gorgeous day.

Sunday, Erik and I went to the "Sung Eucharist" communion service at Westminster Abbey. Erik asked if there was room in the stalls for us and they made room for us. We were sitting right beside the men and boys choir. It was very awesome. We got to sing 3 hymns, 2 of which we knew the tunes to. What an awesome worship. There have been worship services in the Abbey every day for over 1000 years. That's right, one thousand!

Monday we went to the movie Les Mis, awesome. That evening, Ryan, Erik and I went to Gospel choir at the Imperial College. FIE has an affiliation with the Imperial College Student Union, so we heard about all the clubs and this is one of them. Imperial College is comparable to MIT in the states. The choir is run and led by the students. One thing that was interesting is that we didn't use music, just learned the parts by rote. The students were so sweet and nice. I think we'll sing with them for their Easter concert. It's a fun way to get to know locals.

Tuesday, last night, we went to Kooza, a Cirque Du Soleil production. We've never attended one, but got standing seats-that's ironic. They were only 20GBP and we were at the top of the Royal Albert Hall, with an awesome view. And we could lean on the rail, so it was awesome. There were numerous times I could scarcely watch, so scary. They are so talented. We stood by a very nice British couple, they told Erik to try Pie and Mash.

Today we're going to Leicster square to see Foyles bookstore, and then maybe to Camden market. Friday, we go to 39 Steps with all the college students.

The sun is shining and we're so appreciating this opportunity.