November 5th, 2011 - The Gunpowder Plot & Last Farewells

Today was somewhat disappointing. There were no children on the streets saying "Penny for the  Guy." No large parades. And no bonfires in which effigies were burned. Where did the tradition go? 

I think it sort of died down and it's more of a story tradition rather than a lived out one. But yes, indeed, tonight was the anniversary of the (failiure of) the gunpowder plot. And the weekend that marked some of the last days I am going to spend here before going home.

I have to admit tonight was so worth it. The boat ride on the Thames was a mixture of 40s or 60s style boat cruise - during which - at different parts in the night - girls of our school group were led about by the singer. It was utterly fantastic. 

I had a great time with the family - enjoying our food and wines. Some of the dishes looked beautiful and tasted even more delicious than they sounded. Here are a couple:

I believe this was the chicken Marcella with rice and vegetables. It may have had a white wine sauce. Looking at it reminded me of the winning dishes on Top Chef. 

This was my dish. A succulent and tender lamb in a red wine sauce garnished with mushrooms and rice. It was one of the most delicious lambs I have ever eaten. It was so tender it melted in my mouth.

We enjoyed our food, wines, and the night - especially because we shared it together. Our family sat near each other on the bus as well as sharing a table for dinner.

On the bus ride over to the pier. It almost looks like LN has a halo or that an angle or ghost is hovering over her. I like to think it's a halo.

This is on the bank of the Thames with the London Eye in the background. Yet another photo of me and EJ that is an awesome backwards one!

Waiting for the boat to arrive. LN looked like a 40s airess to some billionaire, AS looked like she could have been from a band and H^2 was adorable like always.

We are now on the river boat cruise. This picture is awesomely taken and we look so cute. Thanks for lending me your belt H^2.

Here we sit, three beautiful and happy ladies. I have to thank H^2 for the ribbon I tied around my waist. And later in the night LN lent me her shawl so I could be Rose from Titanic.

Alright, SD (who lent me her dress) and EJ are so cute in this picture. The crazy angle is all me. I though it would be fun to experiment with the angle - although looking at it now sort of makes me sea sick. 0.0

At some point I got really into a song and was led up to the entertainers stage to dance with him. It was fun and yet I found myself slightly embarassed. 

One minute I'm into the song and clapping in my seat. The next I am up on stage dancing with the entertainer. He was such a sweet and talented person. He made the night fun and enjoyable with his music.

Another person who made the night was the son of Jason - one of the British Professors who taught for the Augie term. Jason's son is a little fashionista hipster. He danced on stage all night while we were on the boat. He had boundless energy and was kind enough to share a dance with me. 

This was at the end of the night, and he was tired but looked happy. He was really sweet and said he wants to be an actor. He definitely has the charisma for it.

We spent some time waiting - for the taxi - at the end of the night. So, being board as we were we took some pretty awesome pictures. LN and I got to be Rose from Titanic. It was the only night that we didn't mind the wind. 

LN - as we stood on the bridge attempting to flag a taxi - said "It's like we can be in Titanic." So, I took a picture of her looking over the river Thames. It works out especially well since her outfit was so retro-old style.

I, too, wanted to look like  Rose from Titanic. Although, the wind picked up a bit. I like the outcome it almost looks like I have wings. I also did the romantic looking back over my shoulder thing.

So, the night started and ended beautifully. And although we never burnt the leaf SD drew a face on and labeled Guy Fawkes, we certainly had a night were remember fondly. 

~ H.C.