Complications arose, ensued, were overcome.....

more language lessons:
nappy = diaper
if a lift is broken, it is said to be in the status of being investigated
class = lecture
professor = tutor
you must specify if you want still or sparkling, you cannot just ask for "water"
stovetop = hob
stove burners = cookers

After a relaxing weekend filled with historical and athropological readings (yawn), classes fired back up on Monday. But thankfully, the week is almost over and not only do I have another week of classes behind me, but also my two presentations of the semester are already finished!

Last night, as part of my theatre lecture, we traveled down to the Lyric Hammersmith via the Piccadilly line to see a production called A SARAJEVO STORY. This production was much different from the production that we saw last week (Speed the Plow) in many different respects. Speed the Plow at the Old Vic was considered a 'West End' performance, which is basically the equivalent of our Broadway, meaning that it's in an established theatre that receives no sponsorship from the nationally-funded Arts Council (this means it's subsidy free). However, A Sarajevo Story was performed at the Lyric Hammersmith, considered a Fringe production (meaning Off West End) and received some sponsorship from the Arts Council. Whew, now that I established the difference in that I can talk about it! A Sarajevo Story was produced as a multimedium production, incorporating various technologies to tell a story about the events that occured in the Balkans in the early 90s. I have some background in this area because of my previous government classes, and as such, I was expecting (as any normal person would) to see some documentary-esque production about the atrocities that occurred on both sides. However, I was completely surprised to see that the production was actually more of a story, taken from an international court judge's perspective (female and american I might add). The production followed her involvement and growth through her experiences in Sarajevo, but more importantly it told a story of communication and miscommunication. I really came away with the idea that sometimes, it's what isn't being said that more important than what is being said. In all things, sometimes it's what we aren't saying to each other that matters the most, and that goes for all relationships depicted in the play: friends, husband and wife, one race to another, and nations to nations. From an intellectual standpoint, I enjoyed it much more than Speed the Plow.

Today's classes passed rather quickly and after a quick run to Waitrose (sort of like a Kroger), my roommmate and I began preparing a yummy dinner: chicken cacciatore! We fried the chicken and added red and green peppers and onions and of course some garlic and then added a tomato and herb sauce and let it simmer for a bit. It was quite tasty I must say!!! I finished out my culinary evening with a crunch mcflurry from mcdonald's around 8:30 and it was definitely what I needed to finish out my day!

However..... little did I know that upon returning to Flat 210, Endsleigh Court, that neither my roommate nor I would have the golden ticket upon us: otherwise known as keys...... After a couple trips to the porter, and an unsuccessful "spare" key, I was provided the key to the rubbish bin door.....please take a moment and think about the size of a rubbish bin door.....think a European doggie door....Now picture me.....crouched outside said doggie door, but alas, this story is not going where you think it is. No, no, dear friends, don't kid yourselves, Josh Stevens was here to save the day. So yes, while I am still crouched outside said door, Josh stevens has head in door trying to open the little door to our flat.I should also clarify for the mental picture in your head that the doggie door opens into a little wooden box area. On the left, at a 90 degree angle, a door of comparable size opens to the flat. this comparable door, has a hatch, which was locked. But remarkably, Josh Stevens used man strength and punched the comparable size door open, through hatch and all. Then, Josh Stevens dove himself through both doors and at one point had legs outside the wall in the corridor, torso in tiny wooden box area, and head plus shoulders in Flat 210, Endsleigh Court. We have discerned, after proper discussion, that this was a Legends of the Hidden Temple Moment (thank you Nickelodeon). Upon seeing one Josh Stevens in such a position and all because he is such a good friend to climb through such a rubbish bin for me, I sunk to the ground in laughter, lovingly. Josh Stevens then emerged like a Roman god from the other side of the door and let us in to our humble abode. Josh Stevens has hereby been declared as Champion of Rubbish Bin Manuevers and will be awarded a medal of valor.

So as one Jack Sparrow has said.... Complications arose, ensued, were overcome. Thanks Captain Jack and thanks Josh Stevens! That's all for now folks, hope you enjoyed!!