Saturday, February 14, 2009

Valentine's Baby

Jennie, Me, and Charli


Playing Pictionary


British Birthday Gifts

Today is my 21st birthday. I can't believe that I'm actually 21 years old. While I'm still debating whether or not I feel old enough to be 21, I had a brilliant birthday. It was completely different from the standard RPI Ruck-and-Bombers run I probably would have done had I been in the States. Instead I went to a pub called The World's End in Brighton with some friends for lunch and a pint. I was a little nervous when I arrived at the pub and didn't recognize anyone but it turned out to be a lot of fun. The pub atmosphere is really neat. We sat at a big table right next to a wall bookshelf that had the most random books on it. The rest of the pub was kind of dark with an assorted collection of couches and benches around tables. The music was very eclectic but enjoyable. Jennie and Charli arrived first and each was armed with a tea related gift. Jennie gave me a tea-for-one set and Charli gave me a mug with Union-Jack-teapots on it. You gotta love the British and their tea. About half the group showed up for lunch. Food options were standard pub foods. I had a bacon cheeseburger and chips (french fries) that was quite tasty. I had a pint of Guinness, as did Jennie, and we were both made fun of for drinking heavy, bitter beer. The other half of the group joined us after we had finished eating. Another cool thing about this pub is that it has board games you can play at the table. We played Pictionary for the better part of an hour and I am happy to report that the Girls slaughtered the Men Folk.

When I eventually left the pub I walked to Waterstone's to find a new few new books. I found a cookbook called Grandma's Best Recipes which has a bunch of traditional English comfort foods. I also got a few fiction pieces off the 3 for 2 table. I really shouldn't be allowed in bookstores with access to money. Especially now that I have a little bit of time to read books for fun.

After I dragged myself out of Waterstone's I stopped by Cafe Nero for a white chocolate mocha. Unfortunately the guy didn't make the espresso very well and it tasted slightly burnt. However one less than great coffee wasn't going to ruin my day.

After a quick food shopping trip, I headed home to make my dinner of tortellini and pesto. I wasn't the tostada feast I've grown accustom to on my birthday but it was still a good treat. My flatmates surprised me with a bouquet of flowers and a nice card. It was very thoughtful of them.

I was able to talk to my parents and my maternal grandparents thanks to skype during the evening. It was really nice to be able to talk to them. My parents and I talked for over an hour. Even though I haven't actually been home on my birthday weekend for the previous two years, I was always home within two weeks before or after my birthday. This year it's been five weeks since I last saw everyone and I'm much further away. I definitely miss them more around days, like my birthday, that I'm used to seeing my family.

I want to thank everyone for their wonderful cards and birthday wishes! I had a brilliant 21st birthday across the pond and can't wait to see you all again.

2 comments:

  1. so glad you had a great birthday!

    I love British pubs and their atmosphere, so cozy and fun! What's the story with tostadas for your bday? Favorite food?

    Hugs,
    Danaly

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  2. Definitely one of my favorites. My grandfather makes homemade refried beans and salsa and we fry our own shells and everything. I've had them every year since I was about 8 years old.

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