Chinese New Year, Bank of England Museum and Thérèse Raquin

Sunday was the Chinese New Year - 2007 is the year of the pig. I came to town with a big group of people and walked around Chinatown a little bit, then watched a series of performers (martial arts, violin, dance) on the big stage in Traflager Square. After that we walked around some more, even getting absolutely stuck in one street. The papers reported that 270,000 people showed up for the celebration and I think that all 270,000 people were on Gerrard Street at the same time. I have never been so crowded! There were so many people on this street that we really couldn't move: it took at least 30 minutes to get out of the street. I have no idea why we were all stuck in that particular street at that particular time; there didn't appear to be a reason. I missed the big parade earlier that morning, but there were a few dragons that paraded around the area and danced in front of different stores all afternoon. Lanterns were hanging all around down, but in Chinatown itself some streets had so many hanging between the buildings that they created a red and gold ceiling. The festival finished off with an amazing display of fireworks in Leicester Square. Since it was still pretty early and we knew the tubes would be packed, my friend C.J. and I stayed in the area and had Chinese for dinner (what else can you eat on Chinese New Year?) then we went to Picadilly Circus and played "I Spy". Have you ever thought about how many reds, blues, whites and blacks there are in one city block?

Monday is, as already noted, my crazy day of classes. I finished up the day, though, at the Bank of England Museum with my politics class. The Bank is the second oldest national bank (the Bank of Amsterdam being about 80 years older). I even saw the very first bank note there, dated 1697. It was an excellent museum, but I didn't have time to see everything there so I need another trip. It makes me laugh how much I notice about museum exhibits and presentations now. It's a direct result of working at the Washington State History Museum. And there are so many museums here! That's one of my favorite things about London.

Tuesday I talked to my parents and siblings for the first time since I've been here, which was, of course, wonderful. What wasn't so wonderful was the news that one of my llamas had died on Sunday, but I'm glad that dad told me now instead of waiting until I get home. After classes we went to see Zola's Thérèse Raquin. The play, though well acted, was quite depressing, actually. Frankly, I didn't like it. It was at the National Theatre though, which is absolutely gorgeous. I love going to the theater here; that there is so much available is another of the many aspects of London that I appreciate.