Week 7 Impressions by Steve Fisher

This was the week of birthdays. First we had Nora’s birthday on Tuesday. I’m not sure if it’s sad to admit this, but we had breakfast for dinner to celebrate, and it was one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. Nothing is more satisfying than French toast and bacon at 8:00 at night. We also had plans to see the musical Billy Elliot, but that has to wait until April. Apparently it’s very popular.

Next came Nikki’s birthday on Saturday night. This was the big bash of the week, and it took place at the biggest club I have ever been to: Fabric. It was also possibly the most chaotic venue I have ever been in. Three levels of smoky, sweaty, and drunken people writhing to the sound of three European trance/techno DJ’s, played at a decibel level adequate for a massage, but not so good for those who wish to hear past age thirty. The lights were incredible; most of the time I could see through the haze in only green or red, depending on the room, though there were moments when the lights flashed in a seizure-inducing fashion so I couldn’t see much of anything. The prices were astronomical: £3.90 for a Stella! Nevertheless, I think that most people had a good time (minus those who were accosted by creepsters), and, most importantly, the birthday girl had a blast.

I spent most of my time following the group, trying desperately not to get separated, which was pretty much everyone’s plan. Naturally, our plan failed miserably; our group mysteriously shrank throughout the night, and suddenly, after a trip to the bathroom (the weirdest bathroom ever, I might add), I found myself alone. Eventually, I found Sasha; we stayed for a while longer and then left at around 2:30 in the morning. It took us two hours to get home since the Tube was closed, we were a bit lost, and the bus drivers had no clue what they were doing. Finally, after walking halfway across London, I got home and collapsed.

I discovered the next day that some in our group had stayed at the club until 7:00am, so I don’t feel quite as tired now as I might have (amazing how self-pity can change your perceptions). My next challenge: staying awake in class on Monday.