Really Nice

I'm sitting here, gazing out my window at what's left of the sunset as I reflect on my past week experiences. I can't remember the last time I was this sore, and yet I feel rejuvenated. If that's not satisfaction to a dancer, I don't know what is. I experienced dance in many forms in the past few days. Let me tell you all about it...

Last Thursday I soaked up the moments I found myself in. Laban had their Master student performances this past week and my American friends and I thought it would be a good idea to go see one. Unfortunately, so did everybody else and therefore the show was sold out, so we decided to go in to Greenwich and eat some Mexican food at Cafe Sol. It was delicious. Much better than the Mexican I had eaten the night before with my flat mates at Santo's Mexican Kitchen in Notting Hill. I guess I had high expectations going in (aka that it would taste like American Mexican food), but I've learned that everything here tastes slightly different than what I'm used to (aka the food isn't packed with preservatives, salt, flour, and sugar). The restaurant played some awesome music, which of course inspired the dancing spirit to come out in all of us... all the way home. There's nothing better than dancing in the tube late at night when everyone around you is dead tired, and so are you. But somehow I've found that when you have no energy, that's when you exert the best moves, the original, organic, spontaneous ones that you can't help but laugh at. At that point, you just don't care if people look at you and think, "crazy Americans", because you're having the time of your life and being true to the moment. Good times. Needless to say, the groove stuck through my rem cycle and carried over to Friday. I began the morning with contemporary class, dancing a modern phrase to good old Coltrane, while thinking of my dad who introduced me to him. I then took an epic jazz class that put me on an adrenaline high. It was literally liberating and reminded me why I dance. Best class to end my weeks with. I followed it up with a repertory audition, which was an interesting experience. It pushed me to be inventive in a relaxed manner, and I felt challenged on the spot. But I stayed focused and finished strong. I find out if I got in on Monday. Whatever the outcome, I'm glad I took the opportunity. I've never experienced an audition quite like this one, and I learned from it. Friday night, I went to yet another movie, alone. Of course I had to see Fame, opening night. You can bet I left the theater dancing and singing...by myself. Whatever. I'm a dancer. I can't help it. And I wouldn't want to even if I could.

Other interesting experiences I had this past week included my first trip to the laundromat, which left me astounded at how many pounds (in currency) I lost. I hung dried all my clothes in my tiny room that night, and slept without sheets, after showering in the dark because our electricity went out in our bathrooms. I may be an insomniac, but that doesn't mean the dark doesn't creep me out. If there's a next time, I may just sleep in my sweat. It's not like I'm not going to get up in the morning and dance and sweat some more or anything... Today I ran some errands all over the city. There's so much I still haven't seen. Good thing I have time. I ate at a place called Belgo in Covent Garden, another restaurant my old youth pastor recommended. I ordered, and almost immediately after, I was served a gourmet roasted chicken with chili and red pepper sauce. I barely caught their lunch special, so I was pleased with the price, as well as the quality of the food. I however didn't have the time to try one of their fruit beers. I'll save that for next time I guess.

It's been a great journey so far and I'm excited for what is to come. I have a lot of work to do, but I'm excited to get started, which isn't always the case. Time here is valuable, and it goes by slow enough for me to soak in all my experiences moment to moment, but fast enough that when I look back, I still think, "Where has the time gone?" I don't think it's going to slow down at all, and I don't think there will ever be enough time to do everything I want to do, which is why I have to live in the now and live as if today is all I have. Really, that's all I'm guaranteed. I have to take the chances when they are presented, and make my own way and opportunities. I have to make it happen. I'm not wasting another minute waiting...

Cool fact: Sara is a rare name here, where as in the states it's one of the most common. I was seriously asked if I was Jewish. My name has more meaning now. It's "really nice."

First Official Week In...

Alright. I think I may need to do more than one blog post a week...this one may be quite lengthy. I'll just fill you in on the highlights of my first official week.

For the past few days it seems as if time doesn't take itself seriously. It just nonchalantly mossies along without a care in the world. Longest week of my life, but not the most boring. I suppose the lack of reality hitting me that says I am a foreigner from a far away land hasn't helped me adjust to the laid back attitude of the Brits, but really now, I can only take so much explaining of classes and programs. I endured hours and hours of tutors talking about their individual teaching styles and their particular classes, while sitting on the floor after waking up earlier than the average Londoner...without breakfast, five days in a row. I also had auditions, which went well. It was a treat to get to move. Putting aside all the mundane talk that was necessary, since 75 percent of the people who go to my conservatory don't speak English as their primary language, I was filled with hope and joy this week. The staff is AMAZING, each and every one of them, and they all have the same mindset of teaching us to be who we are, get in to our own bodies, and discover. I know I am going to grow a lot while I am here, and even enjoy the journey. And it's awesome to know that I have something to bring to the table as well.

Other highlights of my week included an Indian cuisine dinner, consisting of chicken curry over rice, with just the right amount of spice, basil, and oregano. Delicious. I have learned that you cannot judge the price of good food here. Many restaurants may look expensive on the outside, but are very reasonably priced, and for good food. I promised one of my best friends that I wouldn't return to the states with the mind set of "Everything's better in London," but I'm finding the statement to be somewhat true. Everything is just cleaner and classier here. There's nothing you can't find.

I also treated myself to a movie one night. I saw The Time Traveler's Wife and bawled like a baby. I didn't feel so bad when I heard the woman next to me sniffling as well. It was a feel good love story and very well done, although there was no moral or lesson learned. This upcoming week you can bet I'll be seeing Fame and 500 Days of Summer. I need some love and inspiration to pump me up for what is to come, instead of just feeling ready.

On Saturday I went to the Portobello Market, where I feasted my eyes on fresh foods from all over the world and antiques in every other tent. The actual road is a long one, and the market just kept going and going, like the energizer bunny. So many people crowded the streets to the point that you couldn't actually shop for anything. A claustrophobic would have a hell of a time. It was wild to say the least. I enjoyed a ham and cheese crepe and beautiful weather yesterday. That night, the girls and I went over to Ali and Blair's flat for dinner. We indulged in freshly made marinara sauce over pasta, ciabatta bread with olive oil and crushed pepper, and California chardonnay. To top it off, we split a brownie dessert that was loaded with white mousse, caramel, toffee, and chocolate shavings, which we found at our local grocery store. We had a laid back evening, telling stories and getting to know each other better. It was quite nice to dine in a real kitchen with homemade food and in good company.

Today, we all traveled to the Dominion Theatre where we experience our first Hillsong service. It was quite a rush, let me tell you. Thousands of people who come from all over the world gathered in the same place to worship God. We sat close to the front so we could get the full experience. Contemporary music made by a band of about ten people blasted from the speakers while the dazzling lights heated things up. I've never seen so many young people jumping up and down and raising their hands and voices to the Lord. It rocked. Kind of overwhelming. I rode my first double decker bus today as we made our way to the stores. We did some shopping on Oxford Street during the afternoon and found some great deals. We were all worn out after five hours of it though. We're going back to Hillsong tonight to meet and greet some people our own age. A group of us are going out for drinks and I'm excited to get connected. I know God has great plans for me, which means I have a lot of work to do as well. I guess laundry will have to wait till tomorrow. I'm not too excited about having to pay five pounds to do a load anyway.

I think that's all the deets worth sharing for now. Overall, I think God is slowing down time for me to have time to really engage and be present here. Which in that case, I know I am blessed. God knows what I need when I need it, and I have faith that he will provide and reveal Himself to me in all I do. I hope you all are experiencing God in your daily walks as well and looking forward to the future. Cheers for now!

What a weekend...

I'm SO ready for school to start. Although I am walking great lengths every day, I need to be dancing. Tomorrow morning, I'll get up at 6:30 AM, catch my rides (yes, plural) to Deptford, sit through a seminar, and enjoy or not enjoy a 4 hour break until contemporary auditions. I'll also be testing out the food on campus and perhaps around Greenwich. Let's hope it's a good day.

This past weekend, I had quite the variety of experiences. On Friday night, Mk, Emily, and I went out to The Champion pub down the road, where we striked up a conversation with some Brazilians who were nice enough to offer us a spot at their table. I'm not allowed to repeat what happened after that, but let me just say that I was the prude for the evening who was kept company by the only married man in the group, while my friends got hit on...all night. I had fun...

I naturally needed some alone time the next day. I wandered around central London, solo, during the afternoon and quite enjoyed myself as I smiled and waved to strangers strolling down the streets. Independence never gets old. I surprisingly ended up finding Wagamamas, a japanese restuarant my old youth pastor recommended, and ate a delicious plate of noodles that I washed down with peach ice tea, which reminded me of the tea one of my best friend's mom makes. Brilliant. The girls and I stayed in and had a low key night by watching Never Been Kissed. We all went to bed feeling hopeful, or depressed, about being single and finding love in London. I couldn't sleep...damn romantic comedies always get me. "Cause I know a place where the sun is always shining..." Well, not always.

Today we went down to London Bridge and attended the Thames Festival, the largest free annual festival in London. We walked the cobblestone pavement where you could feel the elevated stone press in to the soles of your feet like a kiss, as we oohed and awed at all the different venues. The wind and overcast gave London it's notorious look, but it wasn't enough of a threat to send people home. A small ampitheatre, located in the middle of the festival, called The Scoop had performers from all over the world showing off their talents and introducing passer-byers to their cultural arts. From choirs singing to support organizations who raise money for the four-thousand African children who die from a lack of clean water everyday to Korean dancing and martial arts, it was all there. They even had a separate dance floor for commoners to come and do a little swing. The girls and I took artsy pictures of the area, including ones of kids playing in the local fountain. Little things like that still bring joy to my life, and I love capturing tangible memories of moments such as these.

I ended the evening in disappointment when I travelled to the Hillsong Church site, just to find that for this week they relocated to a different venue. Oh well. The songs my heart sings will keep me in touch with the Lord till next Sunday I suppose.

I'm excited for what the week will bring. I'll try and give an update at least once a week. We'll see how exhausted I am at the end of each day. I begin practicing going to bed at an earlier, more reasonable hour starting...now. :)

Oi! What a day...

Coffee on an empty stomach is never a good thing. Especially after travelling on the tube standing up for 75 minutes, early in the morning during rush hour. Doesn't even matter if it's good coffee, it still has the same stomach-churning affect. But on the bright side, it was my first of many cups of coffee in London, so I guess it was worth it. Coffee will probably become a norm for me if I have to spend 3 hours of my life on public transportation every day.

I visited the Laban Conservatory this morning. I honestly can say, it was pretty much love at first sight. The facilities were built by the same Swedish designers who built the Tate Modern. The exterior architecture reflects dim shades of blueish greens and purples, while the interior is a different color around every corner and on every wall as well as being decked out in modern art. All three floors are comprised of windows, so everyone can see everything that happens inside this wonderland. The pictures are surprisingly a good reflection of what the building actually looks like, but nothing beats the real deal. We even have a grass-covered ampitheatre outside. How could you not be happy in a place like this? I had a smile on my face the entire time, which came in handy when meeting other students... from all over the world. The location is in an older, more run down part of the city called Deptford where the damage from the world wars remain, but right next to Greenwich Village where you can spend a nice afternoon shopping and eating cheap food. Today, MK, Emily, and two of our new American friends who we ran in to as we guessed our way to the center, ate at Noodle Time. It was actually good Asian food, cheap as it comes, and reminded me of the Peking Restaurant back home. Anyway, the staff and students at Laban are super nice, artsy, and positive. They are world renowned, and I have the honor of studying with them and under them. Laban really prides itself on diversity, which gives people from all over the world who have potential and a passion for movement the chance of a lifetime to perfect their craft and gain much knowledge about the world, life, and dance. That's what higher education should be about, in my opinion. I will be challenged and pushed to the edge of my limits here, and I may fall off. But if I do, it won't be because I am overwhelmed by the weight of the world or the devil creeping inside of me whispering, "You can't do this, you're not good enough." It will be because I have found something in life that surpasses all the good experiences I have had thus far...because someone believed in me and cared enough for me to challenge me to be better and showed me a path to my potential and greatness in a positive way...because I finally found God in my art and now know what it's like to be completely dedicated and passionate about something, giving it all of me. Laban will be a healthy, positive, and beautiful atmosphere to learn in and bring something to, instead of a competive one...and I can't wait to get started. I'm going to make dance friends from all over the world, which will make classes rich in context, and I will walk away having learned something new about a different culture, way of thinking, or new approach to a concept. This next week is induction week when we are introduced to the staff and classes in depth. They really care about the students getting to take what they want to take, and get what they pay for, which is very rare. I will also be auditioning for technique classes during this time. Seriously, it couldn't get any better than this. I believe I will be growing more in the next few months than I ever have in a year's time. I will be experiencing life changes, heart changes, a complete transformation, and I am so ready. I feel honored to be here, and I now know God has bigger plans for me than I could ever have for myself.

This may have been one of the best opportunites I've been offered, and one of the best decisions I've ever made. It's about time that God and I are on the same page. I already want to extend my stay. I can finally say that I love my school and what I do. I am blessed. Thank you for journeying with me. Cheers!

Live and love the way you know how.

Today, I found a store that I believe is an intelligent idea and a way of the future. This place is called Argos. You go in, look through a catalog for the items you want. If they are available then you push in the catalog numbers and your purchases come out of a conveyer belt right in to your hot little hand. Dirt cheap prices and very time efficient. Blew my mind away.

I am in love with this city! I'm already picking up the accent, walking around like I know the place, and wearing lots of black and vintage clothing. I'm almost calling it home. And then I remember that I am spending a rediculous amount of money to be here, and will be returning to a hole in my pocket and a not so happy bank account. Aka, not so happy Sara. Maybe I'll get signed or fall in love...a girl can dream, can't she?

My life always seems slightly changed after I see a broadway show. Tonight I had the pleasure of experiencing La Cage Aux Folles. Even as a dancer I've never seen men with such amazing legs in my life, who wear them better than 50 percent of women. The stage was barely large enough to contain those lean and long ligaments. I was like, "Wowzers, put those down before you do damage!" For real, you should have seen their tilts...past 180 degrees and in heels. Most amazing chorus I've ever seen and the most beautiful lesson I've learned from watching a story about homosexuality: live and love the way you know how. I actually shed a tear. Perhaps because I have so many gay friends who struggle with, "I am what I am", or maybe because I got a deeper look in to many of my friends' lifestyles and felt something special for them, but mostly because it made me terribly depressed about my romance less life. Men are having deep love relationships with each other that are just as meaningful, fulfilling, and abundant as traditional men-women relationships are, and here I am, straight and single. I guess I've hidden my desire to be wanted and loved for a long time, and well might I add. I guess it's my own fault.

As a Christian, I have learned that sin is sin. It is black and there are no shades of this color. But when it comes to homosexuality, many people treat it as if it is one of the worst sins one could commit. My question is this: if sin is sin, then isn't love, love? Is the polar opposite of the worst sin in the world a love that is divine, or for some of us a lasting romance called marriage? And if we treated our most important love as the complete opposite of what we perceived to be the most heinous of sins, could we truly know a love unlike any other? I guess what I'm trying to say is that love should have no boundaries. How you give and receive love should not look different from person to person. There is a flaw in our present view of homosexuality. I'm not going to say whether it is right or wrong, or if we should accept it or deny it. But I will say that if we do not understand love, then we cannot understand anything else. And if we don't understand anything else, we cannot know what it is like to grow closer to God, and love more like Christ. If we keep thinking that there really are levels of sin, I believe we will never know what it is like to have a personal, divine romance. God calls us to love one another as He did and his heart did not choose one soul over another. I also believe that if we do not learn to love ourselves, we can never receive love that is unconditional, and complete. I know, I need to take my own advice (I told you I'd let you further in). Sin has limits, but love should not. It's never wrong to choose to love. The British seem to be more accepting and laid back about sexual orientation, and I've witnessed rapports of undefining, requited, and free love, in the few days I've been here.

Thanks for reading my little rant. It's ok if you disagree or don't understand. Just remember that being homosexual isn't the end of the world, just like marriage isn't it either, so don't treat it as such. :)

Five hours of nap time. I get to jump on the tube at 7AM to visit my school for the first time tomorrow. An hour and ten minutes commute each way, on a good day. Welcome to my life.

Post Exhaustion.

Ok. First day of orientation went well. I already feel more educated about what to expect. I learned a few things today that I deemed blog worthy, so here they are: 1) I am living two flats down from Stella McCartney, which is kind of a big deal. 2) I have the privilege of drinking some of the cleanest water in the world, which happens to be accesible by my sink in my flat. It's so pure and smooth that it floats over your tongue like a cloud. 3) Men are more likely to be victims of violence, and Americans are only number three on the target list for petty theft in London. Woop-de-frickin-do. 4) Mugging is an American term that the british use and actually thought they made up. 5) Obama might as well be the queen of England, because the british are more in love with him than his home country at the moment. 6) I'll probably learn more about the United States by living in London than I would from living in it. 7) I am a little bit in love with this place.

We took a walking tour of Kensington and Chelsea where I learned all that is at the tip of my toes(?). Strolled down the street where Notting Hill was filmed while enjoying the beautiful, humid, sunny weather (I can already feel the difference in my skin). I may be tempted to get a whole new wardrobe while I'm here, but for my pocket's sake hopefully I'll be reasonable. I had pizza and fruli Belgium beer for dinner with some gelato for dessert. Talked it up with my new dance buddies in a happenin' pub, which may become a friday night ritual. Good for the socializing, bad for the gut. It hasn't really dawned on me that I am living in one of the coolest places in the world, let alone get to dance and be passionate and supported here. I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Thank you God for your gloriousness and all things London. Now that I am in the post exhaustion phase, I can actually open my eyes and see what You want me to see.

Something to find.

Ya'll ready for this? The first thing you should know is that I never wanted to be a blogger. I never felt like word vomitting my life in to cyber space for everyone to read, partially because I'm kind of a private, more one-on-one type of person who thinks no one really cares about my day to day life happenings, partially because it's a committment, and partially because there are parts of my life that I need to hide from the public, and I know there will be times when I have urges to word splurge and dump my emo-side on to this web page where I think it won't really matter because I think no one really cares...but you do. I guess I'll just keep the private in my journal. The fact is I am now in another country studying abroad where connection with my former life is limited and disconnect is unwanted...especially for the other side. SO I am starting a blog to keep you all superficially informed on my experiences in the UK without you. Seriously, I'm doing this specifically for you. :) Who knows if I'll keep writing after my time in London is spent, but the good news is I'm sure once I get more comfortable with the idea of throwing up my feelings in words, I'll let you further in. So it begins...

I am an insomniac and changing time zones in to lost days does not hinder my lifestyle. I'm going on day 4 with no sleep, half of which I've spent sitting on a plane, and for those of you who know me, I hate sitting, especially still. Sleeping vertically challenges the process of your rem cycle, which I never hit. On top of that, I had to go through security, again, in the Newark airport where they lie to you and tell you you can take bottled water through to the other side when in fact you can't and end up having to throw it away (and they say they are trying to preserve our earth when they maliciously make us the culprits of destroying it). They also almost made me pay a $120 charge to check my carry-on bag because they decided it was too big, even though my bag was in fact within the size and weight restrictions. Thank you God for courage. I was also questioned if I had any weapons on me by an Arabian flight attendant before I boarded one flight, and was also searched a second time because Delta is paranoid that their security isn't good enough, so they do embarrassing random pat downs as you board the plane. Or perhaps it's because I'm Asain. Really people, as a minority and a female, I think about those things. What ev, I'm over it. Other than that, I've had a good experience thus far. I've met some people I know I'll get along with, included the study abroad staff. I'm excited to form relationships with them and do life with them. I have my own room with a sink and a window, which happens to be on the very top floor. Elevators don't exist in London, so I guess the dancer out of all people gets the extra exercise. I share toilets that have a hard time flushing, as well as showers that have no power in their rain, but they will suffice. We have a kitchen and a garden in the back, and we are lucky to be living in one of the nicest, ritziest, places in London: Notting Hill. Overall, it's clean, and surprisingly spacious. IFSA-Butler obviously takes care of their students and I have felt welcomed and comfortable here. Maybe too much so. But I'll always have my mother's nagging voice in the back of my mind that will have me wary of every step I take and every person I bump in to. Thanks mom. ;)

Orientation will last the rest of the week and I am excited for what is in store. My heart's desire is that there will be much to find and that much will be found while I am living in this vast, beautiful, art thriving, city. God sent me, I went. God has plans for me, and I am living it up. I don't want to miss a thing.

That's all for now. This was actually kind of fun. Hope I impressed you, cause really, this is all for you. Love you guys. Shut eye time.