So many fun things have happened recently! My cousin Dana was in town for a conference the weekend before last, so we went on a long walk to see all of the monuments and memorials on the Mall at night. The FDR Memorial continues to be my all-time favorite. Also that weekend, Cal played Stanfurd in the Big Game. Alas, we did not win, but Jess and I had a good time at
Spider Kelly's in Arlington with Mike, who hosted a pre-game party since he lives right by the bar.
I only had class on Monday and Tuesday, but I was working hard because I had a draft of my Law of War paper due. So, it was a welcome relief to have the remainder of the week off for Thanksgiving! I wish I had time to fly home to California, but it takes so long, costs a lot, and I'll be home in three weeks anyhow. I cannot wait to be in the Bay Area next year; maybe I'll host Thanksgiving for my family!
My dear friend
Alissa (whom I've known since middle school) made the day before Thanksgiving memorable by inviting me to join her family vacation to the
Wizarding World of Harry Potter! This is, of course, the Harry Potter theme park that is a part of the Universal Orlando Islands of Adventure. Her family had managed to get free tickets, and included me! I had just enough frequent flyer miles to make it to Orlando and back, so I flew down on Wednesday morning and made it back just in time for Thanksgiving the following morning. It was a whirlwind day, to say the least! We saw the Hogwarts Express, strolled the streets of Hogsmeade, drank butterbeer, ate lunch at the Three Broomsticks, shopped at Dervish and Banges, flew on a hippogriff and even went inside the Hogwarts castle! It was incredible. Photos are
here. I would very much like to live there. If only...
Thanksgiving day was lovely, because Sister Dorinda always hosts a big Thanksgiving dinner for all of the law students who cannot go home for the holiday. I was most excited about Thanksgiving because it means it's almost time to go home for Christmas! I'll be back in three weeks. In the meantime, Jess and I decorated our apartment for the season.
Last night, Jess and I took advantage of the holiday season by going on a nighttime candlelit tour of Mount Vernon, George Washington's home! I had been there many times, but never at night. It started off in the lobby with twelve Christmas trees decorated to represent different aspects of George Washington and Mount Vernon. We then went outside and enjoyed hot apple cider and ginger cookies served to us by costumed actors. There were large fires in cauldrons, a choir singing carols from the 18th century, and even a Christmas camel! Then, we went on our tour of Mount Vernon, where we met a guest's female servant, Martha Washington, a female house slave, the Washingtons' granddaughter Nelly, one of the male guests, and a servant in the kitchen. The actors were all incredible! There was also 18th century dancing in the greenhouse. We were very impressed with everything that the tour included, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a study break! It's only an hour long. More photos
here.
I'm so glad that the weekend isn't over yet, because I have a lot of work to do! There are many papers to write, but I will try to not let that get in the way of enjoying the season. Peace, friends.
