Weekend in Chilham

Earlier this week I received a phone call from none other than Charlotte (Charlie) Wheeler, a friend of mine that I met on the ski trip at the end of last semester. She had recently turned 21 and was celebrating down at her house that upcoming Saturday (yesterday). The theme of the party was "Hollywood Icons" and featured such stars as Jimmy Stewart, Katharine Hepburn, Angelina Jolie (as Lara Croft), and Matt Damon (myself). Let me warn you that my costume was neither creative nor in any way resembling the Good Will Hunting star. In my defense I didn't have very much time to go out shopping or think of anything clever...and I'm also very lazy. Charlie still let me attend, and I'm extremely glad she did, because her "house" is actually called Chilham Castle and is pictured below:

A view of Chilham Castle from the grounds

The Birthday Girl herself

The Wheelers were extremely generous and amazing hosts. We began the night with champagne in the "drawing room," where I managed to scoop handfuls upon handfuls of cashews (what the Brits call "cashew nuts"...redundant?) into my mouth. Not only was it already 8:30, but I love cashews and they are so expensive in London that I've never even considered buying them. Then came a three course steak dinner capped off not only with some of the best chocolate pudding I've ever had, but also chocolate cake. Nevermind the surroundings (indoor pool, poker room, in-house cinema), which were awe-inspiring, to say the least. It was a great night with great friends.

Dave (Brando) and Me (Damon), surveying the selection of drinks

Tom (changed out of his Tom Cruise jumpsuit from Top Gun) and Alex (Bridget Bardot, but more importantly, the other token American) laughing at something

I'd just like to say thank you very much to Charlie and the Wheeler family for putting up with 40 of us for one night. Definitely one of those nights that lives on forever in your stories.

Also Happy New Year to everyone out there. May it bring you all good health and happiness. No, I'm not 29 days too late, for the less cultured readers out there. (Funny story though, someone asked me what this year's zodiac sign was, and I had no idea. Only after reading a reminder e-mail from my mom back home did I find out....the dog).

TV Rambling

I haven't seen SportsCenter in 4 months. I forgot how shiny Michael Wilbon's head is. Thanks to DVDs (legal, or otherwise) though, I remember how much I idolize Jack Bauer and how the cast of Entourage is possibly the funniest crew of young actors ever assembled. Nevermind that on dreary London days I hear Stewie say "blast you vile woman" for the thirteenth time in two months.

So while I'm going through serious American Sports and TV withdrawl, certain care packages from home help keep me sane until I return in June. The TV series on DVD craze has hit my family at home too. My brother recently introduced 24 to my parents, who tore through the entire season one in a matter of days.

It doesn't look good for the Chu parents. With three more seasons to go, they're already showing signs of viewing weakness. Apparently my dad is trying to trick my brother's friends into giving up plot twists so that he can jump straight into Season 5.

So while I sit here imagining where a TV might go on my desk, it's slightly relieving to know that even people with TVs are stressed out about the cable world also. But they've seen the new Lebron commercials, which I hear are hilarious...and I sit here reloading espn.com for the seventeenth time today...

Rounding out the vacation...

As the last push before I start the second semester, Rebecca ("Reba"), Irfana ("Irf-Ma-Turf"), Alex and I headed to Prague for four days to revel in hearty Czech food, wander the sites of the city, and of course enjoy the extremely low prices. We stayed in a hostel recommended by Mr. Andrew Bestwick himself, and it was extremely nice: clean bathrooms, big rooms, comfy beds, and even included breakfast...all for about $22 per person per night.

The Ladies: (from left) Irfana, Alex, and Rebecca


Again, in front of the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square

We spent our days walking the city, soaking in the great views of and from Prague Castle, Old Town, and the Jewish Quarter. As a continuation from my trip to Brussels I tried to sample new beers, knocking off Kozel, Gambrinus, and of course Pilsner Urquell on this swing. The pint prices of 24 CZK (~ 1 dollar) didn't dent the wallet either.

A couple of pints after a hard day's touring...

Irf, me and Rebecca in front of Wenceslas Square

It was my first time travelling with only females, and the trip wasn't short of its memorable quotes...some of which can't be repeated in this forum. Here are some others:

Reba: Who's playing in the Super Bowl?
Alex: USC.

Reba: I thought Peyton Manning was black!!

(As a side note Irf-Ma-Turf does know her football).

Despite the shortcomings on sports references, Prague was a blast. Alex also has an aunt and grandmother there and they were nice enough to invite us over for lunch one day. We spent about 30 minutes eating chicken, ham, and veggies and 2 and a half hours chatting over five or six desserts. Many thanks to the Sutta family for the hospitality and for making absolutely sure (as if this break hadn't set it in stone already) that I will not survive basketball practice this coming Monday.

St Vitus's Cathedral in Prague Castle

After a relaxing winter break, the next ten weeks are sure to be chaotic as my full-year classes finish up and finals creep ever closer. Upcoming posts probably won't be nearly as exciting, and if you guys found these a little dry already, then I don't know what to tell you..