The Brickhouse

Inspiring, exciting, intriguing, amazing, and beautiful are a few words that come to mind when describing this film, “What About Me?” I was blown away because I had no idea what this film was about, but when it started rolling right off the bat I knew I would love it! Seeing how those two men traveled literally all around the world in search of different types of music was insane! All the places they went, all the instruments they saw, were all so different and unique for a specific sound. I especially loved the singing groups from Africa and Iceland! Their instruments were absolutely crazy and beautiful! They used bullhorns for a sound, and very tiny guitars, it was amazing. The whole soundtrack throughout the movie was beautiful and it kept me mesmerized. This film inspired to get out there and travel! I want to experience the different cultures like these men did. One of the interviewees said something that particularly caught my attention. He said, “Get out there” and that is exactly what I plan on doing. I will definitely try to study abroad somewhere again, because I have the means to do it, and after watching this, it inspired me to actually do it! This was an awesome film, very motivating and passionate. The venue itself was totally awesome as well! I love how everywhere we have been has a bar inside; you would never see that in San Diego! It makes it seem like drinking is part of the British culture, amazing.

Two Gentlemen of Verona

I was very interested when I heard this play, The Two Men of Verona, was a Shakespeare play! I have never been to any plays before, especially not a Shakespeare play. I had no expectations going into the play, just excitement to see what the play entailed. It was a rather small venue, but I liked the fact that it was so casual; to the point where you could bring your own food and eat inside the theatre! The set was small with a small backdrop and a few onstage props. Nothing compared to the play we saw before, Blood Brothers. The acting was awesome! Although, it was sometimes hard to follow what they were saying with all the Shakespeare language, but I was able to understand what was going on because of the acting. The actors made it easy to follow with their actions and body movements. I especially liked how it was such a modern Shakespeare play. Their clothes were very casual; wearing flip flops, t-shirts, and shorts. Having this modern aspect of the play, it was more pleasant to watch, easier to follow, and overall more enjoyable. Most Shakespeare plays I hear about seem to be boring. Not this one, this one was very exciting and I loved the corky plot. The fact that it was only a 45 minute play was also very nice! It held your attention the whole time, and left no room for drifting off or day dreaming, like I sometimes did during Blood Brothers. The play was “short and sweet” and very entertaining!

The Comedy Show

Never having been to a comedy show before, seeing Andrew Lawrence perform the other night was such an awesome experience! I have seen Dane Cook on T.V and other comedians but never a British comedian, especially live. When he first walked on stage, I thought to myself, “This guy is the comedian; he looks like a little kid.” But, it turns out he was hilarious! His jokes were somewhat hard to keep up with considering he had a heavy English/Irish accent or something of the sort. Most of his jokes were sexual with a lot of foul language, but I liked it. I enjoy that kind of humor in any comedian. I felt like he sometimes slurred his words and that was also why I could not understand him at times. It was interesting to see how some of his jokes I did not understand but the people around me, non Americans, were cracking up. Must have been something only an English person would understand, perhaps jokes about their culture. However, anything he said sexual wise or anything crude about any person, I caught on to that very quickly and jumped in on the laughter. The venue was rather tiny, and the heat was unbearable! Even the comedian stopped mid performance and asked to open a door and commented about the heat. You would think they could provide fans at least. But overall, through the sweating and laughter, I had a blast and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I would love to see his stand up again! My favorite part of the whole venue was the fact that there was a bar right outside the actual room! We were able to bring our drinks inside and drink while he performed. It was very laid back, and kept us somewhat cool with all that heat!

Fugitive Pieces

Fugitive Pieces, wow, what an emotionally satisfying film! This film was so touching in many ways. Every scene had so much meaning and compassion and it kept your attention inventively. Although there were many scenes that I loved, there was one that particularly stood out to me. The scene where Jakob lets Mikayla read his journal, or diary, was very moving to me for many reasons. For one, he never wanted his ex-wife, Alex, to read it, which meant he did not want her to see his true feelings and he was still not comfortable with her; he was still hiding his childhood memories and experiences. But, with Mikayla, he specifically told her to read it. To me, this showed he was truly blissfully happy and content with his life for once. He had found the woman he was completely in love with, someone he could trust, someone he can confide in and tell all his secrets and share his horrific memories of the past. Being able to share life altering experiences is not easy to tell people, but in the end he was able to do that, and that was very moving to me, it was like he was finally set free. There was another scene in the film that I could actually relate to my own personal life. My mother lost her brother when I was about 12 years old. I would always see my mom starring off at something, like a chair or a wall, with a blank expression on her face. I would always ask what she was looking at it and she would say nothing. After seeing this film, and seeing how Jakob was always seeing his sister next to him playing the piano; it made me think. Perhaps this is why my mother was always starring off at something, which looked like nothing. To her, it was something, to her it was her brother, or so i would like to think.

Vibe Bar

Going to the Vibe bar i was very excited! Once we got there i was a little skeptical because the outside appearance wasn't something fantastic! It was a hole in the wall, with a VIBE BAR sign on top, not too impressed. Once we got inside i was totally taken by surprise! It was so awesome! It was nothing like the bars i have been to back in San Diego! This place was more of a "chill" bar where you could sit down on the couches, listen to music, chat, and best of all, DRINK! Seeing all the tables, couches and chairs inside was so different, i think that was the best part, being able to hang out inside and communicate. In bars at home it is so loud and there isn't much room to lounge! Vibe bar had everything, including many tables outside to enjoy as well. Another aspect i liked about Vibe bar was the diverse group of people! Everyone was so young and vibrant! I liked the locals being there, it was a nice change from being around Americans all the time, no offense. The whole atmosphere in that area, including Brick Lane, was definitely interesting in so many ways! The style of everyone i saw was so exciting! I LOVE fashion, and everyone i saw was dressed so..ME! All the girls and guys had a unique look to them, including their hair and make up! This bar attracted all different types of people and i think that is why i liked it so much, it was not the typical scene at home with SDSU frat guys and girls, this place had people who seemed free of all the stereotypical labels. I would definitely go back to Vibe bar and enjoy the company of those lovely local English peeps!