A Semester in London: Dinner with Brother William, Students, and Parents and Friends

The production of God's Country was a great success. Judy Myers, Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, was able to visit and see the show opening night. Brother William Mann, President of Saint Mary's University, and Brother Aiden, Provincial of the Christian Brothers in Great Britian, were able to attend closing night. Today, Sunday, October 24th, Brother William graciously invited the entire cast and crew and parents and friends of the students to a lunch at The Leather Exchange, a fantastic pub in Leather Market, in the old part of London near London Bridge. Ryan and I discovered this place a few weeks ago and had the best meal there. The food is definately gourmet. We had a private room upstairs and had a wonderful three course meal: (1) choice of pea soup with crispy gammon or parmesan croutons, a half pint of prawns (shrimp) with aoili and marie rose sauce, or Ham Hock terrine with homemade picalilli and breads , (2) Garlic and rosemary marinated lamb leg or Shiraz marinated roast beef. All meals were served with Thyme and rosemary duck fat roasted potatoes, Chanteney carrots, peas, a fantastic Cauliflower gratine, and Yorkshire puddings with homemade gravy. We had a choice of several desserts, or as the British say puddings! Needless to say we had a feast.

This is the first of three blogs I am posting. The other two are pictures of the play, God's Country. One blog with be Act One and the second will be Act Two. I am having problems with the blogger so these photos will appear later. Below are photos of the lunch we had today. We will like to thank Brother William for his generousity; a good time was had by all. I would also like to thank all the parents who flew over to see the play. We all appreciate your support. Hope the rest of your stay in London is fun-filled.

Matt and Mike (with Laurence in the background)

Rick and Matt waiting to be served.

Brother William chatting with Ryan.

Tom discovering how to shell prawns.

As is Jarod and Joanna.

Jake learning how to use a fingerbowl to clean up after peeling prawns. Such class!!!!

David and Ryan..

Matt and his mom, Chris Gorgone.

Waiting for dessert....Maggie's sister also visited.

Brother William with Alex and Alyssa Gorgone (who flew in to surprise Matt), Regina and Rick.

Joanna's mom and two aunts also came to see the play.

Jake's dad gives the meal a thumbs up. Sitting with Joanna's aunt.

Laurence and Jake and Jake's mom ham it up!

Heather, Shane, Josh, Darrell, and Anna having a good time. Anna also randomly ran into her sister in Westminster Abbey. Her sister is here on a school trip! Small world!