Drunken man on the bus to first girl, second girl, then me:

“Gorgeous…rather gorgeous…extremely gorgeous!”

Alright, London. You can be alright. You have your good moments. Drunken moments, yes, but good moments nonetheless.

I started out this evening feeling a huge amount of anxiety and having absolutely no desire to attend my own co-birthday party. The anxiety wasn’t really the result of anything. It just happened. I just wanted to lament my existence, though I knew once I got out I would have a good time. I had a case of the Mean Reds, that kind of crippling depression that led me to spend so much of my time indoors when I first got here. But a good group of people and four shots of tequila later, the Mean Reds were gone. Lots of dancing, lots of stupidity, one haphazard and hysterical kiss with a very cute Irish guy who was also celebrating his birthday, one dance with a kung fu master (what?!), a billion unflattering photos, and a long bus ride later, I’m back, sober, and ready to get some sleep. Successful 21st birthday celebration? I think yes.

These are the only times I really enjoy London. I’m looking forward to visiting this scene in NYC. I’m also looking forward to throwing myself a 21st party when I’m back in the States, where being 21 actually matters.

— Lauren