To my former high school orchestra stand partner.. Thanks for checking out my blog! I promise I will let you know if I ever get taken over by a force greater than both Oprah Winfrey and my rock hard fear of committment and that ring is really what you think it is. Your welcome for saving your butt from ever having to do the concertmaster solos in concert. (Just call me Downbeat) But seriously, I admire everything you accomplished and have become since then. You deserve it. Happy first anniversary!
Everyone should have such successful friends from high school.
11/21/2005
11/14/2005
11/13/2005
London Trip, Friday 10/7--High Society London
What we really wanted to see was some ordinary houses with ordinary people living ordinary lives. But since that's hard to find on your own, we decided to go to the only place we knew of to easily find any houses at all... Chelsea. Not exactly the ordinary... We went on to another fashionable location, Notting Hill, to see the Portobello Road Market. A nice pampered way to spend my last full day in London.
- Sophia Kinsella British Fiction Moments: We started out our Chelsea tour on King's Road, which is another great fashion district where I had all kinds of Confessions of a Shopaholic moments, spotting Karen Millen, Jigsaw and Hobbs.
- Nannies, Maids, and Luxury Cars.. Chenye Walk is a section of Chelsea that has older, expensive houses, some of which were inhabited by well known writers and artists like George Elliot. We didn't see many actual residents, but we did see evidence of their lifestyle....nannies pushing carriages and maids (some in the black and white uniform) sweeping porches. The houses were beautiful, but the whole maids in uniform thing really makes me cringe. Isn't it 2005? I saw the first car dealership I'd seen in London on Cheyne Walk, and it was, of course, Mercedez-Benz.
- A new cheese.... On the way back to the Sloane Square Tube station, we stopped by an even bigger Marks and Spencer and walked down every aisle to see what Londoners buy at the grocery. I finally saw clotted cream (not something I wanted to try) and a massive selection of cheese (I wanted to try them all.) Since I couldn't try them all, I got a Wensleydale cheese and carmelized carrot chutney sandwhich for lunch. Delicious. It was then that I decided that I could definitely do just a cheese tour all across Europe.
- You never know what you can find at a market... ?? For me, that would be absolutely nothing. I appreciate most shopping, but flea-type market shopping tends to give me a headache. Portobello Road in Notting Hill is filled with stalls and stalls of everything. I liked the little cheese store. Yummm. But less than halfway through, I was done. I haven't yet learned the magic of discovering treasures in a flea market. What's the secret?
- Marian Keyes British Fiction Moment: I'd just recently finished reading Marian Keyes' Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married. Lucy lives on Ladbroke Grove which I discovered was just minutes away from where we were in Portobello Road. Plus it had a tube station that was on a line and in a zone that I'd never been. Something new! Yes, this kind of thing excites me. It was definitely different, riding the tube with considerably less tourists around.
- Eating-NOT-on-the-go... It is not a myth that America is a go-go-go culture. Eating is no exception. Since I'm a very slooooow eater who likes to savor every bite, eating in Euope sat well with me. It does take some getting used to, however, especially when your server doesn't bring the check for a looong time and after he does bring it, there's not hurry to take care of it. In America, it may be considred bad service. In London, it's consideration. Meals are to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
- New British Foods: Fennel which I'm very embarassed to admit that I can't remember anything about, except that I liked it. We also stopped by a Pret a Manger on the way home which is a popular sandwhich/snack/coffee eatery in London.
11/12/2005
London Trip, Thursday 10/6--Anchor Pub
I never actually got to eat (or drink) at this well-known British pub.
London Trip, Thursday 10/6--So Much Art, So Little Time
The sore throat I woke up to this morning did not dampen my spirits. We headed back to Southbank and the Tate Modern. While I did get to finish seeing the Tate Modern, I sadly noted that I wouldn't be able to see all that Southbank has to offer, including the Shakespeare Globe Theater, the Design Museum and many more smaller art galleries. I had to settle for photos.
- Drama at the Laundromat... We went to the laundromat this morning and I was shocked to find out that the laundromat owner had never used cold water to do her laundry. She looked at me like I was crazy when I mentioned doing my colors in cold water. At the laundromat, I also caught up on some celebrity gossip in the British pop magazines and heard on the radio about Katie Holmes' pregnancy. I don't know what was more jarring..the news about Katie Holmes or the look the laundromat lady gave me.
- Geek at the Tate Modern... I was the geek. I knew it was my last chance to spend at the museum and I still had so many floors left to see. I ran up the flights of stairs, skipped lunch and, well, yes, I was taking notes again. The other day, I was talking about how great it was that the gallery is so accessible, but today I saw a possible downside... teenagers. Groups of them. I had to keep reminding myself that I too was a teenager. I used to run around with my friends with loud enthusiasm and make sarcastic comments. So despite my natural urge to give them all the withering look of an older, more sophisticated but still trendy adult (it works..they will shut up), I decided that it comes with the territory and kept my withering looks to myself.
- New Foods I tried: Egg and Watercress sandwich (British thing), ravioli made with filo dough and cheese at The Real Greek, a restaurant that seems to be rapidly growing in popularity there. It was definitely the best Greek food I've ever had whether it was authentic or not.
London Trip, Wednesday 10/5--The Lanes in Brighton
Handmade fudge and candy!! I was too full to try the fudge, but I did get some of the Brighton Rock Candy---bubble gum flavor. I must have been the oldest person to whom the shopkeeper ever sold that flavor.London Trip, Wednesday 10/5--British Gourmet Potato Chips
Please see the post below for my potato chip flavor observation...London Trip, Wednesday 10/5--Out of London and to the beach!
As much as I've rhapsodized about big city adrenaline, I do also looooooooove a beach. We ventured out to Brighton Beach today, an hour train ride from London Bridge Station and a lovely vacation spot. To quote one of their promotional leaflets, "Brighton has developed a charming mix of old world character, wacky modernism, sleek sophistication and bohemian abandon." All true, I must say.
- A mini-San Francisco... On the way down to the pier and the beach, there are twisting, hilly lanes and pastel colored narrow buildings that reminded us a lot of San Francisco. These streets made up what is called North Laine and The Lanes. North Laine had all kinds of independently owned retailers (some great boutiques!) and The Lanes is famous for its antique stores. I'm not much into antiques, but I was way into the fudge and handmade candy shop!
- People who think it's summertime when it's 60 degrees... The water on the beach was very clear, but very cold. It's true that when I lived in New York, my body was more tolerant of cold, but I still don't know if I would have laid around on a pebbly beach in shorts and with my feet in the cold water at 60 degrees farenheit. But that's just me.
- Finally, my fish and chips moment... After the disappointing fish and chips on Saturday, I was determined to get the real thing on the pier (Palace Pier). Along with all the little food shops, the amusement park and the free chairs for tourists to unfold and sit on to enjoy the ocean view, the pier had a fish and chips restaurant, which, of course, bragged as having the very best fish and chips. We decided to give it a shot and I was pleased to be able to have not just the malt vinegar, but also the lemon flavored vinegar with my fish and chips. Someone mentioned to me that just seeing me eat something deep fried is a kodak moment in itself... Let's just say that what happens in London stays in London.
- Potato chip flavors are like dialect accents...specific to the region... When I lived in Canada, I remember shopping at Marks and Spencer. I was reintroduced at the Brighton Train Station. I love gourmet food markets and got a little carried away wanting to get pictures of all the different and surprising flavo(u)rs of potato chips. Some examples: Honey Roast Wiltshire Ham, Roast Beef and Onion, Sweet Thai Chili and Coriander, Oriental Spring Onion and Roquefort and Smokey Bacon.
- Foodie Panic... As you might guess, trying regional foods and flavors when I travel is really important to me. Today, I realized that I had only a few days left. This is why I bought rhubarb and custard flavored candy, flapjacks (sort of like a very soft, granola bar) and Leicester Red Cheese flavored chips to sample. For dinner, I had Pizza Fiorentina, which might not be originally British, but is very popular there. It sounds weird, but is really good. It's pizza with red sauce, cheese, spinach and a free range egg on top. The egg is broken and baked right on top of the pizza. (I later remembered that the girl in Confessions of a Shopaholic loved this pizza too.) Mmmmmmm..
London Trip, Tuesday 10/4--Tate Modern
The Tate Modern, I feel sure, was created just for me. :-) 20th century paintings, sculptures, installation, multi-media, and performance art.... I love it!
London Trip, Tuesday 10/4--Art for the masses, south of the river
As a performing arts major, I was involved in the growing movement to bringing "fine" arts to the mainstream, starting with kids. I'm not so into the fine art scene now (by choice), but I still believe that appreciation of such arts are not exclusive to "artsy types" or wealthy people. But even I'll admit that when I go to any kind of artistic event today, sometimes I want to laugh because people act so serious and stuffy. There are many other cultures around the world, including the European culture that prove that fine art doesn't have to be that way, and today, I was reminded of that again. We spent the day on the Southbank (south side of the Thames River), stopping in at Oxo Tower, Gabriel's Wharf, and the place I'd been waiting to visit since day one...The Tate Modern (art gallery).
- Art to buy... Before heading to the Tate, we explored 2 little shopping areas along Southbank. The bottom floors of Oxo Tower were filled with small shops with modern style prints and crafts. Right up my alley. Gabriel's Wharf had more traditional style shops.
- Art to see... Actually, in my case, it was art to inhale and absorb. Unlike the National Gallery, I stopped at every work, read every description, took notes and I still felt rushed. I only covered half of the floors on this day. I knew I'd need one more visit and I still wouldn't have time to see the visiting Frida Kahlo exhibit.
- Art for everyone... I love that the admission to the Tate and the National Gallery is free. I love that the Tate is so casual and accessible...that there were so many children with their classes or with their families, enjoying the art as easily as they would enjoy the state fair. It's easy to understand why fine arts are so integrated into mainstream culture here. Yet it doesn't diminish their love of pop culture. Thank goodness.
London Trip, Monday 10/3--Harrod's
There it is, the lighter building, on the left. Food? Furniture? Dolce & Gabbana? A treadmill? If you need it, they've got it. And more.
London Trip, Monday 10/3--I've stepped into another world....and another..and another..
Shopping!! bebe me girl loves to shop! Harrod's did not disappoint. Afterwards, to give our brains a break, we spent some time in Hyde Park and then finally made it to Hoxton Square in the evening.
- COCKFOSTERS!! Just for fun, I thought I'd throw in the name of my very favorite Tube station name. I never actually made it there since it was the very last stop on the Picadilly Line, probably way out in Zone 6 or something, but I loved to see the name and giggle. Can't take the girl out of a woman.
- If the mountain doesn't come to Muhammed... You know what my favorite store is, but still, I've always been a little sad that H & M hasn't made it to Dallas. That's ok, I'll just go to London then.
- I can't imagine the payroll at Harrod's. How many people do they have to employ in a seven floor department store? Enough to man the luxury washrooms on each floor, keep the fresh seafood in Food Hall poised under the glass cases as if they are posing for a photo session, work the 27 restaurants, pubs and coffee houses, not to mention the usual retail positions in each store within the store. Every store had different music to suit the merchandise and walking into every store felt like walking into another world. My favorite parts were the chocolate and candy counters and the second floor which consisted of haute couture, evening wear and the lots of boutiques..my favorite being the Jasmine DiMilo boutique. I liked the contemporary furniture stores, but I must say that I like cantoni in Dallas even better. I wonder... did Princess Diana had access to all the merchandise when she was dating Dodi? What a lovely thought...
- Am I still in London? We stepped out of the hustle and bustle for a walk through Hyde Park to enjoy the green grass and trees, the duck pond, and the boats.. Apparently, there are riders and horses somewhere, but we missed them.
- Tube Thoughts... I'm not too fond of having personal conversations while riding the Tube since everyone can hear you, so I did a lot of thinking on the Tube. We experienced our first rush evening rush hour on the tube. Not too bad as long as everyone uses soap. I started thinking... I'm only claustrophobic around people I know. I can be smushed between strangers on every side and feel a little physically uncomfortable, but not emotionally panicked. But there have been times when I've been surrounded by 5 or 6 family members, I feel a desperate need to break away and breathe. Is this weird? My next thougth was this: I'm a little directionally impaired, but I always say that if you just get me to any major freeway in Dallas, I can find my way home. So it was with the Tube. Get to any Tube station and anybody can find their way.
- Speaking of directions... I'm all for finding out how to do things by myself if I can, but when it comes to directions, I just ask. It saves a lot of time and hunger pangs. I don't know if it's the proverbial difference between a man and a woman, but it took us an hour to get to a restaurant that was about a 2 minute walk from our hotel because one of my companions (male) did not want to ask. Oh well, at least we burned some extra calories.
- New British Terminology: aubergine = eggplant
- New British Foods: Double Gloucester Cheese (again, it reminded me of cheddar)
11/09/2005
London Trip, Sunday 10/2--Low Key London
Sunday was low key. We took another opportunity to see more of Soho/West End and spent time relaxing at the hotel.
- What is your food buffet personality? Today was the first day that our complimentary hotel breakfast fit into our schedule. My food buffet personality is to try a tiny, little bit of everything interesting. I end up with a really crazy looking plate of various 1/2 bites. (I'm sure that someone can read psychologically into this, but whatever). So this morning, I dove into the British culture and tried a bite of the following: Red Leciester Cheese (tastes kind of like Cheddar), black currant jelly, orange marmalade and something I'd never seen before called Marmit. I'll be honest. Marmit, to me, tastes like really, really salty, creamy soy sauce spread. In other words, bleccccccchh.
- A fireman is a fireman is a fireman. The fire alarm went off in our hotel and we all traipsed down many flights of stairs to the back of the building. Fortunately, it turned out to be nothing, but the ladies will be pleased to know that British firemen in uniform are just as hot as Amerian firemen in uniform.
11/08/2005
London Trip, Saturday 10/1 -- History and Royal Culture Palooza
In order to experience the historic traditions of London, we signed up for a day tour, visiting the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. We finished the day with a cruise on the River Thames and a ride in a glass capsule on the London Eye, the highest observation wheel in the world, apparently.
- Pay phones? Try pay toilets. It was our first experience with paying to use the public toilets. I'm still not sure if it's to make money, to keep out undesirables or to keep the toilets nice-n-pretty. Not unlike a pedestrian tollway...
- Niles Crane is actually a tour guide for Premium Tours. An older, British version that is. I swear, the proper, TV character from Frasier was modeled after our tour guide, James. He even has the same head to body proportion. Weird.
- Give me rhinestones any day. I love anything shiny and glittery...basically, I like bling. Except for crown jewel bling, apparently. Crown jewels and ornate, solid gold punch bowls in the context of royal posessions to be revered made me a little sick. In fact, I was not impressed or awed, but identifed more closely with the people who revolted against monarchy. The rooms of clunky, showy armor didn't help. Nor did the stories of beheading and physical torture.
- "The Star" would have had a field day. Everyone likes a good celebrity female cat fight, right? The women of the royal families did not disappoint. ReeeOW. Sending your cousin (who came to you for refuge because she got kicked out of her country of which she was queen) to prison so that you will be the only queen around... that's harsh. And that's just one example.
- I don't remember ordering the Long John Silver special of the day. The tour pamphlet (leaflet) promised a river cruise with the "best" fish and chips in London. I love salt and vinegar and couldn't wait to try the real deal. I'm quite certain that the real thing is not foil-wrapped fish and chips, transported in boxes from Chinatown. And I know the real deal doesn't include tartar sauce and ketchup. Not a drop of vinegar in sight.
- A change in perspective... London really does look different from above. I loved the London Eye. It' s like a big ferris wheel on the River Thames, but the seats are giant, glass capsules and you can see from every angle as the wheel rotates.
- "Women's Bridge" I have to say that along with the London Eye, the highlight of the day for me was learning about the Waterloo Bridge, known as the "Women's Bridge." It was built entirely by women during war time. Girl Power is all over the world!
- British Terminology:
Leaflet = brochure
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London Trip, Sat 10/1 - Women's Point of Interest #2
Henry VIII's Armor... Yes, I know what all the ladies are looking at... I know I was.
London Trip, Sat. 10/1--Women's Point of Interest #1
The Waterloo "Women's" Bridge ...
Built 100% by Women during war time
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