Keep on the sunny side

Saturday 

The weekend calls for adventures! Justine and I took the National Express from Victoria to Cambridge in the morning and spent the day there. Cambridge is a university town northeast of London, situated in the center of the Cambridgeshire County. It is home to University of Cambridge with its multiple constituent colleges, each unique and full of history. Regardless of the grim looking start, the day turned out to be a gorgeous one; making a day outside of London that much better!

Highlights of the day in Cambridge…

King’s College Chapel is one of the dominant features of the university because of its formation and architecture. The college was founded in 1441 and the building of the college’s chapel begun in 1446. Plans for the college were disrupted by the civil war. Therefore the completion of the chapel is considered during the reign of King Henry VIII in 1544. King’s College Chapel is regarded for its Gothic English architecture. The chapel’s stained-glass windows and wooden chancel screen are considered some of the finest from their era. The Chapel is truly emblematic of Cambridge – you will see it on every postcard, brochure, travel guide of Cambridge. As the symbol of Cambridge, its also seen in the logo of the city council.

 In the north of the city there is also the magnificent St. John’s College. St. John’s distinctive Great Gate has a carving of the coat of arms of Lady Margaret Beaufort, who founded the college in 1511. The mission of the college, identified in its Statutes, is the promotion of education, religion, learning and research.

Walked along Queen’s Road or “The Backs” which is an area where several of the university’s college back on to the River Cam. The term “The Backs” is in reference to the backs of the colleges. The colleges’ grounds cover both banks of the river. Speaking of the river, we were asked if we wanting to go on a punting tour by about a hundred attractive university guys.

There was a festive Art and Craft Market in the Trinity Street Square. There was an abundance of pottery, jewelry, accessories, paintings, photography, wood and glass designs as well as fresh baked goods. Of course, around the square there is Trinity College.

Pembroke’s courtyard was definitely my favorite of all the Cambridge colleges. The college has a tranquil environment with its architectural style that frames the open courts and beautiful gardens.

Enjoyed a traditional English Afternoon Tea at Hotel Felix’s Graffiti Restaurant. The venue has an overwhelming impression of understated chic – the paint colors are soft, contemporary furniture, and great lighting. The restaurant overlooks the south facing terrace and gardens. There, where we saw a wedding party gathering to take pictures and celebrate. Afternoon Tea was marvelous and provided all the comfort you would expect from a smart boutique hotel. The outing was well priced and the quality was superb!

Sunday

My line of the day: keep on the sunny side! 

After a hectic morning that did not go the way it was expected to, I diverted the problem into a day spent walking, walking, walking London. Not only did I put negativity aside, but also today was a gorgeous day!

Here is the run down of my walks, two buses and a tube ride:

Walked from Victoria Station to Parliament Square.

Spent time in Parliament Square.

Crossed Westminster Bridge to Waterloo.

Spent time in Waterloo.

Bus from Waterloo to Sloane Square.

Walked from Sloane Square to South Kensington.

Lunch at Greenfield’s Café.

Twenty minutes in Natural History Museum (mobbed with kids).

Explored Kensington and Chelsea.

Bus from South Kensington to Marble Arch.

Hyde Park: Speaker’s Corner.

Walked to Selfridges.

Spent lots of time admiring everything in Selfridges.

Walked down Oxford Street.

Snack at Café Nerro.

Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus.

Tube from Piccadilly Circus to Kilburn.

Home. 

And now...BED!

Cheers everyone!

P is for Prime Minister in Purple

Super exciting day today! I have been looking forward to today since I was told that I would be going a week ago. I sat in on Prime Minister Questions today!

Elliot and I watched the Speaker’s procession in the central lobby before being led (up multiple flights of stairs) to the gallery. Although I have walked around the Commons chamber a few times now, seeing Parliament’s key players in action there was a whole another experience. Truly distinctive and meaningful. It’s one thing when you read about Cameron and Miliband during Wednesday or watch it on BBC News. But when you are in the same room as them and you add in the mix of frontbenchers, backbenchers and the Speaker, it’s a much more unique dynamic that you cannot get from reading an article in the Telegraph or Guardian. Later Elliot described it as having a slightly cozy feeling because these politicians are talking with one and evaluating one another on these green couches where everyone is sitting tightly next to one another. Also no one expect for the PM and Miliband have their own microphone. 

While Miliband or Bolls was posing a question to Cameron, who would confer with George Osbourne (Chancellor of Treasury) in regards to about economics and Greece or Teresa (Home Office) over DNA retention, all of the frontbenchers of the opposition would point and tattle on Cameron. Their claim being that he needs the help of his people to answer the questions and he cannot do them himself. Miliband said that thousands of people each year are arrested but not charged on suspicion of rape but sometimes went on to commit other offences. The Speaker had to call order as the noise levels rose when Cameron was confering with May. Cameron said it seems to come as a surprise that he talks to his ministers and suggests Miliband does not talk to his own shadow chancellor. Cameron certainly had his riposte ready for when Miliband brought up the subject of the Justice’s U-turns.

The government backbenchers were really rowdy at some points. At one point Cameron said, "I'm afraid I didn't get all of that" and the Speaker told off the noisy government backbenchers. There was a really random interjection in the Greek debt crisis debate and Lib Dem MP Andrew George suggested that the UK should give Greece back the Elgin Marbles. Cameron doesn't agree and joked that the short answer is "we haven't lost our marbles". It was so witty, I loved it! Another fascinating aspect of the experience was how in the beginning with the questions to the Secretary for Scotland the chamber was a little bare. As time passed during question to him and the time was approaching for PMQs, the famous green Commons benches were packed!

Later in the afternoon, I attended a committee meeting on UK Energy. It was a meeting mainly for researchers, and staffers. Charles Hendry, the Minister of State for the Department of Energy was one the speaker and director of discussion at the meeting. The Minister said that gas and electricity supplies must transform the way they deal with consumers. He asserted the determination to radically overhaul the retail energy market and mentioned how the “big six” power companies’ complex tariffs are going to come under further scrutiny over the next few months. He referred to the UK’s 20-20-20 pledge, which is a 20% cut in greenhouse gas emissions, a 20% increase in the share of renewable energy, and a 20% cut in energy consumption by 2020. The Minister added towards the end that in terms of coalition energy policy by 2050 business energy has to be more affordable, secure, and less dependent on carbon to meet ambitious targets.

For dinner, Justine and I decided to search for a place in Covent Garden. Exiting busy tube stations in the late afternoon/evening, you will be given flyers by people promoting their businesses. It’s a bit annoying at times but this time it was worth it. We were handed a 2 for 1 meal pamphlet for Los Locos. We strolled over the restaurant, looked at the menu options and gave it a shot. Definitely worth it!

Following our fantastic find of a meal deal, we sauntered over to LSE. The public event that we attended was titled, “Global Imbalances and Social Challenges”. Everyone is welcome to LSE’s public events. In this case, two speakers spoke for twenty minutes each, followed by a short discussion among the two and the LSE chair, and then a question and answer period. What I did not realize was that at these events some of the most influential figures in the social sciences can be heard. The two speakers were Jean-Michael Severino and Martin Wolf. Severino is General Inspector of Finances for France’s Ministry of Finance. Wolf is the associate editor and chief economics commentator at the Financial Times. These top commentators on economics, development and finance discussed some of the most pressing global imbalances and the social challenges that they post in the years ahead. From what I could tell, the entire audience was very interested in their comments; captivated by the realities they were addressing. 

Electricity

Thursday

After work my office friends and a few of us flat mates went to a Parliamentary Researcher Reception at the Red Lion. Luckily its only one minute from 1 Parliament Street.  The reception was held by ACS: Association of Convenience Stores. ACS supports its members through lobbying, advice on legislation and issues that affect retailers and through learning and networking events. ACS, at its core, provides a range of services designed specifically for local shops to help them develop their businesses. When I was at the bar, which was providing complementary wine, I started chatting with this guy James. He has been the ACS Chief Executive since 2006. He’s a graduate of University of Essex. We talked a lot about the ACS organization, where one goes from getting a degree at a university, networking, and many other things. Later I chatted with Shane, the Public Affairs Director for ACS. We talked about the multiple media outlets available today and how to excel in using them. I’m looking forward to attending another ACS event on Monday. From what I got from talking to some of the directors, there are some powerful networking opportunities available through ACS.

Friday

Constituency visit!

After multiple transfers and crowding on the Tube, I finally got to Tower Hill and walked to Fenchurch Street Station. Boarded the C2C train towards Shoeburyness and got off at Leigh-on-Sea. Gareth was there to pick me up in his beautiful red car! He drove me all around Leigh; saw all the beautiful Victorian style homes, adorable independently owned shops and boutiques, cute cafes, and all the wonders along the coast. Leigh is in the county of Essex. Southend-on-Sea, which Leigh is considered a town of, is a seaside resort in Essex. Southend-West, where David is the MP has an electorate of about 68,000.

       

After a drive around we quickly stopped into the constituency office. Press releases needed to be sent from the Westminster office and updated on the board in Leigh. Meet and greet (European style) with Ginger Spice was certainly in that group of PRs. Gareth then took me to an adorable corner bakery/ diner. We enjoyed a delicious lunch and the waiters were so cheerful and kind.  Thank goodness we got some fuel in us because we were in for a long surgery. The surgery lasted from 14:00-18:00. It really hit me when the first and following constituents came in. I knew their last names from sending them responses we had received from corresponding departments. Reading their names day after day and then actually meeting them was surreal. It made the problems that they were having real to me – no longer just on a sheet of paper and folded inside an envelope. The people that work in the office during surgery time, Margory, Richard, and Julian are really kind. I had to go into the office across from the surgery room from time to time to copy documents that the constituents brought. Whenever I was in there they were so eager to ask me questions about my time interning here and living here and my university education. Margory, who had the cutest hot pink colored nails, asked me if I wanted coffee or tea. She wanted to make sure it was just the way I liked it. She was such a darling.  

Obviously I cannot go into great detail here, publicly, about the issues discussed with the constituents. Although I will tell you they were wide-ranging: tax exemptions and benefits, immigration, council issues, criminal records, and housing problems. There were a few times where a name came up more than once, not in a positive context, indicating there is a greater issue here and some greater action needs to be taken. I took extensive notes, learning from Gareth what was important to highlight. Whenever the constituent looked at me, I thought it was valuable for me to make them feel comfortable.

Since I made the trip all the way down to Leigh, David wanted to take me with him on a few trips following surgery. Him, Julian and myself first went to a Tennis Club where the best of Southend and the best of a county Poland were meeting up for a tournament in Leigh for the weekend. David drew attention to how tennis needs a revival and he wants to help the club promote its activities more. We next stopped by the Mughal Dynasty restaurant. David had chosen the restaurant to represent Southend West. The restaurant won a place in the regional finals of the Lyca Tiffin Cup 2011. The national competition is held each year to find the best South Asian restaurant in the country, and this year 60 restaurants were nominated. MD will now represent Southeast London in the Lyca Tiffin Cup Grand Final. There has never been a more important time for small local restaurants to invest in the effectiveness of their customer service and sales. During these uncertain economic times, it was really a wonderful sight to see this small restaurant, whose service is impeccable and food extremely flavorful, excelling in this national competition. Next was a quick stop at Elliot’s house (or his bungalow), where I ran in to pick up some documents from the Westminster office. Then we went to David’s house! I got to meet two of his five children, Sarah and David, who are a little older than me. I was delighted to meet them. It really hit me, the entire realm of my Parliamentary experience here in London, when I was sitting in David’s living room chatting with Julian as we waited for David. Next we made a stop at a friend’s house nearby to drop off an anniversary gift. David was leaving for Paris Saturday morning so he wanted to make sure they got their gift before he left. Cliff’s Pavilion was our next stop for South East Essex Schools' Music Association Festival. Thirteen local school choruses (totaling about 400 children) sang their hearts out. The theme was the association's greatest hits. There was also a children’s orchestra, compiled from about five schools, playing their instruments in addition to a few older professionals. The performance was fantastic! The whole arena was filled! Our seats were great too; the foremost box seat along the side. One of the songs they sang, from one of the greatest Broadway shows I’ve seen, made me think about my experience here. The song was “Electricity” from Billy Elliot. It made me think of how this experience has opened up many doors for me and I’m tapping into my potential. I’m eager to push myself to greater heights. I’ve been given the opportunity here to learn more about myself.

And then I feel a change, like a fire deep inside

Something bursting me wide open;, impossible to hide

And suddenly I’m flying, flying like a bird

Like electricity, electricity

Sparks inside of me, and I’m free, I’m free

It was close to 22:00 when we left the concert. David had planned on taking Julian and I to another event. But since it was getting late, and the c2c train was going to take at least 40 minutes and then the tube commute to from Tower Hill to Kilburn 30 minutes, at least, I suggested he drop me off at the Leigh-on-Sea station. The commute was fine and I got back to Kilburn at about midnight. Chatted with Justine and Matt about my day, did a little intranet browsing and went to bed. Completely knackered, didn’t wake up once all night.

Saturday

Channeling our “London market explorer-ness", Justine and I took the bus to Notting Hill Gate to explore the Portobello Road Market. This market is one of the most famous street markets in the world. On this street, we saw tons of stands selling jewelry, tourist souvenirs, hats, dresses, jewelry and other vintage picks.  Antique shops and stalls are the most popular here, especially on a Saturday. But the market is also known not only for its fresh produce and secondhand/ flea market stalls. The market’s vendors are friendly and helpful, offering a wide variety of items. We grabbed a bite for lunch from one of the food vendors that was serving Mediterranean-Middle Eastern inspired foods.

Crepe Stand

Spanish Paella

Bread and Pastry Stand

Fresh produce

In addition to the market, Portobello Road is lined with well-established shops. It’s not your average ‘High Street’ as most are independent stores. We enjoyed perusing through these stores as well on our walk down Portobello Road, mainly when the next sprits of rain were swiping over us. Portobello Road itself is a long, narrow street, which stretches over two miles. So there was plenty to see! One of my favorite parts of the street was the houses. They were cute and colorful; mint green, canary yellow, baby blue, lavender, carnation and cream colored. 

If you become leery at the thought of crowds, you may want to rethink this one. The initial stroll from the Notting Hill tube station or bus stop won’t prepare you for the seemingly endless line of vendors along Portobello Road. You will see the crowd of people heading to the market. Jazz quartets helped create a welcoming environment. While it’s certainly heaving with tourists, I can definitely say that Portobello Road Market is a London institution.

At the end of our stroll down the Portobello Road Market, we turned onto another street and decided to wander. Next thing we know…an extremely heavy London downpour #classicLondon. As I’m sure you already know, London weather can be quite unpredictable. You can experience four seasons in one day. As a Londoner, I now carry both my sunglasses and umbrella. We ducked and covered for a bus, which then terminated two stops later, so we took the tube to Marble Arch. When we got out of the Oxford Circus tube station it was bright sunshine; so strange. Both in need of a little warmth (wet rain tend to give us a chill down our spines) and caffeine we stopped for some cappuccinos before a short walk around Primark. We then boarded the bus at Marble Arch and headed back to Kilburn. Friday’s traveling and working caught up to me, so I took a much-needed nap when we got home.

Fortunately when it came time for us to go out Saturday night, the rain Gods were not being cynical. Proud Camden was our spot for the night. The club is situated in the old Grad II Horse Hospital in the Stables Market of Camden. The venue has definitely been systematically designed and restored, while retaining many of the beautiful and genuine features such as the original stables that once housed the horses. Wild; that’s my initial response to the place. The music is eclectic and the performances were interesting to say the least. Incredible night with awesome dance music and people all around!

Sunday

This week’s choice for our Sunday mass venture was St. Francis of Asssisi Church in Notting Hill. Dear Notting Hill, You make me smile and I want to own a house here. Notting Hill is an area in West London, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. (P.S. This is the area we came to yesterday for Portobello Market.) The celebrant was both humorous and sincere. He preached a wonderful homily on the Most Holy Trinity. At the closing of the mass he made a joke about waiting another year for someone to take him out to dinner and treat him on 'Father's Day'. The parish community was international and compiled of many regular worshippers from around the area. The interior of the church is designed with simple luminous paintings and other decorate details, not too overwhelming but nonetheless stunning. 

12:30 and tummies were rumblin’. We did a little walking up and down about two blocks and chose Paul London, a French mini-chain. We both wanted a good coffee and cappuccino with our meal. Paul definitely measured up to that request as well as delicious food. Justine ordered the Tomato Mozzarella Pesto Sandwich, and I ordered the Nicoise Salad (I’m on a tuna salad kick). This patisserie has an extensive selection of breads, sandwiches, salads, quiches, pastries and cakes. With a great staff and gorgeous food, it was like being in a friendly and familiar part of France.

Having already fallen in love with the Notting Hill area we decided to just walk down a few blocks and see what we stumbled upon. From its cafés, pubs, and restaurants to its boutique shops, Notting Hill holds much for all interests. As we kept walking, we approached the Shephard’s Bush area of West London and came across the Westfield Shopping Center. Since our dues were not enough to the rain gods as we crossed the street to where the mall was, we decided to stop in. Little did we know until research after, that the mall is one of the largest in Europe at a whopping 150,000 square-meters. This place is a must stop for luxury lovers as it features premium brands. With a distinctive mix and match of designer labels, the Westfield Shopping Center offers a unique shopping experience. My favorite element of the mall is glass roof covering of a central atrium and chandelier lit design. 

Now its time for some rest before another Monday, marking the start of another work week. Hope you all enjoyed the post. Comments are greatly encouraged! Cheers everyone!

“Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance. 

Where there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor vexation. 

Where there is poverty and joy, there is neither greed nor avarice. 

Where there is peace and meditation, there is neither anxiety nor doubt.”

- St. Francis of Assisi

Let's give 'em something to talk about

Started out being a sunny day when I was walking to the KP tube station. Yet a few hours later, not so much sun. Luckily, there was enough to keep us busy in the office. Plenty of response letters. Bells going off, phones ringing, conversations heightening, shouting around Parliament Square – sheer madness. Witnessed an arrest happen across from Parliament Square; a man was sitting in the middle of the road (protesting? we’re not quite sure.) and was being very stubborn with the police. Ended with almost 8 bobbies going back to the station with the man, originally 2 arrived. Another thing about the police: Two men were arrested and detained by the police in the UK near the home of singer Joss Stone on suspicion of conspiracy murder and rob.

Delivered questions for Monday to the Table Office today. As I was walking down the staircase of the Table Office’s building, I got a moment of being slighty star struck. In front of the door entering a hallway, there are signs of whose offices are in that direction. I read the signs and saw, “Rt Hon David Cameron MP, Prime Minister.” David Cameron has great charisma, charm and freshness. A little after 12o’clock we geared up to watch the coverage of Prime Minister Questioning. David Cameron faced his weekly grilling from Labour leader Ed Milliband and backbench MPs. Ed Milliband argued that government welfare reform plans would leave cancer patients worse off. David Cameron responded saying benefits would still be paid to patients for at least a year.

From hearing “Mr. Speaker” countless times during Questioning (and having flashbacks to SAGA), I asked Laura about the Speaker role in the House of Commons. The Speaker is an MP who has been elected to act as Chair during debates in the House of Commons. They are responsible for ensuring that the rules laid down by the House for the carrying out of its business are observed. It is the Speaker who calls the MPs to speak and maintains order in the House. He or she is elected by MPs in the Commons but then ceases to be involved in party politics – renouncing all affiliation with his former political party when taking office but remains an MP. Its nice having people in my office that I can ask about Parliament procedures, roles, and such. Makes discussing and understanding much easier and rewarding.

Later in the afternoon, I attended two events with David and two students who were coming in for a day of work experience. The first was CLIC Sargent for Children with Cancer. As the UK’s leading children’s cancer charity, CLIC Sargent is the only organization to offer families with children with cancer all round care and support. The organization offers support every step of the way. 1. During treatment: providing specialist nurses, doctors, and play specialists. 2. In hospitals and at home: offering specialist social care, youth services, holidays and grants. 3. After treatment: helping survivors, and continual research.

Following the CLIC reception, the four of us spent some time on the Terrace. David first provided some background about the “most sought after terrace in London” and the hot spots of Parliament visible from the Terrace. We had a lovely time chatting, laughing and better acquainting ourselves with one another. Next was the Action on Smoking Health (ASH) reception. ASH is a campaigning public health charity that works to eliminate the harm caused by tobacco. While the charity aims for work to be innovative and agenda setting, its policies are always give evidence based. David introduced us to multiple chaps there who were delightful and a pleasure to take with. While chatting with one of the chief executives for ASH I commented on his Moleskin notebook. He got all excited and asked me which ones are my favorites to use. #lifeofastationarysnob

Attending these events and passing by some others made me distinguish a theme of the week’s receptions: cancer research. It was announced yesterday that the Government has accepted the main recommendations made by the independent NHS Future Forum. Cancer Research UK was delighted with the proposals concerning research in the NHS. Mr. Kumar, CEO of Cancer Research UK said the government now needs to give further thought on how different paths of health service will be held accountable for improvements in cancer outcomes. 

On our way back to the office after the ASH event, a number of individuals greeted David who then introduced us to them. They were each very nice, and you could tell they each respected David very well. Attending the two events and the introductions made the time fly by! When I got back to the office, I quickly snatched my purse and jacket and bee lined for Westminster Hall. Justine and I attended a Roman Catholic mass service that is offered each Wednesday in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft. Even as it was a very quick mass, the celebrant was both a great homilist and vocalist. Following mass, the two of us walked across Westminster Bridge and around the Waterloo area. Music in and around the tube stations is almost always very good so we enjoyed that on our walk. Strolled through the station, stopped into Marks and Spencer and then headed home to KP. Today's Evening Standard was fantastic so we were both excited to read our copies on our way home!

I am completely knackered – I am falling asleep at my Mac. Cheers everyone!

Stop right now, thank you very much

I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

This morning I attended a Parliamentary presentation from Global Uncertainties, on the topic: security for all in the changing world. The meeting brought accessible and relevant research in the important area to UK policymakers who are dealing with these natural and manmade challenges. Goal of the meeting was to discuss how to best disseminate these findings to Westminster policy makers. I found the panel of speakers and the discussion enlightening. A good point that a handful made was that radicalization is dangerous – and it comes in the form of not only terrorist groups but in misconstrued individuals. What I enjoyed hearing most was the program encouraging the role of universities, which produce research based groups. I could not agree more with the statement that academics bring in conceptual thinking and assist in explaining how research is being made intelligible and accessible. Each of the representatives was a skilled speaker, my favorite being Shami Chakrabarti, who is the current director of Liberty and Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University.

Following the meeting I popped into the office for about an hour before going to our weekly seminar with Lord Cormack. Fortunately this week he took us on a tour of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. In both Houses there are so many paintings, statues, and significant architecture details. I appreciated LC pointing them out and providing the history behind each. Otherwise I believe I would have just sat and wondered who it was a sculpture or painting of and/or why are they shown here? A striking difference that I have begun to recognize more and more each time I walk through is the color difference. The benches and carpeting of the Commons are green; the Lords are red. Of course there are more important differences such as the Commons is publicly elected; Lords mostly appointed and includes experts in a number of fields. Overall it was a wonderful tour, ending in the Crypt of Westminster Hall, a true hidden gem.

After our seminar with Lord Cormack and lunch, the next few hours were pretty standard. However there was one bizarre moment – that actually lasted for a while. A raven, crow, I don’t know exactly what it was but it was big and black, was fighting on the ledge of the office balcony with another big and black whatever. The one was caught or pretending to be caught inside the balcony ledge and it just complained forever. We found it kind of comical and yet a little frightening. The new secretary, Fey, is a doll. I liked getting to know her and help her with the transition.

Later in the afternoon, with a stack of casework done, David took me to a few parliamentary receptions/ presentations. The most worth discussing is Breast Cancer Care’s Strawberry Tea. Breast Cancer Care, in regards to Parliament, responds to Government consultations making sure Parliamentarians and policy makers hear the voices of those people affected by breast cancer. 

Here is where it gets more exciting: Geri Halliwell, yes, former Ginger Spice was at the Strawberry Tea reception. She was not originally the woman that MPs could take a picture with but David, knowing her importance and presence there, suggested having his picture taken with her. Home run! I got to shake her hand and briefly chat with her while we waited for the photographer to set up the backdrop. I was going to take an additional photo, as I did at the previous reception but couldn’t because of her stardom and her publicist woman being there on the prowl. You’re probably now wondering why was she there? Well, she became a Patron of Breast Cancer Care in 2000 following a breast health scare. Over the last eleven years she has attended fundraising and launch events, donated to the charity, and more.

Happy it was a much warmer day today! Certainly added to the good of the day!

Cheers!

God Save the Queen!

Saturday

Each year in London there is the state occasion: Trooping the Color. (Color means flag in this ceremonial parade). The ceremony is the monarch’s official birthday parade – this year marked her 85th birthday. Mom, Dad and myself took part in the well-wishing, cheering, and at one point crying, To get good background on the significance of the occasion as well as know where certain parts would take place, we participated in the occasion with a London Walks guide. Our guide had been former guard. 

The event was about the Queen but all eyes were on the new Duke and Duchess playing prominent roles in the event for the first time. Price William rode faultlessly on his charger while Kate took her place with other members of the royal family in the carriage procession. She rode in a horse drawn Barouche with Price Harry, along with the Duchess of Cornwall and Duke of York. Our guide taught us about the different types of uniform William and Harry could choose because they are Royals as well as in the Air Corps. Price Harry was kitted out in his Blues and Royals uniform and Army Air Corps blue beret. Prince William is now Colonel of the Irish Guards; therefore he wore the famous scarlet tunic of his new regiment and bearskin hat.

And the Queen! She arrived in an Ivory Mounted Phaeton drawn by two Windsor grey horses. She was with the Duke of Edinburgh, who was dressed in uniform as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards. The Queen has reined since 1952 and first took the royal salute in 1951. Every year since she has continued to receive the mark of respect. Although the Queen’s actual birthday is 21 April, it was decided in 1748 that the parade would be used to mark the official birthday of the Sovereign,

The group was cheered on loudly by all of us as they travelled from Buckingham Palace, along Constitution Mall and into the Horse Guards Parade. Over 600 guardsmen marched. More than 1,300 officers and soldiers were on parade to salute their Sovereign, including several who had recovered from serious injuries while on duty in Afghanistan. I felt it was significant that we were there to salute both the Queen and them, acknowledging their efforts and strength. The music was provided by the Massed Bands of the Foot Guards and the Mounted Bands of the Household Cavalry as well as with the Corps of Drums.

Seeing the horses, the guards, the instruments, all in perfect unison, was breathtaking. I was stunned over how precise everything was in the parade. Tradition is so important in England with its monarchy. The monarchy here is the true representation of long standing customs and history.

As if the day weren’t exciting enough by 13:00, we took an afternoon trip to Oxford. Getting to and from Oxford was so simple. The National Rail services, First Great Western, at the Paddington station in London is really convenient and well organized. It was only an hour train ride both ways, with two stops along the way. Immediately after we stepped off the train, it was clear this town was bustling that day. The university city of Oxford is a beautiful and compact city; full of medieval gems, historic buildings and obviously one of the most highly regarded universities in the world. It’s also home to an upbeat assortment of shops, pubs, cafes, restaurants and clubs. Throughout the city there are large pockets of green, including spacious parks, and landscaped courtyards. Oxford certainly does thrive on tourism and it’s evident that it makes every conceivable effort to promote and embrace visitors.

Stopping into the Oxford Tourist Information Centre (TIC) on Broad Street was helpful – it stocks useful brochure, self-guided walking tours and other helpful pamphlets. For 60p, we got a map and did our own venture around the city.

We walked down numerous streets and alleyways throughout the quaint Oxford. My favorite parts were the individual schools’ courtyards and structural designs (especially St. John’s and Pembroke), the old clocks, the churches and the famed The Eagle and Child pub on St. Giles, It has associations with the Inklings writers’ group, which included Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, so the two are known for having spent much time there. The pub has a warm layout and friendly staff.

Pembroke (that's Mom and Dad there)

Ashmolean Museum

The Eagle and Child

St. John's

Trinity

The Radcliffe Camera

St Mary the Virgin Church

Academia certainly takes centre stage here. Every street we were on there were groups of university students, some wearing their black gown and carnations. What a beautiful site it was to see long standing academic traditions first hand! The university buildings of golden stone with their spires, towers and domes have shaped a timeless city. As a visitor I will never forget this City of Dreaming Spires. Both its ancient and long standing scholarly history as well as its modern cosmopolitan town life make it a true gem of the UK.

Sunday

In the morning I joined my family for mass at the first church I came to with Dad the first weekend I got here. The Church of the Immaculate Conception on Farm Street is one of the most stunning churches in London. Yesterday’s mass was celebrated in Latin, with the readings prophesized in English thankfully. While it was long and hard to follow at times, it was a beautiful mass marked by its liturgical traditions.

Back into the rain, we made a quick stop at Dad’s office. Mom, Grandmom and Aunt Nan had yet to see the eclectic art and floor textiles, so they were in for a surprise. Then we went back to their hotel to freshen up and decide what to do for the day before our dinner reservation.

Bright, sunshiny days are not regular in London, even in the spring and summer. Luckily rainy days in London don’t have to be a total wash out. Thankfully one of the coolest cities in the world has an abundance of things to do and places to visit on cold, grey, wet and miserable days. Yesterday was one of those days. The Golden Girls and Dad went back to V&A and Kensington. Mom and I went off to do some souvenir shopping in the Green Park – Piccadilly area. 
Before we left, we enjoyed some tea and coffee in the hotel.

First stop was the shop next to Buckingham Palace inside the Queen’s Gallery building. It’s an adorable shop with chinaware, homeware, fragrances, biscuits and chocolate, jewelry, books, other souvenirs and gifts. An entire section of the fair sized shop has commemorative china and other ornaments to mark the Royal Wedding of Price William and Kate Middleton.

Making our way back through Green Park, we dropped off our shopping bags and then journeyed to Fortnum and Mason on Piccadilly. This store is incredibly unique and beautiful. It is renowned as purveyors of fine foods, hampers, teas and wine. The hampers have been a tradition since Victorian times when they were sold as picnics for visitors of the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park.

Food may come first F&M but then you lift your eyes to the spectacular atrium and your feet lead you to the delights aloft. There is a floor of femininity dedicated to handbags, shoes, jewelry, scarves, and perfume. Another floor has men’s accessories. Another floor has a cook shop, frills for tea and entertainment and a spectacular chinaware and crystal section. The store has held a number of Royal warrants; grocers include Prince William and the Queen. It’s intricate and carefully crafted window displays are some of the best in London. F&M is surely a theatrical oasis in the middle of Mayfair.

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We celebrated the family’s last night in London with dinner at Dean Street Townhouse in Soho. The restaurant has an easy and comfortable style, mixing modern touches with the decadence of the bygone era. The menu is interesting; it lacks elaborate wording of so many restaurants today; it settles solely in simple descriptions. Overall the menu represents a uncomplicated tastiness – good, old fashioned British cooking with a modern twist.

Having no idea what a concoction entailed, I went with the Grilled Dover Sole (and so did Mom and Dad). Aunt Nan ordered the Mince and potatoes, Grandmom the Grilled Monkfish, scallops with bacon and pearl barley and Justine the Blythburgh pork tenderloin with celery, Bramley apple and horseradish. My fish had a crisp skin; delicate and meaty white flesh. Absolutely impecible. We were left with a nice pause after our main course to chat, and steadily sip our wine. Justine and myself shared the Baked Alaska for two. Light and decadent; it was the perfect end to a wonderful meal. Dinner with my family was such a joy; especially the time I got to chat with Grandmom off to the side. Everyone was having such a great time and seeing everyone smile made my heart sparkle.

As anticipated, I had to say goodbye to my family following our wonderful dinner. It meant so much that my family traveled to see me. Thinking back to Christmas Day - I told Grandmom I was accepted into the program and she said “I will come visit you.” Her having never flown on a plane before, I wasn’t entirely sure it was going to happen. But when she applied for her passport and made sure everything was in order – I knew she was serious. I am so grateful for that it came true. Their week here went incredibly fast. Looking back on the week, I am so blessed to have a wonderful family.