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.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

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.

Family: the sunshine of my week

Following a wonderful weekend, I was excited to begin the week! 


Monday
Good day at work followed by....

                                 Dinner at Queen's Arms with my family!                           

Sitting at the table with Mom, Dad, Aunt Nan and Grandmom felt surreal and yet so natural. There was so much that we all wanted to talk about.  How amazing being able to tell them about my London experiences (so far) with them actually in London with me? And enjoying  Strongbows with one another! Following dinner I brought them to our Kilburn flat, a minute walk from Queen's to show them the place. Introducing them, Grandmom and Nan especially, to the London family was adorable - I was sharing my family with my other family. Then I packed up my clothes for Tuesday and went to the Hilton Green Park to stay with them for the night. Mom, Dad and I enjoyed glasses of wine in the Berry Bar before going to bed. (P.S. Being able to physically hug my Mom was something I certainly missed and really appreciate). 

Tuesday 

Early wake up call: 5:30. Went to bed at 1 and didn't sleep because someone was operating a motor engine during the night. Left the Hilton at 6:30 and took a cab to St.Pancras International. The station is spectacular - skillful combination of modern and traditional design. Eurostar was at 8:15. Being able to travel direct to the heart of Paris from London by train was so cool! Slept on the train after chatting with the girls for a little bit. Then we reached Paris and saw Michael! Seeing him was a very emotional experience, most notably for Grandmom. 

Michael being a professional tour guide, we were in good hands venturing Paris for the day. About 80% of the places we went, Michael and Scott were known very well, making all of us feel very special. There is obviously so much I can tell you about what we did, so I will show you pictures and explain. 

3 Generations of Tuscano women 
Le dejeuner at Lutetia

Royal Opera House

Inside the Royal Opera House

Galleries Lafayette 

Notre Dame

Eiffel Tower
Boat ride and tour along the River Siene.

Le Louvre

French Parliament

Back at the first restaurant I came to in Paris 9 years ago. Delicious baguette!

I love Paris every moment

Every moment of the year

I love Paris, why oh why do I love Paris

Because my love is here

Wednesday

Beginning of my workday was normal. However, come lunchtime Paul took me on my Parliament tour Part 1. There is so much to see in Parliament. The House the Lords was the primary focus for this part. I was in awe over the halls, the sitting room, the grand hall, the Queen’s robing room…her throne! Paul knows an incredible amount of history behind Parliament; I was fascinated by everything that he was saying. He told me things that I do not think I would have learned otherwise.

After the tour and getting lunch, I continued with casework. Around 15:00 David took Natalie and myself along with him to receptions and drop-ins in Parliament. At last! I was so thrilled to join David and watch him engage with others as well as have his picture taken with them. The receptions in Parliament are really stellar – great foods and great drinks. The events that I attended were the Knowing Your Pulse Awareness Week, Crossrail Ltd, Money Advice Service and Food Standards Agency Receptions. Following the events I stuffed a few envelopes and then jet off to meet the family for dinner in Green Park.

Dinner was at Le Boudin Blanc. Dad had been there before and always wanted the little table in the corner of the upper dining area. And we got that spot! When Dad had mentioned we were going to a French restaurant two things crossed my mind. First, French…I don’t know how this is going to go over for everyone. Second, didn’t we go to Paris yesterday? All of my hesitations went out the window once we sipped our delightful glasses of white wine. And the food? Fantastique! Staff was friendly and the atmosphere was relaxing. As my entrée I ordered the Steak de thon grillé, aubergines épicées, coriandre et salade de fenouil au sesame. My meal here will without doubt be considered one of my best during my time here in London.

Thursday

The family went to Stonehenge, Windsor and Bath for the day. For a majority of the workday, things were normal. We celebrated Natalie with a wonderful champagne toast, as it was her last day working in the office. The end of the workday was really funny, David wanted Gareth and Paul to find jokes for his speech, but Parliament is currently blocking everything. There are so many hackings happening by the media so there is extra security and denied access happening on the intranet. However when the two did find websites, all you would hear was laughing and someone asking, “What?” It was hilarious!

Around 19:00 we made our way down to Sports. Knowing tonight was Karaoke Night we anticipated a large crowd. And we were right! It was packed, but so fun! It was so lovely spending time with my office and floor. These people are so nice, funny, and great to be around. Playing games, singing songs, chatting about whatever; just an awesome time together!

Friday

Grandmom, Nan and Mom made their way to Covent Garden in the morning. Dad had to stop into the office for a bit, so he and I scheduled lunch at PRET together once he was finished. I woke up to rain, which then followed a greater downpour. As I was in the shower, I saw a flash of light and then BANG!  The huge clash of thunder set off an alarm in the flat downstairs. All I could think was, “Great. The flat is going to burn down and I am going to be naked.” Thank goodness the cleaning lady was here because she turned off the alarm and made sure all was okay. Hopped out of the shower, got dressed and met Dad in Green Park for lunch at PRET. Talking business logistics and relationships with Dad in an eatery in London? So cool!

Following lunch, we all gathered at the Hilton and took the tube to South Kensington. Our destination was Kensington Gardens, but it started to rain again so we ducked into the Victoria and Albert Museum. The V&A is a fantastic museum! With the exception of special exhibits, entrance is free. The rich collections are varied and well displayed. We planned for a meeting time back at the “boobs and butts” section that Grandmom and Aunt designated near the entrance, making us all able to explore on our own. V&A is a great place to wander around. I found the descriptions informative but not boring. And the rooms were inviting and engaging. Spending our own individual time in the V&A, we all found areas that interested us. For me, from just a handful of what I covered, it was the Sacred Stained Glass.  The panels on display in the gallery show the technical changes that have occurred in stained glass over centuries and also the shifting role of stained glass. An important fact I learned: since glass is by nature a transparent or translucent medium, the designer or artist needs to consider the play of light as it passes through the window. V&A is another amazing London museum with, again, one problem. To see everything would quite literally take a few days! I plan on going after work one day soon.

Luckily the rain had passed when we left V&A. We did a quick stroll through one side of Kensington Gardens and then walked down South Kensington Street to Harrods. Mom and I did some gazing and admiring all around Harrods, trying on scarves and bags. Tried on a beautiful Burberry Brit jacket; I’m in love! You can totally get lost in Harrods, I discovered more and more this time than I did the last time I was there. Grandmom and Nan went back to the hotel after Harrods. I took Mom and Dad into Leicester Square for a nice dinner at Bella Italia and some pints at The Porcupine.  

Can I just move here now?

This weekend in the UK has been incredible and very enlightening as a matter of fact.

I decided during the week that I wanted to take a day trip to somewhere outside of London. A girl that I met from the first BUNAC Orientation and I had been talking about doing one together in order to satisfy our outside London touristy eagerness. We chose Stonehenge and Bath. So yesterday morning I got up at 6:50 am in order to give myself a good amount of time to get ready and over to the Baker Street for the pick up. Of course, stopped into the Starbucks that was right next to where the bus was to stop.

Alexandra, the Anderson tour guide, was so sweet. Whenever she spoke about history or anything, you just loved listening to her, she was so consoling. When Sarah and I checked in, she giggled over us two friends going together and both having the same name. Power in (name) numbers. What can we say?

Stonehenge was our primary destination. The surrounding area of Stonehenge is incredibly and obviously green. It was very windy around the Stonehenge exhibit, more so probably because of the wide-open area. Interesting facts I learned with the help of our audio guides and tour guide: Built between 3100-1100 BCE/ 2 types of stone used in its construction: bluestone and the Sarsen stones/ Estimated that the construction required more than 30 million hours of labor/ It was used simultaneously for both astronomical observation and ritual function.

Next was the Gregorian City of Bath. Here, the beautiful Cotswold stone and the classical elegance of the 18^th century fashion have conspired to create one the world’s most astounding cityscapes. The golden light of the summer sun on the city of Bath was astonishing and breathtaking when we first caught sight of the city. We toured around Bath on the Anderson tour bus, exploring all parts of the spectacular city. The Circus was my favorite part of this bus tour. Next, we returned to the central square of Bath, departed the bus and waited for our tour of the Roman Baths.

First and foremost, I was advised not to put my hands, feet, or body into the water. I was a bit confused at first about the “Ah!” factor of the Roman Baths. I did not quite understand the significance, but learned a bit of it as I listened to the guide.  I loved the ancient stone pathways that we walked on around the Roman Baths. After maybe fifteen minutes in the Roman Baths exhibit we scooted out to explore the quaint city of Bath.

Exiting the Baths, we saw observed the Bath Abbey, a Norman church. Sarah and I walked down a few streets, stopping a few times to wonder over what the venders offered. As we were walking along one sidewalk, I spotted Jamie’s Italian. Once the words below, “A Jamie Oliver Restaurant”, confirmed it was in fact a Jamie Oliver restaurant, I knew this was our lunch spot.

Sarah was so funny when we walked up to the host counter. He said, “15 minutes wait” and she responded, “Really, that long?” He followed, “That’s short for us. You’re welcome to enjoy a drink while you wait.” We agreed, went to the bar and ordered two Florence Fizz drinks. Delicious and refreshing. The restaurant is housed in a beautiful Georgian building, right in the heart of the city, creating an inviting environment.

I’m not certain how we did it, must be our charm, but we were placed at a great spot in the restaurant. Upstairs. Out on the rooftop with an impressive views and the sun.  Sitting at the table, I had to remind myself that I was in a little city of England versus at a villa in Italy. I loved the neighborhood feel of the restaurant. The environment was a relaxing one, where people were enjoying one another’s company. Another great aspect of the restaurant: it was affordable and accessible. It was a place where anyone is welcome and everyone felt comfortable.

Bath is such a beautiful setting for this restaurant. Not only did I not know it was here, but I wouldn’t have expected it either. Well, what a wonderful and yummy surprise! The food was exceptional. Simple, rustic, fresh and colorful. Sarah ordered the Prosciutto, Pear and Pecorino Salad and I ordered the Gigli Primavera (young spring vegetables with plump tomatoes served with grated ricotta). I have always just liked Jamie Oliver as a chef, and activist with his “Food Revolution”. Yet after a wonderful experience at his restaurant, in a country I come to love more and more each day, I admire him now and wish him all the best! Jamie’s Italian is sensible, enjoyable, natural and driven towards quality.

After lunch, we walked and walked the city of Bath. No particular destination in mind. Just exploring this unique gem of a city. Most buildings in Bath are made from the local, golden-colored stone. Georgian is the dominant style of architecture in Bath. It was such a captivating area. I felt as if I had escaped to a little paradise of the UK for a short time.  Walking and gazing made us thirsty so we stopped in at The Huntsman for a pint. Then we boarded to Anderson tour bus and headed back to London.  

Sunday. Funday.

Started the day with a commute to Googe Street for the quickest walk to Odge Steet. There at 8 Odge Street we attended mass at St. Charles B. Cute church and we observed the post-Vatican II changes made. The woman we asked to take our picture outside the church (a Sunday ritual) was so sweet! She asked us what the significance of our picture and therefore visit was. Bouncing comments off each other we came up we a decent response. Note: You will meet people in London who are inviting, warm and helpful and others you meet, or don’t really, are stubborn and standoffish.  

We had lunch at Argyll Arms.! The location of the Argyll Arms makes the pub a sure thing with the lunchtime crowd. The décor of the restaurant appeals to history fanatics, especially with pictures of Kings and Queens. Evaluation of the service? Great. Waiter? Cute! He was friendly and served us with a smile! Justine ordered the Chicken and Chorizo Skewers and I the Fishcakes (made with salmon and broccoli). Following a quick stop in at Top Shop (and wishing I owned everything in there) we proceeded to Liverpool Street, in search of the Spitalfields Market.

Spitalfields Market was amazing, amusing, and overwhelming at the same time. The market provides fashion, antiques and food; offering vividly colored creations and the talents of such creative individuals. The restaurants surrounding the markets are so intriguing and alluring. I wanted to go into each one and explore the wonders of it. The afternoon of exploring the Spitalfields Market was incredible. We were just in awe over the multitude of designers and sellers. Its hard to illustrate the complexity of what we saw. Guess you will just have to come to London to see it! =P

A long day of market shopping in London called for a pint. Following a detour through Petticoat Market (which was sketch x 1000) we ended up on the main road. Eyeing the first normal pub we stopped in at Woodin’s Shades. There were two guys next to us that said “Ladies first” when we got to the bar. We ordered a delicious cider on tap. I will say it here because I said it to myself in mass this morning: I am so grateful for the amazing experiences that I am having in London. Furthermore, Justine is a true blessing. Part of the reason why I became so comfortable in London so quickly was definitely because of her; she is a one of kind gal and my London adventure bestie!

That’s all from the London for now. Back to interning tomorrow. And tomorrow night, drum roll please…

I see my family! Mom, Dad, Grandmom and Nan are in London!

Incredibly knackered. Update you all as the week goes on!

Cheers!

Warming up in London

The past few days have been so busy and exciting! It’s amazing how quickly the week went and the end of the week crept up. The days are getting longer in London, making the beautiful nights here so special and everlasting! Except for the other day when I wanted to pass out at 9pm and it was still kind of light outside.

Starting with Wednesday:

After work Justine and I went to a service at Westminster Abbey. Even though it was a Church of England service, we couldn’t really feel the separation or difference. Being in the presence of the Lord and giving thanks to Him in the Abbey was a wonderful offering after such a hectic workday.

It was off to explore the inside and outside of Victoria station next. Took the tube over there and walked around the surrounding streets of Victoria station. The Victoria Palace Theatre is here which is showing Billy Elliot. The theatre showing the London Broadway production of Wicked is also in this area. We then walked back to the massive Victoria station and explored the noshing options there. We resorted to the cafeteria upstairs that offered lots of different options. Filled our tummies and then headed off to Embankment.

Embankment is much closer to Westminster than I originally thought. We walked out the station, down a little street, through an alleyway with two cute pubs across from one another (love seeing all the people congregating outside pubs laughing and drinking) and then out onto the street right in front of Trafalgar Square. Trafalgar Square is the square in front of the National Gallery, the focus being Nelson’s Column. We walked down the Strand for a while took a right turn and then walked down Victoria Embankment, back to around the Embankment tube station. Tattershall Castle was the location of the every-other-week BUNAC Pub Meet. The pub is on a very attractive old paddle steam that is now moored to the Victoria Embankment along the River Thames.

It boasts spectacular views; overlooking the Festival Halls, the London Eye, and of course, the Houses of Parliament. There are 4 bars on the pub; 2 of them being on deck. When we first got on the boat, we were a little confused as to where to go to find the BUNAC students and coordinators. So we decided to walk around the deck, then grab a drink and wait a little bit. Eventually we found Caroline from BUNAC and other students. Talking with other students who are interning abroad was so enjoyable. The warm welcoming environment of the location and the people was relaxing.

Moving onto Thursday.

Fairly normal “day”. The best part of course was going to Sports & Social after work. All six of us were there which made it special and so work-chic. I talked with the friends from my office before paroosing the area and talking to some new people. Met a few people who were visiting Parliament as reporters and journalists. Also met friends of my flat mates. There was a man at the bar working on a brief. Secretly m-uploaded him.

Then it was Friday...Friday!

My day started out great! For real! I finally got my Parliament Pass! Little uniqueness about mine is it is Red, because my sponsor is of the House of Lords. Woot woot! I feel so official now! I cannot wait to go on a tour with Paul this week!

My PAs and I had a great day of work and laughs in the office on Friday. Evaluated some interesting casework responses. Furthermore, we received an interesting phone call in the morning. All I will say is that the other side’s use of explicables is not necessarily if they are aiming for having an intelligent discussion. Productive workday overall. Learned a lot about the Conservative view of certain policies, which was really helpful.

After finishing a good pile of response and copying them, I left work and headed to Leichester Square to meet Justine. Making a decision to live wildly and do something we didn’t intend to in the morning, we purchased half-price theatre tickets for Chicago.

Before going to show, we had a fair amount of time to cruise around town. Stopped in for dinner at a little Mediterranean place in an alleyway we spotted while walking. In all honesty, it was not that good. At least he didn’t charge us for water (wink wink Justine).

Both of us were craving a sweet treat of frozen yogurt. Being so close to Covent Garden and knowing a great place next the Round House we made a bee line for there. SNOG, no not saliva swapping, but a tiny frozen yogurt franchise is fun and funky. The frozen yogurt is made with organic dairy ingredients coming in three different flavors: Natural, Chocolate and Green Tea. Of coure to make your snog more exciting, there are a variety of toppings ranging from fresh fruit and to chocolate brownies, cookies, and granola. Come here and you will be hooked.

We continued to walk around the Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and West End theatre district areas. What always amazes me when I return to these places is how much there is! There is always more and more to see. Especially if you walk down little alleyways, a whole square can open up before you with restaurants, pubs and shops. Did a little window shopping; just peeking in and browsing around. Across from the Urban Outfitters and down the street from the theatre there is a pub called Crown and Anchor. The pub caught our attention earlier when we passed it because there was a mass amount of people outside, just drinking and mingling.  Wanting to see and be a part of the fun, we spent the last time before the show enjoying a pint of cider outside with the crowd. Nearly 8:00, it was still so light outside and the temperature was so comfortable.

The Cambridge Theatre, a West End theatre, is where we saw Chicago. I learned that it is actually one of the youngest theatres in the WE theatre district, having opened in 1930. The theatre is a comfortable size for both plays and musicals. The show was wonderful and as with any great musical you come out singing its tunes!

I decided I am going to wait until tomorrow to update you on what the happenings of my day today were. Thought I would spread out the updates and enthusiasm. Hope everyone is having a wonderful start of summer so far! Yours truly, certainly welcomes the warm weather!

Cheers!