History will be good to me, for I intend to write it.

To learn about the history of England and see marvelous architecture and culture dating back centuries, then the Tower of London is a must. Our tour was given by one of the Yeoman Warders who was entertaining and informative. On our tour we learned about King Henry VIII, his life and wives, prisoners once kept and tortured there.

The Yeoman Warder only takes you from the entrance to the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula so you spend the rest of your time in the Tower of London herding around like a cattle trying to hit up as many spots as possible. As we exited the chapel we recognized a small crowd of people gathered close to an outer chapel wall.  Behold, one of the ravens had landed and people were marveling at its presence. These creatures are a must see for your trip to the Tower of London. Legend has it that if the ravens ever leave then the monarchy will fall, the White Tower at the Tower of London will crumble to the ground and a great disaster will befall England. Regardless of whether this is too superstitious, the Tower takes no chances. The ravens, protected by a royal decree, have lived at the Tower since Charles II. 

The Crown Jewels was our first stop after our Yeoman Warder tour. The Crown Jewels signifies the regalia and vestments worn by the UK sovereign during coronation ceremonies and other state functions. The objects are crowns, scepters, swords, orbs, spurs, rings, the royal robe and several others. Stunning is an understatement for these pieces. Looking at the crowns and specters, specifically, underneath dim lighting and red velvet pillows. When you enter the room where the jewels are housed, you will see a large vault door entrance. This is because the crown jewels have been kept under continuous close guard in the Tower since the unfortunate occurrence of 1671.  A reckless adventurer, Colonel Thomas Blood was caught, just at the point of making a speedy getaway at the East Gate with the crown and the scepter in his possession. 

Next stop was White Tower, the central tower, or “old keep”, at the Tower of London. In 1078 William the Conqueror ordered the White Tower to be built inside the southeast angle of the City walls, bordering the River Thames. The project was as much to protect the Normans from the people of the City of London as to protect London from outside invaders. William had specifically imported Caen stone from France and ordered that the Tower to be built with this stone. The tower was completed in 1087. During the twelfth century, King Richard the Lionheart enclosed the White Tower with a curtain wall and had a moat dug around it filled with water from the River Thames. Yet the moat was not successful until Henry III, in the thirteenth century. This tower is a massive construction, 90 feet high and 118 feet by 107 feet across. The walls are varying from 15 feet thickness at the base to almost 11 feet in the upper parts. Located in the White Tower are the Royal Armories.

After walking around other individual towers we took a picture underneath the Portcullis of the Bloody Tower. A portcullis is a heavy, grating sliding up and down in vertical groves. These were (and some still are) lowered to block a gateway to a fortress. So what was our reason for posing underneath one? The Portcullis is the symbol of UK Parliament. J

Feeling very accomplished with the time we spent there, we bounced and had a wonderful picture taken with Tower Bridge behind us. We then found a tiny little café for lunch. With the gorgeous weather, we enjoyed our lunch outside by the docks. After lunch, we took a marvelous walk across Tower Bridge. The views from the high level of the bridge are striking with the bridge as a sign of the area’s amazing history. Horace Jones, the City Architect, in collaboration with John Wolfe Barry, offered the chosen design for Tower Bridge in 1884. Construction took eight years, five major contractors and the relentless labor of 432 construction workers.

Being now of the other side of the River Thames, we took a walk through Hay’s Galleria. This area was used to see large ships from all over the world docking, especially tea clippers from India and China. Nowadays, the Galleria is a vibrant office and shopping complex and home to great restaurants. After a quick stroll thru we walked down a pathway and up the steps to London Bridge. Before crossing the bridge we took a peek inside Southwark Cathedral and around Borough Market. 

Then we crossed London Bridge and it was not falling down. London Bridge is another bridge over the River Thames, connecting the City of London and Southwark. It is situated between Cannon Street Railway Bridge and Tower Bridge. The walk across is another beautiful one, especially with the gorgeous weather and the added cooling breeze. Once we crossed to the other side, we took the tube from Monument station home to Kilburn. Naptime was a must. So following that and making dinner we got ready to go out. We went to Waxy O’Connors and (our favorite) O’Neils in Piccadilly Circus.

Justine and myself decided to take a day trip to Windsor on Saturday. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. No other residence has played such an important part in the history of the nation. Upon arrival to Windsor Saturday morning, we fascinated over the Changing of the Guard. Their timing is impeccable and the band is so triumphant. The Guards marched up the High Street as all of us captivated over them. Justine and myself walked over to the information center in the Royal Station to get a map and some direction of what to see first. We saw a tour that Justine had researched the day before, just starting and were able to pay and get right into it. Our tour guide has earned the badge of ‘most adorable older English man yet’. We had a wonderful tour of parts of this ancient town. Full of professional knowledge, our tour guide was enthusiastic and offered great points.

Following our tour we grabbed lunch at EAT across from the information center in the Royal Station. As part of a chain of sandwich bars, EAT has a range of sandwiches, snacks and meals that are freshly made on the premises. It’s a perfect place for lunch at they offer a range of hot and cold meals and beverages served in a comfortable and efficient environment. Justine ordered the ‘Chicken, Bacon and Avocado Baguette’ and I ordered the ‘EAT Superfood Summer Sandwich of the Week’. The best part about our lunch in the station at EAT was that we could people watch! J

Following a stroll through some shops in the station we stumbled upon the Windsor Ferris Wheel and decided to give it a round. The views from above were fantastic especially getting to peer inside the walls of the castle in a few spots. After our round-a-bout we crossed the bridge over the River Thames and made our way down the high street to Eton College. The college was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI to provide free education for poor scholars who would then go on to further education at King’s College, Cambridge. From these small number of scholars that first entered at the founding, about 70, to an expanded number of about 1,300 now boys aged 13 to 18 are admitted by competitive examination. It has become one of the most well known preparatory schools across Europe. The school dress, which dates back to the 1850s, still consists of a black tailcoat and waistcoat and pin-striped trousers. Nineteen UK Prime Ministers have attended Eton College, including the current Prime Minister, David Cameron. After our stroll through the surroundings of Eton College and admiring the Eton College Chapel, we stopped into a place for a pot of tea. Then we traced our way back to town centre, got on the bus and headed back to London.

For mass on Sunday, Justine and I attended the noon service at Westminster Cathedral. It is a Roman Catholic Cathedral like no other. It serves as the mother church of the Catholic community in England and Wales and dedicated to the ‘Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.’ The architecture, colors, and choir were completely astonishing. I was looking all around me at the significant details and artwork of the cathedral, while still trying to pay attention to the celebrant. After mass we went over to Victoria Station for lunch and topped up our Vodafones. Then we met friends from Parliament and others in Angel at a place called ‘The Arc’ to watch Wimbledon and hang out.

Yesterday us Yanks celebrated the Fourth of July in our hearts throughout the day and then all together, a bit louder, at night after work. A few of us went to the Hole in the Wall over in Waterloo together for dinner and drinks. It’s a proper old-fashioned London pub situated under the train line. We enjoyed it there so much that we ended up staying until their closing. My Independence Day celebration was certainly different than years past. Nevertheless, I celebrated with my best friends here and that made it special! 

Focusing on the journey, and enjoying it!

Monday

There are a lot of Indian restaurants to try on Brick Lane, all claiming that they are the best curry you’ve ever tasted. For us, Aladin was the one that lived up to those expectations. Aladin Brick Lane has been praised by HRH Prince Charles and listed on BBC's list of 'World's Best Curry Houses'. Aladin Brick Lane is a popular Indian restaurant on London's Brick Lane curry mile. When we walked in, we were seated right away. As soon as we were seated and took a look at the menu, we were definitely overwhelmed with choices. Each of us really enjoyed our food; really delicious and creative. The whole restaurant had a great atmosphere; dim lighting, simple and elegant décor, good music, buzzing and full of people having great conversations.

Tuesday 

The first part of my workday Tuesday was sitting in on the Home Affairs Committee. The subject was “The New Landscape of Policing” with the witness, Paul Stephenson, Commissioner of the Metro Police. The National Crime Agency; outlining its guidelines, restrictions, and clearly identifying its responsibilities, was the overriding concern of the meeting. Later in the day I sat in the House of Commons Chamber for the Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Justice, Jonathan Djanogly. It was a great opportunity for me to see the Ministry of Justice’s players in actions, especially Jonathan since he is Justine’s MP for this Parliament internship program. In brief, questions were on immigration and asylum, foreign national prisoners, the Chief Coroner, super injunctions, drug rehabilitation, and the big one, the Legal Aid Sentencing Punishment Bill. The bill was set to come before the House on Wednesday 29 June 2011, the next day!

In the late afternoon, I attended a significant reception, in terms of looking forward to 2012, with David. The reception was an Olympic ‘One Year to Go’ event on the House of Commons Terrace. I got the chance to meet Jonathan Edwards, British Olympic gold medalist for the triple high jump.

Tuesday evening I attended the Conservative MP Staff Reception in Shoreditch. Now, the neighborhood and streets surrounding Shoreditch make made think it wasn’t going to be all that nice however I was mistaken once we entered the Town Hall venue. It’s evident that this place is the center of community life in Shoreditch. Shoreditch Town Hall embodies Victorian and Edwardian splendor.

Mingling and laughing with others Conservative MP staff members was fantastic. I really enjoyed sharing my experience and hearing others’ that night. The best part of the night? I met David Cameron. Yes, the Right and Honorable David Cameron, the Prime Minister of the UK Parliament. Before speaking to the whole congregation he walked around the floor of the party introducing himself and taking pictures. He approached my friend Ruan and some other chaps. Shook my hand and patted me on the shoulder. Almost melted. When I shook his hand I said “Hi, I’m Sarah Morris. I work for David Amess MP.” He then asked me where I was from and I said, “I’m from Philadelphia.” He said “Philadelphia! Wonderful place! And David, great man! It’s a pleasure to have you here!”

Wednesday

Wednesday morning, we had our weekly seminar with Lord Cormack. This week it was held in Room G of the House of Lords. Rooms in the House of Lords are always entrancing; each lavishly decorated, beautifully furnished and red as the dominant color. The lecture topic this week was England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Learning about the history of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland specifically was new for most of us since we focus mainly on England when we think about Westminster’s history. Lord Cormac is so smart! He knows dates, names, locations…everything! And with such ease! I took lots of notes that seminar.

David was invited to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace with the Queen on Wednesday. No I was not there but he asked me that stand in his place for him at a few receptions. One was an EDF Energy presentation and the other a Save Our Pubs and Clubs promotion. What is interesting about the second one is that while I enjoyed the reception, I do not agree with the pursuit to amend of the smoking ban in the UK.

Before meeting friends at Sports after work, I sat in on an APPHG committee meeting. This cross-party group of members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords as well as the other individuals invited to speak on the panel, produced such a quality debate. I was incredibly impressed. The subject was “Bishops in the Reformed House of Lords.” The House of Lords Reform Draft Bill and White Paper proposes to retain the right of Bishops to sit in Parliament but with a reduced number of 12 from 26. With a smaller chamber of 300 peers, another HOL reform proposition, that would represent a proportional increase from 3% to 4%. The bill also proposes that the Archbishops of Canterbury & York and the Bishops of London, Durham and Winchester will continue to be member of the House of Lords, and it gives the Church new powers to decide which of the remaining 7 of the 12 Bishops will sit in the chamber. Although they would have the same speaking and voting right as other members of the reformed House of Lords, the Bishops would continue to sit in Parliament on a different basis from other members.

Those opposed to this believe that these proposals in effect create a new largely independent and largely unaccountable, bloc for the Church of England in Parliament. One man said it is “Prejudice upon bias times three having the bishops in the House of Lords members of a particular faith, a particular sect of that faith and of a particular sex.” Another man who is a philosopher professor in England said, “Calling these people “experts in truth” is ludicrous.” The opposed stated there is no question that the authentic views of these bishops is welcomed yet they are hesitant about having one faith in the monopoly and decreasing the positive representation that the House of Lords has been progressive in establishing.

Supporters of Bishops of the Church of England’s presence the House of Lords believe these “ecclesiastical leaders” are the best suited for “informed and fair scrutiny”. Having the Bishops in the House of Lords helps “those of all faiths in England feel security” because truth has “private and public significance”. Christina, a speaker on the panel, added how the bishops are able to “speak independently and objectively” and that the Church of England is made “more humble” by their role in the HOL. Furthermore, Christina said the Bishops of the Church of England clergy are in touch with the people, creating a broader reach.

When I met up with friends at Sports after work, I got to meet a Gareth, who coincidentally, was on the panel for the APPHG committee meeting. I was so glad that I got the chance to talk one on one with him about the debate and committee findings. Justine and I also met the head doorkeeper for the House of Commons that night, Edward the Steward. What a sweet man!

Thursday

With the House sitting earlier on Thursday, I decided to sit in the Chamber that morning. Oral questions were to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Just to name a few, questions were on recycling, farm inspection, labeling the origin of meat, mitigating food prices (especially among recent spikes), the reservoir safety act, and the DEFRA’s biodiversity act.

Speaker made a statement in the House of Commons announcing Robert Rodges as the successor to Sir Malcolm Jack, Clerk of the House. Jack will be retiring at the end of September after 44 years of service. Mr. Speaker also read aloud a letter that was received from the Duke of Edinburgh. It was a response to the House of Commons and House of

Lords letter to him offering their blessings and congratulations on his ninetieth birthday. The Urgent Questions that followed the Speaker’s business statements were on the government’s decision to allow Rupert Murdoch to take over BSkyB.

All of the week’s happenings made for a busy, exciting, informative and unique workweek. Another bonus, this week turned out to be about sunshine about 75 percent of the time. Yippie!

Updates on the weekend's adventures to come tomorrow!

"Never let today's happiness be ruined by despair."

Update Soon!

I promise a new post is coming soon! Lots of excitement this week and very busy! Come back soon for an update!
Cheers!

"You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!" 
— Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

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